Helaman 6

A word keeps showing up in Helaman 6 again and again. It is used to describe words, signs, oaths, and murders. It is a key word used by Satan to convince people that otherwise seemingly unapproachable actions are instead totally acceptable. Satan has used this tactic, Mormon tells us, from the time of Cain. And we know he is definitely using that tactic today. That word and that tactic is "secret." Mormon uses this word to describe the actions of the Gadianton robbers, to whom Mormon ascribes the complete downfall of the Nephite nation. (Hel 2:12). This secrecy turns out to be an early indication of wickedness and sin. Mormon described how this wickedness starts in the more wicked part of the nation and then worked into all parts of the society (Hel 6:38) Again, it seems that secrecy is an early key indicator of wickedness and apostasy.

In our day that same rule may be appropriatly applied. If something must be done in secrecy, it could be an indication that it shouldn't be done. Perhaps some applications. Is there "secret" language that we use around some people but have to hide around others? Are there TV shows that we feel comfortable watching in the privacy of our homes, but wouldn't talk about or admit to watching in Sunday School? Are there things we do at work we wouldn't want our boss to know about or things we do that we wouldn't want our spouse to know about? The Internet becomes a whole new web of secrecy that can lead to real problems. Again, the level of openness might be the indicator of whether we should look at a sight or not. If we would quickly click out of it when our children or spouse come around we probably shouldn't be looking at it in the first place.

The Lord tells us in D&C 1:3 that at the second coming all "secret acts shall be revealed." That can be a great day or a terrible day depending on how secretly we live now. The power of the Gospel is that we have the ability to decide.