New Wine and Sensitivity

As we grow older, we become sensitive to more and more things. This is generally considered a good thing. For example, I am far more aware of struggles people have in the church--and the things that exacerbate those struggles--than I was ten years ago when I was preparing to head out on a mission. I said and did things in church as a missionary that I would never say today. I would tread more lightly and I would take certain concerns far more seriously, knowing what mammoth obstacles they can be in the lives of good people.

I believe that Joseph Smith, Jr. was called as a prophet while he was very young because new wine can't go into old bottles. Perhaps there is a divine advantage to be had in the insensitivies of youth. Would Joseph have been bold enough to speak forth the doctrines he learned from God if he had a couple of more decades of learning and experience? Some doctrines probably aren't ever going to make rational sense when viewed in the light on this mortal probation alone.

There is a natural human tendency to soft peddle any doctines that don't fit well with our culture. It is interesting to hear Latter-day Saints today demand that the Church admit that polygamy was never inspired. It is such a puzzle to many of us that we just can't see how God would require it.

But I am confident that He did require it.

Many believe (and I count myself among their number) that the priesthood was withheld from blacks in this church for such a long time because the white members weren't yet able to bear it. There were too many old bottles with the wrong sensitivities.

I'm not sure where this argument leaves me. I am grateful that I am more sensitive to the needs and struggles of a larger portion of the world. And yet I wonder if my increased sensitivities are all of the right type. Will they prevent me from accepting God's words when they come? I pray not.