Martyrdom

I wouldn't be surprised if the spark of indignation caused by gay marraige activists will lead to increased persecution of faithful believers. I hope it fizzles out. Regarding persecution, keep this in mind-

"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matt. 5:10.) This Beatitude is often referred to as the blessing of the martyrs. In the days of the New Testament, the words witness and martyr were virtually synonymous. Bearing testimony has always brought persecution. Stephen could have continued preaching, like many pagans did, as a kind of “entertainer” in the central squares. But he looked up into heaven and bore his testimony:

“I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

“Then [the people] cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,

“And cast him out of the city, and stoned him.” (Acts 7:56–58.)

Joseph Smith was not murdered primarily for political or economic reasons, but rather for bearing testimony that he had seen the Father and the Son:

“I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (JS—H 1:17.)

The Savior was not crucified for giving the Sermon on the Mount or for walking on water or healing the sick. Ultimately, he was condemned to death for testifying that he was the Son of God, the Messiah for whom all Israel had been waiting.

“Again the high priest asked him, … Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?

“And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

“Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses?

“Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death.” (Mark 14:61–64.)

Why? Because he testified of the truth!

It is inevitable that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints find themselves looked upon with suspicion by many today. The prophets have said that in the last days persecution will come again. But we have the assurance that persecution will not destroy the Church. The Prophet Joseph Smith has reassured us:

“The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.” (History of the Church, 4:540.)"

(From The Beatitudes: Pattern for Coming unto Christ by Robert E. Wells)