One of the elements of the LDS Church which I have appreciated is the focus on the responsibility of individual members to follow Christ's example- not just the clergy or leaders. Almost since its founding over a century ago, members of the Church have been assigned a number of other members to visit at least once a month for the purpose of gospel teaching as well as checking on their welfare to help when needed (called visiting teaching for women and home teaching for men). The one problem that developed was too much focus on "statistics". Rather than individuals simply using the assignment as a way to ensure no-one gets neglected, it sometimes became a race to beat the calendar (making a quick, ineffective visit just before turning the page to the next month), or a competition to claim the highest percentage of visits regardless of how helpful or effective, or simply another cause to feel guilt for someone who was truly busy or ill and just couldn't make it to everyone they had been assigned. In the most recent General Conference of the Church, the announcement was made that there was no longer going to be statistics kept or reports given concerning visiting or home teaching. This is NOT to decrease the load of expectations on members! Quite the contrary- the new emphasis is on effectiveness, rather than numbers. As the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, looms ever more imminently, we are being urged to personally prepare. That requires more study of scriptures, more fervent and meaningful prayers, more temple attendance and family history work, more diligence in keeping the commandments and becoming more like the Lord. As I have thought about how this changes things, I have discovered lots of important emphases:
from teacher to receiver- It isn't about finding a great quote or preparing an impressive lesson by the member doing the visit but having that member pray to know what the visited member needs then listening to the Spirit as well as listening to the visited member to know how to be a help and support.
from presentation to results- It doesn't matter how amazing the lesson or point being made by the visiting member if there is nothing in it to truly be effective for that specific member being visited. The focus is changed from the teacher's ability to how much the individual is helped.
from lesson to need- When deciding what to bring to the member being visited, it requires knowing what the genuine need of that individual is, not how new or interesting a point to be made can be. It's about truly loving the members we visit, not about our creativity in teaching. What we take to each one we visit may be totally different.
from concern for performance to concern for service- It isn't about impressing anyone with scriptural knowledge or even temporal skills. Ministering as the Savior did is about understanding the needs of the individual being taught and discovering how to meet those needs.
Jesus Christ and our Father care about each individual and if we are to be like Them, we must teach, love, and minister as They would. Each person is unique in their needs, development, abilities, and concerns. Service to others is only truly effective if it meets those very individual needs. Giving a batch of cookies to a diabetic is not effective service. Giving a lovely handmade toy to a single adult is not effective service. Being willing to patch the roof of a person living in an apartment building is not effective service. Urging temple attendance to someone who has very little financial resources and lives hundreds of miles from the nearest temple is not effective service. We must take the time and make the effort to know each other so we can anticipate the greatest needs and discover how to supply those needs. As we do so, our good intentions and desires will develop into genuine Christlike love. Then we will be prepared to greet the Savior when He comes and assist in His kingdom.
Sunday, June 03, 2018
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Was I flippant??
I have noticed over the years that when people get older (especially women), they can sometimes get more touchy/sensitive. Since I am in my own body and head, I can't tell how I may be different from what I was when younger. I do notice that I am occasionally taken aback by the reactions of those "close" to me. I guess I expect pleasant, comfortable communication but sometimes I feel like I am barely tolerated. I try to think back 30 or 40 years to remember how I spoke to others. Was I confident or familiar enough that I was overly casual in my manner so I came off to others as what I would now call flippant? Do I now or did I then off-handedly dismiss others as being irrelevant?
More and more I am realizing that every human is really unique. We often search for things we have in common when talking to strangers or new acquaintances in an effort to reach common ground and establish a comfortable relationship. Once we establish that, we smile or even laugh more easily together. As time goes by, we discover more about each other, sometimes commonalities and sometimes differences. Depending on the issue or degree of difference, the difference can spark interest or distance. When someone has had a career about which I know nothing, I am eager to learn about it. When someone expresses a very different opinion on a moral issue I feel strongly about, a gap begins. Between a young person and an older person, sometimes a difference can be easily dismissed as a generational thing- less important and maybe even unavoidable. The same can be said of differences due to major cultural expectations and practices.
I keep coming back to my quandary about Heaven or the celestial kingdom or Zion or whatever you want to call a society that will last forever in the company of God. It's a given that we are all different but Jesus said "Be one even as my Father and I are one" and "If ye are not one, ye are not mine." I am really looking forward to seeing just how this is going to be accomplished. What things are going to be differences that we accept, like some liking blue better than yellow, and what things will need to be worked out/compromised? How much do we strive to be alike? When is it more kind or polite to smile and nod rather than express an opposing opinion? How do we avoid becoming insincere or syrupy placating yet also avoid dissension? This is my quandary.........
More and more I am realizing that every human is really unique. We often search for things we have in common when talking to strangers or new acquaintances in an effort to reach common ground and establish a comfortable relationship. Once we establish that, we smile or even laugh more easily together. As time goes by, we discover more about each other, sometimes commonalities and sometimes differences. Depending on the issue or degree of difference, the difference can spark interest or distance. When someone has had a career about which I know nothing, I am eager to learn about it. When someone expresses a very different opinion on a moral issue I feel strongly about, a gap begins. Between a young person and an older person, sometimes a difference can be easily dismissed as a generational thing- less important and maybe even unavoidable. The same can be said of differences due to major cultural expectations and practices.
I keep coming back to my quandary about Heaven or the celestial kingdom or Zion or whatever you want to call a society that will last forever in the company of God. It's a given that we are all different but Jesus said "Be one even as my Father and I are one" and "If ye are not one, ye are not mine." I am really looking forward to seeing just how this is going to be accomplished. What things are going to be differences that we accept, like some liking blue better than yellow, and what things will need to be worked out/compromised? How much do we strive to be alike? When is it more kind or polite to smile and nod rather than express an opposing opinion? How do we avoid becoming insincere or syrupy placating yet also avoid dissension? This is my quandary.........
Sunday, May 27, 2018
Raising children
I remember my mother asking me, when I was a teenager, why I wasn't friends with a certain girl whose parents were upstanding members of the community and who got excellent grades. I was always on the honor roll and usually on the high honor roll. I was in the choir and usually had a major part in the school musical so I was no slacker. I thought my friends were pretty decent people but my mother could see that I tended to make some choices that were not as likely to improve my life. Now that I am older, I see why she wanted to influence my choice of friends.
I taught my sons how to cook, sew, and clean as well as the "more manly" mowing lawn and chopping firewood. I taught my daughters to do yard work and shovel snow as well as the "more motherly" child care and organizing the house. But mostly, I taught my children to not be afraid to "get their hands dirty" doing physical labor. I taught them the importance of doing their share of the work to avoid unfairly burdening others. I taught them to be honest, helpful, considerate, and clean. As adults, all of my children are assets to their family, friends, and the world in general. But I could not choose their friends. Not all of their closest relationships are balanced. It's a bit frustrating to see these good people be taken advantage of. Not all of those that have become a major part of their lives give to them as much as they get in return from them. In trying to analyze it, I guess I still did it right. I still think that doing your best, treating others as you would have them treat you (not AS they treat you), and going the extra mile are all the right principles. Even if those I have had the opportunity and responsibility of nurturing and training don't get rewards for their goodness NOW, they will ultimately. When they face themselves near or at the end of life, they will have fewer regrets than many. They will be able to humbly acknowledge they weren't perfect, but will know they sincerely did their best. They will be loved and appreciated by lots of other people who recognize goodness and hard work. They will be smiled upon by a loving Father in Heaven who sees their hearts and knows their intentions. I'm sorry if they are being taken advantage of now, but grateful they are not taking advantage of others now.
I taught my sons how to cook, sew, and clean as well as the "more manly" mowing lawn and chopping firewood. I taught my daughters to do yard work and shovel snow as well as the "more motherly" child care and organizing the house. But mostly, I taught my children to not be afraid to "get their hands dirty" doing physical labor. I taught them the importance of doing their share of the work to avoid unfairly burdening others. I taught them to be honest, helpful, considerate, and clean. As adults, all of my children are assets to their family, friends, and the world in general. But I could not choose their friends. Not all of their closest relationships are balanced. It's a bit frustrating to see these good people be taken advantage of. Not all of those that have become a major part of their lives give to them as much as they get in return from them. In trying to analyze it, I guess I still did it right. I still think that doing your best, treating others as you would have them treat you (not AS they treat you), and going the extra mile are all the right principles. Even if those I have had the opportunity and responsibility of nurturing and training don't get rewards for their goodness NOW, they will ultimately. When they face themselves near or at the end of life, they will have fewer regrets than many. They will be able to humbly acknowledge they weren't perfect, but will know they sincerely did their best. They will be loved and appreciated by lots of other people who recognize goodness and hard work. They will be smiled upon by a loving Father in Heaven who sees their hearts and knows their intentions. I'm sorry if they are being taken advantage of now, but grateful they are not taking advantage of others now.
Monday, May 21, 2018
Is danger real?
These are the days of great spiritual danger for this people. The world is spiraling downward at an every-quickening pace. I am sorry to tell you that it will not get better. I know of nothing in the history of the Church or in the history of the world to compare with our present circumstances. Nothing happened in Sodom and Gomorrah which exceeds the wickedness and depravity which surrounds us now. Satan uses every intrigue to disrupt the family. The sacred relationship between man and woman, husband and wife, through which mortal bodies are conceived and life is passed from one generation to the next generation , is being showered with filth. Profanity, vulgarity, blasphemy, and pornography are broadcast into the homes and minds of the innocent. Unspeakable wickedness, perversion, and abuse- not even exempting little children- once hidden in dark places, now seeks protection from courts and judges....The sins of Sodom and Gomorrah were localized. They are now spread across the world... The first line of defense- the home- is crumbling. (Boyd K. Packer, Feb 28, 2004, BYU Devotional)
If that doesn't put a little bit of fear in you, you need to read it again, or maybe ask God if one who has been appointed a prophet, seer, and revelator, is indeed a spokesman for Him. For the first time in many years, Russ and I occasionally watch network tv- mostly Wheel of Fortune, but also some old classic tv shows. As I considered the commercials, I thought about what a press agent or an advertising campaign for God and Jesus Christ might be like. Although there are laws about truth in advertising, no ad agency is above bending the truth a little. The major emphasis is on getting attention and causing a desire for something. Oddly enough, God has appointed press agents of a sort. All those who are willing to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ are given the responsibility to share what they know- to bear their testimony and to repent and to call others to repentance. I mentioned in a previous blog the concept of expectations. Well, God does have expectations of us- at the very least He has hopes that we will come through for Him. He doesn't really need anybody. He is capable of doing everything and anything. However, He does love us- more than we can even comprehend. He hopes that we care enough about Him and each other to do whatever small and simple thing we can to ensure that we and even one other person returns to be with Him forever. That would make Him very happy.
If that doesn't put a little bit of fear in you, you need to read it again, or maybe ask God if one who has been appointed a prophet, seer, and revelator, is indeed a spokesman for Him. For the first time in many years, Russ and I occasionally watch network tv- mostly Wheel of Fortune, but also some old classic tv shows. As I considered the commercials, I thought about what a press agent or an advertising campaign for God and Jesus Christ might be like. Although there are laws about truth in advertising, no ad agency is above bending the truth a little. The major emphasis is on getting attention and causing a desire for something. Oddly enough, God has appointed press agents of a sort. All those who are willing to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ are given the responsibility to share what they know- to bear their testimony and to repent and to call others to repentance. I mentioned in a previous blog the concept of expectations. Well, God does have expectations of us- at the very least He has hopes that we will come through for Him. He doesn't really need anybody. He is capable of doing everything and anything. However, He does love us- more than we can even comprehend. He hopes that we care enough about Him and each other to do whatever small and simple thing we can to ensure that we and even one other person returns to be with Him forever. That would make Him very happy.
Friday, May 18, 2018
Expectations
"And it shall come to pass..., that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions"(Joel 2:28) "This is not poetry, not is it allegory; it is description of reality as it will be. Some of it will happen so gradually that you may not notice it......That scripture does not say that your sons and your daughters may claim the gift of prophecy by the Spirit. It says that they will. It doesn't say that your young men may see visions. It says that they will....The Spirit will be poured out, but it will wash over some and fall to the ground and fail to make a difference. The Spirit will be poured out, but choices must be made in faith to receive spiritual power. That is how we can and must make a difference. Whether or not that outpouring of the Spirit on all flesh brings prophecies and visions and safety to the young people we love will depend upon their choices. And you know the choices they must make that matter most. So you can make it far more likely that they will choose what will let them claim a constant companionship of the Spirit. That is what they can have. That is what they must have. It begins with expectations, yours and theirs. If you expect little, they will feel your lack of faith in them and in the Lord's promised outpouring of the Spirit. If you communicate, by word or action or even by the tome of voice, that you doubt their spiritual capacity, they will doubt it. If you see in them the potential Joel describes, they will at least have the chance to see it in themselves. your choices of what you expect will have powerful effect on their choices of what to expect of themselves." (Henry B. Eyring, CES Training broadcast, 4 Aug 2004)
After reading the entire talk by President Eyring, Russ and I had quite a discussion about expectations. I have heard many people express a distaste for expectations. Some people are uncomfortable with the idea of having expectations of anyone, themselves or others, because it is a form of "judgment", an awareness of a flaw and a hope to change it. I have heard mothers express that it isn't fair for the eldest child to be expected to be an example to younger siblings because it puts too much pressure on them. I have heard people express that it is unfair to expect a child to serve a mission, get good grades in school, graduate or seek further education. Some people say it's unfair to expect people to work; that socialistic ideals of work being for those who select it while others may reap equal rewards simply by nature of existence. I know I'm going a bit far but my point is, when is it fair to have expectations?
Russ pointed out that it could be explained as a 3-step process: desire, expectation, demand. At first, there is a desire for a certain outcome. If the desire is deemed worthy, it becomes an expectation. When the expectation isn't met, it becomes a demand. It seems that the ideal would be to analyze the first step- desire. God has promised us every righteous desire of our hearts, if we are obedient to righteous principles. God is wise. His promise is fair. So, it is essential that we determine if our desire is, indeed, righteous- but that requires some sort of standard. Who determines righteousness? For those who choose not to believe in God or even just have no interest in finding out what He wants, their only standard would be whatever seems right or good to them, which can be a fairly self-centered guide. A better one might be whatever is good for the "masses"- society of man in general. Since we are all so different, that might be difficult to determine. It sure seems to me that the ideal is to seek the wisdom of a superior Being and go with that. Once a desire is determined to be fair and righteous, then it's for the benefit of everyone and anyone to have an expectation. (If a parent determines that brushing teeth is best for everyone's overall health, it's fair to expect a child to brush their teeth, whether or not they want to.) In the case of rebellion, the expectation escalates to a demand with some sort of immediate consequences because the long-term consequence of not brushing teeth is unavoidable, expensive, and impossible to undo. Hence, the one with greater wisdom is "fair" in having expectations to the point of demanding.
God has expectations of His children, all of us. Occasionally He has demanded and applied immediate consequences. Unfortunately, most of the consequences we will receive are like not brushing teeth, unavoidable and impossible to undo without great expense on our part. He has warned us through prophets that "now is the day of your mortal probation... don't procrastinate until it is everlastingly too late." He loves us and has expectations. He has also told us that when we have been warned (or recognize the warning) we should warn our neighbors.
After reading the entire talk by President Eyring, Russ and I had quite a discussion about expectations. I have heard many people express a distaste for expectations. Some people are uncomfortable with the idea of having expectations of anyone, themselves or others, because it is a form of "judgment", an awareness of a flaw and a hope to change it. I have heard mothers express that it isn't fair for the eldest child to be expected to be an example to younger siblings because it puts too much pressure on them. I have heard people express that it is unfair to expect a child to serve a mission, get good grades in school, graduate or seek further education. Some people say it's unfair to expect people to work; that socialistic ideals of work being for those who select it while others may reap equal rewards simply by nature of existence. I know I'm going a bit far but my point is, when is it fair to have expectations?
Russ pointed out that it could be explained as a 3-step process: desire, expectation, demand. At first, there is a desire for a certain outcome. If the desire is deemed worthy, it becomes an expectation. When the expectation isn't met, it becomes a demand. It seems that the ideal would be to analyze the first step- desire. God has promised us every righteous desire of our hearts, if we are obedient to righteous principles. God is wise. His promise is fair. So, it is essential that we determine if our desire is, indeed, righteous- but that requires some sort of standard. Who determines righteousness? For those who choose not to believe in God or even just have no interest in finding out what He wants, their only standard would be whatever seems right or good to them, which can be a fairly self-centered guide. A better one might be whatever is good for the "masses"- society of man in general. Since we are all so different, that might be difficult to determine. It sure seems to me that the ideal is to seek the wisdom of a superior Being and go with that. Once a desire is determined to be fair and righteous, then it's for the benefit of everyone and anyone to have an expectation. (If a parent determines that brushing teeth is best for everyone's overall health, it's fair to expect a child to brush their teeth, whether or not they want to.) In the case of rebellion, the expectation escalates to a demand with some sort of immediate consequences because the long-term consequence of not brushing teeth is unavoidable, expensive, and impossible to undo. Hence, the one with greater wisdom is "fair" in having expectations to the point of demanding.
God has expectations of His children, all of us. Occasionally He has demanded and applied immediate consequences. Unfortunately, most of the consequences we will receive are like not brushing teeth, unavoidable and impossible to undo without great expense on our part. He has warned us through prophets that "now is the day of your mortal probation... don't procrastinate until it is everlastingly too late." He loves us and has expectations. He has also told us that when we have been warned (or recognize the warning) we should warn our neighbors.
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Motivation
We can't really choose what inborn talents we want to have or skills we easily develop. However, we CAN choose our motivation in every endeavor. It's common to use incentives to motivate- a gold medal for an Olympic athlete, fame and glory for a political leader, wealth for an entertainer or choosing an occupation and achieving a level in it. Choosing and responding to a motivation makes a big difference in the ultimate outcome, especially in our personal development.
For behold, God hath said a man being evil cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing. For behold, it is not counted unto him for righteousness. For behold, if a man being evil giveth a gift, he doeth it grudgingly; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God. And likewise also is it counted evil unto a man, if he shall pray and not with real intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such. Wherefore, a man being evil cannot do that which is good; neither will he give a good gift. (Moroni7:6-9)
As I read that, I can just hear voices I have heard saying something like, "Well at least I did it!" It can seem unfair that we don't get "credit" for doing something even if we have a poor attitude. Consider being an employer who has given a similar task to two employees, one who does it willingly and understanding the purpose of the task therefore working for the goal of doing it well simply for the results, and the other doing the task with an attitude of fear they'll lose the job or get demoted or maybe just hoping to impress the boss by doing it quickly. Which employee seems most desirable for an employer?
During His mortal ministry, Jesus tried to make a point when he washed the feet of his apostles. His disciples respected and revered Jesus, as well they should have. But he wanted them to understand that what they needed to realize was their responsibility, not their glory. Often religious leaders in all faiths are treated with reverence but, according to God, their motivation should NOT be to impress others or achieve status.
The God-given titles of honor...associated with the several offices in and orders of the Holy Priesthood, are not to be used nor considered as are the titles originated by man; they are not for adornment nor are they expressive of mastership, but rather of appointment to humble service in the work of the one Master whom we profess to serve...We are laboring for the salvation of soils, and we should feel that this is the greatest duty devolving upon us. Therefore, we should feel willing to sacrifice everything, if need be, for the love of God, the salvation of men, and the triumph of the kingdom of God upon the earth. (Joseph F. Smith)
Jacob, in the Book of Mormon, was also very clear as to what a "title" or "position" in the Lord's church means:
And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence. (Jacob 1:19)
"Answering the sins of the people upon our own heads"?! That's a scary, major weight to carry! That is true for every one of us. We are charged with whatever our stewardship may be- large or small. Have we taught our children correct principles. We can't make their choices for them but we are accountable for teaching. Whether they learn is up to them. Every responsibility we are given throughout our whole life will be impacted by our motivation.... and every motivation we choose will have an impact on our character development. We are the sum of our choices, big and small, throughout our entire life.
Whether we are a prophet or teacher, parent or counselor, it's not about the title or position. having either of those does not determine our worthiness in the eternal sense. Conversely, NOT having a title or position has no bearing on whether we are acceptable before the Lord. What matters is what's in our hearts- our motivation for what we do or what we avoid. Only God and our own inner voice really knows. The challenge is for us to be honest within ourselves and not seek to place blame elsewhere. Ask God for help and He gives it for His "work and glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life" of all His children- you and me.
For behold, God hath said a man being evil cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing. For behold, it is not counted unto him for righteousness. For behold, if a man being evil giveth a gift, he doeth it grudgingly; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God. And likewise also is it counted evil unto a man, if he shall pray and not with real intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such. Wherefore, a man being evil cannot do that which is good; neither will he give a good gift. (Moroni7:6-9)
As I read that, I can just hear voices I have heard saying something like, "Well at least I did it!" It can seem unfair that we don't get "credit" for doing something even if we have a poor attitude. Consider being an employer who has given a similar task to two employees, one who does it willingly and understanding the purpose of the task therefore working for the goal of doing it well simply for the results, and the other doing the task with an attitude of fear they'll lose the job or get demoted or maybe just hoping to impress the boss by doing it quickly. Which employee seems most desirable for an employer?
During His mortal ministry, Jesus tried to make a point when he washed the feet of his apostles. His disciples respected and revered Jesus, as well they should have. But he wanted them to understand that what they needed to realize was their responsibility, not their glory. Often religious leaders in all faiths are treated with reverence but, according to God, their motivation should NOT be to impress others or achieve status.
The God-given titles of honor...associated with the several offices in and orders of the Holy Priesthood, are not to be used nor considered as are the titles originated by man; they are not for adornment nor are they expressive of mastership, but rather of appointment to humble service in the work of the one Master whom we profess to serve...We are laboring for the salvation of soils, and we should feel that this is the greatest duty devolving upon us. Therefore, we should feel willing to sacrifice everything, if need be, for the love of God, the salvation of men, and the triumph of the kingdom of God upon the earth. (Joseph F. Smith)
Jacob, in the Book of Mormon, was also very clear as to what a "title" or "position" in the Lord's church means:
And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence. (Jacob 1:19)
"Answering the sins of the people upon our own heads"?! That's a scary, major weight to carry! That is true for every one of us. We are charged with whatever our stewardship may be- large or small. Have we taught our children correct principles. We can't make their choices for them but we are accountable for teaching. Whether they learn is up to them. Every responsibility we are given throughout our whole life will be impacted by our motivation.... and every motivation we choose will have an impact on our character development. We are the sum of our choices, big and small, throughout our entire life.
Whether we are a prophet or teacher, parent or counselor, it's not about the title or position. having either of those does not determine our worthiness in the eternal sense. Conversely, NOT having a title or position has no bearing on whether we are acceptable before the Lord. What matters is what's in our hearts- our motivation for what we do or what we avoid. Only God and our own inner voice really knows. The challenge is for us to be honest within ourselves and not seek to place blame elsewhere. Ask God for help and He gives it for His "work and glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life" of all His children- you and me.
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
What are we working for?
I recently read an article about research done by the University of Pennsylvania and Indiana University-Purdue. They focused on the LDS Church, volunteerism and donations. It was validating to read about someone outside the Church recognizing a quality Latter Day Saints strive with so much determination to maintain. I have recently thought a lot about Christians as well as other choices of religious belief. There is definitely a difference between believing in Jesus Christ and following Him. It requires relatively little to admit you believe in a being you cannot see. It requires much more of a commitment to spend your life trying to be like Him, to the best of your ability. Russ and I have lived here in the Dayton area for not quite a month and already we have driven 1+ hours to the temple 3 times to do work for our kindred dead, worked several hours in the bishop's storehouse filling orders for people in need, spent several hours cleaning our meetinghouse, I played the piano for Relief Society and we have both accepted callings- Russ as ward choir director and me working in the nursery. All of that while getting moved in, doing yard work including removing fencing and establishing flower beds, unpacking and setting up house and lots of related activities. Following the Savior is not for wimps!
During His mortal ministry, Jesus warned what would be expected if we want to follow Him. One man wanted to "bury his father" first and Jesus told him to "Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead." This doesn't mean we have to neglect funerals or mourning the loss of loved ones. He meant that the focus should be on what we need to do to declare the gospel, preach repentance, and become perfected to whatever degree we can attain more than we need to spend excessive time mourning those who have completed their mortal sojourn. At another time He said, "And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross and followeth after me is not worthy of me." He did NOT mean we should not love our parents or anyone else for that matter. In fact, one of the big Ten Commandments is to honor thy father and thy mother. Also, the two greatest commandments are to love God and to love others as ourselves. No, the point is not to be so concerned about time and energy spent on family or friends that we neglect what our Savior or God would have us do; not be be so worried about what others think that we avoid looking foolish by giving of our time and resources to build His kingdom rather than chasing worldly success or popularity. And there is the classic incident with the rich young man who felt he had obeyed righteous commandments his whole life and when he asked the Savior what more he could do, the Savior replied, "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." Again, we are not expected to avoid owning anything. It would be illogical for every single follower of Christ to live without purse or scrip, expecting to survive on the generosity and labors of others. No. The focus is to be more concerned with who we are striving to become eternally than to lay up for ourselves treasures where moth and rust doth corrupt. He also said, "The laborer is worthy of his hire." And, "The idle shall not eat the bread of the laborer." We need to work and earn our bread but not at the neglect of whatever our small part may be in building up the kingdom of God and our Lord on the earth. In the long run, it will be much more profitable to follow Christ than to gain a high place in Babylon.
During His mortal ministry, Jesus warned what would be expected if we want to follow Him. One man wanted to "bury his father" first and Jesus told him to "Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead." This doesn't mean we have to neglect funerals or mourning the loss of loved ones. He meant that the focus should be on what we need to do to declare the gospel, preach repentance, and become perfected to whatever degree we can attain more than we need to spend excessive time mourning those who have completed their mortal sojourn. At another time He said, "And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross and followeth after me is not worthy of me." He did NOT mean we should not love our parents or anyone else for that matter. In fact, one of the big Ten Commandments is to honor thy father and thy mother. Also, the two greatest commandments are to love God and to love others as ourselves. No, the point is not to be so concerned about time and energy spent on family or friends that we neglect what our Savior or God would have us do; not be be so worried about what others think that we avoid looking foolish by giving of our time and resources to build His kingdom rather than chasing worldly success or popularity. And there is the classic incident with the rich young man who felt he had obeyed righteous commandments his whole life and when he asked the Savior what more he could do, the Savior replied, "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." Again, we are not expected to avoid owning anything. It would be illogical for every single follower of Christ to live without purse or scrip, expecting to survive on the generosity and labors of others. No. The focus is to be more concerned with who we are striving to become eternally than to lay up for ourselves treasures where moth and rust doth corrupt. He also said, "The laborer is worthy of his hire." And, "The idle shall not eat the bread of the laborer." We need to work and earn our bread but not at the neglect of whatever our small part may be in building up the kingdom of God and our Lord on the earth. In the long run, it will be much more profitable to follow Christ than to gain a high place in Babylon.
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