This coming Sunday our ward will be having a change in the Bishopric.
For anyone that has been a member for any length of time will know this means we will be getting a new Bishop and Counselors.
Why would I bring this up? For most people of the church this is obviously a big deal but, we don't get all bent out of shape when this happens. Why? Because we know as part of the true and living church things have to change. People are rotated around in their callings, and things are meant to change. Things are not stagnant in the true and living church. The Prophet will keep getting revelation specific to our day and time. Right now that mostly means new temples and similar things.
However, once in a while something that will have a bigger effect on things happens. The Prophet within the last 2 years received revelation that the age for missionary service was to be changed. This change has had a large impact on the number of current full time missionaries. The impact of this revelation will be felt for years to come. Changes to the meeting schedule also had a profound impact back in the day. Consolidating meetings spread over the whole week to primarily a 3 hours block. Much better use of buildings meant more units per building.
Sometimes the revelation is so great and will have such a profound impact on the church it has been codified in the Doctrine and Covenants. Such as the 2 official declarations regarding the ending of plural marriage and the fact that all worthy males could now hold the priesthood regardless of race or origin.
See Official Declarations for additional information
So for this reason we as member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are not surprised when change occurs. Some are hard to understand and others make sense right from the first moment you hear about it. Sometimes people are in a calling for a brief time. Others may be in their calling for years. I heard of people in the past that were Bishop for 24 years. Now it is common that a Bishop is only in for around 5 years. Stake Presidents also know that they will only be in their calling for around 9 years. Why the change?
In the church the Bishop, his counselors and for that matter anyone else with a calling is not being paid to do what they do. I was cub master for about 3 years. I never received a dime in remuneration for all my service. Naturally I could have rejected the calling when it was first extended. Few people do. There are circumstances at times that everyone does not know that will make such a calling hard to fulfill for the person being called. When presented with this new information sometimes the calling is no longer extended.
Think about a person that is working the night shift. He will not be able to properly fulfill a calling with the youth where weekly activities held in the evening are a major portion of the program. Now if this person is called as a Sunday instructor it might work. If people did know the full extent of the employment circumstances they likely would not have extended the call in the first place.
Because the church is made up of volunteers, things have to change. The Bishop can not be Bishop forever. He has a job to support his family and the 30+ hours a week he may put in does effect his family. So after a period of time a new person is called. This sets off other changes and so on. When people move or change employment they also may need to change callings.
So no one is ever really surprised when changes in leadership occur. They occur all the time in the true and living church.
This is not so much the case in other christian churches. It appears to be a big deal when the pastor decides to leave the congregation. They are fixtures at the local meeting house. They also generally derive their income from that congregation. If membership dwindles, their income is likely directly effected.
Not so much a big deal in the true and living church. Boundaries of units change when circumstances change. New units may be created, and units may be dissolved.
But, that is also the wonderful things. The meeting houses are not stagnant. The units that attend the meeting houses are not stagnant. As circumstances change so do the units, buildings and other supports of the church. As the population changes so does the church. Less people usually means less members and therefore less units, and buildings. The reverse may also be true.
In my current unit over the last 50 years they have divided the unit multiple times, moved from meeting in a rented warehouse to a permanent building, and also merged in a unit as attendance and overall membership dwindled. All that in just one little city. Think of what is happening on a regular basis all over the church.
As needs change so does the church.
I served my mission in Northern Brazil. Many of the locations I served in back some 20 years ago were very new to the church. In some cases the church had been present for around less then 3 years.
Units had to be split as the membership increased. Eventually, new meeting houses had to be built to accommodate the increase in units. Now in one location they have gone from just one small branch to a whole stake with 5 units spread over the city and a neighboring town.
As one person said in a fireside I recently attended - God stopped communicating back in the day (dark ages) because the "church" stopped asking questions. Basically, this is what defines the true and living church. The flow of information, the flow of revelation, the flow of questions and the flow of response to said questions.
This is why we are not so shocked there is going to be change. It is necessary. And the Lord will not do anything until he reveals it to his servants - Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
So if you have questions about your church or churches in general, why not ask. And the who better to ask the the Lord himself.
That is what Joseph Smith, Jr. did and I'm not totally sure he was expecting have happen what happened.
But, you too can get your answers and then you will not be so surprised when change comes along. You'll understand the church is to be dynamic and ever changing.
Buaidh - NO - Bas
Ramblings and finding of items or thoughts relating to Brilliance of my Ancestors and other current issues.
Showing posts with label authority. Show all posts
Showing posts with label authority. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Essential Ordinances
4 We believe that the first principles and aordinances of the Gospel are: first, bFaith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, cRepentance; third, dBaptism by eimmersion for the fremission of sins; fourth, Laying on of ghands for the hgift of the Holy Ghost.
Articles of Faith - 4
Well this past Saturday we baptized my daughter whom was also having her 8th birthday the same day.
She as a female member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has complete the first of just a few essential ordinances that she will complete in her life. This is also the 2nd time of 3 times that she used a white dress. There are some good books and artwork on this topic you find out more about below.
We stressed out a lot during the week prior to the baptism for a couple of reasons. First we had discovered following her interview with the bishop that there were no clothing for children in the usual place. That lead to a frantic search as to who had this clothing. We knew a couple of other children in another unit had been baptized about a week prior. The other stress came from the fact I knew my daughter would not be able to bend her legs as as others do and thus we would need to work on an alternate method to make sure she was fully immersed. We had practiced how I would hold here a lot and it went mostly as planned. She did have a toe pop up and then we redoing it I was so worried about the feet I forgot to lower her head enough. In the end we held her shoulder and legs and it worked out fine.
The Bishop mentioned several times how much understanding my daughter had on the whole baptismal ordinance. He asked her in the interview what baptism means. She gave as a response 2 things right off the bat. That you have to be fully immersed and second that when you take the sacrament on Sunday it is like you are being re-baptized. That is some very deep understanding.
So let us talk about this essential ordinance of baptism. Why are we baptized? What is the proper mode of baptism? Whom can perform a baptism? All these are very essential and important questions. Since if one of these is not properly in place then we simply do not have a valid baptism.
We are baptized for a remission of our sins. And secondly to be come a member of Christ's Church. We also have the opportunity to receive the Holy Ghost at that time as well.
38 Then Peter asaid unto them, bRepent, and be cbaptized every one of you in the dname of Jesus Christ for the eremission of sins, and ye shall receive the fgift of the gHoly Ghost.
Acts 2:38
Baptism is like entering a portal or door. It is one of the first step on the way to eternal life. It is like the first steps needed to get on the path that will lead us back to live with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. And thus after baptism we have become clean and start down the path as a clean reborn individual. Now we know we will deviate from the path (Sin) and thus as we take the sacrament weekly and work on repenting we are bringing ourselves back on the the path. If after all we have done we have maintained ourselves on the path (enduring to the end) we will be able to receive eternal life and our mansion in heaven set aside by our Heavenly Father.
Now we know that baptism is important. But, you will notice there is some confusion as to how it must be done. Let us look to the example of Christ to clear things up.
I once saw a movie where they had Jesus go into the water and then John sprinkled some on his head. Why even bother going into the river if your going to sprinkle. You could have done that at the side of the well, in the backyard of some Sadducee's home or the like.
We also notice that Jesus came to John when he was of age (30 and starting his ministry). Jesus was not baptized as a child and he definitely knew what he as doing. It is clearly stated in the scriptures that one must be of age (Capable of understanding). Those that die as young children are saved in Christ Jesus for they are pure and sinless. See Moroni 8 for more details. Clearly a child of 4 months is not fully capable of understanding what they are doing. Let alone able to really sin thus they need not be baptized. Also have you noticed how much more comprehension and understanding a child has as they reach their 8th birthday. They begin to ask a ton more questions. They begin to become more sensitive. They also understand thing more and recognize for example when other children are not being appropriate and mean or misbehaving. It all just makes sense.
We have touched briefly on whom can perform a baptism. We see that Jesus went unto John the Baptist because he is one who had authority.
Via modern day revelation we know that there are two types of Priesthood. The Aaronic and the Melchizedek. Technically, Levitical Priesthood is an appendage or alternate name for the Aaronic Priesthood. Aaronic Priesthood is the preparatory Priesthood.
"God gives priesthood authority to worthy male members of the Church so they can act in His name for the salvation of His children. Priesthood holders can be authorized to preach the gospel, administer the ordinances of salvation, and govern the kingdom of God on the earth." Topic Priesthood
Those that hold the office of Priest may baptize but, not confirm and give the gift of the Holy Ghost. Only those with the Melchizedek Priesthood may perform this portion of the ordinance.
One does not go around looking to receive the Priesthood or to attempt to gain office or position there in. The Lord calls the individual. No one seeks out the keys or authority associated with said Priesthood.
Take note that at first Joseph Smith sought of the lord Information concerning what church to join. He did not seek out to obtain authority. He simply wanted answers. And later as they translated the Book of Mormon they read of authority and Priesthood. Together they went into the woods and asked of the Lord. 'What are we to do? Who has this authority necessary to be baptized?'(paraphrasing) And who should appear to them but, John the Baptist himself to confer the Aaronic Priesthood, and tell them that as they stayed worthy Peter, James and John would come and confer to them the Higher or Melchizedek Priesthood.
Hopefully with all my words of wisdom and explanation one can see why Baptism is one of the essential ordinances. As previously specified this is one of the 3 times my daughter will wear a white dress. The first was when she was blessed and given a name for the records of the church. The second being her baptism and the third being wedding day at the Temple.
So if you have not been baptized as Jesus was please take the time to pray about it and find out why you should. It will be well worth your time
For additional study on this and related topic see the following topics
Baptism
Holy Ghost
Priesthood
Buaidh - NO - Bas
Articles of Faith - 4
Well this past Saturday we baptized my daughter whom was also having her 8th birthday the same day.
She as a female member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has complete the first of just a few essential ordinances that she will complete in her life. This is also the 2nd time of 3 times that she used a white dress. There are some good books and artwork on this topic you find out more about below.
We stressed out a lot during the week prior to the baptism for a couple of reasons. First we had discovered following her interview with the bishop that there were no clothing for children in the usual place. That lead to a frantic search as to who had this clothing. We knew a couple of other children in another unit had been baptized about a week prior. The other stress came from the fact I knew my daughter would not be able to bend her legs as as others do and thus we would need to work on an alternate method to make sure she was fully immersed. We had practiced how I would hold here a lot and it went mostly as planned. She did have a toe pop up and then we redoing it I was so worried about the feet I forgot to lower her head enough. In the end we held her shoulder and legs and it worked out fine.
The Bishop mentioned several times how much understanding my daughter had on the whole baptismal ordinance. He asked her in the interview what baptism means. She gave as a response 2 things right off the bat. That you have to be fully immersed and second that when you take the sacrament on Sunday it is like you are being re-baptized. That is some very deep understanding.
So let us talk about this essential ordinance of baptism. Why are we baptized? What is the proper mode of baptism? Whom can perform a baptism? All these are very essential and important questions. Since if one of these is not properly in place then we simply do not have a valid baptism.
We are baptized for a remission of our sins. And secondly to be come a member of Christ's Church. We also have the opportunity to receive the Holy Ghost at that time as well.
38 Then Peter asaid unto them, bRepent, and be cbaptized every one of you in the dname of Jesus Christ for the eremission of sins, and ye shall receive the fgift of the gHoly Ghost.
Acts 2:38
Baptism is like entering a portal or door. It is one of the first step on the way to eternal life. It is like the first steps needed to get on the path that will lead us back to live with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. And thus after baptism we have become clean and start down the path as a clean reborn individual. Now we know we will deviate from the path (Sin) and thus as we take the sacrament weekly and work on repenting we are bringing ourselves back on the the path. If after all we have done we have maintained ourselves on the path (enduring to the end) we will be able to receive eternal life and our mansion in heaven set aside by our Heavenly Father.
Now we know that baptism is important. But, you will notice there is some confusion as to how it must be done. Let us look to the example of Christ to clear things up.
15 And Jesus answering said unto him, aSuffer it to be so now: for thus it bbecometh us to cfulfil all drighteousness. Then he suffered him.
16 And Jesus, when he was abaptized, went up bstraightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the cSpirit of God descending like a ddove, and lighting upon him:
Thus we see Jesus went unto John the Baptist. Why would be go to John the Baptist? Because we know that John had divine Authority (Aaronic Priesthood) to perform baptism. Now we notice that John mentions that he should be getting baptized by Jesus. Jesus with the ultimate authority could have done that but, we see nothing recorded about it at the time. Jesus also mentioned the need to 'fulfill all righteousness'. It is kind of hard to ask everyone to be baptized if you yourself are not willing to do it.
5 And now, if the Lamb of God, he being aholy, should have need to be bbaptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be cbaptized, yea, even by water!
6 And
now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God
did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water?
7 Know
ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth
unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth
himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would
be aobedient unto him in keeping his commandments.
We also notice that Jesus was baptized by John in the river Jordan. He was not baptized in a sink or at a well or some such location. He was baptized in a river so he could be fully immersed. That helps with the symbolism of rebirth. Being fully covered by water and then coming out again like a person reborn.
I once saw a movie where they had Jesus go into the water and then John sprinkled some on his head. Why even bother going into the river if your going to sprinkle. You could have done that at the side of the well, in the backyard of some Sadducee's home or the like.
We also notice that Jesus came to John when he was of age (30 and starting his ministry). Jesus was not baptized as a child and he definitely knew what he as doing. It is clearly stated in the scriptures that one must be of age (Capable of understanding). Those that die as young children are saved in Christ Jesus for they are pure and sinless. See Moroni 8 for more details. Clearly a child of 4 months is not fully capable of understanding what they are doing. Let alone able to really sin thus they need not be baptized. Also have you noticed how much more comprehension and understanding a child has as they reach their 8th birthday. They begin to ask a ton more questions. They begin to become more sensitive. They also understand thing more and recognize for example when other children are not being appropriate and mean or misbehaving. It all just makes sense.
We have touched briefly on whom can perform a baptism. We see that Jesus went unto John the Baptist because he is one who had authority.
Via modern day revelation we know that there are two types of Priesthood. The Aaronic and the Melchizedek. Technically, Levitical Priesthood is an appendage or alternate name for the Aaronic Priesthood. Aaronic Priesthood is the preparatory Priesthood.
"God gives priesthood authority to worthy male members of the Church so they can act in His name for the salvation of His children. Priesthood holders can be authorized to preach the gospel, administer the ordinances of salvation, and govern the kingdom of God on the earth." Topic Priesthood
Those that hold the office of Priest may baptize but, not confirm and give the gift of the Holy Ghost. Only those with the Melchizedek Priesthood may perform this portion of the ordinance.
One does not go around looking to receive the Priesthood or to attempt to gain office or position there in. The Lord calls the individual. No one seeks out the keys or authority associated with said Priesthood.
Take note that at first Joseph Smith sought of the lord Information concerning what church to join. He did not seek out to obtain authority. He simply wanted answers. And later as they translated the Book of Mormon they read of authority and Priesthood. Together they went into the woods and asked of the Lord. 'What are we to do? Who has this authority necessary to be baptized?'(paraphrasing) And who should appear to them but, John the Baptist himself to confer the Aaronic Priesthood, and tell them that as they stayed worthy Peter, James and John would come and confer to them the Higher or Melchizedek Priesthood.
Hopefully with all my words of wisdom and explanation one can see why Baptism is one of the essential ordinances. As previously specified this is one of the 3 times my daughter will wear a white dress. The first was when she was blessed and given a name for the records of the church. The second being her baptism and the third being wedding day at the Temple.
So if you have not been baptized as Jesus was please take the time to pray about it and find out why you should. It will be well worth your time
For additional study on this and related topic see the following topics
Baptism
Holy Ghost
Priesthood
Buaidh - NO - Bas
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Power, Authority and Duty
This last Sunday in our Elders Quorum we were afforded the opportunity to go over the Ordinances and blessings we perform as priesthood holders. One thing that came up is the distinction between power and authority. Many of us there were present are authorized to perform the ordinances but we may not have the power vested in us. This is due to circumstances occurring in our lives etc.
So this brings up several interesting points. First we must acquire the authority (i.e. receive the Priesthood) then learn our duty and at the same time do all in our ability to be vested with the power of the Priesthood as we go about doing our duty through our righteous living.
Many may not bring into this discussion much the area of Duty. Some times it seems they are talked about separately. Duty and power of the Priesthood.
The duties of the Priesthood vary as do the offices which are held within the Priesthood. A Deacon will have very different duties to that of a Bishop. Can one say that the duties of the Bishop are greater then those of Lowly Teacher? Yes, they can but, it is no more important to fulfill your duty as a Teacher then it is those of a Bishop. The Bishop has no more opportunity to obtain the highest levels in the Celestial Kingdom then does the Deacon if they fulfill their duties to the fullest. A very interesting concept, right.
We discussed a situation were a missionary had hurt himself badly in a sporting accident. He was pending surgery and the possibility that he may have to return home early. At the time Elder Holland of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles was in the area and the missionary felt impressed to ask him for a blessing. His chance slipped away due to circumstance beyond his control. Eventual, his mission president asked if he'd like a blessing as he was looking a bit depressed. They all came to the realization that the power and authority of the Priesthood vested in that mission president was the same at the member of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles. Great results came from that blessing and a grand lesson was learned. You will not be further blessed simply because a general authority gives you the blessing. We might think so since they seem to have more faith and possess what seems like more power via their righteous living. The Young worthy 12 year old Deacon has just as much right, Power and authority to call down angels to assist him as a Seventy in an area presidency does. As long as it is the will of the Lord it can be done. If it will help accomplish his aims he will let it happen.
At times we may feel overwhelmed. We may feel inadequate etc. That is natural since we to often are not properly instructed. Too often those of us that have the Priesthood do not understand our duty or let alone the power the Lord has vested in us. Remember this is not something we go seeking after. Not something we proposition the congregation for. Thus because all of us as leaders and followers are mere mortals we have our faults and short comings. We strive to progress and become better. We begin to see the grand picture and not just that which is in front of us or comprehensible by our small minds. The Lord can see the begin and the end. His wisdom and knowledge is thus far greater then our own.
"At times the wisdom of God appears as being foolish or just too difficult, but one of the greatest and most valuable lessons we can learn in mortality is that when God speaks and a man obeys, that man will always be right." Willing and Worthy to Serve Thomas S. Monson
"Instead, he spent time with me and helped me understand not only the what of my assignment and new responsibility but, much more important, the why."
This is well summed up by George Albert Smith.
“I have not wanted this position. I have not felt equal to it. But it has come to me, and I will fill it to the best of my ability. I want you all to know that, whatever you are doing in the church, from [home] teaching to presiding over a stake, if you do it to the best of your ability, your position is just as important as mine.”
The Life and Ministry of George Albert Smith
But, we are not alone in figuring out what our duty is and how to be vested with true Priesthood power. The scriptures are full of examples and information. Section 107 of the doctrine and Covenants is full of information on our duties and responsibilities.
Conference talks are also a great place to learn more of our duties and become more endowed with the power god has given us.
As we become more aware of our duties and have that increased desire to help our fellow man we will begin to full espouse the true power of the Priesthood. For in true reality the Priesthood is given to help others. For we do not place our own hands upon our head and pronounce a blessing. We must ask for another to do that.
The Lord has a vision for each and everyone of us. He wants us to succeed, though he know it will not be easy. And thus he provided his authority so that we on earth may be blessed. And what a blessing it is to have the Priesthood. Hard as it may seem to understand it fully.
The following are several good ways to live our lives. They come from George Albert Smith and if society would lives by these 11 statements it sure would be a better place.
Chapter 1: Living What We Believe
Are you curious to find out more the Priesthood? Do you have questions on who can be ordained? Then you might just need to talk with the missionaries. They'll come and visit you no strings attached.
Request a visit from the missionaries here
Buaidh - NO - Bas
So this brings up several interesting points. First we must acquire the authority (i.e. receive the Priesthood) then learn our duty and at the same time do all in our ability to be vested with the power of the Priesthood as we go about doing our duty through our righteous living.
Many may not bring into this discussion much the area of Duty. Some times it seems they are talked about separately. Duty and power of the Priesthood.
The duties of the Priesthood vary as do the offices which are held within the Priesthood. A Deacon will have very different duties to that of a Bishop. Can one say that the duties of the Bishop are greater then those of Lowly Teacher? Yes, they can but, it is no more important to fulfill your duty as a Teacher then it is those of a Bishop. The Bishop has no more opportunity to obtain the highest levels in the Celestial Kingdom then does the Deacon if they fulfill their duties to the fullest. A very interesting concept, right.
We discussed a situation were a missionary had hurt himself badly in a sporting accident. He was pending surgery and the possibility that he may have to return home early. At the time Elder Holland of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles was in the area and the missionary felt impressed to ask him for a blessing. His chance slipped away due to circumstance beyond his control. Eventual, his mission president asked if he'd like a blessing as he was looking a bit depressed. They all came to the realization that the power and authority of the Priesthood vested in that mission president was the same at the member of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles. Great results came from that blessing and a grand lesson was learned. You will not be further blessed simply because a general authority gives you the blessing. We might think so since they seem to have more faith and possess what seems like more power via their righteous living. The Young worthy 12 year old Deacon has just as much right, Power and authority to call down angels to assist him as a Seventy in an area presidency does. As long as it is the will of the Lord it can be done. If it will help accomplish his aims he will let it happen.
At times we may feel overwhelmed. We may feel inadequate etc. That is natural since we to often are not properly instructed. Too often those of us that have the Priesthood do not understand our duty or let alone the power the Lord has vested in us. Remember this is not something we go seeking after. Not something we proposition the congregation for. Thus because all of us as leaders and followers are mere mortals we have our faults and short comings. We strive to progress and become better. We begin to see the grand picture and not just that which is in front of us or comprehensible by our small minds. The Lord can see the begin and the end. His wisdom and knowledge is thus far greater then our own.
"At times the wisdom of God appears as being foolish or just too difficult, but one of the greatest and most valuable lessons we can learn in mortality is that when God speaks and a man obeys, that man will always be right." Willing and Worthy to Serve Thomas S. Monson
"Instead, he spent time with me and helped me understand not only the what of my assignment and new responsibility but, much more important, the why."
No wonder he did not take his duty and assignment lightly. He had been instructed in what his duty really was. What power and authority he really had received. He as given the WHY.
When you have the WHY you will want to do your best, and not some half masted job. My grandfather always did his home teaching on the first Sunday of the month. He had the vision, and it helped he was living in a small town of a couple hundred. But, irregardless of circumstances he was blessed just as much as the brother living in a metropolitan city of millions doing his duty to the fullest. Same blessings and responsibilities, different circumstances.
This is well summed up by George Albert Smith.
“I have not wanted this position. I have not felt equal to it. But it has come to me, and I will fill it to the best of my ability. I want you all to know that, whatever you are doing in the church, from [home] teaching to presiding over a stake, if you do it to the best of your ability, your position is just as important as mine.”
The Life and Ministry of George Albert Smith
But, we are not alone in figuring out what our duty is and how to be vested with true Priesthood power. The scriptures are full of examples and information. Section 107 of the doctrine and Covenants is full of information on our duties and responsibilities.
Conference talks are also a great place to learn more of our duties and become more endowed with the power god has given us.
As we become more aware of our duties and have that increased desire to help our fellow man we will begin to full espouse the true power of the Priesthood. For in true reality the Priesthood is given to help others. For we do not place our own hands upon our head and pronounce a blessing. We must ask for another to do that.
The Lord has a vision for each and everyone of us. He wants us to succeed, though he know it will not be easy. And thus he provided his authority so that we on earth may be blessed. And what a blessing it is to have the Priesthood. Hard as it may seem to understand it fully.
The following are several good ways to live our lives. They come from George Albert Smith and if society would lives by these 11 statements it sure would be a better place.
"When
he was 34 years old, George Albert Smith made a list of resolutions
that he called his “personal creed”—11 ideals that he committed to live
by:
“I would be a friend to the friendless and find joy in ministering to the needs of the poor.
“I would visit the sick and afflicted and inspire in them a desire for faith to be healed.
“I would teach the truth to the understanding and blessing of all mankind.
“I would seek out the erring one and try to win him back to a righteous and a happy life.
“I would not seek to force people to live up to my ideals but rather love them into doing the thing that is right.
“I would live with the masses and help to solve their problems that their earth life may be happy.
“I would avoid the publicity of high positions and discourage the flattery of thoughtless friends.
“I
would not knowingly wound the feelings of any, not even one who may
have wronged me, but would seek to do him good and make him my friend.
“I
would overcome the tendency to selfishness and jealousy and rejoice in
the successes of all the children of my Heavenly Father.
“I would not be an enemy to any living soul.
“Knowing
that the Redeemer of mankind has offered to the world the only plan
that will fully develop us and make us really happy here and hereafter, I
feel it not only a duty but also a blessed privilege to disseminate
this truth"Chapter 1: Living What We Believe
Are you curious to find out more the Priesthood? Do you have questions on who can be ordained? Then you might just need to talk with the missionaries. They'll come and visit you no strings attached.
Request a visit from the missionaries here
Buaidh - NO - Bas
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