Continuing in Christ

You’ve been baptized. You made a commitment to die to yourself and live for Christ. It is an exciting time. Recent conversations with inactive members have convinced me of one thing. A commitment to Christ will not survive if it is only made at baptism. It is easy to be strong in the newness of the gospel. You’re excited. You see all the possibilities of a new life before you. But that light will fade if you don’t cling to it.

Your life in Christ will last only if you make a commitment to die to yourself a thousand times every day. You must continually make that commitment to Christ over and over.

Sometimes it is with big decisions. You must give up an addictive habit or learn to live within the bounds of moral purity. Those are important. But, to be frank, most of the decisions we make that lead to a righteous life are in the little decisions. Being diligent with our time. Spending time in prayer and scripture. Putting others before ourselves, without acting like a martyr for doing so.  These myriad of mini commitments we make are what keep us in the atonement of Christ.

Sometimes it is in making a commitment to just hang on in suffering. When your pain is beyond the aid of words or music, to cling to Christ. To say “I believe You. I will not forsake you, though I feel forsaken.”

Those decisions will change your life. Those will help you to grow to be more like the Savior. These will keep you on the path to salvation.

The Church Cannot Raise Your Children

It doesn’t matter whether you’re protestant, catholic, or LDS. It is up to you to raise and instruct your children. Yes, the church is fantastic and has lots of opportunities for learning the gospel.  In the LDS church we have primary, Sunday School, the Young Men and Young Women programs, and high school seminary. They are all good things. It’s important your child goes, but at best they are basic. Even the seminary program, which I highly recommend, is just four years of survey courses. Our children need more.

The general authorities (leadership in the LDS church) know this too. They’ve counseled parents on multiple occasions to have daily scripture study, prayer, and fun time together as important aspects of child rearing.

If you’ve ever taught primary you know the lessons can be….um…repetitive. I believe I taught a lesson on “Choose the Right” more times than I can count. That repetition is good and there probably isn’t an LDS child around that couldn’t tell you how important it is to make right choices. However, our children need doctrine too. They need to go through the Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price (Whew! We have a lot of Scriptures) thoroughly before they leave your home.

Why?

I think the answer to that is twofold. 

1. That our children may know who god is and what he expects of them

The Book of Mormon puts it this way: 

“And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.” 2 Nephi 25:26

2. that they may grow in godliness

I love this passage in the New Testament:

“And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2

So where do you start?

First, in your everyday life.

You must live the gospel yourself. You must also talk about it.  Listen to what Moses taught the Israelites as they were about to enter the promised land.

“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” Duet. 6: 6.

It should just be a natural part of living- a regular and comfortable part of your daily conversations. Our children need us to engage with them about real life and how it fits in with the gospel.  Discuss current events with your children. Discuss politics. Help them learn to think for themselves and not just accept what the talking heads on television are telling them. Challenge them to look at the world in light of what we know about God’s instructions to us.

Make sure they understand that everyone is biased—yes even your favorite news anchor.  I’ve got news for you, you’re biased as well. When you can face that, it will help you be more honest with your children about exploring world views. Help them to take what they’re hearing and compare it with the word of God. Teach them to pray and ask the Spirit what is true and what they should do about it.

Second, in formal instruction.

This is where daily scripture study comes in.

For young children, teach them the stories of the Scriptures. They should know about Abraham, Moses, Christ, Paul’s life and Martyrdom, Nephi, King Benjamin, etc…

LDS parents need to be careful not to just focus on the Book of Mormon. Your future missionary is a lot less effective in ministering to protestants when they have a remedial understanding of the Old and New Testament. Believe me, as a former protestant who was an investigator for three years, I was often appalled at the lack of knowledge some missionaries had. It made me less likely to take them seriously.  Plus, they are missing out on a large portion of God’s instruction to us.

For older children, take the time to do an additional more in depth study. Our classes at church do not (to my complete exasperation at times). Do a weekly study with them on a book of scripture. Give them assignments that teach them how to study the words of God for themselves.

I know you’re probably thinking when you’re going to find the time to fit all this in. Believe me, if I can do it ANYONE can.

Most parents love their children. Most want to do what is the best for their children. Just don’t be tempted to think just sending them to church is enough. It’s good, but it’s not enough.

For Those That Are Discouraged

Sometimes you can do everything right and things can still go wrong.  When that happens, it is easy to get discouraged. I was feeling that way last week. I was undergoing difficult medical treatments.  Then, what was supposed to be three days of isolation (because of some radioactive treatments), turned into a week. Then they added painful injections. Then, in the midst of my isolation I received a letter from someone that brought up horrible memories. Then, I got super sick. Then a tree fell on my house. Seriously—a tree. My landlord has pictures. Can you believe that week?

You can see where I might get discouraged. That is until I came across a passage in the book of Ether.

The Jaredites were about to go on a trip—a long trip.  They had made all the preparations. (see Ether 6:4) They did everything right. They even “commended themselves unto the Lord.” Then the storm came.

“And it came to pass that they were many times buried in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them, and also the great and terrible tempests which were caused by the fierceness of the wind.” Ether 6:6

They knew the Lord brought the storm, but it doesn’t make weathering it any easier.  Storms are frightening. Storms can be painful. But, here is the helpful part. Storms have purpose.

“And it came to pass that the  wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land while they were upon the waters; and thus they were driven forth before the wind.” Ether 6:8

When I read those words, the Spirit brought me instantaneous comfort. I was reminded that the Lord has purpose and direction for the things He’s bringing into my path.  Each storm He brings my way is designed to bring me closer to the goal.

You may be wondering what’s the goal? For me, it is conformity to Christ. I want to be like my Savior.

“And we know that all thing work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to HIs purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son…” Romans 8:28-29

That is the beauty of commending yourself into the hand of the Lord. Peace. At that moment, in the midst of the turmoil swirling around me, the Lord reminded me I was not forgotten. He had my back. I felt like I could do anything.

I’m grateful for a Savior who is patient with me when I grow frightened and weary. But, more than that, I’m grateful for a God who is bigger than storms.

Why I’m Not “Repentant”

There is a large group of people waiting for me to renounce Mormonism.  They pray for my repentance. They occasionally mention my need for it.  I’m sure they wonder what is taking me so long.  They think of me and shake their heads. Today I’d like to explain why I’ve not “repented”.

I have found Christ.  While I did love and worship Him before, it’s deeper now because I understand Him more.  It’s like when you first meet someone and have an instant bond with. You like them. After a time, however, as you really get to know them, it’s different. You know THEM and it makes you love them even more. 

That is how I feel about my faith. I know Christ and my Heavenly Father more than I ever have. When I was a reformed protestant, I loved my Savior. I truly did. Yet, if I’m being honest, I felt something was missing. I’d read my scriptures, which I loved and felt somehow I was missing something. The only thing I can liken it to is reading a literary passage where I know there is a deeper meaning I should be grasping. I can kind of see it, but it’s blurry and just out of reach. 

Other times, the problem was more obvious. I had the distinct feeling that we, like the Pharisees during the life of the Savior, were missing the point. There were also aspects of Scripture we seemed to be ignoring.

In all my life, I’ve never felt closer to my God. I finally know what that passage means when it says “My sheep hear my voice.” I know what it means to be led by the Spirit of God. I know my God and He knows me. I know what it means to have the Savior call you friend. I know what it means to have Him beside me. Really beside me.

Here are the things Mormonism has added to my life:

• A much deeper knowledge of the Godhead and communion with them.
• Real peace that comes from knowing I am in His will.
• The constant companionship of the Holy Spirit, including His whispered guidance.
• Priesthood ordinances that do things I couldn’t even begin to delineate here.
• The FULLNESS of the gospel.  I no longer have to read my scriptures and wonder why something is not a part of gospel living anymore, because it is a part of it. After all, God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Why would I give that up?

So, that is why I am not willing to “repent”. Can those of you who think I am going to hell still pray for me? Of course! But, while you do, take a moment to sincerely pray and ask your Father in Heaven if maybe you’re  not missing the point.

The Habits of Wisdom

I had a mild breakdown tonight. So much stress. So much to do. So much I want to accomplish, and so little time. So, I went to my knees and cried out to my Father in Heaven. I asked Him to help me, to give me wisdom for what I have to accomplish. I asked to be aware of the things He wanted me to do and to make them a priority.

The information that followed was not new, but it was a good reminder.

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7

The key, for me, is to remember to put first things first. Instead of stressing over everything that has to be done and rushing from responsibility to responsibility in a frenzy, I need to slow down. That doesn’t mean drop any responsibilities. Instead, it means to put my Savior first. But not only that, but to do each responsibility peacefully--remembering it is my Savior I am serving, no matter how mundane a task may seem. I can take the time to do them with beauty.

I’m writing this to remind myself and keep myself accountable.  I love my Savior and I love my family. I want to serve both of them to the best of my ability.

The Problem with Priesthood Protests

I have been frustrated and confused by the members who are protesting the fact that women aren't in the priesthood. I believe they are putting themselves in a dangerous position. When we joined the church, we made covenants to follow the Lord Jesus Christ in all things. That includes the running of His church.  Do we really believe a bunch of dissatisfied women running around complaining is going to change the Lord's mind?  Do you think He will sit in heaven and say, "Oh, look, most of the women wore purple to the women's session in protest tonight, we should completely change the plan of salvation and eternity to satisfy them?"

Here's the danger. Their problem isn't with the brethren. It's with the Lord. They are rejecting the design of God, not Thomas S. Monson.  There are many passages on the Priesthood in our scriptures. I want to draw your attention to one. Doctrine & Covenants 84. Joseph Smith had just delineated the importance of the men receiving the priesthood, but then he says something very interesting.  Remember he has always taught that women receive the same spiritual blessings as men.

"And also all they who receive the priesthood, receive me, saith the Lord; for he that receiveth my servants receiveth me." vs. 35-36

We, who are not a part of the priesthood, are called  to receive them, meaning to believe in and accept their authority.  In so doing, we acknowledging the authority of the Savior. To do otherwise, is to say we know better than God.

Here is my advice (such as it is) to women who desire the priesthood. First, go to your Heavenly Father. Tell Him you are willing to honor your covenants and follow Him. Ask Him to give you a testimony of the priesthood. If you go with a sincere heart, it will come. Secondly, ask Him to show you His plan for women. I will tell you, it is beautiful. It is fulfilling. It is authoritative (in case you're still worried about that). Thirdly, get busy doing what He has truly called you to. I firmly believe if the women in the church were busy doing the callings they've already received, they'd have little desire for the priesthood. Ladies, let's serve where we're planted, and support our brethren in the callings they've received. Those of you who have been mothers know how hard it is to do what is best for your children when they are fighting you. Though they are not our parents, how hard we make it for the brethren to serve us, when we spend all our time fighting them.

I do not ignore the fact that some men, not the majority by any means, have abused their roles. Ladies, the verses condemning these men are some of the strongest in scripture. No one has a higher regard for women than the Lord does. Trust Him.

Seek Ye Diligently....My Dream

Do you love the word of God?  Do you hunger for it?  I do. If I had the time, I could spend all day learning it.  This leads me to tell you about something that has been on my heart for a while.

Latter Day Saints have the opportunity, once in a lifetime, to receive something called a Patriarchal Blessing. Through it, we receive instruction, encouragement, guidance for our lives, and sometimes even correction. There have been many things written about patriarchal blessings, so I won't repeat them here.  Apostles have given talks on them, many people (myself included) have published articles about them.  If interested, you can easily find information about it online.

I'm going to tell you a little about mine. Not much, because they are private, but enough for this dream I am about to share to make sense.  Mine gave me one warning, lots of encouragement, and lots of direction. It specifically told me I am to teach the word of God. First and foremost to my children, and then to the church  as a whole.  Though I know the Old and New Testaments very well, I didn't feel qualified in my knowledge of the Book of Mormon or Doctrine and Covenants (yet). But, I filed away that instruction to teach, which planted a seed in my mind.

One of the weaknesses I see in the modern LDS church is a general lack of Scriptural knowledge. Granted, we have WAY more scriptures than other faiths, but that should fill us with more information, not less. My longsuffering friend, Vicki, has listened to me moan about not only the lack of knowledge in the general poplulation of the church, but also the lack of materials for deep study available. I've moaned about it quite a bit. She's such a patient woman. Before I am misunderstood,  there ARE  some materials available, but they're not in abundance and they are expensive.  I can't afford most of them. That lead to a dream I have. I want to make in depth scripture studies available to the general church population--for free. I do realize we have all Sunday School, Relief Society, and Seminary and Institute materials available free of charge, for which I am very grateful. I'm not overlooking those. However, these are survey studies and not in depth.

Last year, I ran a test group to see how an in-depth inductive study would be received.  I only did the very beginning part of King Benjamin's address. I received loads of useful feedback. Some found it very helpful. Others found it too difficult.  I settled on doing something in between. I'll have something that is a less "do it all yourself", but fully plan on making the more difficult one available in the future for those who want to dig a little deeper.

My next thoughts were about how to fund it. I'm not made of money--any money, actually. I could let Deseret Book publish the studies, but don't want to go that route.  I feel very strongly about the verse in Proverbs that instructs us to "Buy the truth and sell it not".  I didn't want to charge any money for the materials. If I went through Deseret, the products would cost money, even if I took no royalties. (No offense, Sheri. I know you're running a business and have to make a profit). However, I don't need to make a profit. I'm not running a business. This is something I want to do out of sheer love for the words of God. But, I do have a family to feed, so most of my time is taken up by that endeavor.

My plans, currently, are to continue working to feed my family and slowly produce the works that are on my heart.  I've written a secular novel that I am currently shopping to agents. My hope is that I can sell enough secular books (which I have no problem charging for) to fund my scripture studies.  I want to do them well, which takes time.  I also want them to look professional, which takes money.

Here is what you can do. I would like you to pray with me that the Lord would give me enough time to complete these. I'd also like you to pray that I will have wisdom in funding. That might mean I have to sell three different secular novels in order to fund one study, but I am fine with that.  I love writing anyway.

I'm going to start with the Book of John, while I continue to study Mosiah. Why John? Because I know the Book of John well, while Mosiah I need another year with to feel like I have it down. For now, when it is completed, I will offer it for free electronically.  I still have to work out graphics, which is not my area of expertise.  Until I can fund that, it will be completely graphic free, which makes me sad.  I need maps and other graphics to do it well.  Then, when the funding is there, I will make a hard copy available. I want all of it to be free.

Those of you who would like the Book of John study, contact me by email (sophia.kai.charis@gmail.com). I will put you on a list.  In the meantime....let me give you something to do while you're waiting.

The purpose of the Book of John

Mark in your scriptures John 20:30-31 

 "And mnay other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciplies, which are not written in this book.: But, these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name." 

 

This tells us the purpose of the gospel of John. So, here is a project for you. Read through the book of John.  When you come to a miracle that Jesus did, such as changing water to wine in John 2 mark that in a distinctive way.  You could put a big "S" out to the side for sign, or you could highlight the verses a certain color throughout the entire book.  For instance, you could highlight John 2:11 in yellow. It reads, 

"This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth His glory; and His disciples believed on Him." or, you could highlight the entire passage (John 2: 1-11).  

Something else you could look for, while you're reading through the book. Put a "W" out to the side of every verse where someone (or something) bares witness of Christ as the Savior. For instance, you could put a "W" outside of John 1:15 that reads, 

"John bare witness of Him and cried, saying, This was He of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me; for He was before me." 

Well, now you know more about me than you probably wanted to.  This is my dream. If you're willing, will you pray with me that I will be faithful in completing it?