The question brings to mind a conversation I had with a relative many years ago. He stated if he wants to be closer to God, he goes somewhere like the wilderness and talks to him there. I agree that’s a great way to feel close to our creator. However, I have found there is so much more potential in learning as a follower of Jesus Christ with those who also love and follow Him.
They / we are at different levels of embracing the Lords example and so always have examples around us leading the way. All in our church community are examples to us. Choice to me are those who are new to the Church or just coming back. They see from a fresh perspective, giving me renewed appreciation. Some of our most profound living examples are our Prophets and Apostles (of the same degree as Peter and the Apostles of old). These men, collectively, have hundreds of years of experience living what Jesus taught, so they are humble and the servants of all. From them, scriptural examples and stories of others in and out of the LDS Church, we learn gospel principles useful to daily living.
From such instruction and examples shared in Sunday and other meetings, the Spirit often teaches me beyond the words said. In the same way, when I teach, typically I’ll learn more than my class. This happens to many who teach. When I am unable to attend, as so often happened in some previous employment situations, I greatly missed that instruction from the Spirit. Humor is also an element in many LDS classrooms leading me to believe that Jesus Christ has a sense of humor. It often comes as people share their everyday experiences in a vulnerable way and results in greater assimilation of those correct Christlike principles / what is taught. Understand we laugh with not at other’s experiences, having ‘been there’ ourselves. How refreshing to be in a place where humor is elevated far beyond the worldly kind often found in the workplace.
I would not grow in resolve and appreciation for my Savior were I to take a ‘stand alone’ approach to worship. He taught, immersed Himself in serving and blessing others, daily meeting the difficult challenges of humanity around Him. When I ‘turn outward’ and learn the selfless habits He taught; when many strive to do the same, our world is a better place. k
This personal post above is one of many on Mormon.org authored with the Lord’s guidance. The idea being that we can share Gospel truths with others who don’t know or have forgotten them. Sister Sharon Eubank, First Counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency spoke September 23, 2017 of us all learning to ‘articulate’ gospel teachings to anyone interested in a way that provides clarity to the LDS position. (see ‘Turn On Your Light’). Each post will be numbered and, as with this format, will include the Church position and my own thoughts. (k)
1. increasing faith in Jesus Christ 2. What is the Atonement of Jesus Christ 3. Why is authority to perform a baptism important? 4. How has attending church services helped you? 5. How has the Book of Mormon brought you closer to God? 6. Please share your feelings/testimony of Joseph Smith. 7. shielding family from unwanted influences 8. What do Mormons believe about family? 9. Make more right choices
