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Ways to Measure if you have Charity (Christ’s Love)

February 18, 2012 by graceforgrace

Last week’s article was about how to develop Charity (which we identified is the pure love of Christ) in one’s life.  This week, I thought it would be appropriate to share how you can measure the extent that you have Christ’s love in your heart.  These suggestions were given by members of our Stake Presidency on how to measure if one has pure love, or charity in their heart:

1. You feel a sincere desire to help others

2. Praying daily for charity

3. Looking for opportunities to serve, first within your own home and then with your neighbors

4. Being kind and patient in word and deed (even when it is hard)

5. Thinking about others’ needs

He had about 4-5 more that he discussed, but he talked so fast I couldn’t write them all down!

Some additional ideas I considered afterwards include:

1. Willingness to forgive

2. Not judging others

What other ways would you suggest as a good way to measure if on has the pure love of Jesus?

Posted in Christianity, Jesus, Love | 10 Comments »

10 Ways to Devlop Charity (Pure Love) in Ones’ Life

February 11, 2012 by graceforgrace

Mormon churches meet in congregations organized geographically called “wards”.  8-10 wards combine to make a “stake”.  Every six months the LDS, or Mormon Church organizes a meeting where the stake called “Stake Conference”.   At the stake conference, leaders of the stake (the Stake Presidency, organized by a president and 2 counselors) addresses the congregation on matters they feel that are necessary for the members of the stake.

The theme chosen by our stake presidency was charity.

Typically, when we think of charity today, we think of giving money or means to people suffering.  This is charity, indeed, but the scriptures show that charity is deeper than that.

In 1 Corinthians, chapter 13 (KJV), Paul states that charity is the greatest gift to have, even greater than that of knowledge, prophecy, and faith.

In the Book of Mormon, in the book of Moroni, chapter 7, the prophet Mormon shares some thoughts on charity that are similar (almost verbatim in some parts) as Paul.  Some key differences are that he includes a definition of what charity is (it is the pure love of Christ see v. 48) and that we should pray daily that we can be filled with that love so that when we come before Christ we are filled with His love.

With these thoughts in mind, I’ll share some points one of the counselors of the Stake Presidency shared with us in how we can develop Charity.  He told us there are 10 ways, which include:

1. Daily Prayer

2. Daily Scripture Study (preferably in the beginning of the day)

3. Attending Sacrament Meeting (Communion)

4-10.  He said to fill these ones in according to what we feel moved to do.

Therefore, for a fun little activity, I thought I could enlist some help from those of you who stop by and read frequently.

What would you list on 4-10 on how we can develop christ-like love in our lives?

P.S.  One thing that stood out to me from his talk was to begin within the walls of our own home.  Sometimes it’s very easy to be kind to others and serve others but difficult to be nice to our own family.

Posted in Book of Mormon, Love | 4 Comments »

A Night with Two Gay Mormon Elders

February 4, 2012 by graceforgrace

Over the course of the last few years, I’ve heard conservatives within the LDS and without the LDS church openly denouce homosexual relationships.  As most of us also know, the LDS or Mormon church has taken a political stance to openly support groups in favor of not legalizing gay marriage alongside the Catholic and other predominantly Christian faiths.

As an LDS member, I’ve seen the church’s stand divide members.  Historically, the Mormon Church’s leadership has advised its membership not to mix religion and politics, but in this case it is evident that the LDS Church puts aside that advice and has pushed for political action.

Although I feel the intentions of the LDS church are not to be anti-gay, I have sensed that some members of the LDS church may view the Church’s actions as being anti-gay, or promoting intolerance, etc.  I’ve even heard some members who have said they would never allow a gay person in their homes so their kids wouldn’t be corrupted.

I personally do not condone homosexuality, and I feel that I’m a pretty tolerant person.  However, I’ve wondered myself how I would react if one of my children, relatives, or close friend were to come into my home with their significant other.

The opportunity knocked on my door late in the evening recently—literally.  We were having a birthday party for my oldest daughter and family and friends were gathered around our home.  It was about 7:30 p.m. and we heard a knock.  The party had been going for a couple hours already so we joked it must be someone late to the party.

When I opened the door, I was surprised to see a relative of mine, who was a returned missionary but had since left the Mormon faith and come out that he was gay.  He had felt unwelcome by our family in recent years and had chosen not to participate in reunions and such.

My first reaction was a bit of surprise, but then I felt a genuine excitement to see him.  All thoughts of him being gay were gone and I remembered how personable and nice he was.  I saw his partner (also a former elder of the LDS church) coming out of the car as well and again, I didn’t feel any sense of judgement or hesitation to let them both into my home.

They both sat down and I introduced him to everyone in my wife’s family.  We sat down and had a very good discussion, catching up on life in general and how each of us were doing.  As they explained the efforts they had made to come visit, I even felt more appreciative that they had stopped by.  On the way through our town, he had remembered the name of the town and called my uncle for our address and phone number.  My uncle only had our address so he and his partner turned around and back-tracked about 45 minutes to get to our house, not knowing if we would be there, but willing to take the time to stop by.

Our evening together was very pleasant.  Our discussion was a very normal conversation and not once did I feel like taking my kids and hiding them in the back room as they both interacted with our kids.

It wasn’t until they had both left and I started thinking about our conversation that I remembered they were gay and that I had wondered within myself how I would react if someone who was gay were to come by with their other half in front of my kids.  I was glad for the experience as the official words from the LDS church’s position on homosexuality became a reality for me:

…we reach out with understanding and respect to people with same-gender attraction.

Posted in Homosexuality | 13 Comments »

Mitt Romney isn’t “Homophobic” Enough

January 27, 2012 by graceforgrace

I couldn’t believe what I read in a recent article, coming from a pastor who claims to be Christian and supporting Rick Santorum.  Here’s the quote:

In obedience to the Judeo-Christian Scriptures, most South Carolinans and I have a sane and healthy homophobia, while Mitt Romney has a very bad case of homophilia,” said Mills in a joint statement with fellow pastor, Rev. Ray Moore, according to The Hill. “Romney’s liberal support for homosexuality is not only at doctrinal odds with traditional Judaism and Christianity, it’s even at odds with latter-day cults like Islam and Mormonism.

I hope that this is just a fringe Christian wing-nut who doesn’t represent the way most Christians feel about people who struggle with homosexuality.

What are your thoughts, fellow Christians?

//edge.jeetyetmedia.com/ia/html/sia.html?org=graceforgrace.wordpress.com

Posted in Homosexuality, Politics | 8 Comments »

Mormons Earning Salvation and Becoming Gods

January 20, 2012 by graceforgrace

We had a pretty interesting discussion to close out our last Elders meeting in 2011.  It was a lesson on judgment and the second coming.  As you can imagine, many interesting things were said.  Some off the wall about what would happen leading up to the Second Coming, and others that were scripturally based.

One brother kept bringing something up though that caused me to reflect on an issue I hear quite frequently from fellow Christian friends of other denomonations, specifically on how they feel Mormons think they can earn their salvation and also become Gods.

The brother kept asking questions about what we needed to do in order to be saved.  He asked about the steps such as baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and going through the temple.  In his mind, it sounded to me like he thought he was home free once he made those steps.  He also made mention in reference to the scripture that if we make these steps, we will become Gods and have everything equal with God.

Although I am a Mormon, or Latter-day Saint, I completely disagree with these statements.  For starters, we will never be equal to God.  I believe that God (Heavenly Father), and Jesus Christ (also a God) are separate beings who are far superior to us and always will be.  Even though we are created in their image, we will never be equal to them.  I feel that it is damaging and dangerous to put ourselves at the same level with them in that it sets us up for pride and it is erroneous doctrine.

Some LDS or Mormon prophets (most notably, Lorenzo Snow) have come out and stated that we can become gods and that God was once like us.  Mormons are also quick to point to the scripture in the Bible that states in both the Old and New Testamant “ye are gods…” and use that as evidence that one can be a god.

A closer reading of the scriptures shows that every time Jesus or Heavenly Father are mentioned, the “g” in god is capitalized.  In the scripture that says we “are gods” the “g” is lower case.  To me, this means that we can become “like” God and have power and authority over certain things that He gives us, but we will always be inferior to Him and function under his jurisdiction.  Another way of looking at it is what we learn in the Mormon temple about us becoming “kings and priests” unto god, but not a God in the sense that He is God.

Regarding earning salvation, there are certainly actions we must take to receive the gospel into our hearts.  However, we will always be in debt to God the Father and Jesus for their sacrifice so that we have the opportunity to be saved.  Although we should always take actions to be obedient and close to the Holy Spirit, it is through the grace and mercy of Jesus that salvation comes.  The moment we start thinking we’re the ones accomplishing the task of being saved, we run into pride issues and this is also erronous doctrine to think we can earn our salvation.

Perhaps since I’ve been able to learn more from fellow Christian friends through this blog and other sources such as friends and family in other faiths, I am a bit more sensitive to the subject of Mormons earning their salvation and becoming Gods than I was before.  After that discussion we had in class, I can see why members of other faiths are alarmed when they attend a Morm0n church.

For those of you inside the church, do you think there is an issue with people feeling they have to earn their salvation?  What can we do to overcome this error in doctrine?

For those outside of the LDS church, have you had any experiences with Mormons thinking they can earn their salvation?  If so, please share your experience and how it makes you feel.

Posted in Christianity, Latter-day Saints, Mormon Christians | 40 Comments »

Advice for New Elders Quorum Presidents

January 13, 2012 by graceforgrace

The LDS, or Mormon church functions under a lay ministery.  This means that no one is paid for church service including the pastors and other leadership positions within the church.

One of the key leadership positions is the Elders Quorum President.  According to the LDS Auxillary Guidebook, the Elders Quorum President has several duties, which include: setting example and presiding over men in the quorum, organizing home teaching (monthly service visits to congregation members), teaching men of their duties as husbands, fathers, and in the church; and ordaining men to other priesthood callings, or jobs within the church.

Each quorum can consist of up to 96 elders (men) before being split into a new quorum.

As you can imagine, the position of an elders quorum president carries a lot of weight and responsibility, especially for someone who has a job and family full-time.  It can seem very overwhelming for an individual who is called to work in this position.

I know first hand how overwhelming it can be.  I was called to the position in 2003 right when I had started Graduate school for my MBA.  The Stake President (in the LDS church, he is the leader over a group of 8-10 congregations) called me to the position and I openly expressed my concerns with him as far as my time constraints were concerned.  The quorum I was being called to had around 90 men in it and the ward (congregation) was very transient and therefore required a lot of administrative work to organize the home visits.

Noticing the concern, the Stake President offered me some very inspired advice on what an Elders Quorum President should focus on to be the spiritual leader for the men he needs to be.  He offered three tips, which include:

  • Delegation

The tendancy for a lot of presidents (said my stake president to me) is to try and tackle everything by oneself including: scheduling the home teaching visits, visiting sick members of the ward, visiting the elders in the quorum to help them maintain spiritual relationship with God, etc.  He told me not to be afraid to have counselors and delegate things to them.  I took his advice and called 3 counselors to help me with all of the administration behind the scenes and it made a huge difference.

  • Minister vs. Administer

Ministering is the heart of Christ-like service, he said.  Administering helps, but isn’t the heart of Christ-like service and being a shepard, which is what the elders quorum presidents’ job entails.  As a president, having counselors doing the administration while I got out and met the members of the quorum individually through visits to their homes made a great difference in me being able to try and serve like Christ would.

  • Stay close to the Lord

This goes almost without saying, but it is important to keep oneself close to the Lord for inspiration to help quorum members.  It is easy to get lost in the shuffle and focus only on the job and not on ones’ personal relationship with God.  Regularly schedule times to read scripture, pray, and meditate.  If an elders president is in tune with God, he can act as God’s hand in serving those who may be struggling.

I hope these tips help anyone who is in a leadership position.  Of course, we would love to hear from those of you who are or have served in a similar position and share your insights for others to learn from.  My hope is that this article will help those newly called elders quorum presidents be successful.

Posted in Latter-day Saints | Leave a Comment »

Overcoming Affects of Divorce and ADHD through the Power of the Book of Mormon

January 1, 2012 by graceforgrace

At an early age, I had my life changed as millions of other people have had through reading the Book of Mormon and feeling the power of Jesus Christ enter into my life.

I was in a dark place at a very young age following my parents’ divorce and was heading down a very wrong path.  When I was around 12 years old, I came across a copy of the Book of Mormon and started reading it.  Although I was very young and didn’t understand all of the concepts and words, I felt a peace I desparately needed at that time. 

After a few months of reading the Book of Mormon, I read what is commonly called “Moroni’s Promise” at the end of the Book of Mormon, which basically states that if you pray to God about what you’ve read in the Book of Mormon and ask if it is true, He will manifest it to you that it is true through the power of the Holy Spirit.  I prayed, and for the first time in my life I felt the love of God sweep through my soul and any desire to continue to sin be removed from me.  I committed to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and gospel I had read in the Book of Mormon (which is the same as in the Bible) at that time.

Shortly thereafter, my Grandmother became very ill.  On what was her last Christmas before she passed away, in 1989, she gave me a gift I hold very dear to me.  She knew how impactful the Book of Mormon had been for me so she gave me her only copy of a replica of the original Book of Mormon along with her last written words to me, as seen in the pictures below:

Words can’t really describe the impact the teachings found in the Book of Mormon have had on me, but I’ll attempt to share my feelings.  Through the teachings of Jesus Christ found within the Book of Mormon, I was able to lay a foundation for my life at a young age that has helped me overcome the negative affects in my life that came as a result of my parents’ divorce.  Although the path hasn’t been easy, I have studied and grown closer to Heavenly Father through reading the Book of Mormon.

Not only has the Book of Mormon helped me, but it has helped millions of other people.  Most recently, my younger brother was able to overcome some of his obstacles he has faced in his life through an experience with reading and studying the Book of Mormon.  I asked him to share some of his thoughts for the readers of this blog, and he was kind enough to do so.  Below are some of his thoughts:

It’s easier to express myself in person about this topic, because words can’t get the feeling across that I would like to portray in my message. As I get choked up right now speaking of this and as tears begin in my eyes, I want you all to know that I firmly believe in the Book of Mormon and its message. I believe that it is a testament of Christ and it can shape our lives in a way that is principal oriented and emotionally edifying if we abide by its teachings and mold our desires to those of the Prophets therein.

I have never been more focused in my entire life than I was when I was engulfed and excited for each new verse. I have ADHD and have always had an issue with focusing and not being impulsive, but when I actually pondered the meanings of this book and “desired” to read it, my mind was pacified and my concerns and worries seemed very small. My being was elevated to another level. I did pray frequently when I was pondering the Book of Mormon as well, but they seemed to go hand in hand for me. The difficult things in life that were in the forefront of my mind grew smaller and smaller with each day that I consumed each page. I can’t begin to even express the miracles this Book did for me and my belief in who I could become. Lord thank you so much, for all the effort in how this book was pieced together. Its just so hard for me to depict my feelings on this Book through words alone. 

I truly believe that without the Book of Mormon I would not be who I am today. My friends I want you to please try to understand the meaning and passion behind what I am writing. I have not always wanted to be a part of religion, regardless of what denomination and questioned at times if there was even a God. The Book of Mormon forced my mind and utterly all of me to either believe the teachings of a God and a Christ or not to. I could not deny the way it made me feel and the peacefulness it brought to my mind. I cannot deny the way my soul understood the principals it is trying to reach out and explain to all individuals and nations! …I truly believe in this book and I believe in a Christ and in God the Father as well. Once again I apologize sincerely if my closeness to the spirit right now hasn’t been felt through these small writings, but even if nothing has been felt at all through my words alone, please know that I truly believe in the Book of Mormons‘ message and I would honestly choose this book over literally any other book in the world to read. That is not a lie. I would choose this book over any.
 
Sincerely
 
Seth Morgan Anderson

President Benson, a former LDS, or Mormon prophet, stated:

There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. … When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance.

 

Personally, I have seen his words not only be good advice, but be prophetic in my life and those close to me.  I encourage those who haven’t seriously studied the Book of Mormon to do so in conjunction with their Bible study this year.  Also, I encourage those who have had a personal experience with the Book of Mormon that has helped them to share their testimony in the comment section below.

 

Posted in Book of Mormon, Latter-day Saints, Mormon Christians, Scripture Study | 12 Comments »

The Gratitude Challenge

December 16, 2011 by graceforgrace

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church) publishes a monthly magazine called the Ensign.  This month’s issue includes a great article by President Henry Eyring of the First Presidency on the importance of gratitude.  At the end of the article there was a little activity called the “Gratitude Challenge“.  I thought it would be fun to take it online and share it with you. 

I’ll take the challenge as an example on the blog.  Copy and paste the challenge into the comment section and leave yours too for others to benefit from.

Take a Gratitude Challenge

By John Hilton III and Anthony Sweat

Let’s not just talk about counting our blessings—let’s do it! Write a list of 100 things you are thankful for. If that sounds like it is too many, try this:

1.

Write 10 physical abilities you are grateful for.

Sight, strength to run, bike, lift, hike, walk, , hearing, smell, touch, coordination, endurance.

2.

Write 10 material possessions you are grateful for.

Home, cars, enough money to support family, computer, internet, exercize equipment, clothing, central heating (this is on my mind because it is cold as I write this), DVD player with movies, GPS in my car, car seats for kids, stuffed animals for the kids, comfortable bed, hot water.

3.

Write 10 living people you are grateful for.

Wife, children (2), parents (father, mother, step-mother), siblings (7), cousins, in-laws, grandparents, friends…..I’m not putting names down here because there are too many to count and just in case I forget someone it will come back and haunt me!

4.

Write 10 deceased people you are grateful for.

Grandma Anderson, Grandma Curlette, Jesus, founding fathers, known and unknown people who lost lives to improve ours today through fighting battles in war and in other ways such as inventions in medicine and other comforts we enjoy

5.

Write 10 things about nature you are grateful for.

Smell after it rains, Mt Rainier, Ocean, Puget Sound, the smell of salty ocean water on a sunny day, sound of ground under feet when hiking, sound of river running when camping, wind through trees, warmth of sun on sandy beach, sound of silence when in a forest after it snows, smell of desert air, sunsets, sound of waves lapping on the shore, seasons,

6.

Write 10 things about today you are grateful for.

Chance to spend time with both kids early in the morning while wife caught up on sleep, hot tea to settle an upset stomache, a job that allows me to have flexibility and spend time with family while providing so wife doesn’t have to work, a good wife who supports me and is a good mother to the kids, scripture study, exercising (P90X2!), internet to do my job and also have scripture study in the morning (and write this post!), health, gospel, texting, phones, supportive and friendly family

7.

Write 10 places on earth you are grateful for.

Mt Rainier, temples, Puget Sound, Whistler ski resort (ski resorts in general), church buildings, my bedroom, my office, Switzerland (the Alps), Hawaii (Kaui particularly), Taiwan

8.

Write 10 modern inventions you are grateful for.

Internet, Computer, TV, toilets, indoor heating, plumbing, roadways, airplanes, phones, books

9.

Write 10 foods you are grateful for.

Health shakes, eggs, turkey sandwiches, mashed potatoes with lots of gravy, grilled salmon, halibut, turkey burgers, banannas, peaches, anything my wife cooks

10.

Write 10 things about the gospel you are grateful for.

Hope it gives, strength it gives through trial, peace it brings, guidance it gives for all aspects of life, friendships found with other believers, healing it gives through repentance and forgiveness, light it brings to world, transformation it makes within my heart and others’ hearts, places it takes me through following God’s Spirit as I serve

 

I’m sure if I spent more time I could think of more things, but this is off the top of my head.  I’m looking forward to seeing your list in the comment section!

Posted in Thankfulness | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments »

Pure Religion: Caring for an Aging Parent or Grandparent

December 8, 2011 by graceforgrace

In the New Testament, James defines pure religion as visiting people in their afflictions, and also keeping oneself unspotted from the world.

With that thought in mind, I contacted one of my aging grandparents, whose health is steadily declining.  I received a phone call from my grandparent a few weeks ago, but the excuses I used for not getting back in touch included work, church service, raising kids, spending time with my wife, not being able to reach out because when I finally do get time it’s about 9:00 p.m. and my grandparent is in bed.

So the days turned into weeks and I would say almost daily to my wife “I should call my Grandpa” and finally she told me to quit saying that and just schedule it on my calendar, which I did.

When I called, there was a different voice on the phone than what I was used to hearing and I was confused.  I asked if I had the right number and he told me I did, but my Grandpa was too sick to talk.  However, when my Grandpa heard it was me on the phone, he motioned to the caregiver and he passed the phone over, warning me that there were sores all over my grandpa’s mouth and it was hard to understand him.

The voice I heard on the other end was frail and muffled.  I was humbled that despite his very poor circumstances, he wanted to make time for a conversation with me.  I reflected on all the good things my father taught me, which he had learned from my grandfather.  I was lucky enough to also live in the same town as my grandparents, so I got to know them very well as a young kid and teenager.  They sacrificed a lot for all of us.

The conversation was pretty short as he needed to get some rest, but I reflected on the call.  Why did it take me so long to call?  If I were living in the same town as him, would I be too busy to stop by regularly? 

I then reflected on the scripture on pure religion.

James does NOT say that pure religion is going to church, holding a high calling or position of authority, paying tithing, and a whole list of other things that one could name in association with being “religious”.  Rather, James says a key part of pure religion is visiting those who are afflicted.

It takes extra effort to go above and beyond and schedule time to visit those who are sick and afflicted.  It takes another step to go and visit with a heart filled with pure love as Jesus would have us do.  Many times the elderly seem helpless and have certain quarks or things that are annoying.  It takes the love of Jesus to look past those things and remember that at one point in our lives, whether we were teenagers, young kids, or helpless babies that our parents and/or grandparents took time to selflessly give us love and care.

It’s easy to get caught up in many things in life, but I hope that we all can remember to schedule time to regularly visit, talk with, or serve our aging parents and/or grandparents or other elderly people we may know who are suffering before it’s too late and we have regrets.  This time, I was fortunate enough to have reached out in time, but it took me way to long to do so.  My plan is to schedule time regularly on my calendar so I make it a regular habit.

What are some suggestions and ways that you go about caring for the elderly?

Posted in Christianity, Family, Patience | 4 Comments »

Scientific Proof on why Chrisitian Women Shouldn’t Wear Bikinis

December 1, 2011 by graceforgrace

Growing up in a Mormon society and household, modesty was something that was spoken of frequently.  Since the majority of the population and culture I was in was predominately LDS, or Mormon, it was against the social norm to wear tight, or revealing clothing and when going out in the sun, bikinis were nearly unheard of.

When I went to an LDS, or Mormon college I found that although the school had a dress and honor code that reflected a similar dress standard as what I was accustomed to, there were many LDS girls who didn’t adhere to the standard when off-campus and especially at parties.  At first, I was very shocked that an LDS girl would wear a bikini to the pool, or a skimpy dress to a party, but I heard over and over again that where they grew up (in a predominately non-LDS environment) it was o.k. to dress this way.  This was what they felt comfortable in and if someone had a problem with it, so be it. I also heard girls who would dress this way act shocked that guys would be drooling all over them, or treating them disrespectfully.

I found the video below very interesting.  The presentation discusses the things that happen to a man’s brain when he sees a girl in a bikini vs. a girl fully clothed.  Take a few minutes to watch:

So what do you think?  Do you think Christian women should continue to wear revealing swimwear and that it is up to the guys to control themselves, or do you think women should cover up more and help the guys out a little?

Posted in Christianity, morality | 21 Comments »

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