4 years ago, Elder Russel M. Nelson gave a talk in April General Conference. One of the phrases he said stuck with me so much that I thought he said it in a much more recent conference. This is what he said: Rarely in the future will it be easy or popular to be a faithful Latter-day Saint.
I am discovering just how true this statement is. It struck home to me when I heard it then, and it has been ringing in my head recently.
In recent months and years, I have noticed several of the friends I grew up with (or my siblings grew up with), fall away from the church. Or, if they haven't fallen away, they are actively questioning and leaning away from the doctrines of the church. Don't get me wrong. I believe in seeking out answers to questions about doctrine or teachings that someone may struggle with. Questioning isn't bad or wrong. Questioning, and honestly seeking answers, can lead to discovery of truth, witnesses of the spirit, and greater faith. But I feel like, when I have seen what I have seen recently, the questions are meant to give them an "excuse" to leave the church, not seeking for greater faith or understanding. Now, that is just my perception. In reading what someone types, it is just about impossible to decipher tone and intent.
I say all this just because I feel like I have to express my thoughts somewhere. I'm saddened to see people that I care about find reasons to leave the Church and turn away from the knowledge and teachings that I hold so dear--and thought they did too. Most of these people I never, in my wildest dreams, thought would struggle with the church or oppose its teachings. And yet, here it is. Elder Nelson was right. It will not be easy or popular to be a faithful Latter-day Saint in the days ahead. And it has made me think--I am responsible for my testimony and faith. I am no longer a youth who could rely upon my parents' faith and testimony. I know that the Church is true. But seeing this doubt in people I know has made me wonder what can I do more to strengthen my faith and testimony. And beyond that, what can David and I do to create a strong, gospel centered home where our children will grow up loving the Savior and holding fast to the doctrines of the Church, and won't be tempted by the ever increasing wiles of the adversary, to turn away from it. I guess I am doing what Elder Nelson said just a few lines later: That very persecution can either crush you into silent weakness or motivate you to be more exemplary and courageous in your daily lives.
I don't write this to judge, criticize, offend or shame anyone. Just to express my feelings about what I have been seeing.
2 comments:
I've felt the same way lately. This year has been hard for my family but it has shown me that I need to be my own person (thought I was already, but now I am even more) and lean on my own testimony. Glad you're still strong, Emily! Stay in the boat and hold on!
Lots of great points!
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