Someone once asked me why Mormons said that [I know the church is true] all the time, as if -- in a condescending way -- we're trying to trick ourselves into believing in something through repetition. I think people underestimate my ability to think for myself.
I believe in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sounds like a mouthful, but at least it's a good mouth full. Jesus Christ leads His church here on the earth today through scripture and modern revelation given through a prophet, currently: Thomas S. Monson. I'm strengthened by the knowledge that I have a Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ, my brother, came to this earth to live the perfect life that we can only strive to mere emulate. And I don't mean he had a perfect life, but He himself was perfect in that life.
We could easily become overwhelmed and far too discouraged in our own faults and weaknesses, thinking, well, I wish I could be perfect. Sometimes we choose to assume "being human" is an excuse for perfection, but that is a cop out. Christ never wanted to raise himself higher, in fact, he assumed the lowest position and suffered for every sin, weakness, and temptation. His motive wasn't aimed above anyone; He was out to give us all the chance to make it to the top. You have no reason to be discouraged. His sacrifice is our ability to be forgiven. He suffered so we didn't have to. No one is as selfless. Maybe a parent can understand the lengths they would go to for their children, but what about complete strangers, or even...enemies. Would you suffer for them?
Again, Christ didn't have the perfect life. Christ lived the perfect life. I know he lived and walked, talked, loved, and laughed. He is not just a concept and an end to an answer. We understood this before we came to earth. You just forgot; we all did.
That was the plan. He came to earth to redeem a fallen people. To give light into a darkened path. I don't think His plan was to drink and be merry. If you believe in Christ, do you think you would be his drinking buddy? I don't think his plan was to take the shortcut and cheat the system. But the plan was happiness. The plan was full of love, joy and hope. It involves eternal families and education. It involves personal growth and integrity. It involves selfless service and faith.
It's really easy to get stuck in a bad habit and even justify a stagnant way of living. It's easy to keep going down hill instead of climbing back up. Once you stop exercising, it's super hard to pick it back up again. But you also know that the best things in life are worth the climb and worth your time.
It's better not to give up. It's better to realize the Lord will give you that extra push if you remember to ask. It's better to remember you're not the only one suffering or that you're not the only one who is weak. Life is about strengthening muscles and making yourself better one day at a time. No one asked you to be perfect over night. He only asks us to try to change, and He will change you.
I believe people have been forgetting they will not reach the top on their own accord. I believe people can be too prideful to admit that they could use help. I believe people ignore the greatest gift we've been given. Our Savior. He never forgets us.
Faith isn't a substitute for uncertainty. Faith, in fact, is confidence. I don't claim to know everything about being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But that doesn't mean I don't know it's true.
You have to realize what you are living for and why you are living for it. You have to believe we are here for a reason that is beyond mere existence. You have to discover what is truth and where that power comes from. No one can tell you to believe in God and to be baptized on His name. You have to make that sacrifice. You have to be willing to listen to the Spirit that only testifies of truth.
We have to remove our hard heads and lazy feet.
We weren't left here alone. We weren't left here with 50 true religions. There is one true voice uncorrupted and unmodified. "Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold and one Shepard" John 10:16. Jesus Christ was born in Jerusalem and served His people, but there is another record. One of the Lamanites and Nephites of the Americas. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. He lives.
Don't settle for ignorance and believe that which you are unwilling to understand yourself.
There is only one God, and one day, we will all know the truth. Who's on the Lord's side Who?
I just felt like you should know. If you want to know more...
www.mormon.org
www.lds.org
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