Deuteronomy 4:6 Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and
make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or
female,
17 The
likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the
likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air,
18 The
likeness of anything that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that
is in the waters beneath the earth:
Faith,
Family, Facts, and Fruits
Of the
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
The growing
prominence of the Church and the increasing inquiries from others present us
with great opportunities to build bridges, make friends, and pass on accurate
information.
Brothers and sisters, since the sesquicentennial anniversary in
1997, there has been a dramatic increase worldwide in inquiries about the
Church. This growing interest is fueled by our rapid growth, by events like the
Winter Olympics here in Salt Lake City, and by the prominence in their chosen
professions of many of our individual members.
I am sure that these questions come not only to the Church but
to you as individual members. It is not easy to explain something as vast as
the Church or as wonderful as the restored gospel to people who know little or
nothing about us. Even questions on one specific aspect can be difficult to
answer because every question seems to be connected to other questions. The
most common request we hear is a fairly simple one that goes something like
this: “Tell me a little about your Church.” The key word here is “little.” They
are not saying, “Tell me everything you know and then send others to tell me
everything else.”
We, of course, welcome people’s interest, and many will want to
be taught more about our doctrines and beliefs. This is why we have over 53,000
full-time missionaries serving at their own expense throughout the world.
But we need to remember that there is a difference between
interest and mere curiosity. Sometimes people just want to know what the Church
is. Those who are curious in this general way deserve clear and accurate
information that comes directly from those of us who are members so that they
do not have to rely on the incomplete answers, half-truths, or false statements
that may come from the media or other outside voices. The many
misunderstandings and false information about the Church are somewhat our own
fault for not clearly explaining who we are and what we believe.
The Public Affairs Committee, on which I serve, has learned that
there is a great need for clear, simple statements that present those who are
curious with the basics about the Church as it is today. Let me share with you
some of the things we have found to be helpful. You may want to prepare your
own list of talking points that will assist you in explaining what we believe
to your friends and acquaintances of other faiths. It may be helpful for you,
as it is for me, to have on one page a few facts about the Church as it is
today to give to them along with a copy of the Articles of Faith.
Here are four subjects that will help someone today to gain a
basic understanding of the Church. Under each of the four headings, there are
some simple statements I have found helpful. Try to imagine them being heard or
read by a person who knows virtually nothing about us. The four main subjects
deal with facts, faith, families, and fruits of the restored
gospel.
Facts
Some facts might include:
·
First, “Mormon” is a nickname for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Members are often referred to as “Mormons,” “Latter-day Saints,” or “LDS.” The
term “Saint” means “member.”
·
Second, the Church was restored in 1830 in upstate New York with
Joseph Smith as its first prophet
and president. Today it is headquartered in Salt Lake City, with President
Gordon B. Hinckley as the present prophet.
·
Third, there are now over 13 million members in 176 countries
and territories. About 6 million of these are in the United States, making us
the fourth largest Christian denomination in America. As one of the fastest
growing Christian faiths in the world, we complete a new chapel every working
day. Members pay a tithe, which is 10 percent of their income, making this and
other programs possible.
·
Fourth, local congregations are led by volunteer, unpaid
members. Both men and women serve in assigned leadership positions.
·
And fifth, Mormons are well represented in politics and
government. (In the United States, for example, there are 16 members in
Congress, from both political parties.) Members also serve in high and trusted
positions throughout the world in business, medicine, law, education, media, sports,
and entertainment.
Faith
Next, people need to know something of our faith as committed
Christians with strong traditional values. Along with the Articles of Faith we
need to emphasize that:
·
We believe in the eternity of the soul, that God is the Father
of our spirits, and that we can return to Him after death.
·
We believe that Jesus Christ
is our personal Savior, and we try to model our lives after Him and His
teachings. We commemorate Christ’s atoning sacrifice in our Sunday worship
services, similar to taking communion in other churches. We accept as fellow
Christians all who believe Jesus Christ to be the Son of God and the Savior of
all mankind. Many Christians do not understand that we have much common ground
with them. Joseph Smith taught that Jesus Christ is the core of our belief, and
everything else is an appendage to it (see Elders’ Journal, July 1838,
44). The name of the Church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
·
We believe the original church that Jesus established was lost
and has been restored again in our day. The priesthood, the authority given to
man to act in the name of God, with apostles and a prophet to lead us, has been
restored as have all necessary ordinances of salvation.
·
And we believe in the Book of Mormon and other books of
scripture which support and authenticate the Bible and testify of the ministry
and divinity of Christ and of God’s ongoing revelation to man. Indeed, the Book
of Mormon is “Another Testament of Jesus Christ.”
Family
The next thing it is good for people to know is how family-centered
our theology and our lifestyles are. Once again, simple statements are helpful
to someone who is uninformed but curious about the importance we place on
families.
·
Mormons place particularly strong emphasis on family as the
basic unit of the Church and of society. We have a deep commitment to marriage
(defined as a union between one man and one woman). Polygamy, a limited
practice in the early pioneer days of the Church, was discontinued in 1890,
some 117 years ago.
·
Families and individuals, whether members of our faith or not,
can attend Sunday services in our chapels. Here we worship together,
instructing one another from the scriptures.
·
Latter-day Saint families are encouraged to hold family home
evenings weekly, usually on Monday nights. This provides a regular and
predictable time for parents to teach values to their children and to have fun
together. We invite those not of our faith to adopt this practice with their
own families.
·
The Church has auxiliary programs for women, youth, and children
as a support to the family. These programs provide such things as religious
instruction, opportunities for Christian service, sports, drama, music, and
Scouting.
·
And there is also much focus on extended family, genealogy, and
personal family history, providing young and old with a stronger sense of
roots, identity, and belonging. The highest and most sacred ordinances of our
faith relate to our families, both living and dead, and some of these
ordinances take place in our temples.
Fruits
Now, even as someone begins to understand a few facts about us
and comes to know us more accurately by our faith and the importance
of family, it was the Savior who said “by their fruits ye shall know
them” (Matthew
7:20; emphasis added). A church, or any way of life, should be judged by
the fruits or the results that it generates. Here are a few examples based on
United States statistics. But these would be similar throughout the world among
practicing Mormons (by which we mean those who attend church and the temple
regularly):
·
One of the fruits is a longer life. Studies show that practicing
Mormons are healthier and therefore live longer than the national average. In
1833 the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith the Word of Wisdom, which is the way to
live in order to enjoy a long and healthy life.
·
Second, those who are married in and attend the temple regularly
have a divorce rate far below the national and world average.
·
Third, we achieve an educational level that is higher than the
national average.
·
Fourth, over 70,000 members volunteer at their own expense to
serve for 18 to 24 months in humanitarian efforts, Church service assignments,
and full-time missionary service throughout the world.
·
And fifth, we place strong emphasis on self-reliance and a solid
work ethic. We encourage active involvement in our communities and in providing
service to others. The Church continues to donate substantial money, goods, and
services to humanitarian causes around the globe, including untold hours of
labor donated by members to assist in disaster cleanup and relief.
Brothers and sisters, in today’s busy world, I have found that
most people will not read or focus on more than just a few important facts at
one time. Whatever you choose to use to inform your friends and acquaintances about
the Church, write it down, check it for accuracy, and keep it simple and short.
The growing prominence of the Church and the increasing
inquiries from others present us with great opportunities to build bridges,
make friends, and pass on accurate information. But it can also present a
greater possibility of misunderstanding and sometimes even prejudice if we
allow others to define who we are and what we believe rather than presenting it
ourselves.
Generally, there is no problem with those who are personally
acquainted with our members. But there are millions upon millions who are not
acquainted with any members of our faith. I would hope that those who know very
little about the Church would seek to learn more about us. I would hope they
would get to know our members rather than judging us by the misinformation
given by those who do not know and in some cases by those who would
deliberately mislead or defame.
You as members can help this to happen by reaching out and
sharing with others the basic information found in the Articles of Faith, along
with such things as the facts, faith, families, and fruits of the gospel.
We should also remember that sometimes the best way to answer
people’s interest can be by how we live, how we radiate the joy of the gospel
in our lives, how we treat others, and how sincerely we follow the teachings of
Christ.
For those who want to learn more than just the few basics I have
discussed, the missionaries can be called upon to teach them the doctrine from
chapter 3 in Preach
My Gospel. The missionaries know how to answer more of their questions and
lead them to conversion and baptism.
Now is the time for all of us to reach out and tell others who
we are. Prepare some simple facts such as those I have shared with you today
and help those who are curious to know a little about the Church and then to
want to know more about the Restoration of the gospel.
Brothers and sisters, never hesitate to bear your testimony with
sincerity and love. The power of personal testimony cannot be denied and often
ignites in others the interest to know more. I know this to be true and leave
you my absolute witness that I know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints is true, and I bear that testimony to you in the name of Jesus Christ,
amen.
“Who We
Worship”
cji
5/1/12
Without
guile only love
for the
Living Christ
our
Heavenly Father
who we
thus worship;
In
often fellowship
one
with another
through
Jesus Christ
prayers
ascend above!
Copyright © 2012 – cji
The
Vision of Prophets regarding Relief Society: Faith, Family, Relief
Recently
Released Relief Society General President
Faith, family,
and relief—these three simple words have come to express the vision of prophets
for sisters in the Church.
In recent years I have been impressed to speak often about
Relief Society—its purposes and qualities,1 the value
of its history,2 its work,
and its partnership with bishops and Melchizedek Priesthood quorums.3 It seems
important now to focus some attention on the vision of prophets regarding
Relief Society.4
Just as the Lord’s prophets have continually taught elders and
high priests their purposes and duties, they have shared their vision for the
sisters of the Relief Society. From their counsel, it is clear that the
purposes of Relief Society are to increase faith and personal righteousness,
strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help those in need. Faith, family,
and relief—these three simple words have come to express the vision of
prophets for sisters in the Church.
Since the beginning of the Restoration, prophets have shared
their vision of strong, faithful, purposeful women who understand their eternal
value and purpose. When the Prophet Joseph
Smith established Relief Society, he directed its first president to “preside
over this society, in taking care of the poor—administering to their wants, and
attending to the various affairs of this institution.”5 He
envisioned the organization as “a select society, separate from all the evils
of the world.”6
Brigham Young, the second President of the Church, instructed
his counselors and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to direct bishops to “let
[the sisters] organize Female Relief Societies in the various wards.” He added,
“Some may think this is a trifling thing, but it is not.”7
Later, President Joseph F. Smith said that in contrast to
worldly organizations, which “are men-made, or women-made,” the Relief Society
“is divinely made, divinely authorized, divinely instituted, divinely ordained
of God.”8 President
Joseph Fielding Smith told the sisters that they had “been given power and
authority to do a great many things.”9 He said,
“You are members of the greatest women’s organization in the world, an
organization which is a vital part of the kingdom of God on [the] earth and
which is so designed and operated that it helps its faithful members to gain
eternal life in our Father’s kingdom.”10
An
Extensive Sphere of Influence
Every year hundreds of thousands of women and young women become
part of this ever-expanding “circle of sisters.”11
Thereafter, wherever a sister lives and wherever she serves, she retains her
membership and association in Relief Society.12 Because
of Relief Society’s important purposes, the First Presidency has expressed
their desire that young women begin their preparation for Relief Society well
before they are 18 years old.13
Relief Society is not a program. It is an official part of the
Lord’s Church that is “divinely ordained of God” to teach, strengthen, and
inspire sisters in their purpose regarding faith, family, and relief. Relief
Society is a way of life for Latter-day Saint women, and its influence extends
far beyond a Sunday class or a social gathering. It follows the pattern of
female disciples who served with the Lord Jesus Christ and His Apostles in His
ancient Church.14 We have
been taught that “it is as obligatory upon a woman to draw into her life the
virtues that are fostered by the Relief Society as it is an obligation for the
men to build into their lives the patterns of character fostered by the
priesthood.”15
When the Prophet Joseph Smith organized the Relief Society, he
taught the sisters that they were to “relieve the poor” and “save souls.”16 In their
charge to “save souls,” sisters were authorized to organize and participate in
an extensive sphere of influence. The first Relief Society president was set
apart to expound the scriptures, and Relief Society still carries an essential
teaching responsibility in the Lord’s Church. When Joseph Smith told the
sisters that the organization of Relief Society would prepare them for the
“privileges, blessings and gifts of the Priesthood,”17 the
Lord’s work of salvation was opened to them. Saving souls includes sharing the
gospel and participating in missionary
work. It includes engaging in temple and family history work. It includes
doing everything possible to become spiritually and temporally self-reliant.
Elder John A. Widtsoe declared that Relief Society offers
“relief of poverty, relief of illness; relief of doubt, relief of
ignorance—relief of all that hinders the joy and progress of woman. What a
magnificent commission!”18
President Boyd K. Packer has likened Relief Society to “a
protecting wall.”19 The
responsibility to protect sisters and their families increases the significance
of the watchcare and ministering of visiting teachers, and it is a
demonstration of our willingness to remember our covenants with the Lord. As
“ministers to the needy and to the afflicted,” we work in harmony with bishops
to look after the temporal and spiritual needs of the Saints.20
President Spencer W. Kimball said: “There are many sisters who
are living in rags—spiritual rags. They are entitled to gorgeous robes,
spiritual robes. … It is your privilege to go into homes and exchange robes for
rags.”21 President
Harold B. Lee shared this vision. He said: “Cannot you see why the Lord has put
it upon the … Relief Society to visit these homes? Because, next to the Master
himself, there are none in [the] Church who have a more lovely touch, a more
complete understanding of the hearts and the lives of these individuals.”22
President Joseph F. Smith cautioned Relief Society sisters and
their leaders, saying that he did not want “to see the time when our Relief
Societies will follow, or commingle and lose their own identity by mixing up
with … woman-made organizations.” He expected the sisters “to lead the world
and … especially the women of the world, in everything that is praise-worthy,
everything that is God-like, everything that is uplifting and that is purifying
to the children of men.”23 His
counsel emphasizes the charge to eliminate traditions, themes, fads, and
trends, and incorporate practices that are consistent with Relief Society
purposes.
Leaders who seek revelation can ensure that every meeting,
lesson, class, activity, and effort of the Relief Society fulfills the purposes
for which it was organized. The sociality, friendship, and unity we desire will
be the sweet results of serving together with the Lord in His work.
Fulfilling
the Vision of Prophets
President Thomas S. Monson and his counselors recently testified
“that the Lord has restored the fulness of the gospel through the Prophet
Joseph Smith and that Relief Society is an important part of that restoration.”
As evidence of their desire that the “glorious heritage” of Relief Society be
preserved, the First Presidency recently published and distributed worldwide Daughters
in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society. Within the pages of
this book, we can find patterns and examples of sisters and brothers working in
partnership in families and the Church, and we can learn principles about who
we are, what we believe, and what we should protect. We have been encouraged by
the First Presidency to study this important book and “allow its timeless
truths and inspiring examples to influence [our] lives.”24
As sisters become more aligned with the purposes of Relief
Society, the vision of the prophets will be fulfilled. President Kimball said,
“There is a power in this organization [of Relief Society] that has not yet
been fully exercised to strengthen the homes of Zion and build the Kingdom of
God—nor will it until both the sisters and the priesthood catch the vision of
Relief Society.”25 He
prophesied that “much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the
last days will come because many of the good women of the world (in whom there
is often … an inner sense of spirituality) will be drawn to the Church in large
numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church … are seen
as distinct and different—in happy ways—from the women of the world.”26
I am grateful for the vision of prophets regarding Relief
Society. I, like President Gordon B. Hinckley, “am convinced there is no other
organization anywhere to match the Relief Society of this Church.”27 It is our
responsibility now to align ourselves with the vision of the prophets regarding
Relief Society as we seek to increase faith, strengthen families, and provide
relief.
I close with the words of President Lorenzo Snow: “The future of
the [Relief] Society is full of promise. As the Church grows, its field of
usefulness will be correspondingly enlarged, and it will be even more potent
for good than it has been in the past.”28 To
sisters who help advance the kingdom of God, he said, “As you have shared in
these labors, so you will most certainly share in the triumph of the work and
in the exaltation and glory which the Lord will give to His faithful children.”29 Of this
vision I also bear testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
“Visions-Revelations”
cji
5/1/12
Ongoing
within faith
preparing
to be worthy
accepting
all that’s true
yesterday,
today, tomorrow
our
strength we borrow
more
knowledge to view
only
when one’s worthy
molded
in the Lord’s lathe!
Copyright © 2012 – cji
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