I remember a very spiritual man whom I greatly admired declaring “Why, when I know what I know, do I do the things that I do?” It floored me because I thought I was the only one who felt compartmentalized in his church membership — born again of the spirit on the one hand, and still watching Satan play me like a fiddle on occasion.
When it talks about the Nephites preaching nothing but faith and repentance and the confessing of sins, it’s for reasons like these that you describe. We all need to realize that others are going through the same drama that we are and that this is the essence of Christian struggle, or at least that of the true Christian. We all need to know we’re not alone. I think you’ve hit the perfect tone here — the actual sins are none of our business, but the openness with the struggle benefits all of us.
Comment #55 by Lorin - Auld Lang Sin (By Common Consent)
3 comments:
What a great post! I wish more of us could be honest in Church settings about the challenges we face with reconciling our beliefs and our behavior. So many appear to live perfectly when, in reality, all of us are struggling to do good and be good.
As my husband and I have served 170Saints in a retirement home, we notice that for many, it doesn't get a lot easier as they grow older. Young and old alike face temptations and adversities.
I thank God for my faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ and for His mercy, compassion, and long-suffering with me.
thanks for this - beautifully said. I agree with that last part: the sins don't matter, but openness with the struggle helps us all.
This actually is very helpful to me. I think I can better communicate with others now that you have broken it down into the struggle with sins vs. the act of the sin. THANKS!
Post a Comment