Don't Grudge

No—the title of this post is not a mistype. The concepts of judging and hypocrisy are topics I've been considering and thinking about a lot lately. It has resulted in a phrase Austin coined, and that I've adopted: "Don't Grudge."

In one of my previous posts, "We're All Hypocrites", I commented on how people tend to judge those closest to them. The reason judging is so toxic for relationships is because it quickly leads to holding a grudge. We frequently associate "a grudge" with the act someone else commits against us, where we become offended and then hold onto those feelings of hurt and resentment, thus "holding a grudge." I personally believe that a far more common example of acquiring said "grudge" is through passing judgment. It happens in just 3 simple steps:

Step 1: Judgment. We look at someone who is: doing something we'd never do; or that we don't approve of; or that we're ironically struggling with in our own life; or that we think they shouldn't be doing; and so on. We make an observation and then pass judgment. On someone else's life. Because somewhere in our brain we think we get to. It's all about us, right?

Step 2: Rationalization. Consciously or subconsciously, we naturally feel bad about passing that judgment. So we spend even more time rationalizing to ourselves, why we get to judge them and why our judgment is correct. We may not always do it in so many words, but consciously or subconsciously we analyze the scenario until we're sure of our rightness. That way, we can feel good about judging.

Step 3: "Grudgment". This rationalizing consumes our perspective of that person until we haven't just judged them, we've formed a grudge against them. Not only do we have negative feelings from judging them, but that negativity has transferred to the actual person! We can't see them as they really are, only as we perceive them to be through our own lens of judgment.

Who does it hurt? Everyone! The grudge instantaneously taints our relationship with that person, influencing the way we talk to them and act around them. Whether or not they know why we've become distant, or abrupt, or whatever, they will feel it. On top of that, we're carrying around these negative feelings like rocks in a backpack and it's weighing us down.

What we should each realize first, is that what works for me, in my life, is not a "one fits all" formula. Secondly, the majority of people do not make their life decisions with the question in mind: How can I really tick other people off today? No. In fact they are only asking themselves: What do I want to do in my life, for me? This isn't selfishness. It's individual agency.

We are born with a God-given right to act of our own free will, to choose any course we want. We have not been given the right to butt into other people's lives and tell them how to live. We can love, support, and understand others, even if we don't condone their actions or want to participate in their activities. Just as we want to be allowed to make our own triumphs or mistakes without public commentary, so should we respect any other person's rights to do so as well.

In the end, can we choose to judge and grudge? Absolutely! But why would we want to? Don't judge, don't grudge! Try harder to view people through a lens of pure love, unclouded by personal judgments, and see what a difference it can make in your own life and the lives of others.

Mormons believe in—Doing Good to All Men

This is it, the last article of faith! After 12 articles of faith, hours of writing, and almost 2 months of continuous blog posts, we have arrived! Why did I spend all that time and study? Frankly, because I know and understand how my beliefs are not always a welcome topic. The supposed strangeness of these beliefs sometimes makes people feel awkward or uncertain because they do not understand them, and definitely don't agree with them.

My intention is not to make anyone uncomfortable. In fact it's just the opposite: to share information, through asking questions and exploring the answers, in the hope that the unknown surrounding my church will be dispelled and greater understanding can be attained.

We do not have to agree. We do not have to believe the same things. But we can't let our differences be used to separate and divide us. We are reminded of this when the Lord said, " I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine" (D&C 38:27).

If we cannot agree on doctrine, we can at least agree on our individual desires to become better people, bit by bit, here a little and there a little. We seek after anything virtuous, lovely, of good report, or praiseworthy.

"Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." 

Philippians 4:8

I would encourage everyone, to distinguish between describing an individual, and describing a Mormon (this should of course be applied to any other labeling that exists). Mormonism is a nickname for our religious affiliation: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There is the doctrine of our faith, and within that there are the goals we each, at varying degrees, are seeking to reach. The point of our beliefs, our faith, our actions, and our true desires, is in doing good to all men. Not just other Mormons, not just our friends and family, but to all men, everywhere, of any nationality, faith, or circumstance. It is because of our firm beliefs and desires to live our faith, that has caused many to hold Mormons to a higher standard of righteousness and at times criticize us when we inevitably fall short. We welcome that standard and strive every day to reach it, but the reality is that we make mistakes just like everyone else. I think each of us wishes we could all be "perfect" at our religion, so that we could be the perfect examples of our beliefs. But there is only one man to have walked this earth who can claim that right: Jesus Christ, the Son of God. To Him can all people look for an example and eternal salvation. 

I repeat these words, as if they were my own: "Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea we will praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord? yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his mercy, and of his long suffering towards the children of men? Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel" (Alma 26:16).

Mormons believe in—Patriotism

In {Article of Faith #11} we reviewed the importance of all men, everywhere, being free to worship according to the dictates of their own conscious. It is not up to anyone, not even the government, to tell someone how or where or when or who they can worship. That said, we recognize and understand how incredibly important it is to have a government and to be good citizens in whatever country we live.

A very important moment in history illustrates how the Mormon saints were true patriots to their country. After years of persecution and false accusations, upheld by state governors and ignored by the United States government, the saints decided to make the trek west to find refuge in the unknown wilderness, which continued from the mid to late 1840s. Regardless of countless requests for their protection in accordance with the Constitution's protection of religious freedom, they were forced to escape or stay and risk extermination (there were multiple orders for such an atrocity).

And yet, in July 1846 when United States President James K. Polk asked for 500-1,000 Mormon volunteers to march to California to aid in the Mexican-American War, Mormon recruits came willingly and quickly. It did not matter that their government had not been loyal to them; they were loyal to their country. The only religious military unity in American history, this battalion completed the 2,000 mile trek from Council Bluffs, Iowa to San Diego, California, making the journey both the longest religious march and infantry march in U.S. history.

Now that is true patriotism and heroism. It is showing loyalty and dedication to one's country, despite the government's actions, or lack thereof. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there is no ill-will towards the government or anyone else who deprived the early saints of their religious freedoms and civil rights. We are not a perfect people, and this is not a perfect country or government. People are not always going to agree with one another on political agendas, personal beliefs, or the actions of political leaders, but that does not make government inherently faulty. It is left to the people themselves to choose how to act, how to use power, and thus how to uphold the government.

"Let no man break the laws of the land, for he that keepeth the laws of God hath no need to break the laws of the land" (D&C 58:21). Government is a tool for enacting and keeping order. Order is an eternal principle. God is a God of order: His Kingdom has order and his Gospel has order.

"We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society. We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life. We believe that all governments necessarily require civil officers and magistrates to enforce the laws of the same; and that such as will administer the law in equity and justice should be sought for and upheld by the voice of the people if a republic, or the will of the sovereign" (D&C 134:1-3).

It is our responsibility then, to use our individual voices to uphold equity and justice within whatever country we live. In a republic like the United States, we can do so by voting for civil officers who we feel best represent our interests and the overall welfare of this country. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this is not just my personal beliefs or a patriotic gesture: this is my moral and religious responsibility, and one that I'm grateful for.

Coming Soon (the last one!): {Article of Faith #13} What words would you use to describe Mormons?

Mormons believe in—Freedom of Religion

Consider the history of the Jewish nation: held captive multiple times by different nations, persecuted for their faith and beliefs, and scorned for generations. Now there is a people who truly understand what it means to seek after religious freedom. {Article of Faith #10} refers to the prophecy, when they will be safely gathered back together. Referencing the Jews, Christ uses the analogy of a hen gathering in her chicks to explain His longings towards them. Envisioning a mother hen with her chicks evokes feelings of safety, love, peace, comfort, welcome, and family. Shouldn't everyone, regardless of their religion or beliefs, feel as safe as those chicks when worshiping how, where, or what they may?

"We believe that religion is instituted of God; and that men are amenable to him, and to him only, for the exercise of it, unless their religious opinions prompt them to infringe upon the rights and liberties of others; but we do not believe that human law has a right to interfere in prescribing rules of worship to bind the consciences of men, nor dictate forms for public or private devotion; that the civil magistrate should restrain crime, but never control conscience; should punish guilt, but never suppress the freedom of the soul" (Doctrine and Covenants 134:4).

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints always has been and always will be a defender of religious freedom for all men, where ever they are, and whatever their religion or beliefs may be. We should all be able to worship in the ways we each choose to do so, without judgment of others and without fear of government.

The very history of our church is rife with religious persecution that eventually forced the early saints to leave their homes. Fearing for their very lives, they risked the western wilderness, searching for a sanctuary of peace in which to worship the Almighty God. Thankfully, this time of physical conflict passed long ago. Nowadays, most people are tolerant and even appreciative of Mormons. Sadly, there are some who still revile and demean Mormons, whether through words or actions. I heard a story this weekend about a sister missionary: A stranger came up to her,swung his arm to punch her (she ducked), spit his food in her face and when she walked away without responding in any way to his aggression, threw his mashed potatoes at the back of her head. First, let's applaud this sister missionary for not retaliating, because my normal human impulse would be to punch anyone who swung a fist at me. Second, I feel sad for someone who feels such hate and spite against a young person he doesn't even know, but who he recognized as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

It is, sadly, one example of the many acts of hatred and distrust against another person because of their beliefs or religion. Such a demonstration of dislike is not unique to members of this church, nor are all Mormons as Christlike as they should be when engaging with a person of different faith. The universality of such callousness does not make it right. It is wrong. We should, and can, love all our neighbors, meaning everyone we come in contact with, whether at home, or church, or school, or work, or the grocery store (Matthew 22:36-40, 3 Nephi 12:43-45).

Why should a person's beliefs and/or religion be so carefully defended? Because what we believe is an integral part of each of us. Belief dictates our actions and our perspectives. My entire reason for writing this blog is to inform others about my personal beliefs, so they can get to know me and understand me better. My belief system reveals the paradigm in which I live. It is the glass through which I view life and thus influences my decisions, directing my life down certain paths. The moment we restrict or limit anyone's ability to believe and/or worship, is the moment we take away part of who they are. We do not have to agree with or even condone another's choice of beliefs, but we can always respect who they are and love them regardless.

Coming Soon: {Article of Faith #12} How is "government" part of our beliefs?

Mormons believe in—the Gathering of Israel

Who are the people that God sent prophets to throughout the Bible? Who received and recorded the revelations? {Article of Faith #9}. Quite simply: They were the Israelites, more commonly known as the Jews.

The House of Israel (Jews) are an important nation who God led and blessed through Old Testament times. Yet so many Christians know so little about them. Let's start with a baseline of background information about their history and how they were scattered:

• Abraham's son, Jacob, was given the name of Israel by God (Genesis 32:38). Israel can refer to Jacob himself, his descendants or to the kingdom of Israel in the Old Testament.
• Jacob, or Israel, had twelve sons. Their descendants became known as the twelve tribes of Israel. 
• Moses led the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage (Exodus 3-14). Judges governed their nation for the first few hundred years; then came the reign of kings.
• When King Solomon died, ten tribes revolted to form a separate nation. They became the northern kingdom of Israel (the remaining two tribes are known as Judah) and were carried away captive into Assyria in 721 B.C. They have become lost to all known records.
• The last two tribes, who became known as Judah, were taken into captivity by Babylon just a short time later. They were eventually allowed to return to their homeland.

God made a covenant with Abraham. What's a covenant? It's a two way promise between God and us. God sets the conditions and then promises to bless us if we obey. Abraham promised that he and his household would forever serve God and keep His commandments. In return, God promised Abraham would "be a father of many nations" and that his descendants would be blessed with the Gospel (Gen. 17:1-22). That is why the House of Israel is also called: God's covenant people.

Remember Jesus Christ's lineage? He was a Jew. As prophesied, He was born into the House of David. The New Testament is a record of Jesus Christ teaching his fellowmen, the Jews. When Christ and the apostles taught and baptized Gentiles as well, many of the Jews were confused and offended by such a drastic change from their traditions. In response to these concerns, Paul (a Jew and a Pharisee) answered, "What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved Jews and gentiles, that they are all under sin . . . Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing it is one God" (Romans 3:9, 29-30).

Before Christ came, an Israelite was someone born into that lineage. The change that occurred, that many of the Jews did not fully comprehend, was Christ's Atonement. Part of His purpose was to fulfill the law of Moses and establish a new covenant. Jesus is the "mediator of the new covenant" part of which allows for the adoption of other nations (the gentiles) into the House of Israel (Hebrews 12:24, 8, 9). How is that possible? The House of Israel is also called God's covenant people. It is not just a declaration of lineage or nation, but of a person's belief in God.

Israel is more than just a man, a nation, or a location; it has a deeper meaning: a true believer in Christ (Ephesians 2:12). When we make and keep God's covenants, we become God's covenant people. Part of the gathering of Israel is inviting all men to come unto Christ and follow His example by becoming a covenant keeping people. 

The other part of the gathering is literally bringing the lost ten tribes of Israel back to a knowledge of who they are and back to their God. The ten tribes may be lost to mankind, but they are not lost to God. He loves and remembers His covenant people, and will uphold His promises to them. Even as they were scattered in fulfillment of prophecy, they will again be gathered as prophecied (Deuteronomy 4:27-31). "I shall gather in, from their long dispersion, my people, O house of Israel, and shall establish again among them my Zion" (3 Nephi 21:1). 

We believe this is a key component of Christ's Second Coming. While Jews do not believe it will be the Messiah's second coming, one of their own 13 Articles of Faith mirrors our belief that the Messiah will come and reign in power and glory, claiming the earth as His kingdom. We embrace our commonalities with the Jewish faith and look forward to the day when all will be united in truth and love under our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Luke 13:34 "How often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!"

Continue reading: {Article of Faith #11} Should all men be free to worship and believe as they wish?

Mormons believe in—Continuing Revelation

You may not have noticed, but I'm a bit of a thinker (wink, wink). Sometimes I like to just sit and try to imagine eternity. It only takes a few seconds before my brain starts to hurt because eternity is simply not a concept my feeble, mortal mind can fathom. It's moments like those that I feel the absence of the knowledge and truth that exists all around us. Just think of how much less we'd know without the Bible and the prophets of God to teach the Gospel and guide His children?! I'm so glad to have the records of those prophets and God's revealed word in the scriptures {Article of Faith #8}.

Personally, I don't think I know much more than any of the people who lived in the Bible. Sure, as far as technology is concerned, we're more advanced. But when it comes to God and religion, we're the same. I read their stories and I see the similarities: they had families, jobs, trials, daily ups and downs. I also read the influence the prophets had on those people and the way they were blessed and protected. The prophet was there to bridge the gap between man and God, and pass on God's revelations to help people see through that "dark glass" of life a little more clearly.

Why is revelation so wonderful and helpful? As Paul has said:

"For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known" 

(1 Corinthians 13:9-12).

Mankind, as advanced and knowledgeable as we have become, has not evolved to a point where we no longer need God's guidance. That is why He calls prophets, and why He reveals His will and knowledge to His children, bit by bit, as we show our faith in Him. That's why I believe God has revealed knowledge before, that He reveals knowledge now through a prophet, and that He will continue to reveal further knowledge of His Kingdom.

This may sound too incredible to believe, and yet I do. I find it no more incredible that He would call a prophet to communicate God's will, through revelation, now, than it was for the people throughout the Bible and the Book of Mormon. God is still God, and we are still mortal and human and full of fallacies. While God does not change, we humans change at a rapid pace. We need His continuing guidance, through revelation, to help us navigate an ever changing world.

Moses—receiving revelation from God.

Joseph Smith, in an address to the House of Representatives, stated:

“That the most prominent difference in sentiment between the Latter-day Saints and sectarians was, that the latter were all circumscribed to some peculiar creed, which deprived its members the privilege of believing anything not contained therein, whereas the Latter-day Saints have no creed, but are ready to believe all true principles that exist, as they are made manifest from time to time" (History of the Church, 5:215).

It is my belief and knowledge, through study and experience, that God who knows all, reveals His will in His time and in His way. His words and revealed will are just as relevant today as they were 2,000+ years ago. He does not reveal it all at once; otherwise our poor feeble minds would probably collapse under the weight. But he gives "unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that say, we have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have" (2 Nephi 28:30).

Continue reading: {Article of Faith #10} Who are God's Covenant People?