Monday, April 27, 2015

Path of True Discipleship

These words are exciting, sobering and inspiring. They are the words of Christ. But how many of us marvel that -- for most, if not all, of our lives -- we have associated with an organization which claims to be the Lord's "only true church", yet we have neither been taught, nor have we learned, these things?

  • Who among us has been reminded, repeatedly, that it is better to lose one's possessions -- either by theft, lawsuit, or request -- than to contend over them? How many of us have seen this teaching put into practice by those who would be our teachers?
  • Who among us has been taught that we can, and ought, to be perfect, even as our Lord and Savior is perfect, even in this life? How many of us have seen this teaching put into practice by those who would be our teachers?
  • Who among us has been taught not to judge, not to condemn, but to forgive all men their trespasses? How many of us have seen this teaching put into practice by those who would be our teachers?
  • Who among us has been taught to lend and expect nothing in return? No interest. Not even a return of the principle! How many of us have seen this teaching put into practice by those who would be our teachers?
  • Who among us has been taught that if we are physically or personally attacked, we should not resist, but "turn the other cheek" and willingly receive more of the same, rather than revile again? How many of us have seen this teaching put into practice by those who would be our teachers?
  • How often have we been reminded in our meetings that true prophets are not held in high esteem by those of their own country, kin and household? How many of those called "true prophets" among us are held in low esteem and are evil spoken of by their own household, kin and countrymen?
  • Who among us has been taught that the rich among us "have their consolation" and thereby can hardly enter into heaven? How many of us have seen this teaching put into practice by those who would be our teachers?
  • Who among us has been taught not to judge, but to give regardless, if we are capable and have wherewith to give, to all who ask? How many of us have seen this teaching put into practice by those who would be our teachers?
  • Who among us has been taught of the essential requirement of praying for charity -- and receiving it from heaven -- of loving even as Jesus loves? How many of us have seen this teaching put into practice by those who would be our teachers?
  • Who has taught us the Golden Rule and invited us to follow it with all diligence and exactness? How many of us have seen this teaching put into practice by those who would be our teachers?
  • How could all these teachings -- the principle teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ -- go untaught and seldom be regarded or referred to in His "only true church"?

Well ought we to wail and mourn, to howl and repent! For many of us (like me) have wasted away our days and months and years contending over trivialities and inconsequential matters while the weightier matter of becoming even as He is, by following Him and doing even as He does, has been almost utterly neglected and rationalized away.

Thank you, Log, for serving us in this way.

2 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I generally don't "clear" comments (neither pre-approving nor deleting them, however you interpret that word). Everyone here (so far as I can tell) has kept things remarkably civil. (I hope it stays that way!)

    ReplyDelete