The few that may know me very well realize that I’m pretty much a homebody. Our family doesn’t really have any outside compelling interests as some do, such as camping, hunting, hiking, etc. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m pretty much an introvert (and I’m fine with that).
One thing that I really appreciate about the church is that it helps me get out of my comfort zone. Home teaching and other callings give me the opportunity to get to know and to hopefully serve people that otherwise I may not have met. Sometimes I may feel overwhelmed by what is expected of me, but then I remember that I’m doing my best, and that’s all that the Lord or anyone can expect of me. The church helps “stretch” me and in the process helps me to be a more balanced person than I would be otherwise.
So I am grateful for a church that requires sacrifice and expects service and involvement from its members. Like Joseph Smith said, “a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has the power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation.”
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October 11, 2011 at 8:02 pm
nene
So true, Jim! I think the church helps develop so many skills, not just spirituality, which is a great thing in and of itself. But I’ve had so many leadership positions and opportunities to be “stretched” out of my comfort zone that really wouldn’t have happened otherwise. Great post, Jim.
I was wondering what your take is on all the hubbub going on over Mormonism and the stance of some Evangelical Christians that we are not a Christian faith. Does this ever bug you? And how do you think we bloggers should respond?
October 13, 2011 at 12:40 pm
Jim
Hey Nene!
Thanks for reading and for the comment!
About your question, it strikes me as odd that any self-proclaimed Christian, with any level of maturity or education, would in essence say “You don’t believe in my Christ so you are not Christian.” It baffles me. I consider anyone to be Christian, regardless of religious affiliation, that earnestly seeks to follow the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. There may be points that we would disagree on, but I would not tell them that they are not Christian.
Those that would refuse to accept another’s devotion to Christ do not appear very Christlike to me. Anyway, Brother Otterson’s article about this puts it much better than I could:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-faith/post/how-do-mormons-answer-not-christian-claims/2011/10/11/gIQA9ii4eL_blog.html
October 12, 2011 at 7:48 pm
Bradly Baird
Very true. And in that spirit of sacrifice, I post this link:
http://creativemormon.com/2011/10/13/light-unto-the-world/