Living What We Believe

Sister Hudson led us in a  discussion on living what we believe (Chapter 1).  She started the lesson by talking about her neighbors, who are great people, always willing to help even though they are not members of the church.  There are great people throughout the world and it begs the question, how do we, as members, set ourselves apart?  Several answers were shared around the room.  

How we dress.  

Keeping the sabbath can always lead to a great discussion on the importance of having a day set aside as a family day.  

The word of wisdom.

Integrity

Being kind to everyone.  As we discussed last week, George Albert Smith had a reputation for his kindness.  

We can always help others, through our example, draw closer to Christ, whether members of our church or not.

Our attitude about being a mother and a wife can go a long way.  Instead of grumbling about our sometimes mundane tasks or our husbands, we can set the example to neighbors and friends that these are sacred callings.  

We should also work on portraying the people and family we want to be by setting the example with in our own homes.  Let our children see the kind of father, mother, spouse or home you want them to be or have.

Giving service and helping within our communities and schools.  

One sister recalled a bishop that had given the youth a challenge to say one thing they really liked about our church to a friend or friends at school.  We can do the same thing.  Another sister pointed out that it had occurred to her that when friends asked what she did on the weekends she always skipped over Sunday.  We can make a point to always mention that we went to church along with the other activities we were involved in.  

One sister brought up that we spend a lot of time in the church talking about families and how wonderful they are.  However, families are not perfect all the time.  It raised a good discussion on how to address the situation of a dysfunctional family or a family or family member that is struggling.  One sister pointed out that one of her favorite concepts of the gospel is the idea of eternal progression.  Our life here on earth is but a second in the Lord's time.  We can only do our best to make peace while we are here. Families are eternal.  Another sister brought up an article that she had read on the same topic.  Why does the church always teach the ideal if it is not reality?  For exactly that reason, we teach the ideal because it is the ideal.  Sometimes the past isn't what we want it to be.  Today is what is important.  Learn from the past and remember that it's line upon line and precept upon precept.  

The manual states, "in the midst of the unsettled condition, the uncertainty that is the world, if there ever was a time when we should examine ourselves, to find out if we are doing what the Lord would have us do, it is today; if there ever was a time when we should be sure that we are in the pathway of eternal life, it is now."

Sister Hudson ended the lesson with her testimony.  It is a big responsibility to the examples of what we believe.  But, if we look for those opportunities and our positive about our responsibilities, people will see the difference.