- If members "even living in poverty and misery ... will accept the gospel and live it, pay their tithes and offerings, even though those be meager, ... they will have rice in their bowls and clothing on their backs and shelter over their heads. I do not see another solution."
- We learn about tithing by paying it.
- Members of the Church who do not tithe do not lose their membership; they only lose blessings.
- Many of us have had the windows of heaven open up for us, so we do not look upon tithing as a sacrifice but rather a blessing and even a privilege.
- Those who attend the temples can find protection against Satan and his desire to destroy them and their families.
- "Those who do not make the sacrifice cannot enjoy this faith, because men are dependent upon this sacrifice in order to obtain this faith."
- Those who keep their covenants and pay their tithes and offerings will have some extra defense against these virulent modern-day forms of evil. But this protection will not come with a sacrifice which costs us nothing.
- For a variety of reasons, brothers and sisters, today's society seems to struggle in order to be hopeful. The associated causes and effects co-mingle ever so subtly.
- Life's disappointments often represent the debris of our failed, proximate hopes.
- Real hope, therefore, is not associated with things mercurial, but rather with things immortal and eternal!
- Unsurprisingly, hope is intertwined with other gospel doctrines, especially faith and patience.
- Just as doubt, despair, and desensitization go together, so do faith, hope, charity, and patience. The latter qualities must be carefully and constantly nurtured, however, whereas doubt and despair, like dandelions, need little encouragement in order to sprout and spread. Alas, despair comes so naturally to the natural man!
- Patience, for example, permits us to deal more evenly with the unevenness of life's experiences.
- Because proximate hopes are so vulnerable to irony and the unexpected, there is an increasing and profound sense of existential despair in the world. A grumpy cynicism now pervades politics. Many feel burdened by society's other accumulating anxieties.
- Even those who are spiritually secure themselves can sense the chill in the air.
- No wonder the subsequent loss of hope almost inevitably sends selfishness surging as many, resignedly, turn to pleasing themselves.
- Individuals and nations will continue to choose what they want, but they cannot alter the ultimate consequences of what they want.
- Let us not be surprised that the tares are looking more like tares all the time.
- Real hope is much more than wishful musing. It stiffens, not slackens, the spiritual spine. Hope is serene, not giddy, eager without being naive, and pleasantly steady without being smug. Hope is realistic anticipation which takes the form of a determination--not only to survive adversity but, moreover, to "endure ... well" to the end.
- Real hope inspires quiet Christian service, not flashy public fanaticism.
- Hope can be contagious, especially if we are to be "ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh ... a reason of the hope that is in [us]."
- If we do not impart knowledge to others and do good, we "will become contracted in [our] views and feelings."
- "The sacred and important work that goes on in temples must be accelerated, and for this to happen, it is necessary that temples be taken closer to the people rather than having the people travel so far to temples.
- "Every foundation stone that is laid for a temple, and every temple completed ... lessens the power of Satan on the earth, and increases the power of God and Godliness."
- "May this holy temple be to them as one of the gates of heaven, opening into the straight and narrow path that leads to endless lives and eternal dominion."
- Of all God's remarkable creations, only we, His children, are created in His image and likeness. Only we, His children, have the capacity to develop our own spiritual convictions. And only we, His children, can give voice and expression to our witness of Him.
- If we are sensitive to the whisperings of the Spirit, we can find opportunities to humbly express our beliefs.
- It is not our words that carry the power but rather the Spirit of God that accompanies our words and confirms them in the hearts of the listeners.
- "A testimony is to be found in the bearing of it!"
- Experiencing the unfailing love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is the foundation of testimony.
- Life is beautiful when you make the effort to find beauty in it.
- You can become depressed if all of your interests are focused on the media with its explicit details of the most worrisome world events. With care you can find much to reverently appreciate in this world Father in Heaven has given you. Begin by remembering that you are a son or daughter of God with divine potential. He will help you have a joyful, fulfilling life.
- The guiding principle in the pattern of decisions based upon circumstance is to make choices according to the outcome desired rather than upon what is right or wrong. There is no use of an underlying set of standard to consistently guide those decisions. Each choice is made upon what appears to give the most desired result now. One who follows this path is left to his own strength and capacity and the support of others who can be influenced to act in his favor. Satan encourages choices to be made in this manner. It gives him the greatest opportunity to tempt an individual to make decisions that will be harmful even though they appear most appealing when made.
- In time, one who makes decisions based upon circumstance is virtually assured to commit serious transgressions. There is no iron rod to truth to keep that person in the right way. He will continually be faced with many subtle temptations to make deviations from the commandments. Those choices are justified by arguing that they are not that bad, that they are more socially acceptable and provide a broader base of friends. A clever individual without foundation principles can at times acquire, temporarily, impressive accomplishments. Yet that attainment is like a sand castle. When the test of character comes, it crumbles, often taking others with it.
- The second pattern, making decisions based upon eternal truth, is the pattern of the Lord. It will always lead you to make decisions guided by His plan of happiness. Such decisions are centered in doing what is right, not in first deciding the result desired. Choosing to do what the Lord has defined as right will, in the long run, always lead to the best outcomes. However, that pattern may require you to set aside something you very much desire now for a greater future good.
- Discipline is the characteristic which will give you the strength to avoid giving up what you want most in life for something you think you want now. It is a friend, not a harsh taskmaster that makes life miserable.
- Forming your own family is at the very heart of the reason you are here on earth. Make sure that as you are seeking an eternal companion that you do nothing which will offend the Spirit.
- Now to each of you: at times you may feel lonely and misunderstood--I have--because you don't fit in with the crowd. Be grateful that your righteous life molds you so that you don't fit where you don't belong. This is a temporary period of personal testing and growth. IT will be replaced in time with true friends and greater happiness.
- The world needs light. Be that light. Your righteousness gives others a confirmation of the goodness of life anchored in eternal truth.
- Question 1: What is the Mormon doctrine of Deity, of God?
- Since the time of the First Vision people have raised this question, and they continue to raise it and will do so for so long as they believe in the God of their tradition, while we bear testimony of the God of modern revelation.
- "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost." This first article of faith epitomizes our doctrine. We do not accept the Athanasian Creed. We do not accept the Nicene Creed, nor any other creed based on tradition and the conclusions of men.
- Our entire case as members of The Church of Jesus of Christ of Latter-day Saints rests on the validity of this glorious First Vision. It was the parting of the curtain to open this, the dispensation of the fullness of times. Nothing on which we base our doctrine, nothing we teach, nothing we live by is of greater importance than this initial declaration. I submit that if Joseph Smith talked with God the Father and His Beloved Son, then all else of which he spoke is true. This is the hinge on which turns the gate that leads to the path of salvation and eternal life.
- Question 2: What is your Church's attitude toward homosexuality?
- In the first place, we believe that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God. We believe that marriage may be eternal through exercises of the power of the everlasting priesthood in the house of the Lord.
- People inquire about our position on those who consider themselves so-called gays and lesbians. My response is that we love them as sons and daughters of God. They may have certain inclinations which are powerful and which may be difficult to control. Most people have inclinations of one kind or another at various times. If they do not act upon these inclinations, then they can go forward as do all other members of the Church. If they violate the law of chastity and the moral standards of the Church, then they are subject to the discipline of the Church, just as others are.
- We want to help these people, to strengthen them, to assist them with their problems and to help them with their difficulties. But we cannot stand idle if they indulge in immoral activity, if they try to uphold and defend and live in a so-called same-sex marriage situation. To permit such would be to make light of the very serious and sacred foundation of God-sanctioned marriage and its very purpose, the rearing of families.
- Question 3: What is your position on abortion?
- How wonderful a thing is a child. How beautiful is a newborn babe. There is no greater miracle than the creation of human life.
- Abortion is an ugly thing, a debasing thing, a thing which inevitably brings remorse and sorrow and regret.
- While we denounce it, we make allowance in such circumstances as when pregnancy is the result of incest or rape, when the life or health of the mother is judged by competent medical authority to be in serious jeopardy, or when the fetus is known by competent medical authority to have serious defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth.
- But such instances are rare, and there is only a negligible probability of their occurring. In these circumstances those who face the question are asked to consult with their local ecclesiastical leaders and to pray in great earnestness, receiving a confirmation through prayer before proceeding.
- There is a far better way.
- If there is no prospect of marriage to the man involved, leaving the mother alone, there remains the very welcome option of placing the child for adoption by parents who will love it and care for it. There are many such couples in good homes who long for a child and cannot have one.
- Question 4: What is the Church's position on polygamy?
- I wish to state categorically that this Church has nothing whatever to do with those practicing polygamy. They are not members of this Church. Most of them have never been members. They are in violation of the civil law. They are subject to its penalties. The Church, of course, has no jurisdiction whatever in this matter.
- In any of our members are found to be practicing plural marriage, they are excommunicated, the most serious penalty the Church can impose. Not only are those so involved in direct violation of the civil law, they are in violation of the law of this Church. An article of our faith is binding upon us. It states, "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law." One cannot obey the law and disobey the law at the same time.
- There is no such thing as a "Mormon Fundamentalist." It is a contradiction to use the two words together.
- More than a century ago God clearly revealed unto His prophet Wilford Woodruff that the practice of plural marriage should be discontinued, which means that it is now against the law of God. Even in countries where civil or religious law allows polygamy, the Church teaches that marriage must be monogamous and does not accept into its membership those practicing plural marriage.
- Question 5: To what do you attribute the growth of the Church?
- We are growing. We are growing in a wonderful way. Between natural growth and converts baptized, we are adding about 400,000 per year. On a base of 10 million, that is about 4 percent, which is exceptionally good for a church.
- People are looking for a solid anchor in a world of shifting values. They want something they can hold to as the world about them increasingly appears to be in disarray.
- They are welcomed as new converts and are made to feel at home. They feel the warmth of the fellowship of the Saints.
- They are put to work. They are given responsibility. They are made to feel a part of the great onward movement of this, the work of God.
- And, of course, we have missionaries to assist them in their search for truth.
- They soon discover that much is expected of them as Latter-day Saints. They do not resent it. They measure up and they like it. They expect their religion to be demanding, to require reformation in their lives. They meet the requirements. They bear testimony of the great good that has come to them. They are enthusiastic and faithful.
- Question 6: What about spouse and child abuse?
- We condemn most strongly abusive behavior in any form. We denounce the physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse of one's spouse or children. Our proclamation on the family declares: "Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. ... Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs. ... Husband and wives--mothers and fathers--will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations."
- We are doing all we know how to do to stamp out this terrible evil. When there is recognition of equality between the husband and the wife, when there is acknowledgement that each child born into the world is a child of God, then there will follow a greater sense of responsibility to nurture, to help, to love with an enduring love those for whom we are responsible.
- No man who abuses his wife or children is worthy to hold the priesthood of God. No man who abuses his wife or children is worthy to be a member in good standing in this Church. The abuse of one's spouse and children is a most serious offense before God, and any who indulge in it may expect to be disciplined by the Church.
- Question 7: How does the Church finance its operations?
- It costs a great deal to operate this Church. Its worldwide operations are financed through the consecrated tithes of faithful members.
- I thank the Lord from the bottom of my heart for the faith of those who pay their honest tithes. Are they the poorer for it? We testify that somehow under the divine providence of the Lord, He makes it up to us and does so generously. It is not a tax. It is a voluntary offering given in confidentiality. It is a principle that carries with it a remarkable promise. God has stated that He will "open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." That is His promise. He has the capacity to fulfill that promise.
- More than a century ago God clearly revealed unto His prophet
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!
-Sarnic Dirchi
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