I'm really not a very good Latter-day Saint, or Mormon to those of you who choose to go that way. I believe in the Church, the Book of Mormon, and having a living prophet on the Earth. I believe that families can be together forever (and yes, I chose to say it that way), and that it is possible for us to perform the rituals required for salvation (baptism, etc) on behalf of our ancestors who have passed on. I believe that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are three separate entities, who together form the Godhead, otherwise the Bible begins with a lie that God made man in his own image. I despair at the ministers of other Christian churches who call my religion a "cult," or deny that we are really Christians because we don't recite the "Apostles Creed" or "Nicene Creed," oaths of allegiance written by men, not given by God. I pay an honest tithe and make a "fast offering," I wear my garments day and night, I am honest in my dealings with others; I just can't deal with the concept of "Every member a Missionary".
Make no mistake, I like to talk to people, and enjoy the times I get to accompany the full-time Missionaries assigned to Vacaville Second Ward (our congregation, as it were). I really enjoy meeting people who are "investigating" the Church, because I can relate to all of the apprehension and doubts they may be having. I like to meet the ones who are "on the edge," but are hung up on some technicality. I love to teach, particularly when I know such a great deal about my subject, and have had personal experiences that are relevant. I am just no good at starting a "gospel discussion," because I am not confident of my scriptural knowledge. Certain passages stick out, and I can remember them, but I couldn't tell you where they were or anything.
I guess it should be easy, particularly with a Church-member on the verge of being a Presidential Candidate, so I should try to get involved with more people, and talk about the Church. We have been asked to look for "Missionary Opportunities," and to pray for them to happen. Our Stake (a collection of Wards) has been asked to dedicate our fasts on June 3 to seeking more opportunities to teach the gospel, and to kneel in prayer at 8am, as a sign of unity. It's just likely to work; I've seen it happen before. Maybe it's time for me to step out of my comfort zone.
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