No Coincidences

Tag: forgiveness

Letter to a Lost Testimony

Someone close to me once said, “I hope you never lose your testimony. I’ve lost almost everything in life. I’ve lost a wife, jobs, money, houses, cars, friends; but none of it, none of it, compares to losing my testimony. I wouldn’t wish it upon my worst enemy.”

This person, I’m very close with, I love him very much. This person has completely “fallen away” from the Church, as we say.

He is a great person.

I could have been him.

I could have gotten confused by doctrine, church history, and the plethora of other things to get confused by. I could have lost sight of the most important thing – Jesus Christ. It could happen to any of us.

I’ve long thought and pondered to myself ‘how can I help him return?’ Maybe I’m starting to learn I can maybe help him return, but I won’t be able to make him return. I’ve thought about lectures on DNA, elephants, steel, and horses. I’m prepared to discuss it all. But in the end that doesn’t matter. It really doesn’t. The Book of Mormon will have its day. Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus is the Christ.

Getting into the discussions that led him away from the church – DNA, horses, elephants – that’s not going to help him return. Only the spirit, which I know he once felt, can help him return.

So, here is my letter to you. This is to a particular person in my life, but I think it can apply to so many people, to so many lives.

Thank you. Thank you for that quote you told me once above. I think about it often. Thank you for your kind heart, thank you for being an example to me. Thank you for reminding me that Christ’s Church is sometimes only as good as we make it. Thank you for encouraging me to read, and study, and KNOW it’s true. Your study of the gospel is legendary. I’ve heard of it not just from others. I know you studied. At some point you were deceived. No more flattering words or trying to softly deliver this message to your ego. You were deceived.

It’s not too late. It’s not too late to remember. It’s not too late to regain your testimony. You talk as if a testimony, once lost, can never return. As if you know too much and you can’t go back. I’m here to remind you, as I know God has over the past decades, that you know nothing. Try to read again, please. That’s all I ask. If only to prove me wrong. I know where peace comes from, and I want to remind you.

I know maybe The Church isn’t for everybody in this life. Or maybe that’s something I think so I don’t feel as bad when I can’t help someone see what I see and find the peace I’ve found. I know you’re happy. I know you’re OK. But I also know you can come back to so much more.

Finally, you were and are a good dad. You made mistakes. Your children love you immensely, I know that. Don’t ever confuse your mistakes to be unforgivable. I know life as a father isn’t always perfect. You have children as stubborn and as difficult as you are (I’m looking at all of you). Another thing you said about my dad has stuck with me since you said it roughly 9 years ago. I am lucky to have him, but I want to remind you that your family is lucky to have you too. We’re all lucky to have you.

I love you and so does He.

August 12, 2021
A Scripture as important to Latter-day Saints as it would be to the Ancient Jews

One of my favorite scriptures of all time is 2 Nephi 25:26 which reads:

And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophesies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.”

A common criticism that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints receives from other sects of Christianity, often Protestant groups, is that the Church teaches works as a form of salvation taking precedence over faith.

As I read the Book of Mormon with this criticism in mind, I’m struck by how clearly the Book of Mormon teaches this principle – that faith in Jesus Christ is the most important thing. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is (as far as I know, open to correction) the only church with an explanation on how faith in Jesus Christ alone can result in being saved.

Saved, or immortality, is different from Eternal life and salvation. All of God’s children who choose to be saved, will be saved, for He loves us all. You can be saved by simply having faith in Jesus Christ, no works needed. To attain all that the Father has to give, eternal life and salvation in His Kingdom for eternity, you must follow Him, and do what He asks of you. For without works faith is dead (James 2:26).

Sometimes I think the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints would be benefitted immensely by reading verses 26 and 27 of 2 Nephi chapter 25 every single day. I think if we each did this, it would help us to re-orient ourselves and never lose sight of what is most important – faith in the Lord, or Savior, Jesus Christ.

The below scripture is what I am referring to in the title of this post. This scripture is as important to latter-day saints today as it was to the ancient Jews:

Wherefore, we speak concerning the law that our children may know the deadness of the law; and they, by knowing the deadness of the law, may look forward unto that life which is in Christ, and know for what end the law was given. And after the law is fulfilled in Christ, that they need not harden their hearts against him when the law ought to be done away.”
2 Nephi 25:27

I believe this scripture to be extremely important to latter-day saints. The ancient Jews lost sight of Jesus Christ. They looked to the law for salvation.

I bear my testimony that I do not believe the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has lost sight of Jesus Christ. His name is the name of our church, His prophet has implored us to use His name, our leaders preach of Jesus Christ, prophesy of Jesus Christ, teach of Jesus Christ, emphasize Jesus Christ. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints points us to Jesus Christ.

It is we, the members, I think, that need to read verse 27 often. What is the law without Jesus Christ? I fear that sometimes church members become focused on the wrong things. Temple attendance for temple attendance’s sake. Church service because it’s their duty. Serving in church callings to keep up appearance as a faithful latter-day saint. Partaking of the sacrament in a rote, mindless manner, not considering what it really means.

I know I am at fault when it comes to some of the things I’ve just listed. Sometimes I lose sight of Jesus Christ. Sometimes I lose sight of what this is all really about.

I’ve been back in church activity for 5 years now. My first couple years of returned church activity were so Christ focused. They were Christ focused because it was all I had. He was all I had. He was my strength, and He was everything. I felt His forgiveness so potently because I’d so recently experienced it with such power. As my church activity has steadied and become consistent, I’ve found myself relying on church activities, social events, friendships, and making my appearance as a faithful member. These things aren’t necessarily bad, but they can be. If they distract from Jesus Christ, they distract from the point. If I get distracted from Jesus Christ, I am missing the mark.

What is the law without faith in He who the law points to?

I think we could all benefit from a consistent study of verse 2 Nephi 25:27.

Why do we do what we do? Is it for love? Is it to serve Jesus Christ? Is it to remember Jesus Christ, worship Jesus Christ, thank Jesus Christ?

When is the last time you thought about all your sins and what Jesus Christ did for you at Gethsemane and on the cross? For me, it’s been far too long since I’ve been brought to tears considering that event. I’m glad I’m writing this because in doing exactly that, remembering what He’s done for me, and feeling it in my heart, tears are inevitable.

Remember why we go to church, the temple, and serve. It’s for Him. Not because we have to but because we want to. Not because it will get us into heaven but because we love Him. Salvation is through Jesus Christ. If we go to the temple 5 days a week without Him in mind, we are wasting our time.

Without Jesus Christ, all of it: temple worship, baptism, sacrament, service; it’s all for naught. All these things point to Him. Without Him as our focus all the items listed above are dead works.

This is the misconception of other faiths, that we go to the temple to substitute for Jesus Christ. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. We go to the temple because of Jesus Christ.

I think every once in a while, it’s important we re-center our focus and remember what it’s all about.

I hope and pray that we continue to steadfastly talk of Christ, rejoice in Christ, preach of Christ, prophesy of Christ, and bring others unto Christ, that we always remember to what source we may look for a remission of our sins.

August 5, 2021
Prodigal Son

The story of the Prodigal Son is well known. For those who have not read it before or haven’t read it recently it can be found in Luke 15:11-32.

The story of the Prodigal Son has always hit close to home for me. Obviously, it’s easy for me to relate to the younger son. You should read Luke chapter 15 above but a quick summary: there were two sons. They will be referred to as the elder/older son and the younger son as I write. The two sons were given their inheritances. The younger son left his home and went to a faraway city. There he squandered his inheritance on “riotous living.” When he hit the lowest of lows, the younger son returned home to beg his father to allow him to be a servant. The father, instead of showing anger, welcomed his son home, killed the fatted calf, put a robe on his son, gave him a ring, put shoes on his feet, and threw a huge party in celebration of his return.

The older son, upon hearing of his brother’s return and the subsequent party, was angry.

This story is often told in such a way that the primary lesson is about the Prodigal Son and his father’s reaction to his return. The story is called “the prodigal son” after all. That lesson being that no matter how we stray, how far gone are, and how many mistakes we make our Heavenly Father (the father in the story) will always welcome us back. In fact, Heavenly Father rejoices at our repentance:

“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”
Luke 15:7

All Prodigal Sons like myself rejoice at this story.

I once heard a different perspective on this story, and I’d like to share it. There is a great lesson to be learned in the story of the Prodigal Son by looking at a secondary character: the older brother.

A great question to ask yourself before reading any of Christ’s parables is “who was He speaking to?” Another good question is “What was He trying to teach?” If you look at the parable from the perspective of the Prodigal Son, you can say Christ was teaching those who have sinned that they can always repent and return to the light of their Heavenly Father’s love.

Who was Christ speaking to when he gave this parable? He was speaking to those looking for the message of God. He was speaking to the listeners. These were the ones looking for the message of God. When giving this parable Christ was speaking to the saints.

Consider what can be learned from the older brother. The older brother never left. The older brother never sinned. The older brother respected and worked for his father. Many say, and I always thought, he was justified in his reaction. His exact words in verses 29 and 30:

“And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid (fatted calf), that I might make merry with my friends:

But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.”

This appears to be a natural reaction. He had always been there. He had always done right. Only for his corrupt brother to return and receive honor.

Why did the older son stay and work hard for his father? Why did he keep his commandments? Was he simply looking forward to the inheritance he was to receive?

Why do you serve God and keep his commandments? Are you looking forward to your mansion? Do you serve God so you can inherit His glory? Are you serving Him for YOUR benefit?

We should serve God because we love God. We should serve God because we love those around us. Our service to God shouldn’t be for the blessings and honors He can give us. Our hearts should serve for love and not for our inheritances.

Jesus didn’t tell this story only to get sinners to repent. He also told this story to get the saints to repent. The Prodigal Son went out to experience life and disregarded his father’s possessions. The older son on the other hand stuck around, but he was working to please his father. He looked at himself as moral and worthy. He was after his father’s possessions. That’s what he concerned himself with. The elder son was keeping score. He was trying to earn his father’s love and inheritance.

Sometimes we are like the Prodigal Son: sinning and needing to return home. Sometimes we are like the older brother: serving for the glory of the world.

Often we are like the older son in our envy and jealousy. When someone returns to the fold do we judge them for their past? Or, like the father in the parable and our Heavenly Father, do we rejoice at someone’s return?

Elder Holland in his talk, The Other Prodigal, said:

“I testify that no one of us is less treasured or cherished of God than another. I testify that He loves each of us-insecurities, anxieties, self-image, and all. He doesn’t measure our talents or our looks; He doesn’t measure our profession or our possessions. He cheers on every runner, calling out that the race is against sin, not against each other. I know that if we will be faithful, there is a perfectly tailored robe of righteousness ready and waiting for everyone, “robes…made…white in the blood of the Lamb.” May we encourage each other in our effort to win that prize is my earnest prayer.”

Let us not compare our blessings to the blessings of others, what we have to the possessions of others. Let us support and help each other to all return to our Heavenly Father. Jealousy is of Satan. We should never look down on somebody who made mistakes and is trying to return to God, because then we are the sinner. We can learn from every character in Christ’s great parable. Be like the Prodigal Son and repent, humble ourselves, and return home. Be like the elder son and don’t envy but welcome our wayward brothers and sisters back home with joy and love. And be like the father, loving all those around us, embracing the sinner and the saint alike. I believe this is God’s hope for us and what Christ was teaching us through this story.

__________________________

Here is a link to Jeffery R. Holland’s talk, The Other Prodigal:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2002/04/the-other-prodigal?lang=eng

April 8, 2021
Organized Religion
What do you think the point of organized religion is?

I had an obvious realization recently, only recently. The point of organized religion is to bring you closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. If organized religion doesn’t bring you closer to God, then why do it? I think it’s why we see so many people disenfranchised with organized religion. In their hearts and souls, they know and hope what organized religion will bring – closeness with God. When it doesn’t do that (and in fact sometimes does the opposite) they move away from it.

The second point of organized religion: to bring us peace.

This second part isn’t as simple as “I belong to a church so I am happy and peaceful.” We know that Christianity is not always comfortable. This peace is bigger than worldly comfort. This peace is the knowledge that you are right with God. This peace is more eternal than this life.

Why don’t organized religions do these two things? Some do, and I’m not discounting those who come closer to God and find peace in any faith. My point stands, that a lot of people have moved away from organized religion. Why? Why don’t most organized churches bring us closer to God or bring us peace? They don’t have the proper authority from heaven to do so.

God, through revelation has told us exactly what we need to do to come closer to Him and to have peace:
1. Faith in Jesus Christ
  - Start by simply believing in Jesus Christ. Believe He was born, believe He lived, believe He is the son of God, believe He died for you and your sins.
2. Repentance
  - Once you believe, be better. Don’t take for granted the suffering Christ went through for you. Pray to God and ask forgiveness for the mistakes you have made and continue to make.
3. Baptism
  - Religion has corrupted this simple principle. All God asks is you make a symbolic gesture to show that you have faith in Him, faith in Jesus Christ, and will remember them. Then use that show of faith to change and be better. God has asked us to be baptized. Follow His commandments and be baptized.
4. Gift of the Holy Ghost
  - The world is ever distracting and evil. God has given us someone to provide strength. The Holy Ghost is one with God and Jesus Christ and can be with us always.
  - I have the perfect example to help illustrate the important role the Holy Ghost plays. I received a text from a friend one afternoon while I was working telling me his dad had passed away. My friend didn’t want me to find out over social media, so he texted me. When I read it I initially thought selfishly. I was at work. There wasn’t anything I could do. I wanted to kneel and pray and cry. But as I was sitting there something happened. As clear as if a person whispered in my ear, I heard and felt a message. Clear as day I knew important things. This was my friend. He was hurting. Clear as day, “go to your friend.” I’m not affectionate, it’s hard for me, ask my wife. Beth knows that better than anyone. It’s not in my nature to want to go comfort and cry with a friend. That seems hard and vulnerable. But in that very important moment I know the Holy Ghost came to me and directed me. I know it was important for me, and I believe it was important for my friend. The Holy Ghost did that. I know that because I’ve worked so hard to be able to hear when the Holy Ghost speaks to me. I have so many examples of that. I could go on for days about the important moments that the Holy Ghost guided me.
After the Holy Ghost, the final step: endure to the end. Take the sacrament each week to renew your covenants from baptism. Repent every day. Remember Jesus Christ every day. That’s it. That brings you closer to God. I know because it has for me.

People don’t change overnight. I know to many it seemed like I changed overnight. I didn’t. It was years of slowly changing habits, changing thoughts. Many saw first-hand who I used to be but didn’t see the slow, gradual change to who I am now. I always told myself I was “good.” What good was me telling myself I was good if my actions and my selfishness said otherwise? Four years ago, if I received the text I mentioned above I would have said “I’m sorry” and “let me know if you need anything.” Today, I’m different. I’m different because of Jesus Christ.

What’s important? I know why I’m here. I know where I come from. I know where I’m going. This brings peace.
April 1, 2021
Letter to a Sinner

I write this with as much humility as possible. Fully knowing and understanding my weaknesses have given me perspective. It is my faults and errors that make me feel like I can write this letter.

I remember when I came back to church I was asked to not take the sacrament for three weeks. It was one of the more difficult things I had to do, although it doesn’t sound like much. I think it was the moment I realized I had changed. Something that in the past might not have affected me too much, really hurt. It was difficult coming back and immediately feeling like maybe I’m not enough. Maybe I could have gone the route of resentment. Instead I realized how much I didn’t want to have to go through that again.

I don’t in any way imply I’m better than someone who can’t take the sacrament and does feel resentment. We all have our own paths. Mine was of being completely away, coming back, and realizing I deserved my three weeks. Some are never officially away so that state of probation seems unfair or not right. I understand that.

This is my letter to the sinner. A reminder, that includes all of us. This is the sinner who has made mistakes. This particular sinner might come from a perfect family and part of their struggle is feeling like they don’t fit in in the one place they should feel welcome. This sinner might feel judged by the very people that should love them the most. It doesn’t matter if those family, friends, and caring loved ones are right or wrong. It matters how the sinner interprets things. We all live our own experiences and encounter the world in different ways. We must, to the best our abilities, see the world in perfect light and perfect truth.

Here is my letter to a hypothetical sinner:

You will never be like the “perfect” people you see around you. You won’t. Your path has been set. Your path has been set partly by different “luck,” different experiences. Partly by your choices. My life was set by very bad choices. But now that I’ve come out of the other side, my joy is greater than I could have ever imagined. You won’t be “perfect”, but you’ll be who Heavenly Father sees you can be. You won’t be “better” than those who never made the mistakes you made, but you might be stronger. Your path will lead you somewhere wholly different. And if you decide you want to come through to the other side: to truly know your Savior, to know forgiveness, to know what being welcomed home feels like even if you don’t think you’ll ever deserve it – if you come to that other side with that relationship with your Savior, your testimony will be welded in steel, as hard as diamond. You’ll have gone through the refiner’s fire and come out united with He who gives all strength. This is no excuse to continue to sin. You know the light. You’ve seen and felt the light. I knew the light and I turned from it. I hope to help anyone not make the same mistake.

You will make mistakes. You will sin. But no matter what, you have to remember Jesus Christ. Because while the world will judge you and you’ll have to struggle with that, He will judge you with a perfect love and comprehension. Remember that those around you are trying to judge you with love. They’re trying to love you righteously. Jesus Christ doesn’t try. He is perfect love. Don’t forget it. Don’t forget that those around you whose points of view you can’t understand, they’re trying to be like Jesus Christ. They may be falling short. But that’s not for you to judge. Just as they can’t judge you, you can’t judge their intentions or efforts. Just love and do your best.

I’m sorry you have to go through trials. But do not lose sight of Jesus Christ. Do not. He is the only person true peace can come from. Whatever you do, whatever mistakes you make, do not forget HIM. He won’t forget you. I promise.

At this point I must apologize. Throughout this letter I’ve referred to you as “the sinner.” I know that phrase hurt the whole way through. I know it because I’ve felt it. I did it throughout the whole letter to get to this point. I want to remind you, “sinner” is not who you are. It will never be who you are. We all sin but that’s not what God and Jesus Christ see in us. No matter how many mistakes we make. No matter how many slip ups or downright wrong things you do, you are not a sinner. You are a child of Heavenly Father. You are growing. You are learning. I reiterate something I said earlier, this does not excuse your sin. Sin is wrong, you know that. Christ will see your sin. What means much more to Him is your repentance. He doesn’t see who you were but who you will be.

“God cares a lot more about who we are and who we are becoming than about who we once were. He cares that we keep trying.”
Elder Dale G. Renlund in April 2015 Conference talk “Latter-day Saints Keep on Trying”

March 25, 2021