Courage to Know Religion

I read a post on Facebook today that made me sad. The question had to do with religion in one’s life and 99% of the comments were negative and how horrible religion is, how it controls your life, how it is made by man, how it is not needed, and the comments went on and on like this. I finally found one that was positive, commenting on faith in religion. It is sad that we have become such a negative society. It is sad that we have become so hateful towards people that believe in and live their religion.

Dallin Oaks, former Utah Supreme Court Justice and a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said in a sermon recently, “If we cease valuing our churches for any reason, we threaten our personal spiritual life, and significant numbers separating themselves from God reduce His blessings to our nations.

Attendance and activity in a church help us become better people and better influences on the lives of others. In church we are taught how to apply religious principles. We learn from one another. A persuasive example is more powerful than a sermon. We are strengthened by associating with others of like minds. In church attendance and participation, our hearts are, as the Bible says, “knit together in love.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/10/18oaks?lang=eng)

Meeting with others of the same faith really does uplift one to take on the next week. We have been commanded to “meet oft”, this is for our own spiritual well-being. I can testify that the weekly (and sometimes during the week) meeting with others in fellowship has uplifted me out of a difficult week. The lessons and sermons that are taught uplifts our knowledge and our testimonies.

We are losing a battle with evil in our world today. I know there are many that don’t believe evil exists, it is just different opinions. But, evil is out there. It is creeping into our lives, creating justification of actions by ourselves and others. Depression and suicide are so rampant in our world today. We need fellowship and we need uplift.

I know I don’t usually get this ‘black and white’, but the responses to that question really made me sad. Especially the comments that insulted those that belong to a religion. The anger, in some cases, was so disheartening and I wondered about those that are barely hanging onto their faith. Those comments could move them closer to walking away.

Our goal this time is to physically and spiritually attend church. In my fashion and image lectures I let people know that they do not need to pay attention to the paid articles in magazines; in the same way, please do not pay heed to those that would try to destroy one’s faith. I’m not here to convince those that commented negatively on religion that they need religion; this to help those who want to have religion in their lives. Do not be discouraged. Do not allow others to influence your faith. There are three simple steps to give you the emotional, spiritual, and even physical strength to accomplist this..1) Pray, 2) Read your scriptures, 3) attend your church.

I know that these three things will give you the strength you need. Set a goal that you will Pray and Read Your Scriptures everyday, and you will Attend Your Church at least once a week. That is the goal for this time. Stand Tall. Stand Firm. Stand with Courage.