I'm speaking in sacrament meeting this coming Sunday (the 29th). The topic is, "Be thou an example of the believers."
We all have someone we look up to as a good example. Is there someone whose example made a difference in your life? Could you tell me about it?
Also, what keeps us from being an example of the believers? My downfall is probably a quick temper. I haven't mastered patience yet -- not even close.
I'm thanking you in advance for any insights you might share. Muchas Thank You!!
6 comments:
Um. . . what I wanted to say I probably shouldn't say here, not knowing who all reads. I will just email.
Maybe gear your remarks to the teenagers. Utah is notorious for fairl extreme hypocritical living. (Among some, not all certainly.) Because it is so common, I think a lot of teenagers don't see just how detrimental that can be.
Oo. . . there was a talk about Christian Courage in the latest conference issue that might help.
To me, being an example of the believers is simply standing for truth and righteousness. And that also means standing UP for truth and righteousness. Believing in the family proclamation and living it, ignoring the world's views of our values, and most of all, teaching our children how to do this. This can be tricky, but it is important for them to have courage and that our courage to stand up is all based on a testimony that what we know is true and good.
We have tried to teach our kids that courage and faith go hand in hand in a situation like standing up for what we believe in. We have to have the faith that we will be strengthened.
You are going to do a fantastic job!
Thanks women! STM, I'll look up that article. And I do think I'll aim the talk at the youth. (Too many talks don't address them at all.) Leslie, funny you should mention the proclamation on the family. I'd been thinking about it myself. Thanks again for the pointers.
When I think of the scripture you cite, I really like Paul's first admonition to Timothy that prefaces the "be thou an example of the believers" part. He says, "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." (FYI I love 1 and 2 Timothy. They are amazing!)
Anyway, when I was a younger gal, I really loved Paul's counsel (throughout Timothy) to continue on in the truthfulness of the doctrine one learned in youth. Gratefully, I was raised in a very loving AND religiously pious home. Anyone who knows my parents and siblings can attest to this. Consequently, I learned early that the best way we can be an example to anyone, including those who believe us to be hypocrites or despise our religiousity, is simply to love them. Not kill em with kindness, that's too aggressive an addage (sp?). Just truly look for the good in others and kind of exercise the "blind eye" to the faults of others. This is what we hope others will do for us, right?
On the flip side are those people I've come in contact with that are truly fault-finders and exploiters. They drive me crazy! I do have some close contacts in this category, and it is always draining to be with them. We want to be with those who truly love the Lord and then love everyone else because their "believer" status enlarges their hearts and their desires to ease the burdens, be they big or small, of those around them.
I also love those who actually do all of the things we disparagingly classify as "Sunday School Answers". One woman in my ward, who is my mother's age, is the greatest example of what an LDS woman should strive to be. She is kind to everyone, generous, deeply faithful, not "in your face" but friendly. She has seen it all and still loves the Lord and serves Him and her family constantly. She has been such a tremendous blessing in my life.
Sorry for the ramble. . .:) You will do fabulous on your talk.
The youth will love to listen to you. I would definitely take that approach. I would hit hard topics like PG-13 movies, swearing, and gossiping. Those topics can all be included in this years scripture theme. Our family made a goal not to watch PG-13 movies. I have picked up my son several times from parties because he has called saying they were watching a PG-13. I am proud of his willingness to stand up for what he believes in. I would not have been as strong. Youth these days are much better than I ever was. Good luck!
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