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On Running Away From Church

Christ Jesus Mormon

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints  (Photo credit: More Good Foundation)

I read a fun little poem recently on another blog with a post called “Is the Church a Zoo” that spoke of the different types of people observed in church and how they shared traits with a variety of animals.  Different animal behaviors were exhibited by the same people over different activities.  It’s a fun poem, and a philosophical puzzle.  There were many reactions to it which agreed with the sentiment, and some even pointed out that some of those behaviors were why they no longer went to church.  There were a few commenters who stated that they observed their faith by staying home and studying and praying on their own.  This item was what gave me pause and a reason to write here again.

I cannot fault those who feel that the weaknesses of others is a good reason to not participate in church.  I have done this myself.  Having said that, I will also say, that I repent me of having done that.  Not being involved doesn’t make the others More involved.  It just deprives the body of the church of yet another person who Could have been helpful, but chose Not to be.  What is an organized church for, after all, if not to make it easier to become aware of the needs of others, and for them to become aware of our needs.  How else can we follow in the footsteps of Christ if we won’t look for and actively engage ourselves in ministering to the needs of others.  This is Not solely the job of the pastor, but of All who profess willingness to follow in His footsteps.

We are all human, however, and as such, subject to these frequent failings.  Making the mistake of thinking that removing yourself from the body will somehow send a message that the body is sick and needs healing is simply adding insult to injury.  This observation does not make me more righteous than anyone else.  It just means that I have learned my lesson on this particular point.   There are many other points I have yet to work on.  Some of them, I have at least become aware of, so I have hope that I may yet improve on them.

One of the failings that I have become aware of is that of complacency, or laziness, whichever term you prefer.  I like the little rut I’m in and don’t like getting out of it.  This leaves some of the things I Should be doing sort of hanging…..  I have to Actively move myself into a state of activity outside of my own personal zone of comfort.  My complacent state of being finds this annoying.  My Spirit tells me that I Must do more.  So I will do more (sigh).   When I get to the point that I no longer think of this as annoying, but look forward to doing more for others, that is when I will have made some serious improvement in my effort to follow Christ.

I find that what I think of as More and what I actually do as more are somewhat different things, but there is hope yet, that I will live up to my own expectations of myself.  At least, if I move a little further out of my comfort zone, perhaps I will actually be able to benefit someone other than myself, and Maybe, just maybe, pay back some of what others (who have succeeded in moving out of Their comfort zones) have done for me  (At least those who are here in this world with me).  On the other hand, I know that I will Never be able to repay Christ for what He has done for me.  And He’s OK with that.  He only requires that I do the best that is in me by being as actively engaged as I can manage.  That’s all He requires of anyone.  Even you.

 

© Ellen M Story and emariaenterprises, llc 2012.

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