I'm trying to BECOME a better disciple of Jesus Christ
Why I'm not a "Mormon".
Often times when we first meet people we will ask them about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They have absolutely no idea what we are talking about. So we will often times follow up by asking if they have ever heard of "Mormons?" After which they get all giddy and smile this little smile and reply "YES" which is then followed by one of the following three comments:
1. I knew a "Mormon" once.
2. A misinformed question that has to do with the Book of Mormon play in NY.
3. MITT ROMNEY?
2. A misinformed question that has to do with the Book of Mormon play in NY.
3. MITT ROMNEY?
ya sure.
Welcome to the District of Columbia.
These three remarks are approximately 22% or less... accurate. But they have literally nothing to do with why we are here on your doorstep. So this blog post folks, is going to explain to you WHY I am not a "Mormon."
Now I'm sure this blog title has caught a lot of peoples attention. I'm LOL'ing so hard right now because its like
wait.....what? ✌️
KIDS, don't take this harshly.
The NICKNAME "Mormon" is gr8.
Embrace it.
This post is not meaning to abandon The "Mormon" culture, nickname, or traditions. But simply to make a point. I use the term all the time.
Now that I have your attention.
( love you <3)
You may continue reading.
When I talk to people on the streets, in their homes, at the grocery store... As a missionary, my goal is not to talk to them about their friend that was a chill dude that was a Mormon. My goal is not to talk to them about whatever anti made up joke was made in The Book of Mormon play in New York City. And believe it or not, I don't really care to talk about Mitt Romney either. Great guy. But once again, not my job or purpose.
As missionaries we leave our homes for 1.5 to 2 years to teach about the wonderful and exciting message of The Gospel of Jesus Christ! Not "Mormons" especially if "Mormon" refers back to small talk temporal subjects like the ones listed above.
So let's take it back to what "Mormon" is and entails.
FIRST OF ALL
"MORMON" is a nickname society has given the church because:
a. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is a mouthful
or
b. Because of The Book of Mormon
Which for reason (a) is fine.
Reason (b) The Book of Mormon was compiled and abridged by a Prophet,
historian whose name just so happened to be... Yes you guessed it MORMON.
Mormon lived years and years ago and has some of the most beautifully
written prophetic scripture within the book. But I'm absolutely positive Mormon did NOT intend for his name to become the nickname for Christ's Church! In fact, I was talking (aka emailing) with my father a few weeks ago
and I agreed with him when he said that Mormon probably cringes a little every time he hears someone call out and exclaim, "MORMONS," "I'm a Mormon," "Are you a Mormon?"
Yikes.
We do not worship Mormon. We worship our Savior, Jesus Christ.
These three remarks are approximately 22% or less... accurate. But they have literally nothing to do with why we are here on your doorstep. So this blog post folks, is going to explain to you WHY I am not a "Mormon."
Now I'm sure this blog title has caught a lot of peoples attention. I'm LOL'ing so hard right now because its like
wait.....what? ✌️
****DISCLAIMER****
KIDS, don't take this harshly.
The NICKNAME "Mormon" is gr8.
Embrace it.
This post is not meaning to abandon The "Mormon" culture, nickname, or traditions. But simply to make a point. I use the term all the time.
Now that I have your attention.
( love you <3)
You may continue reading.
When I talk to people on the streets, in their homes, at the grocery store... As a missionary, my goal is not to talk to them about their friend that was a chill dude that was a Mormon. My goal is not to talk to them about whatever anti made up joke was made in The Book of Mormon play in New York City. And believe it or not, I don't really care to talk about Mitt Romney either. Great guy. But once again, not my job or purpose.
As missionaries we leave our homes for 1.5 to 2 years to teach about the wonderful and exciting message of The Gospel of Jesus Christ! Not "Mormons" especially if "Mormon" refers back to small talk temporal subjects like the ones listed above.
So let's take it back to what "Mormon" is and entails.
FIRST OF ALL
"MORMON" is a nickname society has given the church because:
a. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is a mouthful
or
b. Because of The Book of Mormon
Which for reason (a) is fine.
Reason (b) The Book of Mormon was compiled and abridged by a Prophet,
historian whose name just so happened to be... Yes you guessed it MORMON.
Mormon lived years and years ago and has some of the most beautifully
written prophetic scripture within the book. But I'm absolutely positive Mormon did NOT intend for his name to become the nickname for Christ's Church! In fact, I was talking (aka emailing) with my father a few weeks ago
and I agreed with him when he said that Mormon probably cringes a little every time he hears someone call out and exclaim, "MORMONS," "I'm a Mormon," "Are you a Mormon?"
Yikes.
We do not worship Mormon. We worship our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Mormon taught,
"For behold, this is written for the intent that ye may believe that; and if ye believe that ye will believe this also; and if ye believe this ye will know concerning your fathers, and also the marvelous works which were wrought by the power of God among them."
"For behold, this is written for the intent that ye may believe that; and if ye believe that ye will believe this also; and if ye believe this ye will know concerning your fathers, and also the marvelous works which were wrought by the power of God among them."
"and if it so be that ye believe in Christ, and are baptized, first with water, then with fire and with the Holy Ghost, following the example of our Savior, according to that which he hath commanded us, it shall be well with you in the day of judgment. Amen." (Mormon 7:9-10)
Mormon taught all throughout the scriptures to become a disciple of Jesus Christ. To follow his commandments, to be baptized into CHRISTS church.
In 3rd Nephi 27:8 Christ says:
"And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses’ name then it be Moses’ church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel."
Doesn't get any more clear than that!
Which is why we are Members of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
We found our lives upon his gospel.
I'm not a "Mormon." I'm a Disciple of Jesus Christ!
Our Lord and savior!
I think the thing that needs to get ingrained into our heads is that this Church, the Gospel, It is not about Tradition. It's about BECOMING.
Sure we have embraced the nickname of "Mormon."
Sure we hold fun gatherings and social events.
These traditions are great.
I'm not saying abandon them. However, if all we are is "Mormons" who have
lots of "Mormon traditions" and that's the only reason we keep coming back. We are forgetting the whole purpose of the Gospel.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is to enable us to Progress, Improve, Learn, Grow, Change and BECOME. If were so caught up in the whole I'm a "Mormon." I do this... A, B, and C. Than we are wrong.
It's not about turning down a drink because you are a "Mormon"
or
not working on Sunday because you are a "Mormon"
or
not sleeping with a guy because you are a "Mormon"
ohh no.
Don't use it as a crutch.
this happens to often.
Why do you really turn down that drink?
or go to church on Sunday rather than work?
or remain a virtuous young woman (or man......)?
Is it REALLY because your a "Mormon" and you don't want to have your
family, friends and Bishop upset at you?
OR
is it because you SINCERELY want to follow Jesus Christ?
When being faced with opposition we don't need to "blame" the church.
Rather explain that YOU are who you are and act the way you do because
YOU desire to follow Your Savior. It is YOUR choice.
The "church" isn't making you do anything.
What it comes down to is what do YOU sincerely desire to become?
Now I don't know all that's going to happen at that Judgement Day. Or
the day that we again come face to face with God. But I'm 99% positive
when that day arrives, God isn't going to have a check box for you that
says yes or no, I'm a "Mormon."
NO.
The real question is what is the Desire of your Heart?
Are you a true follower of Jesus Christ?
Do you love him?
Did you strive to keep his commandments?
Did you follow his example?
Did you uphold your covenants?
This is why Faith, Repentance, Baptism, a Temple marriage and enduring to the end is so important. This is why the GOSPEL is so important. The Gospel can teach us, guide us and direct our paths and choices but are YOU utilizing it in your every day life?
My challenge for you is to think about the things you do. WHY do you do them? Because of tradition? OR because you are trying to become better, more Christlike?
When we have a true conviction to follow Jesus Christ and becoming his
disciple it makes a whole lot more sense. It is a lot easier. It is a commitment and a promise not a passed down tradition.
I am striving to become a better disciple of Jesus Christ.
something to think about :)
Love you all.
Sister Madison Stucki
(via email 8/18/14)
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