LDS Conference
I am full, having watched, and more importantly, stayed awake, for all three sessions of conference today. The music, and the comments on music were beautiful. I look forward to tomorrow, and the closing two sessions.
For those that don't know, twice a year, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints holds a general conference, which started last week in the women's session. It is conducted in Salt Lake City, and broadcast to church buildings around the world, as well as the internet, and television. Of course by television, I mean either BYU-tv on Satellite, or cable, as well as some over air stations, where there is a market. When I was young, I remember watching the Sunday morning session on Channel 9 in KC, as it was part of the broadcasting group affiliated with KSL in Salt Lake, and no one watched TV on Sunday morning anyway. Otherwise, we would load up the car and go to the church for an audio broadcast. Direct wire, I think it was called. It wasn't until the mid 1980s that there was a video feed in church buildings around the country. Now, all over the world, people can tune into the conference, hearing the conference in their own language. What a miracle technology is!
We were taught today by Prophets and Apostles, Seventies, and other General officers of the church. They were messages of strength, to pick up the weakest among us, to help those who are struggling either with their faith, or family, or other trial. I was told that we aren't alone in this world. Normally, I feel a little down after conference, I mean, how can I live up to the standard that I know is true? I am a flawed individual, a sinner. Today, I felt none of that. I felt that while God has commanded us to be perfect, He knows that as mortals we can only strive to perfection. We all have need of the Savior's atoning sacrifice.
We had the opportunity to signal our willingness to follow the prophet, and others. It is always amazing to see thousands in the conference center lift their arms to manifest that support, and to know that millions throughout the world are doing the same. It saddens me that someone who does not support the leadership, for whatever reason, would take the time to get tickets from their Bishop, and go to the Conference just for their 30 seconds of infamy, by vocalizing their opposition. A key teaching of the church is agency. God will not make us keep his commandments. He will not make us love Him. He does not love us less because of that. We are His children. The leadership of the church does not force members to comply, or even to serve. Of course, there are consequences. If you are not a full tithe payer for example, no one denies you entrance to the church, or even to serve in the church. However, you may not attend the temple. Even taking a stand against the leaders does not qualify you to be excommunicated from the church, unless you are very public, and very vocal about it. Even then, it is a considerable discussion to take that step.
I need to spend some time thinking about how to better write my feelings on family before I commit to paper. I loved the acknowledgement that many families do not fit the traditional family definition, and that is okay. The love of the Savior is not limited to this family unit or that one, it is universal, and specific guidance was given to help leaders, and members reach out to all of the children of our Father in Heaven, to let them know that while we may physically not be related, we still share the spiritual DNA of being children of God.
I know without a doubt that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the World. He provided the path back to our Father, if we but repent, and have faith in Him. I know that President Monson is God's mouthpiece on the earth today. I fully sustain him. I know that when I stumble, Christ will lift me up and help me on my way. In His name I so testify.
For those that don't know, twice a year, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints holds a general conference, which started last week in the women's session. It is conducted in Salt Lake City, and broadcast to church buildings around the world, as well as the internet, and television. Of course by television, I mean either BYU-tv on Satellite, or cable, as well as some over air stations, where there is a market. When I was young, I remember watching the Sunday morning session on Channel 9 in KC, as it was part of the broadcasting group affiliated with KSL in Salt Lake, and no one watched TV on Sunday morning anyway. Otherwise, we would load up the car and go to the church for an audio broadcast. Direct wire, I think it was called. It wasn't until the mid 1980s that there was a video feed in church buildings around the country. Now, all over the world, people can tune into the conference, hearing the conference in their own language. What a miracle technology is!
We were taught today by Prophets and Apostles, Seventies, and other General officers of the church. They were messages of strength, to pick up the weakest among us, to help those who are struggling either with their faith, or family, or other trial. I was told that we aren't alone in this world. Normally, I feel a little down after conference, I mean, how can I live up to the standard that I know is true? I am a flawed individual, a sinner. Today, I felt none of that. I felt that while God has commanded us to be perfect, He knows that as mortals we can only strive to perfection. We all have need of the Savior's atoning sacrifice.
We had the opportunity to signal our willingness to follow the prophet, and others. It is always amazing to see thousands in the conference center lift their arms to manifest that support, and to know that millions throughout the world are doing the same. It saddens me that someone who does not support the leadership, for whatever reason, would take the time to get tickets from their Bishop, and go to the Conference just for their 30 seconds of infamy, by vocalizing their opposition. A key teaching of the church is agency. God will not make us keep his commandments. He will not make us love Him. He does not love us less because of that. We are His children. The leadership of the church does not force members to comply, or even to serve. Of course, there are consequences. If you are not a full tithe payer for example, no one denies you entrance to the church, or even to serve in the church. However, you may not attend the temple. Even taking a stand against the leaders does not qualify you to be excommunicated from the church, unless you are very public, and very vocal about it. Even then, it is a considerable discussion to take that step.
I need to spend some time thinking about how to better write my feelings on family before I commit to paper. I loved the acknowledgement that many families do not fit the traditional family definition, and that is okay. The love of the Savior is not limited to this family unit or that one, it is universal, and specific guidance was given to help leaders, and members reach out to all of the children of our Father in Heaven, to let them know that while we may physically not be related, we still share the spiritual DNA of being children of God.
I know without a doubt that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the World. He provided the path back to our Father, if we but repent, and have faith in Him. I know that President Monson is God's mouthpiece on the earth today. I fully sustain him. I know that when I stumble, Christ will lift me up and help me on my way. In His name I so testify.
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