On gnats and camels

My wife just wrote the most farcical blog about 'Men's Modesty', which sarcastically turns the table of judgement against women to men.  She also touches on the absurdity of modesty of babies  (read it here).  Not only was it hilarious, but more importantly it was brilliantly on the mark.   As I tried to share my thoughts through commenting, I quickly realized I had to much to say to leave it as a mere comment, so thus the blog post before you.

I often feel like some people today live life like the Pharisees and Scribes of old that are actively straining at gnats while ignorantly swallowing camels of judgement and condemnation.  In the days of Moses, God wanted to give his people the higher law of the gospel, a law that would teach correct principles and allow the people to follow the spirit and govern themselves.  They rejected that freedom and panted for more rules and regulations.  They threw out thinking for themselves and wanted to be walled in by strict commandments, thus removing the risk of losing their way to heaven.  God obliged and they received the Law of Moses with it's plethora of restrictions.  In time, they replaced worshiping God in their hearts with worshiping the law He provided.  They lost sight of the it's purpose and underlining meaning.  Eventually, they crucified the very God that gave them their law, in absurd twist of irony trying to protect it.

Today while initially well intentioned, through time words of caution and wisdom become indoctrinated and canonized into cultural commandment.   In place of freedom to individually follow the spirit and govern ourselves, little by little people start building additional walls of restrictions and blame, trying to once again shackle the masses into an ever narrowing corridor to heaven.  Elusions of this my be made to restrictions against cola drinks, facial hair, ear piercings, tattoos, face cards and yes the wearing of bikinis--the immoral, virtue destroying two piece bathing suit!  Please.  At times it feels as if the desire to become a peculiar people is just for the sake of being peculiar!

Regardless of the ever glaring cultural condemnation of these 'taboos' the fact remains that their presence alone will not in ANY WAY prohibit one from entering the Celestial Kingdom.  Even more contradictorily obvious to their non-spiritually-disqualifyingness is the fact that any worthy member who also chooses to participate in these 'taboos' can still receive a temple recommend, remain completely worthy to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost, and receive and magnify church callings.  That is to say that regardless of the violation of these seemingly arbitrary culturally based restrictions individuals can remain virtuous.  Yet this fact is completely contradicted by the unnecessary culturally-based shame that often accompanies these individuals for violating these 'taboos'.  In many ways, or so it seems to appear at times, it is more socially favorable to look righteous, than to be righteous.  It is easy to outwardly judge and thus those who are appear to be clean, but in fact are privately dirty, skate by unscathed, while those who are inwardly pure, but outwardly divergent will likely get the lion's share of looks and gossip.

One may be quick to say, that the outward is a reflection of the inward.  In some cases it may be.  Yet, are we justified to assume inward malice solely on the basis of an outward difference?  On the other hand, reason would scream madness if we likewise assessed the outwardly appearance of 'purity' as systematically indicative of an inward innocence.  For this reason we do not judge.  We do not assume.  We do not presuppose.  We simply love and seek to understand.

All else being equal...

...If a person drinks coke, they will not go to hell any more so than the person who eats McDonalds Big Macs, deep fried butter at the fair or more than their fair share of Crispy Cream doughnuts.  All are putting unhealthy garbage in their body, yet only Cola seems to 'offend' the temple of our body?

...A man who allows his facial hair to grow is no less spiritual or worthy of the spirit as a man whose chin is squeaky clean.  The same may be true for those with multiple ear piercings, a tattoo or the playing of face cards.  One may question the motivation to their presence, but alone does not disqualify one for the companionship of the Holy Ghost or diminish one's worthiness.

...A woman who wears a two piece swim suit is no less virtuous as one who wears a single piece suit.

...In a similar highly judged situation, if a young man decides not to serve a mission.  He will be missing out on a potentially amazing experience of service and love, but that alone does not disqualify him from eventually achieving all the blessing of heaven.  Let's not jump to believe that all is lost for that young man and endlessly shame them to feel that they are less than the potential they still have.

The core of this issue lies in the fact that sin is defined by the motivation behind the act, not the act itself.  If more time was spent getting to know the individual instead of instinctively assuming their guilt, one may find the innocence behind their behavior and the formerly unseen strength of their testimony and virtue.  In contrast, those 'perfect' people who love to cast out their eager judgment, gossip and shame are in truth the ones most guilty of offending the spirit.

I do not want to appear blind to the possible risks of these 'taboos', it is true that many of these things can lead to true sin, thus they might be considered gateway transgressions--for this reason we are counseled to avoid them, even if it is just to avoid the appearance of evil.  The honest of heart, therefore, should listen and carefully consider the admonitions given and thus potentially avoiding a future spiritual collapse.  That said, regardless of a councilors pure intentions, it is imperative to understand that these 'taboos' are not sin in and of themselves and therefore should not be treated or judged as being such. The fear of a future failing simply can not and should not be constructed into a present imperfection.

So everyone, lets take it down a notch.  Council is good, advice is great, suggestions are wonderful, but let's not get carried away to transform them into law.  The gospel has been restored and the Holy Ghost given, we have ascended enough to govern ourselves.  Let's not relinquish our freedom by building more pharisaical walls and restrictions.  Instead, let our judgements be nearer to God's as He looketh not upon our outward appearances, but looketh upon our hearts.

Ravenous Wolves & Burning Bonfires

With the recent controversy happening a few weeks ago concerning the Boy Scouts of America considering whether or not to drop their discriminatory membership ban of non-practicing homosexuals from participating in the scouting program there was yet again the typical polarized extremes in opinions and rants across the airwaves and on the internet.  It made me think about how easily it has become in society and especially in social media to emotionally tear each other apart like ravenous wolves.  So often we see individuals who strut about in sheep's clothing (factious cloak of religious zealotry) only to show their true inner-wolf when they spew out vicious hatred, bigotry and blind judgement against anyone who differs in opinion and belief from their own.

I often reflect on how often Christ sat down and ate with the 'sinners' and 'out casts' of society.  He sought to bring all unto him.  His mission was to lift all where they stood and make them more than they were.  He did not go in guns a blazing proving that he was right and they were wrong.  He preached love and kindness.  He promoted inclusion, not exclusion.  Yet we see little of this in the world today.  We are becoming more divisive, more polarized, and more intolerant or others and in so doing we remove ourselves from being able to reach, help, understand and lift others. 

Recently at church I came across a great conference talk (October 1992) given by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin entitled, "Spiritual Bonfires of Testimony" (see it here).  In it he tells of a story about a place in the Ukraine that was over run with wolves.  Traveling in this remote countryside was fraught with peril and danger as these wolves were not scared of humans or their weapons.  The only thing they were scared of was fire.  As long as travelers had fire with them they were safe from attacks.  He then transitions using this as an analogy as to our own spiritual danger in which Satan and his minions do circle round about us like wolves and attack us with temptation, evil and sin when we are weak or vulnerable.  Supporting this warning we can read the words of the apostle Peter who similarly wrote, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).  

We are all vulnerable to spiritual attacks, he warns.  However, we can fortify ourselves with the protection of a 'burning testimony'.  Like the wolves that cower in fear from fire, so too will darkness and fear flee before the bonfire of a strong and faithful testimony.

Elder Wirthlin then relays that, "unfortunately, some in the Church may believe sincerely that their testimony is a raging bonfire when it really is little more than the faint flickering of a candle".  He then explains the reason for their misperception, "Their faithfulness has more to do with habit than holiness...".  How insightful and yet poignant.  

To further clarify he quotes the Savior who was very explicit about the so-called 'righteous', “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matt. 7:21–23).

These tragic souls clearly spent their lives in church, adhering to every rule and participating in every ceremony, but yet were found wanting at the end.  What happened?  They came to love the church more than the source and purpose of church.  With strict and unwavering adherence to the law, they lost perspective of the reason for the law.  Through time they began to separate themselves from the rest of God's children as spiritually superior and more worthy due to their relentless conformity and church organizational worship.  Yet amongst all their valiant exactness and efforts, they completely missed the mark.  They failed to be charitable.  They failed to be meek.  They failed to be humble.  As creatures of blind religious habits they outwardly did all the right things, but inwardly failed to become like Christ.

The Apostle Paul makes one of the most shocking and thought provoking comments in scriptural cannon when he wrote the following, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

Setting aside the obvious declaration that one devoid of charity can still develop great spiritual gifts and powers and be called to hold lofty callings within the church and even take part in miracles, prophecies and revelations, the great exclamation mark of these verses is that regardless of all the rest of our accomplishments in life, without Charity we are NOTHING!  We have failed!  Charity is the measuring stick of valiance that Christ will hold to us at the judgement bar of God.  We are not judged by what we have done, but what we have become at the end of this life.

Charity is more than service, it is more than good deeds.  It is more than doing temple work, magnifying ones calling, going to church, giving to the poor or even sacrificing ones life (as Paul stated, 'though I give my body to be burned').  Charity is not an outward act performed, it is the internal motivation or source that precedes the act.  It is true and selfless love.  Giving service to others is great and noble--it is even sanctifying, but it is the driving motivation, the pure intention, the Christ-like love behind the service that is charity.  

For those of us who devote our efforts 'defending' what we believe by tearing down others and their beliefs, making hurtful or demeaning comments or quickly passing 'righteous' judgements (with or without quoting scripture to supposedly justify yourself), know this, that THIS IS NOT CHARITY.

As Elder Wirthlin pleaded, we need more holiness in our lives and less 'habit'.  As we cultivate true charity the flikering fire of our testimonies will grow brighter and brighter until our testimony (centered on Christ) will be a raging bonfire.  The purpose of church and the scriptures are to bring us to Christ so that we can emulate our life after his and be converted.  As our testimonies grows we will replace habit for holiness and become like he is.

The prophet Moroni quoting a letter he received from his father Mormon who writes that it is in the possessing and personifying of charity that we become true followers of Christ, "And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.  Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.  Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen" (Moroni 7:45-48).  We further read that Christ being our advocate with the Father will only claim to know those who spent their lives getting to know and becoming like him (Mosiah 26:21-27).

As this latest controversy fades another one will most assuredly take it's place.  So when it does and you feel so inclined to squash another's opinion and declare the moral high ground of virtue.  Ask yourself this popular motto, 'What would Jesus do?'  Think about that, would Christ ever post the things we post?  Or would he actually listen to what others are saying and consider where they are coming from or whether they may actually have a valid point to consider? Would he show empathy? Would he try to find common ground or at least mutual respect? Would he uplift and comfort? Or would he thrash them to pieces and condemn them to hell all while patting himself on his back for being morally superior?  It turns out there is actually a WIDE line between expressing 'righteous indignation' and being a ravenous wolf.  One is based on love.

Christ is the definition of pure love--which charity, will be the yardstick to which we will all be judged.  So the next time you may want to lay down your self-assessed moral outrage you may want to first sing this popular church hymn to yourself and then decide if your actions will indeed be Christ's actions:

Have I done any good in the world today?

Have I helped anyone in need?

Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?

If not, I have failed indeed.

Has anyone’s burden been lighter today

Because I was willing to share?

Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?

When they needed my help was I there?

Then wake up and do something more

Than dream of your mansion above.

Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,

A blessing of duty and love.

There are chances for work all around just now,

Opportunities right in our way.

Do not let them pass by, saying, “Sometime I’ll try,”

But go and do something today.

’Tis noble of man to work and to give;

Love’s labor has merit alone.

Only he who does something helps others to live.

To God each good work will be known.