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I was reading “Scriptures Stories as Patterns for our Lives” by Elder Jay E. Jensen & liked the pattern given for spiritual growth… http://www.lds.org/liahona/2009/07/scripture-stories-as-patterns-for-our-lives?lang=eng “*
The Savior sensed His sacred responsibility and sought to commune with God.I sensed my sacred responsibility and sought to commune with God.
*He communed with God.
Enlightenment came as I studied, fasted, pondered, and prayed.
*He was tempted and challenged.
I was challenged with feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness.
*Angels ministered to Him.
The Holy Ghost comforted, taught, enlightened, and strengthened me to go forward with divine assistance.
“ I like that this pattern is universal.
Reading this was encouraging… that a search for truth is “challenging” for everyone.
I’d say that the only thing missing is how love is inseparably associated with spiritual progress.
What is the spiritual pattern for growth to you?
Spiritual growth seems to be motivated by love, not fear or shame. I was thinking about how instead of fighting against something, it’s more productive to offer something BETTER.
Mother Teresa & other wise people never joined any “anti-” groups… only “pro….”
They realized a war against anything destructive is as ridiculous as a war against war.
So, I was thinking about a few people I’ve considered introducing to this forum, or other ideas outside the box.
The church has a lot of flaws, but it also offers good things, that may be difficult to find elsewhere.
To question it, involves a lot of risk, that some just may not see as worth it, unless they have reason to believe otherwise.
Is spiritual growth worth it?
In considering other perspectives, I have found a peace and love that replaces fear and shame… although there is still “opposition in all things.”
what you shared above Featherina reminds me of an experience i had as a boy of 5 or 6. i was staying with a family of relatives of mine back then and i had this cough. i had a habit of not covering my mouth as i coughed. my dear relatives would say “cover your mouth when you cough ok ?” and they would praise me every time i covered my mouth. they would say “Yay !” and “clap” and pat me on the back. after an evening of this loving instruction i did eventually learn to cover my mouth while coughing. years later i thought about that and realized that that is how we should encourage people to change – by loving them into changing – not by shaming or guilt-tripping them into changing.
i bring this up here because i know a number of times i’ve been at church where masturbation or pornography would be brought up and it was a case where i felt talk-givers (or leaders) were shaming people into changing instead of loving people into changing. if anything, a speaker using shame as a method for teaching just turned me off.
Featherina wrote:a search for truth is “challenging” for everyone.
I agree Featherina. I guess that is why I don’t often try to get others to think about what I’m thinking about. Everyone has their challenges they are working on. And mine is mine.
Featherina wrote:To question it, involves a lot of risk, that some just may not see as worth it
I think both of these quotes are true. I guess I see my spiritual growth comes from doing something. I grew spiritually in callings serving others and sacrificing time from my family to love others…and I felt spiritually healthy.
I have taken breaks from church and served my family and spent time with them away from church…and I felt spiritually healthy.
Sitting and reading and thinking is intellectually stimulating, but it doesn’t always translate to spiritual growth until I act on things I’m thinking about.
Making mistakes is natural, I can’t help it. I think fear and shame are a choice when I’m worried about what others think of me…that I can help.
Just some thoughts. Thanks for starting this thread. Much to ponder about.
BeLikeChrist wrote:…years later i thought about that and realized that that is how we should encourage people to change – by loving them into changing – not by shaming or guilt-tripping them into changing.
i bring this up here because i know a number of times i’ve been at church where masturbation or pornography would be brought up and it was a case where i felt talk-givers (or leaders) were shaming people into changing instead of loving people into changing. if anything, a speaker using shame as a method for teaching just turned me off.
“Loving them into changing” – I love that!I need to remember that as a parent!
I hope anybody who gets up to speak in church considers this too!
Heber, Yeah, there is much to ponder.
You reminded me that there are times to “be still and know that I am God” & other times to be actively engaged in good causes.
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