Monday, January 28, 2008

My first blog post

Well, I did it; I got a blog. I guess it shows just how suggestible I am... my friends are doing it, and I did it too. But obviously I'm not that broken up about it.

For my first post I would like to share some thoughts about something I hear in church that kind of bothers me. I heard it again in Sunday School today and I would like to give my opinion on the topic.

Here's an example of the kind of comment that kind of bothers me:
"The kingdom of God is growing, and God needs our help to reach out to His children and do His work."

Here's the problem I have with this idea: God doesn't need us to do His work.

Now, don't get me wrong, it's quite clear that we are expected to participate in God's work. In fact, it's our privilege. But the work will get done without us. Here's a scripture that explains what I'm talking about. The context of this scripture is talking about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.

2 Ne. 27: 20-21
Then shall the Lord God say unto him: The learned shall not read them, for they have rejected them, and I am able to do mine own work; wherefore thou shalt read the words which I shall give unto thee.
Touch not the things which are sealed, for I will bring them forth in mine own due time; for I will show unto the children of men that I am able to do mine own work.

The Lord is able to do His own work. Surely He is powerful enough to do whatever He wants. His arm is strong enough to accomplish all of His purposes. He doesn't NEED us to do any of the tasks we usually talk about in regards to His kingdom: visiting teaching, etc. That is, if God wants someone to be visit taught, they will be visit taught, whether or not we are the ones who are doing it. He's powerful enough to meet everyone's needs.

So why do we get callings in the Church, and why do we have responsibilities to perform our duty in the kingdom? I think it's our privilege to participate in these activities because it helps us to grow. If we are supposed to become like Christ, serving others and fulfilling their needs is one way that we can be like Him. I think God condescends to allow us to do His work because it helps US to grow.

Well, there's my first blog rant. I don't expect that every single blog entry will be a doctrinal opinion like this one. :)

1 comment:

red said...

I believe we all have our specific work to do. Yes, others may be able to fill in, but as we are all individuals, there are things that we do best, therefore when it comes to our responsibilities, we have a way of completing them the best way possible. It is impossible to say "what if" when you do, or don't complete a task or responsibility, but I have learned "what if" can be a powerful tool of the devil. We must always strive to do our best. You never know what will come because of your actions. Never waste a minute.