Monday, December 10, 2007

FELLOWSHIP OF THE UNASHAMED

I have been sputtering and spewing for some time now about the press the Mormons have been getting due to the candidacy of Mitt Romney. Although President Hinckley has assured us that unpopular publicity will never hurt the Church and "good may come from it," I have been particularly hurt by the unfounded charge that Mormons are not Christian. This accusation has affected me profoundly. I have, in all my life as a Mormon, worshipped Christ and God the Father. I've tried to pattern my life after the teachings of Jesus Christ; I've knelt in fervent prayer and found answers to my prayers to the Father in the name of Christ. All of my most profound actions and decisions have been measured by the age-old question: What would Christ have me do? So, to me, it's seemed most un-Christian for so-called Christians to make such accusations concerning a Church and teachings they know so little about.
My husband has taught me that the charges of Christians has come to Mormons not because we are necessarily un-Christian in our attitudes and actions, but because we do not believe in the fundamental conclusions drawn about the Godhead by the Nicean Creed which is the generally accepted standard of all other Christian religions. Our job should be to teach others about the logic of our position on the Godhead. Most of the enemies of the Church will not be persuaded because they will always hate Joseph Smith's audacity at claiming that he had seen a vision of God the Father and his Son. However, most Christians, I think, would begin to understand our beliefs and, at least, tolerate them if we did more teaching of our beliefs. Therefore, I have accepted this pledge given by President Henry B. Eyring. I am not positive if this pledge is President Eyring's original work, or he is quoting another source, but it applies to all who are Christians!!

Fellowship of the Unashamed by Elder Henry B Eyring.

I am part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, or be still. My past is redeemed; my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving and dwarfed goals. I no longer need pre-eminence, position, promotions, plaudits or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk with patience, and am uplifted by prayer and labor with power. My face is set; my gait is fast; my goal is heaven. My road is narrow; my way is rough; my companions are few; my guide is reliable; my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, divided or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won’t give up, shut up, or let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, and paid up for the cause of Christ. I must go till He comes, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work till He stops me. And when He returns for his own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My Banner will be clear.
Cheers, Mom

2 comments:

Susan said...

What a beautiful, strong testimony, Mom. I'm so grateful for the faith you and Dad have always shown. Hearing your testimony has definitely helped strengthen my own :)

Your favorite sister said...

I agree with Susan. One thing, that I have never had to wonder about, is what my parents believe. I have always appreciated your unwavering faith. Love you Mom.