On Sunday I taught the lesson in Relief Society. It was from the Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: George Albert Smith. I absolutely love these books. The first lesson was entitled Living What You Believe. It's a lesson I think everyone can learn from and of which no one is perfect. It applies to every religion, race, and age. Here's a story that was shared from the life of President Smith.
So this is where we can all do better. No matter what your religion or beliefs, if people don't know what they are by the way that you live or what you do then maybe you should rethink what it is that you actually believe.
So this is where we can all do better. No matter what your religion or beliefs, if people don't know what they are by the way that you live or what you do then maybe you should rethink what it is that you actually believe.
"Within the last year, I have had the privilege of meeting and conversing on the gospel with some men who live in this community [Salt Lake City], not members of our Church. One man had resided here for twenty years, a man whose life is above reproach, a good citizen, a splendid business man, one who has kindly feelings towards our people. He told me that he had lived here twenty years, and he had come to the conclusion that we were just as good as our neighbors who are members of other churches; he could not see any difference in us.
I want to say to you, my brethren and sisters, that is no compliment to me. If the gospel of Jesus Christ does not make me a better man, then I have not developed as I should, and if our neighbors not in this Church can live among us from year to year and see no evidence of the benefits that come from keeping the commandments of God in our lives, then there is need for reform in Israel.
… Are you doing your duty? are we performing the labor that the Lord has entrusted to our care? do we sense the responsibility that is upon us? or are we idly floating down stream, going with the tide taking it for granted that in the last day, we will be redeemed?"
So this is where we can all do better. No matter what your religion or beliefs, if people don't know what they are by the way that you live or what you do then maybe you should rethink what it is that you actually believe. Now I'm not saying to shove it in anyones face but if you truly believe something it should become a major part of who you are, not just a Sunday attitude or habit. It is a way of life.