Doubt Your Doubts

The 183rd Semiannual General Conference

It's that time again! Every six months, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints opens up its global broadcasting capability for General Conference, a time when members all over the world gather and listen to inspired messages.

Thanks to the convenience of the Internet, I was able to stay at home and enjoy the experience with my roommates.

Anyways, it looks like I'll probably be spending this month writing about topics that impressed me the most during Conference.

I've always enjoyed Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk since the day I discovered his awesome German accent and intriguingly good looking hair for his age. The message he delivered is best quoted as "doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith". I chose to write about this message first because it resonates deeply with where I came from in life as a convert to the Church.

President Uchtdorf counselled members to hold steadfast to the words of eternal life because we are part of the restored church of Jesus Christ. There are many people who have left due to struggles with challenges or even unkind behaviors from its members. However complicated the reasons are for leaving, he urged us to stay and consecrate our talents for the greater good of the Kingdom of God on Earth.

When Jesus said that no man could come unto Him except it were given of him by the Father, many disciples walked with him no more because they believed not in His teachings. Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked if they would also go away. To which, Peter answered, "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life" (John 6:65-67). Peter knew He was the Messiah.

But, we can't compare mortals to The Master. Yes, people are imperfect and operations under human hands also are imperfect. This is more the reason why we should all consecrate our efforts to make sure the establishment functions the way as it is intended. Like Peter mentioned, if we have, or had, the conviction to believe this is the true church of Christ restored upon the Earth in the latter days, where else would we go to hold steadfast and endure to the end?

Echoing from my previous post, are we overconfident to the point that we believe we can make it on our own by our own self-proclaimed proficiency in following the Spirit? The Lord gave people weaknesses so they can be humble, and in meekness, they are made strong (Ether 12:27). It is said that no man is an island, and I believe there's wisdom in that saying. We easily wind up relying on the arm of the flesh when we go solo, not to mention that we'd most likely stop loving our neighbors altogether.

I could have turned my back on so many occasions due to trials or certain "unfairness" in life that caught up with me. To this day, I still stand by my mantra that I am ultimately accountable for my own actions. I sure did not join the Church because of social comfort, special privileges, or some cute girl that happened to be Mormon. My loyalty and faith lie with God and it was restored when I was introduced to His restored teachings. I will be part of His organization and contribute to the cause.

As a man of minority myself, I've had plenty of people dislike me simply because of the color of my skin and physical appearance. It's of no matter because I know there are good and bad in every groups of people. As for challenging the legitimacy or capability of leaders, my take has always been should they be wrong, Jesus Himself will deal with them when He returns. It is of no concern to me.

Some people would point out some of the "blatantly wrong" things that happen/happened in the Church. To them, I'll respond with what the Lord has spoken many times in the Doctrine and Covenants. It is the eleventh hour and we've been called to labor in the vineyard one last time before the great harvest. I am certain the Church will not go astray to the point of leading men into mass apostasy before the Savior returns. Remember, doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith!