Are You Worthy Of The Truth?

[HeatherAnn]

"If we value house, if we value land, if we value good name, if we value even life itself more than we do the truth, we are unworthy of the truth." -George Q. Canon, LDS Apostle

Matthew 7:13-15. "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, & broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, & many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, & narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, & few there be that find it."

Truth is sometimes ugly & I often just don't want so see it. Who wants to admit their most shameful thoughts & weaknesses? It's too painful... Who wants to take an "escape" vacation to see poverty in Ethiopia? Who wants to see any of the almost 1,000,000,000 (1 BILLION) starving - especially barely alive children that look like skeletons with bloated bellies? It's heart breaking! As are many other "truths" - which is why many "don't want to go there."

Yet, Christ, was the "annointed one" after "descending below all things." The only way we can reach out to love EVERYONE, is to consider where they're coming from - even if it's hell.

There's this scripture that I never understood until recently... "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, & the daughter against her mother, & the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: & he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross & followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: & he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." - Matt 10:34-39

As someone who opposes many things in society that are becoming acceptable, yet IMO, are far from TRUTH/LIGHT... I can relate!

Sometimes, I wish I didn't feel such a drive to know the truth so much - & I could just go on with the idea that "ignorance is bliss." Yet, ignor-ance is not truth & thus not real joy. It's superficial. Still, it's the most worn path - it's so much easier to accept what everyone (even closest family) believe & not keep searching for truth. That's why the path is so worn. Yet, if ignorance goes unchallenged, it will continue, gaining momentum - causing pain to more & more. Gospel=Good News. We don't just learn the gospel once & there we have it... As a GA said, we're "born again & again" to new perspectives. If we really truly love GOD above all... If we truly love God, who is LOVE, LIGHT & TRUTH - we will "lose" our hang-ups with which truths are comfortable & which aren't & strive to know & do what is best for everyone in the big picture. "Do what is right, let the consequence follow."

Edited December 2, 2011 by HeatherAnn

[Kenngo1969]

You go, Girl! Maybe someday you'll be elected Prophet, Seer, and Revelator! (I wonder if there are any openings in the leadership of the Community of Christ?)

[Saints Alive]

If the Gospel were easy do you think finding / keeping converts would be hard?

[CV75]

"If we value house, if we value land, if we value good name, if we value even life itself more than we do the truth, we are unworthy of the truth." -George Q. Canon, LDS Apostle

This makes me think of a few principles that have been beneficial to me:

The problems of mortal life in a fallen world are not truths, they are facts. There is a big difference. Problems result when there isn't enough to sustain life; truth results when there is no end to life.

A mind full of facts still suffers from ignorance if the truth does not enlighten it with righteous understanding and judgment.

The truth is that all human beings are children of God with a divine (immortal, glorified, joyous) destiny made possible through the Christ.

Truth shows the way to treat the facts to transform them into what is real (immortality, eternal life and exaltation).

[thesometimesaint]

HeatherAnn:

Trust in God but keep your hands on the steering wheel.

[Nominee]

To answer the title question: IMHO, yes, I am worthy of the truth.

[HeatherAnn]

Kenngo,

"Many are cold, but few are frozen."

You reminded me that we each seek to do what we think is best, through trial & error.

Maybe you thought the "best" response to my OP would be to ridicule me & another denomination.

For some of us, it takes a lot to learn what is best in a given circumstance... live & learn!

Edited December 2, 2011 by HeatherAnn

[HeatherAnn]

If the Gospel were easy do you think finding / keeping converts would be hard?

I agree that living the gospel (actively seeking new perspectives/spiritual progress) is not easy.

The parable of Jesus' birth... was preceded by the parable of Mary going into labor.

It takes work to seek truth... to be born again to new perspectives. But how joyful it is when you see that beautiful vista!

I don't think conversion is something that another finds or keeps.

It is personal, as Dalin H. Oaks said: “Now is the time for each of us to work toward our personal conversion, toward becoming what our Heavenly Father desires us to become.”

The kingdom of God is not external, it is within us. (Luke 17:21)

[HeatherAnn]

Truth shows the way to treat the facts to transform them into what is real (immortality, eternal life and exaltation).

I like that!

Truth is in perspective... the more perspectives, the more truthful.

The only objective truth is that of God who is all-knowing.

There are beautiful, inspiring truths... that bring us comfort & joy!

And there are ugly, horrific truths... that can be depressing or enraging!

Christ descended below all so he could lift all up.

The only way those ugly truths can become beautiful is if they're acknowledged & acted on.

I think it's a balance... of loving ourselves & loving others.

We cannot love & heal others if we don't love & heal ourselves.

[HeatherAnn]

HeatherAnn:

Trust in God but keep your hands on the steering wheel.

I agree!

I like how you summarized harmonizing intellect & the spirit.

[HeatherAnn]

To answer the title question: IMHO, yes, I am worthy of the truth.

Can you "handle the TRUTH" and nothing but the TRUTH?

[Nominee]

Can you "handle the TRUTH" and nothing but the TRUTH?

I believe we (every single one of us) can endure to the end for we are not alone.

The Articles of Faith - #13:

We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul- We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

Edited December 2, 2011 by Nominee

[CV75]

I like that!

Truth is in perspective... the more perspectives, the more truthful.

The only objective truth is that of God who is all-knowing.

There are beautiful, inspiring truths... that bring us comfort & joy!

And there are ugly, horrific truths... that can be depressing or enraging!

Christ descended below all so he could lift all up.

The only way those ugly truths can become beautiful is if they're acknowledged & acted on.

I think it's a balance... of loving ourselves & loving others.

We cannot love & heal others if we don't love & heal ourselves.

I look at this as there really not being any such thing as “ugly truth.” All that which is ugly (spiritual, temporal and physical death of all types and degrees) has been overcome by Jesus Christ. The ugliness we find in this world is only temporary, it is ultimately swallowed up in Christ, and all things will be restored and go on forever. Truth is whole, complete (“beautiful”) and eternal.

And of course faith in Christ is matched with attendant works in Christ; both availed to us by His grace.

[Kenngo1969]

Kenngo,

"Many are cold, but few are frozen."

You reminded me that we each seek to do what we think is best, through trial & error.

Maybe you thought the "best" response to my OP would be to ridicule me & another denomination.

For some of us, it takes a lot to learn what is best in a given circumstance... live & learn!

Humor impaired much? So, you would be Col. Jessup to my Lt. Caffee in the film A Few Good Men?

Jessup: "What do you want from me?"

Caffee: "I want the truth!"

Jessup: "You can't handle the truth!"

[HeatherAnn]

I believe we (every single one of us) can endure to the end for we are not alone.

What other choice do we have? To give up & die - not endure?

I believe life is more than just enduring. It's actively striving to learn... & to heal & love ourselves & others.

We can & do this & are doing fine... & we can always do better.

[HeatherAnn]

I look at this as there really not being any such thing as “ugly truth.” All that which is ugly (spiritual, temporal and physical death of all types and degrees) has been overcome by Jesus Christ.

I have to disagree with you, CV. There are ugly truths.

I just watched a very ugly video on an abortion killing being done... very ugly.

It's very ugly when people justify killing for ugly reasons.

If I didn't think it was ugly, I would keep my mouth shut, but I won't because I do think it's ugly.

Jesus saw some ugly things too... & sometimes pointed them out... not to be a pain, but to help others think, feel & choose better - to be happier & to help make others around them happier. Jesus did not do it all for us, but taught us the way to heal ourselves & others. Our hands are his hands, right?

Edited December 2, 2011 by HeatherAnn

[Nominee]

What other choice do we have? To give up & die - not endure?

I believe life is more than just enduring. It's actively striving to learn... & to heal & love ourselves & others.

We can & do this & are doing fine... & we can always do better.

Ah. I interpret the endurance to be spiritual. Who cares about physical endurance?! That is rhetorical and I am half joking.

We do have a choice. We could not endure which is to say we can lose our faith, give up on God, forget about Christ, throw away our morality, turn our backs on charity, stop learning, stop loving, etc. This would be to not endure to the end.

Edited December 2, 2011 by Nominee

[HeatherAnn]

So, you would be Col. Jessup to my Lt. Caffee in the film A Few Good Men?

Jessup: "What do you want from me?"

Caffee: "I want the truth!"

Jessup: "You can't handle the truth!"

Kenngo!

Your read my mind! Congratulations - that's a great accomplishment! That is exactly the scene was imagining!

Very cule!

[KevinG]

Not as worthy as I could be...

Working on it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yB7J7DYi6M

[HeatherAnn]

Ah. I interpret the endurence to be spiritual. Who cares about physical endurence?! That is rhetorical and I am half joking.

We do have a choice. We cannot endure which is to say we can lose our faith, give up on God, forget about Christ, throw away our morality, turn our backs on charity, etc. This would be to not endure to the end.

I'm going to pull out my scriptures & pretend I'm a preacher... ok?

"And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, & tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

And he asnwering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, & with all thy soul, & with all thy strength, & with all thy mind; & thy neighbour as thyself.

And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, & thou shalt live.

But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor?

And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jersualem to Jericho, & fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, & wounded him, & departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: & when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came & looked on him, & passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: & when he saw him, he had compassion on him, & went to him, & bound up his wounds, pouring oil & wine, & set him on his own beast, & brought him to an inn, & took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out 2 pence, & gave them to the host, & said unto him, Take care of him; & whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

Which now of these 3, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

And he said, He that shewed mercy on him.

Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise." -Luke 10:25-37

I don't often come across somebody who was beat up & left for dead. But I do come across people in need of compassion. On this forum, there are such... at the store, there are, whatever path I take, there are people who need compassion & mercy to be shown them. 2,000 years ago, Jesus didn't have internet, tv, radio etc. The definition of neighbor was more limited in understanding back then. Now, with more awareness of our world-wide neighbors, we understand the need for mercy even more.

If you or your child were starving to death (as almost 1,000,000,000 are)... I doubt you'd say, "Who cares about physical endurance." And Jesus taught us to care for physical as well as spiritual well-being... of ourselves & others.

[HeatherAnn]

Not as worthy as I could be...

Working on it.

That fact that you realize that shows you're working on it.

Me too! Every now & then I'm forced into a cram session, but usually, "line upon line" is about all I can handle.

[LeSellers]

If you or your child were starving to death (as almost 1,000,000,000 are)...

CFR that there are a billion children starving to death. Or even only "almost".

Sounds like the Mitch Snyder School of Statistics at work. That's one in every seven people (adults included) on the earth. 'Snot true. If it were, there would soon be far fewer than 7,000,000,000 people on the planet.

Even if it were, it's not a shortage of food, it's politics and governments for the most part, denying their enemies basic necessities. They even go so far as to steal food aid and divert it to their supporters and military (North Korea is a famous culprit, but it is not alone).

Lehi

[Avatar4321]

Nope. I never will be. But that's the beauty of the Gospel. The grace of God because of the Atonement can make anyone worthy despite not being.

[HeatherAnn]

CFR that there are a billion children starving to death. Or even only "almost"...

That's one in every seven people (adults included) on the earth. 'Snot true. If it were, there would soon be far fewer than 7,000,000,000 people on the planet.

It's hard to believe - but it's true!

You seem to be pretty good with math & world-population awareness...

2011 World Hunger and Poverty Facts and Statistics:

"In round numbers there are 7 billion people in the world. Thus, with an estimated 925 million hungry people in the world, 13.1 percent, or almost 1 in 7 people are hungry."

http://www.worldhung...le_in_the_world

"1 billion children live in poverty (1 in 2 children in the world). 640 million live without adequate shelter, 400 million have no access to safe water, 270 million have no access to health services. 10.6 million died in 2003 before they reached the age of 5 (or roughly 29,000 children per day)."

http://www.globaliss...uses-of-poverty

Good point about corruption. That is the case in some areas, yet as with most issues, it's not the only concern...

Causes of World Poverty:

1. Natural Disasters - wipe out crops, businesses, etc.

2. Debt (most LEDC's- "Lease Economically Developed Country" - have to borrow $ from & pay interest to banks of developed countries to begin their own development.

3. War - also wipes out crops, businesses etc.

4. Unfair trade (which is dominated by rich countries)

5. HIV/AIDS

6. Lack of Education

Edited December 3, 2011 by HeatherAnn

[HeatherAnn]

Nope. I never will be. But that's the beauty of the Gospel. The grace of God because of the Atonement can make anyone worthy despite not being.

Achieving good news ("gospel") is beautiful!

Yet, Jesus is not going to make us think better thoughts, feel better feelings, do better actions. That's our responsibility... that's what he showed us to do... to love everyone - not just those who love us... but everyone! He taught us to search our souls... that the kingdom of God is within, not external (Luke 17:21). He taught us above all to love God/TRUTH & to love others as ourselves (Matt 22: 36-40).

Atonement is to make "at one" that which is disconnected. The internet, is a way of bringing the world together... it's a way of being aware of our brothers & sisters on the other side of the world. We are better able to connect & love better, by understanding the truth of where others are coming from & experiencing. As we love others, we love God (1John 4:8 ).

Edited December 3, 2011 by HeatherAnn