Mindful Latter-day Saint Apologetics
Providing thoughtful and faithful responses to criticisms and questions of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ
Today, many possess the spirit of Cain and say with grave arrogance am I my brother’s keeper? Unfortunately, many who possess such an attitude and spirit of haughtiness are those who claim to be followers of Christ. How are we able to love God with all our heart, mind, and strength when we turn ourselves from the suffering of others? To love God also means we are to love others as we love ourselves.
I did not believe that when I turn my heart over to God, that He governs me and shapes me automatically. This is not what inspired scripture teaches in Proverbs 4:23. It is a command to guard my heart. I am to be careful about what I allow into my heart. My heart cannot be an open door to unbiblical and ungodly influences. I am not to be captive to them; they are to be captive to the word of God. I am given the responsibility of being vigilant about their content.
As meaningful as our desire is to reach out to those who are lost, and specifically more so to those suffering from active substance use and mental health disorders; we do well to remember the wise and therapeutic recommendation to do no harm. And erroring on the side of ignorance is not cutting it anymore. What I propose is for the Christian community at large, and each individual Christian personally, to come to understand some things when engaged in ministry work. That is, to become aware, educated, and understand the true nature of recovery, the healing process, and the restoration of an individual to a meaningful and purposeful Christian life and relationship. Not just with our Savior, Jesus Christ, but also in relationship with others that are supportive, understanding (through empathy and compassion). A sanctuary that is considered safe.
Photo by Oladimeji Ajegbile on Pexels.com ~ Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things ~ 2 Timothy 2:7, KJV Whether it is listening to a favorite broadcast, sermon, or a daily devotion - immersion into the word of God is not merely a chore to be accomplished. It requires… Continue reading Consider the Teachings
Over the years I have attended a variety of men’s fellowship groups within the Christian Faith. Some were quite small while others boast a good following. Some of these groups appeared to have died down and were no longer meeting. It was not until I stepped into a fellowship of those engaged in their own… Continue reading A Vibrant Fellowship Is Needed – Damascus Way Recovery
As we emulate men of valor, righteousness, and integrity - we are emulate Christ himself. We become humble, committed, and faithful. We become Christ-like in service toward others. We strive to be above reproach. And, it is up to us to cultivate those relationships that we desire to emulate in our own lives.
We are to discipline our very thoughts and actions to conform to Godly Wisdom and Righteousness.
By setting pure intentions and living with purpose and meaning through Jesus Christ, other people's opinion and understanding of who we are becomes unimportant. We are not here to please others. And, when it comes to our opinion of ourselves - we adopt the eternal perception of who we are through Christ Jesus. Sons and Daughters of the Most High.
When we deny ourselves and trust in God, we are empowered to walk humbly with him and act justly, and to love with mercy.
As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. ~ Luke 8:15, ESV ~ There is a legacy of spiritual growth and healing from men who have come before us. It began with the seed of… Continue reading Spiritual growth began with the seed of Truth
One of the most challenge things in being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is having to constantly be aware of one's on going work toward perfection. Many times, as a Mormon, the constant teaching of, "you have to do this in order for this to happen," came across the… Continue reading How God meets us where we are in the present moment
But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. ~ 1 Corinthians 4:3-4, ESV ~… Continue reading He knows and He Cares
If anyone serves , he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. ~ John 12:26, ESV ~ We are set free from the bondage and enslavement substance use has brought upon us because we follow in the footsteps of our… Continue reading In the Footsteps of the Master
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. ~James 3:13, ESV~ As we engage in our journey through recovery, wisdom is the guiding light that helps us live a life free from substance use. Where does this wisdom come from? It comes… Continue reading Becoming Wise
If you were asked what the chiefest endeavor of the Christian life is - how may you answer? It is a strange phrase to begin with. Chiefest Endeavor, what does that entail? It simply means, the foremost goal we desire to achieve in the Christian life. And what is this foremost desire of our hearts? It… Continue reading Our Chiefest Endeavor
Mindful Latter-day Saint Apologetics 
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