My Mormon Third Eye: I See... Why I'm Not Worried About the Future of the Church (and neither should you!)

Sunday, July 26, 2015

I See... Why I'm Not Worried About the Future of the Church (and neither should you!)

Perusing through all kinds of electronic literature that are critical of the church, its beliefs, doctrines, and practices, it is easy and superficially logical to conclude that it has some rough times ahead; women and the priesthood, historical misinterpretations, same-sex marriage, etc. I have to admit that at times I too have been worried about the extent to which these misunderstood issues could tarnish our image and persuade earnest seekers of God and Truth to satisfy their yearnings elsewhere. Two recent events, however, have silenced those fears and provide cause to hope that the church will continue to be led by divine inspiration and continually blossom despite these challenges.

Event No. 1:

A few weeks ago I spent four glorious days, including 25-30 bus hours, with 300+ youth of the Apex North Carolina Stake in Palmyra, New York, to rediscover the origins of the Restoration (you can read more about that here). I was an eyewitness to the strength and miracle of testimony and conversion among our youth, and finished the experience with the conviction that as they act on what they believe, they will become sacred protectors and promoters of doctrines and principles of the gospel that prepare us for the Lord's return. Tomorrow's church will be safe in the hands of today's youth.

Event No. 2:

“Our praise for the pioneers is empty if it does not cause inner reflection on our part.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

A few hours ago I was sitting in sacrament meeting expecting stirring tributes to the early pioneers, accompanied by rousing invitations to draw strength from their sacrifices to conquer my own challenges, but I found so much more. Two valiant sisters, both converts to the church, delivered priceless messages of faith, hope, forgiveness, and endurance as they recounted twisted and perilous paths to overcome abuse, loss, loneliness and despair to find the Gospel of Jesus Christ and make and keep eternal marriage covenants. They both were pioneers in their own families, blazing trails of belief and blessings for generations after them to enjoy. I have found the will to do hard things in reflecting on the sacrifices my pioneer ancestors made over 150 years ago (you can read more about that here), and I am certain that descendants of these sisters will do the same. Tomorrow's church will be safe in the hands of the descendants of today's converts.

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The Mormon Third Eye Quote of the Week

"As men of the priesthood, we have an essential role to play in society, at home, and in the Church. But we must be men that women can trust, that children can trust, and that God can trust. In the Church and kingdom of God in these latter days, we cannot afford to have boys and men who are drifting. We cannot afford young men who lack self-discipline and live only to be entertained. We cannot afford young adult men who are going nowhere in life, who are not serious about forming families and making a real contribution in this world. We cannot afford husbands and fathers who fail to provide spiritual leadership in the home."

Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Priesthood Session Conference, October 2012

Why My Mormon Third Eye?

When I politely excused myself in the middle of dinner to make a bathroom stop, how did Mom know that I had uneaten peas in my pocket to flush down the toilet? When I came home late from a youth dance and slid quietly into bed to avoid waking parental units, how did Dad know, without looking at the car, that I smashed in the front bumper? When I watch my daughter play a video game, how do I know that she's not ready for her Geometry final?

Its the Third Eye. The notorious eye in the back of the head, the extra view of life that God blesses parents striving to do the right thing so they can see more of life than the children they chase after.

Our third eye also permits us to see things and feel emotions that are too refined, too far on the edge of our standard two-eyed peripheral vision to enjoy in its fullness. I've learned that I have a Mormon Third Eye; that is, as a life-long, fully-dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have unique perspective on how the doctrines of the gospel and the demands of my faith in them intersect every other part of my mortal existence to create the entertaining, self-deprecating kaleidoscope of my life.

So... for those of you bold and bored enough to read this far, every so often I'll be sharing here what my Mormon third eye sees. Third eyes are relatively huge; they see the humorous, the entertaining, the embarrassing, the beautiful, the inspirational, and even the moral and political; however, they tend to ignore the evil, depressing and destructive: there is enough of that in world already!

The Four Secrets to Successful Living

Always Go Where There is Free Food - This includes ward and work parties, wedding receptions and missionary open houses; the money you spend to buy the ingredients for the world-famous triple chocolate cake you bring doesn’t count.
Never Pay Full Price for Anything – See my posts on Black Friday escapades for more information on this.
Never, Ever Press the Red Button - Usually, if you are faced with a red button somewhere, don’t press it – it usually means trouble. For example, the red button launches the missiles. Do yourself a favor and don’t press it.
Any Problem You Face Can Be Solved With Bungee Cords and Duct Tape - Bungee cord and duct tape technology has saved many marriages and ward parties. I’m not just talking about problems with plumbing or keeping groceries from bouncing around the trunk; I know of relationship and family issues that have been solved with creative applications of these two substances.