One of the most difficult challenges in our lives is to be in the world but not of the world. As Church members, we are asked to stand out. Be different. Be a light. So, how do we do this? We must share the good news of the gospel! Even if it’s unpopular in the eyes of the world. It can be scary, but I promise that when we stand up for our beliefs, God will strengthen and sustain us. Unpopular opinions.
But even in the sphere of Church members, it can be scary to stand up for what we believe in. We each have our own experiences that cause us to have our own thoughts and feelings about the truths we have been taught. And that’s okay. Choosing respect and humility are a couple opinions that I hope will always be popular. But in seeing what is commonly shared online, here are five of my unpopular opinions.
Your truth doesn’t exist. There is only the truth.
In terms of the gospel, there is no my truth or your truth. President Nelson said, “Truth is not relative. Truth is not based on your version of truth or my version of truth. The only thing that is relative is our individual understanding of truth.” And Spencer W. Kimball said that, “absolute truth cannot be altered by the opinions of men. . . . If men are really humble, they will realize that they discover, but do not create, truth.”
The world needs more Latter-day Saint influencers.
Social media is a gift when it’s used for good. Whether you have 100 or 100,000 followers, you have an influence. I believe that God created social media for us to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. The adversary has twisted that and creates division and fighting, but when we see it as a tool for us to share an uplifting message to a ton of people all at once, we can change the world. When I think about the Lord hastening the work of gathering Israel, I believe social media is how it’s going to happen.
We don’t need to separate the Church from the gospel.
Have you ever heard someone say that the Church isn’t perfect, but the gospel is? Although I do agree with that statement, I also think we need to stop separating the two. Doing so creates a black and white way of thinking and often puts a negative spin on the Church. No, the Church isn’t perfect, but it’s necessary. Without the Church, we can’t keep our temple covenants. Without our temple covenants, we can’t live with God again.
Endowed members should not decline a calling.
I have a feeling that this opinion might be very unpopular, so let me start with the exception of those who may have health or other challenges that would legitimately keep them from serving. But those are not common. And willingness is the key word here. If we are willing, but unable, that is not declining a calling. When we share concerns about accepting a calling or information about our circumstances to the one extending it – that is not declining a calling. So, why should we not decline a calling? Because that would be breaking our temple covenants. When we go to the temple and receive our endowment, we use our agency to covenant to consecrate EVERYTHING up to and including our very lives to build the kingdom of God. When a calling is extended to us, the Lord is asking us, “Will you keep your covenants?”
We will end up where we choose to end up.
Being separated from our family is not a punishment from God, but a choice we make. It’s a plan of love and mercy. Yes, God will give us every opportunity to be with our families for eternity. And after learning and understanding all that God offers to us, there will still be some who choose not to keep their covenants knowing the consequences. So, in that case, they will end up where they choose to end up. And so will we.
What is one of your unpopular opinions?
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