Take a walk around the block. Meander through the neighborhood. Or just sit on the front stoop, inhaling the scent of blossoms and fresh-cut grass, humming with birds and laughing with kids. And savor a piece of chocolate while you're at it!
That was a nicely written essay describing what we have discussed many times: the "church" and the "gospel" are not the same thing. The establishment of the "church" is essential to partaking of and participating in doctrinal ordinances (sustaining a living prophet, baptism, the sacrament, temple ordinances, etc.) and teachings of the gospel. The "church" can provide a climate where the truths of the "gospel" can be anchored firmly in each of us.
The church and gospel are separate, but intertwined in such a way that ideally, through active participation in the "church," actual doctrine is shared and our faith takes root and through lessons, service opportunities, callings and activities, the truths of the gospel doctrine are anchored in each of us, and our faith in our beliefs (doctrine) is given the perfect climate (church participation) in which to grow.
All too often, I think we confuse the "church" with the "gospel," which can lead to disappointment and confusion, because the church is composed of people, while the gospel is composed of God's truths. And because testimonies are not static (nor should they be, I think) they can weaken as well as strengthen, and the relationship between our testimonies and what is going on at church can be affected for good or ill.
I really believe that most people in the church are doing the best they can to live the gospel. Yes, there are misunderstandings and differences in how the programs of the church are implemented and followed, but that should not take away from the truth of the gospel.
Obviously, I can go on and on about this, so I will finish my comment with this: We can anchor our testimonies in the gospel,or in the church, and sometimes it's hard to know where one ends and the other begins, but I think if we are honestly doing the best we can, to live the best we can based on what we understand, the difference between the gospel and the church won't knock us down.
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That was a nicely written essay describing what we have discussed many times: the "church" and the "gospel" are not the same thing. The establishment of the "church" is essential to partaking of and participating in doctrinal ordinances (sustaining a living prophet, baptism, the sacrament, temple ordinances, etc.) and teachings of the gospel. The "church" can provide a climate where the truths of the "gospel" can be anchored firmly in each of us.
The church and gospel are separate, but intertwined in such a way that ideally, through active participation in the "church," actual doctrine is shared and our faith takes root and through lessons, service opportunities, callings and activities, the truths of the gospel doctrine are anchored in each of us, and our faith in our beliefs (doctrine) is given the perfect climate (church participation) in which to grow.
All too often, I think we confuse the "church" with the "gospel," which can lead to disappointment and confusion, because the church is composed of people, while the gospel is composed of God's truths. And because testimonies are not static (nor should they be, I think) they can weaken as well as strengthen, and the relationship between our testimonies and what is going on at church can be affected for good or ill.
I really believe that most people in the church are doing the best they can to live the gospel. Yes, there are misunderstandings and differences in how the programs of the church are implemented and followed, but that should not take away from the truth of the gospel.
Obviously, I can go on and on about this, so I will finish my comment with this: We can anchor our testimonies in the gospel,or in the church, and sometimes it's hard to know where one ends and the other begins, but I think if we are honestly doing the best we can, to live the best we can based on what we understand, the difference between the gospel and the church won't knock us down.
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