This post is going to seem scattered but I am going to be examining common challenges that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints face in day to day life. So here goes nothing :)
People sometimes complain argue and complain over petty matters in Church meetings and throughout the week. And honestly, this is really easy to do. I do it ALL the time. My poor husband has to sit through many a "vent session" about things that really don't matter in the grand scheme of things. Philippians 2-18, 14-15 all allude to this. Basically these verses say that people who have been truly converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ don't look at things with a "me" attitude.
What is a "me" attitude? Someone with a "me" attitude only looks at something through the "how does this effect me" lens. Someone who is converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ has an "us' attitude. They are united with their brothers and sisters, working towards Zion. What could be more wonderful?
When we are children we learn what to believe from our parents. We follow their example. And for a while this is okay, expected even. In the eyes of children, parents are infallible. This couldn't be more untrue. Every single person on this Earth has made monumental mistakes, has sinned, and has felt like they are not worth rescuing. Philippians 2:12 tells us to "…work out [y]our own salvation with fear and trembling."
Even if you are blessed with goodly parents, you cannot risk depending on them for Spiritual strength, because one day they will be gone. One day, you will be alone in your struggles to stay connected to the Lord and you will need your own testimony and you will need to have worked out your own salvation.
Another thing that often happens to members in the Church is something that actually happens to investigators. Sometimes their journey to the true Church causes them to lose family ties. Speaking from experience, this is rough. And I don't mean "Oh you had a bad day rough." I mean gain 30 pounds from all the stress eating, become depressed and lose yourself for a while rough. After this happened to me Philippians 4:13 helped me so much. It says, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." I joined the Church because I knew it was right. But just because something is right does not mean it is the easy choice. Often the right choice is the harder choice to make. Often the right choice requires sacrifice. To any investigator out there wanting to join the Church but are scared of your families reactions, I just want to say my heart is with you. I know that this decision is not made lightly. I can promise you something though, if your family really does cut you out of there life, one day they will realize what they have lost and come back to you. And when they do forgive them freely. Be an example of righteousness. This may take years but it will happen. Always pray for them. Always make sure they know of your love for them. It does get better. Just remember " [I] YOU can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth you [me]."
In the Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 32:3 states, "Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." By examining all of these common challenges in everyday life for any LDS person and applying scriptures to find the solutions we are practicing this principle!
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