Why I stay

[Benaishtart]

I think most of us admit that sometimes we have issues with a decision made by a church leader past or present. People say so and so has been lead astray and have been saying so since the beginning. For now on I’ve resigned to the possibility that gender distinctions may disappear in this church and that the doctrine of the family will be run over. That they’ll cave to social pressures of all kinds. The reason I stay is because of the doctrine of the kingdom of heaven and the second coming. Christ needs an organization in place before he comes back. However flawed it might become, he still needs us and he needs us serving. Christ couldn’t have fulfilled his mission without the Jews. I’m seriously hoping now that I live to see the Davidic Servant. If John the Baptist could be a Jew than any of us can remain members of the church. In different dispensations temples even had idols. We can weather this storm. Part of me just wonders if the Lord is purposely trying us to see who stays. The appropriate metaphor might not be a ship but a raft being pulled by boat going 30 MPH. We’re going to have to hold on as tight as possible to stay on especially as things go from right to left. We’ve seen nothing.

[endlessQuestions]

At the moment, I'm not quite sure why I stay. Everywhere I look, things are in confusion, and I can't make heads or tails of it. All I know is that I've had these handful of experiences in my life that I just can't deny, and most of them link directly back to the use of the priesthood. Certainly that means something. Right?

I think I have some sense of how Joseph Smith must have felt... I'm just not getting those answers he was able to get.

[Benaishtart]

At the moment, I'm not quite sure why I stay. Everywhere I look, things are in confusion, and I can't make heads or tails of it. All I know is that I've had these handful of experiences in my life that I just can't deny, and most of them link directly back to the use of the priesthood. Certainly that means something. Right?

I think I have some sense of how Joseph Smith must have felt... I'm just not getting those answers he was able to get.

This. I also know that the priesthood is a real power and I certainly hope it’s not ever going to go away.

[eddie]

I've never considered leaving. The Priesthood is real and we have the keys, I am so grateful. My children and Grandchildren are amazing people who have served missions and walk uprightly before the Lord because the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Our program for the youth is unsurpassed. I loved Primary when I was a child and still do. The Primary song, " There's a Right Way to Live and be happy," the Gospel of Jesus Christ has made me and my family happy.

[Rand]

The fruits of the Gospel as contained in the Church are really hard to deny. I have not struggled as some have, but admire the strength to endure and press forward in the midst of inner distraction. Stay faithful! It is and will be worth it. We are close. And, I might say the staying will get harder before it gets easier.

[natasha]

Two statements I try to remember at all times: "Nothing really worth having is free." and "Faith NEVER demands an answer to every question."

[kittycat51]

I think most of us admit that sometimes we have issues with a decision made by a church leader past or present. People say so and so has been lead astray and have been saying so since the beginning. For now on I’ve resigned to the possibility that gender distinctions may disappear in this church and that the doctrine of the family will be run over. That they’ll cave to social pressures of all kinds. The reason I stay is because of the doctrine of the kingdom of heaven and the second coming. Christ needs an organization in place before he comes back. However flawed it might become, he still needs us and he needs us serving. Christ couldn’t have fulfilled his mission without the Jews. I’m seriously hoping now that I live to see the Davidic Servant. If John the Baptist could be a Jew than any of us can remain members of the church. In different dispensations temples even had idols. We can weather this storm. Part of me just wonders if the Lord is purposely trying us to see who stays. The appropriate metaphor might not be a ship but a raft being pulled by boat going 30 MPH. We’re going to have to hold on as tight as possible to stay on especially as things go from right to left. We’ve seen nothing.

Nicely written. Thanks.

[MMbelieve]

The fruits of the Gospel as contained in the Church are really hard to deny. I have not struggled as some have, but admire the strength to endure and press forward in the midst of inner distraction. Stay faithful! It is and will be worth it. We are close. And, I might say the staying will get harder before it gets easier.

I believe you are right, things will get more difficult as time goes. The choice to stay or leave needs to be made now.
In this atmosphere of boycotts, suing and discrimination claims people will have to put those tendancies out of their mind to stay attatched to any organization these days. There will always be a reason to leave, we need to find reasons to stay. All we need to do to make it at the end is to not follow the world off the cliff.

[Aprhys]

My wife would leave me if I left. Thats it.

[marc]

I stay because I'm not about to trade one flawed organization for another. This is where the Lord put me and I will continue to walk with the Lord regardless of everything that happens in the church. It doesn't stop me from keeping His commandments to me and loving my neighbors as John the Baptist and Jesus loved their neighbors and served them in spite of what was going on around them in the church. What I am experiencing in my life as His disciple is independent of all the changing policies and traditions of the church organization. His gospel, unlike the ancient and latter-day churches, is unchanging.

[ajax]

My wife would leave me if I left. Thats it.

Man that's harsh. Does she love you or your membership card?

[ajax]

I stay because I'm not about to trade one flawed organization for another.

No organization necessary.

[marc]

I stay because I'm not about to trade one flawed organization for another.

No organization necessary.

My point is I have plenty of love and energy to labor among my own ward neighbors and friends who are in as much need as anybody else anywhere else.

[tribrac]

Because even when I feel suprised, scared, betrayed, or confused by what they say, and my mind is troubled or agitated, there is deep inside a very familiar, warm and comforting feeling. It is peace.

[ajax]

I stay because I'm not about to trade one flawed organization for another.

No organization necessary.

My point is I have plenty of love and energy to labor among my own ward neighbors and friends who are in as much need as anybody else anywhere else.

That's fine, my point is, if anyone thinks they need to be part of an organization, they don't.

[ajax]

People stay because they can't subconsciously shake the FTP principle. It provides a subconscious safety. That's how powerful it is. It ALL boils down to that. And the 10% keeps flowing to the coffers.

[marc]

People stay because they can't subconsciously shake the FTP principle. It provides a subconscious safety. That's how powerful it is. It ALL boils down to that. And the 10% keeps flowing to the coffers.

Maybe most people stay for that reason-the fear of coming unto Christ without being managed or micromanaged by other guides can be dreadful to them. The thought that everything their faith is in is not what they have believed all their lives can be very crippling. After all, the ancient Israelites feared God's direct invitation to ascend with Moses for fear of destruction. On the other hand, while others leave because they have unfettered themselves from the traditions of the church, they also relieve themselves of any obligation to whatever faith they may have in Jesus Christ and choose instead to follow their own whims and impulses.

[John Tavner]

People stay because they can't subconsciously shake the FTP principle. It provides a subconscious safety. That's how powerful it is. It ALL boils down to that. And the 10% keeps flowing to the coffers.

Others may stay because it is helps to have a group with whom to gather in order to practice Christ like principles and behavior. Not perfect, but likely neither are any of us. Even if you're not mainstream, like myself, I love to teach the Doctrine of Christ and me staying allows me to share the Lord's Doctrine for His glory. Also, He hasn't told me to leave - the moment He does, I"m sure it might be hard, but I will do it, because I love Him more than I love the church.

[captainfearnot]

People stay because they can't subconsciously shake the FTP principle. It provides a subconscious safety. That's how powerful it is. It ALL boils down to that. And the 10% keeps flowing to the coffers.

FTP principle?

[marc]

FTP principle?

Follow The Prophet.

[captainfearnot]

FTP principle?

Follow The Prophet.

Ah, thank you.

[LadyT]

My wife would leave me if I left. Thats it.

I sometimes think my husband would if I left. He seems to have it so easy in ways. He never doubts.

[ajax]

On the other hand, while others leave because they have unfettered themselves from the traditions of the church, they also relieve themselves of any obligation to whatever faith they may have in Jesus Christ and choose instead to follow their own whims and impulses.

Some, no doubt. Not all.

However, relieving oneself from the traditions of the church =/= relieving themselves of any obligation to whatever faith they may have in JC, whatever that means.

[marc]

It means some people throw out the baby with the bathwater.

[ajax]

It means some people throw out the baby with the bathwater.

Doesn't negate the point that an organization is unnecessary.