Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon Church or LDS Church)is not easy. We pay tithing, attend at least 3 hours of meetings on Sundays, obey the law of chastity, don’t drink alcohol or smoke, visit other members each month, and serve in volunteer church assignments. How then can we explain how this Church, which requires so much from its’ members, has grown to nearly 13 million members since the Church was established less than 180 years ago?
At any given time, there are more than 50,000 full-time Mormon missionaries serving around the world. These are young men and women who are generally 19-23 years old who leave their colleges, jobs and loved ones to volunteer to teach the gospel of Christ. These missionaries do not date, watch television or go to the movies on their missions. Missionaries and their families generally pay for their missions, and many missionaries contribute to a fund to help support missionaries who do not have the financial resources. These missionaries work about 12 hours a day, 6 1/2 days a week. They often serve in third world countries and live in very meager circumstances among the people they are teaching. Where else in today’s world can you find 50,000 young men and women who are willing to sacrifice so much at a young age for their faith?
However, I do not believe the LDS Church is the restored church of Jesus Christ because others believe. James 1:6 says “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not and it shall be given him.” I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true because I have put this promise from God to the test. I have asked Him, and I believe because my prayer was answered, and continues to be reaffirmed on a regular basis.
Matthew 7:20 says “By their fruits ye shall know them.” In other words, the Lord has given us a mechanism to know whether the Mormon Church is of God or not. If the fruits (results of Church teachings in the lives of its’ members) are good, then we can know that the tree (Church)is of God. I have observed how the lives of many individuals and families change for the better when they join the Church and live its’ teachings. I have seen families and marriages strengthened. I have repeatedly observed that lasting joy and happiness are the results of living the teachings of the LDS Church.
The Mormon Church is lead today by prophets and apostles, as in Biblical times. Knowing there are living apostles and prophets on the earth today is crucial because there is so much confusion in the world about Christian doctrines. Why would God want us to be confused? The Bible clearly shows a pattern of God calling prophets, revealing his truths to the prophets, and then the prophets teaching those messages to the people. Amos 3:7 says “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets”. If God followed that prophetic pattern for thousands of years, why would he not have prophets and apostles today? Aren’t the wickedness, confusion and need for a prophet just as great or greater today than ever before? I know that God leads His Church on today through modern prophets, just as he did anciently.
I began by saying that being a member of the Mormon Church is not easy. It is not easy from a perspective outside the Church. However, I do not feel that the responsibilities involved in being a member of the Church are very hard. The Savior said in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me… For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” The requirements of being a member of the LDS Church are not a burden because we know that this is the Church of Jesus Christ. They are the wings that give us the freedom to attain the Celestial happiness that a loving Savior and Heavenly Father desire for us.
I know that Jesus Christ is my Saviour for I have felt the power of his atonment in my life.
I know these things are true. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
