Modernizing God

In the last few years, there has been a disturbing trend.  The doctrines and policies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are becoming less and less popular compared to the beliefs of the world.  Many have looked into the history of the church in attempt to find fault and reasons to leave.  The Adversary is very good at what he does and it tugs at my heart strings to see people I care about fall away from what they know to be true.

The truth about all of this is that true religion, prophets, and doctrines have never really been popular.  We see it all throughout the Bible with prophets such as Noah and Jesus Christ and His apostles themselves.  Noah taught pure doctrines and prophesied of the impending flood, desperately trying to save the people who he undoubtedly loved.  However, they would not listen.  Jesus Christ, the very Son of God, taught His doctrine and performed miracles, healing the sick and raising the dead.  However, even though many listened to and followed Him, He was still rejected by the masses and was crucified.  The apostles tried to carry on His legacy and teach His doctrines, but many of them met similar fates.

As this is the case, why are we still so surprised that similar things happen today?  Why are we then so surprised that the world continues to move further and further from the truth?  It has been the pattern all throughout history and it will not change today.  The divide will simply continue to grow.

I have found that many people try to make God who they want Him to be.  They ignore commandments or doctrines as they can't understand why God would be that way.  If they cannot justify God's words and actions, then they believe it must be wrong.  Doesn't this all seem backwards?  Since when does God need to justify His actions to us?  Since when does God answer to us?  And since when did we start becoming smarter than God?  We sometimes begin to believe that the beliefs and customs of culture are more stable and "true" than the teachings we have believed our whole lives.  This is a dangerous path.  If you find yourself on this path, please at least stop and consider where these beliefs come from, are they from you or the other influences around you.  If you have a misunderstanding with someone, isn't it usually best to clear it up with them?  How often do we speak with God when we have a misunderstanding with Him?  It is also good to realize that no one benefits from these conversations unless we approach them with a completely and honestly open mind.

I beg you to please not try to turn God into what you would prefer Him to be, don't "modernize" Him.  He is the same Being yesterday, today, and forever.  God is a God of love and He is all knowing, He knows what is right and best for us and all the world, trust Him, learn of Him.  We have the resources to learn about Him and find out who He really is, the greatest resource being a direct, personal line to God Himself.  If you need to search, search, that is what this life is for, to search for truth, find it, and apply it.  If you want to chat with someone about it, I'll chat, but please go directly to the Source first.  I am confident in the existence of God.  He is real, He is love, and He is our unchanging Father.  I know that Christ lived, died, and lives again, all for us.  I know this in a very real and personal way.  If you decide that it is right for you to leave, that is your decision, but don't expect me to follow. I cannot agree with that decision because I already have my answer.