The Letter of the Law versus the Spirit of the Law?

 I've noticed some leaders are very good at reading the handbook and focusing on the letter of the law in living the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  But, in my view, this is a very telestial perspective.

Far better, once the letter of the law is understood, to then live the spirit of the law.  The higher understanding allows us to be far more Christ-like, being directed by the Spirit.  Suddenly, living the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not some step by step process, but a genuine change from a "natural" person to a disciple of Christ.

Your thoughts are welcome.  I'm not sure I've adequately put this into words, so will find some talks by Neal A. Maxwell and David A. Bednar and other apostles over the years who have described this far better.  Will post links to them here in due course . . . . .

Rules for being an Exceptional Leader

 

Overcoming Disappointment

Let's start a discussion about what has helped us overcome great disappointment.

When local Church leaders act in a way which destroys relationships and diminishes faith, it can be easy to find great discouragement as a result.

Particularly when the consequences of the leaders actions are diminished activity and feelings of inadequacy, that your own efforts to build the Kingdom in this area have been futile.

Rather than allow this disappointment to stew and create feelings of hatred towards those leaders, what can be done to move on, build faith and continue to progress in a positive way?  Please share your feelings and thoughts in the comments.

Personally, I have focused on building my personal relationship with God and our Saviour, Jesus Christ.  This is the most important thing we can do.  The actions of local leaders need not distract us from our personal journey, even though our own local contribution may be questioned.

As I have focused on my own relationship with God, and that of my family, the influence of local leaders have been put in their rightful place with no attention paid to them.  Much better!

Freeagency

"To fully understand this gift of agency and its inestimable worth, it is imperative that we understand that God's chief way of acting is by persuasion and patience and long-suffering, not by coercion and stark confrontation. He acts by gentle solicitation and by sweet enticement. He always acts with unfailing respect for the freedom and independence that we possess. He wants to help us and pleads for the chance to assist us, but he will not do so in violation of our agency. He loves us too much to do that, and doing so would run counter to his divine character" (The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, p. 78-79).

The importance of Mercy

"Our salvation rests upon the mercy we show to others. Unkind and cruel words, or wanton acts of cruelty toward man or beast, even though in seeming retaliation, disqualify the perpetrator in his claims for mercy when he has need of mercy in the day of judgment before earthly or heavenly tribunals. Is there one who has never been wounded by the slander of another whom he thought to be his friend? Do you remember the struggle you had to refrain from retribution? Blessed are all you who are merciful, for you shall obtain mercy!" (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, p. 200).

A sobering reminder that in order for us to have a hope in being forgiven that we must FIRST forgive, we must FIRST show mercy and must FIRST show love in order for any of these saintly virtues to be extended on our behalf. Life is an interesting process and I seek to do better and seek to be more. May each of us seek so to do. CP

Wisdom from the wise

"I have wondered if restlessness and the endless searching for something new, something shinier, is the reason for the rate of divorce that seems to be spiraling in our societies. . . . The Lord has defined marriage for us. [Matthew 19:5] Surely the happiest marriages are those where your hurt is my hurt, my pain is your pain, my victory, your victory, my concerns, your concerns. The oneness of heart, of soul, of flesh seems to be more of a challenge than ever before in the world in which the question seems to be: 'What is there in this for me?' Far too many marriage partners have become merely an ornament on the sleeve rather than a part of the heart" (The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, p. 137). CP

John Taylor

"We are living, as I have said, in an important day and age of the world. . . . [God] has reserved us for the latter days, that we may perform that work which He decreed from before the foundation of the world. If there have been any blessings enjoyed by men in former dispensations of the world, they will also be given to you, ye Latter-day Saints, if you will live your religion and be obedient to the laws of God" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church:John Taylor, p. 185).
A pearler of a quote that encourages us all to be more, to be better and the fruits that await if we are, are many. May we live faithful to this end. CP