Throwing up the "J's"

Judge not, that ye be not judged-Matthew 7

Let that missionary without apostate thoughts, feelings, or actions cast the first stone.

Pharisee: Condemns others for their lack of righteousness and for their unwillingness to fall within the bounds they believe are correct. They lack Understanding & Empathy

Apostate: Condemns others for their lack of rebelliousness and for their unyielding convictions. They lack respect and admiration for people who are faithful

There is little difference between the two groups. Both condemn others for their differences, and for their aversion to be exactly like themselves. They both lack humility, charity, and open-mindedness. A true follower of Christ would follow his beliefs whilst respecting and accommodating the beliefs of others. He would stand firm in his convictions and yet not force them onto others.

The Greatest Missionaries display these qualities

Alma Sr: Reformed his ways after he openly considered Abinidi’s message

Alma Jr: Reformed his ways after highly spiritual experience, which then allowed him to use his prior experience to relate and help the people who had similar problems as he had.

Saul/Paul: Reformed from persecuting the saints as an apostate, to becoming a follower.

Ammon: Did not force his views onto others, but served them and then they inquired of him.

Samuel/Ether: Unafraid to express his true opinion even at the cost of being hated by those in the world.

Abinidi: Unafraid to express his true opinion even at the cost of being hated by those in the church and in authority at the time

The Keys To Unity

1.Before we turn to the outer vessel (others), we must turn and consider the inner vessel (ourselves)

2.How can we expect to spread the love and spirit if the gospel when we as a group do not feel it towards each other.

3.A House (Mission, Zone, District) divided against itself cannot stand, and the way to gain unity is not to tell everyone to change, but to build trust and understanding for others.

4.Gifts of the spirit are different for everyone (D&C 46) and acknowledging and accepting that others do things differently that can benefit us as a whole is vital to Unity.

5.Do Leaders Throw-Down or do the Lift-Where-They-Stand?