Relief Society Lesson 11/16

In the World but Not of It

Hello, ladies! 

We had a great Relief Society lesson by Allie Hales yesterday about being a part of the world and interacting with others without becoming worldly ourselves. 

Love Others and Live with Differences

One sister made a comment that reminded me of Elder Oaks's last conference talk, "Loving Others and Living with Differences," in which he said,

 "We are to live in the world but not be of the world. We must live in the world because, as Jesus taught in a parable, His kingdom is 'like leaven,' whose function is to raise the whole mass by its influence. His followers cannot do that if they associate only with those who share their beliefs and practices. But the Savior also taught that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments."

"Don't Retreat Behind Your White Picket Fence"

How can we live our standards and follow the Lord without closeting ourselves away from the world? One sister said it's tempting to shelter in our homes with our families behind our white picket fences. It's easier and less scary that way. But the Lord wants us to serve and lift others and bring them to Him, and we can't do that by hiding.

Instead of getting confrontational and contentious with others who disagree with us, we must always be loving and kind toward them. Instead of getting caught up over points of doctrine, we should simply say that we know the Church is true and invite people to find out more about us. 

Distinct and Different in Happy Ways

Allie quoted from the lesson part of a talk from President Kimball:

"Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world (in whom there is often such an inner sense of spirituality) will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways—from the women of the world."

Let's all keep working on strengthening others and being an example of the Lord to others this week!