Judean/Perean Ministry

Something that Christ emphasized in his Judean/Perean Ministry was hypocrisy. When people fall away from the church gradually I haven noticed that many of them still have respect for the church and/or a desire to eventually live the gospel again. I think this can be achieved through ward fellowship, missionary efforts, and other means. It is sad when they fall away, but it doesn't seem as hopeless as some cases. These other cases are when people seem to be strong in the gospel and then all of a sudden turn their back on the gospel. I think this can often happen because of two reasons. First, the person can be very offended by another person's words or actions. Second, they have been struggling with something and come to a breaking point. I think both of these things can be tied to hypocrisy. In the case of being offended, I think people can feel judged by others and since nobody is perfect, they don't have the right to judge them. They perceive others to be hypocrites. In the case of reaching a breaking point, I think some people can maintain an appearance that everything is okay, but they are struggling with some things. These things could be some type of sin or a weak point in their testimony. I think all members of the church can relate to this type of situation in some way. Recognizing these problems is the key in avoiding a breaking point though, so one must be humble enough and willing to seek Priesthood guidance to work on improving oneself and one's testimony. When I see people that seemed like strong members abruptly turn away from the church, I think they have not been sensitive to these weaknesses brewing and increasing. When these people are not in the church, there is an angry resentment that I notice and I don't like that one bit. It is such spiritual darkness and I think they are the ones that continue to attack the church in an effort to validate their decision to fall away from the church. These situations make me sad.

I really hope that I remain sensitive to my spiritual weaknesses and continue to work on them so I can become a better member of the church and more Christlike. I do not want to be a hypocrite. I know that through communication with Priesthood leaders, scripture study, and developing strong relationships in the church, I can remain centered on the gospel and improve.