July 27 – The Task Master of Self Worthiness. Hebrews 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
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In March 2014, Relief Society President, Linda K. Burton, gave a talk outlining nine steps to draw closer to God.
Over the next few days we’re taking a look at some of those and comparing them with God’s word. We can use these to witness not only to Mormon women, but the guys as well!
The fifth step Ms. Burton said was necessary is to ‘Be worthy and worship in the temple’. Today you’ll want to ask the Mormon if they’ve lived up to the standard of Ms. Burton’s definition of ‘worthy’, and remind him/her we’re only found worthy because of Jesus’ spilt blood. We’ll never be able to go to the throne of grace on our own merits. Not ever.
Thinking on the idea you’ll never make it to God’s throne of grace is overwhelming, and downright sickening. There would be nothing to live for if we lived everyday life in this manner! Remind them worshiping God isn’t about what we’ve done, but what He did for us. Lastly, God’s Holy Spirit doesn’t up and leave us if we’re not doing just the right thing. Jesus promised He’d never leave nor forsake us!
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Church News, ‘Sister Burton Shares Nine Ways to Draw Closer to God,’ March 2, 2014; “Drawing from the words of President George Albert Smith, Sister Burton said that “each of us is entitled to the inspiration of the Lord in proportion to the manner in which we live a godly life.” …Smith didn’t say individuals have to be perfect to receive inspiration, just willing to give their best efforts to living worthily.
“Worthiness seems a small price to pay in order to open the windows of heaven,” she said. “As we keep our covenants and worthily partake of the sacrament, we are promised that we will always have the Spirit to be with us. But that comes after we promise and keep the covenant that we will always remember the Savior.” – Linda K. Burton
Each of us is entitled to the Lord’s blessings to the degree that we have served him. Crazy talk from Sister Burton, however, it is a reflection of the way she has been taught.
“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.Being then justified freely by the grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through FAITH IN HIS BLOOD, to declare righteousness for the remission of sins, through the forbearance of God. (Romans 3:23-25)
It’s about the blood of Christ and not about how much you have done today to better serve the church