Ive been inactive in the LDS church of and on for years. The question that I would like to ask is why have I felt the prescence of the Holy Ghost with me as my constant companion even as a inactive member of the church. Ive been told by missionaries and other church leaders that if you dont go to church you wont feel closer to Heavenly Father as much as you would if one is fully active and going to church and going to the temple. Ive gone thru many trials and tribulations and sorms in life and had to make unpoular decsions but I have felt the Holy Ghost with me all along. In fact to the contrary I feel the closeness of he Lord with me everywhere I go. Im fully aware of this. Is it because I pray, read the scriptures, trust the Lord and follow the word of wisdom?? I have found that my closeness of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ hasnt diminished. Even all these years as inactive I have always had my burning testimony of the fullness of the gospel instilled in my heart spiritually. No matter what goes on in my life or what happens I have found that I havent lost my testimony at all. General Authorities of the church has said as well as the ancient scriptures and modern scriptures say that when a saint is falling away or backsliding into the world the spirit of the Lord flees and leaves until one lies righteously. I have wandered in the wilderness and have been in captivity and caught in the pharoahs of the world but have found that my testimony hasnt left me. I just want some feedback coming from you as to why an inactive mormon can feel the git of the Holy Ghost with him???
2 Responses to “Ive been inactive in the LDS church of and on for years. The…”
Luciano Delgado
2010-09-20 02:33:01
Temple Square is one of Utah's most visited attractions, drawing millions of visitors a year.
Hi John. Thanks for your very interesting question. It is not true that people who are less active in the Church cannot feel the Holy Ghost. I've never heard any Church leader suggest that. I receive many emails from inactive members who want to come back to the Church. Why would they feel compelled to come back if the Spirit of God were not working in their hearts?
Doctrine and Covenants 130:20-21 says: "There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated. And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated."
For me, this scripture means that when we make an effort to follow God's commandments, He'll bless us spiritually. You are doing some things to grow closer to God. You're reading the scriptures, praying, following the word of wisdom, sharing your testimony with others, etc. Of course God will bless you spiritually for these righteous efforts.
However, you may not be receiving the rich spiritual blessings that come from regular church worship, especially worship in the temple. It's wonderful that you feel God's spirit in your life, but that doesn't mean your relationship with Him can't be strengthened even further. That's one of the great things about the gospel. We've never "arrived" spiritually. There's always more.
I'd like to invite you to come back to the Church, John! You're clearly a man who is close to God. I testify that your relationship with Him can be strengthened even further as you try your best to live all His commandments and participate in all of His sacred ordinances. I encourage you to contact the missionaries. They can help you come back if you're currently less active.
Best of luck to you, John. God bless.
Anonymous
2010-09-27 17:59:27
I was inactive for 12 years because I felt that I wouldn't be able to go to the Celestial Kingdom and so I thought, what's the point? It was a case of completely giving up on yourself. Not only was I inactive, but I rarely if ever prayed or read the scriptures. Three years ago suddenly the whole puzzling thing finally all made sense to me and I became active again. The Book of Mormon is now my core, and the church is my rock. All my joy in life I derive from the Book of Mormon.
I did commit serious sins while I was lost. However, looking back, I can see how Heavenly Father actually had a hand in my life and actually protected me from situations that could have been a whole lot worse. His hand was there in spite of me never praying or reading my scriptures to get his input in what to do in life. I cannot explain that. I certainly didn't deserve it.
I can tell you this, though. Going active, then inactive, then active, then inactive... It will harden your soul. The time has come for you to decide, am I going to be part of this true church or not? Think of the Nephites, always going through the pride cycle. If we choose that we are as doomed as they were. Cyclical prodigalism will harden the spirit, and you may end up worse off than if you'd never known the gospel.
Luciano Delgado: "Cyclical prodigalism." What a fascinating and eloquent frase! Thanks for your comment, anonymous. John, I know from your other questions and comments that you're a man who takes his relationship with God very seriously. That's excellent. What a blessing it would be in your life if you'd return to full activity in the Church. I'll pray for you, brother.
Doctrine and Covenants 130:20-21 says: "There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated. And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated."
For me, this scripture means that when we make an effort to follow God's commandments, He'll bless us spiritually. You are doing some things to grow closer to God. You're reading the scriptures, praying, following the word of wisdom, sharing your testimony with others, etc. Of course God will bless you spiritually for these righteous efforts.
However, you may not be receiving the rich spiritual blessings that come from regular church worship, especially worship in the temple. It's wonderful that you feel God's spirit in your life, but that doesn't mean your relationship with Him can't be strengthened even further. That's one of the great things about the gospel. We've never "arrived" spiritually. There's always more.
I'd like to invite you to come back to the Church, John! You're clearly a man who is close to God. I testify that your relationship with Him can be strengthened even further as you try your best to live all His commandments and participate in all of His sacred ordinances. I encourage you to contact the missionaries. They can help you come back if you're currently less active.
Best of luck to you, John. God bless.
I did commit serious sins while I was lost. However, looking back, I can see how Heavenly Father actually had a hand in my life and actually protected me from situations that could have been a whole lot worse. His hand was there in spite of me never praying or reading my scriptures to get his input in what to do in life. I cannot explain that. I certainly didn't deserve it.
I can tell you this, though. Going active, then inactive, then active, then inactive... It will harden your soul. The time has come for you to decide, am I going to be part of this true church or not? Think of the Nephites, always going through the pride cycle. If we choose that we are as doomed as they were. Cyclical prodigalism will harden the spirit, and you may end up worse off than if you'd never known the gospel.
Luciano Delgado: "Cyclical prodigalism." What a fascinating and eloquent frase! Thanks for your comment, anonymous. John, I know from your other questions and comments that you're a man who takes his relationship with God very seriously. That's excellent. What a blessing it would be in your life if you'd return to full activity in the Church. I'll pray for you, brother.