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Levels Of Spirituality

I have long pondered starting a thread like this, one that touches on personal opinion more than a specific doctrine per se, but yes, it will have to be doctrinal in order to remain under this board, so here goes...

Most times when you walk through an average block meeting you may or may not notice various levels of spirituality. This will all depend on your reason for being in Church and how you view the importance of renewing your covenants. Let us take the minutes before Sacrament meeting as an example. You may find one or two people sitting quietly in reflective thought or reading the scriptures, they are earnestly trying to prepare to partake of the flesh and blood. Then you will see the majority of others... looking at the latest dress, meeting friends, talking about what they did last week etc. As the person conducting gets up then there is a sudden hussel to be quiet, although there are a few that just can't help but to continue talking by notes or whisper. Sad enough they 'whisper' so loudly that you can hear what they are saying. The meeting is over, those that seem more popular (because of look, wealth or position) seem to attract a social cliche, those that are in need, not so charismatic or comely are left alone. Sometimes these 'loners' have within them a testimony so bright and a witness so strong that it will surprise even the most eloquent of scriptorians. The Lord showed one of the examples of faithfulness with the woman and the two mites... only the Lord noticed her contribution, no body else could be bothered. I am sure if someone came a long and placed a bag of silver in the temple then he/she would receive praise and 'worship'.

One of the things I like to do sometimes is observe people, especially their reaction to certain events... there is such a difference in the way that members perceive things based on the outward position rather than the inward. Knowing someone's spirit requires discernment and desire, which of course is harder than making an assessment from a glance. Here is a simple example... if I was called as Stake President I would instantly receive enemies and friends just because of my new call. The only thing that changes that is what I choose to do in my role, but for some, no matter what you do they will only see you one way, because their measure of a man is based on their own perception and not the Gospel. Members generally seem to attach themselves if you will to those who seem to 'know what they are about in life materially or intellectually'. I have seen this time and time again, but they miss the point. The Gospel really is about being the best servant you can, the most admired should be the one who seeks to serve the best - the servant of all. Callings do not get anyone into Exaltation... if you are the usher or the GA you will have every right to return to God if you serve in the capacity to which you are called. I have found that genuine service and caring for Brothers and Sisters takes away all interest in the outward appearance and a renewed interest in people's spirit, feelings and situation come to the forefront.

Then there are some who focus on minute or at least to me... it seems minute pieces of information such as 'should we drink Coke?' and they have never done any of their visiting or home teaching. This to me does not make much sense. There are those, and they are rare, that do all they can, and do it so well, that they can afford to 'perfect' their lives if you can call it perfecting their life by not drinking coke, etc.

What are your thoughts?

Spirituality Levels

This is so true. Often the fact that they are called is an indication of how spiritual they are, but it doesn't mean they were less spiritual before they were called and it certainly doesn't mean they are more spiritual than any other member who is making an honest effort to live the gospel.

One of my close friends also happens to be the stake relief society president. It is true she tries to live her life the way the Savior would want, but even she is amazed how many people think she is so full of knowledge and wisdom just because of her calling. People just about revere her. Now, this isn't necessarily bad, she is a good example to follow, but when we judge the librarian as someone who is not as good as the stake relief society president, we have made a mistake. Indeed, worthy holders of "higher" Callings understand this and don't judge this way. Neither should we.

How about how we view older members of our Wards or Branches. We weren't around when they were relief society presidents and bishops. We often forget that they have held these same callings and have much widsom to impart on others. How often are they overlooked, especially when we are looking to fill callings or seek assistance or service?

Same with those who don't speak the native language of the country in which they live. Because they don't speak the native language fluently, doesn't mean they aren't "Fluent" In the gospel.

Levels Of Spirituality Studies Doctrine Mormon

You understand exactly what I meant and I am glad you indicated the points about age and language. Another point of worthiness is thinking that certain Priesthood holders somehow have a more powerful priesthood power than others. Yes it seems comical but think about it. Most members seek after the Bishop rather than their home teachers or family members for blessings. Members think that missionaries are somehow more holy than 'regular' members... I do not understand how they come to these conclusions... Possibly it has something to do with the natural man. Fathers and husbands are ignored as Patriarchs because the Stake President seems more 'worthy' when in fact the Father is the Patriarch of the home and presides.

Joseph Smith said...

Spirituality Levels

Just my $.02 worth here. It's also very interesting when you can see interconnections between high-level callings. Okay, so maybe every member of this one family *are* very spiritual, but are there not many other church members with that same spirituality? Or perhaps who need to be pushed to grow within the gospel?

I've seen circles within circles of inter-relationships in very high callings, and I have to wonder if every one of those is not for convenience or lack of personal knowledge of someone else who is eligible, and not necessarily because that person might be the best for the job. I understand when there are thousands of members in an area it's difficult to get to know them all -- but in my naivete I would hope the leaders would fast and pray for the Spirit to guide them to the best candidate for very responsible positions, and not just rely on who their closest personal friends and family members are.

Please don't get me wrong, I'm not resentful of these people in these positions, for every one of them I have known seem to be doing the job for which they were called. I'm just curious at the obvious connections, it's like a "social clique."

I suppose it would take a very different level of spirituality for a leader to rely solely on the Spirit.

In my opinion, of course.
Roz

Spirituality Levels

Sad to say, it depends on the case. I have met several people who were called in 'high' positions and they didn't even last a week...yes they fooled others with what they perceived was 'spirituality' when in fact was false spirituality.

Excellent point Farseer!. I don't know, I think most people feel comfortable calling those who they think they can get along with rather than follow the promptings of the Spirit who is telling you to call such and such brother who you may have problems with instead of calling your best buddy that you know will not let you down. By experience I see sometimes callings are giving in such a way (not to mention extended) in such a way that the Spirit is not present!, I really wonder if these brethren pray and ask Guidance to Heavenly Father, even though I know it's not for me to judge that, I have seen the 'social clique' you are talking about.

Levels Of Spirituality

Farseer, you touched on another aspect of what I am saying. Yes, I think North Americans have a term for this... 'groupies'? Leaders need to give the 'unknown' or 'young' member a chance and not keep calling the same people over and over as though they are the only ones able. Another factor here is outside relationships that are brought into what should be inspired callings. An example of this... I am called as President of 'x' and I need to choose counselors... instead of prayerfully considering all the possibilities I choose my closest friends or even business associates so I have a better relationship with them or because I have a preconceived notion that things will somehow 'run better' with those that I already have an external (outside of the Church) connection.

Levels Spirituality

I think you started this topic in response to some things I wrote elsewhere.

I agree with all that all of you have said so far. There certainly are different levels of spirituality exhibited within wards and stakes, and many times what is exhibited is far different from reality.

Now, when I have written about levels of spirituality, including my little list of 7 levels that Bro. Yorgason wrote about in his book, I am trying to talk about reality, not perception. I am trying to consider myselft - where I fall within that list. And that really isn't so difficult, but it is sobering.

JB, when you wrote about a person with "C-level" accomplishments entering into the Celestial Kingdom, you were completely right. It isn't so much the accomplishment, but the effort and how the person addresses life that matters.

What I was trying to get to was the idea that our Father has promised specific things to us. The Saints in the Kirtland era experienced those things, including, but not limited to, the gifts of tongues and interpretation, raising the dead, seeing angels in everyday life, seeing the Lord, speaking with the Lord, healing the sick, and conversing with angels. This is what the Lord wants us to experience on a daily basis.

But most of us stop at simple activity within the Church. We serve as teachers, nursery workers, quorum leaders, even Bishops or Branch Presidents. This consumes our time and efforts.

But to advance to the next level requires real effort and application. We may not actually appear to others to change in any way as we advance to become Sons and Daughters of Jesus Christ, but we will most certainly change. According to both Brothers Yorgason, as we advance to the "highest" level of spirituality, we may appear to others to be eccentric or unstable, because we follow the Spirit in all things, so our ways are closer to God's ways, rather than man's.

Remember that the purpose of the Church, and its leaders, is not to bring people to the Church (which is actually where most of us stop), but to bring us to Christ. We can't follow the Church, the Prophet, or the Apostles into the Celestial Kingdom. We can follow their lead to Christ, then we must personally follow Him into our exaltation.

I will end with a rather long quote from the book:

Levels Spirituality Mormon Doctrine Studies

Now that is another aspect of this topic which is completely on track... I would even say that you do not have to be at the highest level before people already look at you as 'too goodie' or 'think you are miss perfect', just simply doing the basic things sometimes brings judgements on you. An example of this is if you say you rather read some scriptures rather than participate in a certain activity or even taking the time to actually read Sunday's lesson in preparation for Sunday!