If you notice that your Bishop does not take the Sacrament on a regular basis would that be something that would concern you? Would you try to find out about it or leave it for someone else in authority to notice? Now, consider this: The person presiding takes the Sacrament first - if he defers this to a Counselor then it would mean that all the Priesthood would be aware of this.
There have been one or two times where my Bishop has not taken sacrament. Never two weeks in a row. I figure it is none of my business.
Some people feel that they must be living their life to a very high standard to be worthy of the sacrament. So, if they have a fight with their wife Sunday morning, maybe they don't take sacrament that day...I don't know.
Me personally, I will always take sacrament unless I am instructed not to becaues I have committed some "big" sin. I think when we choose not to take it because of small sins, we are depriving ourselves of a wonderful blessing and opportunity to renew our baptismal covenants. However, some feel the scripture that refers to not taking sacrament unworthily means they should be sure they need to examine themselves each week to determine if they are worthy. My Bishop seems to come from that school of thought. I am sure he hasn't committed a huge sin when he chooses not to partake (as sure as I can be really), but rather feels he has done something contrary to his personal gospel standards.
So, if my Bishop doesn't take sacrament, I don't worry about it. Now, maybe if he didn't take sacrament for several weeks in a row, I might feel differently.
I tend to go along with Tena. If it is only once in a while, then it probably has something to do with what I have written below. If it is a very regular thing, then maybe you should bring it up to the Stake President and leave it at that.
I think it was President Kimball once who spoke about this subject, saying something to the effect that he wouldn't take the sacrament if he had entertained troubling thoughts and hadn't yet repented of them.
Of course, if the Prophet said such a thing, there are an awful lot of people who will take that as being the only proper way to approach it.
'Nuff said.
QUOTE (Nighthawk) |
I think it was President Kimball once who spoke about this subject, saying something to the effect that he wouldn't take the sacrament if he had entertained troubling thoughts and hadn't yet repented of them. |