Don’t be under the influence? What am I talking about? Well, the title is supposed to be a little funny on one hand but serious on the other. So, what am I talking about? Influencers.
I have recognized there are more and more so called “influencers” trying to shape the hearts and minds of latter-day saints. They fall all over the spectrum.
- Some are profoundly good
- Some are OK
- Some innocently present some doctrines wrong
- Some are activists and gently trying to change the church
- Some are openly critical of the church and doctrines
- Some are straight up hostile to the church attempting to draw attention to every flaw
The biggest problem is that you don’t always know. You may be a seeker of truth, yet you are being steadily fed a diet of half-truths or altered truths. It reminds me of that line “there are many willing to teach you the philosophies of men, mingled with scripture.”
We are not immune. We know that it is Satans desire to deceive even the very elect. [Matt 24;24] Because of this, it is important that your testimony is rooted in fertile soil. It is important that you are able to have the constant guidance of the Holy Ghost.
So, why this topic? I have felt bombarded with the full spectrum of LDS “influencers” over the last few weeks. As I have searched for content to listen to on my drive to work each day, I have continually found my feeds being filled with deceptions and lies. I have also found myself sampling others who have the appearance of being good active LDS members but upon listening realized they purposefully misrepresent gospel truths. It has made me realize; I need to be more careful.
I don’t feel I am the easiest to sway. But I know others are. I have seen it. I have friends and neighbors who were stalwart members of the church swayed “under the influence” then crumble. It isn’t worth it.
I should add. There are good influences out there. However, the primary source of truth is the scriptures followed by prophets. Feast upon truth. Use discernment when investigating other sources.
What has President Nelson said?
TESTIMONY
“I plead with you to take charge of your testimony. Work for it. Own it. Care for it. Nurture it so that it will grow.”
“A testimony that is not nourished daily ‘by the good word of God’ [Moroni 6:4] can crumble. … We need daily experiences worshipping the Lord and studying His gospel.”
“Study with the desire to believe … allow the Lord to lead you on your journey of spiritual discovery.”
“We set our own priorities and determine how we use our energy, time, and means. … Counter the lure of the world by making time for the Lord in your life—each and every day.”
“We [can] fill [our] time … with the noise and commotion of the world. Or we can use our time to hear the voice of the Lord whispering His guidance, comfort, and peace.”
This reminds me about the time President Nelson suggested we go on a social media fast. What better way to avoid the evil voices than to shut them out by not voluntarily partaking. “I invite you to participate in a 10-day fast from social media and from any other media that bring negative and impure thoughts to your mind. Pray to know which influences to remove during your fast. The effect of your 10-day fast may surprise you. What do you notice after taking a break from perspectives of the world that have been wounding your spirit? Is there a change in where you now want to spend your time and energy? Have any of your priorities shifted—even just a little? I urge you to record and follow through with each impression.”
A WITNESS AND A WARNING
“In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting and constant influence of the Holy Ghost,” – President Nelson
“With all the pleadings of my heart, I urge you to get on the covenant path and stay there.”
“I urge you to stretch beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation.”
“I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation.”
WHERE DO I START?
Satan is trying every way possible to divide the church from within. What are the things we can do? President Nelson has given some steps that will help you. On various occasions he listed way to start. All three lists overlap each other and each of the principles are important for personal progress.
LIST #1
- Humble yourself before God.
- Pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father.
- Turn to Him for answers and for comfort.
- Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses—yes, the very longings of your heart.
LIST #2
- Listen!
- Write the thoughts that come to your mind.
- Record your feelings.
- Follow through with actions that you are prompted to take.
LIST #3
- Immerse ourselves in the scriptures
- Pray
- Listen
- Repent
A Message of Urgency from President Russell M. Nelson — The Family Proclamation
President Nelson Quotes from Every General Conference (fromthedesk.org)
I encourage you to study and learn. Don’t be under the influence of an influencer. Stay close to the Holy Ghost and you will have the discernment to know what is true.