OK, here is something I never thought I would say: I’m live on TikTok.
I remember talking about this here a year or more ago, saying that I felt God wanted me to share video messages. I started by making YouTube videos and have now moved over to TikTok.
To be honest, I always thought TikTok was the devil. Now, I’m not so sure.
My experience sharing LDS content on TikTok has been beautiful. I have met kind people from many faiths. I have discussed religion with people from all walks of life. I have heard messages of faith and love for Jesus Christ, and I have even made a few friends.
Of course, like all things, there are some ugly parts. But I have noticed that when I stay grounded and focused on Jesus Christ, I am always in a position of strength. I feel as though He is with me. I feel as though His words sometimes speak through me.
I have chosen not to be combative or to try to convince people that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. Instead, I have chosen to be a bridge builder. I try to show that we believe in the same Jesus Christ, that we worship the same Jesus Christ, and then I invite others to share their faith in Him.
Often, even when people enter the conversation hostile, they leave having had a kind and cordial discussion. They have been able to express their faith, and I have been able to express mine—without all the contention.
There are many people on TikTok willing to contend with one another, often promoting the doctrines of men mingled with scripture. Sometimes I’m not even sure LDS members are presenting the gospel as well as they could. At times, I wonder if we avoid some of the more controversial topics or frame them as less controversial. It is unbelievable what people want you to argue about:
- Jesus and Satan being brothers
- The Trinity
- Blacks and the Priesthood
- Joseph Smith and polygamy
- The idea of more than one God
I have had to study and record scriptures simply so I could answer questions—and so I didn’t look like a complete buffoon. There have been times when I was completely stuck and unable to respond.
But through it all, my faith has continued to shine forth.
I love the Lord. I love sharing this gospel. In a strange way, it has made me love TikTok. Most nights, I am on there between 11:00 PM and 1:00 AM. It has to be late enough that I can still take care of my family and fulfill my responsibilities at home. Yet the experience has been worth every moment.
I feel good sharing the word of God. It makes me feel as though I have done something of value.
I have other thoughts I want to write about TikTok, but those are for another day.
God bless you,
Michael