Choose Ye This Day

I have often wondered why the Relief Society has changed our meeting system, suggesting our meetings be less frequent, less structured, and less demanding.   For the past several years I have seen wards either have too many “fun” activities to keep an imaginary quota, or drop all activities, because they don’t know what they want to do.  I’m guessing some presidents need more structure than others to start a system of their own.

Well, I’m beginning to understand what is going on here.   It’s all about Choice.  Our world will not help us make time for the Lord, we have to make that choice for ourselves, and help each others make that choice.

Our leaders have opened the door for our individual Relief Societies to use agency.  Do we rely on tradition, and continue having our monthly meetings?  Do we get frustrated at the little cooperation we receive, and therefore, choose to have no activities?  Do we try to have a variety of safe, likeable activities?  Or are we taking this challenge to the Lord, and guiding our ward sisters to a more spiritual choice of activities; activities that the world cannot fulfill, activities that help us choose the Lord?

There are sisters who say they don’t “need” Relief Society.  Sadly, these sisters are missing the whole point.  We are here on earth to help one another.  I don’t “need” Relief Society either, but I understand that Relief Society is one of the covenants I’ve made to bring Heavenly Father’s children back to Him.

If we truly understand that we are here “as a Relief Society” to fulfill our covenants, then we begin to think differently.  One of my most favorite sayings is: “This isn’t a game we’re playing, it is the gospel of Jesus Christ.”  Relief Society isn’t a game, it is a means to do the work of the Lord.  We can’t get sidetracked anymore.

Sis. Beck wants us to get inspired.  There are no easy answers, nor should we be seeking them.  All RS Presidents, Counselors, and “Helpers” should be praying, discussing with the Bishop, and talking to their sisters to discover what ward members need, to make a proper choice.   By spiritually strengthening our sisters, we give sisters a better chance of choosing the Lord, as opposed to just following the world. The scriptures tell us if we are not choosing the Lord, and his righteous works, we are following Satan.   Right now, Satan appears to have a stronghold on our lives.  We live in his world, we play with his toys, our time is his time.  There must be opposition in order to make a choice.  Relief Society can offer that spirituality, so a proper choice can be made.

When you are spiritually fed, somehow you feel like turning over a new leaf, start reading your scriptures again, research family history, or plan a great FHE.  What presidencies should strive to do is inspire their sisters to carry on the work that must be done.

Presidencies should take the initiative and provide for their sisters.  But if that is not happening, an individual sister might want to suggest a spiritually strengthening idea to her president.  Or volunteer to put together a group of sisters and meet regularly.  An individual sister can set her own goals and gain spiritual strength directly from the Lord.

Whatever your circumstance, decide today to Choose the Lord.

Don’t let Satan steal away your time, your energy, your attitude, or your progress.  And don’t expect the world to fulfill you in a deep, eternal way.  Go to the source of our happiness.  The Lord has a specific work for you to do on this earth.  It will take your specific talents and your best self to team up with the Holy Ghost to accomplish the covenants that you have made.  Relief Society needs you and you really do need Relief Society.  And most certainly, the Lord needs you.  You are his choice daughter.  Choose Him.