Dear Sister Cahoon,
I visit teach a woman who attends every church meeting we have and has done so for the last several years. Her daughter is a member and her son-in-law the branch president BUT she does not like “religious” LDS messages. Any CLEVER ideas?
Lori
We all have non-member friends with great potential — and would like to see them join the church and enjoy the blessings of the gospel. We need to recognize, however, that clever ideas do not convert. It takes hard work, commitment, and perseverance. True conversion comes when the Holy Ghost testifies to an individual of the truth of what they are being taught. Your role, then, is to share truth and provide opportunities for your friend to feel and recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost. You can do this through:
True Friendship. Those who are not Latter-day Saints often feel that Latter-day Saints befriend them only because they desire to convert them. Too many times someone loses a Latter-day Saint ‘friend’ once they express a lack of interest in the Church. Share the gospel because you genuinely care about this sister. Love her for her good qualities, personality, and individuality. Love her without consideration of whether she ever accepts the gospel. True friendship endures, even if you agree to disagree about religion.
Mutual Respect. If your friend has asked you not to bring ‘religious’ messages, honor her request. Seek messages that are inspirational, uplifting, and timely, but avoid those that are specifically ‘religious.’ When discussing current events or life struggles, include instruction you receive from the Church as part of your conversation. All truth, no matter where found, is part of the gospel. So much of what we learn from the gospel is common sense, and common sense is almost universally appreciated.
Prayer. Heavenly Father repeatedly instructs us to ask Him for the desires of our hearts. Pray for your friend’s heart to be softened. Pray for inspiration to know how you might be a better example to her, and how you might make a difference in her life. Pray for opportunities to help her feel the promptings of the Holy Ghost, for the Holy Ghost testifies of truth and is the source of conversion.
Sanctification. My Stake President has counseled that only when we sanctify ourselves, giving up our ‘favorite sins’ and putting the whole focus of our own lives where it belongs will we have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost and be truly prepared to share the gospel and help bring that light into the lives of others. I testify to the truth of this principle. As you sanctify yourself, you will be personally strengthened and will be a more effective instrument in God’s hand, because you will be more sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
As you love this sister, serve her, and sanctify yourself, the Holy Ghost will be your help and companion. You are planting seeds, and blessings will come as you love her and strengthen your testimony.
Posted by John in Visiting Teaching, Ask Sister Cahoon