Friday, October 15, 2010

Works

I saw this video today on a blog that I read every once in awhile, Mormon Coffee


I am so grateful that "it is by grace that we have been saved, through faith- and not from ourselves, it is a gift of God - not by works, so that no one  can boast" (Eph. 2: 8-9)

I wish that people would not carry upon themselves the burden of good works.

Do you know that more women are on anti-depressants in Utah than any other state in the U.S.? I think that there is a lot of pressure on women in society, but especially within Mormonism. I am amazed at how wonderful and hard working the LDS women are. Although I pity them, that so much of their worth within their community is based upon their participation and what they do.

It is for Freedom that Christ has set us free. His yolk is easy and his burden is light.  I wish that everyone could know the freedom that is in Christ and that knowing him is not being put on a leash and under the pressure of right acts and good works. But we are found without fault before God because Christ carries our works (or lack of) and thoughts upon himself so that we do not have to face life and death with them on our own shoulders. I am so grateful to know and be loved by such an amazing God.

4 comments:

As Lovers Go said...

I have never felt that pressure. I love that our church encourages hard work and I participate in things because I want to. I don't think that the pressures come from the church either....I personally think it's Utah's culture. I'm not from here and I can tell you that mormon culture is different outside of Utah and charity there is always done because of our love for Christ. Not to say that's not the reason it's done here!

But I will say that if these women need medication good for them. Some feel looked down upon for needing help. Wow I really garbled this all up. My point is that I do what I want and what the spirit prompts me to.

kris said...

(wow. that is one pretty biased blog!! )
I was reading the other day in James chapter 2. I love that chapter because so many people claim that all we have to do is say we have been saved and we do not have to follow God's commandments or live a life following His standards and we are saved. Not so, We are saved by Christ's grace, but Christ gives us commandments to follow. In James it says that "faith without works is dead" Thus, because we have faith in God and because we believe in Christ, we will have good works. Of course we all make mistakes, but we have to do something to receive forgiveness. We have to change so that through Christ we can become clean and new again.
James chapter 2
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or asister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not bworks, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

I agree with your friends comments also. I think that Christ wants us to be the best person we can be and it is also part of human nature to always be striving to be better. This is not a bad trait.

Why do you pity me as a mormon woman? I would love to know. Personally, I am so thankful for my knowledge of God, my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ.

P.S. I have been praying for you to find a job and will pass along anything I hear.

Brooke Hereth said...

That video is so amazing and inspiring. I hope you find a job, Hannah. God is not making you not find a job, He is just simply looking for the perfect one. I love you(:

Shaeleen Clark said...

I find this interesting. Yes I believe that through the grace of God we can be saved. I know that there are a lot of mormon women on anti-depressants especially in Utah, however, I think it isn't from the lack of God's grace but maybe more from trying to "keep up with the Jones' " I think we feel that to be accepted and loved that we need to keep our kids spotless and clean, our house clean and spotless, and be the perfect wife, mother, sister... the list goes on. Unfortunately, many women fall short and measure themselves against other women they see. They assume that they have all of those things and they feel short of appreciation and love. But, It is hard to see beyond those things some times. Maybe it's lack of love we feel for ourselves or our lack of understanding for the Love of our Savior has for us.I think once they realize that you don't have to have a "perfect life". Then they will need less anti-depressants and will have a more full-filled life. Another thing to remember too is that there is a higher rate of childbirth in the State of Utah, than in any other state. A lot of these women are not near their family and their support networks. Whether for school or work. With such can also cause post-pardum depression. Which normally needs some type of medication to control and help manage. Just food for thought. I know I am a child of God and that he loves me and his grace is sufficient for me. That through my works and my relationship with my savior that I will have his grace on the other side of this life. My house is messy, My kids wear dirty clothes (usually by choice), and I tend to have a low filter on my mouth. But I am content with myself. I am grateful for friends who help me remember perfection is a myth :) For if we were perfect.. wouldn't we be translated?