Wednesday, July 17, 2013

From The Stake President -- How To Be Humble

To: Abbottsville Stake
From: Mitchell Knightly, Abbottsville Stake President
Subject: Avoiding self-righteousness

Recently a stake member asked the following question. I felt that all of you should hear my response.

Dear President Knightly,

I work downtown amongst the nonmember community. Every day I am confronted with slovenly and scantily dressed people who listen to NPR, watch R-rated films, and discuss taboo subjects like marriage equality. I know that Heavenly Father doesn't want me to judge my fellow man. But, under such circumstances, I am finding it impossible not to do so. Have you any advice?

Sincerely, 
It's Hard To Be Humble


Dear It's Hard To Be Humble,

We live in a world that is filled with filth. It is only natural that people who are blessed with our advanced knowledge and high moral values be tempted to judge the nonmember community.

But remember that even the lowest, scummiest, and most slovenly nonmember has the potential for greatness. Given the opportunity, he could be like us!

In order to avoid the sin of self-righteousness, whenever I am among nonmembers, I see them not as they are, but as Heavenly Father would have them become. That is, well-groomed, clean-shaven, engaged in fervent prayer, and dressed in their temple clothes.

Next time you're downtown, rather than only seeing this:

Imagine this instead:

In Humility,
President Knighly

If you would like to stop receiving these emails, you're obviously falling way short of your potential.

8 comments:

  1. I am slightly slovenly, unshaven(for over 30 years), never pray, and I don't dress up for anything except Halloween. I wonder what I must look like to Knightly?

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    1. Well, he can only see you in your temple clothes.

      I had the occasion to attend a Mormon Sacrament Meeting recently and a twit actually said this over the podium. I didn't have to write it--you can't make this stuff up!

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  2. Those temple garments just wouldn't look right on me. Sorry, Mr. Knightly.

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  3. Snorted tea up my nose at "nonmember community" and just kept laughing all the way through. Bless you, Sister Banta.

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    1. When I was at BYU LeGrande Richards gave a talk about an experience he had while visiting a "nonmember university." lol

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  4. No nightmares whatsoever with picture #2...

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    1. No kidding Heather. Strange how the Mormons think that the nonmembers are the scary ones.

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