A couple of years ago, I came across a book that deeply affected me. It was written by an LDS man who was hit by a train on his way to work. At the time, I was reading many books about people who had near death experiences, however, this book affected me more than the other books. The author shared some insights that intrigued me as I could sense that his eyes were now opened to a new way of looking at things within the church. In this book he writes about some differences between an average “mainstream" Member/Mormon” of the church …to a fully converted Latter Day Saint/disciple of Christ.
· A Mainstream Mormon follows the prophet.
· A Converted Latter-Day Saint knows the Lord Jesus Christ.
· A Mainstream Mormon is proud to be a member of the LDS Church.
· A Converted Latter-Day Saint is humbled to be a servant for the Lord Jesus Christ.
Although subtle differences in definitions, reading closely there is a huge difference. I personally wanted to make that change and become a true Latter Day Saint and not just a Mormon. After reading his book, I felt prompted to contact him via email. We exchanged numerous emails which then led to phone conversions. We became instant friends and I felt a bond as if we were long time friends and true brothers. All along this time, I had never met my new friend personally and had no idea what he looked like. I knew a lot about him, but without ever meeting him in person and seeing him, I really didn’t KNOW him.
I liken this example to my relationship with the Savior. I have read the Savior’s words in the scriptures, and have knelt in prayer and have heard His voice. I know alot about Him. He truly is my Elder Brother and I look forward to the upcoming day when I will KNOW HIM and RECEIVE HIM in this world.. not just in the world to come.
"For strait is the gate, and narrow the way that leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of the lives, and few there be that find it, because ye receive me not in the world neither do ye know me.
But if ye receive me in the world, then shall ye know me, and shall receive your exaltation; that where I am ye shall be also. This is eternal lives—to know the only wise and true God, and Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent. I am he. Receive.." D&C 132:23
