It's a Privilege!

"One of the great privileges of being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the privilege of contributing to the growth of the Kingdom of God through paying tithing." (Preach My Gospel pg 78)
        I found it really interesting that they used the word privilege to describe this sacrifice that we're asked to make. Usually we look at giving of our substance, like paying taxes, as an obligation. However, when it comes to sacrifices for building the kingdom of God, we consider it a privilege. That's because in retrospect, it will be a fantastic thing to have been a part of. Think of the pioneers of our nation. While they struggled through hardship and trial, I'm not sure that they considered what they were doing to be a privilege. But when we look at what they accomplish now, we honor their lives and legacy. So it will be as we make sacrifices to build the kingdom of God.
        This week there were a few moments that were not pleasant, but I consider them a privilege to have experienced. We knocked on doors for hours out in the sun and humidity. One evening we met this couple very familiar with the church. She is from Utah and her grandparents are actually members. When she was 9 her grandmother tried to have her baptized without her parents permission, so she has very negative feelings towards the church. They teased us a lot but it was funny and I thought we might be able to really get to know them! But then they turned us away. As we moved down the street we heard some music and laughter coming from this other house. As we walked by we tried to be friendly and offer to share something with them, and this man walks out and tells us whatever we give him he'll throw away. And so that's what he does! He just opens up the trash can and throws one of our cards right in. That just shocked me! I didn't know that people could be so openly rude. Later in the week we were knocking near the bayside, and we actually knocked on a Chinese person's door! She was from Taiwan, and it felt so weird to be speaking Chinese again, but she also wasn't interested. Although rejection isn't fun, I still feel privileged that I even get to be a missionary and take part in such a great work.



Try and always have that attitude about things that God asks you to do.