Dear Bro Jo,
I'm not really one for words, so I'm just going to have at it.
Last year was a really hard year for me at school.
Schoolwork was hard, I drifted from several friend groups, and spent many Friday nights alone in my room. (I was 16/17, a junior in high school).
I eventually tried marijuana and did it twice.
I hated the feeling and regret it more than ever.
I've talked to my Bishop before about something else and I truly hated it.
My question is, do I *have* to go in and talk to him about this?
I've been praying about this, and I don't know whether I have to or not.
I'd really prefer to not have to go in and know my Bishop's worried about me and all that stuff.
I keep apologizing through prayer.
A few weeks ago in YW we had a lesson about how not every sin needs to be brought to the Bishop.
Bro Jo, I'm doing a lot better.
I've found a group of fun Mormon girls at girls camp that I've started to hang out with. I don't even talk to the "bad" group I used to hang out with.
What are your feelings on the subject?
Signed,
- Consciously Confused
Dear Consciously,
Anything that places one's Temple Worthiness in jeopardy requires a conversation with the Bishop.
And if you're ever not sure, it's better to error on the "talk to him" side of things.
Smoking MJ is a violation of the Word of Wisdom. In Temple Recommend Interviews we're asked "do you keep the word of wisdom".
So guess what?
I'm glad you've found some good friends!
Now go talk to your Bishop.
And don't wait for your next semi-annual interview, either.
I know you didn't "enjoy" the last time, but repentance doesn't start out fun.
And I understand that you wish people wouldn't care about you so much . . . but we do.
So go talk to your Bishop.
You'll be glad you did.
- Bro Jo
4 comments:
You know, a few years ago I had to have a pretty serious talk with the bishop. Several times, actually. It was a long, painful repentance process. I learned that Satan will do anything to make you not want to go back to the bishop.
It feels like forever at the time. Waiting outside his door. Confessing. The council. The healing. Satan will make you believe there is no way for you to ever really get better or be worthy of the blessings that you DO deserve. Including the blessing of being forgiven.
Years down the road now, and about to enter the temple to be endowed and sealed for time and all eternity, I am so glad I did speak with my bishop. It feels like ages ago, when really it was only a few years. The Lord will bless you more than you can imagine, and the blessings will continue to come for much longer than you would expect.
No, its' not easy.
When you go (if you haven't already), let the bishop know about the changes you are making in your life. The good things you notice. He will support you in these things, and it will help show to him that you understand the difference choosing sin and choosing good can make. Being proactive as you are will only make your relationship with the bishop AND most importantly, your Father in Heaven, much easier, healthier, and will provide you with the blessings you desire and deserve.
Thank you for that Testimony of Repentance.
- Bro Jo
Yea, thanks a lot.
This stuff is important!
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