Contention?

Now as missionary's we are charged to go forth two by two declaring the word of god, to every nation, in every tongue, and to every people(http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/42.6?lang=eng#5). We preach the gospel by the spirit of truth, and if the spirit of truth is not there we preach not. One way to dislodge the spirit of truth is contention, which is, as the scriptures state, "For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another". The proceeding story is of a recent experience as a missionary... And so it goes

We where knocking doors(as normal) when we came across a less then friendly woman, which is odd considering I serve in the south where everyone has that nice "southern hospitality"(southern accent added). We went to the door and knocked, very lightly, almost like Egar Allen Poe's "the Raven", we where lightly tapping, yes lightly rapping on her sliding window door. As we where standing in the door way the owner walked by, it was a woman in her late 50's. She walked to the door and opened it, we greeted her with a "hello" and she proceeded to demand, through screams, never to bang on her door again. We felt the spirit leave, and so we proceeded to follow. We told her "Lord bless" and we made like a banana and split.

Now why do I tell this story? Two reasons, first, we as Christan's must be willing to follow the spirit, two, we as Christians must never argue, and three, we as Christians must show through our actions Christlike love to all men.

Lets talk about following the spirit quickly. When the Lord speaks truth he does it through the Holy Ghost, his job is to teach truth unto the conversion of souls, his promptings are not just "good advice" its absolute truth. When he prompts we follow or we do not their is no middle ground. Lets follow... "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you"(http://lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/16.7?lang=eng#6)

Second, as Christians we must NEVER ARGUE, because it is the causation of contention(see first paragraph), and argument is a sign of serious doubt. When ever we attempt to "argue a point" we show doubts, fear(which is a lack of faith), and pride, attempting to undertake the job of the spirit. When we do these things the " the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved"(http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/121.37?lang=eng#36) and amen to our converting power.

Finally, we as Christan's have a responsibility to bring to light the dark things of the world, by bringing truth or light to ignorance. We do this by word, and more powerfully, in deed. When we do the will of the father we have the spirit, and hearts are touched... This is our call.

Never get discouraged the spirit will guide you, even in the most vilest of occupations, you can retain the spirit I so promise in the Name of the Messiah...