"An inflated belief in oneself can be spiritually life-threatening and lead one away from the teachings of God." p. 39
"Young adults are more likely to be religiously unaffiliated. This is especially true in North America where in both the U.S. and Canada younger people are less likely to claim a religious identity ... The gap is also prevalent in Europe -- in 22 out of 35 countries -- and in Latin America, where is applies to 14 out of 19 countries (including Mexico)" p. 40
"Christians from the dawn of time went to church and listened to spiritual leaders preach repentance. It is not unique to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It has been a part of Christian religious observance throughout the ages ... In fact, the very purpose in going to a religious service on Sunday was not just to feel good, but to be pricked in one's conscience..." p. 40
Today's Environment
"With uncertainty or indifference in what is right and wrong, many believe that each should construct his or her own path ... Entertainment and late-night humor often ridicule faith and dismiss those who speak in favor of keeping the commandments of God ... In today's environment, you find yourself facing a crowd that does not just passively disagree with the idea of repentance, but who at time will ridicule your desire to change and return to God." p. 42-43
An Essential Part of God's Plan
"Do not be discouraged by the lack of faith around you ... When you hear the word repent and feel voices that both encourage you and discourage you, take a deep breath and lift your eyes to the heavens or bow your head for a moment, and through the Holy Spirit, the voice of your Father in Heaven will tell you what you should do." p. 43
Case Study
Lance is getting his pornography habit under control. He still has slip-ups once in awhile, but currently, he feels more 'clean' than he has in a long time. Still, Lance feels like he's still lacking in some areas of his life. He doesn't pray or study scriptures every day. There are people in his classes and at work that bother him. In fact, one of his brothers drives him crazy, so Lance rarely goes home to visit. He likes teaching Sunday School, but sometimes feels like he's an imposter when he's teaching these truths, but not fully living them himself. Lance scrolls through Tik Tok and YouTube on daily basis and he sees that there are lots of people his age who have abandoned religion and faith. They seem like they are pretty happy. Lance feels guilt for having feelings like this. He is happy being a Latter-day Saint. He likes going to church, but sometimes leaves the meetings feeling empty or even more guilty.
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