privileges and boundaries

3 Nephi 18:22-25

3 Nephi 18:28-29

3 Nephi 18:30-32

I know. It's basically verses 22-32 *but* I split them up into groups.  

First, don't deny anyone attending church.

Follow Christ's example. 

Second, don't allow those who are unworthy to partake of the sacrament. 

Those seem opposed to each other *except*

Follow Christ's example.   

He chased money lenders from the temple. Matt 21:12-13. Following Jesus Christ means setting and keeping boundaries. Even those kept from partaking of the sacrament are still welcome to attend church.  

The bishop has the responsibility of making this call at church. We're responsible for our own lives. Boundaries are necessary and even kind.   

Someone unwilling to strive to keep the commandments is only damaging themselves by continually making a covenant with the Lord. The Lord Himself sets the standards. Removing a unearned or abused privileges is not unkind.  

The same is true for our personal lives. Setting boundaries and keeping them sets your standards. It protects you and clearly defines privileged interactions or space in your life. Removing privileges is not unkind.

shame is pride

Ether 12:27 is my favorite scripture. I received another bit of understanding today during "Come Follow Me".

Humility is more acknowleding your weakness. It's taking responsibility for it.  

Pride is the opposite of humility but I never realized that shame is part of pride.  

Humility goes to the Lord, acknowledges the weakness and takes on the responsibility of working with the Lord to find and enact solutions. 

Pride might deny weakness or completely give up on change. "I'm a terrible person" is the cry of giving up or using weakness as an excuse. Shaming yourself is just as prideful as denial. Both ignore the Lord’s out stretched Hand and instead insist on knowing more than our Creator.  

It reminds me of the difference between Godly sorrow and mortal sorrow. (2 Corinthians 7:9-11) It's all in where it leads. One leads to the Lord and the other leads anywhere else.