Because I Must...

by Jake Decker

I'd like to say that I know the church is true, but I can't. Not for a certainty. I've never had the witness described by Moroni, nor the burning in my bosom. I'm not a particularly great member of the church. I've done things that would appall anyone.

Yet, despite all that, I still believe. I believe that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church on the earth today. I've been to other churches, I've heard their doctrine, I've seen their members and what they are like. Though many are good, though they try their best to follow truth, they do not have all of it. It only belongs here in Chirst's church.

I am perhaps one of the weakest saints to grace this earth. I fall down on my face (spritually-speaking) practically every day. I'm not the best at going to church. I don't always fast or read my scriptures. Though I've been through it before, I am unable at this time to attend the temple. All in all, I'd give myself a D- grade as a member of the church.

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Despite that, I still believe. I want to believe. It's the only church that makes me feel peaceful and hopeful. It's the only one that explains all the questions to life with a clarity and basis of understanding. I've been in other churches. Nothing against them. They're doing their best with what they have and know. I commend them for that. But they don't have it all.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has it all. I don't know that for a certainty. I can't say "I know..." because I don't. But I believe it. I believe it when others say that they know. I believe God when he testified to its truthfulness.

I'm imperfect, but I'm trying to be better. I can't stand with the saints and not feel unworthy to do so. I may not even be saved in the celestial kingdom at the last day. But... I still believe that this church is true. I believe that Jesus is the Christ and I believe that he can and will forgive me of my sins if I make proper amends. I believe it because I have to. Because it feels good to do so. Perhaps someday I'll know. But for now, all I can do is believe.

And for now, that's enough.

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Because I Must...