Life Lines
lead us not into temptation
We know that our regeneration includes temptation, doubt and conflict.
“While a person is being regenerated and becoming spiritual, he is involved
constantly in conflict.” (Arcana Coelestia 59)
As the Lord’s Church is being formed within each of us, and as the General
Church we look to as part of it is embroiled in conflict over women in the
priesthood, it seems the Church at times might also need to go through states
of regeneration. Certainly the Church is not immune to doubt, temptation and
despair. But the Lord also offers hope and assurance to us – as individuals and
as a church.
Consider this promise: “With all who are undergoing temptations, truth
from the Lord is flowing in, and this truth rules and governs their thoughts,
uplifting them every time they are given to doubt and also to feelings of
despair.” (Arcana Coelestia 5044)
Well, we may know those “feelings of despair” – in our own lives and in
the life of the Church – but also live with the faith that as we look to the Lord
in our temptations, we will become more spiritual and spiritually stronger.
We have to hope that out of all this turmoil the Church also will become
more spiritual and stronger from looking humbly to the Lord and being guided
by Him.
As we are told for our own lives and struggles, so must we hope this is true
for our Church: “During our spiritual tests, we are apparently left completely
alone, although in fact we are not alone. At those time God is most intimately
present at our deepest level, giving us support.” (True Christian Religion 126)
(BMH)
how do we look?
Through all of the controversy over whether women should be admitted to
the General Church ministry – and with any other issues causing strife – we
are challenged to look at the Church as an institution, and also to the Lord’s
Church hopefully forming within each one of us. We are challenged as well to
571