Casting Out

 This week I got a text message adding me to a list of VBS (vacation bible school) volunteers for this summer.  We don't even live in that community any more so I had to decline but it made me think back to the many different VBS programs my kids were invited to and welcomed to, regardless of our faith differences.  

They were just good people reaching out to share their love of Jesus with their friends.  Our kids had a wonderful time and I knew they were in good hands.  Colton and Kyrie even ended up helping and volunteering some summers as they grew older. 

Are we that welcoming at church? 

To be clear here is what was instructed in D&C 46:3-6

"Nevertheless ye are commanded never to cast any one out from your public meetings, which are held before the world.

4 Ye are also commanded not to cast any one who belongeth to the church out of your sacrament meetings; nevertheless, if any have trespassed, let him not partake until he makes reconciliation.

5 And again I say unto you, ye shall not cast any out of your sacrament meetings who are earnestly seeking the kingdom—I speak this concerning those who are not of the church.

6 And again I say unto you, concerning your confirmation meetings, that if there be any that are not of the church, that are earnestly seeking after the kingdom, ye shall not cast them out."

To be fair, back at that time, the early Saints had every reason to be leery of outsiders joining them.  They had been robbed, abused, beaten, and ridiculed to no end.  They also didn't have the benefit of consistent procedure to guide them. 

We have been taught.  We are to accept all earnest seekers, even if that seeking looks a bit different or is a bit messy along the way.  It doesn't mean we have to let ourselves be mistreated, but we should be welcoming and do our best to reflect the love of the Savior to all who come.  

Keep it simple.  Just share our love of Jesus.  He taught us that we go after the one, not cast them out.  

A lot like my children's friends did for them.