🙏 A Gentle Thank You to the Pharisee
🙏 A Gentle Thank You to the Pharisee
Not long ago, someone left a comment on Waking Up Zion. He said, in essence: “If you’d just keep your wrestlings private, that would be fine. But by publishing them, you unsettle others, you question the ‘only true church,’ and you contrast Christ with programs and leadership.”
When a dear friend read that comment, she smiled and said: “That sounds just like the Pharisees in Jesus’ day.”
And she was right.
But instead of swinging back, I just want to say:
👉 “Thank you, Pharisee.”
📖 What the Pharisees Teach Us
The Pharisees weren’t evil men. They were the spiritual leaders of their time. They prayed, tithed, studied scripture, and cared deeply about preserving their religion. Yet when the Living Word came among them, they stumbled:
He healed on the Sabbath (Luke 6).
He spoke with those considered “unclean” (John 4).
He overturned the tables in the temple (Matthew 21).
He taught with a voice that didn’t come from hierarchy (Mark 1).
They weren’t trying to be villains. They honestly believed they were protecting God’s truth. But in their zeal to protect the institution, they missed the Person.
That is the lesson.
🕊️ The Book of Mormon Echoes the Warning
The Book of Mormon says the same:
“They deny the power of God, saying: Behold, the Lord… hath given his power unto men.” (2 Nephi 28:5)
“All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth.” (2 Nephi 28:21)
Alma taught his people to teach “nothing save it were repentance and faith on the Lord.” (Mosiah 18:20)
Every generation faces this temptation—to put more trust in programs, buildings, or leaders than in the Savior’s living voice.
🌄 The Nemenhah Prophets Add Their Voice
The Nemenhah Records confirm the pattern:
Tsihohnayah Ahkehkthihm 14 — They foresaw that religion would be brought to this land, but without Spirit, relying on industry and hierarchy.
Mohrhohnahyah 4 — Moroni warned that Zion would only be gathered by a small flock who rejected war and hierarchy and instead listened to the Peacemaker.
Tuhhuhl Nuhmehn 1 — The New Covenant was always meant to bring His presence today, not just through rites and rituals.
These voices all agree: don’t follow the robe—follow the Voice.
💡 Why I Write Anyway
So yes, publishing these wrestlings might unsettle some. But I didn’t give up golf just to stir the pot. I did it because the Savior whispered to me: “Feed My sheep. Point them to Me.”
That’s all I’m trying to do here. Not to argue. Not to condemn. But to witness that He lives, He speaks, and He walks with those who come unto Him.
🌱 An Invitation
So here’s my gentle response to the critic, and to all of us:
Don’t take my word. Don’t take the Pharisee’s word. Don’t even take the institution’s word.
Go to Him.
Read the scriptures.
Pray.
Listen.
The Savior is alive. His Spirit still speaks. And His Voice can cut through robes, programs, or buildings.
🙏 My Final Word
So yes, “thank you, Pharisee.” Not as a mockery, but as a reminder.
Because the Pharisees of Jesus’ day, and the Pharisee spirit in every age, show us just how easy it is to love the institution more than the Lord. And that warning is still needed now.
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