Elect Lady - 2 John

1:1-4 - This 2nd letter of John to “the elect lady and her children” is a short book consisting of only 13 verses. Interestingly, it seems like this letter is addressed to a woman which is unusual, but the IM explains, “Since the epistle addresses a group of people, many commentators conclude that ‘the elect lady’ actually refers to a Christian congregation. The Greek term for church is feminine, and it was common to personify the Church as a woman. Another possibility is that ‘the elect lady and her children’ were John’s wife and family.” Concerning the term “elect lady” specifically, the IM continues, “In our dispensation, Emma Smith, wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith, was called ‘an elect lady’ (D&C 25:3).” Most of what John discusses in this epistle is covered in what he talked about in his 1st epistle, 1st John. He introduces himself as “the elder,” and wishes his reader “grace be with you, mercy, and peace from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” He also “rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth.” The IM comments, “This rejoicing illustrates the joy and gratitude that Church leaders, both ancient and modern, feel for those who remain faithful to the Lord.” This begs the question, why are church leaders experience joy and gratitude to those of us who remain faithful? Ultimately, if we all have our agency and are on our own personal journey back to Jesus and if the gospel is true no matter what, then why would it matter to anyone else? I think that there are probably many reasons why we are happy when someone stays active in the gospel when we are too. First, if we have something that we find valuable and makes us happy, then we want others to experience that too. When we factor in the concept of eternal life and joy, then we might get a little anxious when we think that someone might miss out on that. I think that this is one of the reasons why people freak out when their kids leave the church, they are just so scared that their child will not be able to have those same blessings. But one thing that we have to remember is that Jesus is more invested in their salvation than we ever can be, so it’s not up to us to “remind” them of how important the gospel is, it’s up to Jesus. Second, there is a subconscious part of us that feel reassured that we are making the right choice when someone else chooses that same thing too. 10 years ago I had tons of friends who were members, not out of all of them, and I’m talking probably over a dozen, there is only one friend left who is still active. Some have just stopped going, some are questioning, and some have outright turned against the Church. I still love them and we are still just as close as we used to be, but I would be lying if I said that every now and then I don’t wonder, “if everyone else leaves the church and I stay, am I the one that is wrong?” It’s hard, sometimes I feel like I’m the crazy one who is being unreasonable in my assessment of the gospel and my choice to stay. It takes a lot of reflection and prayer to assure myself that I’m doing the right thing. I think that the experiences I’ve had while studying the scriptures has really helped. Honestly I think that this is the only reason why I’m still going. Third, when you devote so much of your time and energy into a cause, while you’re able to stand alone and be strong, etc. it’s so rewarding to see your effort pay off in the benefit of someone else’s life. It would be like knitting blankets for the less fortunate and knowing that they really need these blankets and would be blessed by them immensely, but then seeing the blankets thrown in the trash. You’re going to keep making the blankets because it’s the right thing to do, but when you see someone using and treasuring that blanket, it gives a sense of fulfillment, like you’re making a difference and what you do matters. So when someone says, “thank you for remaining faithful” it’s like saying “thank you for eating your vegetables.” Eating your vegetables is good for you, you’re doing it for your own benefit, but for the person who expended lots of effort to prepare them, it’s a rewarding experience. 1:5-13 - John encourages his audience to “love one another,” just like he has in all his other letters. And he warns of “deceivers… who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh… Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.” This is like I was talking about how my scripture study has helped me remain strong in my testimony. It takes work to keep spirituality, like it takes work to keep your body healthy, it takes work to keep your spirit healthy. We have to actively endeavor to “lost not those things which we have wrought,” that keep our testimony bright. Concerning those “deceivers,” John tells the reader “receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed.” This might come off as a difficult statement because of the ancient traditions concerning hospitality, but the IM explains, “John was not suggesting that the Saints should fail to extend common courtesy to those who taught contrary doctrines. However, since early Christian congregations gathered to worship in the homes of Church members, traditional customs of hospitality could inadvertently enable heretical teachers to infiltrate congregations.” The IM continues by quoting President M. Russell Ballard as teaching, “Beware of those who speak and publish in opposition to God’s true prophets and who actively proselyte others with reckless disregard for the eternal well-being of those whom they seduce… Perhaps most damningly, they deny Christ’s Resurrection and Atonement, arguing that no God can save us. They reject the need for a Savior. In short, these detractors attempt to reinterpret the doctrines of the Church to fit their own preconceived views, and in the process deny Christ and His messianic role.” There is a group that I’ve wanted to join, mostly to support them financially because I believe that honestly they are doing God’s work, especially in the political sphere. But the name of the group and the implication that comes from being a member made me think about how I would answer the question in the temple recommend interview asking if I associate with any group that teaches contrary to the gospel. Honestly, all the “pillars” of this “religion” are consistent with God’s commandments because they mostly deal with being compassionate and having integrity and tolerant. I’ve been thinking about it a lot, but ultimately what I’ve decided at this point is that I can agree with them and even advocate for them when the situation presents itself, but to be a card carrying member might be over the line right now. And reading President Ballard’s words here further convinces me that I don’t need to be spending my time and energy on a cause that, while technically right, doesn’t advocate for repentance and turning to Christ. Finally, John tells his readers that he has “many things to write unto you,” but doesn’t want to “write with paper and ink,” but instead, desires to “speak face to face, that our joy may be full.”