Being a Spiritual Coach

Day ninety-three

This morning I am particularly thankful for the gospel in my life.  I am so grateful to those that taught me about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and how to live the gospel principles. My prayer was filled with gratitude for all that the Lord has taught me in my lifetime to bring me closer to Him and all the blessings that have come in my life because of these teachings.  I included a special thank you for all the amazing people that the Lord has put in my life to coach me through my spiritual journey.

This led me to my subject of discussion today. Yesterday on the radio I heard a short advertisement regarding a ''life spiritual coach", someone that would help guide you through your spiritual journey to invite Christ into your life.  I understand that this is an outreach program to help people who are searching for something more out of life and are looking into religion.  These "life spiritual coaches" are trained to help you learn to pray, study the scriptures, and become a disciple of God.  I am in no way mocking this program, I understand that their is a need for people to have someone to help them grow in the gospel. I just thought it was kinda' sad, because in my eyes, I think all Christians are supposed to be "life spiritual coaches" for those that the Lord puts in their lives. 

I loved the General Conference talks that addressed the need to share the gospel with others. I really like the quote that President Uchtdorf used:

"Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words." ~ St. Francis of Assisi

I had that quote on our quote board at home for a while.  We cannot underestimate the power that our actions have to influence others. What actions should we be showing? I like what 1 Timothy 4:12 has to say on this topic:

"...be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

I know that there are many people that love the Lord, but because of their circumstances feel that they are not worthy to share the gospel or they feel that they do not have enough experience in the gospel.  St. Francis had something to say about that too:

"I have been all things unholy. If God can work through me, he can work through anyone." ~ St Francis of Assisi

For others being the example seems easier than opening their mouths. They quietly go about their lives living the gospel principles hoping that this is enough to bring others to Christ. It is a good beginning, but at some point we have to open our mouths and share our beliefs, our testimonies. I know that I have felt this way, and I am not alone in feeling apprehension and fear when it comes to sharing my testimony with others, especially when you aren't sure what the other person's reaction might be.  Many Christians feel the same way.  Here's the verse that helps me when those thoughts come into my mind:

"...open your mouths in proclaiming my gospel, the things of the kingdom, expounding the mysteries thereof out of the scriptures, according to that portion of Spirit and power which shall be given unto you, even as I will." (D&C 71:1)

I am not asked to bear witness to more than I know to be true.  The Spirit will be with me and give me the power to say the words that need to be heard. The Spirit has not let me down yet, so I know that I am in good hands. The Spirit is my "life spiritual coach" who can be with me 24/7.

Our life is our training to be a spiritual coach, the Lord has seen to it that the experiences we need are put before us so that we are prepared to share the good news.  He has given us the Spirit to be with us, to coach us, on our journey as we draw nearer to Him.  What great joy and comfort this gives me!  A joy and comfort that is meant to be shared!