Predatory Finger Pointing

The transition from baptism to full gospel participation is a tenuous one for new converts. Like new turtle hatchlings in the sand, it is a mad dash to get into the ocean for protection before they can be devoured by predators. In this case, the predators are the scoffers and antagonists of the church. The ocean is the support system that full church immersion and temple covenants can provide. The protective shield will be the friendshipping of these new converts by seasoned members who can help bridge this important gap. The pointing finger of scorn will be there, and Satan will attempt to shame converts during the transition. Unfortunately, many members fail to take friendshipping as seriously as they should. Those of us who are Latter-day Saints must buffer this scorn by giving our full attention to new gospel members, including creating genuine friendships, providing engaged visiting and home teachers, teaching the new member lessons, and assigning immediate new callings for them.

 1 Nephi 8:24 And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.
 25 And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed.

 26 And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building; and it stood as it were in the air, high above the earth.
 27 And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit.
 28 And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.

LESSON LEARNED: Satan will not let go easily of those who enter the waters of baptism. A similar support structure as the one provided before baptism is necessary for new converts.

FEEDBACK: HAVE YOU WITNESSED THE SUCCESS (OR FAILURE) OF CONVERSION IN SOMEONE DUE TO THE SCORN OF THE WORLD?