Difference between revisions of "Mormon Idioms"

Revision as of 13:05, 29 August 2006

Common and well-known phrases used in Mormonism

And it Came to Pass...

Phrase frequently found in the scriptures, especially in the Book of Mormon. It simply means "And then this happened" or "And then this other thing came about" etc. It is also the title of an LDS card game.

Be Grateful. Be Smart. Be Clean. Be True. Be Humble. Be Prayerful.

President Hinckley's six B's, from a talk given to the youth and young adults of the Church. By living by these B's the prophet promised that the challenges and temptations of these times could become manageable.

Called to Serve

This phrase can reference any sort of calling in the Church. Lay members fill all the local levels of leadership as called by their bishop or stake president. The phrase is also used frequently when talking about missionaries. Missionaries are "called to serve" in different areas around the world. The phrase is also the title of a well-known hymn, which is frequently sung in missionary contexts.

Charity Never Faileth

This is the motto of the Relief Society, the Church's organization for women. The phrase can be found in both the New Testament (1 Corinthians 13:8) and the Book of Mormon (Moroni 7:46). Since its founding, the Relief Society has always been dedicated to serving others and showing forth charity, the pure love of Christ.

Choose the Right

This motto is frequently known by its acronym, CTR, which can be found on all sorts of Mormon products such as rings, necklaces, tie tacks, ties, t-shirts, etc. It is a simple reminder that we should make good choices in this life that will enable us to return to the presence of God.

Dispensation of the Fulness of Times

A dispensation is a time period during which the gospel and priesthood authority are upon the earth. This time period, beginning with the Restoration of the gospel, is the last dispensation. It is known as the "fulness of times" because all of the keys and authority of previous dispensations have been restored for one final time before the Savior's Second Coming.

Endure to the End

This admonition is found throughout the scriptures. Matthew 24:13 reads: "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." After we have made baptismal and temple covenants, we must continue to "endure" by living faithfully and keeping the covenants we have made. The abbreviation ETTE (with the last E reversed) is used on rings and other Mormon jewelry.

Every Member a Missionary

This quote comes from President David O. McKay who stressed that missionary work was not simply the responsibility of the full-time missionaries. Every member of the Church ought to be involved in spreading the gospel in part by being good friends, good neighbors, and good examples.

Faith in Every Footstep

This saying comes fromt the Mormon Pioneers. When the early Saints left Nauvoo on their westward exodus they were walking into the unknown. Despite this, they faithfully followed their prophet, and demonstrated their faith with every footstep they took. A song with this title was written for the sesquicentennial of the pioneers' arrival in the Salt Lake Valley.

Fast and Testimony Meeting

Once a month, typically the first Sunday, members hold a special Sacrament Meeting. On this Sunday, members go without two meals and then give the money to help the poor. During the meeting, instead of prepared talks, the program consists of members who feel so inclined bearing their testimonies of the truthfulness of the gospel.

Hold to the Rod

The "rod" is the iron rod spoken of in the Book of Mormon which leads to the Tree of Life. The rod of iron represents the word of God, which can be the scriptures or the words of modern prophets. If we "hold to the rod" we follow the prophet, and live by his counsel and the teachings of the scriptures. By so doing, we can safely return back to God's presence.

Lengthen Your Stride

This is one of the well-known mottos of President Spencer W. Kimball. During his time as prophet, President Kimball encouraged all members to step up their efforts to spread the gospel to all the world. The number of missionaries sent out each year doubled during this time.

Lengthen Your Shuffle

This variation of President Kimball's counsel refers to the work senior missionaries can do. While perhaps more inclined to physically shuffle than stride, these faithful members can do much to help spread the gospel and strengthen the Church wherever they are called. The phrase was made popular by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland in his May 2001 conference talk "Witnesses unto Me."

Many Are Called but Few Are Chosen

This phrase comes from Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-35: "Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men" Thus, while God calls to service any and all who are willing to hear His voice, we are the ones who determine whether or not we will be chosen based on our willingness to obey God's commandments and turn our hearts over to Him. Any calling, power, or authority within the Church can only be used in the ways prescribed by the Lord.

Put on the Whole Armor of God

Both Ephesians chapter 6 and Doctrine and Covenants section 27 speak of putting on the "whole armour of God" which consists of having your loins girt about with truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Those desiring to be righteous must daily battle against the temptations of Satan and the world. The symbolic armor of God protects us spiritually from the "fiery darts of the wicked" (Eph. 6:16).

Return with Honor

This saying is used in a couple of contexts within the Church. When young men and women are called to serve missions they are encouraged to "return with honor," meaning that they have served honorably and done what the Lord required of them. The saying also refers to the idea that this life is a test, and the purpose of it is to live worthy of returning to our Heavenly Father. So the statement "return with honor" reminds members to do all that is needed to return worthily to God's presence. The acronym RWH is commonly used on Mormon jewelry and such.

Stand a Little Taller

This phrase comes from President Gordon B. Hinckley's counsel to "Stand a little taller, rise a little higher, be a little better. Make the extra effort" (“The Quest for Excellence,” Ensign, Sept. 1999, 2–5). Members of the Church are always counselled to be the best they can be, and should set good examples not only as Latter-day Saints but as representatives of Jesus Christ. The phrase is also the title of a book President Hinckley compiled of inspirational thoughts and quotes.

Stand for Truth and Righteousness

This is the motto of the Young Women program. Members are counselled to "stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places" (Mosiah 18:9). In so doing, we must stand for that which is true and be righteous followers of Jesus Christ.

Tithes and Offerings

Members of the Church regularly pay tithing. "Offerings" typically refers to fast offerings which are given on what is known as "Fast Sunday" when members forego eating two meals and then donate the money they would have spent on food to help the poor and others in need. "Offerings" can also mean contributions to other Church programs such as the Temple Fund, the Missionary Fund, or the Perpetual Education Fund.

What E'er Thou Art, Act Well Thy Part

This phrase was one that inspired President David O. McKay while he was on his mission in Scotland. The words were carved on an old building. The phrase reminds us that whatever we do in life, whatever our job, or calling, God expects us to do and be our best.