vvavera5 Posted May 8, 2015 Report Share Posted May 8, 2015 Im looking for advice. I am nervous, and don't know how to go about this. Im 31 years old, and I haven't been in the Temple since I was 13. I went to an open house for a new Temple today, and I was so touched by the Spirit that I decided I need to change my life to be worthy. My main problem has been chastity. Im not a youth, so do I need to talk to my Bishop, or just stop? Whats the time period before I can go, generally? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie Posted May 8, 2015 Report Share Posted May 8, 2015 Yes, chastity issues need to be taken to the bishop, regardless of age. The repentance period will be determined by him. Blackmarch and Vort 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane_Doe Posted May 8, 2015 Report Share Posted May 8, 2015 Im looking for advice. I am nervous, and don't know how to go about this. Im 31 years old, and I haven't been in the Temple since I was 13. I went to an open house for a new Temple today, and I was so touched by the Spirit that I decided I need to change my life to be worthy. My main problem has been chastity. Im not a youth, so do I need to talk to my Bishop, or just stop? Whats the time period before I can go, generally? Hi vvavera5, and congratulations on feeling the desire to get your life in order! The reason people who struggle with sexual sins (pornography, mastrubation, fornication etc) are asked to come to the bishop is because these things are very addictive and extremely difficult to "just" stop. The bishop is there to support you on your valiant mission to stop these sinful behaviors. He offers a shoulder to lean on, spiritual advice, and a level head to coach you. All of this is true if you're 13 or 90. As to timing of things, quitting sexual sin is a lot like quitting drugs: there is no set time table. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LiterateParakeet Posted May 8, 2015 Report Share Posted May 8, 2015 It's wonderful that you felt the Spirit and have a desire to return to church. Welcome back.As far as the Bishop...I think of it this way. Sometimes when you are sick, you need to go to the doctor to get help to heal. Some sins are serious enough that the Lord wanted us to have some help healing...so the Bishop. In your case I would imagine that talking to the Bishop will be a wonderful step towards becoming active again. The Bishop is there to help not punish you. Again welcome back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Folk Prophet Posted May 8, 2015 Report Share Posted May 8, 2015 Hi vvavera5, and congratulations on feeling the desire to get your life in order! The reason people who struggle with sexual sins (pornography, mastrubation, fornication etc) are asked to come to the bishop is because these things are very addictive and extremely difficult to "just" stop. The bishop is there to support you on your valiant mission to stop these sinful behaviors. He offers a shoulder to lean on, spiritual advice, and a level head to coach you. All of this is true if you're 13 or 90. As to timing of things, quitting sexual sin is a lot like quitting drugs: there is no set time table. This and the bishop as "judge in Israel" has the authority and right to determine if disciplinary action is requisite or not. But disciplinary action isn't something to be afraid of if one is ready to repent. If it's necessary then it will help in the repentance process (with sincerity and humility). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane_Doe Posted May 8, 2015 Report Share Posted May 8, 2015 This and the bishop as "judge in Israel" has the authority and right to determine if disciplinary action is requisite or not. But disciplinary action isn't something to be afraid of if one is ready to repent. If it's necessary then it will help in the repentance process (with sincerity and humility). Yes, but people often misinterpret the purpose of discipline: they think I'm being punished just so I suffer, and then once I've cried enough I can come out of time-out (I have a toddler...). But that's not why discipline exists at all! Rather discipline exists to have us step back from things/behaviors which can hurt us. If it's me putting my toddler in time out because she's playing electrical outlets, a couch benching a angry-hot-head player, or a bishop telling an adulterer they shouldn't go to the temple: the purpose is the same. You need to step back from situations that can hurt you, get a proper perspective on things, and then reproach things from the proper avenue/attitude. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palerider Posted May 9, 2015 Report Share Posted May 9, 2015 If I were you I would go and speak with your Bishop and see what he has to say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vvavera5 Posted May 11, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 11, 2015 Thank you all for your input. I will make that appointment Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palerider Posted May 11, 2015 Report Share Posted May 11, 2015 Thank you all for your input. I will make that appointmentYou have made the right choice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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