Did We #GiveThanks for the Right Reasons? | Moroni 7-9 | Come Follow Me

Moroni 7:5–11

For I remember the word of God which saith by their works ye shall know them; for if their works be good, then they are good also.

 

In November 2020, President Russell M. Nelson said to Latter-day Saints:

 

“First, I invite you—just for the next seven days—to turn social media into your own personal gratitude journal. Post every day about what you are grateful for, whom you are grateful for, and why you are grateful. At the end of seven days, see if you feel happier and more at peace. Use the hashtag #GiveThanks."

 

Soon after, social media was flooded with many people posting about what they were thankful for. While all of it was good intentioned, many Latter-day Saints blogged about how stressed they were because of the challenge to post on social media.

 

Many writers stated that they felt the challenge was an "outward performance of righteousness" and a way to show off:

 

1) their obedience and righteousness to the Church
2) all of their blessings and experiences of that they've had in life, almost like it was a way to show off how well they're doing in life
 

Now obviously, this wasn't the case and reason for why people were doing #givethanks, but to some it felt like it, and that's okay. Being a member of the Church is very hard due to the fact that there is a need for outward performance in order to have good standing on the Church. 

Ultimately what is important is that we think about others at all times in what they may be feeling. Outward performance doesn't mean a lack of faith or testimony but it could mean other things. 

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.