Episode 38: What is Your Angel Ministry?

Ever experience “Gospel Imposter Syndrome?”

In this week's episode, we unpack Elder Carlos A Godoy's talk, "I Believe in Angels," from the October, 2020 General Conference.

A key point Elder Godoy focuses on in his message is how challenging it can be for new converts or returning members to feel like they "fit in." When I joined the church, I wanted so much to be and do everything right, but in the back of my mind there was this voice of opposition that whispered, "You don't belong here." "Who are you trying to fool?" I call this "Gospel Imposter Syndrome." And one guess as to where this comes from…(Hint: It doesn’t come from God). I’ve learned to recognize this as opposition, and that means when it shows up, I have an opportunity to use my agency.

God needs us to serve as earthly angels with a heavenly message that will encourage, strengthen, and edified others.

When you are raised in the church, you grow up knowing you are a child of God with a divine nature and worth. It literally took me YEARS to finally realize that I, too, am a daughter of God with a divine nature. 

Whether you are a new convert, a returning member, or someone who has just been plodding faithfully along the covenant path, there may be times when the adversary will try to convince you that you are an imposter in God’s kingdom. That you can’t possibly measure up to the stature of those around you who seem to just have it all figured out so well. 

Hang in there. Recognize that those words of self-doubt are coming from the opposition that exists within all of us--because we are fallen creatures in a fallen world. But with that opposition comes an opportunity for us to exercise our agency. How will we do that? By doing what Elder Holland taught us, “search diligently, pray always, and be believing.” Those are the building blocks of hope and faith--and faith is how we defeat doubt.

Elder Godoy concluded his talk with an invitation:

“If you look around carefully, you will find many in need of an angel’s help. These people may not be wearing white shirts, dresses, or any standard Sunday attire. They may be sitting alone, toward the back of the chapel or classroom, sometimes feeling as if they are invisible. Maybe their hairstyle is a little extreme or their vocabulary is different, but they are there, and they are trying…..

Some may be wondering, ‘Should I keep coming back? Should I keep trying?’ Angels are needed right now: angels who are willing to leave their comfort zone to embrace them; [people who are] so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to mind [to describe them.]"

And then he gives us this promise:

“I promise that if we are willing to serve, the Lord will give us opportunities to be ministering angels. He knows who needs angelic help, and He will put them in our path. The Lord puts those who need angelic help in our path daily.”

Do One Thing
Make it a point to do one thing that is outside of our comfort zone. One thing that will send a message to a new convert, a less active neighbor, or someone who is returning to activity. Let’s do what we can to give them a daily dose of the good word of God. We can do that through texts, notes, visits, whatever, whenever, or however we can. Let’s step beyond the boundaries of comfort and nourish someone with angelic service or an angelic message. 

To listen to this episode on Spotify, iTunes, or another podcast platform, click here.

Resources

Carlos A. Godoy, "I Believe in Angels"
Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Ministry of Angels"
Dallin H. Oaks, "The Aaronic Priesthood and the Sacrament"
Music: "Keys of the Moon" Be Inspired

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