Now is that confusing or what?! In fact, way back in the 70s there was this hippie who got LDS mixed up with LSD, and he went on a mission instead of a trip! He was really confused! There are a lot of rumors out there, as you know, and a lot of misconceptions about Mormons. I've had to say to people, no, we do not have horns; no there are not 20 wives here, etc. You wouldn't believe the questions people ask. The adversary works on overtime, on trying to confuse people about us. Have you ever noticed, in the media, that if someone is a member of the Church, and did something wrong, you'll always know it's a Mormon? You bet. Mormons are being watched very closely by the world. Every one of you who are LDS are being watched by someone, closely, or from a distance. People will judge the Church by what you do, and by what you say. Our family went to Germany one time, and we were met there at the airport by a lady who represented our record company. She said it was her job to make sure we had a great time in Germany. So, she took us to all of these different places, and we ended up at this little place known for it's famous folk songs and dances. It was also known for its 101 different kinds of German beer. They placed each one of us at a different table, kind of far from each other, and all night long they were saying (not just the servers, but the people at the table), oh you've got to try this beer and this one…nobody will know, there's nobody watching… try this…taste this. Finally, Wayne got really ticked, and he said, "Apple juice will be just fine, thank you!" It was so funny because the next day, we got on the plane, and in the newspaper it said something-Osmond, in German, which interpreted said, "Mormon Osmonds prefer apple juice to German beer!" We're all watched in different ways. Most people nowadays are looking for a way to stick out and be noticed. They want to be different, in order to get attention. Well, if you're a Mormon, you're going to get noticed, I'm telling you right now, whether you like it or not. So take advantage of this opportunity, let your light shine and don't be afraid to live the Gospel. People are craving to be happy. It's your job to help them. It is by your example that the Lord will work His miracles. It's also by our obedience to the Laws and Ordinances of the Gospel that we show our love to God. Do you notice when you turn on the TV, or look around you, how many people act as if there is no God? They have no faith!

I did some research on something that I think is really interesting. We tend to look at all this wickedness, and think that it's out there in the media, or somewhere, but not really close to us, right? However, if you look at the word wickedness, and really understand it's true meaning, it translates into the word selfishness. If you take the scriptures, and cross out everytime it says wicked or wickedness, and put selfish and selfishness in its place, it will give you a new understanding of the word. Aren't most marriages broken up because of selfishness? Aren't most fights and quarrels with our neighbors and friends based on this problem? Look at greed, and lust and pride, are they not based on selfishness? (See Book of Mormon Alma 41:10.)

Now, Mormons are not perfect, and you know that. But we're trying to be. And yet, when you don't live up to what some people expect, they use the word hypocrite. Have you heard that word flying around somewhere? Well, we're not hypocrites, most of us are not, because a hypocrite chooses to live a double life. Most of us are striving to overcome. We as members of the Church are known as Latter-day Saints to distinguish ourselves from the former day Saints. In the Bible, it tells us how and why Christ organized His Church. "And He gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; til we all come to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;" (Ephesians 4:11-14). Our Savior's Church has been restored in these latter days, through a living prophet (see Acts 3:19-24). Christ organized His Church so that we could become like Him, that is our goal.

I took a friend to Church awhile back, I think he was critical of our beliefs, he didn't understand the doctrine. He especially didn't understand why members of the Church would get up and give talks. He thought we should have a paid person to get up and energize the people, and really make it live…make the Bible come to life. I actually was afraid that he was going to get turned off in Church, so I was praying that there would be a good speaker…energize this guy somehow. He's sitting there with arms folded, and up comes this 12 year old kid, and I'm thinking, "Oh gosh, I didn't pray hard enough!" He comes up and he stutters through this whole talk with papers flying around. Anyway, he's trying to figure out where his Scriptures were, it took him two minutes to find the Scriptures…dead weight, you know. This guy next to me says, "I can't handle it anymore, I've got to leave." I said, "Oh, just wait, the next speaker will be…," All of the sudden this thought came to my mind about perfecting of the Saints, and I looked at that kid, and I saw a great kid who was struggling, but he was learning. Then the next thought came to me, to grab a piece of paper and pen out of my pocket and hand it to this guy right here. I said, "Would you do me a favor, would you stop looking at the delivery and listen to the message?" He said, "Ok." He started writing as this kid was trying to speak, and he kept writing, and writing...and he asked for more paper. He looked at me with tears in his eyes, and I think he saw the light. I think that's how we should all see the light, and not look critical at those who are in the process of perfecting their lives. It's easy to be judgmental, isn't it? Don't let the mistakes of others drive you away from the Church! You know, there are three kinds of Mormons that I find…those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and then those who wonder what happened, know what I mean? To those who are new in the Church, let me say this, we love you, we respect you for your decision, and at first it's easy to get overwhelmed. You might get even just a little bit discouraged at times, but hang in there. Because, we're all converts, are we not? Doesn't matter if you're born in the Church. Realize this…that this lifestyle takes effort, sacrifice, and yes…courage, but oh the blessings that come from living the Gospel. Faith and works together produce a strong testimony. The key is to get involved. The Lord didn't ask for your ability, only your availability. If we prove our dependability, He will increase our capability. The Scripture says, to "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you," (Matthew 6:33). The Church is like a great university, and the Gospel is our curriculum of righteousness that we need to study. We have a charge, and we boldly say this to people, and some people don't get it…but in Matthew 5 it says, "Be therefore perfect, even as your Father in Heaven is perfect." It's possible, not in this life, but our Savior, Jesus Christ, who organized this Church, at least gives a start, so, let's get moving. The Gospel gives us hope that maybe someday we can be like Him, and be joint heirs with Him in our Father's Kingdom (see Romans 8:16-18). If you live the Gospel, and get involved in the Church, you'll find that the purpose of life will become clear, you'll begin to understand where you came from, why you're here, and where you're going after this life. So when adversity hits, and it will, your soul will be anchored in the Lord and His Church, and the Holy Ghost will comfort and guide you through trials and temptations. Remember the Gospel is here to heal our pain, not to prevent it.

For those who are investigating the Church, I encourage you to seek out the missionaries…really learn, really understand…it will be the best decision you'll make. As Merrill said, we're here to make friends, and we hope that's what you all are doing. We've met so many new friends here today, and we love you and thank you for having us up here…we appreciate this great opportunity. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. ~ Jay Osmond

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