Question
Gramps,
This past weekend I was hanging out with some friends and they brought out a bottle of vodka. None of my friends pressured me but I was genuinely curious what it would feel like and I took two shots.. I was still in control of my actions but was definitely was a little drunk. Do I need to go talk to my bishop? Can I repent on my own or does it have to be done through priesthood authority. I don’t want my parents to know but my dad is in the bishopric and I don’t know what I’m supposed to do
Abby
Answer
Dear Abby,
I want you to understand that all of us make mistakes. Sometimes they are very serious ones, like breaking the law of chastity, and sometimes they are not very serious ones. Like getting a speeding ticket or getting angry at a friend and calling them a rude name in the heat of the moment. While it’s understandable that all of us make mistakes (we are human after all) that doesn’t mean that we are entitled to make mistakes. Breaking the Word of Wisdom, even if it’s done in curiosity, is a mistake and against Church teaching.
When it comes to making mistakes and breaking commandments, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and talk to our bishop about it. The bishop is there to help you, not condemn you, and no matter what you tell him, I can assure you with one hundred percent confidence that he’s heard worse. It might be awkward to tell him about drinking alcohol, but you need not worry. He’s heard about people using drugs, smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, having sex out of wedlock, getting into fights, you name it. So nothing you say can shock him, and like I mentioned before, he only cares about helping you and getting you back on the right track.
You said that your father is in the bishopric. If you let the bishop know that you want it kept confidential, than he probably won’t tell your father, but I can’t say for sure. What I can say for sure is that only a good thing can come from talking to your bishop. Confession, as they say, is good for the soul. I can tell from your email to us that what you did is bothering you (you wouldn’t have asked us about it if it wasn’t) and going to the bishop will cause all those feelings to go away. When you confess to him what you did, you’ll feel a sense of relief that I can’t even describe, so it’s in your best interest to set up a meeting with him.
Praying for you,
Gramps
