We often hear “What would Jesus do?” But do we really
understand the question?
Jesus Christ taught and set examples of attributes and in 3
Nephi 12:48 he tell us “Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I,
or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.”
What does this mean? Do we have
to be perfect in this lifetime? I sure
hope not or I am in real trouble. I
think this means that we need to do our best to follow the example that he has
set.
President Howard W. Hunter said “I would invite all members
of the Church to live with ever more attention to the life and example of the
Lord Jesus Christ, especially the love and hope and compassion He displayed.”
Jesus Christ was our exemplar and now we must try to be an
exemplar to the rest of the world.
President Hunter also teaches that Jesus was capable of sin but he knew
the plan of salvation and he did not succumb to Satan and his temptations. He
goes on to explain that this had to be so or there would have been no real test
and no true victory.
If Jesus did not
have this ability he would not have had is free agency.
Jesus Christ focused his life on service to others in doing
this he taught us – diligence, obedience, humility, patience, knowledge,
virtue, charity, hope, gratitude and faith.
Now while I know that I cannot heal the sick as he did, raise someone
from the dead, or feed the many with only a few loaves of bread and fish. I can take care of someone who is ill or
suffering. I can comfort and morn with those who have lost a loved one. I can donate and collect food for the food
bank and other organizations who feed the many.
I can teach the children, I love the paintings and sketches
of the Savior hold and teaching the children.
I can always feel his love for them.
In 3 Nephi 17:11 “… he commanded that their little children should be
brought.” The scriptures go onto say
that the things that he taught them were so great and marvelous and that no one
could conceive the joy which filled their souls and then he took the little
children one by one and blessed them and the angels descended out of heaven and
encircled the little one and they ministered unto them. We must teach our children from the time they
are very young. Jesus set this example. But we must remember that we must teach by
example not just by what we say. Words
without action are just words!
President Hunter also teaches “Christ’s supreme sacrifice
can find full fruition in our lives only as we accept the invitation to follow
him [see D&C 100:2]. This call is not irrelevant, unrealistic, or
impossible. To follow an individual means to watch him or listen to him
closely; to accept his authority, to take him as a leader, and to obey him; to
support and advocate his ideas; and to take him as a model. Each of us can
accept this challenge. Peter said, “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an
example, that ye should follow his steps” (1 Pet. 2:21). Just as teachings that
do not conform to Christ’s doctrine are false, so a life that does not conform
to Christ’s example is misdirected, and may not achieve its high potential
destiny.”
Can we become like the Savior all at once? Of course not, be we can decide today that we will work to become more like the Savior each day. This four weeks, I am working on my attribute of gratitude. I have been working on this attribute for
three weeks now and I have definitely noticed a change in my prayers and my
thoughts. I notice more and more how it
is easier to work on one attribute at a time and really make it a part of my
life and then how the one I have already worked on becomes stronger also. I have one more week to work on gratitude and
I can already see how thinking with a more grateful outlook has made changes in
my day and the way I see the world around me.
No comments:
Post a Comment