Even As I Am

"What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am." 3 Nephi 27:27

Christlike Attributes

Humble

Obedient

Healer

Kind

Teacher

Courageous

Servant

Submissive

Selfless

Full of Love

What opportunities did I have yesterday to be like the Savior?

Yesterday I had the opportunity to serve my stepsisters and do their dishes. I haven't really had a very good relationship with them, but the service resulted in a smile and hugs. :) Service = Success!

How could I be more like the Savior today?

By being full of love and selfless. I have found myself judging others lately, and it has become a bad habit. To become more like the Savior, I need to choose to love others, despite their weaknesses, and not judge them to myself.

What works of the Savior could I do tomorrow, at school or at home?

Every day I have the opportunity to be Christlike, whether I realize it or not. What I need to do right now is work on my thoughts, for my thoughts turn into actions, and if I don't control them, then they will lead to bad decisions.

“That man is greatest and most blessed and joyful whose life most closely approaches the pattern of the Christ. This has nothing to do with earthly wealth, power, or prestige. The only true test of greatness, blessedness, joyfulness is how close a life can come to being like the Master, Jesus Christ. He is the right way, the full truth, and the abundant life” (Ezra Taft Benson, “Jesus Christ—Gifts and Expectations,” Ensign, Dec. 1988, 2).

Today, I choose to be selfless!

-JS

I Choose To Love!

This week, I have been thinking about love, and its great effect on us. As I read scriptures for Seminary today, I came across many that involved love.

First, Doctrine and Covenants 6:19, 30.

"Be patient; be sober; be temperate; have patience, faith, hope and charity.

...Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward."

These things listed all involve love. Doing good is an act of love towards others, and towards our Heavenly Father, who loves us. Serving others = Serving God (see Mosiah 2:17).

Next, the Beattitudes, found in 3 Nephi 12:3-12.

"...blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

To be poor in spirit is to be humble. Humbling ourselves and coming unto Christ are acts of our love for our Father in Heaven and Christ.

 "...blessed are all they that mourn, for they shall be comforted."

When we mourn, we are often showing that we care for others. Especially when we "mourn with those that mourn" (see Mosiah 18:9). Caring for others is loving others.

"...blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."

 To be meek is to be patient and calm. Choosing to act with patience is choosing to act with love.

"...blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost."

By hungering and thirsting after righteousness, we are gaining a sincere desire to live righteously. By sincerely trying to live righteously, we are showing love for our Heavenly Father.

"...blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."

Showing mercy to others is showing love. When we are merciful, we are acting in love.

"...blessed are all the pure in heart, for they shall see God."

When we are pure in heart, our desires, intents and actions are pure. By being pure in heart, we acting in love.

"...blessed are all the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God."

Choosing to be a peacemaker is a hard decision. But when we do, we are choosing to love others through our decision, no matter what the consequences are.

"...blessed are all they who are persecuted for my name's sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. And blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake; For ye shall have great joy and be exceedingly glad, for great shall be your reward in heaven."

As Latter-Day Saints, we are God's chosen people. When we choose to follow God's commandments, even in persecution, we are showing our love and devotion to God.

And finally, 3 Nephi 12:22-25, 27-30, 43-45.

Verses 22-25 talk about loving others, despite their actions. We need to love others as ourselves.

Verses 27-30 talk about controlling our thoughts and desires. As we control our thoughts and passions, we will be filled with love.

Verses 43-45 talk about loving our enemies, and doing good to others, despite their actions. Again, love others, and sincerely try to be loving.

As we choose to love, we choose to fill our lives with the light of Christ, for the light of Christ is centered on love. Each Christlike attribute has something to do with love. Love is a powerful thing. Love can change the world. Today, I choose to LOVE!

-JS