Elders Quorum
The discussion this week on Becoming like Him By Elder Scott D. Whiting
You can find the talk here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2020/11/13whiting?lang=eng
“To even the careful student of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the Savior’s admonition to be “even as I am” is daunting and seemingly unattainable. Perhaps you are like me—all too aware of your faults and failings, so you may find it mentally more comfortable to walk a path with no upward incline and little growth. “Surely, this teaching is unrealistic and hyperbole,” we rationalize as we comfortably choose the course of least resistance, thereby burning fewer calories of needed change.
“But what if becoming “even as [He is]” is not figurative, even in our mortal condition? What if it is, to some degree, attainable in this life and, indeed, a prerequisite to being with Him again? What if “even as I am” is exactly and precisely what is meant by the Savior? Then what? What level of effort would we be willing to give to invite His miraculous power into our lives so that we can change our very nature?” - from the talk
“As we ponder having been commanded by Jesus to become like Him, we see that our present circumstance is one in which we are not necessarily wicked, but, rather, is one in which we are so half-hearted and so lacking in enthusiasm for His cause—which is our cause, too! We extol but seldom emulate Him.” (Neal A. Maxwell, Even as I Am (1982), 16.)
“Our Christianity loves its ease and comfort too well to take up anything so rough and heavy as a cross.”(Charles M. Sheldon, In His Steps (1979), 185.)
Someone suggested that if we want to change something, then we should share it with our wives, so they can help us and also help us be accountable.
From Preach My Gospel:
6: How Do I Develop Christlike Attributes?
Faith in Jesus Christ
Faith leads to action, including repentance, obedience, and dedicated service. When you have faith in Jesus Christ, you trust the Lord enough to follow His commandments—even when you do not completely understand the reasons for them.Hope
Hope is an abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promises to you. It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance. It is believing and expecting that something will occur. When you have hope, you work through trials and difficulties with the confidence and assurance that all things will work together for your good.Charity and Love
Charity is “the pure love of Christ” (Moroni 7:47). It includes God’s eternal love for all His children. We are to seek to develop that kind of love. When you are filled with charity, you obey God’s commandments and do all you can to serve others and help them receive the restored gospel.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
Moroni 7:45-47
45 And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—
47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.
Virtue
Virtue originates in your innermost thoughts and desires. It is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards. Since the Holy Ghost does not dwell in unclean tabernacles, virtue is prerequisite to receiving the Spirit’s guidance. What you choose to think and do when you are alone and you believe no one is watching is a strong measure of your virtue.Knowledge
Patience
Humility
Diligence
Obedience
Developing Christlike Attributes
As you study and seek to develop the attributes described in this chapter and other attributes found in the scriptures, the following pattern may be helpful:
Identify the attribute you wish to develop.
Write a definition and description of the attribute.
Record questions to answer as you study.
List and study thoroughly passages of scripture that teach about the attribute.
Record your feelings and impressions.
Set goals and make plans to apply the attribute in your life.
Pray for the Lord to help you develop the attribute.
Evaluate your progress periodically in developing each attribute.
Sacrament Service
First Speaker
“Everyone needs good and true friends.” (Friend, For the Strength of Youth)
“To have good friends, be a good friend. Show genuine interest in others; smile and let them know you care about them.” (Friend, For the Strength of Youth)
“Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord;” (Part of Alma 17:2)
Next Speaker
He gave many examples of people ministering to his family by just being friends.
Avoid procrastination like the plague.
If the gospel is making you miserable, then you are doing it wrong.
Matthew 25:40
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
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