Christlike Attributes
Good morning Brother and sisters. Today I was asked to speak on the talk that dieter f. Uchtdorf gave titled: "Developing Christlike attributes"
Elder Uchtdorf is a pilot and he starts out this talk with an analogy. He said:
During my professional life as an airline pilot, passengers sometimes visited the cockpit of my aircraft. They asked about the many switches, instruments, systems, and procedures and how all this technical equipment would help such a huge and beautiful airplane fly.
I would explain that it takes a great aerodynamic design, many auxiliary systems and programs, and powerful engines to make such a flying machine equal to the task of bringing comfort and safety to those joining the flight.
To simplify my explanation by focusing on the basics, I would add that all you really need is a strong forward thrust, a powerful upward lift, and the right aircraft attitude, and the laws of nature will carry the airliner and its passengers safely across continents and oceans, over high mountains and dangerous thunderstorms to its destination.
Reflecting on my experiences with those visitors, I have often contemplated that being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites us to ask similar questions. What are the basics, the fundamental principles of our membership in the kingdom of God on earth? After all is said and done, what will really carry us at times of greatest need to our desired eternal destination?
I think we have all asked ourself that question from time to time. What really will carry us during times of need??
He goes on to talk about the Procedures, programs, and policies of the church. These things are helpful for our spiritual progress here on earth, but let’s not forget that they are subject to change. We have seen many of those changes recently with the new come follow me program, two hour church and missionaries given the opportunity to call home more frequently. Policies change.
In contrast, the core of the gospel—the doctrine and the principles—will never change. Living according to the basic gospel principles will bring power, strength, and spiritual self-reliance into the lives of all Latter-day Saints
The Prophet Joseph Smith explained, “I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves.” This teaching is beautifully straightforward. As we strive to understand, internalize, and live correct gospel principles, we will become more spiritually self-reliant.
The core of the gospel is always the same
It will never change and we will be blessed as we live according to the gospel principles. What a blessing to know that our church is constant. This consistency has really been a blessing in my life. I remember when I first came out on my mission I was really home sick. But it brought me a lot of peace to know that when i came to church it was "home". Everything was the same and everywhere i go i instantly have a church family. The gospel is the same all around the world.
In his talk, Elder Uchtdorf tells about a time I'm 2005 when him and his wife went to visit members in the church in Europe. He talked about the faithful members here and their strength even during times of trial. He said:
During our visit in 2005, I spoke with a mission president serving in his homeland of Russia who had been a member for only seven years. He told me, “The same month I was baptized I was called as a branch president.” Did he feel overwhelmed at times? Absolutely! Did he try to implement the full range of Church programs? Fortunately not! How did he grow so strong in such a small congregation in such a short time? He explained, “I knew with all my soul the Church was true. The doctrine of the gospel filled my mind and my heart. As we joined the Church, we felt part of a family. We felt warmth, trust, and love. We were only few, but we all tried to follow the Savior.”
I love that it says they tried to follow the Savior. None of us are perfect in our journey through this life. We all slip up from time to time. But as long as we do the best we can we will be blessed.
In many countries the Church is still in its beginnings, and the organizational circumstances are sometimes far from perfect. However, the members may have a perfect testimony of the truth in their hearts. They trust the Lord and focus on the core of the gospel.
Elder Uchtdorf gives us a word of caution. He says: May I add a word of caution to those of us who live in large wards and stakes. We have to be careful that the center of our testimony is not located in the social dimension of the Church community or the wonderful activities, programs, and organizations of our wards and stakes. All of these things are important and valuable to have—but they are not enough. Even friendship is not enough.
I encourage each of you to make a stronger focus on the core of the gospel. The unchanging doctrines and principles.
The next topic he discusses in his talk is: safety in Obedience.
We live in a world that is full of evil, war and turmoil. How do we find safety? President Gordon B. Hinckley taught: “Our safety lies in the virtue of our lives. Our strength lies in our righteousness.”
One of my favorite stories is when Christ instructs his apostles to "come follow me" He tells them that he will make them fishers of men if they would follow him.
This can teach us a great lesson. If we follow Christ he will bless us in so many ways.
Elder Uchtdorf says:
To follow Christ is to become more like Him. It is to learn from His character. As spirit children of our Heavenly Father, we do have the potential to incorporate Christlike attributes into our life and character. The Savior invites us to learn His gospel by living His teachings. To follow Him is to apply correct principles and then witness for ourselves the blessings that follow. This process is very complex and very simple at the same time. Ancient and modern prophets described it with three words: “Keep the commandments”—nothing more, nothing less.
Developing Christlike attributes is no easy task. It takes time, work and lots of dependence on the Lord.
The scriptures describe a number of Christlike attributes we need to develop during the course of our lives. They include knowledge and humility, charity and love, obedience and diligence, faith and hope (see D&C 4:5–6). These personal character qualities stand independent of the organizational status of our Church unit, our economic circumstances, our family situation, culture, race, or language. Christlike attributes are gifts from God. They cannot be developed without His help.
Something that I tell myself every morning is: do your best and let God do the rest. I've come to learn that when I do my part, I do my best, my very best that I can rest assured knowing that God will take care of the rest. This is something that had helped me as I strive to develop Christlike attributes in my life.
Infinite Atonement bicycle quote. The Lord will recognize when we give it our all and he I'll make up the difference.
We can't develop Christlike attributes on our own. We need help. The one help we all need is given to us freely through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Having faith in Jesus Christ and in His Atonement means relying completely on Him—trusting in His infinite power, intelligence, and love. Christlike attributes come into our lives as we exercise our agency righteously.
However developing Christlike attributes can be a painful process. It won't come easily and it will take work on our part. We need to be willing to accept correction and have a repentant heart. We must be willing and anxious to improve. As we strive to become more like the Savior we will revieve his help in our lives.
Elder Uchtdorf finishes his talk with taking it back to his aerodynamic analogy. I spoke of focusing on the basics. Christlike attributes are the basics. They are the fundamental principles that will create the wind beneath our wings. As we develop Christlike attributes in our own lives, step-by-step, they will “bear [us] up as on eagles’ wings” . Our faith in Jesus Christ will provide power and a strong forward thrust; our unwavering and active hope will provide a powerful upward lift. Both faith and hope will carry us across oceans of temptations, over mountains of afflictions, and bring us safely back to our eternal home and destination.
I just want to close with my testimony that I know that this church is true. And I know that as we strive to develop Christlike attributes in our life that we will be blessed. The lord will give us the strength that we need and fill our hearts with his love. I know that Heavenly father loves each of us individually. And I know that the Savior Atoned for each of us. Because of him there is no end.
Elder Uchtdorf is a pilot and he starts out this talk with an analogy. He said:
During my professional life as an airline pilot, passengers sometimes visited the cockpit of my aircraft. They asked about the many switches, instruments, systems, and procedures and how all this technical equipment would help such a huge and beautiful airplane fly.
I would explain that it takes a great aerodynamic design, many auxiliary systems and programs, and powerful engines to make such a flying machine equal to the task of bringing comfort and safety to those joining the flight.
To simplify my explanation by focusing on the basics, I would add that all you really need is a strong forward thrust, a powerful upward lift, and the right aircraft attitude, and the laws of nature will carry the airliner and its passengers safely across continents and oceans, over high mountains and dangerous thunderstorms to its destination.
Reflecting on my experiences with those visitors, I have often contemplated that being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites us to ask similar questions. What are the basics, the fundamental principles of our membership in the kingdom of God on earth? After all is said and done, what will really carry us at times of greatest need to our desired eternal destination?
I think we have all asked ourself that question from time to time. What really will carry us during times of need??
He goes on to talk about the Procedures, programs, and policies of the church. These things are helpful for our spiritual progress here on earth, but let’s not forget that they are subject to change. We have seen many of those changes recently with the new come follow me program, two hour church and missionaries given the opportunity to call home more frequently. Policies change.
In contrast, the core of the gospel—the doctrine and the principles—will never change. Living according to the basic gospel principles will bring power, strength, and spiritual self-reliance into the lives of all Latter-day Saints
The Prophet Joseph Smith explained, “I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves.” This teaching is beautifully straightforward. As we strive to understand, internalize, and live correct gospel principles, we will become more spiritually self-reliant.
The core of the gospel is always the same
It will never change and we will be blessed as we live according to the gospel principles. What a blessing to know that our church is constant. This consistency has really been a blessing in my life. I remember when I first came out on my mission I was really home sick. But it brought me a lot of peace to know that when i came to church it was "home". Everything was the same and everywhere i go i instantly have a church family. The gospel is the same all around the world.
In his talk, Elder Uchtdorf tells about a time I'm 2005 when him and his wife went to visit members in the church in Europe. He talked about the faithful members here and their strength even during times of trial. He said:
During our visit in 2005, I spoke with a mission president serving in his homeland of Russia who had been a member for only seven years. He told me, “The same month I was baptized I was called as a branch president.” Did he feel overwhelmed at times? Absolutely! Did he try to implement the full range of Church programs? Fortunately not! How did he grow so strong in such a small congregation in such a short time? He explained, “I knew with all my soul the Church was true. The doctrine of the gospel filled my mind and my heart. As we joined the Church, we felt part of a family. We felt warmth, trust, and love. We were only few, but we all tried to follow the Savior.”
I love that it says they tried to follow the Savior. None of us are perfect in our journey through this life. We all slip up from time to time. But as long as we do the best we can we will be blessed.
In many countries the Church is still in its beginnings, and the organizational circumstances are sometimes far from perfect. However, the members may have a perfect testimony of the truth in their hearts. They trust the Lord and focus on the core of the gospel.
Elder Uchtdorf gives us a word of caution. He says: May I add a word of caution to those of us who live in large wards and stakes. We have to be careful that the center of our testimony is not located in the social dimension of the Church community or the wonderful activities, programs, and organizations of our wards and stakes. All of these things are important and valuable to have—but they are not enough. Even friendship is not enough.
I encourage each of you to make a stronger focus on the core of the gospel. The unchanging doctrines and principles.
The next topic he discusses in his talk is: safety in Obedience.
We live in a world that is full of evil, war and turmoil. How do we find safety? President Gordon B. Hinckley taught: “Our safety lies in the virtue of our lives. Our strength lies in our righteousness.”
One of my favorite stories is when Christ instructs his apostles to "come follow me" He tells them that he will make them fishers of men if they would follow him.
This can teach us a great lesson. If we follow Christ he will bless us in so many ways.
Elder Uchtdorf says:
To follow Christ is to become more like Him. It is to learn from His character. As spirit children of our Heavenly Father, we do have the potential to incorporate Christlike attributes into our life and character. The Savior invites us to learn His gospel by living His teachings. To follow Him is to apply correct principles and then witness for ourselves the blessings that follow. This process is very complex and very simple at the same time. Ancient and modern prophets described it with three words: “Keep the commandments”—nothing more, nothing less.
Developing Christlike attributes is no easy task. It takes time, work and lots of dependence on the Lord.
The scriptures describe a number of Christlike attributes we need to develop during the course of our lives. They include knowledge and humility, charity and love, obedience and diligence, faith and hope (see D&C 4:5–6). These personal character qualities stand independent of the organizational status of our Church unit, our economic circumstances, our family situation, culture, race, or language. Christlike attributes are gifts from God. They cannot be developed without His help.
Something that I tell myself every morning is: do your best and let God do the rest. I've come to learn that when I do my part, I do my best, my very best that I can rest assured knowing that God will take care of the rest. This is something that had helped me as I strive to develop Christlike attributes in my life.
Infinite Atonement bicycle quote. The Lord will recognize when we give it our all and he I'll make up the difference.
We can't develop Christlike attributes on our own. We need help. The one help we all need is given to us freely through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Having faith in Jesus Christ and in His Atonement means relying completely on Him—trusting in His infinite power, intelligence, and love. Christlike attributes come into our lives as we exercise our agency righteously.
However developing Christlike attributes can be a painful process. It won't come easily and it will take work on our part. We need to be willing to accept correction and have a repentant heart. We must be willing and anxious to improve. As we strive to become more like the Savior we will revieve his help in our lives.
Elder Uchtdorf finishes his talk with taking it back to his aerodynamic analogy. I spoke of focusing on the basics. Christlike attributes are the basics. They are the fundamental principles that will create the wind beneath our wings. As we develop Christlike attributes in our own lives, step-by-step, they will “bear [us] up as on eagles’ wings” . Our faith in Jesus Christ will provide power and a strong forward thrust; our unwavering and active hope will provide a powerful upward lift. Both faith and hope will carry us across oceans of temptations, over mountains of afflictions, and bring us safely back to our eternal home and destination.
I just want to close with my testimony that I know that this church is true. And I know that as we strive to develop Christlike attributes in our life that we will be blessed. The lord will give us the strength that we need and fill our hearts with his love. I know that Heavenly father loves each of us individually. And I know that the Savior Atoned for each of us. Because of him there is no end.
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