"Perhaps the greatest of Christian acts are those we never hear about," said Elder Rex D. Pinegar of the Presidency of the Seventy in speaking at the October 1991 general conference. "They are deeds done quietly, spontaneously, anonymously, without expectation of recognition or compensation. Christian acts begin with Christlike thoughts in our hearts, for `the Lord looketh on the heart.' (1 Sam. 16:7.) Then, Christ's teachings and His characteristics will be reflected naturally in our actions."
Elder Pinegar noted: "We all have many difficult choices to make each day. There are many enticements that, if followed, will lead us away from Christ. The movies and videos we choose to watch, the entertainment we seek, the music we listen to, the styles we wear, and the language we speak are all influenced by the strength of our desire to follow Christ. In making these decisions, we may feel it is too hard to be left out or to miss out on what the world thinks is okay. Yes, it is difficult to be a Christian and follow Christ in word and deed.' When we do follow Him, however, we will feel the peace and assurance that comes from making right choices. He will provide the courage necessary for those times when we have to stand alone."In the Book of Mormon Alma records the powerful account of Moroni, chief commander of all the armies of the Nephites. It is the account of one who stood alone and of the force for good he became. With his armor girded about him, his head plate, breastplate and his shields fastened upon him, his banner of liberty raised on a pole above him, hebowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians remain to possess the land - " `For thus were all the true believers of Christ, who belonged to the church of God, called by those who did not belong to the church.'
"Alma continues: `And those who did belong to the church were faithful; yea, all those who were true believers in Christ took upon them, gladly, the name of Christ, or Christians as they were called, because of their belief in Christ who should come.
" `And therefore, at this time, Moroni prayed that the cause of Christians . . . might be favored.' (Alma 46:13-16.)
"I pray that we, who have taken upon us His name and His marvelous priesthood authority and power, may also gladly take upon us the commitment to rank Jesus Christ first in our thoughts and also in our deeds. That we will find `the Spirit of the Lord has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.' (Mosiah 5:2.) This will enable us to rank ourselves as true followers of Jesus - as true Christians."
