Notable quotes:
“Becoming as Jesus Christ is will require changing our hearts and minds, indeed, our very character, and doing so is possible only through the saving grace of Jesus Christ.”
“Much like climbing a mountain requires preparation before, and endurance and perseverance during ascent, so too will this journey require real effort and sacrifice.”
“You are good enough, you are loved, but that does not mean that you are yet complete. There is work to be done in this life and the next.”
Summary points:
- All are under the directive to become like the Savior, just as Jesus Christ became like the Father.
- The first step on the path to becoming like Jesus Christ is to have the desire to do so. Next, select an attribute that will become a focus.
- Becoming like Him through His divine help and strength is achievable step by step.
Talk summary:
Latter-day Saints are commanded by the Savior to become “even as [He is].” A thoughtful, deliberate and intentional pursuit of becoming as He is begins with having the desire to do so. To develop the desire, one must know who He is. And as one begins to know more of Him, one will see His attributes reflected in others.
“Consider asking a trusted family member, spouse, friend, or spiritual leader what attribute of Jesus Christ we are in need of.” It is vital to also ask Heavenly Father where to focus efforts. “He has a perfect view of us and will lovingly show us our weakness.”
President Russell M. Nelson taught: “When we choose to repent, we choose to change!”
After committing to change and repent, the next step is to choose an attribute of Jesus Christ to strive to develop. As one strives to obtain this attribute, it will come gradually through His grace. Efforts to obtain these attributes will require prayers for His assistance.
By focusing deeply on one attribute, other attributes begin to accrue.
It is important to record experiences and what one is learning. “As I study with one of His attributes deep in my mind, the scriptures become new as I see examples of this attribute.”
Real progress requires sustained effort and sacrifice.
“The commandment to be like Him is not intended to make you feel guilty, unworthy or unloved. You are good enough, you are loved, but that does not mean that you are yet complete. There is work to be done in this life and the next. Only with His divine help can we all progress toward becoming like Him.
“I know that becoming like Him through His divine help and strength is achievable step by step.”
About the speaker:
- Elder Scott D. Whiting was sustained as a General Authority Seventy on March 31, 2012.
- He served as a young full-time missionary in the Tokyo North Mission.
- He received a bachelor’s degree in Japanese from Brigham Young University in 1986, and a juris doctorate degree from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law in 1990. He was president of Waterhouse Inc. for 10 years.
- He married Jeri Olson on April 24, 1984, in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are the parents of five children.
