Focusing on the Savior "O remember, remember, my sons, the words which king Benjamin spake unto his people; yea, remember that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who shall come; yea, remember that he cometh to redeem the world." Hel 5:9
"Faith is the power, obedience is the price, love is the motive, the Spirit is the key and Christ is the reason." James E. Faust, LDS Church News, June 26, 1999,
"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." 2 Nephi 25:26
It is absolutely essential to focus on Jesus Christ as we teach the gospel. We cannot be saved without first a knowledge of him and his atonement and second, a consistent effort to do all we can do to gain exaltation. How can we focus on the Savior?
1. Learn all we can about him, his life, and ministry
2. Consistently apply his example, teachings, and commandments in our own lives.
3. Develop a personal relationship with Christ through prayer and always live so his spirit can constantly be with us.
4. Truly Repent of weaknesses and shortcomings by going through the repentance process. Remember that true repentance does not allow repetition of the act.
5. Sincerely Pray for guidance in becoming like the Savior (an example: pray for charity)
6. Focus on teaching and testifying of Jesus Christ1. Learn
"And now, I would commend you to seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written, that the grace of God the Father, and also the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of them, may be and abide in you forever. Amen." Ether 12:41
Good sources for learning about the Savior are the Book of Mormon, The Bible, Church Magazines, Conference Talks, Church Meetings, etc. We should do all in our power to study and ponder all authorized resources we have available to us about Jesus Christ.
2. Apply
"Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am." 3 Nephi 27:27
We should do all in our power to emulate Christ. His example can be demonstrated through our words, deeds, thoughts, and desires. We should stand as witnesses of him in all places. We can do this wherever we go and with whatever company we entertain ourselves.
3. Develop a Personal Relationship
"Continue to make time in your lives and hearts for Christ." President Thomas S. Monson, LDS Church News, June 26, 1999
Christ can become our personal friend if we come unto him. He bids us to come unto him. We can do this wherever we may be in whatever situation we may be in. We should want Christ with us at all times. We must make room for him through prayer. We should always work on our relationship with our Lord. We should always live so that his spirit can be with us 24 hours a day. If his spirit is not with us, we must do whatever is necessary to get it back.
As I ponder the story of Christ's birth, I think about the inn that was too crowded for the Savior. This seems symbolic this is of the world. We must not be to busy with worldly matters that the cares of the world crowed out our Lord Jesus Christ. He should come first, before anything else.
We are not left without help. We have the Holy Ghost as a guide if we choose to follow him. He can help us direct our lives toward the Savior.
4. Truly Repent "O then, my beloved brethren, repent ye, and enter in at the strait gate, and continue in the way which is narrow, until ye shall obtain eternal life. O be wise; what can I say more?" Jacob 6:11-12
No one is perfect and therefore, after we have done all above we must continually watch ourselves lest we fall. We must be constantly seeking after Christ. If we fall short of this goal, we must change and improve. We cannot expect to have the spirit guide us because of the goodness that we once had if we do not hold faithful.
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