'Where do we rank as followers of Jesus?'
E-mail story
It's easy. Send a link to the story you were just reading to a friend. Just fill out the form on this page and we'll send it along.
Your name and e-mail address are transmitted to the recipient. Otherwise, it is considered private information; see Privacy policy.
In his Saturday evening priesthood address, Elder Rex D. Pinegar asked: "Where do we rank Jesus Christ in our lives? Does He come first, as He should? Perhaps a more significant question would be, `Where would we rank ourselves as followers of Jesus' teachings?' Do we live as Christians in word and deed?
"As bearers of the priesthood," Elder Pinegar of the Presidency of the Seventy continued, "we have had bestowed upon us power and authority to officially act in the name of Jesus Christ."Of all men on earth, we are to keep His influence foremost in our lives, to bring a consistency in what we preach and our conduct. As we do so, we will become converted, strengthen each other, and His teachings and all that His life represents will have its rightful influence and honor among mankind."
Elder Pinegar said that acts of Christian service should become a part of every day's agenda.
"Perhaps the greatest of Christian acts are those we never hear about. They are deeds done quietly, spontaneously, anonymously, without expectation of recognition or compensation.
"Christian acts begin with Christ-like thoughts in our hearts. . . . Then Christ's teachings and His characteristics will be reflected naturally in our actions.
"Niceness and kindness represent one level of Christ-like service," he explained, "but there are other levels." In some cases, "we are asked to give more than we feel we are capable of giving. . . . It is then that we learn that following Christ also requires sacrifice, commitment and courage.
"When we place Jesus first in our lives, He will guide our decisions and give us strength to avoid temptations," promised Elder Pinegar.
