Scriptures clear on how to live Christlike life
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"The scriptures are very clear in telling us how to live a Christlike life. That is why we are to read them so constantly," said Elder Mark E. Petersen of the Council of the Twelve in his October 1982 general conference address.
"For example, we are taught to be poor in spirit, that is, humble. We are taught to be meek. (See Matt. 5:3, 5.) It is not Christlike to be egotistical or proud or arrogant."We are told to love Him so much that we will hunger and thirst after righteousness. (See Matt. 5:6.) Can we understand what that means? He is completely righteous. We wish to become like Him. But is our desire so deep that we actually hunger and thirst for it?
"As a matter of fact, how great is our desire to walk in His paths? That alone can measure the depth of our conversion. Desire! That word desire! How deep is it within our souls - for righteousness?
"To be Christlike also is to be kind. Was He ever unkind? If we lack in kindness and mercy, can we say that we resemble Him? . . .
"The Lord teaches us to be peacemakers, and to avoid offenses, unpleasantness, and disputations. (See Matt. 5:9.) Should we not make a conscientious effort to get along well with other people, and more especially with members of our own families? . . .
"To be like the Savior we can hardly be without true charity, either. . . .In fact, [Paul] says we would be as nothing, except of course that we would resemble sounding brass and tinkling cymbals. (See 1 Cor. 13:1.)
"The Savior said, `Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.' (Matt. 5:8.) Will any others see Him - or come into His presence? Can anything that is impure?"
Elder Petersen said it is no easy matter to live the gospel as people should. "But unless we do, we cannot receive the blessings," he said.
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(ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)
Articles on this page may be used in conjunction with the Gospel Doctrine course of study.
Information compiled by Gerry Avant.
Sources: April 1980, October 1982 and April 1989 general conference reports.
