Christlike attributes are the basics, said Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"By becoming more like the Savior, we will grow in our ability to 'abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost' (Romans 15:13)," he said. "We will 'lay aside the things of this world and seek for the things of a better' (Doctrine and Covenants 25:10)."

Speaking Sunday afternoon, Elder Uchtdorf said gaining Christlike attributes can be compared to flying an airplane.

A pilot, Elder Uchtdorf said that with a "strong forward thrust, a powerful upward lift, and the right aircraft attitude," the laws of nature will carry a large plane across continents and oceans to its destination.

He asked the worldwide congregation, after all is said and done, what will carry them to their desired eternal destination.

"Living according to the basic gospel principles will bring power, strength and spiritual self-reliance into the lives of all Latter-day Saints," he said.

Faith, he added, is a principle of power. "We need this source of power in our lives. God works by power, but this power is usually exercised in response to our faith. . . . God works according to the faith of His children."

Elder Uchtdorf said that Joseph Smith taught that as members strive to understand, internalize and live correct gospel principles, they will become more spiritually self-reliant.

"The principle of spiritual self-reliance grows out of a fundamental doctrine of the Church that God has granted us — agency. I believe that moral agency is one of the greatest gifts of God unto His children, next to life itself."

Elder Uchtdorf said that during last summer he visited with many members in European countries. In many countries, he said, the Church is still in its beginnings and the organizational circumstances are sometimes far from perfect. "However, the members may have a perfect testimony of the truth in their hearts. As the members will stay in their countries and build the Church, despite economic challenges and hardships, future generations will be grateful to those courageous modern-day pioneers."

He then added a "word of caution" to those members who live in large wards and stakes. "We have to be careful that the center of our testimony is not located in the social dimension of the Church community or the wonderful activities, programs, and organizations of our wards and stakes. All of these things are important and valuable to have — but they are not enough. Even friendship is not enough."

Elder Uchtdorf said at a time of turmoil, disaster and war, many are looking for a "place of safety."

First, members need to individually follow the Savior, he said. "As we do this, the Savior will bless us beyond our own capacity to become what He wants us to be.

"To follow Christ is to become more like Him. It is to learn from His character. As spirit children of our Heavenly Father, we do have the potential to incorporate Christlike attributes into our life and character. The Savior invites us to learn His gospel by living His teachings. To follow Him is to apply correct principles and then witness for ourselves the blessings that follow. This process is very complex and very simple at the same time."

Ancient and modern prophets, he said, describe it the same way: "Keep the commandments."

Developing Christlike attributes is not easy, said Elder Uchtdorf. But, he added, as Church members "develop Christlike attributes in own own lives, step by step, they will 'bear us up as on eagles wings' (Doctrine and Covenants 124:18).

"Our faith in Jesus Christ will provide power and a strong forward thrust; our unwavering and active hope will provide a powerful upward lift. Both faith and hope will carry us across oceans of temptations, over mountains of afflictions, and bring us safely back to our eternal home and destination."