Being someone out of the ordinary
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From a book he read years ago, Elder Claudio D. Zivic quoted this phrase: "I choose not to be an ordinary man; it is my right to be someone out of the ordinary, if I am able."
Speaking Sunday afternoon, Elder Zivic, of the Seventy, said, "To be someone out of the ordinary means to be successful, unique and outstanding....We as members of the Church of Jesus Christ have chosen not to be ordinary men and women. The last words, 'if I am able,' made me think that it is not enough to go through the motions of being baptized and confirmed, but rather we have to fulfill and honor that commitment that we made with the Lord on that memorable day."
He said, "Nephi taught us clearly what we ought to do. He said, 'for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do' (2 Nephi 25:23).
Elder Zivic suggested four principles:
First is to repent of sins. "If we don't experience the godly sorrow that results from our sins or unrighteous actions, it will be impossible for us to remain on the way of 'outstanding people."'
Second, he said, "look for and develop the opportunities that life within the gospel constantly offers us and recognize that the Lord has given us all that we have."
Third is the "permanent responsibility" to share the 'Gospel of Happiness' with all mankind.
Elder Zivic told of a man from Spain who admitted not having any concept of the purpose of life or the importance of family. He was a stubborn man who thought nothing would ever change his religion. When he listened to the missionaries and prayed for an answer, he said, "My tears were abundant and I felt happiness like I had never before experienced." He and his family were later sealed in the Swiss Temple.
Elder Zivic said he thought this story should motivate members to do all they can to share the blessings of joy that come from living the gospel.
The fourth concept, he said, is to "do all we can do until the end of our mortal probation," and to look to living examples, such as President Gordon B. Hinckley and other men and women who serve faithfully throughout their lives.
