Becoming like Him
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What does it mean to become like Jesus Christ?
- Why is it important to strive to become like Him?
- How can we start on the path to becoming like Jesus Christ?
- What role does repentance play in this journey?
- How can we identify and act on the attributes we need to develop?
- Why is it important to record our experiences and learnings?
Topics
Understanding the Commandment to Become like Him
The commandment to become like Jesus Christ may seem daunting, but Elder Whiting suggests that it is achievable and necessary for our eternal progression. It requires a deep understanding of Christ's character and attributes, which can be found in scriptures, worship services, and other holy places.
But what if becoming “even as [He is]” is not figurative, even in our mortal condition? What if it is, to some degree, attainable in this life and, indeed, a prerequisite to being with Him again?
As we begin to know more of Him, we will see His attributes reflected in others. This will encourage us on our own quest, for if others can attain in some measure His attributes, so can we.
- What does it mean to become like Jesus Christ?
- Why is it important to understand Christ's character and attributes?
- How can seeing Christ's attributes in others encourage us in our own journey?
- What steps can you take to better understand Christ's character and attributes?
- Can you identify Christ's attributes in others around you? How does this encourage you in your own journey?
Resolving to Change and Repenting
The journey to becoming like Jesus Christ requires an honest assessment of our attributes that need development. This process may involve seeking feedback from trusted individuals and divine guidance. Repentance is a crucial step in this journey, allowing the Savior to transform us into the best version of ourselves.
If we are honest with ourselves, the Light of Christ within us whispers that there is distance between where we are in comparison with the desired character of the Savior. Such honesty is vital if we are to progress in becoming like Him.
When we choose to repent, we choose to change! We allow the Savior to transform us into the best version of ourselves.
- Why is honesty important in our journey to become like Jesus Christ?
- What role does repentance play in this process?
- How can feedback from others help us identify areas for improvement?
- How can you cultivate honesty in assessing your own attributes?
- What steps can you take to incorporate repentance into your journey to become like Christ?
- How can you seek and accept feedback from others in a constructive manner?
Identifying and Acting on Needed Attributes
After resolving to change and repent, we need to select a specific attribute to focus on and commit to exerting meaningful effort to develop it. Christlike attributes are gifts from God and can be obtained through His divine assistance. As we gain one attribute, other attributes also begin to accrue to us.
You will need to select an attribute that will keenly become your focus.
Your significant efforts to gain one attribute become the tide that raises all boats in the harbor.
- Why is it important to focus on one attribute at a time?
- How can our efforts to gain one attribute help us develop other attributes?
- How can we seek God's divine assistance in this process?
- What attribute can you focus on developing right now?
- How can you seek God's help in developing this attribute?
- What steps can you take to put in meaningful effort to develop this attribute?
Recording and Sustaining Efforts
Recording our experiences and learnings is important in our journey to become like Christ. This practice can help us recognize Christ's attributes in the scriptures and in others. Sustained effort and sacrifice are required in this journey, much like climbing a mountain.
It is important for me as I strive to become like Him to record my experiences and what I am learning.
In order to see real progress, you will need to put in sustained effort.
- Why is it important to record our experiences and learnings?
- How can this practice help us recognize Christ's attributes in the scriptures and in others?
- Why is sustained effort and sacrifice required in this journey?
- How can you incorporate the practice of recording your experiences and learnings into your journey?
- What steps can you take to maintain sustained effort in developing Christlike attributes?
- How can you recognize and appreciate Christ's attributes in the scriptures and in others?
Embracing the Journey of Progression
The commandment to become like Christ is not meant to make us feel guilty or unloved, but to remind us that we are on a journey of progression. While we are loved and good enough, there is still work to be done in this life and the next. Only with divine help can we progress towards becoming like Him.
Our entire mortal experience is about progression, trying, failing, and succeeding.
You are good enough, you are loved, but that does not mean that you are yet complete.
- Why is it important to view the commandment to become like Christ as a journey of progression rather than a source of guilt?
- How does understanding that we are "good enough" and "loved" influence our journey to become like Christ?
- How can you remind yourself of your worth and love during your journey to become like Christ?
- What steps can you take to embrace the journey of progression and the work that needs to be done?
