The servants of the Lord or the Apostles of the Lord as
referenced in 1 Corinthians 8 of the New Testament in the Kings James Bible are
to be good stewards and examples of the word. They are to be faithful, wise in
Christ—strong and honorable. They are also to be meek and will likely be
despised for God’s sake—and suffer it. They are to be labors in the field and
are called to warn all. These attributes are not singular to the apostles only,
but are attributes all of Christ disciples should seek to obtain.
In the Alma 39 of the Book of Mormon we learn just how
important being a good example can be. The prophet in counselling his son
informs us all the dangers of being a bad example in that we would lead the
hearts of many people to destruction. He goes on to say that we should refrain
from our iniquities and basically calls us to repentance. In 3 Nephi we learn
that it is only true and just men who can deliver the word and work miracles
and unless they are clean they cannot serve with authority.
When I first joined the Church I kept experiencing a
surprise reaction from my friends and coworkers when they would discover that I
am a Latter-day Saint. They would all say things like, really? You are Mormon?
I don’t see it. This caused me to take a
big look inward. What kind of example was I living if people were surprised to
find out I am LDS? I prayed to know what to do and what to change and acting in
faith adjusted my behavior to better reflect the things I believe. Now when
people find out that I am Mormon, they say I thought you might be. I like that
reaction a lot better.
Because I choose to live my testimony; I can bear witness of
the things I know to be true and have them rest on the heart of those that hear
my testimony. People no longer doubt that what I believe, but are more curious
than ever. I know that when we live according to the teachings of the Jesus
Christ, his apostles, and prophets we can truly hasten the work of salvation in
these latter days.
No comments:
Post a Comment