"I Have Given You an Example"
by Elder Richard G. Scott
To me, the whole theme of Elder Scott's talk was a reminder to not get so wrapped up in trivial, mundane things and responsibilities that we lose sight of God's objectives, doctrines, and teachings.
Elder Scott gives this warning twice in his talk:
"Sometimes we get so wrapped up in things that we find fascinating or become so consumed by mundane responsibilities that we lose sight of God's objectives. . ."
"Do not become so absorbed with trivial things that you miss learning the doctrine and teachings of the Lord. . ."
Are there things that consume our time and draw our focus away from learning and fully basing our lives on the principles of the gospel and then trying to help others to do the same?
Instead, we need to take (and make) the time to study and learn the doctrine; and then build our lives on it's foundation so that we can be a powerful influence for others desperately need the truth. Afterall,
"We best serve our Father in Heaven by righteously influencing others and serving them."
Elder Scott shared the stories of two women who had a tremendous influence in his life and help him to live the principles of the gospel. The first was his grandmother. When Elder Scott was little, his father was not a member of the Church and his mother wasn't very active. His grandmother, who lived on the other side of the country, was able to share the love of the gospel with her grandsons (Elder Scott and his brother). They were eventually baptized. She continued to support his family and helped them to feel a need for the gospel in their lives, eventually converting his father making it possible for his family to be sealed together in the temple.
The second example was his wife, who encouraged him to serve a mission. He says:
"Both Grandmother Whittle and Jeanene (his wife) loved me enough to share their conviction that the ordinances of the gospel and serving Father in Heaven would bless my life. Neither of them coerced me or made me feel bad about the person I was. They simply loved me and loved Father in Heaven. Both knew He could do more with my life than I could on my own. Each courageously helped me in loving ways to find the path of greatest happiness.
We too can become a significant influence in the life of others.
HOW?
Sincerely Love them- "We must be sure to sincerely love those we want to help in righteousness so they can begin to develop confidence in God's love. . .Giving them confidence in your love can help them develop faith in God's love. Then through your loving, thoughtful communication, their lives will be blessed by your sharing lessons you have learned, experiences you have had, and principles you have followed to find solutions to our struggles. Show your sincere interest in their well-being; then share your testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ."
Encourage them- "Encourage those you love to seek to understand what the Lord would have them do."
Focus Your Life on the most Basic Principles- If we will consistently focus our life on the most basic principles, "you will gain an understanding of what you are to do, and you will produce more fruit for the Lord and more happiness for yourself."
"When you focus your life on the basic principles of the plan of salvation, you will better concentrate on sharing what you know because you understand the eternal importance of the ordinances of the gospel. You will share what you know in a way that encourages your friends to want to be strengthened spiritually. You will help your loved ones want to commit to obey all of His commandments and take upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ.
Trust them- "In some cases it may seem difficult to trust, but find some way to trust them. The children of Father in Heaven can do amazing things when they feel trusted. Every child of God in mortality chose the Savior's plan. Trust that given the opportunity, they will do so again."
Share- "Share principles that help those you love to press forward along the path to eternal life. . .Keep your sharing of the gospel simple . . .at every appropriate opportunity, testify of the Savior. . ."
Sharing the gospel with others does not need to be a huge production. It will come easily if we sincerely love, and simply share our testimonies of the Savior with them.
Next Week's Talk:
by Sister Jean A. Stevens
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