Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. But how do I trust and not be afraid? – how do I move ahead? – how do I become a true disciple of Jesus Christ? "The Savior Himself provided the answer….: 'If ye love me, keep my commandments.' John 14:15 This is the essence of what it means to be a true disciple: those who receive Christ Jesus walk with Him.
“When asked to name the greatest commandment, He did not hesitate. 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind,' He said. 'This is the first and great commandment. Matthew 22: 37, 38 Coupled with the second great commandment—to love our neighbor as ourselves —we have a compass that provides direction… Matthew 22: 39
"Because love is the great commandment, it ought to be at the center of all and everything we do in our own family, in our Church callings [and community], and in our livelihood. Love is the healing balm that repairs rifts in personal and family relationships. It is the bond that unites families, communities, and nations. Love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, civility, and respect. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope. Love should be our walk and our talk……
"However, seeking God with all our hearts implies much more than simply offering a prayer or pronouncing a few words inviting God into our lives. 'For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments.' We can make a great production of saying that we know God. We can proclaim publicly that we love Him. Nevertheless, if we don’t obey Him, all is in vain….
"My dear brothers and sisters, don’t get discouraged if you stumble at times. Don’t feel downcast or despair if you don’t feel worthy to be a disciple of Christ at all times. The first step to walking in righteousness is simply to try. We must try to believe. Try to learn of God: read the scriptures; study the words of His latter-day prophets; choose to listen to the Father, and do the things He asks of us. Try and keep on trying until that which seems difficult becomes possible—and that which seems only possible becomes habit and a real part of you.”
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, The Love of God, October 2009- - - - - - -
A woman in our congregation recently reminded the class, “ Even a half inch is real progress” – remember Heavenly Father measures us against ourselves – where we’ve been, what we’re doing right now, and where we’re headed - not against other people
Joe
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