In contrast to the institutions of the world, which teach us to KNOW something, the gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to BECOME something...The gospel of Jesus Christ is the plan by which we can become what children of god are supposed to become...Charity is something one becomes.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the transformative power of the teachings of Jesus Christ, urging us to become better individuals rather than just acquiring knowledge.
Dallin H. Oaks highlights the distinction between mere knowledge and personal transformation through the teachings of Jesus Christ. He argues that while worldly institutions often focus on teaching static information, the gospel encourages individuals to actively develop their character and virtues, particularly the importance of charity. This perspective suggests that becoming a better person and embodying divine qualities is an essential part of spiritual growth and fulfillment as children of God.
In practice
Use this quote in a sermon to emphasize the importance of personal transformation in faith.
Tolerance obviously requires a non-contentious manner of relating toward one another’s differences. But tolerance does not require abandoning one’s standards or one’s opinions on political or public policy choices. Tolerance is a way of reacting to diversity, not a command to insulate it from examination.
I testify of our Savior, Jesus Christ, whose teachings and example we seek to follow. He invites all of us who are heavy laden to come unto Him, to learn of Him, to follow Him, and thus to find rest to our souls.
The most powerful teaching of children is by the example of their parents.
We should refrain from anything that seems to be a final judgment of any person...the Lord alone has the capacity to judge...And, in all of this we must remember the command to forgive.
Man unquestionably has impressive powers... But after all our obedience and good works, we cannot be saved from the effects of our sins without the grace extended by the atonement of Jesus Christ... Man cannot earn his own salvation.
In order to ask with real intent or to act with full purpose of heart, we must always make an accompanying commitment.
New opinions are always suspected, and usually opposed, without any other reason but because they are not already common.
fanaticism is the only way to put an end to the doubts that constantly trouble the human soul.
I would sooner be holy than happy if the two things could be divorced. Were it possible for a man always to sorrow and yet to be pure, I would choose the sorrow if I might win the purity, for to be free from the power of sin, to be made to love holiness, is true happiness.
When we are thirsty, we drink the white waters of the pool, the sweetness of our mournful childhood.
Worship, I say, rises or falls with our concept of God .... and if there is one terrible disease in the Church of Christ, it is that we do not see God as great as He is.
We live, we die, and like the grass and trees, renew ourselves from the soft earth of the grave. Stones crumble and decay, faiths grow old and they are forgotten, but new beliefs are born. The faith of the villages is dust now... but it will grow again... like the trees.
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