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.
What a tragedy is help where it harms what it supports!
The decline of violence is a fractal phenomenon. You can see it over millennia, over centuries, over decades and over years.
I find it most true that the greatest temptation outside of hell is to live without temptations; if water stands, it rots; faith is the better for the sharp winter storm in its face and grace withers without adversity. The devil is but God's master fencer to teach us to handle our weapons.
Doctors put drugs of which they know little into bodies of which they know less for diseases of which they know nothing at all.
Looking back, I'm almost happy I lost that fight. Just imagine if I would have come back to Germany with a victory. I had nothing to do with the Nazis, but they would have given me a medal. After the war I might have been considered a war criminal.
After all, you put a lot into creating a universe and everything that goes with it, and it seems a shame to use it only once.
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