The purpose of the gospel is to transform common creatures into celestial citizens, and that requires change.
Interpretation
The gospel aims to elevate ordinary people to a higher moral and spiritual standard, necessitating personal transformation.
Dallin H. Oaks emphasizes that the essence of the gospel is to inspire and facilitate a profound transformation within individuals, turning them from mere earthly beings into enlightened spiritual citizens. This transformation requires a commitment to change, which is a fundamental aspect of personal growth and development in one's faith and character.
In practice
A motivational speech at a church gathering discussing the importance of personal growth.
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.
History is a process of transformation through conversation. In our efforts to produce change,we often forget how important it is to pay attention to what is being conserved.
Throughout the 20th century, we created wealth through vertically integrated corporations. Now, we create wealth through networks. We are at a turning point in human history, where the industrial age has finally run out of gas.
If we don't change from a world society that worships money and power to one that worships compassion and generosity, I think we'll be extinct by mid-century. I don't say that as an alarmist or as a pessimist.
During my youth, the idea of moving from Lebanon was unthinkable. Then I began to realise I might have to go, like my grandfather, uncles and others who left for America, Egypt, Australia, Cuba.
The danger is that people may mistake what is basically a change in vocabulary for a change in behavior, practices, and attitudes. While practically all Americans have learned to talk inoffensively, not enough have learned to think differently, nor act positively.
If we had done the work that we should have done in the 20th century to combat our history of racial inequality, no one could win national office after demonizing people because they're Mexican or Muslim. We would be in a place where we would find that unacceptable.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.