"Jesus, our Savior, was born in the lowliest of circumstances. For his baptism he was immersed in the lowest body of fresh water upon the planet. In service and suffering, he also 'descended below' all things (D&C 122:8), that he could rise above all things. Near the end of his life, he triumphantly declared, 'I have overcome the world.' (John 16:33.) 'Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life.' (3 Ne. 15:9.) Scriptures tutor us at least twenty-six times to endure to the end to attain eternal life. Then we will obtain a resurrected body—one that is incorruptible, glorified, and prepared to live in the presence of God.
"To reach your highest destiny, emulate the Savior. He proclaimed, 'What manner of men ought ye to be? ... Even as I am.' (3 Ne. 27:27.) Our loftiest hope is to grow in spirit and attain 'the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children.' (Eph. 4:13-14.) ...
"When deepening trials come your way, remember this glorious promise of the Savior: 'To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.' (Rev. 3:21.)"
- Russell M. Nelson, "Self-Mastery," Ensign, Nov. 1985, 30
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"To reach your highest destiny, emulate the Savior." That's the disciple's creed in life; the core message of Christianity is in the simple words, "Come, follow me." As we strive with true sincerity and deep commitment to do that, not only does our life change, but our joy increases dramatically.
In spite of, or particularly because of, the "deepening trials" that occasionally beset us in life, we must never forget the promise of divine help and sustaining grace, and the ultimate hope of overcoming all trials with God's help. Truly, all will be well for him who truly strives to follow the Savior.
(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)
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