"Today, the challenge which we face and must meet is not that we should go forth on the battlefield of war and lay down our lives. Rather, it is that we, on the battlefield of life, so live and serve that our lives and actions reflect a true love of God, of His Son, Jesus Christ, and of our fellowmen....
"Jesus teaches us: 'If ye love me, keep my commandments. …
"'He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.' (John 14:15, 21.)
"Years ago we danced to a popular song, the words of which were, 'It’s easy to say I love you, easy to say I’ll be true, easy to say these simple things, but prove it by the things you do.' ...
"The Apostle Paul taught the Corinthians, 'If any man love God, the same is known of him.' (1 Cor. 8:3.) The love which these faithful members have for God, for His Son, Jesus Christ, and for His everlasting gospel is confirmed by their very lives. It is reminiscent of the love demonstrated by the brother of Jared as described in the Book of Mormon. The blessings of a loving, caring, and just Heavenly Father simply could not be withheld. Faith preceded the miracle."
- Thomas S. Monson, "Those Who Love Jesus," General Conference, October 1985
Click here to read or listen to the full talk
In our modern era of conflict, uncertainty, and turmoil, we might ask what our great challenges are. President Monson suggests that the external, societal challenges are not as significant to us as the choice to follow Jesus Christ in our lives and actions, expressing a true love for God and the Savior:
Truly showing that love, and not just professing it, becomes the great challenge for our lives. Do our actions demonstrate our love? Once they do, we will truly feel His love and blessings in return.
(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)
No comments:
Post a Comment