One of the things I've really grown to appreciate over the years is a person who can be honest about himself -- for better or worse. It seems that some of us have no problem confessing the best of ourselves. On the other hand, many of us find it much easier to profess only the things we are worst at. Christ, of course, had no "worsts." That should make listening to Him list His own attributes sort of frustrating, shouldn't it? But it doesn't. I love reading him talk about Himself. I feel the sincerity and humility in His words. I feel inspired to be a better version of myself. I feel inspired to be more like Him.
So, today let's read a scripture chain describing Christ's attributes.
Sorry that's huge. I cut & pasted it from the lesson manual.
What attributes are especially meaningful to you? Of them, which come easy to you? Which are more difficult to obtain or refine? What is it about these attributes that makes Christ who He is? Or more capable of doing what He did?
If you feel so inclined (even if you don't feel inclined to share, per se), choose one of these attributes you'd like to obtain or refine and work on it over the next little bit. And please do share any progress or experiences you'd like as you do this.
4 comments:
The attributes that come easier to me have to do with the qualities of motherhood: I feel like Hen gathering her chicks all the time! Plus, I feel a huge connection to the idea of creation --Every time I've given birth I have been overwhelmed by a close connection to the Divine (I feel this way even when the baby is growing inside of me). So I can kind of understand these concepts --at least on a mortal scale. I'm sure I will never fully comprehend how Christ felt when He created the Earth, nor how He felt when gathering His people together in righteousness, but I really feel I have an idea.
The compassion He has for all of us in section 45 overwhelms me. I couldn't read that without tears coming to my eyes. For someone to so selflessly sacrifice for ME and my children, and my neighbors, and my family --it's just indescribable.
Many of the attributes I need to work on have to do with compassion and not judging --this includes being kind to myself. I have a tendency to expect the best out of my kids and I know I'm too harsh on them sometimes. I'm also too hard on my husband. Yes. The idea of loving without judging is definitely one I need to work on. :)
I teach this lesson on Sunday and as I read all the scripture references I was like, "This is the Doctrine and Covenant's Greatest Hits list." All the great scriptures are in here as well as superbly plain doctrine on Christ, The resurrection, exaltation etc. This is going to be a great lesson!
Anyways the theme I will be creating for my Gospel Doctrine class this year is "Disciples need to be Disciplined" we need to obtain Christlike attributes through discipline.
In the last two months of last year I issued the "cinnamon roll challenge" where each member of my class was given a prayer chart to mark morning and night time prayers. They were also meant to read Elder Bednar's 2 most recent conference talks on prayer. This last conference Elder Bednar talked about a pattern of prayer that proved helpful to him. In your morning prayers you tell the Lord your goals for the day. Then you ask for input on what the Lord's goals are for you that day. Then in your evening prayers you return and report.
I think this pattern of prayer would be helpful to anyone who is trying to refine their own character. I have two women who wanted to bear their testimonies on how this experiment worked for them and I am excited to hear their responses this Sunday in class.
Wow, Janelle, I would love to be in your gospel doctrine class! You get down to the nitty-gritty! I loved Elder Bednar's talks and am glad for the reminder especially of his last one. I need to try this method of prayer!
Like Cheryl, I am overwhelmed with the compassion that the Lord has for us. He did this even though He knew that not all would accept His gift. Today as we discussed this lesson, it was brought up that we need to do our part to repent so that His sacrifice isn't in vain.
I love Janelle's idea about prayer, and I may have to try this one. I really need to improve.
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