Christlike Attributes: Knowledge

Knowledge is the foundation for all other attributes. Struggling with hope? Increase your knowledge of what we have to hope for. Need more patience? Search the scriptures to understand what we have coming to us and why it is worth waiting for. Slipping into old sins? Study the commandments and their importance in our lives. Do you feel pride beginning stand in your way? Turn to the scriptures to see what is bigger than us, and who to give credit to. 

Christ is an example of two major things that are important when it comes to knowledge. 

2 Nephi 21:2, a prophesy from Isaiah about Christ, says: "The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord."

The knowledge that we gain of the gospel comes through the Spirit of the Lord. However, the knowledge didn't just come to him, and it won't just come to us. He had to search the scriptures, and the Spirit taught him the knowledge that he needed. How else could he quote Isaiah, Malachi and Micah in 3 Nephi? 

The Sons of Mosiah saw an angel and were called to repentance. They still had to search "the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God. But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting" (Alma 17:2-3). 

Search, with prayer and fasting, the scriptures, so that you can wax "strong in the knowledge of the truth" and be of "sound understanding...[of] the word of God." The gospel is not given to us on a silver platter. We get out of the scriptures what we put in to our study. 

The other important side of knowledge is to teach it to others. Christ has a powerful knowledge of the scriptures. He didn't keep it to himself, even though if he did, it would have saved his life. He was bold and shared the word of God. He cared more about what Heavenly Father would have him do, than what his peers would have him do. A lesson that we can learn from.

When Alma opened his mouth he found that "for because of the word which he imparted unto me, behold, many have been born of God, and have tasted as I have tasted, and have seen eye to eye as I have seen; therefore they do know of these things of which I have spoken, as I do know; and the knowledge which I have is of God" (Alma 36:26). 

Our knowledge is not just for us. While there are many blessings that will come to us from the knowledge that we gain, there are many out there that lack the wonderful knowledge that we have. Christ had a mission to establish the true church, with the proper order. We know have the mission to continue spreading that church to every ear. 

We first have to gain knowledge. But once that is complete share it. Study the scriptures diligently, asking for help to understand the word. Then help others to do the same.

Scriptures for further study:

Blessings of having knowledge: 1 Nephi 1:1, 1 Nephi 15:14, 2 Nephi 10:20, 2 Nephi 15:13, 2 Nephi 32:7, Mosiah 2:33, Mosiah 4:5-6,11-12, Mosiah 14:11, Mosiah 18:30, Mosiah 28:2, Alma 9:23, Alma 12:7, Alma 23:15, Alma 24:30, Alma 32:34-35, Alma 47:36, Helaman 6:34, Helaman 14:30, 3 Nephi 1:25, 3 Nephi 5:20, Momon 7:5, Ether 3:19-20, Moroni 7:15-17

How to get knowledge: 1 Nephi 19:5, Mosiah 5:4, Alma 18:34-35, Alma 32:21,26,29, Alma 37:8-10, 3 Nephi 16:4, Mormon 9:36, Ether 4:13

What to do with our knowledge: 2 Nephi 3:12, Mosiah 18:26, Mosiah 23:10, Mosiah 27:36, Alma 17:2-3, Mormon 8:16, Moroni 10:10

Christlike Attributes: Pure

It is pretty obvious that the most pure person to walk the earth is Christ. The sacrificing of a pure lamb at passover was in similitude of Him. It is his sacrifice that allows us to become pure, even as he is. That gift is always there no matter what. So to take advantage of that, remove our sins and imperfections, and become pure is really our responsibility and choice. 

The reason why this is so great is we have an opportunity to return to Heavenly Father. We have the opportunity to have eternal happiness and to not have the guilt of our wrong choices on our minds.

Purity is not to be perfect. It is to do all we can to be righteous and clean. Then to use the atonement of Christ to step in and cleanse us all the way.

Mormon teaches: "O then ye unbelieving, turn ye unto the Lord; cry mightily unto the Father in the name of Jesus, that perhaps ye may be spotless, pure, fair, and white, having been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, at that last and great day" (Mormon 9:6). 

Likewise, his son Moroni taught: "Pray unto the Father with all energy of heart, that ye may be filled with love...that we may be purified, even as he is pure" (Moroni 7:48). 

The best way to become pure is to turn to Heavenly Father and plead for his help. There are two parts to the atonement. The cleansing power, as well as the enabling power (See "In the Strength of the Lord" by Elder Bednar). Both parts are needed and necessary for our journey to become pure. The cleansing power will help us to remove the impurities of sin, as well as the remove the guilt that we have from our sins. The enabling power will help us to abandon that sin, as well as stay away from other temptations that will come our way. 

Alma 32:42 teaches us that the fruit of the gospel is "pure about all that is pure." The importance behind this is that we will be judged based on our fruits. If we want to put forth good fruit, that is to say have good works and a positive effect on those around us, it is important that we plant the word in our hearts. 

Our actions are fruits of our thoughts and words. If we want to have pure actions, we need to surround ourselves with that which is pure. If we immerse ourselves in the pure word of God, we will see that our intents and actions will become pure as well. 

An example of the Nephites during a time of righteousness can help us to see the importance of being pure. The high priests had this experience:

"Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their garments be made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence; and there were many, exceedingly great many, who were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God." 

This didn't just come to them. They had to have "exceeding faith and repentance," "righteousness before God," choose "to repent and work righteousness rather than perish." Then they "were sanctified, and their garments were washed white through the blood of the Lamb" (Alma 13:10-12).

It takes work to be purified. But it will be so worth it. How often do we think about how we wish there were a cure that would make us resistant to all temptation. This is the cure. Like most treatment of overtaking disease, it will not be easy, but it will be worth it. So fight for it, fight through it, and become pure.

Scriptures for further study:

Why/How to be pure: 2 Nephi 9:14, 47, 2 Nephi 25:16, Jacob 3:1-3, Alma 4:19, Alma 5:19,24, Alma 13:12, Alma 16:21, Alma 32:42, 3 Nephi 12:18, Mormon 9:6, Moroni 7:48

Christlike Attributes: Just

Just is not something that we use very often, but still a relevant attribute to develop. 

The 1828 dictionary defines just in a moral sense as being upright, honest and having principles of rectitude. My favorite definition that I found is "conforming exactly to the laws."
It is more than just obedience. It is exact obedience. Not just doing the bare minimum, but following the commandments to every jot and tittle.

When Alma went on a mission to the Zoramites with his companions because he knew that "the preaching of the word had a tendency to lead the people to do that which is just-yea it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword" (Alma 31:5). 

The reason why we seek for Christlike attributes is because we have a desire to change and become better. Studying the gospel helps us to be able to conform exactly to the laws that Heavenly Father has put in our lives for protection, freedom and to test our obedience. If we do not feel like the laws are there for our benefit, that is when we need to study the commandments in the scriptures.
Nephi said of those that write the scriptures: "The things that he shall write will be just and true" (1 Nephi 14:23). This verse is specific to John's writing in Revelations, however this can be applied to all writings in the scriptures. He goes on to say: "The things which were written were plain and pure, and most precious and easy to understand." This is specifically about the Bible.
While some may not think that the Bible is plain and easy to understand, taking the time to study, ponder and pray about the things written in it will make it more clear. Taking this time will bring the necessary understanding to "lead [you] to do that which is just."
So why should you work on being just? There are a couple of big reasons.
Alma 13:26 teaches us that angels communicate with just and holy men. This can be taken as those who are just and holy will receive important revelations. So if you feel confused, lost, or unsure of what to do, then strive to have exact obedience, be worthy of the spirit, and the answers will come.
Another reason is to have the ability to teach. As members of the church, and decedents of the House of Israel, we have a responsibility to bring the gospel to those who have yet to receive the word, whether or not we wear a missionary badge. In order to be worthy to preach, we need to be just.
This is how teachers were appointed with the people of Alma.
Mosiah 23:17 says "None received the authority to preach or teach except it were by [Alma] from God. Therefore he consecrated all their priests and all their teachers; none were consecrated except they were just men."
It was a requirement to be just in order to be worthy of preaching.
Being just is more than just a word that we skim over in the Book of Mormon while we read it. It is in our dealings with our fellow men, it is in our daily choices whether or not to serve God, and it is in our worthiness to receive revelation.

Scriptures for further study:
Examples of being just: 2 Nephi 1:10, Enos 1:1, Omni 1:25, Mosiah 2:4, Mosiah 19:17, Alma 3:6, Alma 12:15, Alma 20:15, Alma 53:2, Alma 61:19, 3 Nephi 3:12, 3 Nephi 5:18 3 Nephi 26:19, 4 Nephi 1:2
Examples of not being just: 2 Nephi 27:32, 2 Nephi 28:16, Alma 55:1
Why/ How to be just: Mosiah 4:17-19, Alma 41:14, Moroni 10:6

Christlike Attributes: Obedience

While the Savior is a prime example of each of these attributes, I think that his obedience is one of the most amazing. 

Nephi discussed it by saying: "And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfill all righteousness in being baptized by water? Know ye that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments" (2 Nephi 31:6-7). 

The only perfect person to walk the earth, who didn't have sins to be washed away, still was baptized because it was a commandment to be baptized. 

Something that can be difficult for us when it comes to obedience is, which spirit do we obey? We have many influences telling us things we should or shouldn't do. 

Moroni 7:15-17 teaches that we are given to know good from evil. We may question where we receive inspiration from, but there is one tried and true way to know what we do and do not follow. That which entices to do good, should be followed. That which entices to do evil should be ignored. 

Which enticings we follow will determine which reward that we follow, happiness or misery (Alma 3:26-27).

Obedience to the gospel is essential to receiving eternal salvation. When we are baptized, we make a covenant to keep the commandments. The return side is to become children of Christ and changed through our faith. Also, we will receive eternal salvation (Mosiah 5:5-8). This makes obedience to the commandments essential. 

However there is a key element in our obedience, and that is the attitude that we have as we obey.
The Book of Mormon has many examples of the different attitudes that we have when we obey.
One attitude comes from Alma 47:2-5. The Lamanite king was obeyed by the majority of the army because "they feared to displease the king." Some disobeyed the king because they "feared to go to battle against the Nephites, lest they should lose their lives." The reason why the Lamanites feared battling the Nephites is because a few years before they made an oath to not come to war against the Nephites, or they would be destroyed (See Alma 44).
They had a choice. Keep their covenant, or follow a wicked king.
Our obedience can be similar. We may have to make difficult choices because we have evil influences trying to get us to follow them. However, we have to choose. Do we follow the evil out of fear? Fear of losing friends, fear of losing respect, fear of losing a job. Or do we obey our covenants to the Lord that we will follow his commandments?
Many situations will arise when we will want to follow our fear. However we should take the attitude of Nephi when he said "I must obey."

Scriptures for further study:
Examples of obedience: 1 Nephi 2:3, 1 Nephi 4:18, 1 Nephi 22:30-31, 2 Nephi 5:31, Jacob 5:72, Enos 7:27, Alma 10:8, Alma 15:5, Alma 57:21
Why we should be obedient: 2 Nephi 1:27, 2 Nephi 7:10, Jacob 2:4, Jacob 4:5-6, Mosiah 29:38, 

Christlike Attributes: patience

This attribute is one that can be one that is underestimated. What I mean is we don't always understand how this attribute can help us.

 Mosiah 24:15-16 shows us a huge way patience can help us. 

"The Lord did strengthen them that they could bear their burdens with ease, and they did submit with patience to all the will of the Lord. And it came to pass that their faith and their patience was so great that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage."

Patience is essential to enduring the trials that will inevitably come. The people in this situation were experiencing serious afflictions. The people of Alma were under bondage from the wicked priests of Noah. They would make them work under difficult circumstances and took their ability to practice their religion away. This is a difficult time. 

However, rather than asking "Why me?" or accusing God, they bore these afflictions with patience. They took the afflictions and kept the faith. And because of this, they had an easier time bearing these afflictions, as well as the Lord delivered them in his own timing. 

Alma 32:41-43 teaches us how patience is important in our faith and testimony. 

"But if ye will nourish the word...by your faith with great diligence, and with patience...it shall take root...by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof...ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you."

If you are patient in growing your faith and testimony, you will receive the benefits of receiving the word and the blessings of exaltation.

Alma not only teaches why patience is important, but he also exemplifies how we can receive it.

On his mission to the Zoramites, he prayed "O Lord, wilt thou grant unto me that I may have strength, that I may suffer with patience these afflictions which shall come upon me, because of the iniquity of this people" (Alma 31:31). 

Alma didn't pray to remove the challenges that were going to come so that he could help the people that he was about to teach as much as he could. He knew that the afflictions were going to come. It doesn't matter who you are or what you are going to do, the afflictions are going to come. So he knew to pray for the patience to bear the afflictions so that he could still give his best on the mission. 

Patience is what is going to help us face the challenges of this life. If we do not have patience, the trials that we face will be more difficult to bear. Praying for and developing patience will be important to enduring to the end.

Scriptures for further study:

Examples of patience: Mosiah 4:6, Mosiah 24:15-16, Alma 9:26, Alma 20:29, Alma 31:31, Alma 60:26

Why patience is important: Mosiah 3:19, Mosiah 23:21, Alma 1:25, Alma 7:23, Alma 13:28-29, Alma 17:11, Alma 34:3,40-41, Alma 38:3-4

Christlike Attributes: Charity

We now return to the regularly scheduled Book of Mormon project.

This post's subject is Charity.

This attribute is probably one of the most important to our development on this earth. Moroni 7:44-48 defines Charity and its importance. 

"Charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."

This may seem like a laundry list of things to develop in order to have charity and that all of these things are required in order to have charity. However, if we struggle in one aspect, that does not mean that we do not have charity at all. This is not an all or none attribute. 

Verse 47 says that "Charity is the pure love of Christ." A gift that we are all blessed with is the light of Christ. While this is typically associated with the ability to know right from wrong, I think that this is also means we are gifted with the love that Christ has. It can be seen in the person that reaches out to help someone who has fallen, the instant love between a mother and an adopted child, or a stranger willing to allow a busy person go ahead of them in line. We can have even a little bit of charity if we have an urging to reach out to those around us, whether or not we know them.

However, just having an urging to do something for someone else every once in a while is not enough. This is an attribute that we should continually work on to grow and strengthen. 

Last year, I realized that I had a hard time feeling charity for a roommate. I read the verses in Moroni that talked on charity and I panicked. But then I read verses 48:

"Pray unto the Father with all energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he has bestowed upon all true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ...that we may be purified, even as he is pure." 

I thought that I was a true follower of Christ, so I had this gift. But I had problems using this gift. So I decided to pray with all energy of heart for charity for this girl. However, I have a tendency to be distracted easily, so I knew that I needed to have a reminder. So I took a note card and wrote: "Have you prayed for Charity today?" This reminded me in each of my prayers to ask for charity. I found it a lot easier to serve and love this roommate. Comparing that to now, when I do not pray regularly for charity, I know that asking for this help makes a huge difference in caring about those that you are always around. 

Ether 12:36 says that Moroni prayed that the Lord will "bless the Gentiles with grace, that they may have charity." 

This is not an attribute that we can develop on our own. We can't knuckle down and really focus. It doesn't work that way. In order to gain the love of Christ, we have to work with Christ to develop it. It is through his help that we receive it. 

Why is this so important? Amulek says plainly: "If ye do not remember to be charitable, ye are as dross, which the refiners do cast out, (it being of no worth) and is trodden under foot of men" (Alma 34:29). Charity is the essential quality to our service to the Lord. Without it, we are of little worth, because we will not complete our divine mission. If any attribute that we should work hard to develop it is Charity.

Scriptures for further study:

Why we should have Charity: 2 Nephi 26:30, Alma 7:24, Ether 12:28,34-35, Moroni 8:14,16-17

How we should develop it: 2 Nephi 33:7-9, Moroni 10:20-21, Ehter 12:36-37