What Thinks Christ of Me?

The title of this post is also the title of a General Conference talk I read, given by Neil L. Anderson. Without really knowing it at the time, this talk is one that I truly needed to read. I sat down after church on Sunday and looked through the table of contents of the May 2012 Ensign to find a topic that would give me needed strength to continue to climb the "mountains" coming up this week. A few titles caught my eye, but I saw the title, "What Thinks Christ of Me?"

My eyes read it and I thought about it. I really began to ponder the question itself. "What does Christ think of me, today?"

Preparing to serve a two-year full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a tremendous task. Not only are there fiscal and physical preparations, but also mental and spiritual preparations. I can also tell you that preparing to serve a mission is without a doubt the most challenging endeavor I have ever ventured to do (so far...). There has been no shortage of days when I have felt overwhelmed, discouraged, or exhausted. Yet as I have consistently done the "little things of the gospel such as daily scripture study, daily personal prayer, church attendance, etc... with a willing heart, I have felt the promise stated in section 84 of the Doctrine and Covenants: "Whoso is faithful...and [magnifies] their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies." Each morning I am able to get up and, despite the exertions of the previous day, I feel energized and ready to get back to work. The ancient prophet Nephi tells us "that by small means the Lord can bring about great things." Doing the "little things" of the gospel will enable and strengthen us to bring about great changes in our lives, even change our nature. Another ancient prophet, Alma, testifies to us that "it is...easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss." I know that doing these little things will strengthen us in unimaginable ways and will allow us to do the things that the Lord desires for us.

What thinks Christ of me? What thinks Christ of you?

If we do His will, we will have his supreme approval. Our love for the Savior will grow. We will be able to accept ourselves for who we are and rejoice that we must rely upon Jesus Christ every day. Our faith will grow and we will trust Him in all we experience. We will "feel his love and approval" of our efforts to become more like Him. I testify that these things are true, because I have felt them in my own life. I am humbled at the great power the gospel of Jesus Christ can have in our lives and and I am so grateful that we are offered an Atonement to be cleansed and sanctified. I challenge anyone who reads this to continue or begin to faithfully do the "little things" and I promise that you will begin to see great, joyful changes in yourself, in your life, and in your relationships with your family, Jesus Christ, and Heavenly Father.

-Jordan M. Kelley