We are all amateurs learning to be Christlike. Some of the things we can do are the following:
Live the golden rule. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Avoid negative or critical thoughts or actions. Never have fun at someone's expense, no matter how good-natured.- Don't judge. We can't expect to love all people immediately, but if we can train ourselves to accept them as they are, then at least tolerance, if not love, will grow.
Learn not to take offense. We can't always help what we feel, but we can decide what to do about it. We can choose not to be offended.
Be willing to make changes. Sometimes things do not go well at home, or elsewhere. If we blame others for the problem, we can't get anywhere. We have to ask ourselves, "How can I change?" This may include behavior or attitude.
Don't be afraid to say, "I'm sorry." We have to acknowledge we've done something wrong, and then apologize.
Seek the Spirit. Study the scriptures, pray and participate in Church activities. This way, we focus on the Savior, which can help us change behavior and/or attitudes - both ours and others.
Serve others. Service always makes us feel more Christlike.
In addition, we can seek "gifts of the Spirit," such as the gift of cheerfulness or the gift of patience. Once, I asked for the gift of a gentle tongue. That gift has made a big difference in my life - in my dealings with others and even with my husband. - Barbara Garside, Kitchener, Ontario
What we did:
What would Jesus do?
One afternoon, my brother and I decided to go to the mall. We spent about 45 minutes looking around and buying a couple of things. On our way out to the car, a man was begging for money. He kindly told people as they walked by that he would trade an orange for spare change. Seeing people reject him, I asked myself, "What would Jesus do?" I gave the man $6. The man looked up and said, "Good grief! Are you sure?" I replied, "Yes."
Showing his appreciation, he offered his orange in return, and he seemed about to cry. I told him to save his orange. After thanking me, he rushed immediately to the food court with a smile on his face. I felt a peaceful feeling in my heart. It wasn't the Christmas season, but my heart felt as if it were. - Elder Elvis Maleko, Korea Seoul West Mission
He was sad, hurt
I try to treat people how I would want them to treat my children or my other family members. I remember one time standing in line in the grocery store. There was an elderly man in front of me having a hard time getting his money out of his wallet. Not only was the store clerk rude to him, but also a few of the other people standing in line were making rude comments. I saw the look on his face; he was sad and hurt. He was doing the best he could. From that time forth, I have tried to remember that I wouldn't want anyone to hurt my children or my grandparents, parents, etc., so how could I possibly intentionally hurt someone else's child or family member? This makes my decision to be nice to people a whole lot easier! - Becky Beu, Castro Valley, Calif.
Eternal destination
Our relationships with others, strangers or friends, determine how Christ-centered we are in our lives. The way we interact with people can determine our eternal destination.
To explain this concept, I would like to relate part of my own conversion story some six years ago in this December month. Being a 17-year-old in high school, I had many different events going on in my life at that time, but the most important event that was taking place was my interaction with a family in my southern California neighborhood. They began to share the gospel with me. This family took me under their wings and shared with me what to them was the most important part of my life in the months to come. The reason this wonderful family was able to have such a great influence on me was because they understood their mission in life.
When we come to understand our mission in life, we begin to understand that those who surround us on a daily basis also have a mission to fulfill, and that our Heavenly Father's mission is to bring us back to our eternal home. This goal is accomplished when our lives are centered around Him who set the finest example - Jesus Christ. - Mark N. Arambula, Provo, Utah
Be sharing, charitable
We suggest the following:
Think about what Christ would do.
Be kind and honest to everyone. Be loving and sharing and charitable. We need to try to be completely unselfish.
Realize that some friends have no concept of Christ, and so we could mention Him and the Church a lot and do actions that Christ would approve of. - Youth gospel doctrine class, Elfrida (Ariz.) Ward
Don't judge
Suspend judgment against others. The first key to Christ-centered relationships is realizing we aren't Him - that is, we can't know all of the experiences and heartaches that have made people the way they are. Because of this, we shouldn't judge.
Recognize that every individual is a child of God. Thus, every person is deserving of respect and love on this basis alone, whether it is returned or not.
Rely on the Lord and His superior knowledge and understanding to help us know how to reach out and conduct ourselves with others. If our motives are right, we will receive direction as we seek the Lord's help through prayer and pondering.
Be mature enough to face a mistake we have made in a relationship. We need to follow the steps of repentance, including confessing to the person we wronged and asking for forgiveness. Withdrawing from the person out of embarrassment only increases the original hurt and does nothing to aid the progress of the relationship or the individuals involved. - Beky Quintero, American Fork, Utah
Leave judgment to God
We should put ourselves in the other person's position. Listen to him or her and try to understand his or her position. Try to understand how all this fits in with the principles of the gospel, such as following the example of the Savior.
We shouldn't necessarily condone the unrighteous act of another, but we should put the person before the act. We should leave the judgment to God. - Eileen Stringer, Salt Lake City, Utah
How to checklist:
1 Seek spirit of Christ; read scriptures, pray, serve.
2 Remember all are God's children; treat them as such.
3 Live golden rule; be considerate of others, avoid criticism.
4 Be willing to change; apologize for wrong-doing.
WRITE TO US:
Jan. 4 "How to apply in one's life the legacy of faith as found in the Doctrine and Covenants and Church history."
Jan. 11 "How to enjoy the blessings of the priesthood without a worthy priesthood holder in the home."
Jan. 18 "How to discipline your children in a positive manner."
Jan. 25 "How to magnify your Church calling."
Feb. 1 "How to make your spouse a priority despite a busy family life."
Feb. 8 "How to foster unity in a ward or branch with cultural diversity."
Also interested in letters on these topics: "How to be more patient with your children," "How to foster positive communication in your family."
Had any good experiences or practical success in any of the above subjects? Share them with our readers in about 100-150 words. Write the "How-to" editor, Church News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110, send fax to (801) 237-2121 or use internet E-mail: Churchnews@desnews.com. Please include a name and phone number. Contributions may be edited or excerpted and will not be returned. Due to limited space, some contributions may not be used; those used should not be regarded as official Church doctrine or policy. Material must be received at least 12 days before publication date.
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