What manner of men ought ye to be?

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A man can ask no more important question than that which Paul asked: “Lord, what wilt thou have me do?” Christ has answered that question by saying, “Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily, I say unto you, even as I am.” The only measure of true greatness is how close a man can become like Jesus. That man is greatest who is most like Christ, and those who love Him most will be most like Him. Christ gave us the perfect model himself – after which we are to pattern our lives.

President Gordon B. Hinckley said: “We recently held a Temple open house. On the first day of the opening, clergymen of other religions were invited as special guests. President Hinckley offered to answer any questions they might have. Many were asked. Among these was one, which came from a Protestant Minister. She he: “I’ve been all through this building, this temple which carries on it’s face the name of Jesus Christ, but nowhere have I seen a cross, the sign of Christianity. Why is this when you say you believe in Christ?” President Hinckley responded: “For us the cross is the symbol of the dying Christ, while our message is a declaration of the living Christ. The minister then asked: “If you do not use the cross, what is the symbol of your religion?” president Hinckley replied that the lives of our people and the example they set must become the only meaningful expression of our faith and the symbol of our worship.”

The best way to live, teach, and share the gospel is to be an example of the Savior and to live the life of a faithful latter-day saint. We live in a time when the pressures of life make it so tempting, in fulfillment of the words of Nephi, to commit “a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for they neighbor (2 Nephi 28:8). The Savior in the Sermon of the Mount gave us this guideline: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” So… how do we “Let our light shine?”

I would le to suggest three ways:
  • Look for opportunities to get out in the community and serve.
  • Avoid going to places where others might question our activities. Avoid the very appearance of evil.
  • Live our lives to be in tune with the spirit. The Holy ghost will tells us “in our mind and in our hearts” how we can be a good example to others.
There is a young women’s value song that helps us to understand the importance of living a life after the pattern of the Savior and the blessings we can receive as we set a good example for others:

Today I made a plan, a promise in my mind,
That I’d begin this very day to let my light so shine.

The early morning dawn reveled my mothers face,
Reminding me that my own home was my beginning place.

With a happy heart I sang, and helped in little ways
To bring a ray of loving light into my families day.

Then out into the world I went with watchful eye,
I saw a woman old and bent and could not pass her by.

With gentle voice I spoke, then listened for a while,
And saw her sad expression change into a grateful smile.

As time went quickly by, I said a silent prayer,
And asked to bring the light of love to someone in despair.

Outside my circle of friends I saw a lonely one.
A person often ridiculed and left to walk alone,

With courage I reached out and drew her in with me,
The joy I saw will ever be a cherished memory.

As evening time approached I had a chance to share,
A priceless gift that I hold dear, wit someone who would care.

In faith I gave a friend the Sacred Book of Life,
And testified that it contains the purest gospel light.

By letting my light shine, I truly came to see,
Good works that glorify the Lord bring happiness to me.

There was a young woman who worked hard in school during her first year of high school. At the end of the year when everybody had received their yearbooks the school set up tables. Everyone was crowed around the tables signing each other’s yearbooks. This young woman was smiling and handing her yearbook to all her friends so everyone could sign it when a strange girl came up and asked if she could sign the young woman’s yearbook. A little puzzled the young woman said, “sure,” and handed over the yearbook. After the girl had scribbled a few lines she smilingly handed back the yearbook, said “thanks,” and walked off. Later that night as the young woman was looking through the yearbook at all the notes her friends had written, she came across the scribbled note of the stranger. It said, “You do not know me, but I have be watching you. I like the way you treat and respect others and I will try to be just like you.” This gave the young woman an opportunity to try to be a better example for the rest of her life.

I know that setting a good example in our homes and with friends and strangers is important and brings many blessings.

We have neighbors that are of another faith that have recently moved in. One of their daughters ad I have become good friends. Iam trying very hard to be a good example in all that I do and say, because I know that being a good example will build our friedship and maybe give me an opportunity to have some missionary moments. I am grateful to Jesus Christ for the example he has set for me. I have so many good things in my life because of the Savior and His gospel. I hope my good example to others can help them to have good things in their lives also.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ , Amen.