More Elder David A. Bednar -- love it!

[MaidservantX]

November 2007 Ensign pp81-82

Elder David A. Bednar

"The gospel of Jesus Christ encompasses much more than avoiding, overcoming, and being cleansed from sin and the bad influences in our lives; it also essentially entails doing good, being good, and becoming better. Repenting of our sins and seeking forgiveness are spiritually necessary, and we must always do so. But remission of sin is not the only nor even the ultimate purpose of the gospel. To have our hearts changed by the Holy Spirit such that 'we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually' (Mosiah 5:2) . . . is the covenant responsibility we have accepted. This mighty change is not simply the result of working harder or developing greater individual discipline. Rather, it is the consequence of a fundamental change in our desires, our motives, and our natures made possible through the Atonement of Christ the Lord. Our spiritual purpose is to overcome both sin and the desire to sin. . . Prophets throughout the ages have emphasized the dual requirements of 1) avoiding and overcoming bad and 2) doing good and becoming better . . . "Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart . .." (Psalm 24:3-4). . . . All of our worthy desires and good works, as necessary as they are, can never produce clean hands and a pure heart. It is the Atonement of Jesus Christ that provides both a cleansing and redeeming power that helps us overcome sin and a sanctifying and strengthening power that helps us to become better than we ever could by relying only upon our own strength. The infinite Atonement is for both the sinner and for the saint in each of us."

Thank you for bearing with me, my friends. I love this, and it makes me want to share! I am soo thankful to my Father in heaven for his long-suffering with me that has allowed me to slowly but surely change into the creature He wanted to create (and He is still working with me!). I am highly aware that the good I experience is from Him and my Savior.

[Jonathon]

Wow, this is incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you so much for sharing.

[PapilioMemnon]

I love the teachings of Elder Bednar and remember this one.

Thanks for that!

[Hemidakota]

The key Elder Bednar was giving, is the desire to change our lives to be better. In essence, no desire to sin. This is a true born-again spirit.

Great post.