Elder Neil L. Andersen on how we are perceived by others

Elder Neil L. Andersen (born August 9, 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 1993, and was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2009.

"I witness that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. He suffered and died for our sins and rose the third day. He is resurrected. In a future day, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is the Christ. (See Romans 14:11.) On that day, our concern will not be, 'Do others consider me Christian?' At that time, our eyes will be fixed on Him, and our souls will be riveted on the question, 'What thinks Christ of me?'"

- Neil L. Andersen, "What Thinks Christ of Me?," General Conference April 2012
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

We sometimes have the tendency to worry about how we are perceived by others. There are good aspects of that; we want others to recognize our discipleship, to know where our loyalty lies, or to see the differences between worldly ways and our ways. These kind of perceptions enable us to be a "light" to those around us. But there are also dangers if we're only worried about being recognized for our importance, having influence and respect, being in charge, etc. Prideful self-importance is a dangerous thing, very contrary to humble discipleship.

In this message, Elder Andersen points out a critical point related to this concept. The day will come when the perceptions of others matter not a whit. Ultimately, there is only One's opinion about us that will matter:

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

President Howard W. Hunter on commitment to a Christian life

President Howard W. Hunter (1907-1995) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1959.  He served as Church President from June 5, 1994 to his death on March 3, 1995.

"A successful life, the good life, the righteous Christian life requires something more than a contribution, though every contribution is valuable. Ultimately it requires commitment—whole souled, deeply held, eternally cherished commitment to the principles we know to be true in the commandments God has given. We need such loyalty to the Church, but that must immediately be interpreted as a loyalty in our personal habits and behavior, integrity in the wider community and marketplace, and—for the future’s sake—devotion and character in our marriages and homes and families.

"If we will be true and faithful to our principles, committed to a life of honesty and integrity, then no king or contest or fiery furnace will be able to compromise us. For the success of the kingdom of God on earth, may we stand as witnesses for him 'at all times and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in, even until death.' (Mosiah 18:9.)"

- Howard W. Hunter, "Standing As Witnesses of God," General Conference April 1990
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

What does it mean to be a Christian? What kind of effort is involved? President Hunter suggests that it's more than a casual or occasional contribution; it requires "whole souled, deeply held, eternally cherished commitment" to the commandments and principles we have been given:

One who has that level of commitment will be noticed not just in Church settings, but "in the wider community" as we stand up for the principles of truth and defend virtue. We truly should be "witnesses of God" in all situations of our lives and let our light shine in the world around us.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Ezra Taft Benson on the lives of those who follow Christ

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1943, and served as the 13th President of the Church from 1985 until his death in 1994 at age 94.

"Enter their homes [the followers of Christ], and the pictures on their walls, the books on their shelves, the music in the air, their words and acts reveal them as Christians. They stand as witnesses of God at all times, and in all things, and in all places. (See Mosiah 18:9.) They have Christ on their minds, as they look unto Him in every thought. (See D&C 6:36.) They have Christ in their hearts as their affections are placed on Him forever. (See Alma 37:36.)

"Almost every week they partake of the sacrament and witness anew to their Eternal Father that they are willing to take upon them the name of His Son, always remember Him, and keep His commandments. (See Moro. 4:3.)

"In Book of Mormon language, they 'feast upon the words of Christ' (2 Ne. 32:3), 'talk of Christ' (2 Ne. 25:26), 'rejoice in Christ' (2 Ne. 25:26), 'are made alive in Christ' (2 Ne. 25:25), and 'glory in [their] Jesus' (see 2 Ne. 33:6). In short, they lose themselves in the Lord and find eternal life. (See Luke 17:33.)"

- Ezra Taft Benson, "Born of God,' Ensign, July 1989, p. 2
Click here to read the full article

In this classic article, published as a First Presidency message in the Ensign, President Benson describes some of the evidences that should be present in the life of one who follows Christ. It's interesting to consider his description as we evaluate our own environment:

I like the separate description of those who "have Christ on their minds" and "have Christ in their hearts." Those two aspects are closely linked; as we think more about Him, remembering all He has done for us, our hearts are drawn to Him in gratitude and love.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Howard W. Hunter on being a true and living member

President Howard W. Hunter (1907-1995) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1959.  He served as Church President for only nine months, from June 5, 1994 to his death on March 3, 1995.

"On November 1, 1831, at a conference of the Church in Hiram, Ohio, the Lord revealed in the preface to the Doctrine and Covenants that this is the 'only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth.' Then he added, 'with which I, the Lord, am well pleased, speaking unto the church collectively and not individually' (D&C 1:30). This should raise a question in our minds of eternal significance: We know that this is the true and living church institutionally, but am I a true and living member individually?

"This question may appear as a play on the words of the Lord when he said this is the true and living church. When I ask, 'Am I a true and living member?' my question is, am I deeply and fully dedicated to keeping the covenants I have made with the Lord? Am I totally committed to live the gospel and be a doer of the word and not a hearer only? Do I live my religion? Will I remain true? Do I stand firm against Satan's temptations? He is seeking to cause us to lose our way in a storm of derision and a tide of sophistry. We can have victory, however, by responding to that inner voice calling 'stand firm!'

"To answer affirmatively the question, 'Am I a living member?' confirms our commitment. It means that we now and always will love God and our neighbors as ourselves. It means our actions will reflect who we are and what we believe. It means that we are every day Christians, walking as Christ would have us walk."

- Howard W. Hunter, "Am I a 'Living' Member?", Ensign, May 1987, p. 16
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

I remember smiling at President Hunter's application of the Lord's description when he offered this talk. If there is a "true and living Church"—is it made up of "true and living members"? If so, what would that imply in our lives and actions? President Hunter offered some suggestions for us to consider in our individual lives:

I think both of those adjectives are very significant: "true," meaning faithful, consistent, firm, fixed; and "living," meaning vibrant, growing, alive.

The concept is summarized President Hunter's phrase "every day Christian"—we strive each day to live the life of a disciple, to walk as Christ would have us walk. That's a beautiful and inspiring challenge.

Robert D. Hales on becoming better Christians

Elder Hales (1932- ) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1985, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  In this wonderful address, he discusses what it means to be a Christian — a disciple of Jesus Christ.  And he encourages us to be "more Christian Christians" by striving to emulate Christlike qualities.

"I testify that through His infinite love and grace, we can become more Christian Christians. Consider the following Christlike qualities. How are we doing in strengthening them within ourselves?
"Christian love. The Savior valued everyone. Kind and compassionate to all, He left the ninety and nine to find the one (see Matthew 18:12–14), for 'even the very hairs of [our] head are... numbered' (Luke 12:7) to Him.
"Christian faith. Despite temptations, trials, and persecutions, the Savior trusted our Heavenly Father and chose to be faithful and obedient to His commandments.
"Christian sacrifice. Throughout His life the Savior gave of His time, His energy, and ultimately, through the Atonement, gave Himself so that all of God's children could be resurrected and have the opportunity to inherit eternal life.
"Christian caring. Like the good Samaritan, the Savior was continually reaching out to rescue, love, and nurture people around Him, regardless of their culture, creed, or circumstances.
"Christian service. Whether drawing water from a well, cooking a meal of fish, or washing dusty feet, the Savior spent His days serving others--lifting up the weary and strengthening the weak.
"Christian patience. In His own sorrow and suffering, the Savior waited upon His Father. With patience for us, He waits upon us to come to ourselves and come home to Him.
"Christian peace. Throughout His ministry He urged understanding and promoted peace. Especially among His disciples, He taught that Christians cannot contend with other Christians, notwithstanding their differences.
"Christian forgiveness. He taught us to bless those who curse us. He showed us the way by praying that those who crucified Him would be forgiven.
"Christian conversion. Like Peter and Andrew, many recognize the truth of the gospel as soon as they hear it. They are instantly converted. For others it may take longer. In a revelation given through Joseph Smith, the Savior taught, 'That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day' (D&C 50:24), the perfect day of our conversion. Jesus Christ is 'the light and the Redeemer of the world; the Spirit of truth' (D&C 93:9).
"Christian endurance to the end. In all His days, the Savior never gave up doing His Father's will but continued in righteousness, goodness, mercy, and truth to the end of His mortal life."
- Robert D. Hales, "Being a More Christian Christian," Ensign, November 2012, pp. 90-92.  Click here to read the full talk

"How are we doing in strengthening [these qualities] within ourselves?"

I love this "checklist"! It's beneficial to consider each item and see where I can focus more effort. If we are becoming more Christian Christians, we'll see the evidence in our attitudes, in our priorities, in our relationships, in our thoughts, and especially in our actions and deeds.