Neal A. Maxwell – CES Fireside
“He that hath seen me hath seen the father.”(John 14:9) This refers not only to physical sameness, but exemplary sameness and perfection as well. We should follow the example of Christ as He followed the example of His Father.
We do not liken our scriptures to ourselves often enough.
Each of us has had and/or been a mentor. Christ was tutored by His Father and in turn He was mentor to His apostles.
Good questions leave a person able to respond without pressure. They linger and do not fade away.
Developmental Discipleship is growing from one weakness to a strength. It is growing from weakness to strength repeatedly. The Lord chastens those whom He loves, but that is to help us find our weaknesses and grow them to strength.
How often do we do well in phase 1 (finding weaknesses) and slacken our efforts in phase 2 (growing them to strengths).
Christ does not let the view of our weaknesses blur His view of our strengths. Nor does He let our strength hide our weakness.
Mercy detached from justice becomes unmerciful.
We are to ask and pray in faith, but we must also ask for what is right. I believe that means asking “Lord, give me what is right and help me to want it.”
How many tellings does it take? To learn about Christ we must take His yoke upon us.
“All things must come to pass in their time.” This includes the overall plan and each individual plan. The Lord’s timetable accounts for our agency and the agency of others, His mercy and the need for Christ to pull all things together.
We draft from other peoples’ patience and they draw on ours. We must soften this with well deserved praise. It should also include us “speaking the truth in love.” Some people shiver for want of praise.
“Never reprove beyond the capacity of our healing balm.” Brigham Young.
- In times of darkness remember there is a difference between passing local clouds and general darkness.
- Signs, if they are not supported by a righteous life and the continued influence of the Holy Ghost, have a short shelf life.
- Pure charity is most eloquent when it is expressed personally.
- Never mistake a fashionable tide for the sea itself.
- Firmly determine the direction you will face towards.
- We can expect to live in a time when mans love will fail.{I wrote “can’t”, but I think it’s “can”}
- Though our view of eternity is reasonably clear, often our view of the next mile is obscured.
- How can we expect to overcome the world if we are too insulated from its’ trials and challenges?
- Adulation can be our ruination when we feel the intoxication of recognition.
The latter day saints have got to learn that the interests of their brethren are their own interests or else they can never be saved in the kingdom of God.
God has all power to save His children. All that we can give – and that which he will not take – is our will in an act of spiritual submissiveness.