“Judged by the standard of human estimation, Jesus of Nazareth is supreme among men by reason of the excellence of His personal character, the simplicity, beauty, and genuine worth of His precepts, and the influence of His example and doctrines in the advancement of the [human] race. To these distinguishing characteristics of surpassing greatness the devout Christian soul adds an attribute that far exceeds the sum of all the others–the divinity of Christ’s origin and the eternal reality of His status as Lord and God.”

 

I suffer with the affliction of pride. Earlier this week, I’ve wanted to quit so many times. Perhaps, I’ve thought, I won’t be able to serve a mission because I don’t have perfect faith. Or I’m don’t feel His spirit with me all the time. Perhaps I’m just not talented enough to teach the gospel truths that have brought me so much comfort and joy throughout my life. I realize today, looking back, that I am so incredibly blinded by my pride. The simple fact is, Jesus Christ provided a plan that we may all become perfect, eventually.

 

“The solemn testimonies of millions dead and of millions living unite in proclaiming Him as divine, the Son of the Living God, the Redeemer and Savior of the human race, the Eternal Judge of the souls of men, the Chosen and Anointed of the Father–in short, the Christ” (Jesus the Christ, Talmage).

 

I am so grateful that I don’t have to have a perfect understanding of things. For a perfectionist like myself, it can be really difficult to understand how to have self-compassion. I want to learn how to have joy even in my mistakes. I’m trying my best to learn how to grow, properly. How can I try to be like Jesus Christ when I can’t be perfect? When I can’t exercise perfect faith?

 

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults and with my song I give thanks to Him.” (Psalms 28:7).

 

I suppose I realize that I shouldn’t worry so much. The Lord simply asks for our effort. We then can thank Him for all we have received beyond our means. Beyond that, all else is beyond our control. His Grace is sufficient to save. So, let us have self compassion. This is the beauty of Christ’s atonement, to a perfectionist.

 

What can we do then, when we are faced with conflict? How can we exercise faith beyond the growing power of the atonement?

 

In Matthew 4, Jesus fasts for forty days and forty nights. Satan attempts to tempt Jesus Christ, stemming from the idea that He is the Son of God and therefore has the power to easily perform miracles for Himself. Yet, the Savior refuses, overcomes the temptation, and dispels Satan. Angels then come and minister to Him. Yet, in the JST, there is a significant difference. Instead of angels ministering to Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ sends angels to John who was cast into prison.

 

Instead of looking at ourselves, the Gospel of Jesus Christ continuously expects us to look outwards, especially in times of conflict and trial. It is, after all, in these times that we are brought closer to Christ. As the prophet Isaiah transcribed of God, “Behold, I have refined thee, yet not as silver. I have refined thee in the furnace of affliction” (Isaiah 48:10). I testify that as I have looked outwards this week onto others beyond my own struggles, I have found so much comfort with my own troubles. I have made new friends, new lessons learned, and a newfound appreciation for the absolutely (not) delicious MTC food (complete with a cafeteria where I can’t hear my thoughts).

 

Take care this week. I am praying for each of you on my mission mail list. Please don’t hesitate to ask me questions, offer advice, etc.

 

Take care, またね, etc.,

Elder Son