In contrast to the institutions of the world, which teach us to KNOW something, the gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to BECOME something...The gospel of Jesus Christ is the plan by which we can become what children of god are supposed to become...Charity is something one becomes.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the transformative power of the teachings of Jesus Christ, urging us to become better individuals rather than just acquiring knowledge.
Dallin H. Oaks highlights the distinction between mere knowledge and personal transformation through the teachings of Jesus Christ. He argues that while worldly institutions often focus on teaching static information, the gospel encourages individuals to actively develop their character and virtues, particularly the importance of charity. This perspective suggests that becoming a better person and embodying divine qualities is an essential part of spiritual growth and fulfillment as children of God.
In practice
Use this quote in a sermon to emphasize the importance of personal transformation in faith.
Tolerance obviously requires a non-contentious manner of relating toward one another’s differences. But tolerance does not require abandoning one’s standards or one’s opinions on political or public policy choices. Tolerance is a way of reacting to diversity, not a command to insulate it from examination.
I testify of our Savior, Jesus Christ, whose teachings and example we seek to follow. He invites all of us who are heavy laden to come unto Him, to learn of Him, to follow Him, and thus to find rest to our souls.
The most powerful teaching of children is by the example of their parents.
We should refrain from anything that seems to be a final judgment of any person...the Lord alone has the capacity to judge...And, in all of this we must remember the command to forgive.
Man unquestionably has impressive powers... But after all our obedience and good works, we cannot be saved from the effects of our sins without the grace extended by the atonement of Jesus Christ... Man cannot earn his own salvation.
In order to ask with real intent or to act with full purpose of heart, we must always make an accompanying commitment.
Forbidden pleasures alone are loved immoderately; when lawful, they do not excite desire.
Laissez-faire capitalism is the only social system based on the recognition of individual rights and, therefore, the only system that bans force from social relationships.
True human goodness, in all its purity and freedom, can come to the fore only when its recipient has no power.
'Tis a short sight to limit our faith in laws to those of gravity, of chemistry, of botany, and so forth. Those laws do not stop where our eyes lose them, but push the same geometry and chemistry up into the invisible plane of social and rational life, so that, look where we will, in a boy's game, or in the strifes of races, a perfect reaction, a perpetual judgment keeps watch and ward.
Some stories, she’d say, the more you tell them, the faster you use them up. Those kind, the drama burns off, and every version, they sound more silly and flat. The other kind of story, it uses you up. The more you tell it, the stronger it gets. Those kind of stories only remind you how stupid you were. Are. Will always be.
The consequences of our actions are always so complicated, so diverse, that predicting the future is a very difficult business indeed.
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