We had the best family discussion this evening about how to be “Christian” outside of church. I love these discussions, because I go in thinking I am going to teach my children and come out being taught. Tonight’s discussion was led by my husband, Mark. After reading in Acts, he started the conversation of how can we be better Christians outside of church? He talked about all the little things that we could do outside of our homes that could help others have a better day, or to be a light so that others could feel the Savior’s love through us. Some of the ideas presented were, smile, hold the door, say “hi”, help someone in need, be a friend to someone new, find ways to serve others, and to look for those who are having a hard day and cheer them up.
“What would be the cumulative effect of millions of small, compassionate acts performed daily by us because of our heartfelt Christian love for others? Over time this would have a transformative effect upon all of our Heavenly Father’s children through the extension of His love to them through us. Our troubled world needs this love of Christ today more than ever, and it will need it even more in the years ahead.
These simple, daily acts of service may not seem like much in and of themselves, but when considered collectively they become just like the one-twelfth teaspoon of honey contributed by a single bee to the hive. There is power in our love for God and for His children, and when that love is tangibly manifest in millions of acts of Christian kindness, it will sweeten and nourish the world with the life-sustaining nectar of faith, hope, and charity.” -M. Russell Ballard
Then I chimed in with how important it is to be Christlike in our homes. Often we treat others better than those we love the most. It should be the opposite, we should always treat our family members the best of anyone else, because those are the people who love us and we love the most. I grew up with a friend whose parents were amazing at the social scene. Everyone loved them. Then at home, they treated each other terribly. I could never understand it. I remember making a commitment in my mind that I was going to treat my husband and my children better than I treated anyone else. I am thankful that I made that decision way before ever having my own family, because it has brought me the ultimate joy; peace at home.
“Kindness is the essence of a celestial life. Kindness is how a Christlike person treats others. Kindness should permeate all of our words and actions at work, at school, at church, and especially in our homes.
“Jesus, our Savior, was the epitome of kindness and compassion.”-Jospeh B. Wirthlin
The kids then took turns giving us ideas about how we can be more Christlike out of church. My oldest son told us that we should strive to be better Christians when no one is looking and we are all alone. If we can be strong, Christlike people all by ourselves, we will be better prepared to be an example for others. I loved this so much! We often think of being Christlike in how we treat others, when in reality, it is every moment of every day that we are developing that light that will shine through us to others, so that they too can find Christ’s love.
“Gain your own testimony of the Savior. Pray passionately. Read the Book of Mormon when no one is watching. Take time alone to think about who Jesus really is and how His life and sacrifice are important to you.
As we increase our understanding and love for the Savior, His light will illuminate everything around us. We then will see evil for what it is.” -Neil L. Andersen
We left the night with the motto:
BE THE BEST YOU, EVEN WHEN ONLY YOU ARE AROUND!
Mathew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
-Sherri Jorgensen
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