Even as I am (part four)

As we travel through this existence which we call life we are faced with decisions and choices every day. Both big choices and small ones, how we respond to each and every one of these choices and opportunities changes us, if only just slightly. Effectual and permanent change to one’s character is a slow and often deliberate process. We are told to not procrastinate the day of repentance, for we may find that we no longer have the time or ability to make the changes that are required and rid ourselves of some of the most troublesome of addictions, such as pride, selfishness, and procrastination. Thus it is imperative that we have a knowledge of where we are going. With our eyes on a goal then as we make these small changes to ourselves we slowly get a little closer to where we wish to be. Without a directed path the choices we make change us according to whim, luck or possibly indigestion.

Since salvation and exaltation require not only the grace of Christ, but also action and effort on our part then we have to adjust ourselves to make certain we live worthy of that salvation which we desire. So what are our goals? What do we wish to strive for, and what goals need to be part of our life in order to achieve exaltation and godhood?

“This progress toward eternal life is a matter of achieving perfection. Living all the commandments guarantees total forgiveness of sins and assures one of exaltation through that perfection which comes by complying with the formula the Lord gave us. In his Sermon on the Mount he made the command to all men: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (Matt. 5:48) Being perfect means to triumph over sin. This is a mandate from the Lord. He is just and wise and kind. He would never require anything from his children which was not for their benefit and which was not attainable. Perfection therefore is an achievable goal.” (Spencer W. Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness 208-209)

“When I ponder what kind of men and boys we should be as priesthood holders, I cannot help but think of the Savior’s questions to the Nephite twelve when He asked, “Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am” (3 Ne. 27:27).

To be like the Savior—what a challenge for any person! He is a member of the Godhead. He is the Savior and Redeemer. He was perfect in every aspect of His life. There was no flaw nor failing in Him. Is it possible for us as priesthood holders to be even as He is? The answer is yes. Not only can we, but that is our charge, our responsibility. He would not give us that commandment if He did not mean for us to do it.” (Godly Characteristics of the Master, Ezra Taft Benson)

Here both Ezra Taft Benson and Spencer W. Kimball state that perfection should be one of these goals. For not only will it develop in us the qualities that are required to become gods, but also that it is reasonable and achievable. This is a huge change in outlook for me because perfection is usually an idea I see as being beyond us mere mortals, being beyond the grasp of man, especially myself. Fortunately, however, we are not left to our own devices, God is there distributing both instructions and assistance. Therefore we can say, with God anything is possible. Even perfection.

The apostle Peter teaches us about the process of attaining the attributes of a god.

“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity” (2 Pet. 1:4–7).

All of these attributes could use a little exploring, especially interesting is that the end of the process is charity. But for now we are going to skip all that and go straight to the promise give to us in verse 8

“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

This is an incredible promise, for I often feel impotent and useless. But here not only do we have a pathway for exaltation, but also the promise that you will be productive and useful. Enduring to the end once seen as a depressive effort looks, no longer, like a process of just struggling to survive, but of a happy time of productive pursuits and growth.