Even as the Savior

When the Savior asked His disciples, “What manner of men ought ye to be?” (3  Nephi 27:27), His counsel was more than a nice thought or simple suggestion. He commanded His followers—which includes us today—to be even as He is. As you prepare to teach this principle during the month of April, remind your students that the Lord expects us, His disciples, to do His works. When we do, we will come closer to Him because we have become as He is.

Sister Sharon Eubank, first counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, recently offered five suggestions, first taught by President Spencer  W. Kimball (1895–1985) in  1979, for true disciples to become even as the Savior.

1. Be righteous. Sister Eubank said, “Being righteous doesn’t mean being perfect or never making mistakes. It means developing an inner connection with God, repenting of our sins and mistakes, and freely helping others” (“Turn on Your Light,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017,  6).

2. Be articulate. “Clearly express how you feel about something and why,” she encouraged (“Turn on Your Light,”  7). The Savior never backed down from sharing the gospel in kind and loving ways. Remind your students to follow His example as they interact with others.

3. Be different. “When we keep our covenants,” Sister Eubank taught, “it may make us different from others in our culture and society, but it gives us access to inspiration so we can think of different solutions, different approaches, different applications” (“Turn on Your Light,”  8).  

4. Be distinct. She described distinct as being “recognizably well defined” (“Turn on Your Light,”  8). Because the gospel of Jesus Christ is distinct, we can become as the Savior as we live His gospel in distinct ways.

5. Be happy. The gospel of Jesus Christ is good news. “Any small thing [we] do to light real happiness in others” shows our desire to follow the Savior and become even as He is (“Turn on Your Light,”  8).

Invite Students to Share

Encourage your students to share on social media how they are keeping the Savior’s commandment to be even as He is. Remind them that when they discuss these ideas with their friends outside the classroom, they can strengthen their own resolve to improve and encourage their friends to do the same. A shareable image can be found on the LDS Seminary Facebook page and is included below.

How to Share

Invite your seminary council, class president, or other class members to initiate a discussion online. Encourage them to challenge their friends to participate in the conversation by answering the following questions:

• The Savior spent His time praying, fasting, teaching, serving, and loving. What have I done lately to follow the Savior’s example?
• How have I been blessed by following the Savior’s example?

Include #LDSSeminary and #BookofMormonandMe in the post.