What thinks Christ of Me?

Recent Relief Society Lesson I taught:

What Thinks Christ of Me? by Elder Neil L. Andersen

Scriptures which stood out to me:

Come, follow me.  Luke 18:22

Peace I leave with you… let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.  John 14:27

Be not afraid, only believe.  Mark 5:36

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.  In the world ye shall have tribulation but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.  John 16:33

My favorite quotes from the lesson:

Jesus’ call “Come, follow me” (Luke 18:22) is not only for those prepared to compete in a spiritual Olympics.  In fact, discipleship is not a competition at all but an invitation to all.  Our journey of discipleship is not a dash around the track, nor is it fully comparable to a lengthy marathon.  In truth, it is a lifelong migration toward a more celestial world.

We may not be at our very best every day, but if we are trying, Jesus’ bidding is full of encouragement and hope:  “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  (Matt 11:28)

Together we can lift and strengthen one another in the great and important days ahead.  Whatever the difficulties confronting us, the weaknesses confining us, or the impossibilities surrounding us, let us have faith in the Son of God, who declared, “All things are possible to her that believeth.” (Mark 9:23)

Discipleship is believing Him in seasons of peace and believing Him in seasons of difficulty, when our pain and fear are calmed only by the conviction that He loves us and keeps His promises.

Questions to ask ourselves:

Do I understand some of the reasons why many do not consider Mormons to be Christian?

Elder Andersen states: “You are His disciple; you are His friend.  By His grace He will do for you what you cannot do for yourself.”  What is my relationship with the words disciple and grace?  What do they mean to me?  Am I in any way confused by them?  How do they help me in the process of drawing closer to Christ?

Do I understand the gospel of Jesus Christ is clear in its teaching that I am saved by grace alone – and not by my “works”?  See His Grace is Sufficient by Brad Wilcox for further clarification.

Disciple comes from a Latin word meaning learner.  Thesaurus results: follower, student, supporter, pupil, convert, believer, devotee, adherent.  How does understanding this word better help me grasp how Jesus sees me?

Jesus asked the Pharisees, “what think ye of Christ?” (Matt 22:42).  Not only is it important to ponder what Christ might think of me, but Christ Himself is curious as to what I might think of Him.  How would I answer this question?

Am I using anything in this lesson against myself?  How can I reframe my thoughts to allow for progress I’d like to make while celebrating how far I’ve already come?