What Motivates You: Personal Gain or Love?

This blog was inspired during a Relief Society meeting that I was attending not too long ago. The woman speaking shared her story of getting to know Christ and how it has changed her life. I left with such a strong desire to have a relationship with Christ, as she does, and be able to share with others. I began to plan and pray how I could come to know my brother, Jesus Christ. My scripture study and prayer has become more meaningful and little things I've heard so many times before suddenly had real meaning for me. For example I've heard the phrase "What would Jesus do?" hundreds of times, but lately it has held real meaning for me. When you really think about it, what better way is there to know Him, then to choose to become like Him.

I recently was reading in a parent's guidebook published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1985. In the first pages it begins talking about the differences between Satan and Jesus. What motivated each of them. Satan wanted all the glory; he was using others for his gain-just as so many people do. Christ on the other hand didn't need or want glory or power, he was willing to sacrifice all simply because he loved us.

Do we think like this, "I do what I do because I love you, not because I have any selfish gain in mind or any anticipation that credit shall come to me. I do what is best for you in an eternal sense. What will help you return to our Heavenly Father." That is unconditional love. What a difference this could make if we thought this way towards our children, our spouses, our friends, our co-workers, even the stranger we pass on the street. We are all brothers and sisters trying to live a life worthy to return home to our Father.

How do you view people? Do you use individuals for your gain or do you serve them and love them as your brother, Jesus Christ, loves you?

Would I Recognize Christ If I Saw Him?

What kind of relationship do you have with Christ? If he was to walk into the room would you know him?

"A man died and was resurrected and waiting in a room to be interviewed, Another man was ahead of him. The door opened, the man entered, and the door closed. The man on the outside could hear the conversation on the other side of the door. The interviewer began: "I want you to tell me what you know about Jesus Christ."

"Well, He was born of Mary in Bethlehem; he lived thirty-three years, spending the last three organizing his church, choosing his apostles, and giving the gospel to direct our lives."

The interviewer stopped him and said:"Yes, yes, that's all true, but I want you to tell me what you know about Jesus Christ."

Well, he suffered and died so that we could have eternal life.Three days later he was resurrected so that we might return to Heavenly Father."

"Yes, yes, that is true, but I want you to tell me what you know about Jesus Christ." The man, a little perplexed, again began: "Well, he restored the gospel in its fullness to the earth through Joseph Smith, reorganized his church, gave us temples so we could do work to save our dead. He gave us personal ordinances for our salvation and exaltation."

The interviewer again stopped him and said, "all of what you have said to me is true." The man was then invited to leave the room. After he left the door opened and the second man entered. As he approached the interviewer he fell upon his knees and cried "My Lord, my God."

When I read I this story I always wonder, which person am I? Do I just know the facts or do I truly know my savior? My thoughts have turned to him more as I strive each day to know my brother, Jesus Christ who suffered unimaginable pain for me.

Which person are you?