This blogpost features some of my thoughts on Christ's atonement, including some scriptures and quotes you can add to your studies this week. Below all that you'll find a half-sheet activity page to complement the Come Follow Me (CFM) reading for March 3-9, which includes Doctrine and Covenants section 19. Click here for an index and links to my CFM blogposts for other weeks.
THE PERFECT LIE: Thoughts on Christ's Atonement
Several years ago I watched a video on the church website by Tiffany Webster called “The Perfect Lie”. Sister Webster identifies what she calls Satan’s “Perfect Lie” as a formula that if I take me as I am, flawed, imperfect and all and just add more, more humility, more service, more righteousness, more [fill in the blank], then I will be Christlike. Chasing perfection in that way is a human hamster wheel – we’ll never reach the finish line and we'll never stack up. We absolutely cannot become as Christ is through our own efforts.
However, if we can change the formula, to take me as I am, flawed, imperfect and all and add Christ, then I become more--More powerful, more lovable, more fit for service, more [fill in the blank].
It's interesting how someone can share their thoughts on a Gospel topic that isn't necessarily all that new or original, but there's something about the way they share it that resonates with you. That's how this video (which used to be an online article as well) was for me. My personality is such that I am prone to chasing perfection in my life and there was something about the way Sister Webster expressed her experiences and thoughts that was transformational for me. I shared this video with everyone I knew, taught lessons using some of her ideas, and really tried to change my focus from striving for perfection to striving to simply add more time to connect with Christ each day in my life. As with most things in life, it's a complicated and ongoing effort that I sometimes fail at, but I do believe that it's something I'm getting better at over the years.
Since then, I've started to be more cognizant of this same idea popping up in General Conference talks and in the scriptures. Here are a few that I've found:
In a 2015 General Conference talk, Elder Uchtdorf shared:
“Grace opens windows of heaven… through which God pours out blessings of power and strength enabling us to achieve things that would otherwise be far out of our reach…Throughout our lives God’s grace bestows temporal blessings and spiritual gifts that magnify our abilities and enriches our lives. His grace refines us and helps us become our best selves.”
Paul said “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Ammon said it this way, “Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things…”
As the Lord said to Moroni: “…my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me, for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.”
In one of my favorite new hymns, "Amazing Grace," we sing, "Amazing grace—how sweet the sound— That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see. The Lord has promised good to me; His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be. As long as life endures. Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come. His grace has brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home."
I add my voice to these great prophets that though I often feel weak, though I often feel I am not good enough temporally or spiritually, that when I strive to walk more deliberately with Christ, by his grace, I am my best self.
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ACTIVITY SHEET
These activity sheets are designed to print double-sided and cut in half. They're perfect for reviewing or introducing the content found in the Come, Follow Me reading each week and would be great used in a classroom or home setting. I have no children at home, nor do I have a calling working with youth, so I copy these to be handed out with the sacrament programs each week. Kids, teens, and adults enjoy them.
HERE IS THE LINK TO THIS WEEK'S ACTIVITY SHEET (in case it's not showing below)
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Enjoy learning the Gospel together! 💗
ACTIVITY SHEET
These activity sheets are designed to print double-sided and cut in half. They're perfect for reviewing or introducing the content found in the Come, Follow Me reading each week and would be great used in a classroom or home setting. I have no children at home, nor do I have a calling working with youth, so I copy these to be handed out with the sacrament programs each week. Kids, teens, and adults enjoy them.
HERE IS THE LINK TO THIS WEEK'S ACTIVITY SHEET (in case it's not showing below)
*********************************************
Enjoy learning the Gospel together! 💗
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