Christ-like Attitudes

My friend, Lyndsey, gave a talk in our singles ward today, and it was such a fantastic talk. She and I had been discussing her topic all week and it gave me so much to think about: "Developing Christ-like Attitudes Towards Others." One of the things that hit me this week that's never hit me before is this (and it partially proves that I'm an idiot to just clue into this now): Christ is the key to changing our attitudes towards others. (How did I miss this before?)

If I want to be kinder to people, if I want to think more lovingly of people, if I want to see others as He sees them, I need Christ. Yes, I can do my part, but initially and ultimately, I need Christ. I say initially very purposefully; Brother Fluhman always hated how people say, "I do all I can and THEN Christ helps me," as though we earn his grace and mercy, as though we do our part and then Christ's mercy kicks in. It doesn't work that way. His grace and mercy is helping us all along the way as we contribute whatever it is that we can. It's a partnership, not a I do this, and then He does this.

I'm so rambling, but I've had so many fun thoughts lately!

But the key for me to her topic had two parts that are very interconnected. One is Sheri Dew's point that our degree of conversion can be seen in how we treat others. Examples are plentiful in the scriptures where, when people come unto Christ and are forgiven of their sins, their thoughts immediately turn to the welfare of others. "When we turn our hearts over to the Lord, we instinctively open our hearts to others."

The second point is that we truly need to apply the Atonement in shaping our attitudes towards others. We can't do it properly or fully on our own; we can do a lot, to be sure, but I think to have the exhilarating, healthy and fulfilling relationships (I don't just mean romantic relationships here--I'm talking about all relationships) come best with His help, with an infusion of His love into us, so that we can see people as He sees them.

Does any of this make sense? I think it makes more sense conceptually in my head than on paper (uhhh . . . blogs), but it's been a fun pondering topic.

Lord, Increase My Faith

For the next little bit here, I'm going to need a major increase in my faith. I'm kind of dumbfounded a bit, and wondering, Okay, HOW do I increase my faith?

I'm thinking of the fantastic book by Elder Maxwell, "Lord, Increase Our Faith" where he uses Brigham Young's quote as a springboard for the whole book; the quote says that we must have "faith in [Jesus'] name, character and atonement . . . faith in his Father and in the plan of salvation." Elder Maxwell breaks each aspect of that quote into a chapter and delves into it deeper.

I'm definitely going to need to read this book in the next week or two to try and add to the strength of the foundation of my faith.

How does one increase his or her faith? How have you? Or how have you seen others' faith increase?

Humility

This last week has been one of the most stressful of my life--though the week of Wendy's move and my parent's divorce probably tops it. But this week has been very heavy and very intense at work--very uncharacteristic for my job and the folks there! In this, however, I have seen something pretty extraordinary: as much as we have been united, we've also been on edge because of the stress of the situation, and we've said a few pointed things or neglected to say things that should have been said.

But, and this is a very big but, I have heard many apologies over the last couple of days. One of the women said to me tonight, "I've NEVER been in a workplace where people apologize." It's really quite incredible. We've discussed how humility is not a sign of weakness; rather, humility is a sign of great strength and confidence.

When I think of how the Savior willingly took so much abuse, so much taunting, so much ridicule, and took it all with such grace, I am humbled. His humility showed his complete and total faith in His Father, and that just showed our Savior's true strength, because He knew in Whom He trusted.

I am so grateful for people at work who have shown such Christlike qualities.

My Goal

I've started this blog as a place where I can share spiritual thoughts I've been having. Some friends have shared testimonies or insights in blogs that have really touched me, and I want to have a specific place for that. Please feel free to comment and share your experiences and insights, as well. Nothing beats a great spiritual discussion, right? =)