The Challenge to Become

(Elder Dallin H Oaks, October 2000 General Conference)

With current issues now challenging the world and causing much controversy, I need to know where I stand.  Now, more than ever, I need to be converted to the gospel.  But in addition to that, Elder Oaks suggested that I need even more.  I need to “become something.”

“Final judgement is not just an evaluation of the sum total of good and evil acts – what we have done.  It is an acknowledgment of the final effects of our acts and thoughts – what we have become.”

Heavenly Father knows of my divine potential.  He knows what I need to do to return to Him.  He knows who I am capable of becoming and who He needs me to be. The choices I make each day make a difference in who I become.  I can show others what I believe and what is important to me by my actions.  If I can understand what I believe and why, if I can allow the Atonement of Jesus Christ to change me, I can become who Heavenly Father needs me to become. 

All of the experience I have here on earth are to help me become.   They are opportunities for me grow and learn and become who Heavenly Father needs me to become.  Sometimes it is for my own growth and learning, and other times it is for someone else.  I need to allow myself to change and hopefully have “no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.”  (Mosiah 5:2)

I have seen that change as I serve in my calling as a mother or at church.  I find that I want to live up to what Heavenly Father knows I can do.  He believes I can do more, He knows where He needs me to be, and He knows that I can become what He needs me to become.

“We must not give up hope.  We must not stop striving.  We are children of God, and it is possible for us to become what our Heavenly Father would have us become.”