To Be Good, and to Do Good

I have always had the desire to look for the good in those around me, but as of lately, one of my goals has been to more fully recognize the Light of Christ in others, which all have. It's my constant prayer to be able to  at least to some degree see others how our Heavenly Father views his children. I know I cannot fully comprehend or see this, since that is a Godly characteristic, but this has definitely allowed me to more fully love all those around me and to see the good in others, along with not being quick to judge.  Service and looking for the good in others has been a strength to me, especially throughout the past few weeks. It's something that I always want to be striving to do in my life. It often becomes easy to be consumed in one's own life, especially when you're sticking to a schedule of school, work, gym, homework, bed... repeat. Anyways, I came across something PERFECT on Twitter today. It was a nice reminder of the definition of light and then further explaining the light of Christ.

The quote that stuck out to me the most was...

"As we yield to that influence, to do good and to become good, then the light of Christ increases within us. As we disobey, light is decreased, and can ultimately be diminished."

All of us have been blessed with the Light of Christ, which the scriptures defines as "The Spirit of Jesus Christ" (D&C 84:45). The blessing of having the gospel in our life is that through obedience and the desire to be more like our Savior and Heavenly Father, this light in us can increase, allowing us to do good and become better children of God. I lovee this. And of course, the opposite, disobedience can cause this light in each one of us to decrease. I think one of the best attributes that people can have is that of being a good example, especially through the Light of Christ. Through being good examples, we are able to let our light so shine, encouraging others to also do good and be good.

President Boyd K. Packer simply explains this perfectly:

"To describe the Light of Christ, I will compare or liken it to the light of the sun. Sunlight is familiar to everyone; it is everywhere present and can be seen and can be felt. Life itself depends upon sunlight.

The Light of Christ is like sunlight. It, too, is everywhere present and given to everyone equally.

Just as darkness must vanish when the light of the sun appears, so is evil sent fleeing by the Light of Christ.

There is no darkness in sunlight. Darkness is subject unto it. The sun can be hidden by clouds or by the rotation of the earth, but the clouds will disappear, and the earth will complete its turning.

This Light of Christ, which gives life, is within you. The evil one will attempt to obscure it. It can be so clouded with confusion so far as to convince you that it does not even exist.

Just as sunlight is a natural disinfectant, the Spirit of Christ can cleanse the spirit."

I know that if we understand the reality of the Light of Christ in everyone we see and in others, in every meeting we attend, and within ourselves, and understand the great challenge that we have- the surroundings in which we live, the danger which sometimes besets us- we will have courage and inspiration beyond that which we know. 

I'm so grateful for the Gospel and how it gives me the desire to become a better person and to strive to always recognize the Light of Christ in others. I know I am not perfect in this area, but I'm grateful for this knowledge. 

D&C 50:24

"That which is of God is light; 

And he that receiveth light

receiveth more light, 

and that light groweth brighter 

and brighter until the perfect day.