“Even As I Am”

K. Douglas Bassett

refer in this text to 3 Ne. 12:48

“Hard to do? Of course. The Lord never promised an easy road, nor a simple gospel, nor low standards, nor a low norm. The price is high, but the goods attained are worth all they cost. The Lord himself turned the other cheek; he suffered himself to be buffeted and beaten without remonstrance; he suffered every indignity and yet spoke no word of condemnation. And his question to all of us is: ‘Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be?’ And his answer to us is: ‘Even as I am.’” (Spencer W. Kimball, Conference Report, Oct. 1977, p.71)
“The expression ‘follow the Brethren’ has a broader meaning than some would apply to it. It means not only to agree with the counsel given to the Church by the Brethren, but also to follow their example in appearance and deportment… . You need constantly to ask, ‘How would the Savior have me appear before others? How would He have me act?’ You should not imitate worldly fashions in your dress or … in your language. Your hair style should be in conformity with the standards of the Church … in impressing our young men to serve missions… . Live by the covenants you took in the temple; do not live on the fringes. You will be judged by the kinds of movies you attend, by the way you dress, and by the music to which you listen. Some years ago one of our teachers told his students that he used cola drinks and that it did not prevent him from holding a temple recommend. This was an indication of poor judgment on his part… . ‘What manner of men ought ye to be?’ asked the Savior. And His answer to us: ‘Verily I say unto you, even as I am!’” (Ezra Taft Benson, Charge to Religious Educators, 1982, pp. 48-54)

Latter-Day Commentary on the Book of Mormon

References