Humility "Retaining a Remission of Sin"

Elder Keith Crockett
"King Benjamin taught three principles that can help us retain a remission or our sins: first, to remain humble; second, to call upon the Lord daily; and third, to stand steadfast in the faith."

"Elder Bruce R. McConkie taught us that 'all progress in spiritual things is conditioned upon the prior attainment of humility.'"

"President James E. Faust taught that 'to sustain faith, each of us must be humble and compassionate, kind and generous to the poor and the needy.  Faith is further sustained by daily doses of spirituality that come to us as we kneel in prayer.'"

"Marriage: Watch and Learn," April 2013, Elder L. Whitney Clayton

"The promises of the Lord are extended to all those who follow the pattern of life that builds happy, holy marriage relationships."
"...the happiest marriages both the husband and wife consider their relationship to be a pearl beyond price, a treasure of infinite worth...the best marriage partners regard their marriages as priceless."

"Faith grows as we keep the commandments, and so do the harmony and joy in marriage."

"Humility is the essence of repentance.  Humility is selfless, not selfish.  It doesn't demand its own way or speak with moral superiority.  Instead, humility answers softly and listens kindly for understanding, not vindication.  Humility recognizes that no one can change someone else, but with faith, effort, and the help of God, we can undergo our own mighty change of heart.  Experiencing the mighty change of heart causes us to treat others, especially our spouses, with meekness.  Humility means that both husbands and wives seek to bless, help, and lift each other, putting the other first in every decision.  Watch and learn: repentance and humility build happy marriages...

Husbands and wives in great marriages make decisions unanimously, with each of them acting as a full participant and entitled to an equal voice and vote...Their marriages are based on cooperation, not negotiation...Loyalty is a form of respect.  Prophets teach that successful marriage partners are 'fiercely loyal' to each other."

D&C 112:10, "Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers."

Ether 12:27, "And if men come unto me I will show unto their their weakness.  I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and 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."

Humility

Set measurable goals:

1.  Read from the scriptures daily for 30 minutes.
2.  Pray morning and evening
3. Attend temple weekly.
4. Do one act of service daily.
5. Invite someone over for dinner.

I'm going to start tracking my change today through Excel sheet.

Quote by President Gordon B. Hinckley

Being HUMBLE means recognizing we are not on earth to see how important we can become, but to see HOW MUCH DIFFERENCE WE CAN MAKE in the lives of others.--President Gordon B. Hinckley

Humility--Disciple Preparation Plan

1. What scriptures and teachings of living prophets have been helpful to you in your efforts to change or improve?

"I pray that we will resist the temptation to draw attention to ourselves and, instead, strive for a far greater honor: to become humble, genuine disciples of Jesus Christ."--Elder Uchtdorf
 

1. Describe specific efforts you have made to bring about the change or improvement you desire;

Studying the words of prophets and apostles and leaders in the church.

1. Briefly describe the tracking method you are using. How successful do you feel your action steps have been in helping you reach your goal?

I have tried to increase my humility.  I have failed to invite Carla over for dinner.

1. Provide an honest assessment of the progress you have made in achieving your desired change or improvement (i.e., How have you grown? How have you improved as a disciple of Christ? How have you been blessed as a result of your efforts to apply eternal truths?).

I have tried.  I have learned that it is better to be humble, than to be arrogant.  I still need to work harder on increasing my humility.

Humility--Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "On Being Genuine," April 2015

"I pray that we will resist the temptation to draw attention to ourselves and, instead, strive for a far greater honor: to become humble, genuine disciples of Jesus Christ."--Elder Uchtdorf

"...if Jesus Christ were to sit down with us and ask for an accounting of our stewardship, I am not sure He would focus much on programs and statistics. What the Savior would want to know is the condition of our heart. He would want to know how we love and minister to those in our care, how we show our love to our spouse and family, and how we lighten their daily load. And the Savior would want to know how you and I grow closer to Him and to our Heavenly Father."--Elder Uchtdorf

"I am here because I desire with all my heart to follow my Master, Jesus Christ. I yearn to do all that He asks of me in this great cause. I hunger to be edified by the Holy Spirit and hear the voice of God as He speaks through His ordained servants. I am here to become a better man, to be lifted by the inspiring examples of my brothers and sisters in Christ, and to learn how to more effectively minister to those in need.

In short, I am here because I love my Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ."--Elder Uchtdorf

"With patience and persistence, even the smallest act of discipleship or the tiniest ember of belief can become a blazing bonfire of a consecrated life. In fact, that’s how most bonfires begin—as a simple spark."--Elder Uchtdorf

"My beloved brothers in Christ, the God of Creation, who breathed life into the universe, surely has the power to breathe life into you. Surely He can make of you the genuine, spiritual being of light and truth you desire to be.

God’s promises are sure and certain. We can be forgiven of our sins and cleansed from all unrighteousness.¹¹ And if we continue to embrace and live true principles in our personal circumstances and in our families, we will ultimately arrive at a point where we 'hunger no more, neither thirst any more. … For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed [us], and shall lead [us] unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from [our] eyes.'”¹²--Elder Uchtdorf

"The greatest, most capable, most accomplished man who ever walked this earth was also the most humble. He performed some of His most impressive service in private moments, with only a few observers, whom He asked to “tell no man” what He had done.¹⁵ When someone called Him “good,” He quickly deflected the compliment, insisting that only God is truly good.¹⁶ Clearly the praise of the world meant nothing to Him; His single purpose was to serve His Father and “do always those things that please him.”¹⁷ We would do well to follow the example of our Master."--Elder Uchtdorf

"What are some treasures in heaven that we can lay up for ourselves? For starters, it will be well for us to acquire the Christlike attributes of faith, hope, humility, and charity. We have been counseled repeatedly to “[put] off the natural man and … [become] as a child.”⁵ The Savior’s admonition is for us to strive to be perfect like Him and our Heavenly Father.^{6"--"Where Your Treasure Is," April 2014, Elder Michael John U. Teh}

"Second, we need to put more quality time and effort into strengthening family relationships. After all, “the family is ordained of God. It is the most important unit in time and in eternity.”⁷

Third, serving others is a hallmark of a true follower of Christ. He said, 'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.'”⁸

"Fourth, understanding the doctrine of Christ and strengthening our testimony is a labor that will bring real joy and satisfaction. We need to consistently study the words of Christ as found in the scriptures and the words of living prophets. 'For behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.'”⁹

^{This is the whole story he told, as recorded by Luke:}

“Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

“The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

“I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every man that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 18:10–14.)--Elder Howard W. Hunter

This statement gives meaning to what the Savior said on another occasion: “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 5:20.)

"Humility is an attribute of godliness possessed by true Saints. It is easy to understand why a proud man fails. He is content to rely upon himself only. This is evident in those who seek social position or who push others aside to gain position in fields of business, government, education, sports, or other endeavors. Our genuine concern should be for the success of others.  The proud man shuts himself off from God, and when he does he no longer lives in the light. The Apostle Peter made this comment:

“Be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” (1 Pet. 5:5–6.)

Learning Humility

Goal:  Invite Carla over for dinner.  Carla is a widow who lives in our neighborhood and lost her husband a few years back.  I don't know if she has any family.  She did tell me that her neighbors on both sides of the street help her out at times.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf "Pride and the Priesthood," October 2010

"Pride is a switch that turns off priesthood power.  Humility is a switch that turns it on."  "Every mortal has at least a casual if not intimate relationship with the sin of pride."
"Pride is the great sin of self-elevation."

"...my beloved fellow disciples of the gentle Christ, should we not hold ourselves to a higher standard?...we must realize that all of God's children wear the same jersey.  Our team is the brotherhood of man."

"The Apostle Peter warned that "God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble."  Mormon explained, "None is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart."

"with God all things are possible."  "Despite His magnificent abilities and accomplishments, the Savior was always meek and humble."

"It is almost impossible to be lifted up in pride when our hearts are filled with charity."  "We discover humility by thinking less about ourselves;"

"...We are tools in the hands of God."  "...let us follow the example of our Savior and reach out to serve..."

Elder Henry B. Eyring:  "Trust in that Spirit which Leadeth to Do Good," April 2016

"When our faith in Jesus Christ leads us to qualify for the joy of His forgiveness, we feel a desire to serve others for Him.  King Benjamin taught that forgiveness is not accomplished in a single moment." 

"Alma's great companion Amulek also taught the truth that we must continue in our service to Him to retain forgiveness..."