Mormonism: BYU Student Reflects on Remembering Jesus Christ‏

As a college student at BYU, I have noticed that the power and confidence that I need to make every day decisions comes through trying to live a life centered on the teachings of Jesus Christ. This message is everywhere—in every volume of scripture. When hardships or trials come, the source of power that is needed to cope with them comes through remembering the Savior Jesus Christ. These lessons are described throughout the Book of Mormon (a text revered as sacred by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, inadvertently called the “Mormon Church”). The lives of the prophets and people illustrate what blessings come from remembering their Savior. Nephi, one of those prophets describes his purpose for writing the scriptures, “And I, Nephi, have written these things unto my people, that perhaps I might persuade them that they would remember the Lord their Redeemer” (1 Nephi 19:18).
Nephi has written scripture for the entire purpose of persuading people to remember their Redeemer. This concept of remembering Jesus Christ guides actions and behaviors, which is the reason that Nephi desires to give the greatest piece of advice by exhorting others to always remember the Son of God. It is only when one forgets their Savior that they fall into temptations, and make wrong decisions. Why is it so hard to remember though? This is what makes life a challenge with opportunity to grow. Despite the times I forget, I know personally that life in every aspect becomes easier and better when I remember the Savior and make a decision that reflects the teachings and life of Christ.
Two of the main sources I have looked to in order to better remember the sacrifice and love of Jesus Christ are the scriptures, and my attendance to church each week.

The scriptures are a great source of comfort and guidance because they describe in the Holy Bible and the Book of Mormon the actual life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Also in the Bible are the prophesies and testimonies of prophets from before the life of Christ, especially the words found in Isaiah. One of the very first scriptures that inspired me and I memorized it at age 8, was Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, and let us reason together saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson they shall be as wool.” In my young mind I was comforted, although I hadn’t made big mistakes yet, I knew that I could repent and be washed clean through Jesus Christ.

The other source of remembrance is by attending church each Sunday. At church we participate in the ordinance of the Sacrament, where we partake of bread and water in remembrance of the atonement of Jesus Christ. This partaking and remembering Jesus Christ, is a source of renewing a covenant each week to be better than I have been and to more align my desires with the desires my Heavenly Father has for me. As life becomes busy and hard it is easy to forget, but if we remember the Lord Jesus Christ we will have the power we need to do what is right and be confident in what ever decisions lie ahead.

Jakob G.

Additional Resources:

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