Godly Characteristics

In typing this I hope 2 things:

1. I haven't already typed the whole thing

2. I can remember and interpret my notes from Laurel lawrence's class because I don't even know how long ago the class was so I probably won't remember what some of the cryptic notes I took.

so here goes:

One of our purposes in this life is to become more like God. We need to gain light to be able to be in His presence in the next life. Some people's lights burn brighter than others, and children's lights are brightest of all, hence the scripture, "Except ye become as a little child..."

People lose their light through sin. Ecclesiastes 8:1 As man's wisdom maketh shine...

In other words, the more you grow, the more you glow.

President Benson - 1986, "godly Characteristic of God".

1 Peter 1 has the sanctification ladder - how to become like God.

The ruler was Nero - 64AD. Easy to remember Nero because he had ZERO tolerance for Christians. Peter tried to strengthen the saints from persecution by giving the Sanctification Ladder. It helped the saints and many died with smiles while singing praises to God.

Ladder of Sactification - do in all diligence:

1. Faith

2. Virtue

3. Knowledge

4. Temperance

5. Patience

6. Godliness

7. Kindness

8. Charity

Larry Lawrence spoke in General Conference, "what Lack I Yet".  We can use the Sanctification ladder to see what we lack.

Elder Christopherson said that is a dangerous question because Satan wants you to think you can’t change. He says to you, “That’s just the way you are; you can’t change.”

1.      Faith – in the Old Testament means TRUST

2.      Virtue = MORAL CLEANLINESS, honesty, a code of living. The temple recommend interview is a test of virtue.

3.      Knowledge – this is where people get stuck. This is the key – to keep learning and progressing. Reading scriptures, teachings of the prophets, Sunday School and Relief Society lessons, etc. Attend the temple, feast on the Word daily until you are “full”. Full is when you have learned a new thing to ponder the rest of the day.  D&C 88 – learn in every form; be prepared.

4.      Temperance = self control. Temper – James, the brother of Jesus – said to become perfect you need to learn to control your tongue, anger, language, don’t raise your voice, no reviling, control appetites, Word of Wisdom, retiring early, caring for your body, control shopping and use of media.

5.      Patience = bearing trials without complaint. Trials teach us patience. Don’t bite back. D&C 101:5 is an Abrahamic test – seek the Lord, not blame the Lord. When it’s something that doesn’t seem fair or sees undeserved, go to the Lord; stay faithful; go to the temple to learn patience. Study the lives of the prophets to see what they’ve been through.

6.      Godliness – organization and orderliness; consistent, unchangeable. Examples are the creation, the Priesthood, which is called “The Holy Order”, the Plan of Salvation. Godly people plan ahead. Harold B Lee said we become most like God when we plan something. It is making order out of chaos. King Benjamin said all things must be done in order. John Wesley was the one who said Cleanliness is next to Godliness. George Q Cannon said Everything should be done in an orderly manner. The world is more and more chaotic.

7.      Kindness – this is the next step before gaining charity. If we can learn to just be kind to ALL others, we can pray for Charity to come next. We just need to be kind.

8.      Charity is at the top because it is what makes us most like God. If we can have the pure love of Christ for all, we will be on the right path. KIndness is the way we treat others through service, seeking out friendless, not being critical, not judging, being a good listener, living the golden rule. Charity is how you FEEL about others. Try to be kind and pray for charity. It includes  all 1 Corinthians  13 and  Moroni 7:45