In the book of Acts we learn that the disciples who followed Christ in the early Church “were called Christians” (Acts 11:26). Likewise, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strive to be good Christians. But what does it mean to be a Christian?
It is not a simple declaration of belief. Being a Christian requires more than devotion in name only. Elder Robert D. Hales (1932–2017) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles asked: “What kind of Christians are we? In other words, how are we doing in our quest to follow Christ?”1
Christlike Qualities
Elder Hales encouraged us to evaluate our progress in developing the following Christlike qualities:2
- Love
- Faith
- Sacrifice
- Caring
- Service
- Patience
- Peace
- Forgiveness
- Conversion
- Endurance to the end
Discussion
President Russell M. Nelson has taught that one of our most important identities is that of “disciple of Jesus Christ.”3 How do people know that you are a Christian, or a disciple of Jesus Christ?
Image Credit: Christ Teaching His Disciples, 19th-Century English School, © Look and Learn / Bridgeman Images
Notes
1.nullRobert D. Hales, “Being a More Christian Christian,” Liahona, Nov. 2012, 90.
2.nullSee Robert D. Hales, “Being a More Christian Christian,” 91–92.
3.nullRussell M. Nelson, “Choices for Eternity” (worldwide devotional for young adults, May 15, 2022), broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.