How can we apply in our lives the ideal, “What would Jesus have me do?”

Stewart A. Durrant, Director, Melchizedek Priesthood Special Curriculum: President Joseph Fielding Smith reminded all priesthood holders that the significance of the priesthood is “to do what Jesus would do if he were personally present.” He said, “We are the Lord’s agents; we represent him; he has given us authority which empowers us to do all that is necessary to save and exalt ourselves as well as his other children in the world. … We are directed to preach his gospel, to perform the ordinances of salvation, to bless mankind, to heal the sick and perhaps perform miracles, to do what he would do if he were personally present.” (Conference Report, April 1971, p. 47.)

President Marion G. Romney tells the story of how he determined the guidelines for conducting his life. While young, he decided he should proceed as Jesus did in his ministry; that is, always do the will of the Father, become thoroughly familiar with what his Father had declared his will to be (as recorded in the scriptures), and commune constantly with his Father through prayer. (The Savior, the Priesthood and You, Deseret Press, 1973, p. 18.)

Each person must work out his own formula for conducting his life according to what Jesus would have him do—but he must have a formula, especially if he is prone to “procrastinate the day of his repentance.” It seems that we must organize, write down, post for daily reference, commit ourselves, etc., or the days slip by and we have not made the necessary changes in our conduct.

To apply the ideal in our lives, we might consider the following:

1. Search the scriptures. Feast upon the words of Christ. Ponder them and their teachings. Plan daily scripture reading, outline the plan, write it down. Commit yourself in writing or to someone who is close to you and who is making the same commitment; frequent progress checking with someone else is stimulating.

“… Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do … behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.” (2 Ne. 32:3, 5.)

2. Pray for direction in all undertakings and associations. Then ask for the courage to follow through as the Spirit directs.

At one time my employment made it necessary for me to attend a function where it was customary to have a social hour before dinner. I was the only member of the Church present and did not want to offend the host by refusing to join the cocktail drinking. I offered up a silent prayer for guidance. The feeling came to me that I must not only refrain from partaking of the cocktails, but I should not so much as hold a glass of soft drink in my hand, and that I should mingle among the people in friendliness.

Sir George Hubert Wilkins, the noted Australian explorer, was the guest speaker, and I was excited by the stories he told. During the course of the evening I had the opportunity of visiting with him casually for a few moments.

One year later I was again at a social gathering where Sir Hubert was also a guest. Following dinner, I felt a tap on my shoulder and, looking around, saw Sir Hubert smiling at me. He said, “I have been watching you tonight as I observed you a year ago, and I notice you do not have a cocktail glass in your hand—neither did you at that time. You must be a Mormon. I would like very much to talk with you.” There followed a most delightful conversation—he told me about his exploring adventures in the Antarctica, in tropical Australia, and in the submarine Nautilus through the arctic regions. And I told him about the Church. This golden memory might not have been mine had I not followed the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

3. Create within yourself holiness that welcomes the Holy Ghost. Expose yourself to influences for righteousness: Church meetings, activities, publications, and leadership directives; the beauties of the world; the arts as developed for our enjoyment and participation; and “standing in holy places.” Clear your mind of carnal thoughts by wisely selecting your reading material, your conversations, work, companions, leisure-time activities, and so forth.

President Brigham Young made the statement:

“The thousands and tens of thousands of incidents that make up the sum of human lives, whether for good or evil, depend on a momentary watchfulness and care.” (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 267.)

4. Refer often to the thirteenth Article of Faith: “We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men. …” Remind yourself that it means practicing these virtues in all places and under all circumstances, from Sunday morning to Sunday morning.

5. Each night check yourself, as your eyes rest on a card on your night table. On this little card is printed, “Did I do what Jesus would have me do?”