Imagine you're sailing across a vast ocean, and the weather takes a sudden turn for the worse. Your ship is tossed by towering waves, and the crew is disoriented. In the midst of the chaos, you remain calm and take the helm. By your confident actions and steady guidance, you inspire the crew to work together, navigate safely through the storm, and bring the ship back to port. This is the power of being a good example, or as Latter-day Saints often put it, 'being an example' in literally every aspect of life.
![“Jesus went about doing good (see Acts 10:38). His perfect life [and devotion to serving Heavenly Father and all of His Father’s children is an example to each of us]. ... One of the assurances that you are being purified is an increasing desire to serve others for the Savior.” From #PresEyring’s pinterest.com/pin/24066179228827489 inspiring message lds.org/ensign/2014/03/service-and-eternal-life. Learn more facebook.com/LordJesusChristpage and #passiton. #ShareGoodness Lds Families Are Forever Quotes, Lds Quotes About Sacrifice And Faith, C.s. Lewis Quote On Tyrants And Saints, Lds Quotes About Serving Others, Service To Others, Inspirational Quote By Henry B. Eyring, Pictures Of Serving Others, Lds Quotes Sister Hinckley, Lds Quotes On Serving](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/68/36/a6/6836a6ab1307944bcf79909efe85a12e.png)
The phrase 'be an example' appears frequently in LDS scriptures and teachings, encouraging us to live righteous lives and influence others positively. In this article, we'll explore the significance, benefits, and practical ways to be an example in your life, drawing insights from LDS principles and real-life examples.
Why Be an Example?
Being an example isn't just about looking good or showing off your righteousness. It's about creating a positive, lasting impact on the lives of others. In Matthew 5:16, we're taught, 'Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.' When we live exemplary lives, we draw attention to God and help others see Him more clearly.
A 2012 BYU study found that youth who perceived their peers as living excellent examples were more likely to exhibit positive behaviors themselves. This underscores the power of examples in shaping attitudes and actions, making it a potent tool for influence.
Examples from the Scriptures
The Book of Mormon is filled with instances where individuals set a good example, leading to significant changes in their communities. Consider Enos, who exemplifies humility and faith in his fervent prayers, ultimately influencing his people to repent and come unto Christ (Enos 1:8-17). Or the Anti-Nephi-Lehies, whose incredible devotion and pacifism, even in the face of war, softened the hearts of the Lamanites and brought them to Christ (Alma 23-27).
In modern times, President Russell M. Nelson has said, 'The Lord is more likely to bless us when we are more like Him — more kind, more loving, more pure, more Christlike.' By striving to be more like Him, we too can shine as examples, inviting divine blessings upon ourselves and those around us.
Examples from LDS History
Early LDS pioneers provide ample examples of what it means to live exemplary lives. Consider the doodlebuggers — young men who, during the Great Depression, helped build the Mormon Trail by hand, working together under the direction of their priesthood leaders. They exemplify selflessness, determination, and unity, demonstrating that even amidst trials, we can set a positive example.
Dorothy Maecross Bluhhorn, a young LDS woman from the Great Depression era, set a stellar example of resilience and faith in the face of poverty and hardship. She never missed church, taught or served in various capacities, always putting others first. Her legacy of faith and service continues to inspire Latter-day Saints today.
Becoming an Excellent Example
Being an example isn't about perfection; it's about progress. It's about consistently striving to do better and acting on the light you have. Here's how you can become a more excellent example:
Follow Jesus Christ
In 3 Nephi 18:24, we're taught to become perfect even as Christ is perfect. To follow Him, we should study His teachings, pray sincerely, and strive to obey His commandments. By doing so, we'll be better equipped to be the shining examples He wants us to become.
Remember, too, that Christ was not perfect in the ways of the world. He was an ordinary person facing extraordinary challenges. He set the example of resilience and faith in the face of adversity, using Hisylene power to overcome trials.
Find Your Personal Path
Just as Christ tailored His ministry to the unique needs of His audience, we too must find our personal path in being an example. What are your unique talents, gifts, and experiences? How can you use them to bless others and set a positive example?
Consider Ralph Allen, a former LDS missionary who, despite having cerebral palsy, lived a positive, impactful life. His example teaches us that excellence isn't defined by physical abilities, but by our hearts' sincerity and our spirits' resilience.
Serve Others
Service is a powerful way to become an example. By selflessly helping others, we gain experience in humility, empathy, and compassion — qualities that make us more Christlike and influential. Whether it's visiting teaching, visiting the sick, or helping a neighbor in need, serving others helps us become better examples.
The Relief Society, Melchizedek Priesthood, and Young Women/Young Men programs provide ample opportunities for service. Look for these opportunities and seize them, remembering that service is the very heart of the gospel.
Remember, becoming an example isn't about being the brightest star in the skies. It's about shining your unique light consistently, helping others see the path to Christ. As President Dieter F. Uchtdorf put it, 'Be more concerned with your influencing than your imaged influence.' Don't worry about being an example to all. Instead, focus on being an example to one person, and let the ripples of righteousness spread from there.