Just Be Yourself

Howdy Partners,

I learned something new this week, it was a glorious realization and I am so HAPPY!! I have gained a witness of the power of following the example of the Savior in my life. About 4 or 5 weeks ago, I was talking to a missionary who I love and respect a lot named Elder Van Houten. He has been out quite a while and when I was a new missionary he was in my zone! I wanted to be just like him! He is so humble and a very hard worker. I had many examples like that. Elder Wheelock, Elder Harris, Elder Tramell, Elder Hopkins, Elder Cook, Elder Rickson, and many many more. They are the examples that have continually made me want to be a better missionary. At some point though, in trying to be like them, and ultimately trying to be like the Savior, I was trying to forget about who I was. I think I even said the words "forget about who you are and focus on who the Savior is, and He will mold you into what He wants you to be." In a way, this is true, but it goes much deeper than just forgetting who you are! (Which is a hard thing to do). I asked Elder Van Houten one day, "What can I do to improve?" He said, "Man, you have changed a little. Just be yourself" I was taken aback!!! I thought I was supposed to forget myself!!! Haha I can't believe I even thought that.

The example of Jesus Christ is not one that we are supposed to follow in a carbon copy way. In our quest to fulfill the commandment of the Savior to "be ye perfect, even as I and your Father in Heaven are perfect", we are not expected to have the same personality or mannerisms as the Savior, or to take His gifts upon ourselves all at once. We ARE expected to strive to learn His attributes, but WE ARE NOT TO FORGET THE GIFTS AND TALENTS THAT GOD HAS GIVEN US. Christ's example is that of an individual fulfilling all that was asked of Him, an example of taking the gifts and talents that He was given and using them for others. He magnified His callings, and that is what God asks of us. The way that we can follow the example of the Savior is not by forgetting who we are expecting to become like Him, but magnifying our callings and using our gifts and talents to the best of our ability. Our goal should be to "be the best YOU you can be" :) I feel lighter and happier, and I want you each to know that we can be ourselves. Is that not a glorious message from on high?! I seriously felt a weight lift off of my shoulders as I was studying this.

 

I want you to hear more about those we are teaching, and next week I will dedicate my time to that. The other Elders are breathing down our necks for getting them to the library at 1:00 and everyone is hungry. I have to go, but I love you and I admire each of you for living the gospel in a world like this. Just be yourselves, and know that you have talents and gifts to enhance.

I love you all so much.

Love,

-- 

Elder Skyler Mark Andreasen

p.s. I choose Christ