eugenehunter

We all have different perspectives, different morals, beliefs, and opinions of what life is about, and what is important in life. I assume most people would say family or personal health. Others might say that financial success or a fruitful career that allows one to have many possessions, or a high standard of living is top priority. There are probably countless other opinions. My beliefs and perspective of life are based on the Latter Day Saint perspective, or in other words, based upon the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

For me, everything is centered around Jesus Christ. If it were not for Him I believe the world would not exist. We would not exist. Not only do I believe in this fact, but also find that our personal happiness comes by learning to live the way that He did. I believe that most would agree with me if they understood my way of thinking. Let me explain my reasoning.

First of all, Jesus Christ loved. His actions were based on love and respect for everyone and everything. If we learn to love as Christ did, and act out of love and respect, we will find less contention in our relationships, because we care about the people we associate with and live with. What kind of love is this? In His own words He tells us, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Second, Christ served. He teaches us, “Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant” (Matthew 20:26–27). True joy comes from serving others without price. We live in a society where the attitudes of “every man for himself” and “Lie, cheat, and steal to get ahead of the next guy” exist and are prominent in many aspects. A service-minded attitude is just the opposite. This leads me to my next point. Christ was about building up; not tearing down. He saw people as who they could become, and did not judge them as they were. The Apostle John observes, “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:17). We should have the disposition to do good in all aspects of our lives, and to build up those around us. As we learn to work together, in unity for a positive cause, we will find joy in our works.

I know that these principles are true. Try them out. I know that the outcomes are real as well, and I know that anyone who puts these principles to the test will obtain happiness and joy in life, no matter what situation they might be in.