What Manner of Men and Women Ought Ye to Be?

Lesson Summary for Sept 25, 2011, by Liz Thomey

May 2011 Ensign: “What Manner of Men and Women Ought Ye To Be” Taught by Sister Zupi

The question “what manner of men and women ought ye to be” was the topic of Elder Lynn G. Robbins in his April Conference Address. The savior asked this question and answered it in 3 Nephi 27:27 “Even as I am”. As members of the church we must take upon us the name and nature of the Savior.

Sisters listed attributes of the savior that we should acquire, which included service, forgiveness, baptism, teaching good, charity, obedience, humility, prayer, and selfless love.

To Be and To Do are inseparable. We cannot become without first doing. Our personal struggles and sacrifices we endure in able to become more Christ-like are seen by our savior and we are blessed for it.

One sister shared wisdom taught to her from her stepfather. He told her that it’s not what you do that people see that counts, but what you do that people can’t see.

Elder Robbins noted how many of us write “To Do” lists, but challenged us to write “To Be” lists. Sister Zupi asked us to begin writing a To Be list with things we can do in order to reach the goals stated.

Elder Robbins also mentioned that it is important to be careful when disciplining our children. It is important to remember to hate the sin, but not the sinner. He counseled that it is important to help them recognize their own Christ-like attributes. We should ask them questions that highlight ways that they are being Christ-like. For example, “What did you do to help someone else today?” or “How did you exercise faith to get you through a tough situation?” It was noted that children have reasons behind their actions and sometimes you need the spirit to help you understand the reasons for behavior so that you can best help them.