Attribute

In Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, an attribute is defined as an inherent characteristic or an object closely associated with or belonging to a specific person, thing, or office.  Also, a word ascribing a quality.

This past week, I've been fervently praying as to what attribute of Christ I need to work more on this semester.  Towards the latter end of last year, I chose to work on service.  I prayed for opportunities to serve those around me that the Lord would have me serve.  I prayed specifically to be able to recognize those opportunities when they presented themselves.  I have grown to love serving others.  I'm definitely not the best at it and am still easily distracted by many things, but I continue to actively look for opportunities to serve.  This year, I've felt prompted to work on being more selfless.  I've been reading in the Book Of Mormon.  Alma 30-35 to be specific.  There's a story in it about an anti-Christ (someone who doesn't believe in Jesus Christ) named, Korihor.  He goes about preaching to the people that there is no God.  He leads away a lot of people and is taken before the chief judges of the land because he is disturbing the peace and persecuting those that do believe in Christ.  I've read this story many times in the Book of Mormon and always thought of Korihor as annoying.  I didn't understand why he didn't leave the saints of God alone.  As much as he didn't believe in God, why did he feel the need to persecute those that believed in God?  I respect others' beliefs so I expect the same courtesy.  Well, my outlook on Korihor has changed.  After watching this video here and re-reading his story in the scriptures, I am now filled with compassion towards him and others like him.

As I watched how grieved Alma is with Korihor and how much he tries to persuade him of the error of his ways, I am filled with compassion towards Korihor because he let himself be deceived by Satan.  I was reminded of the Savior's parable about leaving the 99 sheep to look for the one that went astray.  This was such a perfect example and reminder to me of how perfect the Savior's love is.  How much He loves every single one of us that He paid the ultimate price for our ransom so that we can return to our father in heaven.  I am reminded of our father in heaven's complete love for us that He would give His only begotten son to atone for the sins of so many.  I am reminded daily of the love my father in heaven and Savior have for me personally that they continue to bless me with different people who I cross paths with that make a difference in my life.  Whether it be good or bad, I am always able to take away from the experiences in my life that help shape me into who I am supposed to become.
After re-watching this video and continuing in prayer on which attribute I need to work on this semester, I've come to realize that I need to work on being more selfless.  I need to forget myself and get to work.  Every worth of a soul is paramount in the eyes of the Lord.  He doesn't love those that keep His commandments more than those that don't.  The plan of salvation encompasses all who are willing to come unto Him and believe on His name.  There is only one name under heaven that man can be saved and that name belongs to our dear, beloved Savior, Jesus Christ.  In order to be an instrument in the hands of the Lord, I need to continually strive to be like the Savior.  Just like the Savior says in 3Nephi 27:27, "Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be?  Verily I say unto you, even as I am."  The most selfless man to walk this earth has made it very clear who we are to strive to become like in this earth life.