A Message From the Bishopric

Dear Ward Family,

Time for a new year and many people think of new goals or beginnings. 

Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ can sometimes bring an added level of pressure to become more…a better version of yourself for each new year, trying to become a better disciple of Jesus Christ, which is not a bad thing. 

Elder Uchtdorf said the following: “Developing Christlike attributes in our lives is not an easy task, especially when we move away from generalities and abstractions and begin to deal with real life. The test comes in practicing what we proclaim. The reality check comes when Christlike attributes need to become visible in our lives—as husband or wife, as father or mother, as son or daughter, in our friendships, in our employment, in our business, and in our recreation. 

We can recognize our growth, as can those around us, as we gradually increase our capacity to “act in all holiness before [Him]” (D&C 43:9).” The temptation may be that we call ourselves  hypocrites as we profess to be followers of Christ, but sometimes in our actions we give way to the natural man/woman. 

When we fall short of what we profess our beliefs to be, throwing our hands up in the air and saying, what’s the point in trying? No. Do not listen to this negative voice of giving up. Remember, just like Elder Uchtdorf said above, it’s a gradual process. Celebrate your triumphs as you do well and when you fall short, have a renewed determination to do and be better the next day and you will get there. “Never stop trying” will eventually get you to “The End” wherein you may find rest is my testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.  

--Josh Williams