From the book ‘The Infinite Atonement’ by Tad R. Callister: “Some might wonder what difference it makes whether or not they understand the Atonement, as long as they believe and accept its consequences. Such a need is illustrated by an experience of Florence Chadwick, as shared by Sterling W. Sill. It was July 4, 1952. Chadwick, who had previously swum the English Channel, now attempted the twenty-one mile swim from the southern California mainland to Catalina Island. The water was a freezing 48 degrees. The fog was thick and visibility almost nil. Finally, only half a mile from her destination, she became discouraged and quit. The next day reporters clamored around her asking why she had quit—had it been the cold water or the distance. It proved to be neither. She responded, “I was licked by the fog.” She then recalled a similar experience while swimming the English Channel. Evidently the fog was likewise engulfing. She was exhausted. As she was about to reach out for her father’s hand in the nearby boat, he pointed to the shore. She raised her head out of the water just long enough to see the land ahead. With that new vision, she pressed on and became the first woman to conquer the English Channel.10
The story teaches a magnificent principle: with increased vision can come increased motivation. So it is with the Atonement. As our vision or the Atonement is enhanced, our motivation to embrace its full effects is proportionately increased. President Howard W. Hunter gave this promise: “As we come to understand His mission and the Atonement which He wrought, we will desire to live more like Him.11 The divine consequences of so studying were disclosed by Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “The more we know of Jesus’ Atonement, the more we will humbly and gladly glorify Him, His Atonement, and His character.”12 Finally, Elder Bruce R. McConkie shared his testimony for the need for this spiritual pursuit in our lives:
“The atonement of Christ is the most basic and fundamental doctrine of the gospel, and it is the least understood of all our revealed truths. Many of us have a superficial knowledge and rely upon the Lord and his goodness to see us through the trials and perils of life. But if we are to have the faith like that of Enoch and Elijah, we must believe what they believed, know what they knew, and live as they lived.
“May I invite you to join with me in gaining a sound and sure knowledge of the Atonement.”13
Every attempt to reflect upon the Atonement, to study it, to embrace it, to express appreciation for it, however small or feeble it may be, will kindle the fires of faith and work its miracle to a more Christlike life. It is an inescapable consequence of doing so. We become like those things we habitually love and admire. And thus, as we study Christ’s life and live his teachings, we become more like him.~Tadd R. Callister, The Infinite Atonement (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2000), 30-32 (pocket book edition)
10. Whitney, Through Memories Halls, 83; emphasis added.
11. Maxwell, “But a Few Days,” 7.
12. Roget’s 21st Century Thesaurus, s.v. “atone.”
