A Pattern for Growth and Mental and Emotional Wellness
The pattern of growth outlined in the children and Youth program can help all of us as we strive to become more like the Savior.
Strive to Be—a Pattern for Growth and Mental and Emotional Wellness
The pattern of growth outlined in the Children and Youth program can help all of us as we strive to become more like the Savior.
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Real growth occurs when we strive to grow in a variety of areas. We learn that “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52). We know little about this period of the Master’s life, but from this verse we learn that He “increased”—He grew—intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially. Many studies suggest that striving to grow in a variety of areas in our life supports healthy emotional and mental wellness.1
Growth and eternal potential are themes of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Our potential to become like Heavenly Father is central to the gospel and helps us feel love, hope, and gratitude.2 President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, taught: “The Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts—what we have done. It is an acknowledgment of the final effect of our acts and thoughts—what we have become. It is not enough for anyone just to go through the motions. The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become.”3
A Pattern for Growth
Children and youth have been invited to follow the pattern of discovering what they need to work on, planning how they will do it, acting on their plan in faith, and reflecting on what they have learned.4 This pattern can help all of us as we strive to grow and become more like the Savior.
For example, Alma taught that “if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you” (Alma 32:27). As we nurture that desire, it grows into what Amulek called “faith unto repentance” (Alma 34:16). The desire of which Alma speaks and the faith of which Amulek testifies do not remain stagnant. Our desire and faith in Jesus Christ lead us to truly repent. And this repentance process leads us to grow continually.
President Russell M. Nelson explained: “Nothing is more liberating, more ennobling, or more crucial to our individual progression than is a regular, daily focus on repentance. Repentance is not an event; it is a process. It is the key to happiness and peace of mind. When coupled with faith, repentance opens our access to the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”5
Growth Requires Commitment
Just as repentance requires continuous work and commitment, real growth occurs when we strive to offer our “whole souls” (Omni 1:26) in a variety of areas. We each have spiritual gifts that can be used to build the kingdom of God. In our pursuit of becoming “a new creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17), we are invited to serve the Lord with all our “heart, might, mind and strength” (Doctrine and Covenants 4:2). As we strive to grow in a variety of areas, we build resilience and strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ, which will help us meet life’s challenges.
Children and youth—and all of us—who set simple, short-term goals to grow spiritually, socially, physically, and intellectually can experience greater emotional and mental wellness. These principles are beyond self-help concepts; they are a healthy approach to striving to become disciples of Jesus Christ so that “when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure” (Moroni 7:48).
Growth Requires Patience and Diligence
To see this complete Ensign article, click. . . . ‘Strive to Be’.
