What is the purpose?

I propose a question to you all... What is the purpose of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Have any of you asked yourself that? And if you haven't... take a minute to think about it. What is the purpose? There are many many people in the world who accept Jesus and His teachings but may not be able to answer this question. I would say it's a pretty important one :) Is the Savior and His gospel merely a crutch? Something to lean on and support us when we feel down or discouraged. Is it just something to belief in so that we can feel comfortable about the questions of our soul? We know that these blessings of comfort really do come from the truth, but I testify that the purpose of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is much more! Prayerfully read and ponder this insight from, Elder D. Todd Christofferson, an Apostle of the Lord.

"Our Heavenly Father is a God of high expectations. His expectations for us are expressed by His Son, Jesus Christ, in these words: 'I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect'. He proposes to make us holy so that we may 'abide a celestial glory' and 'dwell in his presence'. He knows what is required, and so, to make our transformation possible, He provides His commandments and covenants, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and most important, the Atonement and Resurrection of His Beloved Son. In all of this, God's purpose is that we, His children, may be able to experience ultimate joy, to be with Him eternally, and to become even as He is... The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become."

Doesn't that make so much sense? So what is the purpose of the gospel? It is a gospel of transformation! The center of the Gospel is Christ's sacrafice, His atonment, which allows us to be cleansed, purified, and transformed as we live His teachings. The covenants and commandments that he gives us are for our growth and development to become more like Christ. The Saviors message is not just one of apathetic belief and not just something to help us feel good about ourselves. In fact, in the scriptures, He doesn't only ask for our commitment, but for our very lives. His message is truly the 'pearl of great price' because it helps us fill our potential. He died for us because He loved us. He taught us because He loves us. And because the Savior loves us He asks us to not only to belief, but to become.

So now... here comes my invitation to anyone who reads this :) I knew you were waiting for it. Prayerfully think of what you want to develop and become- maybe it's strengthening your faith or patience, maybe it's being a better mother or brother- whatever the case I'm sure it's great. Now remember... a to be list without a to do list is just a wish list. So identify specefic things that you can do to become a better person and then do it! I promise that as you do this you will be living the Gospel of Jesus Christ; you will be living your purpose.