I'm trying to be like Jesus

This week I watched the movie Ephraim’s Rescue for the first time. As we watched it with our investigator I learned some very valuable lessons. I was struck by an exchange near the end when a women tells Ephraim, “You must be a holy man.” His humble response is something like, “I have too many flaws to even count.” Her question to him is then, “Then how do you accomplish so much good?”

His answer is what truly stuck with me, “I try.”

Does trying count in the eyes of God?

We all have grown up with quoting the famous “Do or do not, there is no try.” Although I can appreciate the sentiment trying to be portrayed in this scenario, I believe that our loving and forgiving Heavenly Father recognizes that we will not always be able to accomplish all that is placed before us 

but He asks us to try.

I’m trying to be like Jesus, I’m following in His ways

I’m trying to love as He did, in all that I do and say.

“I do not believe in a God who would set up rules and commandments only to wait for us to fail so He could punish us. I believe in a Heavenly Father who is loving and caring and who rejoices in our every effort to stand tall and walk toward Him. Even when we stumble, He urges us not to be discouraged—never to give up or flee our allotted field of service—but to take courage, find our faith, and keep trying.”

“My dear brothers and sisters, don’t get discouraged if you stumble at times. Don’t feel downcast or despair if you don’t feel worthy to be a disciple of Christ at all times. The first step to walking in righteousness is simply to try. We must try to believe. Try to learn of God: read the scriptures; study the words of His latter-day prophets; choose to listen to the Father, and do the things He asks of us. Try and keep on trying until that which seems difficult becomes possible—and that which seems only possible becomes habit and a real part of you.” –Uchdorf

I know that as we follow this council to try, our efforts will be blessed and through Christ we will be able to accomplish all things. He knows what each of us are capable of becoming and

He will help us to get there if we will try.