Being an Example

Being an example is so important to me.  People learn by what they see more than what they hear you say.  As a member of the Church I am challenged to be a light to the world.  I am the one who will show my kids how to live, and what we believe.  My kids will then share that knowledge with their friends.  What I say and do does matter.  My example will reach farther than I will ever know.  I also learned that we must be willing to set the example and invite others to follow.  We cannot make anyone follow our lead, in fact, doing so will most likely send them in the other direction.  We must take the lead and trust that the Lord will take care of the rest. 

 
1. "As you center your home on the Savior, it will naturally become a refuge not only to your own family but also to friends who live in more difficult circumstances."
Scott, Richard G. "For Peace at Home." Ensign May 2013: 29.

2. "Be a true friend. This kind of enduring friendship is like asphalt that fills in the potholes of life and makes the journey smoother and more pleasant." Scott, Richard G. "For Peace at Home." Ensign May 2013: 29.
 
3. "Become friends with your children's friends. Be a worthy example to them." Scott, Richard G. "For Peace at Home." Ensign May 2013: 29.
 
4. "One of the greatest blessings we can offer to the world is the power of a Christ-centered home where the gospel is taught, covenants are kept, and love abounds."Scott, Richard G. "For Peace at Home." Ensign May 2013: 29.
 
5. "This is what I would hope for each of us—that we might be a light to the world. What is light? Webster’s dictionary lists no less than fifteen definitions for the noun light. I prefer the simple 'something that illuminates.' Just as turning on a light switch in a dark room will bathe the room in light, so providing an example of righteousness—and therefore being a light—can help to illuminate an increasingly dark world." 
Monson, Thomas S. "Be a Light to the World." BYU Devotional November 2011

6. "Our opportunities to shine are limitless. They surround us each day, in whatever circumstance we find ourselves. As we follow the example of the Savior, ours will be the opportunity to be a light, as it were, in the lives of those around us—whether they be our own family members, our coworkers, mere acquaintances, or total strangers." 
Monson, Thomas S. "Be a Light to the World." BYU Devotional November 2011

7. "Some people mistakenly think responses such as silence, meekness, forgiveness, and bearing humble testimony are passive or weak. But to 'love [our] enemies, bless them that curse [us], do good to them that hate [us], and pray for them which despitefully use [us], and persecute [us]' (Matthew 5:44) takes faith, strength, and, most of all, Christian courage."
Hales, Robert D. "That is Christian Courage" New Era July 2009

8.“Besides showing youth the way by example, we lead them by understanding their hearts and walking alongside them on the gospel path. To truly understand their hearts, we must do more than just be in the same room or attend the same family and Church activities. We must plan and take advantage of teaching moments that make a deep and lasting impression upon their minds and hearts.”
Hales, Robert D. "Our Duty to God: The Mission of Parents and Leaders to the Rising Generation" Ensign May 2010

9. "Sisters, don't be afraid to be different in our century! Sometimes we have to be different in order to maintain Church standards. So I repeat, don't be afraid to be different, but be as good as you can be."
Faust, James E. "Your Light - A Standard to All Nations" Ensign May 2006

10. "As we go through life, even through very rough waters, a father's instinctive impulse to cling tightly to his wife or to his children may not be the best way to accomplish his objective. Instead, if he will lovingly cling to the Savior and the iron rod of the gospel, his family will want to cling to him and to the Savior. "This lesson is surely not limited to fathers. Regardless of gender, marital status, or age, individuals can choose to link themselves directly to the Savior, hold fast to the rod of His truth, and lead by the light of that truth. By so doing, they become examples of righteousness to whom others will want to cling."
Nelson, Russell M. "Set in Order Thy House" Ensign November 2001

11. "We are missionaries every day in our families, in our schools, in our places of employment, and in our communities. Regardless of our age, experience, or station in life, we are all missionaries."
Bednar, David A. "Becoming A Missionary" Ensign November 2005