Men and Women of Christ

by Neal A. Maxwell

In one of his instructive editorial comments Mormon exhorts us not just to accept toe work of God but to lay hold on it. He promises that, thus tightly grasped, it will lead the man and woman of Christ through all the vicissitudes of mortality and thence on to eternal life. To latter-day Saints seeking to tread the straight and narrow path, Men and Women of Christ, a fascinating distillation of relevant prophetic direction though the ages, is a kind of traveler's guide for the journey. The author reminds us that, as its name implies, the geometry of the path does not allow any cutting of corners. Enlightenment increases as the traveler's expanding stride gradually develops his spiritual muscles and he increasingly takes on the cardinal virtues that fortify him against the dangers of the road- qualities such as faith, endurance, meekness, love, patience, gentleness, valiance. These simultaneously equip him for the eventual destination. While it imaginatively employs the metaphor of the path, this book is anything but a literary exercise. Based solidly on the word of God, it buttresses its concepts and arguments with scripture. A persistent theme too is the importance of the ultimate reality- things as they really are and really will be, in Jacob's words- rather than of the vagaries, follies, and temporal extravagances by which the worldly set so much store. And using this sound basis the book clothes anchoring principles in the vivid prose and the inventive phrases that are the mark of Elder Maxwell's appealing style. Practical, reliable, creative, interesting, this "traveler's guide" also is user-friendly all the way. With unusual insight and power it presents from scripture the qualities the true disciple is urged to acquire. And from its built-in indicators one can at any point determine- and then adjust as necessary- one's position on the path that leads form the "natural man" to becoming a man or woman of Christ.

Genres: Lds, Religion, Nonfiction, Faith, Church, Spirituality

152 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1991

About the author

Neal A. Maxwell was well known as an Apostle, author, administrator, and educator. A graduate of the University of Utah, he was the Commissioner of Education for the Church Educational System for six years. He also held a variety of administrative and teaching positions at the University of Utah, including that of executive vice-president.

In 1974 Elder Maxwell was called as an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve. From 1976 to 1981 he served as member of the Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy, and in 1981 was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Elder Maxwell has written numerous books on Latter-day Saint themes, including "If Thou Endure It Well"; "Lord, Increase Our Faith"; "That Ye May Believe"; and "Not My Will, But Thine". He and his wife, Colleen Hinckley Maxwell, had four children.

Elder Maxwell died July 21, 2004.

Reviews

[Joseph D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book Neal A Maxwell talks about what it means to be a follower of Christ. His focus is what it means and also how we make choices that bring us closer or draw us further away. Toward the end he begins to talk about what it means to be perfect and how we can strive for that in our lives. The book held a lot of scriptural references combine with beautiful language and complex grammar really focuses you on the nuances of the message. ​

Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neal A. Maxwell's poetic writing style makes me slow down and think. I particularly reflected on the chapter entitled "Enduring it Well," which discussed how the ironies of life, which violate expectations of what we "deserved" and "lay waste to well intentioned plans" are particularly trying to faith.

[Karen Mosley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elder Maxwell is a scholar whose writing reminds me so much of my father's views and opinions. He has an obvious desire to inspire and encourage his readers to become men and women of Christ through his serious theological study. One favorite quote is: "Without gospel perspective...some cite human misery as a reason to doubt or to deny God. Failing to understand God's plan, some even imply their own moral superiority because, unlike God, they really "care" about human suffering."

[Travis Standley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elder Maxwell is “upper-level” reading for me. Meaning, I don’t always soak it in. Yet his articulation is inspiring. From this book I leave strengthened in my desire to grow and develop my faith and worship, to learn truth and apply it, and become what I’m capable of in Christ. Elder Maxwell leaves me inspired and desiring to be a better follower of Christ.

[Stef Garvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Elder Maxwell's command of language. In reading this inspiring book, I realized his command of language reflects his deep thinking on things of a spiritual nature. I'm inspired to be a better disciple of Christ after reading this book.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words of wisdom from a great teacher and apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. No more can be said.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neal Maxwell is not an easy read, but if I take it slow (which I did with this one) it's easier to understand his writing. I have found I really do love the way he writes. It makes me think and ponder a little more. I love the way he can draw comparisons between ideas and ordinary, everyday things. This book was about what it takes to be a man or woman of Jesus Christ.

"Our full happiness requires our becoming the man or woman of Christ. The meek men and women of Christ are quick to praise but are also able to restrain themselves. They understand that on occasion the biting of the tongue can be as important as the gift of tongues. The man and woman of Christ are easily entreated, but the selfish person is not. Christ never brushed aside those in need because He had bigger things to do. Furthermore, the men and women of Christ are constant, being the same in private as in public. We cannot keep two sets of books while heaven has but one."

A favorite quote from the book: "When, for a moment, we ourselves are not being stretched on a particular cross, we ought to be at the foot of someone else's."

And another: "How many times have good people done the right thing initially only to break under subsequent stress? Sustaining correct conduct for a difficult moment under extraordinary stress is very commendable, but so it coping with sustained stress subtly present in seeming routineness. Either way, however, we are to 'run with patience the race that is set before us' (Hebrews 12:1); and it is a marathon, not a sprint."

[Ina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to read Elder Maxwell's books! So instructive! A couple of quotes from the book that I really liked are:
“Putting one’s hand to the plow without looking back means turning firmly and resolutely away from the past and focusing one’s energies on the future. By pressing forward we hasten any needed forgetting (see Philippians 3:13-14). Thus we obtain a fresh view instead of perpetually letting ourselves ‘droop in sin’ by sagging intellectually or in courage (2 Nephi 4:28).
“As to that portion of our past which is relevant and instructive, the Holy Ghost will bring things to our remembrance. He will comfort us, so that any remembrance can be redemptive in its effect rather than debilitating or discouraging. The Holy Ghost, as our meekness makes possible, is ever working to ensure that we are ‘in a preparation to hear the word’ (Alma 32:6), including that portion of the word most relevant to our circumstances.”

“How could one honor the moral agency of others without having the faith to develop significant patience and longsuffering?

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another excellent book in a long line of excellent books that I have read recently. The middle section of the book is what hit me the hardest. I kept wanting to stop every page and write down all the great quotes....which would have worked out to most of the book. Elder Maxwell talks about many of the hard things in life that we need to give up in order to be a better disciple of Christ. He draws a brilliant picture of the natural man in opposition to the man of Christ and things that we need to do in order to become who we need to. So grateful I read this book. It sure wasn't a quick one to read because I kept having to stop and think about what he just said. I highly recommend this one, but be ready to take a painful look at your faults!

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful discussion on how to awaken our desire to become sons and daughters of Christ and what that quest entails. Good discussion on the "cardinal" attributes of Christ. I particularly liked the chapter which discusses how we are sometimes best tutored by the questions which the Lord and his servants ask. A great read with much insightful instruction.

[Darryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Neal Maxwell has always been one of my favorite speakers and authors. This book is so full of things to think about and learn. I love his poetic style. My only complaint is that I think it could have been better edited. But at the same time, it is so jam-packed with thought provoking material.

[Sherilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Another one helping to gain a greater understanding of our Savior. It takes a lot of time and pondering to read the books by Neal A Maxwell but you gain a greater understanding of the gospel and the role of our Savior in our lifes. Will read His books again

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent work written by Elder Maxwell. This is probably one of my two favorites written by him.

[Myranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

We received this as a wedding gift in '91 - I hadn't realized at the time it was Elder Maxwell's most recent publication. Wonderful book, as all his writings and speeches are.

[Elizabeth S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elder Maxwell discusses what it takes to truly be a man or woman of Christ and the changes we therefore need to accept in our lives.

[Cary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it but, of course, I had to reread most of it as I went along to get the full meaning!

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

A definite worthwhile read! Not my favorite Neal Maxwell book, but in the top 5.

[Regan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Maxwell. Full of great lines and one that stands out to me is "the faith that remembers". Amidst his poetic writing he is always practical.

[Jeff Crosby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maxwell is a personal favorite.