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Power to Become
As followers of Christ, our desire is to become like Him. In fact, we have been commanded to do so. But how?
In Power to Become, Elder David A. Bednar explores how the Savior makes possible His divine commission, "Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect" (3 Nephi 12:48).
Chapters in this thought-provoking book highlight the importance of the Atonement, the spiritual gift of personal peace, the importance of priesthood ordinances, and the responsibility we have to obey willingly and endure valiantly.
"As we increase in learning about the Savior and His gospel," Elder Bednar writes, "as we strive with ever greater consistency to act in His doctrine, ordinances, and covenants, then we are blessed with power through His Atonement to increasingly become like Him." Power to Become introduces vital tools we all can use to invite these eternally significant blessings into our lives.
In Power to Become, Elder David A. Bednar explores how the Savior makes possible His divine commission, "Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect" (3 Nephi 12:48).
Chapters in this thought-provoking book highlight the importance of the Atonement, the spiritual gift of personal peace, the importance of priesthood ordinances, and the responsibility we have to obey willingly and endure valiantly.
"As we increase in learning about the Savior and His gospel," Elder Bednar writes, "as we strive with ever greater consistency to act in His doctrine, ordinances, and covenants, then we are blessed with power through His Atonement to increasingly become like Him." Power to Become introduces vital tools we all can use to invite these eternally significant blessings into our lives.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2014
99 people are currently reading
1078 people want to read
About the author
David A. Bednar
17 books212 followersDavid A. Bednar was ordained and set apart as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on October 7, 2004.
Bednar was born on 15 June 1952, in Oakland, California. His mother came from a long line of Latter-day Saints, but Bednar's father did not join the church until Bednar was in his late twenties. He served as a full-time missionary in Southern Germany and then attended Brigham Young University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication in 1976 and a Master of Arts degree in organizational communication in 1977. He then received a Doctorate in organizational behavior from Purdue University in 1980.
From 1980 to 1984, Bednar was the assistant professor of management in the Sam M. Walton College of Business (then College of Business Administration) at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He became assistant professor of management at Texas Tech University from 1984 to 1986. He then moved back to the University of Arkansas as the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies in the Sam M. Walton College of Business from 1987 to 1992 and was then the director of the Management Decision-Making Lab from 1992 to 1997. In 1994, he was recognized as the outstanding teacher at the University of Arkansas and received the Burlington Northern Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching. He has twice been the recipient of the Outstanding Teacher Award in the College of Business Administration.
Bednar then served as the president of Ricks College/Brigham Young University–Idaho from 1997 to 2004 in Rexburg, Idaho. There, he oversaw and managed the transition of the school from, what was at the time, the largest private junior college in the United States, Ricks College, to a four year university, Brigham Young University-Idaho.
Bednar married Susan Kae Robinson in the Salt Lake Temple on 20 March 1975. They are the parents of three sons.
His publications have appeared in Labor and Industrial Relations Review, Academy of Management Review, Human Relations, Quality Progress, Quality Management Journal, Cornell Research Quarterly, National Productivity Review, The Journal of Retail Banking Services, The Journal of Business Communication, The Journal of Business Education, and other journals.
from http://lds.org/church/leader/david-a-...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_A....
http://www.byui.edu/president/presbio...
Bednar was born on 15 June 1952, in Oakland, California. His mother came from a long line of Latter-day Saints, but Bednar's father did not join the church until Bednar was in his late twenties. He served as a full-time missionary in Southern Germany and then attended Brigham Young University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication in 1976 and a Master of Arts degree in organizational communication in 1977. He then received a Doctorate in organizational behavior from Purdue University in 1980.
From 1980 to 1984, Bednar was the assistant professor of management in the Sam M. Walton College of Business (then College of Business Administration) at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He became assistant professor of management at Texas Tech University from 1984 to 1986. He then moved back to the University of Arkansas as the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies in the Sam M. Walton College of Business from 1987 to 1992 and was then the director of the Management Decision-Making Lab from 1992 to 1997. In 1994, he was recognized as the outstanding teacher at the University of Arkansas and received the Burlington Northern Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching. He has twice been the recipient of the Outstanding Teacher Award in the College of Business Administration.
Bednar then served as the president of Ricks College/Brigham Young University–Idaho from 1997 to 2004 in Rexburg, Idaho. There, he oversaw and managed the transition of the school from, what was at the time, the largest private junior college in the United States, Ricks College, to a four year university, Brigham Young University-Idaho.
Bednar married Susan Kae Robinson in the Salt Lake Temple on 20 March 1975. They are the parents of three sons.
His publications have appeared in Labor and Industrial Relations Review, Academy of Management Review, Human Relations, Quality Progress, Quality Management Journal, Cornell Research Quarterly, National Productivity Review, The Journal of Retail Banking Services, The Journal of Business Communication, The Journal of Business Education, and other journals.
from http://lds.org/church/leader/david-a-...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_A....
http://www.byui.edu/president/presbio...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
March 11, 2014
David A. Bednar was on his elliptical, working out one day, looking at the gift his wife had given him on the wall (a framed copy of his first book cover) when the thought came into his mind that " there were three books."
He was not done writing with Increase in Learning--as originally planned, but was to create a trilogy of interactive related gospel titles. And so began the journey of writing two more books.
Bednar chose a platform never before used at Deseret Book-- interactive videos embedded within the e book that allow readers to watch and learn as well as to read. Each print copy of the book comes with a DVD, and has scannable QR codes printed at the end of each chapter, so that the owner can view coreusponding videos.
For me, personally, this experience of seeing Q& A sessions with the author and his wife really brought home what I was reading. I internalized things more concretely and felt I had a chance to learn lessons at an apostle's knee. Both a short and long version of the video clips with couples, youth, women and an interview with CEO Sheri Dew are available online at Seek by Deseret Book.
I've never before taken as much time as I did with Power to Become to absorb the words I was reading. The pages are printed with a wide margin around the edge for readers to take notes as they are reading. Writing exercises at the end of each chapter gave me a chance to record and apply.
I had many impressions come into my mind while being tutored by Elder Bednar. He is a man of action. He wants us to take the step of faith first, as Nephi "not knowing beforehand what we should do", then wait for the path to become clear. Power to Become was a life changing book for me. I learned through the stories and scriptures shared how I can one day stand before my Heavenly Father and be as He is. But I can not do it alone. I need the help of the atonement.
With personal insights, commentary from multiple perspectives and a wealth of available teaching materials, this series by Elder David A Bednar is amazing.
Dive in with your whole heart and use all three of his books as a step towards becoming who you are meant to be.
He was not done writing with Increase in Learning--as originally planned, but was to create a trilogy of interactive related gospel titles. And so began the journey of writing two more books.
Bednar chose a platform never before used at Deseret Book-- interactive videos embedded within the e book that allow readers to watch and learn as well as to read. Each print copy of the book comes with a DVD, and has scannable QR codes printed at the end of each chapter, so that the owner can view coreusponding videos.
For me, personally, this experience of seeing Q& A sessions with the author and his wife really brought home what I was reading. I internalized things more concretely and felt I had a chance to learn lessons at an apostle's knee. Both a short and long version of the video clips with couples, youth, women and an interview with CEO Sheri Dew are available online at Seek by Deseret Book.
I've never before taken as much time as I did with Power to Become to absorb the words I was reading. The pages are printed with a wide margin around the edge for readers to take notes as they are reading. Writing exercises at the end of each chapter gave me a chance to record and apply.
I had many impressions come into my mind while being tutored by Elder Bednar. He is a man of action. He wants us to take the step of faith first, as Nephi "not knowing beforehand what we should do", then wait for the path to become clear. Power to Become was a life changing book for me. I learned through the stories and scriptures shared how I can one day stand before my Heavenly Father and be as He is. But I can not do it alone. I need the help of the atonement.
With personal insights, commentary from multiple perspectives and a wealth of available teaching materials, this series by Elder David A Bednar is amazing.
Dive in with your whole heart and use all three of his books as a step towards becoming who you are meant to be.
December 22, 2014
I love and appreciate Elder Bednar! He sure helps me think deep thoughts.
March 21, 2014
This is the third book in Elder Bednar's series. The first book is Increase in Learning and the second book is Act in Doctrine. The first thing I noticed about this book is that there are wide margins to take notes and questions to consider at the end of each chapter, along with space to write your own questions and feelings about what you've read. That encouraged me to get out my scripture markers and start highlighting. Since everything can easily be highlighted, I limited it to what I felt spoke to me particularly at this time.
There are only 5 chapters in this book but each one is meat-filled and takes a while to digest. Here's just a taste: Chapter One talks about what it means to become and the role the Savior's Atonement plays in our lives. Chapter Two talks about the spiritual gift of personal peace and he shows us the pattern that invites the gift of peace into our lives. In Chapter Three, he discusses Priesthood ordinances and willing obedience. I loved the section about obedience operating at a number of different levels and the explanation of that. Chapter Four is about enduring valiantly and what that entails.
In Chapter Five, he brings everything together from all three books, briefly reviewing the sequence and basic concepts and principles from each book (Increase in Learning, Act in Doctrine and Power to Become.) I really enjoyed this chapter as I haven't read the first two books and feel like I got to sample the teachings in those books and look forward to reading them as well!
This book is filled with scriptures, quotes, stories and hymns. I loved that the most. Music is a big part of my life and I enjoyed reading his words and then reading the words of a hymn that reinforced what he spoke about. I know I've only scratched the surface of what I can learn from this book. This is definitely a book I will read again and again and look forward to getting more and more out of it every time I do!
Mel's Shelves
There are only 5 chapters in this book but each one is meat-filled and takes a while to digest. Here's just a taste: Chapter One talks about what it means to become and the role the Savior's Atonement plays in our lives. Chapter Two talks about the spiritual gift of personal peace and he shows us the pattern that invites the gift of peace into our lives. In Chapter Three, he discusses Priesthood ordinances and willing obedience. I loved the section about obedience operating at a number of different levels and the explanation of that. Chapter Four is about enduring valiantly and what that entails.
In Chapter Five, he brings everything together from all three books, briefly reviewing the sequence and basic concepts and principles from each book (Increase in Learning, Act in Doctrine and Power to Become.) I really enjoyed this chapter as I haven't read the first two books and feel like I got to sample the teachings in those books and look forward to reading them as well!
This book is filled with scriptures, quotes, stories and hymns. I loved that the most. Music is a big part of my life and I enjoyed reading his words and then reading the words of a hymn that reinforced what he spoke about. I know I've only scratched the surface of what I can learn from this book. This is definitely a book I will read again and again and look forward to getting more and more out of it every time I do!
Mel's Shelves
June 27, 2018
Every time I spent serious time with this book, I'd find something worth sharing - with Suzy, with my kids, or with my ward. And often I ended up sharing with all three.
What I like about Elder Bednar's books are that they provoke and encourage thought and meditation. The margins are extra wide for note taking. Each chapter ends with a series of questions and space to write contemplative answers. And each section comes with a QR code that leads to videos of Elder Bednar addressing related topics and taking questions from a group of people who read the book pre-publication. So it's not the kind of book that's just a collection of General Conference talks. This - like his other books - forces the reader to be introspective and move beyond rote Sunday School answers.
What I like about Elder Bednar's books are that they provoke and encourage thought and meditation. The margins are extra wide for note taking. Each chapter ends with a series of questions and space to write contemplative answers. And each section comes with a QR code that leads to videos of Elder Bednar addressing related topics and taking questions from a group of people who read the book pre-publication. So it's not the kind of book that's just a collection of General Conference talks. This - like his other books - forces the reader to be introspective and move beyond rote Sunday School answers.
May 20, 2024
A great series for pondering I am on my journey to becoming like Christ.
February 19, 2025
Very insightful book about becoming a better disciple of Christ.
September 6, 2018
This is fantastic! The whole series is great--Increase in Learning, Act in Doctrine, and Power to Become. I love how they build upon each other.
April 18, 2017
This is a wonderful book. Elder Bednar is like another McConkie or Maxwell. He has deep insights that truly lead you in strong doctrinal truths, if you study what he teaches prayerfully, you can't help but to progress. This is the third book in a series he has done, and any Latter-Day Saint searching for spiritual growth and a stronger testimony of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, will appreciate Elder Bednar's works here.
There are margins on every page to express your own thoughts and personal revelation. I used them quite a bit, and appreciated the addition to the book.
He consistently uses scripture throughout the book and truly leads you on a thorough study of the word of God.
There are margins on every page to express your own thoughts and personal revelation. I used them quite a bit, and appreciated the addition to the book.
He consistently uses scripture throughout the book and truly leads you on a thorough study of the word of God.
March 17, 2014
Power to Become expands on the principles taught by Elder Bednar in his previous books, Increase in Learning and Act in Doctrine, but readers need not have read these first two books to be inspired and taught by this one.
Power to Become is formatted to be studied section by section, with large margins for notes, questions to consider at the end of each chapter, and pages for documenting the reader’s questions, answers, thoughts, and inspirations. At first I hesitated at the thought of writing in this beautiful book, but soon I was putting my pencil to use. Nearly every page is marked with underlines, stars, brackets, and comments in the margins.
I love Elder Bednar’s approach to learning and studying the gospel. It is plainly spoken and easy to understand. I have been focusing on obedience the last few months, so “Chapter 3: Power to Become, Priesthood Ordinances, and Willing Obedience” is the most heavily marked chapter in my book. Elder Bednar speaks of finding peace, having faith in Christ, praying for strength to endure rather than to be spared our trials, and enduring valiantly, as well as the importance of priesthood ordinances and covenants.
There are relevant quotes and hymns shared in each section, and the questions Elder Bednar asks after each chapter made me ponder and take time to seriously consider my answers. They would also make great discussion questions for family time around the dinner table or in Family Home Evening with older children, couples, or groups.
I appreciate the new perspective and the strengthening of my testimony that have come from studying this book. I highly recommend Power to Become, as well as Increase in Learning and Act in Doctrine, as a way to better understand the gospel and grow closer to the Savior.
Review originally published on LDS Women's Book Review -- www.ldswbr.com
FTC FYI: received a free hardcover review copy from the publisher in exchange for on honest review
Power to Become is formatted to be studied section by section, with large margins for notes, questions to consider at the end of each chapter, and pages for documenting the reader’s questions, answers, thoughts, and inspirations. At first I hesitated at the thought of writing in this beautiful book, but soon I was putting my pencil to use. Nearly every page is marked with underlines, stars, brackets, and comments in the margins.
I love Elder Bednar’s approach to learning and studying the gospel. It is plainly spoken and easy to understand. I have been focusing on obedience the last few months, so “Chapter 3: Power to Become, Priesthood Ordinances, and Willing Obedience” is the most heavily marked chapter in my book. Elder Bednar speaks of finding peace, having faith in Christ, praying for strength to endure rather than to be spared our trials, and enduring valiantly, as well as the importance of priesthood ordinances and covenants.
There are relevant quotes and hymns shared in each section, and the questions Elder Bednar asks after each chapter made me ponder and take time to seriously consider my answers. They would also make great discussion questions for family time around the dinner table or in Family Home Evening with older children, couples, or groups.
I appreciate the new perspective and the strengthening of my testimony that have come from studying this book. I highly recommend Power to Become, as well as Increase in Learning and Act in Doctrine, as a way to better understand the gospel and grow closer to the Savior.
Review originally published on LDS Women's Book Review -- www.ldswbr.com
FTC FYI: received a free hardcover review copy from the publisher in exchange for on honest review
March 11, 2014
One of the things I love about Elder Bednar is his careful precision in everything he says. When I read his words I know that each word has been carefully thought out and applied. This book is a follow up to his previous books, Increasing in Learning and Act in Doctrine. In this book, Elder Bednar highlights the importance of continuing the journey to perfection by increasing in learning, acting in doctrine in order to receive the 'power to become' like our Savior through the Atonement. I really liked that the book is set up to be used, meaning written in, there is room in the margins specifically for taking notes with questions and references at the end of each chapter along with room to write one's findings and feelings and thoughts. This is truly a book to be studied along with the scriptures and other references that are abundant. There are also discussion videos that can be accessed through the codes in the book or through YouTube. Truly a wonderful book and one I can highly, highly recommend.
June 4, 2020
These series of books has been wonderful! I wish that Elder Bednar would do an online event to go with all of his books. There is SO MUCH to learn from these books! They could be read over and over and you would get something new each time.
One of my favorite chapters that seemed to bring all of his books into one was called POWER TO BECOME AND ALL THINGS GATHERED TOGETHER IN ONE. Bednar says in this chapter: "As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, our individual responsibility is to learn what we should learn, to act and live as we know we should act and live, and to become what the Master would have us become. These three fundamental and interrelated gospel imperatives--LEARNING, ACTING, AND BECOMING--are central to our spiritual development and happiness in mortality and our progress throughout eternity.
Precious perspective and expanded spiritual capacity result from "GATHERING TOGETHER IN ONE ALL THINGS IN CHRIST, BOTH WHICH ARE IN HEAVEN, AND WHICH ARE ON EARTH; EVEN IN HIM" (Ephesians 1:10). The power of the Savior's gospel to bless and guide us comes from the CONNECTEDNESS and INTERRELATEDNESS of its DOCTRINES, PRINCIPLES and PRACTICES. Only as we GATHER TOGETHER IN ONE ALL THINGS IN CHRIST CAN WE DILIGENTLY STRIVE TO BECOME WHAT GOD DESIRES US TO BECOME AND ENDURE VALIANTLY TO THE END."
Simply performing and dutifully checking off all of the things on our lengthy gospel "to do" list do not necessarily enable us to receive His image in our countenances or bring about the mighty change of heart.
--"UNDERSTANDING is the keystone that is erected upon the cornerstone of KNOWLEDGE and precedes INTELLIGENCE. The word UNDERSTANDING is commonly described in the scriptures in relation to the heart." This makes me think of the quote: "True doctrine understood changes attitudes and behavior." "Interestingly the word UNDERSTANDING is commonly described in the scriptures in relation to the heart. ...when the Holy Ghost confirms in our hearts as true what we know in our minds, understanding occurs.
We begin to obtain UNDERSTANDING and EXPERIENCE A MIGHTY CHANGE OF HEART as testimony and conviction move from our heads to our hearts. UNDERSTANDING, then, is a REVEALED CONCLUSION AND A SPIRITUAL GIFT.
INTELLIGENCE is the righteous APPLICATION of KNOWLEDGE and UNDERSTANDING in ACTION and JUDGMENT. It is the capstone that is constructed upon the cornerstone of knowledge and made stable by the keystone of understanding (I'd like a picture of this!). RIGHTEOUS ACTION GROWS OUT OF UNDERSTANDING. But, INTELLIGENCE involves more than just KNOWING. If you and I are intelligent, we will consistently do the right things. INTELLIGENCE IS LIVING IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE DOCTRINES OF THE GOSPEL ARE AN ACTIVE AND INTEGRAL PART OF WHO WE ARE, AND WHAT WE DO AND WHAT WE THINK.
From the subtitle: PRAYERFUL INQUIRY: ASKING, SEEKING, AND KNOCKING in this chapter of ALL THINGS GATHERED IN I loved the following: "INQUIRE is an action word. Inquiring of the Lord requires from us much more than merely our routinely asking; it is a SPIRITUALLY DEMANDING AND RIGOROUS PROCESS. Sincere DESIRE, diligent PREPARATION, earnest REPENTANCE, and faithful CONFIDENCE in and commitment TO ACT upon the expected instruction precede prayerful inquiry." Think of Joseph Smith with the first vision, or receiving the Aaronic priesthood, etc. "Prayerful inquiry is a necessary prerequisite to inspiration and revelation."
From the subtitle DOCTRINES, PRINCIPLES, AND APPLICATIONS: A FRAMEWORK FOR GOSPEL LEARNING: A GOSPEL DOCTRINE is a TRUTH. GOSPEL DOCTRINES are ETERNAL, DO NOT CHANGE. GOSPEL DOCTRINES ANSWER THE QUESTION OF 'WHY'?
A GOSPEL PRINCIPLE is a doctrinally based GUIDELINE for the righteous exercise of moral agency. PRINCIPLES are SUBSETS or COMPONENTS of broader GOSPEL TRUTHS and PROVIDE DIRECTION. Correct principles always are based upon and arise from doctrines, DO NOT CHANGE, and ANSWER THE QUESTION OF 'WHAT'? Many principles can grow out of and be associated with a single doctrine. For example, the doctrine of the plan of happiness gives rise to such principles as obedience, service, and progression.
A PRINCIPLE IS NOT A BEHAVIOR OR A SPECIFIC ACTION. RATHER, PRINCIPLES PROVIDE BASIC GUIDELINES FOR BEHAVIOR AND ACTION.
APPLICATIONS are the ACTUAL BEHAVIORS, ACTIONS STEPS, PRACTICES OR PROCEDURES. APPLICATIONS ANSWER THE QUESTION OF 'HOW'?
From the CHARACTER OF CHRIST: Character is demonstrated by looking, turning, and reaching outward when the instinctive response of the "natural man" in each of us is to turn inward and to be selfish and self-absorbed. It is possible for us as mortals to strive in righteousness to receive the spiritual GIFTS associated with the capacity to reach outward even in our own times of distress. We cannot obtain such a capacity through SHEER WILLPOWER OR PERSONAL DETERMINATION. RATHER WE NEED...THE GRACE OF THE MESSIAH...the essential first step in reducing the disparity between gospel knowledge and righteous behavior is learning about and emulating the character of Christ.
CONVERSION TO THE LORD: As we INCREASE IN LEARNING, TURN TO THE SAVIOR, AND ACT in doctrine, our personal testimonies of Him and of His gospel are strengthened and we BECOME more fully converted.
Note that CONVERSION IS MIGHTY, NOT MINOR--A SPIRITUAL REBIRTH AND FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE OF WHAT WE THINK AND FEEL, WHAT WE DESIRE AND DO and what we aRE and strive to BECOME.
Whereas a TESTIMONY is a SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE OF TRUTH OBTAINED THROUGH THE POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST, CONVERSION IS DEEPENING DEVOTION TO AND CONSISTENT APPLICATION OF THE KNOWLEDGE WE HAVE RECEIVED. Knowing that the gospel is true is the essence of testimony. Consistently BEING TRUE to the gospel we know is the essence of CONVERSION.
One of my favorite chapters that seemed to bring all of his books into one was called POWER TO BECOME AND ALL THINGS GATHERED TOGETHER IN ONE. Bednar says in this chapter: "As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, our individual responsibility is to learn what we should learn, to act and live as we know we should act and live, and to become what the Master would have us become. These three fundamental and interrelated gospel imperatives--LEARNING, ACTING, AND BECOMING--are central to our spiritual development and happiness in mortality and our progress throughout eternity.
Precious perspective and expanded spiritual capacity result from "GATHERING TOGETHER IN ONE ALL THINGS IN CHRIST, BOTH WHICH ARE IN HEAVEN, AND WHICH ARE ON EARTH; EVEN IN HIM" (Ephesians 1:10). The power of the Savior's gospel to bless and guide us comes from the CONNECTEDNESS and INTERRELATEDNESS of its DOCTRINES, PRINCIPLES and PRACTICES. Only as we GATHER TOGETHER IN ONE ALL THINGS IN CHRIST CAN WE DILIGENTLY STRIVE TO BECOME WHAT GOD DESIRES US TO BECOME AND ENDURE VALIANTLY TO THE END."
Simply performing and dutifully checking off all of the things on our lengthy gospel "to do" list do not necessarily enable us to receive His image in our countenances or bring about the mighty change of heart.
--"UNDERSTANDING is the keystone that is erected upon the cornerstone of KNOWLEDGE and precedes INTELLIGENCE. The word UNDERSTANDING is commonly described in the scriptures in relation to the heart." This makes me think of the quote: "True doctrine understood changes attitudes and behavior." "Interestingly the word UNDERSTANDING is commonly described in the scriptures in relation to the heart. ...when the Holy Ghost confirms in our hearts as true what we know in our minds, understanding occurs.
We begin to obtain UNDERSTANDING and EXPERIENCE A MIGHTY CHANGE OF HEART as testimony and conviction move from our heads to our hearts. UNDERSTANDING, then, is a REVEALED CONCLUSION AND A SPIRITUAL GIFT.
INTELLIGENCE is the righteous APPLICATION of KNOWLEDGE and UNDERSTANDING in ACTION and JUDGMENT. It is the capstone that is constructed upon the cornerstone of knowledge and made stable by the keystone of understanding (I'd like a picture of this!). RIGHTEOUS ACTION GROWS OUT OF UNDERSTANDING. But, INTELLIGENCE involves more than just KNOWING. If you and I are intelligent, we will consistently do the right things. INTELLIGENCE IS LIVING IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE DOCTRINES OF THE GOSPEL ARE AN ACTIVE AND INTEGRAL PART OF WHO WE ARE, AND WHAT WE DO AND WHAT WE THINK.
From the subtitle: PRAYERFUL INQUIRY: ASKING, SEEKING, AND KNOCKING in this chapter of ALL THINGS GATHERED IN I loved the following: "INQUIRE is an action word. Inquiring of the Lord requires from us much more than merely our routinely asking; it is a SPIRITUALLY DEMANDING AND RIGOROUS PROCESS. Sincere DESIRE, diligent PREPARATION, earnest REPENTANCE, and faithful CONFIDENCE in and commitment TO ACT upon the expected instruction precede prayerful inquiry." Think of Joseph Smith with the first vision, or receiving the Aaronic priesthood, etc. "Prayerful inquiry is a necessary prerequisite to inspiration and revelation."
From the subtitle DOCTRINES, PRINCIPLES, AND APPLICATIONS: A FRAMEWORK FOR GOSPEL LEARNING: A GOSPEL DOCTRINE is a TRUTH. GOSPEL DOCTRINES are ETERNAL, DO NOT CHANGE. GOSPEL DOCTRINES ANSWER THE QUESTION OF 'WHY'?
A GOSPEL PRINCIPLE is a doctrinally based GUIDELINE for the righteous exercise of moral agency. PRINCIPLES are SUBSETS or COMPONENTS of broader GOSPEL TRUTHS and PROVIDE DIRECTION. Correct principles always are based upon and arise from doctrines, DO NOT CHANGE, and ANSWER THE QUESTION OF 'WHAT'? Many principles can grow out of and be associated with a single doctrine. For example, the doctrine of the plan of happiness gives rise to such principles as obedience, service, and progression.
A PRINCIPLE IS NOT A BEHAVIOR OR A SPECIFIC ACTION. RATHER, PRINCIPLES PROVIDE BASIC GUIDELINES FOR BEHAVIOR AND ACTION.
APPLICATIONS are the ACTUAL BEHAVIORS, ACTIONS STEPS, PRACTICES OR PROCEDURES. APPLICATIONS ANSWER THE QUESTION OF 'HOW'?
From the CHARACTER OF CHRIST: Character is demonstrated by looking, turning, and reaching outward when the instinctive response of the "natural man" in each of us is to turn inward and to be selfish and self-absorbed. It is possible for us as mortals to strive in righteousness to receive the spiritual GIFTS associated with the capacity to reach outward even in our own times of distress. We cannot obtain such a capacity through SHEER WILLPOWER OR PERSONAL DETERMINATION. RATHER WE NEED...THE GRACE OF THE MESSIAH...the essential first step in reducing the disparity between gospel knowledge and righteous behavior is learning about and emulating the character of Christ.
CONVERSION TO THE LORD: As we INCREASE IN LEARNING, TURN TO THE SAVIOR, AND ACT in doctrine, our personal testimonies of Him and of His gospel are strengthened and we BECOME more fully converted.
Note that CONVERSION IS MIGHTY, NOT MINOR--A SPIRITUAL REBIRTH AND FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE OF WHAT WE THINK AND FEEL, WHAT WE DESIRE AND DO and what we aRE and strive to BECOME.
Whereas a TESTIMONY is a SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE OF TRUTH OBTAINED THROUGH THE POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST, CONVERSION IS DEEPENING DEVOTION TO AND CONSISTENT APPLICATION OF THE KNOWLEDGE WE HAVE RECEIVED. Knowing that the gospel is true is the essence of testimony. Consistently BEING TRUE to the gospel we know is the essence of CONVERSION.
April 6, 2014
Loved this thought provoking book which I read on my I-Pad, but I need to go back through it with a hard copy so I can highlight and write notes in the margins to get the most personal growth. It is insightful and thought provoking. There are good assignments to complete. An excellent read I recommend.
July 13, 2014
What a great book-the last in a trilogy. The book is filled with insights from the scriptures and personal situations with teaching moments. There is a DVD that goes a long with the book-Elder Bednar has a group of women, couples, young adults and youth who ask him questions and he gives such amazing answers that make you think about situations you have been in or are currently in.
June 25, 2015
If anything please read the first two chapters on the Atonement and personal peace. They are insightful and uplifting and full of inspiring counsel that has made a strong impact on the way I think about faith, trials, and the Atonement. Apparently this is a trilogy - I can't wait to check out the other books!
July 30, 2015
I love this book and the complete series by Elder Bednar – learning, acting, and becoming! This is an inspiring reminder of our individual responsibility to become like our Savior. There are many wonderful stories, scriptures, and quotes from other apostles and prophets about these important principles.
In order to become like Jesus Christ we must understand His love and grace and Atonement and believe that He can help us become better. I liked the chapter on peace and the reminder that ultimate peace comes only from Jesus Christ and we can have that peace in our life today. I also appreciated the clarity with which Elder Bednar talks about the importance of obedience, faith, humility, priesthood ordinances, the power of godliness, and enduring valiantly.
These are books and principles I will return to often! Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
“‘As many as receive me, to them will I give power to become the sons [and daughters] of God, even to them that believe on my name (D&C 11:30, p. xi).’”
“‘The Apostle Paul taught that the Lord’s teachings and teachers were given that we may all attain ‘the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ’ (Eph. 4:13). This process requires far more than acquiring knowledge. It is not even enough for us to be convince of the gospel; we must act and think so that we are converted by it. In contrast to the institutions of the world, which teach us to know something, the gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to become something....From such teachings we conclude that the Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts—what we have done. It is an acknowledgement 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 (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, p. 3).’”
“One of the greatest indicators of righteous character is the capacity to recognize and appropriately respond to other people who are experiencing the very challenge or adversity that is most immediately and forcefully pressing upon us. Character is revealed, for example, in the power to discern the suffering of other people when we ourselves are suffering; in the ability to detect the hunger of others when we are hungry; and in the power to reach out and extend compassion for the spiritual agony of others when we are in the midst of our own spiritual distress. Thus, character is demonstrated by looking, turning, and reaching outward when the instinctive respond of the ‘natural man’ is to turn inward and to be selfish and self-absorbed (p. 11).”
“‘The purpose of the gospel…is to make bad men good and good men better, and to change human nature (President David O. McKay, p. 13).’”
“It is one thing to know that Jesus Christ came to earth to die for us—that is fundamental and foundational to the doctrine of Christ. But we also need to appreciate that the Lord desires, through His Atonement and by the power of the Holy Ghost, to live in us—not only to direct us but also to empower us (p. 15).”
“It is especially interesting to me that Nephi did not pray to have his circumstances changed. Rather, he prayed for the strength to change his circumstances. And I believe he prayed and asked in faith in this manner precisely because he knew, understood, and had experienced the enabling power of the Savior made possible through His Atonement (p. 18).”
“In those circumstances I probably would have prayed for something else to eat: ‘Heavenly Father, please send me a quail or a buffalo.’ It likely would not have occurred to me to pray that my stomach would be strengthened and adapted to the food available to us. What did Daniel W. Jones know? He knew about the enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He did not pray that his circumstances would be changed. He prayed that he would be strengthened to deal with his circumstances. Just as Alma and his people, Alma the Younger, Amulek, and Nephi were strengthened, Daniel W. Jones had the spiritual insight to know what to ask for in that prayer (p. 22).”
“Making and keeping sacred covenants yokes us to and with the Lord Jesus Christ. In essence, the Savior is beckoning us to rely upon and pull together with Him, even though our best efforts are not equal to and cannot compare with His (p. 25).”
“Personal peace provides a perspective, a settledness, and a tranquility that help us to keep our focus fixed on our eternal destination—in spite of life’s challenges and disappointments (p. 36).”
“Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ—that is, total trust in Him, complete confidence in Him, and a ready reliance on His merits, mercy, and grace—leads to hope (p. 46).”
“The wise older friend went on to point out that all the other items on the list were available to many, but that peace of mind was rare indeed, a gift that most people would seek for in vain all their lives (p. 49).”
“‘I have learned that not shrinking is more important than surviving (Elder Neal A. Maxwell, p. 51).’”
“‘No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God…and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire (Elder Orson F. Whitney, p. 52).’”
“‘John, do you have the faith not to be healed? If it is the will of our Heavenly Father that you are transferred by death in your youth to the spirit world to continue your ministry, do you have the faith to submit to His will and not be healed (p. 56)?’”
“‘We learned we needed to gain the faith that the Lord is in charge whatever the outcome may be, and He will guide us from where we are to where we need to be. As we prayed, our petitions change from ‘Please make me whole’ to ‘Please give me the faith to accept whatever outcome Thou hast planned for me (p. 58).’’”
“‘In that moment I had to ask myself, ‘Do I really believe this? Do I really believe He calmed the waters that day? Or is it just a nice story to read about?’ The answer is: I do believe, and because I know He calmed the waters, I instantly knew He could heal me….I knew that having faith—at least in my circumstance—was not necessarily knowing that He would heal me, but that He could heal me. I had to believe that He could, and then whether it happened was up to Him (p. 60).’”
“The Lord Jesus Christ is the only source of enduing personal peace (p. 63).”
“‘Ordinances and covenants become our credentials for admission into His presence. To worthily receive them is the quest of a lifetime; to keep them thereafter is the challenge of mortality (President Boyd K. Packer, p. 78).’”
“The Savior’s pathway to perfection was marked by complete and willing obedience and submission to the will of the Father (p. 85).”
“‘When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power (President Ezra Taft Benson, p. 89).’”
“The home is the ideal place for learning, teaching, and applying gospel principles. Latter-day prophets have urged families to give highest priority to family prayer, family home evening, gospel study and instruction, and wholesome family activities (p. 98).”
“‘Even yesterday’s spiritual experience, however, does not guarantee us against tomorrow’s relapse. Persistence thus matters greatly (Elder Neal A. Maxwell, p. 111).’”
“A powerful pattern the Lord uses to advance His work and to tutor Heavenly Father’s children upon the earth is that of ‘small and simple things (p. 112).’”
“In contrast to what we so often observe in the world, the Lord typically ministers ‘one by one.’ He enables us to learn ‘line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little.’ And He accomplishes His work by bring to pass great things through small and simple means (p. 113).”
“‘What in the world are you doing here this early with all these kids?’….I have never forgotten what I felt and learned as I looked into the back of that van and answered for myself the question I had posed to this sister. That young mother was a most remarkable example of selfless service. She simply was willing to do whatever was necessary in order for her child to have the blessing of gospel instruction and the companionship of the Holy Ghost through seminary (p. 117).”
“What was it that enabled Moses to withstand the fiery darts of the adversary? How was he able to resist the influence of the great deceiver? Moses knew his divine identity—that he was a child of God. Protective power flows from a correct understanding of who we are, of our relationship to God, and of our mortal purpose and eternal destiny (p. 127).”
“As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, our individual responsibility is to learn what we should learn, to act and live as we know we should act and live, and to become what the Master would have us become. These three fundamental and interrelated gospel imperatives—learning, acting, and becoming—are central to our spiritual development and happiness in mortality and our progress through eternity (p. 148).”
“Simply performing and dutifully checking off all of the things on our lengthy gospel ‘to do’ list do not necessarily enable us to receive His image in our countenances or bring about the mighty change of heart (p. 149).”
“Each and every member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints bears a personal responsibility to learn and live the truths of the Savior’s restored gospel and to receive by proper authority the ordinances of salvation. We should not expect the Church as an organization to teach us or tell us all of the things we need to know and do to become devoted disciples and endure valiantly to the end. The moral agency afforded to all of Father’s children through the plan of salvation and the Atonement of Jesus Christ is divinely designed to facilitate our individual and independent learning, acting, and ultimately, becoming (p. 149).”
“Whereas a testimony is spiritual knowledge of truth obtained through the power of the Holy Ghost, conversion is deepening devotion to and consistent application of the knowledge we have received. Knowing that the gospel is true is the essence of testimony. Consistently being true to the gospel we know is the essence of conversion. We can be constant and true to many worthwhile things, but ultimately we must be converted unto the Lord and the things that are spiritually and eternally essential. We should both know the gospel is true and constantly be true to the gospel (p. 160).”
“Priesthood ordinances open the door and provide access to the power of godliness (p. 168).”
“Consider the responsibility each of us has as a disciple to obtain an actual knowledge that the course of life we are pursuing is according to God’s will. Can such knowledge be obtained in mortality? Can I truly come to know that the path I am pursuing in my life pleases God? And if it is possible to know these things, how can I know? Such questions indeed are some of the most pointed and poignant questions of the soul (p. 172).”
In order to become like Jesus Christ we must understand His love and grace and Atonement and believe that He can help us become better. I liked the chapter on peace and the reminder that ultimate peace comes only from Jesus Christ and we can have that peace in our life today. I also appreciated the clarity with which Elder Bednar talks about the importance of obedience, faith, humility, priesthood ordinances, the power of godliness, and enduring valiantly.
These are books and principles I will return to often! Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
“‘As many as receive me, to them will I give power to become the sons [and daughters] of God, even to them that believe on my name (D&C 11:30, p. xi).’”
“‘The Apostle Paul taught that the Lord’s teachings and teachers were given that we may all attain ‘the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ’ (Eph. 4:13). This process requires far more than acquiring knowledge. It is not even enough for us to be convince of the gospel; we must act and think so that we are converted by it. In contrast to the institutions of the world, which teach us to know something, the gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to become something....From such teachings we conclude that the Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts—what we have done. It is an acknowledgement 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 (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, p. 3).’”
“One of the greatest indicators of righteous character is the capacity to recognize and appropriately respond to other people who are experiencing the very challenge or adversity that is most immediately and forcefully pressing upon us. Character is revealed, for example, in the power to discern the suffering of other people when we ourselves are suffering; in the ability to detect the hunger of others when we are hungry; and in the power to reach out and extend compassion for the spiritual agony of others when we are in the midst of our own spiritual distress. Thus, character is demonstrated by looking, turning, and reaching outward when the instinctive respond of the ‘natural man’ is to turn inward and to be selfish and self-absorbed (p. 11).”
“‘The purpose of the gospel…is to make bad men good and good men better, and to change human nature (President David O. McKay, p. 13).’”
“It is one thing to know that Jesus Christ came to earth to die for us—that is fundamental and foundational to the doctrine of Christ. But we also need to appreciate that the Lord desires, through His Atonement and by the power of the Holy Ghost, to live in us—not only to direct us but also to empower us (p. 15).”
“It is especially interesting to me that Nephi did not pray to have his circumstances changed. Rather, he prayed for the strength to change his circumstances. And I believe he prayed and asked in faith in this manner precisely because he knew, understood, and had experienced the enabling power of the Savior made possible through His Atonement (p. 18).”
“In those circumstances I probably would have prayed for something else to eat: ‘Heavenly Father, please send me a quail or a buffalo.’ It likely would not have occurred to me to pray that my stomach would be strengthened and adapted to the food available to us. What did Daniel W. Jones know? He knew about the enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He did not pray that his circumstances would be changed. He prayed that he would be strengthened to deal with his circumstances. Just as Alma and his people, Alma the Younger, Amulek, and Nephi were strengthened, Daniel W. Jones had the spiritual insight to know what to ask for in that prayer (p. 22).”
“Making and keeping sacred covenants yokes us to and with the Lord Jesus Christ. In essence, the Savior is beckoning us to rely upon and pull together with Him, even though our best efforts are not equal to and cannot compare with His (p. 25).”
“Personal peace provides a perspective, a settledness, and a tranquility that help us to keep our focus fixed on our eternal destination—in spite of life’s challenges and disappointments (p. 36).”
“Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ—that is, total trust in Him, complete confidence in Him, and a ready reliance on His merits, mercy, and grace—leads to hope (p. 46).”
“The wise older friend went on to point out that all the other items on the list were available to many, but that peace of mind was rare indeed, a gift that most people would seek for in vain all their lives (p. 49).”
“‘I have learned that not shrinking is more important than surviving (Elder Neal A. Maxwell, p. 51).’”
“‘No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God…and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire (Elder Orson F. Whitney, p. 52).’”
“‘John, do you have the faith not to be healed? If it is the will of our Heavenly Father that you are transferred by death in your youth to the spirit world to continue your ministry, do you have the faith to submit to His will and not be healed (p. 56)?’”
“‘We learned we needed to gain the faith that the Lord is in charge whatever the outcome may be, and He will guide us from where we are to where we need to be. As we prayed, our petitions change from ‘Please make me whole’ to ‘Please give me the faith to accept whatever outcome Thou hast planned for me (p. 58).’’”
“‘In that moment I had to ask myself, ‘Do I really believe this? Do I really believe He calmed the waters that day? Or is it just a nice story to read about?’ The answer is: I do believe, and because I know He calmed the waters, I instantly knew He could heal me….I knew that having faith—at least in my circumstance—was not necessarily knowing that He would heal me, but that He could heal me. I had to believe that He could, and then whether it happened was up to Him (p. 60).’”
“The Lord Jesus Christ is the only source of enduing personal peace (p. 63).”
“‘Ordinances and covenants become our credentials for admission into His presence. To worthily receive them is the quest of a lifetime; to keep them thereafter is the challenge of mortality (President Boyd K. Packer, p. 78).’”
“The Savior’s pathway to perfection was marked by complete and willing obedience and submission to the will of the Father (p. 85).”
“‘When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power (President Ezra Taft Benson, p. 89).’”
“The home is the ideal place for learning, teaching, and applying gospel principles. Latter-day prophets have urged families to give highest priority to family prayer, family home evening, gospel study and instruction, and wholesome family activities (p. 98).”
“‘Even yesterday’s spiritual experience, however, does not guarantee us against tomorrow’s relapse. Persistence thus matters greatly (Elder Neal A. Maxwell, p. 111).’”
“A powerful pattern the Lord uses to advance His work and to tutor Heavenly Father’s children upon the earth is that of ‘small and simple things (p. 112).’”
“In contrast to what we so often observe in the world, the Lord typically ministers ‘one by one.’ He enables us to learn ‘line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little.’ And He accomplishes His work by bring to pass great things through small and simple means (p. 113).”
“‘What in the world are you doing here this early with all these kids?’….I have never forgotten what I felt and learned as I looked into the back of that van and answered for myself the question I had posed to this sister. That young mother was a most remarkable example of selfless service. She simply was willing to do whatever was necessary in order for her child to have the blessing of gospel instruction and the companionship of the Holy Ghost through seminary (p. 117).”
“What was it that enabled Moses to withstand the fiery darts of the adversary? How was he able to resist the influence of the great deceiver? Moses knew his divine identity—that he was a child of God. Protective power flows from a correct understanding of who we are, of our relationship to God, and of our mortal purpose and eternal destiny (p. 127).”
“As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, our individual responsibility is to learn what we should learn, to act and live as we know we should act and live, and to become what the Master would have us become. These three fundamental and interrelated gospel imperatives—learning, acting, and becoming—are central to our spiritual development and happiness in mortality and our progress through eternity (p. 148).”
“Simply performing and dutifully checking off all of the things on our lengthy gospel ‘to do’ list do not necessarily enable us to receive His image in our countenances or bring about the mighty change of heart (p. 149).”
“Each and every member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints bears a personal responsibility to learn and live the truths of the Savior’s restored gospel and to receive by proper authority the ordinances of salvation. We should not expect the Church as an organization to teach us or tell us all of the things we need to know and do to become devoted disciples and endure valiantly to the end. The moral agency afforded to all of Father’s children through the plan of salvation and the Atonement of Jesus Christ is divinely designed to facilitate our individual and independent learning, acting, and ultimately, becoming (p. 149).”
“Whereas a testimony is spiritual knowledge of truth obtained through the power of the Holy Ghost, conversion is deepening devotion to and consistent application of the knowledge we have received. Knowing that the gospel is true is the essence of testimony. Consistently being true to the gospel we know is the essence of conversion. We can be constant and true to many worthwhile things, but ultimately we must be converted unto the Lord and the things that are spiritually and eternally essential. We should both know the gospel is true and constantly be true to the gospel (p. 160).”
“Priesthood ordinances open the door and provide access to the power of godliness (p. 168).”
“Consider the responsibility each of us has as a disciple to obtain an actual knowledge that the course of life we are pursuing is according to God’s will. Can such knowledge be obtained in mortality? Can I truly come to know that the path I am pursuing in my life pleases God? And if it is possible to know these things, how can I know? Such questions indeed are some of the most pointed and poignant questions of the soul (p. 172).”
May 11, 2021
Quick Take: Fantastic book! David A. Bednar is a gifted teacher. I learned much about what I can do to become more like God.
Longer Take:
Elder David A. Bednar uses D&C 11:30 as the foundational principle for this book:
“…I say unto you, that as many as receive me, to them will I give power to become the sons [and daughters] of God, even to them that believe on my name…”
“The Power to Become” teaches principles for how we can more fully become like our Father in Heaven. The way he presents things, the reader cannot help but think deeply. There were several teachings where I felt I was being reminded of something already knew and at the same time reading them anew. I often had to force myself to stop reading just so I could spend time pondering.
Here are my top 3 takeaways:
1. I have heard Elder Bednar reference the “enabling power of the Atonement” previously. But, until reading this book, I did not fully understand what that meant. I needed the reminder that the atonement is not just to find forgiveness of our sins, but is a power we can tap into to become better at doing what we know is right.
2. “…the enabling power of Christ’s Atonement strengthens us to do and be good and to serve beyond our own individual desire and natural capacity.” Desire is the word that hit me the hardest here. I try to fulfill my duties within the church, but I don’t always what to. The atonement can not only give greater ability but also can fuel the desire. The better I apply the atonement in my life the greater my desire and ability to obey and serve will be.
3. A tell-tale sign that I am moving closer to the Savior is that I more often look outside of myself and strive to serve others. “The natural consequence of coming unto Christ … is turning outward in service and compassion.”
I absolutely loved this book!
Some of My Favourite Quotes:
“It is not even enough for us to be converted to the gospel; we must act and think so that we are converted by it. In contrast to the institutions of the world, which teach us to know something, the gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to become something.”
“…the Final Judgement 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.”
“Most of us clearly understand that the Atonement is for sinners. I am not sure, however, that we know and understand that the Atonement is also for saints. … We may mistakenly believe we must make the journey from good to better and become saints all by ourselves, through sheer grit, will power and discipline … the Atonement provides help for us to overcome and avoid bad as well as to do and become good. Help from the Savior is available for the entire journey…”
“When words cannot provide the solace we need or seek … when logic and reason cannot yield an adequate understanding of the injustices and inequities of life … and when it seems that perhaps we are so totally alone, then comes the peace that only the Prince of Peace can give…”
“…even with our strong faith, many mountains will not be moved. And not all of the sick and infirm will be healed. If all opposition were curtailed, if all maladies were removed, then the primary purposes of the Father’s plan would be frustrated.”
Quoting Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “Even yesterday’s spiritual experience, however, does not guarantee us against tomorrow’s relapse. Persistence thus matters greatly. … Hence, the emphasis on enduring well to the end is wise, simply because we are at risk till the end!”
“A great attempt to pray one time for five hours likely will not produce the spiritual results of meaningful morning and evening prayer offered consistently over five weeks … A single, great scripture-reading marathon cannot produce the spiritual impact of steady scripture study over many months.”
“The process of effectively doing and living what we know to be true is one of the great challenges of mortality.”
“A testimony is the beginning of and a prerequisite to conversion unto the Lord. A testimony is a point of departure; it is not the ultimate destination. … Knowing the gospel is true is the essence of a testimony. Consistently being true to the gospel we know is the essence of conversion. … We should both know the gospel is true and constantly be true to the gospel.”
www.lookforthegood.me
Longer Take:
Elder David A. Bednar uses D&C 11:30 as the foundational principle for this book:
“…I say unto you, that as many as receive me, to them will I give power to become the sons [and daughters] of God, even to them that believe on my name…”
“The Power to Become” teaches principles for how we can more fully become like our Father in Heaven. The way he presents things, the reader cannot help but think deeply. There were several teachings where I felt I was being reminded of something already knew and at the same time reading them anew. I often had to force myself to stop reading just so I could spend time pondering.
Here are my top 3 takeaways:
1. I have heard Elder Bednar reference the “enabling power of the Atonement” previously. But, until reading this book, I did not fully understand what that meant. I needed the reminder that the atonement is not just to find forgiveness of our sins, but is a power we can tap into to become better at doing what we know is right.
2. “…the enabling power of Christ’s Atonement strengthens us to do and be good and to serve beyond our own individual desire and natural capacity.” Desire is the word that hit me the hardest here. I try to fulfill my duties within the church, but I don’t always what to. The atonement can not only give greater ability but also can fuel the desire. The better I apply the atonement in my life the greater my desire and ability to obey and serve will be.
3. A tell-tale sign that I am moving closer to the Savior is that I more often look outside of myself and strive to serve others. “The natural consequence of coming unto Christ … is turning outward in service and compassion.”
I absolutely loved this book!
Some of My Favourite Quotes:
“It is not even enough for us to be converted to the gospel; we must act and think so that we are converted by it. In contrast to the institutions of the world, which teach us to know something, the gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to become something.”
“…the Final Judgement 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.”
“Most of us clearly understand that the Atonement is for sinners. I am not sure, however, that we know and understand that the Atonement is also for saints. … We may mistakenly believe we must make the journey from good to better and become saints all by ourselves, through sheer grit, will power and discipline … the Atonement provides help for us to overcome and avoid bad as well as to do and become good. Help from the Savior is available for the entire journey…”
“When words cannot provide the solace we need or seek … when logic and reason cannot yield an adequate understanding of the injustices and inequities of life … and when it seems that perhaps we are so totally alone, then comes the peace that only the Prince of Peace can give…”
“…even with our strong faith, many mountains will not be moved. And not all of the sick and infirm will be healed. If all opposition were curtailed, if all maladies were removed, then the primary purposes of the Father’s plan would be frustrated.”
Quoting Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “Even yesterday’s spiritual experience, however, does not guarantee us against tomorrow’s relapse. Persistence thus matters greatly. … Hence, the emphasis on enduring well to the end is wise, simply because we are at risk till the end!”
“A great attempt to pray one time for five hours likely will not produce the spiritual results of meaningful morning and evening prayer offered consistently over five weeks … A single, great scripture-reading marathon cannot produce the spiritual impact of steady scripture study over many months.”
“The process of effectively doing and living what we know to be true is one of the great challenges of mortality.”
“A testimony is the beginning of and a prerequisite to conversion unto the Lord. A testimony is a point of departure; it is not the ultimate destination. … Knowing the gospel is true is the essence of a testimony. Consistently being true to the gospel we know is the essence of conversion. … We should both know the gospel is true and constantly be true to the gospel.”
www.lookforthegood.me
September 11, 2023
David A. Bednar has a gift for organizing gospel ideas and teachings into succinct chunks, then organizes them in order of importance or order of progression. This book is the final one in his Spiritual Patterns series and I like that it summarizes ideas from the other two books.
Clearly, Elder Bednar has written these books for LDS people who are familiar with scripture and the basics of the gospel. He uses a variety of LDS sources to explain his points. His main points are:
1. Power to Become and the Atonement of Jesus Christ: we are to come unto Christ and step by step become like Him. We can use the Atonement to change from selfish creatures to more holy people.
2. Power to Become and the Spiritual Gift of Personal Peace: Peace is centered in Christ. Having faith and hope in the Savior invites peace into our lives. The Peace of Christ is beyond what we can understand.
3. Power to Become, Priesthood ordinances, and Willing obedience: We must make covenants with God to fully receive the Spirit and the gifts He wants to bestow on us. We must obey God, and to do that, we align our will with His.
4. Power to Become and Enduring Valiantly: We should do small and simple things daily to bring about a change in ourselves (to be more holy) and to do God's work here. We need to increase our faith in the Savior and our service to others.
5. Power to Become and All Things Gathered Together in One: We are responsible for our own growth. We do this through gaining knowledge, understanding, and intelligence. We need to endure valiantly and turn to our Savior.
In the last chapter he again outlines learning about the gospel through the lens of three elements:
doctrines, principles, and applications.
Doctrines: a truth revealed by our Heavenly Father. They are eternal, do not change, and pertain to the eternal progression and exaltation of His sons and daughters.
Principles: doctrinally based guidelines for the righteous exercise of moral agency.
Applications: actual behaviors, action steps, practices, or procedures by which gospel doctrines and principles are enacted in our lives.
The book has further reading at the end of each chapter (related conference or devotional addresses). He also has links to video discussions. These are really helpful.
While the life practice of what he teaches is challenging, the format is clear and encouraging.
Clearly, Elder Bednar has written these books for LDS people who are familiar with scripture and the basics of the gospel. He uses a variety of LDS sources to explain his points. His main points are:
1. Power to Become and the Atonement of Jesus Christ: we are to come unto Christ and step by step become like Him. We can use the Atonement to change from selfish creatures to more holy people.
2. Power to Become and the Spiritual Gift of Personal Peace: Peace is centered in Christ. Having faith and hope in the Savior invites peace into our lives. The Peace of Christ is beyond what we can understand.
3. Power to Become, Priesthood ordinances, and Willing obedience: We must make covenants with God to fully receive the Spirit and the gifts He wants to bestow on us. We must obey God, and to do that, we align our will with His.
4. Power to Become and Enduring Valiantly: We should do small and simple things daily to bring about a change in ourselves (to be more holy) and to do God's work here. We need to increase our faith in the Savior and our service to others.
5. Power to Become and All Things Gathered Together in One: We are responsible for our own growth. We do this through gaining knowledge, understanding, and intelligence. We need to endure valiantly and turn to our Savior.
In the last chapter he again outlines learning about the gospel through the lens of three elements:
doctrines, principles, and applications.
Doctrines: a truth revealed by our Heavenly Father. They are eternal, do not change, and pertain to the eternal progression and exaltation of His sons and daughters.
Principles: doctrinally based guidelines for the righteous exercise of moral agency.
Applications: actual behaviors, action steps, practices, or procedures by which gospel doctrines and principles are enacted in our lives.
The book has further reading at the end of each chapter (related conference or devotional addresses). He also has links to video discussions. These are really helpful.
While the life practice of what he teaches is challenging, the format is clear and encouraging.
August 15, 2017
Excellent book. Fantastic information. Well worth reading.
So, why did I give it three stars?
- The book is very short. I read the Kindle edition. The cost of this book on Amazon is $13.49. The price of the book is significantly out of alignment with the length of the book. This book is only one step above a pamphlet. Again, it is full of excellent information, but it is way over priced.
- The real reason for 3 stars is the fact that Deseret Book continues to produce Kindle versions of their books that appear to be formatted by amateur. For the price of this book you would expect an expert team to be making sure the formatting is correct. However, it is a hodgepodge of fonts, spacing, indents, and styles that are at the very least a distraction from the message in the text. I would expect more from Deseret Book. Unfortunately they continue to disappoint. I try to avoid buying the Kindle versions of their books because of this continual problem, but I really wanted to read this book. So, why not just get the print version? I read over 30 books a year and I'm simply out of space to store them, so I don't buy printed books very often.
Bottom line. My suggestion is that you borrow this book from your mother-in-law and avoid any Kindle books produced by Deseret Book.
So, why did I give it three stars?
- The book is very short. I read the Kindle edition. The cost of this book on Amazon is $13.49. The price of the book is significantly out of alignment with the length of the book. This book is only one step above a pamphlet. Again, it is full of excellent information, but it is way over priced.
- The real reason for 3 stars is the fact that Deseret Book continues to produce Kindle versions of their books that appear to be formatted by amateur. For the price of this book you would expect an expert team to be making sure the formatting is correct. However, it is a hodgepodge of fonts, spacing, indents, and styles that are at the very least a distraction from the message in the text. I would expect more from Deseret Book. Unfortunately they continue to disappoint. I try to avoid buying the Kindle versions of their books because of this continual problem, but I really wanted to read this book. So, why not just get the print version? I read over 30 books a year and I'm simply out of space to store them, so I don't buy printed books very often.
Bottom line. My suggestion is that you borrow this book from your mother-in-law and avoid any Kindle books produced by Deseret Book.
August 31, 2019
To be honest, I really struggled with this book at first. I found a lot of it repetitive and I wasn't too excited about it, despite loving both Increase in Learning and Act in Doctrine. Unfortunately, my view was too narrow. Everything clicked into place for me at the very end of the last chapter (the irony of which is not lost to me. The last chapter is titled "All Things Gathered Together in One"). As I read the last chapter, in which Elder Bednar summarizes all three books, I felt like I finally understood the big picture of what I was supposed to learn. I just wish I had that vision going into it.
I got this book when it first came out and because of that I received a limited edition DVD which contains an interview with Elder and Sister Bednar (Sheri Dew conducting the interview) and 4 Q&A sessions with the following groups: adult women, young couples, young single adults, and youth. The book itself contains QR codes which I assume display these same videos, but I was able to watch them in a different format.
Elder Bednar's three books ought to be read together to understand all the concepts he is trying to teach. They are powerful and do all they can to invite the reader to action. I am so glad I took the time to read and work through these books!
I got this book when it first came out and because of that I received a limited edition DVD which contains an interview with Elder and Sister Bednar (Sheri Dew conducting the interview) and 4 Q&A sessions with the following groups: adult women, young couples, young single adults, and youth. The book itself contains QR codes which I assume display these same videos, but I was able to watch them in a different format.
Elder Bednar's three books ought to be read together to understand all the concepts he is trying to teach. They are powerful and do all they can to invite the reader to action. I am so glad I took the time to read and work through these books!
December 5, 2021
The third of Elder Bednar's books: Increase in Learning, Act in Doctrine, and Power to Become. There is a lot of repetition in this book from the other two. I understand that is by design, but I found it excessive. This may have been more noticeable to me as I read them all within a fairly small period of time. I did find it remarkable that Elder Bednar had not initially intended to write these three books as they clearly all fit together to complete the concept.
If you were going to just pick one to read I highly recommend Increase in Learning. And with all of them, take the time to do all the extra readings and watch the videos.
If you were going to just pick one to read I highly recommend Increase in Learning. And with all of them, take the time to do all the extra readings and watch the videos.
January 19, 2017
I loved being encouraged to write in this book. There is space for notes and questions to answer at the end of each chapter. I learned a lot about the importance of becoming more like my Savior as I strive to improve and be the best person I can. Elder Bednar is brilliant and I love reading his words or listening to him speak. I highly recommend this book and the others in the series (of which I've read excerpts).
July 1, 2025
What a wonderful conclusion to Elder Bednar’s trilogy. For the first time in reading a church book I looked up every reference in my scriptures. It changes the book for me, giving me added insight as to the meaning of the words he wrote.
I also listened to the video sessions and gained more insights and knowledge.
Thank you for your books, I have become closer to Jesus Christ through reading them and using them to become more like my Savior.
I also listened to the video sessions and gained more insights and knowledge.
Thank you for your books, I have become closer to Jesus Christ through reading them and using them to become more like my Savior.
January 22, 2018
This book expresses the heart of LDS theology: the aim of religion isn't just to check boxes of attendance, ordinances, etc, but to change lives, to help each of us become better in every way, with the ultimate goal of becoming more like Christ. Besides explanation and narrative, the book allows the reader to set his/her own goals of becoming better in each section.
April 28, 2019
It's only taken me about 2 years to read this relatively thin book. It's so packed with ideas that I would read a bit, ponder (for way to long) and then pick it up again and repeat. If you are associated with the church of jesus christ of latter-day saints and have previously enjoyed Neil Maxwells books and David Bednars previous writings, then you'll quite enjoy this.
January 31, 2020
Thought provoking book. Elder Bednar gives insight on how to "become" what we need to be. As I was reading, I noticed points from the book that correlated with my reading of the "Come Follow Me" for the Book of Mormon. Sometimes he lists many scriptures all at once trying to emphasis a topic and I had to read them several times as I would get lost.
May 8, 2017
This book expands on the doctrine Elder Bednar presented in the first 2 books in this series, Spiritual Patterns. I didn't love it as much as the other 2 books, but it is still powerful. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to become more like God.
July 27, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed the previous two books. I haven't watched the videos yet, but the content of the book was less gripping than the previous two and didn't feel necessary. It felt more like a review than any new material.
November 7, 2018
This gave me many things to think about and be reminded of. I marked several passages. The final chapter is a summation of all three books in the series, which was helpful. I am grateful for all the lists of related readings — and they are not all from General Authorities, either.
May 3, 2020
Informational
I was looking for a book that explained gospel topics through stories. This was not that book. It was highly informational and at times dry. Still loved it though and loved what it added to my testimony.
I was looking for a book that explained gospel topics through stories. This was not that book. It was highly informational and at times dry. Still loved it though and loved what it added to my testimony.
January 26, 2022
Elder Bednar is a wonderful author. I enjoyed this book so much. He offers valuable insight on how to draw closer to the Savior. He also focuses on how to persevere in a world that is turning away from God.
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