REMEMBER

"The Most Important Word"

 The scriptures teach the principle of "remembering" again and again. The word "remember" in its various forms is used in over 550 verses. President Spencer W. Kimball stated, "When you look in the dictionary for the most important word, do you know what it is?… 'Remember' is the word." ("Circles of Exaltation," [Address to religious educators, BYU, 28 June 1968], 8.)

 "Remembering" is a dynamic spiritual process of bringing key things to mind on a continual basis in order to cultivate "a godly walk and conversation" (D&C 20:69). To "remember" is to align oneself with the will of God in order to become, on a daily basis, more and more like Him. Thoughts lead to action; thus "remembering" in a faithful and obedient way leads to living in a faithful and obedient way.

Here are seven kinds of things the scriptures and the prophets tell us to remember:

1. Remember Heavenly Father -- Pray to Him always with thanksgiving, humbly recognizing His goodness and blessings.

2. Remember Jesus Christ -- Honor and accept His atoning sacrifice and always retain His name written in our hearts.

3. Remember the Word -- Read the scriptures continually for wisdom and understanding and remember to heed the voice of the living prophets.

4. Remember the Doctrines and Commandments -- Be obedient to gospel principles on a daily basis, being valiant and Christ-like in our way of life.

5. Remember the Covenants -- Keep the promises we have made to the Lord, and thus faithfully endure to the end.

6. Remember Others -- Be charitable and kind to family, friends, converts, and remember all those in need.

7. Remember Self -- Stay clean before the Lord and look forward to meeting Him in person one day.

"Remembering" is the master key to perfection. "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he" (Prov. 23:7). Let us all remember who we are -- "begotten sons and daughters unto God" (D&C 76:24) -- and let us remember to become even as He is (see 3 Ne. 27:27).