His Image in Our Countenances

“Sometimes I open my mouth and my mother comes out…”

“You act just like your dad!”

“I can tell you’re a (insert family name here, or a friend of_________)!”

We pick up similarities from those we spend the most time with.

Sometimes that’s good, and sometimes not so good…

What I want is for people to know that I belong to Christ because of the way I act, the things I say, and the ways in which I resemble Him.

It’s what Alma calls, ‘having the image of God engraven upon [our] countenances.’

We are so like Him, others can see Him when they look at us.

It’s why we can know the Father through the Son. Because He is so like His Father, that everything He does and everything He says is a perfect reflection of the Father’s character and will.

My reflection will not be perfect.

But when I invest time in hearing and reading His words, they become mine more often.

When I experience His love and forgiveness, I start to see others through those eyes of love and mercy.

When I align my heart with His, seeking His holiness, His purity, His truth, I become more and more like Him in my actions and my words.

I resemble Him just a little bit more deeply.

And maybe, in some of my words, or mannerisms, or interactions, someone may see Him in me.

A believer.

A disciple.

A part of the family, honoring the name and upholding the traditions and continuing the traits that exemplify that family.

His.