What Manner of Man/Men/Persons?

Stilling the Storm” (detail), by Ted Henninger

After Jesus calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee, His disciples exclaimed in astonishment, “What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!” (Matthew 8:27, emphasis added; see also Mark 4:41, Luke 8:25).

During His subsequent ministry on the American continent, Jesus asked a similar question to His disciples: “What manner of men ought ye to be?” Then, He provided the answer, “Even as I am” (3 Nephi 27:27, emphasis added).

The Apostle Peter asked a similar question as he pondered the destruction which will precede the Second Coming of Jesus Christ:

Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

2 Peter 3:12, emphasis added

What kind of people should we be, then? As Peter taught, we should strive for holiness and godliness, even in tumultuous times. As Jesus taught, we should strive to be like Him. And what kind of person is He?

He is compassionate. (See 3 Nephi 17:5-8.)

He is unflinching in His obedience to His Father. (See 2 Nephi 31:6-9.)

He is hopeful. (See 3 Nephi 9:13-14.)

He is inclusive. (See 2 Nephi 26:28, 33.)

He is reliable. (See Helaman 5:12.)

Today, I will strive to be more like the Savior. I will remember His goodness, and I will strive to align my behavior with His will.

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