Be Thou an Example

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)

For most of my youth, I was constantly told that I needed to be good because many people looked up to me as an example. One specific example of this was during my struggle going to mutual. Mutual was very hard for me to find interest in and want to attend. I always felt I could be doing something better than sitting around and planning for an hour and a half. I would complain to my parents and they would say something along the lines of, "Mutual is where the Lord needs you to be, plus you have to set a good example for your friends and siblings."

I always hated that response hahaha. How could I be an example to anyone? I was, and still am, so imperfect. I didn't understand why anyone would ever even look at me as an example, especially when there were so many better people around me. Honestly, during my youth, I was not very kind to myself. I didn't think I was anything special and I felt like I was either an average guy or below the average, but that question kept coming up. How was I even capable of being an example to others when i didn't even think of myself as very good? 

Now, I am on my mission and I am serving the Lord every day. When I visit members, they often say, "We are so glad to have missionaries that set a good example for our children and members." I again begin to wonder, How can I be an example? Sure I am doing far better than I was, and I am truly serving the Lord, but I am still so far from perfect. I always think that if anyone should be an example, it should be Christ... and then it dawned on me. It hit me why, throughout my whole life people might have seen me as an example. It was, and is, because of the Light of Christ that they are able to see in me.

I am far from perfect. In fact, I am far from even being considered great Haha. However, following Christ and trying to live what He's taught has given me something that I didn't even realize I had. I started to display Christlike attributes. I attest this to no strength or power from myself, but all through the witness of the Holy Ghost. When others need to see someone who can help them know what they can do to get back on the right track, I'm glad that Heavenly Father was able to use my imperfect example to guide them.

I, as well as so many other wonderful members and people, have been a light set on a hill. My good works have been manifested to others, through the Holy Ghost, so that they can see the example of Jesus Christ through me. I am so grateful to be able to help others, even if it is just a little bit.

The reason I share this experience is for all those faithful members and latter-day saints who painfully feel as I did. They feel that they are nothing special. They feel as though their many imperfections can never be used for good. They feel that they can't help others because they might not be able to even help themselves. It is those times that you must turn to Heavenly Father. He will show you, little by little, the amazing help that you have given others. I have found no greater joy than blessing the lives of others, and no greater sorrow from not being able to help others.

To all those who have their lights, no matter how dim, set on a hill, just know that someone may be searching diligently for a light to follow... and your light may happen to be the only thing they can see. I leave with you all my sincere true testimony. I know that Jesus Christ is a living example of how we all should live. I know that Jesus Christ often uses the lives of his faithful saints to impact and help all those searching for him. I promise that, as you continue to do what you know is right, you gain greater joy and comfort than anything else in this life. I write this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Elder Francis