Ezra Taft Benson: 'Becoming Christlike is a lifetime pursuit and very often involves growth and change that is slow, almost imperceptible.'

Becoming Christlike is a lifetime pursuit and very often involves growth and change that is slow, almost imperceptible.

In his profound statement, Ezra Taft Benson captures the essence of the journey towards becoming Christlike. He describes it as a lifelong pursuit, one that requires ongoing growth and change, often occurring so subtly that we may not even realize its impact. This quote serves as a poignant reminder that personal transformation and spiritual development are not instantaneous events, but rather gradual processes that unfold gradually over time.The importance of this quote lies in its recognition of the inherent nature of personal growth. It reminds us that true change cannot be forced or hurried; rather, it emerges naturally through consistent effort, self-reflection, and a willingness to align our actions with Christ's teachings. Becoming Christlike is not an achievement to be marked off a checklist; it is a continual striving towards embodying Christ's love, compassion, and service in our daily lives.Now, let us delve into an unexpected philosophical concept to further explore the depth of this quote. Friedrich Nietzsche, a prominent philosopher of the 19th century, introduced the idea of the 'eternal recurrence.' According to Nietzsche, if time were to repeat infinitely, we would have to accept every moment, every action, and every experience as eternally recurring. While this concept may seem wildly abstract and unrelated to the initial quote, it offers a unique perspective on the slow and imperceptible nature of growth and change.Imagine if every moment of our lives were manifested in an eternal cycle, repeating ceaselessly. The notion of slow, imperceptible growth becomes significant in this context. We are faced with the question: How would we choose to live our lives if each action carried eternal weight? If every small step we took towards becoming Christlike reverberated throughout eternity, our commitment to personal growth and the virtues of Christ would be paramount.This contrast between the seemingly insignificant slowness of change and the eternal recurrence introduces a profound and thought-provoking dynamic. Suddenly, the gradual nature of spiritual development takes on a profound significance. Each small act of kindness, each choice to prioritize love over judgment, and each step towards mirroring Christ's example becomes amplified in its eternal repercussions.Intertwining the concepts of the slow, imperceptible growth mentioned by Ezra Taft Benson, and Nietzsche's idea of the eternal recurrence, we start to understand the immense value in consistent self-improvement. True transformation lies not in grand gestures or sudden paradigm shifts, but in the accumulation of countless small acts and choices that shape our character over time. It is through the persistence of these efforts that we slowly but surely move closer to embodying the attributes of Christ.In conclusion, Ezra Taft Benson's quote encapsulates the essence of the lifelong pursuit to become Christlike. It reminds us that true growth and change often occur gradually, almost imperceptibly. However, when we overlay this concept with Nietzsche's eternal recurrence, a fascinating contrast emerges. Suddenly, the seemingly small steps we take towards Christlikeness hold eternal significance, emphasizing the importance of consistent, persistent self-improvement. May we all embrace the journey, recognizing that even the tiniest acts of love and kindness contribute to a lifetime of transformation towards becoming more like Christ.