Ezra Taft Benson: 'We must be careful, as we seek to become more and more godlike, that we do not become discouraged and lose hope.'

We must be careful, as we seek to become more and more godlike, that we do not become discouraged and lose hope.

In his wise and thought-provoking quote, Ezra Taft Benson puts forth a crucial reminder for all those who aspire to improve themselves spiritually: "We must be careful, as we seek to become more and more godlike, that we do not become discouraged and lose hope." This quote encapsulates the delicate balance we must strive to maintain as we embark on a journey of self-improvement and spiritual growth. It serves as a reminder that while we should continuously seek to develop godlike qualities, we should also guard against discouragement and the erosion of hope.The relevance and significance of Benson's quote lie in its emphasis on the potential pitfalls that can hinder our progress on the path to godliness. As individuals strive to embody virtuous characteristics such as love, kindness, empathy, and forgiveness, they often face numerous challenges. These challenges can include the struggles of overcoming personal weaknesses, the difficulties encountered in dealing with others, and the setbacks and trials that are an inevitable part of life's journey.Benson's caution reminds us that the pursuit of godliness is not easy or without obstacles. It is a path that requires perseverance, determination, and self-awareness. At times, our own imperfections and shortcomings may cause frustration, leading to discouragement. We may question our own abilities or feel inadequate in comparison to our aspirations of becoming more godlike.However, in the face of such discouragement, Benson's reminder ensures that we do not lose hope. It is through hope that we find the strength and resilience needed to persist in our quest for spiritual growth. Hope allows us to believe in our capacity to change, to overcome adversity, and to align ourselves with attributes that mirror the divine.To delve a little deeper into the intricacies of Benson's message, let us consider the application of an unexpected philosophical concept: existentialism. Existentialism is a philosophical belief that emphasizes individual freedom and personal responsibility as fundamental aspects of human existence. While seemingly divergent from the religious undertones of Benson's quote, existentialism can provide an interesting framework for understanding the challenges and needs that arise as we strive to become godlike.Existentialism recognizes the inherent tension between the longing for self-improvement and the subsequent existential angst that can arise from the awareness of our own limitations and mortality. In this context, the pursuit of godliness can be viewed as a desire for transcendence beyond mundane existence, a transcendence that is analogous to the core tenets of existentialism - striving for authenticity, grappling with angst, and accepting personal responsibility.When viewed through an existential lens, Benson's quote takes on a new layer of significance. It urges us to navigate the difficulties and uncertainties of the human condition with the awareness of our own potential for growth. While existentialism may be founded on secular principles, it can offer valuable insights into the struggle of maintaining hope and avoiding discouragement in our pursuit of godliness.In essence, both Benson's quote and the lens of existentialism share a common thread - acknowledging and addressing the challenges that come with the pursuit of self-improvement and spiritual growth. By recognizing these challenges, appreciating the value of hope, and embracing personal responsibility, we can cultivate resilience and maintain our optimism on the path to becoming more godlike.In conclusion, Ezra Taft Benson's quote stands as a guiding beacon for all individuals striving to embody godlike qualities. It reminds us to be cautious of discouragement, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining hope as we navigate the complexities of self-improvement. By introducing the unexpected concept of existentialism, we gain a fresh perspective on the shared struggle and significance of personal growth, offering yet another lens through which we can appreciate the intricacies of Benson's timeless wisdom. May we keep his words in mind, keeping hope alive even in the face of obstacles, as we continue our journey towards godliness.