Hello all! Another spiritual post today, as I am still getting used to all of this. For those who wonder why I have posts like this where I previously had posts on video games and stories and such, it is because I have a class that asks for me to regularly bear my testimony. These types of posts will only become more common, so bear with me. I will have some more regular news about myself and such, later.
This week, I was studying Acts 7-12, and very quickly came across something that stuck out to me. Specifically, it was Stephen's faith. Stephen, in Acts 7, bears his testimony to Israel saying basically that they were apostate, and for this he is stoned to death. A "fun" and "happy" story. But what really strikes me about that is Acts 7:60, the very last verse, where Stephen, right before he is about to die, cries to God to forgive those who kill him. This is exactly what Jesus did when he died on the cross. I was impressed by the shear faith it takes for someone to be literally dying by large stones falling from the sky (I like to imagine they were lobbed) and then say "God, these people don't know how stupid they are being from this. You should forgive them so they don't get screwed over too much later." That essentially what happened, for both Jesus and Stephen. For Stephen to have so much faith that he is able to do the same thing Jesus does is absolutely incredibly.
What really sticks with me is how Christ-like Stephen became even until his last moments. Often (as many Mormons and I would believe Christians know) people are told to "act like Jesus" or would say "what would Jesus do" when giving advise. And often, doing that helps us make good decisions... sometimes. But it does help. What is so spiritually invigorating about Acts 7:60 to me is that Stephen literally did the exact same thing that Jesus did. He didn't hesitate, he didn't wish any ill will on his killers, he didn't resent them in any way. But instead, he used his very last breath to pray for them, so that if they never came to repent he hoped that at least his prayer would help them in the last days. He showed love for them, just as Jesus did during his life. I feel that this is what it means to be Christ-like. Not to ask "what did Jesus do," but to love others no matter what they are, and even if they are literally killing you, you turn the other cheek and ask God to spare them, that they may potentially be happier in eternity. That is what I want to be able to do. I don't think I can now, but I want to be like Stephen, so able and willing to care for others that you are willing to do anything, even give up your last breath. And I challenge anyone who reads this to try to do the same.
Anyway, as for general news on my life, I am thoroughly enjoying Chemistry classes right now, and am considering switching majors (you know, the normal Freshman thing in college) to a Biochemistry one. Other than that, I am doing quite swell. Maybe I will have a normal post one day.... maybe, probably not. I don't know. Well, may the walruses be in your favor. Tally forth and onward! To Victory!
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