Power to Become: Spiritual patterns for pressing forward with a steadfastness in Christ

Author: David A. Bednar

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published: March 2014

Hardcover: 194 pages

Genre: Religious Nonfiction

ISBN# 978-1-60907-859-1

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free hardcover review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Summary (Deseret Book)

As followers of Christ, our desire is to become like Him. In fact, we have been commanded to do so. But how?

In Power to Become, Elder David A. Bednar explores how the Savior makes possible His divine commission, “Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect” (3 Nephi 12:48).

Chapters in this thought-provoking book highlight the importance of the Atonement, the spiritual gift of personal peace, the importance of priesthood ordinances, and the responsibility we have to obey willingly and endure valiantly.

“As we increase in learning about the Savior and His gospel,” Elder Bednar writes, “as we strive with ever greater consistency to act in His doctrine, ordinances, and covenants, then we are blessed with power through His Atonement to increasingly become like Him.” Power to Become introduces vital tools we all can use to invite these eternally significant blessings into our lives.

Review

Power to Become expands on the principles taught by Elder Bednar in his previous books, Increase in Learning and Act in Doctrine, but readers need not have read these first two books to be inspired and taught by this one.

Power to Become is formatted to be studied section by section, with large margins for notes, questions to consider at the end of each chapter, and pages for documenting the reader’s questions, answers, thoughts, and inspirations. At first I hesitated at the thought of writing in this beautiful book, but soon I was putting my pencil to use. Nearly every page is marked with underlines, stars, brackets, and comments in the margins.

I love Elder Bednar’s approach to learning and studying the gospel. It is plainly spoken and easy to understand. I have been focusing on obedience the last few months, so “Chapter 3: Power to Become, Priesthood Ordinances, and Willing Obedience” is the most heavily marked chapter in my book. Elder Bednar speaks of finding peace, having faith in Christ, praying for strength to endure rather than to be spared our trials, and enduring valiantly, as well as the importance of priesthood ordinances and covenants.

There are relevant quotes and hymns shared in each section, and the questions Elder Bednar asks after each chapter made me ponder and take time to seriously consider my answers. They would also make great discussion questions for family time around the dinner table or in Family Home Evening with older children, couples, or groups.

I appreciate the new perspective and the strengthening of my testimony that have come from studying this book. I highly recommend Power to Become, as well as Increase in Learning and Act in Doctrine, as a way to better understand the gospel and grow closer to the Savior.

Watch Power to Become video discussions at http://seek.deseretbook.com/ldspowertobecome

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