There has been this disturbing idea among members of the Church (I’ve heard it so many times I’ve lost count)…that Christ is a Savior that takes up the slack…a Savior of the gaps…that we, with the power of our own arm, do all we can do, and then, after all we can do, He steps in and fills in the rest, or takes care of what we weren’t able to do…that gap between us and God…that we give all we are able to give, which may only reach (as some have said) 80% or 90% of what’s needed, and then Jesus comes in at the end and takes care of the last 10 or 20 percent. Well, I’m grateful that this false notion has recently been losing steam among the Latter-day Saints, especially over the last decade. Happily, great minds have been stepping forward with doctrinal wisdom, powerfully communicating in ways that are helping to dispel this myth among us. Yes, it is true that Christ helps us do what we can’t. But it is foundationally just as true that Christ is there all along, giving us strength to do anything and everything…ALL things. “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me” (Philippians 4: 13).

A branch can’t even begin to bud, let alone blossom and grow fruit, if it is not given nourishment from the vine. Christ is the Vine. We are the branches. He said so Himself (John 15: 4-5). And if it weren’t for Christ, there could no good thing come unto us (Moroni 7: 24).

I want to be like You, Jesus…but, only You can get me there. Only You can empower me to bring forth good works. Only You can reach into my soul and actualize that holy transformation and mighty change of heart.