Bishop W. Christopher Waddell
In his talk, Bishop W. Christopher Waddell emphasizes that while society often elevates various heroes in different fields, the ultimate hero and focus of worship should always be Jesus Christ. He uses the historical example of the handcart pioneers’ rescue to illustrate the impact of individual heroes and highlights the pivotal role of Jesus Christ in the plan of salvation. Bishop Waddell encourages us to prioritize Christ in our lives and teachings and to avoid allowing worldly heroes to overshadow our Savior.
Our Hero: Jesus Christ
Bishop Waddell discusses how society often elevates heroes in various fields but underscores that Jesus Christ is the ultimate hero. He reminds us that our focus should always be on Christ, the Savior and Redeemer.
“The hero—our hero, now and always—is Jesus Christ, and anything or anyone that distracts us from His teachings, as found in the scriptures and through the words of living prophets, can negatively impact our progress on the covenant path.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- 1 Corinthians 11:1: “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”
- Moroni 7:48: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ.”
The Pitfalls of Hero Worship
Bishop Waddell warns against the excessive admiration of worldly heroes, which can distract us from the essential teachings of Christ. He draws parallels to the golden calf idol created by the children of Israel in the Old Testament.
“Before the Creation of this world, we looked to Jesus Christ when it became clear that the plan proposed by Father in Heaven, which included our opportunity to progress and become like Him, was being challenged.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Exodus 32:4: “And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.”
- Matthew 22:37-38: “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.”
Choosing Jesus Christ
Bishop Waddell emphasizes the importance of choosing Jesus Christ as the primary focus in our lives, regardless of society’s distractions. He shares the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego who chose to worship God rather than idols.
“It’s not the politician, the musician, the athlete, or the vlogger that is the issue but, rather, choosing to allow them to become the primary objects of our attention and focus in place of our Savior and Redeemer.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Exodus 20:3: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”
- John 14:6: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Choosing Christ Daily
Bishop Waddell underscores the importance of consistently choosing Jesus Christ in daily life. He encourages observing the Sabbath, studying the scriptures, holding temple recommends, and promoting peace in our interactions.
“We choose Him when we are peacemakers and refuse to be contentious, especially when we have differences of opinion.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Exodus 20:8: “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.”
- Doctrine and Covenants 59:9-10: “And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day.”
The Ultimate Hero: Jesus Christ
Bishop Waddell concludes by reaffirming that Jesus Christ is the greatest hero, emphasizing His unmatched qualities and the significance of His Atonement. He encourages us to follow and choose Christ in a world full of heroes.
“No leader has ever shown more courage, no humanitarian has shown more kindness, no physician has cured more disease, and no artist has been more creative than Jesus Christ.”
Calls to Action:
- Choose Jesus Christ as your ultimate hero and focus.
- Avoid excessive admiration of worldly heroes that may distract from Christ.
- Prioritize Christ in your daily life by observing the Sabbath, studying scriptures, and promoting peace.