“From His youth, Jesus seemed to be aware that He had a unique, sacred mission. But as Jesus prepared to begin His earthly ministry, the adversary sought to plant doubt in the Savior’s mind. “If thou be the Son of God,” Satan said (Luke 4:3, italics added). But the Savior had communed with His Father in Heaven. He knew the scriptures, and He knew who He was. To Him, Satan’s offer–“All this power will I give thee” (Luke 4:6)–was a hollow one, for the Savior’s lifelong preparation allowed Him to receive “the power of the Spirit” (Luke 4:14). So despite temptation, trials, and rejection, Jesus Christ never wavered from His appointed work: “I must preach the kingdom of God … for therefore am I sent” (Luke 4:43).” -“Come Follow Me” manual
As I read these scriptures of Satan tempting Christ, I actually chuckled. When it’s in text form, it’s hilarious that Satan wasted his time tempting Christ. What was he thinking? He already lost in heaven.
He’s thinking this would be a grand slam, one and done, take out the Savior and the entire human race is mine! He is the smartest serpent, and he’s pumping those same lies into our ears. My kids would say, “shooters shoot!” That’s all he’s doing, he’s just trying to tempt us, hoping it works. He has nothing to lose if it doesn’t work, but everything to gain if it does. Are we listening? Or do we know WHO WE ARE??
During my stake president interview for my initial temple recommend, he re-told the truthfulness of the creation. We talked about the reality of the pre-mortal existence, the purpose of this life, and the potential of the life to come. He explained that it’s not about convincing others of who they are…we need to help them REMEMBER who they are.
That thought has remained strong in my mind. I have felt an added strength personally at the reality that I am actually a child of God. It’s not just a fad saying or cliche, it’s real! I have diligently sought to remember who I am, and to seek my purpose here on earth. I have approached others, both in my home and out, with this same understanding; each with a divine heritage and purpose.
We simply need to remember who we, and what our special purpose is here on earth.
Here is a perfect story from Brian K Taylor’s talk, “Am I a Child of God?”
These powerful truths were life-changing for my friend Jen, who as a teenager caused a serious car accident. Though her physical trauma was severe, she felt exquisite pain because the other driver lost her life. “Someone lost their mom, and it was my fault,” she says. Jen, who just days before stood and recited, “We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us,” now questioned, “How could He love me?”
“The physical suffering passed,” she says, “but I didn’t think I would ever heal from the emotional and spiritual wounds.”
In order to survive, Jen hid her feelings deeply, becoming distant and numb. After a year, when she was finally able to talk about the accident, an inspired counselor invited her to write the phrase “I am a child of God” and say it 10 times daily.
“Writing the words was easy,” she recalls, “but I couldn’t speak them. … That made it real, and I didn’t really believe God wanted me as His child. I would curl up and cry.”
After several months, Jen was finally able to complete the task every day. “I poured out my whole soul,” she says, “pleading with God. … Then I began to believe the words.” This belief allowed the Savior to begin mending her wounded soul. The Book of Mormon brought comfort and courage in His Atonement.
“Christ felt my pains, my sorrows, my guilt,” Jen concludes. “I felt God’s pure love and had never experienced anything so powerful! Knowing I am a child of God is the most powerful knowledge I possess!” -Brian K. Taylor
That’s this week’s challenge:
REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE
Every day write “I am a Child of God” on a piece of paper and then say it out loud. (10 x’s)As you’re saying it, think about it. Think about the awesome reality of who you are as you say “I Am a Child is God!” BELIEVE IT!!! Let it make a change in your life. See yourself with an important role, and know you’ll face opposition, that can have little to no effect on you, as long as you remember who you are.
As my family does this each night, the sounds of each individual person speaking the words “I am a Child of God” with purpose and awareness, is powerful.
Don’t believe Satan’s lies, he’s on the other team, he desires for you to lose your purpose.
Believe in yourself, believe in your purpose, believe in God!
“This great war over divine identity rages fiercely as Satan’s proliferating arsenal aims to destroy our belief in and knowledge of our relationship with God. Thankfully, we have been blessed with clear vision and understanding of our true identity from the beginning: “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness,” and His living prophets proclaim, “Each [human being] is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.”
Coming to know these truths with certainty helps us overcome trials, troubles, and afflictions of every kind. When asked, “How can we help those struggling with [a personal challenge]?” an Apostle of the Lord instructed, “Teach them their identity and their purpose.” -Brain K. Taylor
-Sherri Jorgensen
Recent Comments