Donald L. Hallstrom recently taught, “Our most fundamental doctrine includes the knowledge that we are children of a living God. … This doctrine is so basic, so oft stated, and so instinctively simple that it can seem to be ordinary, when in reality it is among the most extraordinary knowledge we can obtain. … It is essential that our preeminent identity is as a child of God. Knowing that will allow our faith to flourish, will motivate our continual repentance, and will provide the strength to ‘be steadfast and immovable’ throughout our mortal journey.”1
Recently I had a conversation with someone about religion. The gentleman I was talking to shared his view that, if there is a God, He is just a presence. I took the opportunity to express my testimony that God is our Father, that He cares about us individually and that He is involved in the details of our lives. That night as I said my prayers, I was overcome with emotion as I thanked Heavenly Father for the blessing of knowing that I am His child and that He loves me. And I prayed that the man I had spoken with earlier that day could come to know that as well.
Perhaps because of that experience, the first words in Chapter 5, Daughters of God, resonated deep in my soul. Gordon B. Hinckley said, “Each of you is a daughter of God. Reflect on all the wondrous meaning of that one paramount fact.” The word reflect made a great impression on me. Not only does it mean to realize or consider, but it also means to give back an image or to make manifest. It is important to know that I am a child of God! But is that knowledge reflected in the way I live? It should be! I like the suggestion of Rosemary M. Wixom to “take that beloved phrase ‘I am a child of God’ and add the words ‘Therefore, what?’”2
I am a child of God. Therefore, I will be faithful.
In the lesson, President Hinckley urges us to be faithful “to the very best that is within us. … Be faithful to the gospel. Be faithful to the Church. … Be faithful to God. … He is the one true source of your strength.” Using the revelation given to Emma Smith as a guide for each of us, President Hinckley reminds us of some of the things our Heavenly Father expects of us. One of those is to “lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better.”3 Just as Emma had so many things in life to worry about and occupy her time, so do we. But here was council to not be obsessed with those everyday things and to “get her thoughts on the higher things of life, the things of righteousness and goodness, matters of charity and love for others, the things of eternity.”
Marvin J. Ashton said, “If he could have his way, Satan would distract us from our heritage. He would have us become involved in a million and one things in this life—probably none of which are very important in the long run—to keep us from concentrating on the things that are really important, particularly the reality that we are God’s children. He would like us to forget about home and family values. He’d like to keep us so busy with comparatively insignificant things that we don’t have time to make the effort to understand where we came from, whose children we are, and how glorious our ultimate homecoming can be!”4
Elder Hallstrom cautioned, “We live in a world that can cause us to forget who we really are. The more distractions that surround us, the easier it is to treat casually, then ignore, and then forget our connection with God.”1
I am a child of God. Therefore, I will cherish motherhood.
When discussing our divine nature as women, motherhood is appropriately included. Although it can be a tender subject when some of us are not mothers, it is our responsibility as daughters of God to cherish and value motherhood – always! President Spencer W. Kimball taught, “The Church will always hold aloft the banner of happy family life, for we can do no other! Family life is the best method for achieving happiness in this world, and it is a clear pattern given to us from the Lord about what is to be in the next world. We have no choice but to continue to hold up the ideal of the Latter-day Saint family. The fact that some do not now have the privilege of living in such a family is not reason enough to stop talking about it. We cannot set aside this standard, because so many other things depend upon it.”5
Reminding mothers of the sanctity of their calling, President Hinckley said, “No one can adequately take your place. No responsibility is greater, no obligation more binding than that you rear in love and peace and integrity those whom you have brought into the world. Rear your children in light and truth. Teach them to pray. Read to them from the scriptures. Teach them to pay their tithes and offerings. Teach your sons to honor womanhood. Teach your daughters to walk in virtue. Accept responsibility in the Church, and trust in the Lord to make you equal to any call you may receive. Your example will set a pattern for your children.”
We have often heard the statement made by the First Presidency in 1942, “Motherhood is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels.”
I am a child of God. Therefore, I will stand strong and immovable.
M. Russell Ballard taught, “Sisters, your sphere of influence is a unique sphere—one that cannot be duplicated by men. No one can defend our Savior with any more persuasion or power than you, the daughters of God, can—you who have such inner strength and conviction. The power of a converted woman’s voice is immeasurable, and the Church needs your voices now more than ever.”6
President Hinckley stated, “It is so tremendously important that the women of the Church stand strong and immovable for that which is correct and proper under the plan of the Lord. … No one can calculate the tremendous force for good that you can become. … I charge you to stand tall and be strong in defense of those great virtues. … When you are united, your power is limitless. You can accomplish anything you wish to accomplish. And oh, how very, very great is the need for you in a world of crumbling values where the adversary seems so very much to be in control. … Marvelous is the power of women of faith.”
Julie B. Beck said, “The sisterhood of Relief Society can provide a place of safety, refuge, and protection. As our times become ever more difficult, the faithful sisters of Relief Society will unite to protect the homes of Zion from the shrill voices of the world and the predatory and provocative influence of the adversary. And through Relief Society, they will be taught and strengthened and taught and strengthened more, and the influence of righteous women can bless many more of our Father’s children.”7
As daughters of God, let us accept President Hinckley’s invitation to “rise to the great potential within you. Do what you can do in the best way you know. If you do so, you will witness miracles come to pass.”
References:
1. I Am a Child of God – Donald L. Hallstrom
2. Discovering the Divinity Within – Rosemary M. Wixom
4. A Yearning for Home – Marvin J. Ashton
5. Privileges and Responsibilities of Sisters – Spencer W. Kimball
6. Let Us Think Straight – M. Russell Ballard
7. What I Hope My Granddaughters and Grandsons Will Understand About Relief Society – Julie B. Beck