Seeing others’ divine nature means seeing them as God does. This perspective helps us develop Christlike attributes and makes our service meaningful.
Photo by H Matthew Howarth / CC BY-SA 2.0 / altered
In Elder Dale G. Renlund’s first general conference talk as an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he spoke of the importance of remembering that a calling “is not about him or her; rather, it is about the Lord, His work, and Heavenly Father’s children.” This perspective turns a person outward, preparing him or her to serve meaningfully while keeping others’ divine potential in mind.
Such a perspective amplifies service because it helps people realize that divine nature is not irrelevant to men—or people in general—just because it is a Young Women value; it is for everyone because everyone is a potential god or goddess.
Elder Renlund experienced this awareness of others’ divine destinies while working as a cardiologist. Years before becoming an Apostle, Elder Renlund experienced a patient passing away. He was used to this and tried not to let patients’ deaths affect him. But this one struck him more personally as he saw the patient’s parents mourn. However, the parents comforted Elder Renlund, rather than the other way around. Their actions taught Elder Renlund to consider Heavenly Father’s perspective: He doesn’t focus on age, education, or employment when seeing someone’s worth.
Although divine nature is commonly associated with young women in the Church because it is one of the Personal Progress values, Heavenly Father doesn’t distinguish between the sexes when it comes to seeing each person’s divine nature. People may think that this all-loving, all-faithful view of others and of their divine potential belongs only to Heavenly Father. But by trying to do what he does and trying to love as he loves, each person can come closer to realizing Heavenly Father’s visions for everyone.
Seeing others charitably can sometimes seem impossible, but service can provide opportunities to develop that charity. Members of the Church make a covenant to serve others. Service can seem like a chore, but it can be life changing for all involved when people notice the divine potential in those they serve.
Read or watch Elder Dale G. Renlund’s talk, “Through God’s Eyes.”
Source: LDS General Conference
—Tatiana Hernandez, Mormon Insights
feature image by eddy klaus
Find more insights
Find out more about how Church leaders define divine nature.
Discover how young women in the Church apply this and other values in their lives.
I think that this article is a great reminder for us. As a young woman, I heard about divine nature being a virtue that I should try to obtain for myself. I do like how this article reminds us that having divine nature ourselves and seeing the divine nature of others is a virtue that everyone should try to obtain. I know that at times it can be difficult to see the divine nature of others, but I know that it is beneficial for us to serve others. By developing our divine nature and seeing the divine nature of others, we can serve others better and come closer to being like Christ.