We have all felt at times like we are inadequate and should just give up, but the Savior knows each of us and knows that we are worth enough to die for.
We all have so many things that we have to juggle on a daily basis that we sometimes forget the most important truths. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf shares five of these truths in his BYU devotional “Five Messages That All of God’s Children Need to Hear.”
- “Move Toward the Light.”
Sometimes, we may feel the darkness of the world creeping in around us. But Elder Uchtdorf reminds us that God “never changes. He never retreats. He does not alter His course. But we do.” We may drift from time to time, but we must remember to make the daily choice to step back into Christ’s light and feel his warmth and peace again.
Photo by Clay Banks
- “You Are Better Than You Think You Are.”
We’ve all felt inadequate at times. Elder Uchtdorf mentions that even the prophet Enoch doubted his ability to encourage people to repent (Moses 6:31). But then Elder Uchtdorf encourages us by saying, “The Lord often accomplishes the most with those who feel the least accomplished.” Feelings of inadequacy come from a place of humility, which is the opposite of pride. Being humble allows the Savior to step in and guide us to positions where we can accomplish his work.
- “Learn to Love God and Neighbor.”
There is a reason that the first two great commandments are to love God and love our neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). These two commandments are “the center of the gospel…[and] the center of our every effort as a church and as disciples of Jesus Christ.” Elder Uchtdorf even says that these commandments are the answer to many questions and will be the underlying principles that we will be measured by when judgment day comes.
- “Conflict Is Inevitable and Contention Is a Choice.”
We will all inevitably face conflicts with each other, but if we allow contention to replace love, we stop following the second great commandment. We must instead choose to resolve conflicts with love in our hearts and leave all other feelings out of the equation.
- “Our Heavenly Father is a God of New Beginnings.”
Lastly, we must remember that even when we fall into darkness, become prideful, forget whom to love, or contend with others, the Savior is there for us. His Atonement is a gift that allows us to try again. Our Heavenly Parents know each of us intimately—including our shortcomings—but they also know our potential. Their son died for us so that we can have as many opportunities as we need to reach that potential.
Discover examples of real people who applied these truths in Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s BYU speech, “Five Messages That All of God’s Children Need to Hear.”
—Morgan Heath, Latter-day Saint Insights
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Find more insights
Take a look at Steven W. Owen’s 2017 general conference talk, “Repentance is Always Positive,” to remind yourself that repentance is a wonderful gift that we can use.
Read D. Todd Christofferson’s general conference talk “The Divine Gift of Repentance.”
Read more about Enoch and his experience in Moses 6.
Find more insights about commandments and Christ in Matthew 22.
Number 5 really hit home for me when I read this. I’ve been feeling like I need a fresh start lately, so I loved the reminder that Christ offers us endless fresh starts thanks to the Atonement.