Area Leadership Message
Draw Closer to God’s Power Through Making and Keeping Sacred Covenants
President Russell M. Nelson taught:
“Know the truth about who you are. . . .
“. . . The way you think about who you really are affects almost every decision you will ever make. . . .
“First and foremost, you are a child of God.
“Second, as a member of the Church, you are a child of the covenant. And third, you are a disciple of Jesus Christ.
“. . . I plead with you not to replace these three paramount and unchanging identifiers with any others, because doing so could stymie your progress.”
Our thoughts and feelings about the future and eternity can sometimes lead to anxiety or uncertainty. However, as I reflect on many of my own experiences, I recognize that these three truths the prophet taught us can truly influence every aspect of our lives and make a difference.
1. Who Are We? Children of God
The Young Women theme declares, “I am a beloved daughter of Heavenly Parents,” and the Aaronic Priesthood theme states, “I am a beloved son of God.” These are not just decorative phrases; they are powerful reminders of a central truth: our identity as sons and daughters of God is essential to understanding our purpose, our worth, and our eternal destiny.
I remember that when I was a little girl, my dad used to call me “Little Teardrops” because I cried about everything: if someone spoke to me harshly, if they gave me a look I didn’t like, or if something didn’t go my way, the tears would just come. For a while, crying was practically one of my greatest talents.
Over the years, I learned that tears should be an expression of genuine feelings, and I also learned to manage my emotions better. Still, I must admit that in certain moments, emotion still hits me hard, and the tears come without asking for permission.
The funny thing is that, after hearing that nickname so often, part of it stuck with me. And that’s how it is with many things: what we hear, what we say to ourselves, and what we repeat constantly becomes part of who we are.
That’s why it is so important to repeat and remember eternal truths about our identity. Remembering that we are God’s children completely changes our perspective, especially in difficult moments. When we face rejection, mockery, or criticism, when others focus on our flaws, we can choose to see ourselves as He sees us: with love, with worth, and with eternal beauty.
Instead of seeking validation from the world, we seek approval from the Lord. Rather than being weighed down, we find comfort in Him, guidance in His teachings, strength in His promises, and hope in all that He has given us. Through His perfect love, we discover meaning and purpose in our existence.
2. What Helps Us Remember Who We Are? Being Children of the Covenant
President Nelson taught:
“Jesus is the Christ. His Church has been restored to the earth. His truth, covenants, and ordinances enable us to overcome fear and face the future with faith!”
“Once we make a covenant with God, we leave neutral ground forever. God will not abandon His relationship with those who have forged such a bond with Him. In fact, all those who have made a covenant with God have access to a special kind of love and mercy.”
“When we realize that we are children of the covenant, we know who we are and what God expects of us. His law is written in our hearts. He is our God and we are His people. Committed children of the covenant remain steadfast, even in the midst of adversity. When that doctrine is deeply implanted in our hearts, even the sting of death is soothed and our spiritual stamina is strengthened.”
The power we receive by making covenants is God’s power in our lives. It strengthens us, guides us, and transforms us to become more like Christ. It is a real help, both spiritual and practical, that lifts us when we are tired or sad. It brings peace when we feel afraid or uncertain. It helps us overcome sin or bad habits. It guides us in making good decisions. And little by little, it transforms us to be more like Jesus Christ.
I experienced this when I received my missionary calling. At the time, I was studying on a scholarship and working part-time at the university. When I informed the director that I would be leaving, she surprised me by telling me she had just submitted a request to hire me full-time. If I left, I would lose both the scholarship and the job, and there was no guarantee I would be able to get them back.
It was emotionally hard. That opportunity meant stability for me and my family. But I had already decided to serve the Lord. I did it out of love and faith. And during the mission, as I came to know Him more deeply, I knew I had made the right choice.
When I returned, without expecting it, I got my scholarship and job back. A year later, I was hired full-time. The Lord gave everything back to me—and even more.
I’ve learned that when we are faithful to our covenants and put our love for Him first, His power is with us, before, during, and after we make a decision. Moreover, as we live this way, our ability to choose increases, because our sensitivity to feel, understand, and follow His guidance also grows. One good choice often leads to another, and even if the initial results aren’t what we expected, in time, they always bring joy.
3. What Does God Expect of Us? To Be Disciples of Jesus Christ
President Nelson also taught: “Each member can be an example of the believers. . . . As followers of Jesus Christ, each of you can live in accord with His teachings. You can have ‘a pure heart and clean hands’; you can have ‘the image of God engraven upon your [countenance].’”
As disciples of Christ, we walk paths that require love, faith, sacrifice, service, patience, forgiveness, and conversion. Along the way, there are always opportunities to better reflect His example.
“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” (Moroni 7:48).
As we develop this kind of love, not shallow or conditional, but the pure love of Christ, we not only change the way we treat others but also the way we see ourselves and those around us.
I testify that we are children of a loving Heavenly Father. He knows us, loves us deeply, and desires to bless us. He invites each of us to make covenants with Him, not only to guide us but so He can pour even more blessings into our lives. If we sincerely strive to follow Jesus Christ as His disciples, His grace and power will manifest in ways that will transform our hearts and our lives.