Oct 28 • General discussion
Another talk that was touching
The Name by Which Ye Are Called
By Elder B. Corey Cuvelier
Of the Seventy
What does it mean to be called by the name of Christ?
President Russell M. Nelson taught that if the Lord were speaking to us directly, the first thing He would make sure we understand is our true identity: we are children of God, children of the covenant, and disciples of Jesus Christ. Any other designation will ultimately let us down.
I learned this for myself when my oldest son received his first cell phone. With great excitement, he began entering the names of his family and friends into his contacts. One day I noticed his mom was calling. On the screen appeared the name “Mother.” That was a sensible and dignified choice—and, I’ll admit, a sign of respect for the better parent in our home. Naturally, I got curious. What name had he given me?
I scrolled through his contacts, assuming that if Wendi was “Mother,” I must be “Father.” Not there. I searched for “Dad.” Still nothing. My curiosity turned into mild concern. “Does he call me ‘Corey’?” No. In a last-ditch effort, I thought, “We’re soccer players—maybe he calls me ‘Pelé.’” Wishful thinking. Finally, I called his number myself, and two words popped up on his screen: “Not Mother”!
Brothers and sisters, by which name are you called?
Jesus called His followers by many names: Disciples. Sons and daughters. Children of the prophets.Sheep. Friends. The light of the world. Saints. Each carries eternal significance and underscores a personal relationship with the Savior.
But among these names, one rises above the rest—the name of Christ. In the Book of Mormon, King Benjamin powerfully taught:
“There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ. …
“And it shall come to pass that whosoever doeth this shall be found at the right hand of God, for he shall know the name by which he is called; for he shall be called by the name of Christ.”
Those who take upon themselves the name of Christ become His disciples and witnesses. In the book of Acts, we read that after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, chosen witnesses were commanded to testify that whosoever believed in Jesus, was baptized, and received the Holy Ghost would receive a remission of sins. Those who received these sacred ordinances assembled with the Church, became disciples, and were called Christians. The Book of Mormon also describes believers in Christ as Christians and covenant people as “the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters.”
What does it mean to be called by the name of Christ? It means making and keeping covenants, always remembering Him, keeping His commandments, and being “willing … to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things.” It means standing with prophets and apostles as they carry Christ’s message—with its doctrine, covenants, and ordinances—across the world. It also means serving others to relieve suffering, being a light, and bringing hope in Christ to all people. Of course, this is a lifelong pursuit. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that “this is a station to which no man ever arrived in a moment.”
Because the journey of discipleship takes time and effort built “line upon line, precept upon precept,” it’s easy to get caught up in worldly titles. These yield only temporary value and will never be enough on their own. Redemption and the things of eternity only “cometh in and through the Holy Messiah.”Therefore, following prophetic counsel to make discipleship a priority is both timely and wise, especially in an age of so many competing voices and influences. This was at the heart of King Benjamin’s counsel when he said, “I would that ye should remember to retain the name [of Christ] written always in your hearts, … that ye hear and know the voice by which ye shall be called, and also, the name by which he shall call you.”
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Another talk that was touching
skool.com/goodalmightygroup-1011
Here are the works of Jesus Christ! How does the Lord affect your life?
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