Editor’s note: “Spoken WordShared by Derrick Porter Every Sunday during the weekly Tabernacle Choir broadcast in Temple Square. This will be awarded on Sunday, October 27, 2024.

I recently had the opportunity to serve as a minister in my congregation. One of my most enjoyable and meaningful responsibilities was working with young people. These young people inspired me, taught me, and made me want to be better.

One experience is still etched deep in my mind. I met a young man who essentially told me, “I am nobody.” These were not actually the words coming from his mouth, but the words depicted on his face, as evidenced by his downward gaze, slumped shoulders, and muttered words.

This wonderful young man was faced with what I can only describe as mistaken identity. He was wrong about who he really was. To him, who he really was was the image he portrayed on the outside, and that’s why he put on a really good show. But from the inside, this mistaken identity led to shame, regret, and many second doubts.

The voices of the world want to tell us who we are and who we should be. “We are surrounded by persuasive voices, … condescending voices, sophisticated voices, and confusing voices” (see “Follow orders,” with President Thomas S. MonsonLieutenant or Liahona, November 2015, page 84). These are usually the loudest sounds. But when we turn down the noise of the world, we can hear the voice that matters most—the still, small voice of God’s “gentle Spirit, confirming our true identity and our great worth in His eyes” (see Chapter 1).Am I a Child of God?” with Elder Brian K. TaylorLieutenant or Liahona, May 2018, page 14). The apostle Paul said: “The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16). This is our true identity! And understanding this changes everything.

This is exactly what happened to my young friend. Everything changed when he listened to his Heavenly Father’s voice. As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, he discovered who he really was. He remembered his true identity. Now, it didn’t happen without a lot of effort. He spent time daily connecting with God, reading scripture, praying, and following the leading of God’s Spirit. He did not hear God speak, but God gave him feelings in his heart and thoughts in his mind; Looks that will help him remember who he is. He “came to his senses” by doing God’s will (Luke 15:17), as the Bible says. His happiness increased, his self-confidence increased.

I am grateful for the privilege of witnessing my young friend’s transformation. His journey inspired me to remember God’s promise to all of us: “I will guide you” (Doctrine and Covenants 78:18). As God leads us, we discover for ourselves that there is no such thing as “nobody.” Each of us is a child of the living God, and that means we are one.

Adjusting…

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