Embracing Our Divine Identity

Talk given by Debi Gilmore

October 15, 2023

Second Counselor in the Washington Utah East Stake Relief Society

Lately, I have become more and more aware of a term used frequently in General Conference sessions. It is a term we hear in many of the talks, and when examined more closely, it is a term that is an essential part of our Heavenly Father’s Plan of Happiness. The term is Divine Identity, and when used in discussions about the fact that we are spirit children of Heavenly Father, the term makes perfect sense but may be difficult to understand the meaning of the term. Does it actually apply to me? If so, what does it mean?

Because we hear it so often, it is a term we tend to discount or even disregard as just another part of the collective language we use as members of the Church. Recently, I felt inspired to pause and examine this term to gain a greater understanding of the power and implications it has for me, for you, for our loved ones, and for humanity.  

An experience shared by Elder Ulysses Soares caught my attention because it points out and places emphasis on our divine status as spirit children equally valued in the grand spiritual family. In August of this year, Elder Soares led dignitaries and government officials through an open house tour of the Brasília Brazil Temple. As they passed through the changing area, Elder Soares said he paused while talking with the Vice President of Brazil. He took a moment to describe the symbolism of the white clothing worn inside the temple.

“I explained to him that this universal use of white clothing symbolizes that we are all alike unto God and that in the temple our identities are not vice president of a country or a church leader, but our eternal identity as children of a loving Heavenly Father.”

I would like you to imagine being approached by someone not of our faith, and in your conversation they ask you to help them understand the concept of Divine Identity. Would you be able to speak from a place of deep testimony, conviction and a witness of who YOU really are? Would you be able to talk about it with such power that they would be able to believe they too have Divine Identity? 

You might begin by offering them a definition of “divine.” In the dictionary, the term “divine” means: Of God, from God, Godly, Godlike. Now, combine the terms using the definition. It might sound something like, “Identity from God,” or “Identity of God.” This deepens the meaning of the term, and this new and expanded understanding of the term divine might cause one to ask the question, “What does this mean for me today?”

If you were able to really understand and embrace the reality of your divine identity, would it change how you think and act today? Would it change how you act around your family, your friends, your neighbors? Would it change how you serve in your ward or stake calling? Would it change how you feel when you look at your reflection in the mirror? Would it cause you to stop comparing yourself to others, and instead, look to God for the measure of your worth?

The adversary does not want us to understand the power of our Divine Identity. In fact, he cannot afford for us to really understand because according to Sister Sheri Dew: 

“When we become aware of, and understand who we really are, our own true power is revealed, our lives take on a sense of purpose so stunning that we can never be the same again.”

However, the power that accompanies our Divine Identity is:

• INCOMPLETE without the companionship of the Holy Ghost. 

• INCOMPLETE without each of us individually partnering with the Savior.

As we explore more our Divine Identity, it is useful to explore some of the characteristics that accompany this term. 

Divine Discontent

Divine discontent is an interesting term, but also a very important part of the process of becoming like God. Sister Michelle D. Craig, 1^st Counselor in the YW General Presidency, spoke about Divine Discontent in her October 2018 General Conference address. She said: 

“We should welcome feelings of divine discontent that call us to a higher way, while recognizing and avoiding Satan’s counterfeit—PARALYZING DISCOURAGEMENT. This is a precious space into which Satan is all too eager to jump. We can choose to walk the higher path that leads us to seek for God and His peace and grace, or we can listen to Satan, who bombards us with messages that we will never be enough: rich enough, smart enough, beautiful enough, anything enough. Our discontent can become divine—or destructive.”

Divine Discontent is a part of the important role of the Holy Ghost in our lives. He comforts us when we need comfort, he warns us of danger, he bears witness of truth, and he also reproves us when we sin. In those moments, the Spirit instills an ache in our hearts, which can serve as a nudge for us to get back onto the path of our Divine Identity. That ache in our hearts causes us to seek repentance and forgiveness for our mistakes. Thus, as stated earlier, Divine Discontent is something we should welcome and respond to as a part of our growth and the process of becoming more like God. 

Divine Poise

Divine poise is a new term for me. Until April 2023 General Conference, I had never heard of this term. Elder Mark Bragg explained: 

“Knowing who we are and being true to our divine identity brings calm. Christlike poise requires that we avoid comparing ourselves to others or pretending to be someone we’re not. It is just not possible to have divine poise without knowing that we are divine sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father. (Elder Mark Bragg April 2023)

Elder Bragg is suggesting that divine poise is a characteristic of Christ, and that when we can embrace and understand who we really are, we are able to find peace and calm in the midst of the storms of life.

Divine Destiny

We learn about our Divine Destiny in the second paragraph of The Family: A Proclamation to the World. 

“All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.”

This document reminds us from where we came; a heavenly home, with heavenly parents who love us so much that they want us to return home to live with them for eternity. We also learn that we are created in the image of God, and thus a characteristic of our divine identity is Divine Nature, and Divine Destiny. 

Because of the reality of our spiritual birth as sons and daughters of heavenly parents, we came to this earth in possession of our divine identity. Elder Tad Callister said: “Our divine identity is inseparably connected to our divine destiny.” This means that we brought this divine identity with us and is a part of our earthly existence. We are mistaken to assume we must work toward this status, or somehow become worthy of our divine identity. Not so... it is ours to claim today, and to rely on as we learn how to become more like God. 

Divine Doubt

One term that does not exist is “Divine Doubt.”  Self-doubt is one of Satan’s greatest tools of distraction, and when we get caught in self-doubt, we experience the paralyzing discouragement Sister Craig talked about. Doubt can cause us to lose motivation to do the hard things required to refine our souls. 

It is important to point out that it is normal to experience “seasons of struggle.” If you have problems, don’t assume there is something wrong with you.  Struggling with those problems is at the very core of life’s purpose. As we draw close to God, He will show us our weaknesses, and it is through our weaknesses that He is able to make us wiser, stronger, and more like Him.

Elder Bruce C. Hafen said: 

“If we’re seeing more of our weaknesses, it might mean we are moving nearer to God, not farther away.”

Remember, self-doubt is a damaging tool of Satan, and can cloud our vision and understanding of who we really are. 

The Struggle to Remember Our Divine Identity

Everyone, at certain points in their lives, struggles to maintain a deep and clear focus on our divine identity. I have identified three important sources of truth that, if we rely on these daily, we will not only find power and confidence in our Divine Identity, but we can also expand and cultivate our Divine Identity. 

THREE SOURCES OF TRUTH THAT BRING CLARITY AND DIVINE POWER

First Source of Truth: Patriarchal Blessing

When I was 9 years old, I recall my grandfather coming to my home, and through his calling as Stake Patriarch, he placed his hands on my head and provided me with my patriarchal blessing. I remember hearing my grandmother (who served as his scribe) weeping throughout my blessing. I knew something significant had occurred in the moments of his offering me my blessing, so from that day forward I relied on my blessing as a constant companion and guide throughout my life. 

Not reading our patriarchal blessing is like embarking on a very important journey of our lives, without a map or any guide as to where we are supposed to go. It is our personal companion in a world full of confusion, distractions, and discouragement.

President Thomas S. Monson said:

“A patriarchal blessing is a revelation to the recipient, even a white line down the middle of the road, to protect, inspire, and motivate activity and righteousness. A patriarchal blessing literally contains chapters from your book of eternal possibilities. I say eternal, for just as life is eternal, so is a patriarchal blessing. Your blessing is not to be folded neatly and tucked away. It is not to be framed or published. Rather, it is to be read. It is to be loved. It is to be followed.”

I would like to invite you to consider personalizing your study of your blessing such that you invite the Spirit to inspire you with more depth of understanding as to what is between the lines of your actual blessing. I suggest you kneel in the attitude of prayer, and with your patriarchal blessing open in front of you, ask Heavenly Father to give you more understanding or the information you need to face the challenges you presently face. 

President Monson continued:

“Your patriarchal blessing will see you through the darkest night. It will guide you through life’s dangers. … Your patriarchal blessing is to you a personal Liahona to chart your course and guide your way.”

Make it a priority to reach to your Patriarchal Blessing to learn more about your Divine Identity.

Second Source of Truth: Spiritual Gifts

Did you know that each of us are assigned a specific and special spiritual gift that is identified in our patriarchal blessing? Do you know what your spiritual gift is, and have you prayed that the Lord will help you expand, cultivate, and use that gift more abundantly? Equally important is the question: Have you prayed that Heavenly Father will grant you even more spiritual gifts to add to your “divine toolbox?” As a part of our divine birthright, and divine inheritance, we are encouraged to pray to receive whatever spiritual gifts we need to be able to accomplish The Lord’s work while we are here on this earth. 

President George Q. Cannon said:

“How many of you are seeking for these gifts that God has promised to bestow? How many of you, when you bow before your Heavenly Father in your family circle or in your secret places, contend for these gifts to be bestowed upon you? How many of you ask the Father, in the name of Jesus, to manifest Himself to you through these powers and these gifts? (President George Q. Cannon, From the Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star, Apr. 23, 1894, 258–61;)

When we become aware of, and utilize these spiritual gifts, we are much better equipped to navigate the rough waters and turbulent storms of life. We are better able to serve, and more empowered to conquer the blows of the adversary. 

Identify and become aware of your spiritual gifts, the gifts that can assist us in remaining focused on our divine identity.

Third Source of Truth: Prayer

We may be very good about praying regularly, and keeping a prayer in our hearts as we go about our day. However, the suggestion here is to set aside a time to pray to Heavenly Father about your divine identity. The invitation is to find a quiet, peaceful place to kneel and pray specifically and intentionally to see yourself the way God sees you. Pray that you will have a greater understanding of your unique divine identity. You might even pray that the Lord will help you access more of the power that accompanies your divine nature.  

President Russell M. Nelson said: 

“If we ask... God will give us glimpses of who we really are.” 

It is typical of our busy lives to get caught in a whirlwind of busy-ness and forget that we are not alone in our quest to conquer challenges and trials. 

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf said:

“… you might do very well on your own in many things. But I urge you to believe that your life will be infinitely better if you rely on God to guide your steps. He knows things you cannot possibly know, and He has a future prepared for you that you cannot possibly imagine.” (Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Your Adventure through Mortality” March 2019 General Conference.)

Additionally, it is important to remember that the power that accompanies our divine identity is INCOMPLETE without the companionship of the Holy Ghost, and INCOMPLETE without each of us individually partnering with the Savior. This companionship and partnership with the Spirit and the Savior ensures that we will have access to power beyond measure. 

Pray that Heavenly Father will help you see yourself more accurately, and to help you see yourself the way He sees you. 

Conclusion

Recently, our prophet, President Russell M. Nelson taught: 

“In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” 

I believe President Nelson is suggesting that without the guidance of the spirit, we lose sight of our divine identity and lose hope that we will reach our divine destiny. President Nelson continued:

“I urge you to stretch beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation, for the Lord has promised that “if thou shalt [seek], thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.” (Russell M. Nelson, Revelation for the Church, Revelation for our Lives)

I bear witness that these powerful sources of truth will enable us to have a deeper understanding of our own individual divine identity. We will find the peace and grace of God, as we partner with the Savior. Ultimately, we will find our way back to our Heavenly home. I so testify in the sacred name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.