Honoring His Name
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What does it mean to take upon us the name of Christ?
- How does our covenant identity influence our actions and perspective?
- What is the significance of the names we bear?
- How can we honor the name of Jesus Christ in our daily lives?
- What does it mean to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ?
Topics
Understanding the Significance of Our Names
Sister Harkness begins her talk by discussing the significance of names, using the example of the prophet Helaman, who named his sons Nephi and Lehi to remind them of their righteous ancestors. She compares this to the special name we receive at baptism, which gives us a covenant identity and belonging.
The name we were given at birth reflects our individual identity and gives us belonging within our earthly families. However, when we were “born again” at baptism, our understanding of who we are was enlarged.
Thus, with covenant identity and belonging, we are called by the name of Jesus Christ.
- What does it mean to be "born again" at baptism?
- How does taking upon us the name of Christ change our understanding of who we are?
- How can you honor the name you bear as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in your daily life?
- What does your covenant identity mean to you personally?
Remembering the Savior and His Atoning Sacrifice
Sister Harkness emphasizes the importance of always remembering the Savior and His atoning sacrifice, which gives us hope, courage, and strength. She also talks about the Savior's constant remembrance of us and His enduring love for us.
Our covenant remembering quiets worldly worries, turns self-doubt into courage, and gives hope in times of trial.
The Savior’s atoning sacrifice should be remembered, always, through our thoughts, actions, and interactions with others. Not only does He remember our names, but He remembers us always.
- How does remembering the Savior and His atoning sacrifice influence our thoughts and actions?
- What does it mean that the Savior remembers us always?
- How can you better remember the Savior and His atoning sacrifice in your daily life?
- In what ways have you felt the Savior's love and remembrance of you?
Being True Disciples of Jesus Christ
Sister Harkness discusses the call to be true disciples of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that discipleship is not a part-time endeavor but a commitment that influences our actions throughout the week. She encourages us to honor the name of Christ through love, devotion, and good works.
President Nelson taught: "The day is gone when you can be a quiet and comfortable Christian. Your religion is not just about showing up for church on Sunday. It is about showing up as a true disciple from Sunday morning through Saturday night. … There is no such thing as a ‘part-time’ disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ."
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, may we "gladly [take upon us] the name of Christ" by honoring His name with love, devotion, and good works.
- What does it mean to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ?
- How can we honor the name of Christ in our daily lives?
- What actions can you take to show up as a true disciple of Jesus Christ throughout the week?
- How can you honor the name of Christ through love, devotion, and good works?
The Power and Significance of the Name of Jesus Christ
Sister Harkness discusses the power and significance of the name of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that there is no other name or way through which we can obtain salvation. She also talks about the joy and strength that come from recognizing and responding to the name of Jesus Christ.
And "there [is] no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent."
The Lord has said, "Yea, blessed is this people who are willing to bear my name; for in my name shall they be called; and they are mine."
- What is the power and significance of the name of Jesus Christ?
- What does it mean to be blessed and called by the name of Jesus Christ?
- How can you better recognize and respond to the name of Jesus Christ in your life?
- What does it mean to you personally to be called by the name of Jesus Christ?
Our Covenant Commitments and Responsibilities
Sister Harkness talks about the covenant commitments we make at baptism and the responsibilities that come with bearing the name of Christ. She emphasizes that taking upon us the name of Christ is more than a formal exchange of words but a promise that should be written in our hearts and reflected in our countenances.
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "we first pledge[d] our willingness to take upon us the name of Christ … by the ordinance of baptism."
Our willingness to take upon us the name of Christ is more than a formal exchange of words. It is not a passive promise or a cultural contrivance. It is not a rite of passage or a name tag that we wear. It is not a saying that we simply place on a shelf or hang on a wall. His is a name that is "put on," written in our hearts, and "engraven upon [our] countenances."
- What covenant commitments do we make at baptism?
- What does it mean to have the name of Christ written in our hearts and engraved upon our countenances?
- How can you better fulfill your covenant commitments and responsibilities?
- What changes can you make to ensure that the name of Christ is written in your heart and reflected in your countenance?
