Taking on the Name of Jesus Christ
Dale G. Renlund, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder Renlund explains how taking upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ transforms us to be more like Him.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Topics
Link Your Name with Christ
Elder Renlund discusses the importance of identifying with Jesus Christ by linking our name with His, much like Dr. Selzman identified with President Nelson through the professorship.
How have I changed since I linked my name with the name of Jesus Christ?
We gladly become known as Christian. We acknowledge the Savior and unapologetically stand up to be counted as His.Key Points:
- Taking upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ begins with baptism.
- Identification with Christ involves acknowledging Him and standing up as His followers.
- Reflect on a time when you felt proud to be identified as a Christian.
- Consider how linking your name with Christ has influenced your actions and decisions.
- Think about someone whose example of Christlike living has inspired you.
Remember Christ Daily
Elder Renlund emphasizes the importance of remembrance in our covenant relationship with Christ, drawing parallels to Dr. Selzman's daily reminders of the RMN ethos.
Partaking of the sacrament each week helps us remember Jesus Christ throughout the week.
Remembrance means that we follow the advice given by the Book of Mormon prophet Alma.Key Points:
- Remembrance is a covenant renewed through the sacrament.
- Daily remembrance involves letting all our thoughts and actions be directed unto the Lord.
- Share a personal ritual or practice that helps you remember Christ daily.
- Discuss how the sacrament has deepened your understanding of remembrance.
- Consider how you can incorporate more reminders of Christ in your daily life.
Emulate Christ's Attributes
Elder Renlund highlights the importance of emulating Christ's attributes, as demonstrated by Dr. Selzman's efforts to embody the RMN ethos.
The more we identify with and remember Jesus Christ, the more we want to be like Him.
We strive to become like Him and seek to be blessed with His attributes.Key Points:
- Emulating Christ involves seeking His attributes such as charity, integrity, patience, and diligence.
- Focusing on Christ helps us change for the better.
- Share an experience where you consciously tried to emulate a Christlike attribute.
- Reflect on how emulating Christ has brought blessings into your life.
- Consider a Christlike attribute you wish to develop further.
Align with Christ's Purposes
Elder Renlund teaches that aligning our goals with Christ's purposes involves joining Him in His work, similar to how Dr. Selzman aligned with the ethos of teaching, healing, and discovering.
Part of taking upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ involves willingly, intentionally, and enthusiastically aligning our goals with His.
We join Him in His work when we minister to others, especially the vulnerable.Key Points:
- Alignment with Christ's purposes means participating in His work of love, sharing, and inviting.
- Ministering to others is a key aspect of this alignment.
- Describe a time when you felt aligned with Christ's purposes in your service to others.
- Reflect on how aligning your goals with Christ's has changed your perspective.
- Consider ways you can more fully join Christ in His work.
Access Divine Empowerment
Elder Renlund explains that taking upon ourselves the name of Christ grants us access to divine power and blessings, much like Dr. Selzman received support through the professorship.
When we take upon ourselves the name of the Savior, our Heavenly Father blesses us with His power.
Each person who makes covenants in baptismal fonts and in temples—and keeps them—has increased access to the power of Jesus Christ.Key Points:
- Covenants with God increase our access to divine power.
- This empowerment strengthens us to withstand trials and share the gospel effectively.
- Share a personal experience where you felt empowered by your covenants with God.
- Reflect on how divine empowerment has helped you overcome challenges.
- Consider how you can better access and utilize this divine power in your life.
