“He That Will Hear My Voice” – Mosiah 26:21

In a September 1829 revelation, the Savior explained to Joseph Smith His relationship with us and with all of God’s children. He said He would gather people like a hen gathers her chicks, “even as many as will hearken unto my voice” (Doctrine and Covenants 29:2).

He said He is our advocate with the Father. Like a defense attorney in a courtroom, He pleads our case. But He adds that the judge is also on our side. “It is his good will to give you the kingdom,” He said (Doctrine and Covenants 29:5).

Finally, He invites us to help Him with His work of gathering:

Ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts

Doctrine and Covenants 29:7

When Alma was serving as high priest over the church at Zarahemla, he pleaded with the Lord to know how to handle a difficult matter in the church. The Lord taught him a simple principle: “He that will hear my voice shall be my sheep; and him shall ye receive into the church, and him will I also receive” (Mosiah 26:21).

Our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ are willing to receive us if we are willing to receive Them. We become elect, or chosen, by choosing to follow them.

As Elder David A. Bednar testified:

The tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us and…the Redeemer of Israel is eager to bestow such gifts upon us.

To be or to become chosen is not an exclusive status conferred upon us. Rather, you and I ultimately determine if we are chosen.

“The Tender Mercies of the Lord,” General Conference, April 2005

How do we make that choice? As President Russell M. Nelson explained, we do so by putting God first in our lives, by willingly following His guidance:

Are you willing to let God prevail in your life? Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life? Will you allow His words, His commandments, and His covenants to influence what you do each day? Will you allow His voice to take priority over any other? Are you willing to let whatever He needs you to do take precedence over every other ambition? Are you willing to have your will swallowed up in His?

“Let God Prevail,” General Conference, October 2020

Today, I will strive to hear the Savior’s voice and to follow Him. I will remember that He and our Heavenly Father want to gather us and to bless us, and that They will do so if we are willing to follow Them.