Last October, President Russell M. Nelson testified that the Savior, Jesus Christ, will return to the earth, and he encouraged us to prepare for that day. Quoting John the Revelator, he said that the people who are with the Savior at that time will be “called, chosen, and faithful” (“The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again,” General Conference, October 2024; see also Revelation 17:14).
Jesus said, “Many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14; see also Matthew 20:16). The Lord explained to Joseph Smith’s father that everyone who has a desire to serve Him is “called to the work” (Doctrine and Covenants 4:3). Alma assured the people in the land of Zarahemla that the “good shepherd” had called them all, and was still calling them, but they had not heard and followed the call. (See Alma 5:37-38.)
The Lord further explained to Joseph Smith that our pride, vain ambition, and controlling behavior can prevent us from being chosen, even if we have been called. (See Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-40.) In the words of Elder David A. Bednar, “You and I ultimately determine if we are chosen” (“The Tender Mercies of the Lord,” General Conference, April 2005). Nephi spoke of people who are “chosen, because of their faith” (1 Nephi 1:20), and Jesus taught the same principle as He prayed for His twelve disciples. (See 3 Nephi 19:20, 28.)
To be faithful is to be reliable, to make good decisions consistently over time. It is not only to accept a call but to fulfill it. When Nephi’s brothers wanted to give up and return to their father without completing their assignment, he said, “Let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord” (1 Nephi 3:16; see also 1 Nephi 3:21, 1 Nephi 4:1, 1 Nephi 7:12-13). And King Benjamin taught that if we “hold out faithful to the end,” we will be “received into heaven” (Mosiah 2:41; see also Doctrine and Covenants 5:35, Testimony of Three Witnesses).
So we are all called. As we overcome our pride, exercise faith, and hearken to the call, we may be chosen. And by consistently acting in accordance with the call, we demonstrate faithfulness.
After the first 116 pages of the Book of Mormon were lost, the Lord reprimanded Joseph by saying, “You should have been faithful.” He warned Joseph, “Thou wast chosen to do the work of the Lord, but because of transgression, if thou art not aware thou wilt fall.” But He quickly added the following reassurance: “Thou art still chosen, and art again called to the work” (Doctrine and Covenants 3:8-10). What a beautiful reminder that even when we fail to live up to our obligations, God wants to help us be successful. He will continue to call after us, and we can again be chosen by humbling ourselves, repenting, and recommitting to be faithful.
Today, I will heed the Savior’s call, choose to humble myself before Him, and exercise sustained faith as I follow Him. I will strive to make my discipleship my highest priority, learn more from Him, and prepare for His return to the earth.
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