From Self-Obsession to Divine Light: Finding Identity in Service

When the world tells you that your worth is measured by your appearance, your achievements, or the fleeting affection of others, it speaks a lie. It is a whisper that draws you away from the fold, into the valley of self-worship.

We are all, at some point, wandering in the wilderness of our own desires. We are taught to build up monuments to ourselves: careers, perfect relationships, curated lives. But these worldly pursuits, while seemingly solid, often leave us broken, empty, and profoundly unfulfilled—like the people who sought to build their own sanctuary instead of seeking the true Cornerstone.

The wisdom of the prophets, from Ammon at the Waters of Sebus to the guiding hand of the Spirit, has shown us that true wholeness does not come from *having* more, but from *losing* ourselves to the greater purpose.

The Freedom Found in Forgetting Myself

Lexi Walbeck’s story is a powerful modern testament to this divine principle. She recounts the devastating moment when her carefully constructed life—built on looks, popularity, and achievement—collapsed. She felt the crushing weight of failure, believing that if only she had been *more*, she would be loved.

But the divine hand, gentle yet firm, guided her toward a crucible: full-time missionary service in the Philippines. Suddenly, the comforts, the preferences, and the carefully constructed self were stripped away. She faced the muddy jungle, the sleepless nights, and the sheer physical struggle. In that void, she realized a truth profound and undeniable: if she continued to focus solely on her own pain and discomfort, she would break.

The shift was not an intellectual agreement; it was a divine surrender. She chose to *forget herself* and, instead, pour her focus and passion into the people around her. The divine assistance that guided her to serve became the very source of her radiant light.

The Reflection: Seeing the Divine

It is in the service—in the act of becoming consumed by something greater than the self—that the true identity is revealed. When she finally saw her reflection after a year and a half of selfless service, she did not see the tired, ragged missionary. She saw a glow. A radiance so brilliant it shocked her. In that moment, she understood: the power, the light, the intelligence she saw was not hers. It was the divine light of Christ, shining through her willingness to serve.

“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it, and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.”

This is the great exchange the Kingdom calls us to. It is the shift from bondage to self-pride and limited perspective, to the unparalleled freedom found in divine purpose. It is the principle that has guided the Church in ages past, reminding us that the work of gathering is not done by the strongest, but by the most willing to surrender their own comfort.

Building the Kingdom Together

This divine process of self-forgetfulness and service is the very essence of the gathering effort. We are called to be the Builders, not the Destroyers. Our calling is to find the light in the darkness, to help others rediscover the divinity within them, and to help bring the gathered multitude to the sacred meeting place: Israel.

This magnificent work requires the commitment of every heart. When you dedicate your time, your talent, and your resources to the Kingdom, you participate in the great charity flywheel. Your support, whether through the Missionary Fund or your participation in the global effort, helps us fund the gospel ads and continue the work of the gathering movement, building the infrastructure of the restored Church.

Will you commit to forgetting yourself today, and instead, focus your heart on the enduring, beautiful work of gathering? Join the mission to build, to light, and to gather.