More Than Just a Day: Understanding Our Spiritual Birthday

Sometimes, when I’m talking with new investigators, or even with seasoned members preparing for their own mission calls, I find myself reflecting on the concept of birthdays. We all have one, right? The day we physically arrived on this earth. We celebrate it with cake, gifts, and well-wishes. It’s a wonderful marker of time, no doubt.

But as we gather together as disciples of Jesus Christ, we learn that we have *two* birthdays. The first is the physical one. The second, the one that truly changes everything, is our spiritual birthday—the day we are born again of water and the Spirit.

It’s easy to get caught up in the material gifts of our physical birthdays. One year, it’s Batman gear; the next, maybe it’s a new gadget. Those things wear out, they change, and eventually, they’re replaced. But the gifts we receive on our spiritual birthday? Those are the ones that last forever. They never fade, they never depreciate.

The Gifts That Never Wear Out

This concept was beautifully illuminated when I was studying John 3 with some friends recently. Jesus spoke to Nicodemus about being born again. It’s not just a nice sentiment; it’s a fundamental principle of our discipleship. When we are baptized, we are experiencing a spiritual rebirth, a transition from one state of being to another—a new life in Christ.

And what do we receive at this spiritual milestone? Paul, in Ephesians chapter one, lays it out for us. He details seven spiritual gifts. These aren't things we earn through sheer effort, though effort is required to maintain them. These are divine endowments—blessings from the Father that follow the covenant path.

Think about the first gift Paul mentions: purity. When we are cleansed by the ordinance of baptism, we are purified before God. It’s a gift that allows us to approach the presence of the Lord without the weight of past transgressions. It’s an assurance, a divine standing that we can’t buy or wear out.

These gifts—purity, adoption, sealing, and the others—are the bedrock of our eternal progression. They are the spiritual equivalent of receiving a down payment on a treasure chest that will never be emptied.

A Thought for Our Current Work

As we continue in our efforts to be Internet missionaries—to share the gospel wherever we are—it’s vital that we remember the source of our strength. We don't rely on our own "purchasing power" of good intentions. We rely on the Spirit, and the gifts God has already bestowed upon us.

If you’re feeling the weight of the work, or if you’re preparing for missionary discussions, remember that the power comes from this spiritual rebirth. It’s a constant reminder that we are continually being made more like Christ.

For those of you who are deep in scripture study, I highly recommend diving into the social scripture study layer within LivingBook. Seeing how others are highlighting verses related to cleansing and new life can really deepen your personal testimony.

If you’re looking for a deeper dive into understanding these covenants, I found this talk by Mike Mazzalongo very helpful. It really drives home the difference between temporal and eternal blessings.

Next Steps for Our Discipleship

Fellow disciples, never let the significance of our spiritual birthday fade into the background noise of daily life. Let it fuel your desire to be more Christlike. If you haven't been to a Book Club recently, I encourage you to check out the HolyPlaces directory and find a group studying the Book of Mormon or the Doctrine and Covenants. These are wonderful places to solidify these truths.

If you’re ready to talk through the tough questions that come up when discussing the gospel, don't hesitate to utilize Davee. He’s ready to walk you through potential investigator questions, helping you feel prepared for any missionary discussion.

Keep building your spiritual foundation. The gifts are eternal, and so is the work!