Shedding the Old Names: Embracing the Identity God Has Chosen for Us

Brothers and sisters, have you ever felt like you were wearing a name that wasn't truly yours? A label whispered by fear, failure, or the critical voice of the world? Maybe you carry around the echoes of 'not good enough,' 'rejected,' or 'hopeless.' It’s a heavy mantle to bear, isn't it?

As we continue in the work, we learn that the enemy of our souls is masterful at keeping us attached to those old, limiting identities. He wants us to believe that our past mistakes define our future, that we are fundamentally broken beyond restoration. But the gospel, my friends, is a glorious counter-narrative to every whisper of doubt.

I was recently reflecting on a powerful message that spoke directly to this—the idea of being 'Chosen and Called.' It reminded me so much of the sacred process of discipleship itself. We are constantly being called to shed the old self and embrace the new covenant identity.

When I think about the power of this shift, I think of a vision described—a time when people were invited to leave behind the names they had given themselves, and instead, receive names bestowed by God: Warrior, Friend of God, Victor. It’s a beautiful, tangible representation of spiritual rebirth.

The Divine Exchange

This isn't just flowery language; it speaks to the core of what it means to be a Latter-day Saint. When we come to Christ, we are exchanging our old self—our 'old names'—for a new covenant identity. We are exchanging the weight of our mistakes for the boundless grace of the Atonement.

It takes courage to do that exchange. It takes the humility to stand before the Savior and say, 'I cannot define myself by my failures; I define myself by my Redeemer.' That willingness to be taught, to be *called* into something better, is what makes us disciples.

This principle is so vital for us, whether we are in the MTC, serving in the field, or right here, in our homes as internet missionaries. Our calling doesn't change who we are; it *reveals* who we always were—children of Heavenly Father, sons and daughters of the King.

Becoming Our Best Selves

How do we practice this 'shedding' in our daily lives? It starts with recognizing that every time we feel inadequate, we need to pause and recall the promises of the gospel. We need to remember that we *have* been chosen. We are not defined by our worst day; we are defined by the Savior's perfect love.

If you’re feeling the weight of past struggles, I encourage you to look into the scriptures. Sometimes, the most profound revelations come when we study the lives of those who were once considered lost but were wonderfully restored. I highly recommend diving into some of the materials available in LivingBook, perhaps exploring a Book Club on a scripture that speaks to redemption.

Remember, every member can be an internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Our identity is rooted not in what we *do*, but in who we *are* through Christ.

If this message resonated with you, I invite you to join me for our next Disciple Challenge! It’s a wonderful way to practice leaning into the Spirit and recognizing the divine potential God has placed within you. Details are posted in the community feed.