The Weight of Being 'Not of the World'

There’s a peculiar weight to the phrase, “We are not of the world.” It's not a dismissal of earthly joys or a rejection of civic duty. Rather, it’s a declaration of allegiance – a recognition that our ultimate citizenship resides elsewhere, and our purpose is inextricably bound to a higher calling. President Nelson’s succinct statement in General Conference – “We Latter-day Saints are not of the world. We are covenant Israel. We are called to prepare a people for the second coming of the Lord” – resonated with a profound truth that cuts through the noise and distractions of modern life.

This isn't a new concept. Isaiah prophesied of a remnant, a people separated and refined, destined to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 11:11-12). We, as Latter-day Saints, are inheritors of that prophetic line, charged with maintaining that light amidst encroaching darkness. The urgency of this preparation is palpable; the loss of generations hangs in the balance, as President Nelson so plainly stated.

The subsequent clarification regarding priesthood authority in callings—from Relief Society leadership to Primary teachers—is a vital corollary. To be “set apart” is to receive not merely a responsibility, but a tangible endowment. It’s a conduit through which the Spirit flows, granting clarity, guidance, and power to fulfill the assigned task. The sister who recounts experiencing the departure of that authority upon release from her missionary service speaks to a reality many of us understand—a tangible sense of divine partnership that ceases when the formal assignment concludes.

Consider the implications. How many among us have accepted callings without seeking this vital setting apart? How often do we diminish the power of a seemingly “small” calling, failing to recognize the inherent priesthood authority that accompanies it? We must actively seek this endowment, understanding that it is not a mere formality, but a crucial link in the chain of Restoration. D&C 44:13-14 emphasizes the importance of those set apart receiving a patriarchal blessing and an anointing, signifying a profound spiritual preparation.

This separation, this calling to prepare, demands a rigorous self-assessment. Are we actively engaging in scripture study, seeking the voice of the prophets, and striving to live in accordance with the covenants we have made? Are we cultivating a love for truth that transcends the fleeting trends and opinions of the world? The Brethren have consistently warned against the seductive allure of worldly philosophies and the compromising of our principles. To be “not of the world” requires constant vigilance and a deliberate choice to prioritize eternal values.

The Lord’s work moves forward through those who are willing to be set apart, both literally and figuratively. Those who embrace their callings with faith and diligence, recognizing the power of the priesthood and the urgency of the hour. Let us strive to be among them.

Let us ponder the weight of these words, and consider how we can more fully embrace our covenant identity and participate in this sacred preparation.