Being Chosen

Today I really enjoyed the Sunday School Lesson on the Atonement given by Jane.  And one point was made so well about receiving tender mercies from the Lord.

It was taken from a talk David Bednar gave at Conference in 2005 just six months after his calling to be a General Authority.  He was talking about how some us feel we are not privileged to be the chosen by the Lord. And then went on and used scripture to explain who the chosen are.  It was quite enlightening.

Who Are They Whom the Lord Has Chosen to Receive His Tender Mercies?

The word chosen in 1 Nephi 1:20 [1 Ne. 1:20] is central to understanding the concept of the Lord’s tender mercies. The dictionary indicates that chosen suggests one who is selected, taken by preference, or picked out. It also can be used to refer to the elect or chosen of God (Oxford English Dictionary Online, second ed. [1989], “Chosen”).

Some individuals who hear or read this message erroneously may discount or dismiss in their personal lives the availability of the tender mercies of the Lord, believing that “I certainly am not one who has been or ever will be chosen.” We may falsely think that such blessings and gifts are reserved for other people who appear to be more righteous or who serve in visible Church callings. I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us and that the Redeemer of Israel is eager to bestow such gifts upon us.

To be or to become chosen is not an exclusive status conferred upon us. Rather, you and I ultimately determine if we are chosen. Please now note the use of the word chosen in the following verses from the Doctrine and Covenants:

“Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?

“Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men” (D&C 121:34–35; emphasis added).

I believe the implication of these verses is quite straightforward. God does not have a list of favorites to which we must hope our names will someday be added. He does not limit “the chosen” to a restricted few. Rather, it is our hearts and our aspirations and our obedience which definitively determine whether we are counted as one of God’s chosen.

Jane also gave "the Bicyle" story from Robinson's book "Believe in Christ"or something like that.  It was the book Roddy read just before passing away and he challenged everyone with "I know you believe in Christ but do you believe Him?"  I am glad he received that testimony of understanding the atonement before he passed away.  It was a good reminder that it is not working to do our best everyday that makes us worthy for the atonement but our realizing the need for the Savior in our life no matter how much we do.