Elder Alan T. Phillips
This talk by Elder Alan T. Phillips emphasizes that God’s plan of happiness centers around each individual as His precious child. Elder Phillips explores the concepts of being children of God, the redemptive power of Jesus Christ, and Heavenly Father’s love.
Children of God
Elder Phillips underscores that in challenging times, recognizing our divine identity as children of God and our belonging to His eternal family can provide comfort and purpose in life.
Elder Phillips quotes President M. Russell Ballard, who shared: “There is one important identity we all share now and forever. … That is that you are and have always been a son or daughter of God. … Understanding this truth—really understanding it and embracing it—is life-changing.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Mosiah 4:15: “But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another.”
- Matthew 22:36-40: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
The Redemptive Power of Jesus Christ
Elder Phillips delves into the Atonement of Jesus Christ as a manifestation of Heavenly Father’s love, offering a way for individuals to return to Him and find relief in their life journeys.
Elder Phillips quotes from the scriptures, sharing Christ’s loving and merciful invitation: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; … and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Matthew 11:28-29: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; … and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
- Mosiah 24:14: “And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.”
Heavenly Father’s Love
In this heartfelt section, Elder Phillips shares a personal story about when his young son, Jasper, was accidentally left behind at a gas station during a family vacation. He discusses the love that he feels as an earthly father and encourages us to contemplate how our perfect Heavenly Father feels about each of us.
Elder Phillips quotes Jesus Christ, who wants us to know and have a relationship with our Father in Heaven. Christ taught, “What man among you, having a son, and he shall be standing out, and shall say, Father, open thy house that I may come in and sup with thee, will not say, Come in, my son; for mine is thine, and thine is mine?”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Luke 11:11-13: “If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? … how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?”
- 1 Nephi 1:20: “But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.”
Calls to Action
- “Know your Father in Heaven. He is perfect and loving.”
- “Know who Jesus Christ is. He is our Savior and Redeemer. Bind yourself and those you love to Him.”
- “And know who you are. Know your true divine identity. God’s plan of happiness is all about you. You are His precious child and of great worth. He knows and loves you.”