I have shared with you before having long said to my children, “Remember who you are.” Ever since they were small they have heard my voice, seeing them off to some big adventures, running to their classroom, or going off to missionary service, “Remember who you are.”

One memorable occasion was shared with me by the 2nd grade teacher for our eldest son Danny, Mrs. Ashley Lake. On the first day of Danny’s second grade year I walked him to his class, kneeled in front of him, and with a hug and a kiss, “Remember who you are.” Years later Mrs. Lake tearfully informed me of what she had observed. She was touched in the moment, and knew this would be a good school year. She has since made a habit of sharing that same phrase with her own lovely children.

At times, I think more oft than not, I have to reflect and remember myself who I am, and how I should be. At such moments the Spirit distills upon my heart and arouses my memory to do my best, even when my foot is about to stray and in need of straightening on the path where I should trod. I want to be who I am, a son of God, and I am grateful for those reminders.

When Moses ascended into the mountain for the last time, seen by the children of Israel no more, Joshua had some big sandals to fill, but the Lord knew he was up to the task, and let him know. “There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage,… …Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. …The Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:5-7, 9).

It was hard after shadowing Moses for more than forty years for Joshua to even imagine carrying on in Moses’ stead, but the Lord reminded this son of God who he was and what he was able to fulfill, all that is required. “The Lord magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel,… all the days of his life” (Joshua 4:14).

When I have had adequate time and circumstances have allowed, I have expounded to my sons and daughters who they are, who they should remember to be. “You are sons or daughters of the Most High God, and as such heir to a divine inheritance. Remember you are sons or daughters of Heavenly Father and He will make all things possible that He requires of you. You cannot fail with Him.” I have tried over the years to share that same message with anybody I am able to serve, especially during my service as shepherd to a congregation. I have felt the same love as a father, and I find that love only grows and expands as it is shared more broadly among all of God’s children.

I recently had a very frustrating experience. I will not go into the circumstances of the event, I only make clear that the situation was pushing to impatience and toward anger. I have to say that I do not like angry me. That is not who I am, that is who the adversary would have me be. The situation was hitting a point of great stress and it seemed that confrontation was inevitable. When I was at the point where what I could do would make me someone I do not want to be, Monica reminded to pray. I immediately felt peace, and remembered who I am, chose the path that the Lord would have me follow, and found the calm and resolve I would have for my children, my little boy on his first day of school. My conversation became composed and did not include conflict, but seeking understanding and resolution. Peace and love prevailed, along with a remembrance who I am. That is what our Heavenly Father would have for all of us.

“Choose you this day whom ye will serve, …but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua 24:15

On the wall of our home has been posted for all to see, “Choose you this day whom ye will serve, …but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). Joshua learned from the Lord who he was, he followed, and he taught his people to do the same. They were the sons and daughters of the Most High, and all they had to do to inherit His kingdom was to choose and follow.

We too, all of us, are sons and daughters of the Most High God, and all that we need to do is remember who we are, choose and follow, and we will inherit with Christ all He has, with peace and joy eternal. This is our Heavenly Father‘s promise. May we remember who we are, “be strong and of a good courage,” and choose this day whom we will serve. “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Remember who you are, and “the Lord thy God will be with thee whithersoever thou goest.” In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.