ARE WE IMPORTANT TO GOD OR AN ACCIDENT OF THE UNIVERSE?

The Greatness of the Creations of God

It is easy to consider ourselves insignificant.  One group of scientists estimates that the number of stars within range of our telescopes is 10 times greater than all the grains of sand on the world’s beaches and deserts. (Astronomers Count the Starts, BBC News July 22, 2003)  The Lord revealed to Enoch a similar understanding “Were it possible that man could number the particles of the earth, yea, millions of earths like this, it would not be a beginning to the number of thy creations.”  (Moses 7:30 in the Pearl of Great Price)  The Lord said to Moses “Worlds without numbers have I created”  (Moses 1:33 in the Pearl of Great price)  The wonders of the night sky are a beautiful testimony of that truth.

This is a paradox of man: compared to God man is nothing; yet we are everything to God.

Our Royal Birthright

As sons and daughters of God, we have a spark of divinity in each of us with great potential.  One purpose of Heavenly Father creations is that we might reach our potential.  The Lord doesn’t care if we spend our days working in marble halls or stable stalls. He knows where we are no matter how humble our circumstances. He will use, in His own way and for His holy purposes, those who incline their hearts to Him.  God knows that some of the greatest souls who have ever lived are those who will never appear in the chronicles of history. They are the blessed, humble souls who emulate the Savior’s example and spend the days of their lives doing good.  The Lord uses a scale very different from the world to weigh the worth of a soul. 

We Matter to our Heavenly Father

It may be true that man is nothing in comparison to the greatness of the universe. At times we may even feel insignificant, invisible, alone, or forgotten. But always remember, you matter to Him!  No matter where you live, no matter how humble your circumstances, how meager your employment, how limited your abilities, how ordinary your appearance, you are not invisible to your Heavenly Father. He loves you. He knows your humble heart and your acts of love and kindness. Together, they form a lasting testimony of your fidelity and faith in your Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ.

Our Present Circumstance will not be Forever

Understand that what you see and experience now is not what forever will be. You will not feel loneliness, sorrow, pain, or discouragement forever. We have the promise of God that He will neither forget nor forsake those who incline their hearts to Him. Have hope and faith in that promise. Learn to love your Heavenly Father and become His follower in word and in deed.  Be assured that if you hold on, believe in Him, and remain faithful in keeping the commandments, one day you will experience for yourselves the promises revealed to the Apostle Paul: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”  (1 Corinthians 2: 9 in the Bible) 

The Folly of Pride

One word of caution, beware of pride.  Some still become prideful believing in the fantasy of their own self-importance and invincibility. They transcended the ordinary and because of ability, birthright, or social status, they are set apart from the common measure of all that surrounds them. They are not subject to anyone else’s rules including God’s and do not serve or help others, but spend their time in selfish pursuits.

given the vastness of God’s creations, it’s no wonder that an ancient prophet counseled his people to “…always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own nothingness…”  (Mosiah 4:11 p. 155 in the Book of Mormon)

Glorious Future Potential

The most powerful Being in the universe is the Father of our spirits. He knows us. He loves us with a perfect love.   God sees us not only as mortal beings on a small planet who live for a brief season, He sees us as His children. He sees you as the being you are capable and designed to become. He wants you to know that you matter to Him.  May we ever believe, trust, and align our lives so that we will understand our true eternal worth and potential. May we be worthy of the precious blessings our Heavenly Father has in store for us.

Some of the article was taken from remarks by Dieter F. Uchtdorf in General Conference October 2011