Gender and Eternal Identity

This week we talked about the roles different genders play and how our gender is a part of our spiritual and physical identity. This is super important to understand so that we know what God expects of us and how we can better serve him.

Helpful Readings

• Elder Richard G. Scott, “Finding Happiness” 
• Elder D. Todd Christofferson, “The Moral Force of Women” 
• Elder D. Todd Christofferson, “Brethren We Have A Work To Do,” & “Let Us Be Men” 

My Thoughts:

In Elder Scott's talk “Finding Happiness,” I thought it was very interesting how he said that he is very careful not to share sacred experiences without a feeling of authorization to do so.  Although, this isn’t really the message of his talk, I think this is very important. When we share sacred experiences or things with others, we need to be careful we aren’t “casting our pearls before swine.” I know that I have made the mistake of doing this before and it didn’t feel good at all. I sort felt like I had let God down in a sense as well. I also found it extremely comforting that we can break through Satan’s bindings by faith and obedience to truth. That means it’s actually in our hands and our control.

 In Christofferson's talk, “The Moral Force of Women,” I liked that Christofferson highlighted all that really makes women remarkable. Women really are the most powerful influences. I had never really thought about how serious the role of women is. Women are there and constantly working behind the scenes. I like that he gave a little credit back to the women. It just reconfirmed for me how important the role of being a mother is and how a career just pales in comparison to the good you can do as just being a mother. I think people forget this often and think that they can make a bigger difference by joining the workforce instead of staying home and nurturing.

In the excerpts from Christofferson's, “Brethren We Have a Work to Do” & “Let Us Be Men,” I thought it was interesting that he explained how men and women reach maturity differently and how some very independent women are filling the roles of men. I hadn't realized that. I loved that he was basically calling all men to grow up and act accordingly.