Whose Church is it?

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to watch General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  One talk that really stood out to me, was given by our Prophet, President Nelson.  In his talk, he addressed the name of the Church and the proper use of it as we move forward.  He was referring to a couple of months ago, when an announcement was made that we should stop calling ourselves Mormons and should start referring to ourselves as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or just as Latter-day Saints.  It was said that we should start using the full name of the Church, rather than the nickname of the Mormon church that many, including myself, have used over the years.

At first, when I heard this announcement in August, I didn’t think too much of it, other than I felt I had heard this before.  It seemed to me that there have been other times when people have said this, but it never really seemed to be taken that seriously.  And at first, I didn’t really understand the importance of distancing ourselves from the name Mormon.  To me, it has never seemed like a big deal to be called Mormon, or to refer to others the same way.  I know that I have felt, “does it really matter?”  And as I watched President Nelson start to speak, I couldn’t help but think, “is he really going to devote an entire talk to this?”

As President Nelson spoke on Sunday, I really started to understand the reasons he gave for wanting to make sure we keep the name of our Savior in the Church that we belong to.  He explained that as we remove His name from the Church, we are, in a way, disregarding all that He has done for us. Including the Atonement.  And he talked about how, to much of the world, the Lord’s Church is hidden behind the name of the Mormon Church.

As I heard these things being said, I started to really understand the importance of the name of the restored Church of Jesus Christ.  His talk really helped to open my eyes.  I can completely see the point being made, and I feel a strong desire to tell others of my thoughts on this.  I know that President Nelson has been inspired to share this with us.  I know that we must make sure to put the Savior’s name into His Church, and make sure that others know it is His church.  I know these things are true, and I am thankful for a living Prophet in these days that is there to help direct us and to let us know the will of our Father in Heaven.

I feel somewhat ashamed for the feelings that I initially had after the announcement in August.  But, I have come to know that this directive is inspired of the Lord.  I know that President Nelson is a true Prophet, here to help lead us all.  I am grateful for the opportunity to have watched this talk, and I am grateful to be able to call myself a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.