I Am a Child of God
Written by Cheri Stirling
We grew up in Primary singing the hymn, I Am a Child of God. Many of us have sung it to our own children, reinforcing this simple truth in their own lives. But how often do we pause to really ponder what it means to be a child of God? What does this truth imply about our present, and more importantly, our future? How should it shape our choices and our view of ourselves and others?
President Russell M. Nelson has taught: “So who are you? First and foremost, you are a child of God, a child of the covenant, and a disciple of Jesus Christ. As you embrace these truths, our Heavenly Father will help you reach your ultimate goal of living eternally in His holy presence.” (Choices for Eternity, 2022)
Part of our purpose in mortality is to internalize this truth and determine what we will do about it. It is not enough to merely acknowledge our divine heritage; we must allow it to shape our lives, our decisions, and our eternal aspirations.
Understanding Who We Are by Understanding Who We Can Become
To truly grasp our true identity, we must also comprehend our divine potential. Joseph Smith taught:“If men do not comprehend the character of God, they do not comprehend themselves.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, 2007)
Our understanding of God and our relationship to Him defines our self-perception. When Jesus Christ offered His intercessory prayer in Gethsemane, He declared: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)
To know our Heavenly Parents is to understand that we are Their children—not just in a metaphorical sense, but literally. This realization expands our vision beyond our current mortal limitations. Our potential surpasses earthly achievements such as career success, wealth, or reputation. These things, while valuable in their place, pale in comparison to our divine inheritance.
The Apostle Paul declared: “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.” (Romans 8:16-17) Paul teaches us about our potential to inherit all that our Heavenly Parents have, through Christ. We are more than we realize, and our divine identity calls us to a life of purpose, discipleship, and covenant commitment.
The Eternal Nature of Our Divine Lineage
One of the unique things about the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is that we don’t believe in God the Father alone. In the hymn, Oh My Father, by Eliza R. Snow, she wrote: “In the heavens, are parents single? No, the thought makes reason stare! Truth is reason, truth eternal, says that I’ve a Mother there.”
The Hebrew word Elohim, which we often use to refer to God, is plural—signifying that we belong to a divine family. Our eternal heritage is not limited to a Heavenly Father but includes a Heavenly Mother. Though this doctrine is not often discussed openly in the Church, its implications are profound, especially for women who seek to understand their divine potential. President Dallin H. Oaks taught: “Our theology begins with heavenly parents. Our highest aspiration is to be like Them.” (Ensign, May 1995)
Recognizing our Heavenly Mother deepens our understanding of our eternal identity. Women are not only daughters of God, but daughters of a divine Mother, and are destined for godhood themselves. This knowledge empowers women to see themselves as co-creators with God, capable of extraordinary spiritual and eternal progression.
The Path to Becoming Like Our Heavenly Parents
Understanding our divine identity is not just about knowing who we are, but also about acting in accordance with our potential. President Spencer W. Kimball taught: “[The gospel] is a way of life, the plan of personal salvation, and is based upon personal responsibility. It is developed for man, the offspring of God. Man is a god in embryo and has in him the seeds of godhood, and he can, if he will, rise to great heights.” (Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball)
This doctrine, sometimes referred to as theosis or divine ascent, is central to Latter-day Saint theology. We are not meant to remain as we are; we are meant to grow, progress, and ultimately become like our Heavenly Parents. This process, the Gospel, is made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and is sometimes referred to as the Covenant Path—the key to building binding relationships with God through ordinances and sacraments. Elder D. Todd Christofferson emphasized this when he said: “Our Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness is designed to help us realize our divine destiny as heirs of eternal life.” (Conference Report, April 2019) Our progression along this path requires faith, obedience, and a willingness to submit to God’s will.
Living in the Light of Our Divine Identity
Once we truly understand that we are children of God, then we will act accordingly. This knowledge will shape the way we treat ourselves and others. President Nelson has called on us to reject worldly labels and instead embrace our divine identity:
“Labels can be so destructive. Think of the difference it would make in the world if everyone simply treated each other as what we truly are—children of God!” (Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, May 2022)
As we internalize this truth along the path, our perspective changes. We no longer define ourselves by our past mistakes, inadequacies, or by the world’s benchmarks for success. Instead, we see ourselves and others as They see us—eternal beings of infinite worth, capable of growth, redemption, and celestial glory.
This understanding should influence the way we approach daily life. It should:
- Encourage us to speak to ourselves with kindness and faith, rather than self-doubt.
- Shape the way we interact with others, recognizing their divine nature despite their imperfections.
- Help us resist temptations that diminish our divine potential.
- Give us hope during times of trial, knowing that our struggles are temporary but our divine nature is eternal.
As we walk this path, we begin to see our lives from an eternal perspective. We are able to accept the grace offered through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. No mistake, no sin, no failure is beyond the redeeming power of the Atonement. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught: “God doesn’t care nearly as much about where you have been as He does about where you are and, with His help, where you are willing to go.” (Conference Report, April 2016)
The Challenge Before Us
Each of us faces the challenge of not only recognizing who we are but deciding who we will become. The world will try to define us in countless ways—by our careers, our achievements, our social status, or even our failures. But the only identity that truly matters is this: You are a child of God. You are a child of the covenant. You are a disciple of Jesus Christ.
We can live in a way that reflects that truth. Let us embrace our divine nature, walk the Covenant Path, and become the people God created us to be.
President Nelson has promised: “The Lord has more in mind for you than you have in mind for yourself! You have been reserved and preserved for this time and place. The Lord needs you to change the world. As you accept and follow His will for you, you will find yourself accomplishing the impossible!” (BYU Devotional, August 2019)
May we rise to that divine calling, embracing our identity and our destiny as children of God.
References
- Choices for Eternity, Russell M. Nelson, 2022
- Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 2007
- John 17:3
- Romans 18:16-17
- ‘Oh My Father‘, Eliza R. Snow
- ‘Apostasy and Restoration‘, Dallin H. Oaks, 1995
- Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball
- Conference Report, April 2019
- Conference Report, April 2016
- BYU Devotional, Russell M. Nelson, 2019
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