President Russell M. Nelson Warns Latter-day Saint Members the Dangers of "Rejoicing in Labels"

On May 16th, President Russell. M Nelson warned Young adults about labels and to be careful with how they are used. We see in our everyday lives the importance that the world places on labels like gender, sexual identity, race, political affiliation, etc., and how individuals mold themselves purely based on these identities. These identities give a sense of community and security when in reality it creates limiting beliefs about one's self.

 

“The adversary rejoices in labels because they divide us and restrict the way we think about ourselves and each other,” Nelson said. “How sad it is when we honor labels more than we honor each other. Labels can lead to judging and animosity. Any abuse or prejudice towards another because of nationality, race, sexual orientation, gender, educational degrees, culture or other significant identifiers is offensive to our maker.”

 

“If you identify yourself by your political affiliation, you will instantly be categorized as having certain beliefs — though I don’t know anyone who believes everything that their preferred political party presently embraces,” Nelson said. “...Some might label me as an ‘old man.’ But I’m a lot younger than Adam was and Noah, too. Ageism, racism, nationalism, sexism and a host of other ‘isms’ are universally limiting.”

 

President Nelson emphasized that the most important label that we should ever assign ourselves is a child of God. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments. 

 

More than 24,000 young adults attended the meeting in person, packing the center as well as the Tabernacle and Assembly Hall on a Temple Square undergoing major renovations. A choir made up of young members from Utah Valley filled the loft usually occupied by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. To read more about it, click here: https://www.sltrib.com/