President James E. Faust (1920-2007) was called as a Seventy in 1976, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve in 1978. He served as a counselor to President Hinckley from 1995 until his death in 2007 at age 87.
"If we are constantly aware of the seeds of divinity in us, it will help us rise above earthly challenges and difficulties. Brigham Young said: 'When I look upon the faces of intelligent beings I look upon the image of the God I serve. There are none but what have a certain portion of divinity within them; and though we are clothed with bodies which are in the image of our God, yet this mortality shrinks before that portion of divinity which we inherit from our Father.' (Discourses of Brigham Young p. 168) Being aware of our divine heritage will help men [and women] young and old to grow and magnify the divinity which is within them and within all of us.
"All of us who wish to be honored by the Lord and receive of His goodness, mercy, and eternal blessings must, I repeat, be obedient to these four great principles.
"1. Have a reverence for Deity.
"2. Have respect for and honor family relationships.
"3. Have a profound reverence for and obedience to the ordinances and covenants of the holy priesthood.
"4. Have respect for yourself as a son [or daughter] of God."
- James E. Faust, "Them That Honour Me I Will Honour," General Conference, April 2001
Click here to read or listen to the full talk
These remarks by President Faust were shared with a Priesthood session of general conference, and he was especially encouraging young men to be aware of their divine potential and the goodness within them. But clearly the message applies to all. Being "constantly aware" is similar to the injunction to "always remember" the Savior and His gifts to us:
The main portion of Elder Faust's talk had been to elaborate on those four principles that will lead to divine understanding and increased influence in our lives. It was excellent counsel, worth reviewing. The title of the talk is taken from a passage in 1 Samuel 2:30, “For them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.” This caution was given because Eli the priest was not being faithful in his duties. Clearly the Lord invites us all to look to Him, to remember Him, to be obedient and to serve Him. And then His honor and blessings will be returned to us.
(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)
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