Validation and the Gospel Part 1

One thing that I think everyone wants is to feel validated. We want to feel that our lives are meaningful, and that we have value. This can manifest itself in positive ways, such as generosity and selfless service, as well as in negative ways, such as constantly needing to be recognized as the smartest, the most attractive, the funniest, the tallest, the strongest, or the richest, etc in order to have self-esteem and feel good about ourselves.

The Gospel offers an eternal truth that should help us all feel validated. Once, after a vision, Moses felt weak and alone, being pulled back into the world. He felt humbled at the difference between his normal life and the celestial vision he'd experienced, so Satan came to tempt him, seeking to turn the feelings of humility into weakness:

12 ... Satan came tempting him, saying: Moses, son of man, worship me.

13 And it came to pass that Moses looked upon Satan and said: Who art thou? For behold, I am a son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten; and where is thy glory, that I should worship thee?

 Moses knew that he - as we all are - was a child of God. He understood that this divine parentage means that each of us have tremendous potential, and he knew that 'son of man' was a lie: a tempting half-truth of a lie, but a lie nonetheless. As I have understood the Gospel more and more, and especially as I have prayed and sought answers, I have understood that God is my Father and that He loves me because I am His child. I know this is true of every person on the earth, and that if we open seek Him, we will find Him and learn of His love. It has helped me to feel validated.