We’re continuing our July theme of free will with this scripture from Mosiah. It says that the people who are willing to bear the name of Jesus are blessed.

The word “willing” stands out here, demonstrating that choice is part of the equation. You can’t be willingly forced to serve God.

2 Nephi 31:13 and Mosiah 21:35 both describe how baptism is the external witness of the internal willingness of the heart. After baptism, we bear the name of the Lord (we are called by His name).

If you’ve already been baptized, then you’ve demonstrated that you’re willing to serve God and bear the name of Christ. As you’ve pressed on in life, has God asked you to be willing to do other things — specific things — for Him?

Maybe He’s asked you, “Are you willing to move to a new place?” or “Are you willing to switch jobs?” or, “Are you willing to forgive that person?” or “Are you willing to shoulder a certain responsibility?”

Maybe your initial answer was, “No! I’m not willing to do that.”

But, after we offer ourselves in baptism, it’s amazing how He can change us into people who are willing to do things we might otherwise never do. As long as we remain willing, He can work wonders through us.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.