President Dieter F. Uchtdorf spoke about the importance of recognizing self-worth, in a CES Fireside Sunday in the Marriott Center.

The second counselor in The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began his address by relating Hans Christian Anderson’s story of the ugly duckling. In the tale, a young duckling that is born different than the rest doubts his value until discovering his true identity as a swan.

President Uchtdorf encouraged all to come to an understanding of their true identity as children of God.

“A knowledge of who you are can help you overcome some of life’s greatest challenges,” he said.

He listed three common problems that many face and he discussed how the knowledge of divine potential can help people overcome in each situation.

Many struggle with feelings of depression and suicide, President Uchtdorf said, and they ask the question, “Why should I go on?”

“The next time you feel unhappy, don’t focus on the things that dampen your soul with sorrow,” he said. “Remember that you were created to have joy, so let’s celebrate the mercies of a loving Heavenly Father.”

These principles also come into play when people think to themselves, “I am so lonely. Will I ever find my soul mate?”

President Uchtdorf said people must not fall into the trap of thinking there is only one person in the whole world that could make them happy. He also listed some common mistakes people make when looking for that “special someone.”

To illustrate one of these mistakes, President Uchtdorf told a story about a woman who, finding a genie in a bottle, asks for world peace or the perfect man as her soul mate. The genie replies, “Let me see what I can do about world peace.” Elder Uchtdorf cautioned the audience against looking for perfection in the person they are with.

“The only perfect people you know, you probably don’t know very well,” he said.
The final struggle President Uchtdorf described was illustrated by the question, “Can I remain faithful?”

He described the true nature of temptation, which would keep people from remaining faithful.
“Temptation wouldn’t be temptation if it didn’t seem attractive, intriguing and fun,” Elder Uchtdorf said.

Comparing the temptation of pornography to flying a plane near a deadly storm, he said, “avoid, avoid, avoid.”

Elder Uchtdorf also said to not be afraid of asking questions about church doctrine or principles.
“Asking questions isn’t a sign of weakness, but a sign of growth,” he said. “Fear not to ask questions, but doubt not.”