Humility Paradox

The scriptures establish a marvelous paradox. On one hand we are to recognize the infinite worth of the soul to God. Yet, on the other, we are to recignize our worthlessness and nothingness before God. Jesus Christ is the answer to the paradox. Without Christ we are "less than the dust of the Earth", but through his atoning sacrifice he has given us the power to become sons of God (John 1: 12).

Mosiah 4: 5 For behold, if the knowledge of the goodness of God at this time has awakened you to a sense of your nothingness, and your worthless and fallen state—. . . I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own nothingness, and his goodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come, . . . For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?

Hel. 12: 7 O how great is the nothingness of the children of men; yea, even they are less than the dust of the earth.

Mosiah 2: 21 I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants.

D&C 18: 10 Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;

John 1: 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Rom. 8: 16 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.