I’m proud of you James.

Anybody who knows James knows he loves things that are valuable. He’s always picking up pennies and gathering cool-looking rocks. He always talks about wanting to find diamonds. And although the only diamonds we’ll be finding any time soon are in Minecraft, there’s something even more valuable than diamonds. And it’s the reason we’re here today.

The most important part of your baptism, James, isn’t the water or the white clothing. It’s not the yummy crepes we’ll have afterward. Even you and I aren’t as important as the most important part of today.

The most important part of the day is Jesus Christ. He is the one who has provided the power by which we can repent and change to become like Him.

As Elder Renlund said in this past general conference:

“As an eight-year-old, I had mistakenly presumed that the water of baptism washed away sins. Not so. In the years since my baptism, I have learned that sins are cleansed by the power of Jesus Christ through His atoning sacrifice as we make and keep the baptismal covenant. Then, through the gift of repentance, we can remain clean. I have also learned that the sacrament brings a powerful virtuous cycle into our lives, enabling us to retain a remission of our sins.”

And as Nephi says of his experience learning about the tree of life:

“And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.”

That’s what I want you to know that I know this church is all about as you become a member of it today. It’s not about the building or the history or the events. It’s about having a relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the most valuable treasure there is.