David A. Bednar

I am so grateful for the steadfast Christlike example of my dear wife, Susan. When she and I spoke together recently at a Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, she provided inspired counsel on how we can replace fear with Christlike love and faith. And I wanted you to have an opportunity to learn from her.   During this season of giving thanks, “I cannot say the smallest part” (Alma 26:16) of how thankful I am for my wonderful eternal companion and her example to me.

You and I have a responsibility to ensure the Holy Ghost can always attest to the truth and authenticity of all we say and share. The promise for each of us is that we can learn to use technology appropriately with the guidance, protection, and warnings that come by the power of the Holy Ghost.

In our digital world today, seeing things as they really are can be a challenge. As we invite the Spirit to guide us in our use of digital media, the light that comes from authentic messages shared by disciples of Jesus Christ will shine ever brighter. I invite you to join the upcoming Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults on Sunday, November 3, where I will continue this discussion. To prepare for the devotional, tap the link in my bio to read my original address, “Things as They Really Are.”

In preparation for an upcoming Worldwide Devotional, I had the opportunity to meet with students from @byuidaho to discuss our use of digital media and technology. I invite you to read my previous address, “Things as They Really Are,” and join Sister Bednar and me on November 3.

Fifteen years ago, I delivered an address in a worldwide devotional for young adults titled “Things as They Really Are.” I discussed the blessings and challenges of technology in our lives. And much has changed in the digital world since that time. On Sunday, November 3, I will share an address titled “Things as They Really Are—2.0” in another worldwide devotional. I invite you to prepare for this gathering by reading my original message and by preparing your heart and mind to be taught by the Holy Ghost about how to discern truth from error. Please see the link in my bio to read “Things as They Really Are.”

The Book of Mormon is not primarily a historical record that looks to the past. Rather, this volume of scripture looks to the future and contains important principles, warnings, and lessons intended for the circumstances and challenges of our day. Hence, the Book of Mormon is a book about our future and the times in which we do now and will yet live. Ancient voices from the dust plead with us today to learn this everlasting lesson: prosperity, possessions, and ease constitute a potent mixture that can lead even the righteous to drink the spiritual poison of pride. We can follow the example of the Lamanites in the Book of Helaman who turned to God and were brought to a knowledge of the truth by believing the teachings in the holy scriptures and of prophets, exercising faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repenting of their sins, and experiencing a mighty change of heart. If we are not faithful and obedient, we can transform the God-given blessing of prosperity into a prideful curse that diverts and distracts us from eternal truths and vital spiritual priorities. We always must be on guard against a pride-induced and exaggerated sense of self-importance, a misguided evaluation of our own self-sufficiency, and seeking self instead of serving others. As we study and ponder the Book of Mormon, we will be blessed with eyes to see, ears to hear, minds to comprehend, and hearts to understand the lessons we should learn to “beware of pride, lest [we should] enter into temptation” (Doctrine and Covenants 23:1). As we walk in the meekness of the Lord’s Spirit, we will avoid and overcome pride and have peace in Him. #GeneralConference “The Lord Is My Shepherd,” by Scott Sumner. Image courtesy of Havenlight.

I have shared before what a day in my life looks like in the office and while on a local assignment. Because my recent assignment to South America was so full of amazing experiences and people, I wanted to share with you what I observed during a weekend from this trip. https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/elder-bednar-ministry-peru-ecuador-2024

You do not simply find the marriage and family you hope to have. You create it. https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/elder-bednar-ministry-peru-ecuador-2024

You believe in Christ, but do you believe Him? The Atonement of Jesus Christ is for you. It applies to you. https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/elder-bednar-ministry-peru-ecuador-2024

In a world that increasingly may mock our beliefs, we will be known by our kindness, our service, our integrity. What a remarkable time to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and to never be ashamed of His gospel. https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/elder-bednar-ministry-peru-ecuador-2024

As we “flood the earth” with messages of the gospel of Jesus Christ on social media, we sometimes see disparaging responses. When we receive these kinds of comments, we can choose to be peacemakers so that our examples represent the gospel that we proclaim.

Almost exactly 10 years ago, I gave an address titled “To Sweep the Earth as with a Flood,” and invited each of us to consider how we could use social media to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.   I recently sat down with a few media personalities to discuss how we can use social media in normal, natural ways to share the “good news” of the Savior’s gospel.