Watch
Who is responsible for your spiritual learning and growth? A lot of times we think that if we show up at church, we will be given all the education we need. We think to ourselves, “If the church isn’t teaching something, it isn’t important.”
President Nelson said “Oh, there is so much more that your Father in Heaven wants you to know….To those who have eyes to see and ears to hear, it is clear that the Father and the Son are giving away the secrets of the universe!”
Do you think President Nelson is teaching us all he knows? If not, why not? Twice a year we have ten hours of worldwide conference. Why doesn’t he just unload all his knowledge upon us? He has seen visions of the future. He knows many of the “mysteries” of the universe. Why can’t he just tell us?
I think it is for the same reason that Christ taught in parables. Elder Bednar explained “The intended meaning or message of a parable typically is not expressed explicitly. Rather, the story only conveys divine truth to a receiver in proportion to his or her faith in God, personal spiritual preparation, and willingness to learn. Thus, an individual must exercise moral agency and actively “ask, seek, and knock” to discover the truths embedded in a parable.”
We understand that Christ taught that way, but we may not realize that the church leaders do the exact same thing in conference and a lot of times we miss the deeper meaning. For instance Elder Bednar’s use of the wedding feast has a lot of scriptural ties to the Second Coming of the Savior (ie Bridegroom). President Nelson’s talk on finding rest has significant deeper meaning also (see D&C 84:19-25).
Another reason that I think President Nelson can’t be more explicit is that as prophet, I believe he actually has less freedom to speak clearly (on certain topics) than if he wasn’t the prophet. Because of his position, if he taught clearly, we would be accountable for the knowledge. And if we weren’t ready and willing to accept that knowledge, it would be to our detriment. Whereas on the other hand, you can easily dismiss my interpretation without being held accountable. In addition to this, I also think that the church is under intense scrutiny and can’t be as clear about warning us as they were in the past.
My point with this is that although the church isn’t telling us exactly what will be coming and when, I believe they are yelling as loud as they can without yelling, that it is time to watch and prepare.
We know the scriptures foretell very difficult times. I don’t like to dwell on those, but they are foretold by more than a few witnesses. Sometimes these prophecies make us want to avoid thinking about the future. The scriptures describe these events as birthing pains. And like the birthing process there is something exquisitely beautiful that will be born. Isaiah 25 teaches us that “the Lord God will wipe away all tears from off all faces.” Speaking of those worthy in that day, D&C 45 says “they shall multiply and wax strong, and their children shall grow up without sin unto salvation. For the Lord shall be in their midst, and his glory shall be upon them.” We also learn that the lamb will lay with the lion and there will be true peace on Earth as never before known.
My point is that based on what is being taught in conference I believe we may be closer to that day than we think. (I will try to do a post later on why I think this, but for now just wanted to introduce the idea.) And we are taught that if we are prepared we shall not fear. Whether things will change drastically in a year, two, ten or fifty, I think there are certain things that we can do that will better our lives now and help us have peace when and if hard times do come. If we do so steadily and consistently, we can do so without panic or anxiety.
Although there will be hard things in the future, we are promised that we will see miracles that will rival any miracles in the history of the Earth. President Nelson said, “In coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior’s power that the world has ever seen. Between now and the time He returns with power and great glory, He will bestow countless privileges, blessing, and miracles upon the faithful.” Note how it says between now and when the Savior returns. So even if you don’t believe He is returning soon, take courage for we still may seen greater miracles and blessings between now and then. See also Jeremiah 16:14-15 which says that the miracles that occur with the return of the ten tribes will exceed those of the Exodus of Moses.
I remember studying the topic of the Second Coming and signs of the times and being really confused. However, like a puzzle, if we work little by little, things start to become clearer and pieces fit together much more easily. President Nelson urged us to study the covenants God made with Israel. These will be essential in the coming days.
Here’s a good place to start thinking about what to do to be temporally prepared. These things have helped many people in areas where there have been earthquakes, hurricanes, or other natural disasters. They could be helpful to us someday too.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/emergency-preparedness?lang=eng
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/food-storage?lang=eng
The lesson we learn is not to be so complacent that we are only willing to prepare when it is obvious the Bridegroom is coming (*by then it will be too late), but also not to panic or feel overwhelmed. I know that God will lead us as we turn fully to Him and trust Him. As we learn to trust Him we can be filled with love, faith and hope. Perfect love casteth out all fear. I know that God loves each of us dearly and is reaching out to us and guiding no matter where we are at in our journey. Even if some of us don’t recognize it or acknowledge Him, He is there in the details of our life. He loves us despite our flaws.
