"One of the great challenges each of us faces every day is to not allow the concerns of this world to so dominate our time and energy that we neglect the eternal things that matter most. (See D&C 25:10.) We can be too easily diverted from remembering and focusing upon essential spiritual priorities because of our many responsibilities and busy schedules. Sometimes we try to run so fast that we may forget where we are going and why we are running.
"The Apostle Peter reminds us that for disciples of Jesus Christ, 'his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
"'Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust' (2 Peter 1:3-4, emphasis added)."
- David A. Bednar, "Exceeding Great and Precious Promises," General Conference October 2017
Click here to read or listen to the full talk
Elder Bednar often shares thoughtful talks that analyze our motivations and the impacts of our actions and choices. In this talk he addresses some of the most fundamental choices and motivations that influence our behavior. The very first insight has to do with our busy lives in today's world, and the priorities we have that influence our choices. The "concerns of the world" too often "dominate our time and energy" causing us to focus on the wrong things. And trying to do too much is also a significant risk.
The excerpt from Peter's epistle contains some beautiful phrases, as highlighted by Elder Bednar:
- "things that pertain unto life and godliness"
- "exceeding great and precious promises"
- "partakers of the divine nature"
Remembering the promises of God and the path He has established for us to obtain them will bless us in our efforts to choose wisely in our daily lives.
(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)
No comments:
Post a Comment