Ever Closer

Elder Christoffel Golden asked us to contrast two scriptures in his most recent general conference talk. The first was this one from Paul’s teachings about the last days: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; … Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:1-4, 7). The second was this one from Alma: “Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise” (Alma 37:6). At first glance these verses don’t seem very related; Paul’s message describes the wickedness that we see all around us, and Alma’s words remind us that it is the small and simple things that have great power. Perhaps what Elder Golden wanted us to see was that to overcome the wickedness and selfishness and arrogance of our day described by Paul, we must focus on the small and simple actions which build our foundation on Jesus Christ. He commented, “We live in a modern world filled with great knowledge and much prowess. Nonetheless, these things too often camouflage the unsteady foundation upon which they are built. Consequently, they do not lead to real truth and on toward God and the power to receive revelation, acquire spiritual knowledge, and develop faith in Jesus Christ that leads to salvation.” The world is loud and brash and puffed up with its knowledge, but to have real power unto salvation we must seek faith in Jesus Christ and spiritual knowledge through His covenant path.

                Elder Golden reminded us that the Second Coming of the Savior is indeed getting closer. He commented, “For those who have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to feel, more than ever before we are required to confront the reality that we are getting ever closer to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. True, great difficulties yet await those on the earth at His return, but in this regard, the faithful need not fear.” So how do we prepare for the Savior’s return? Elder Golden suggested that we remember this key scripture from the Old Testament: “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, until he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). We must keep our eye on the prophet and seek to live according to his words. And what does the prophet tell us? To repent: “The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of repentance. Because of the Savior’s Atonement, His gospel provides an invitation to keep changing, growing, and becoming more pure. It is a gospel of hope, of healing, and of progress. Thus, the gospel is a message of joy! Our spirits rejoice with every small step forward we take.” Instead of getting caught up in the “learning” and “pleasures” and pride of our day as Paul described, we can focus each day on the small and simple act of repentance. President Nelson continued, “Part of the gathering of Israel, and a very important part, is the charge for us as a people to be worthy and willing to help prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord.” We prepare for that great day when the Savior will return by repenting ourselves and helping others to do the same. And as we keep our eyes on the prophet, seeking to follow his words, we will be ready for those “great difficulties” that await the earth in our day.