Elder Christofferson Shares the Powerful Reason the Apostles Are Now on Instagram (+ Inspiring Messages from Each)

“Church leaders’ use of Instagram and other social media platforms demonstrates their desire to reach and minister to people all over the world, especially the rising generation. Through these channels they can share personal experiences that have taught them more about the principles of the gospel and communicate in a more direct way with their audience.”

View this post on Instagram This evening we had the remarkable opportunity to speak with tens of thousands of valiant followers of Jesus Christ in the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. We will long remember this historic meeting. . Each person in attendance—in fact, everyone—lives with challenges. They are part of life. This period of our mortal probation is studded with challenging issues. Some challenges come to us from accidents beyond our control. We live with countless risks every day, some of which result in changes that seriously disrupt our lives. . For each of us, there may be a really serious storm sometime in our lives. Or there may be a tragedy. But with faith in a loving God and trust in His divine plan, the pain of such a tragedy can be endured. And if we truly understand who we are and why we are here, we can face the future with faith in God and His eternal plan of happiness. Our understanding is broadened when we realize there truly will be another life after death. . Thanks to the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we will live again in an eternal realm. We can be absolutely certain that after this life, we will be resurrected and be restored to our proper and perfect frame—yes, even glorified. We will have a second chance. Truly and mercifully, Jesus was “born to give [us] second birth.” A post shared by Russell M. Nelson (@russellmnelson) on Nov 18, 2018 at 8:45pm PST

View this post on Instagram I have just returned from visiting with members of the Church and friends of other faiths in South America. I was pleased to be accompanied by Elder @garyestevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The people there are so loving, so anxious to serve the Lord and to serve each other. It’s a reverent, sacred feeling among them. It’s very energizing to see these beautiful people and children who love the Lord. . This is a global ministry. We are prophets for the whole world, to all of God’s children—not just the members of the Church. So, on this tour, we talked to people in five different countries. If there are 200 or more countries in this world, five is such a small drop in the bucket! We’ll get around, but we’ll still miss more than we’ll touch. But we’ll try. We won’t give up just because it’s a big job. We’re just at the exponential phase of growth. And it will continue. The Lord has said, “I will hasten my work in its time.” And He makes good on His promises. . My dear friends, we are witnesses to the process of restoration. If you think the Church is fully restored, you’re just seeing the beginning. There’s much more to come. Wait until next year, and then the next year. Eat your vitamins, get your rest. It’s going to be exciting! A post shared by Russell M. Nelson (@russellmnelson) on Nov 1, 2018 at 1:01pm PDT

View this post on Instagram All men and women on the earth are the offspring of God—spirit brothers and sisters. What a powerful idea! No wonder God’s Only Begotten Son commanded us to love one another. If only we would do so! What a different world it would be if brotherly and sisterly love and unselfish assistance could transcend all boundaries of nation, creed, and color. I saw this firsthand recently when I witnessed the service performed by members of the Church in hurricane-ravaged areas in the United States. . Such love would not erase all differences of opinion and action, but it would encourage each of us to focus our opposition on inappropriate actions rather than on actors. By doing so, we can follow Jesus Christ’s example of loving all people while also teaching and upholding the commandments of God. . These photos are from our visit with hurricane survivors in North Carolina and Florida last month. A post shared by Dallin H. Oaks (@dallinhoaks) on Nov 14, 2018 at 3:58pm PST

View this post on Instagram My motivation in all of my varied creative work seems to have been a feeling of love. I feel the love of a Creator who expects His children to become like Him—to create and to build. . In addition, I have always had a feeling of love for my family, friends, and others who might gain some satisfaction and joy from my efforts. So, my hope is that those who visit the exhibit of my artwork at Temple Square might feel both the Savior’s and my own love for them. . For more information about the exhibit, see the link in my bio. A post shared by Henry B. Eyring (@henrybeyring) on Nov 8, 2018 at 11:03am PST

View this post on Instagram Some of you may be overprogrammed with lots of activities, including good ones. Please be careful not to overprogram yourself. Turn off social media and other outside distractions from time to time to sit and talk and enjoy each other’s company. Have a basket where your family deposits their phones, tablets, and other mobile devices so you can listen and teach one another. . Please carefully look at your calendars and consider how you can find time to “be still, and know that I am God.” . Brothers and sisters, it is healthy to leave your smartphones alone and look up and see the beautiful creations of God, this wonderful world that we live in. You young single adults may see someone that you want to meet, date, and have real-world relationships with that could even result in an eternal marriage. Put your cell phones away and look around. Brothers, see the beautiful girls, and you girls, the handsome men. Then get to know each other. A post shared by M. Russell Ballard (@mrussellballard) on Nov 9, 2018 at 2:21pm PST

View this post on Instagram I hear many who struggle with this issue: “I am just not good enough.” “I fall so far short.” “I will never measure up.” I hear this from teenagers. I hear it from missionaries. I hear it from new converts. I hear it from lifelong members. . I believe in God’s perfection, and I know we are His spiritual sons and daughters with divine potential to become as He is. I also know that as children of God we should not demean and vilify ourselves, as if beating up on ourselves is somehow going to make us the person God wants us to become in eternity. No! . With a willingness to repent and a desire for increased righteousness in our hearts, I would hope we could pursue personal improvement in a way that doesn’t include getting ulcers or bulimia, feeling depressed, or demolishing our self-esteem. That is not what the Lord wants for children or anyone else who honestly sings, “I’m trying to be like Jesus.” . I testify of that very Jesus, who Himself continued “from grace to grace” until He received in His immortality a perfect fulness of celestial glory. I testify that in this and every hour He is, with nail-scarred hands, extending to us that same grace, holding on to us and encouraging us until we are safely home in the embrace of Heavenly Parents. A post shared by Jeffrey R. Holland (@jeffreyrholland) on Sep 23, 2018 at 8:07am PDT

View this post on Instagram I have spoken before about how the only real measure of sacrifice involved with my calling to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is that Harriet and I don’t get to see my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as much as we would like. I expect we are like many grandparents in that respect. . But we are grateful for the reminders of their love for us—and oh, how we love them. . We received a text message with the attached screenshot from my grandson and his young family just before the Saturday morning session of general conference began, saying, “This is our first glimpse of you!” . I was pleased to know they were watching—but I was even more pleased when I received a second text message after conference when my grandson and his wife asked my beautiful 4-year-old granddaughter what Opa had spoken about during conference. . Her answer: “Believe, practice, and Jesus.” I believe she was listening pretty well! . I encourage each of us to cherish our families. If you struggle with any of your family relationships now, I urge you to find ways to build relationships, forgive grudges, and mend fences. . I echo the statement first included in “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” 23 years ago—happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. I know this has been true for my family in my life. A post shared by Dieter F. Uchtdorf (@dieterfuchtdorf) on Oct 18, 2018 at 11:56am PDT

View this post on Instagram I had an experience recently with a young man who explained that he had faith the Atonement of Jesus Christ was real in other people’s lives—but he was not sure how it could be applied in his own life. . We often testify of what we know to be true, but perhaps the more relevant question for each of us is whether we believe what we know. There are many who believe in Christ but do not believe Christ. . We believe and come to know Christ as we experience personally the transforming, healing, strengthening, and sanctifying power of His Atonement. Believing Christ is trusting that His bounteous blessings are available and applicable in our individual lives and families. Believing Him with our whole soul comes as we press forward along the covenant pathway, surrender our will to His, and submit to His priorities and timing for us. Believing Him—accepting as true His power and promises—invites perspective, peace, and joy into our lives. . I witness and promise we can not only know about the Lord but also come to know Him as we exercise faith in, follow, serve, and believe Him. A post shared by David A. Bednar (@davidabednar) on Nov 1, 2018 at 11:00am PDT

View this post on Instagram Since general conference, we have all been pondering about how to implement the new home-centered, Church-supported approach to gospel learning. I had the assignment to visit parts of Europe just after general conference, (my first time since being called into the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles) and I was so impressed by how individuals and families there and around the world are working to prepare for this historic adjustment. . In regard to the coming changes, one person in Europe said to me, “It feels like we are being asked to be spiritually self-sufficient in our families and in our homes.” I think they caught one of the guiding principles of this change. This is not just reducing church to a two-hour block; it is an emphasis on being more spiritually self-reliant in the home. . I pray that we may all seek the guidance of the Spirit to know how to best implement a home-centered, church-supported approach to gospel learning. It will be unique to you and your circumstances. I promise the Lord will guide us as we seek His help. A post shared by Quentin L. Cook (@quentinlcook) on Nov 20, 2018 at 3:10pm PST

View this post on Instagram I love all the scriptures—the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. . I remember when I turned 12, I asked my parents for a new leather-bound Bible. Those scriptures are now worn—from years of my own studying and from my children using (and misusing) them—but I still treasure them. The scriptures are where my conversion continues to expand and deepen. . I love the witness the Bible provides of Jesus Christ. But I also believe that the clearest and most profound witness of Jesus Christ is found in the Book of Mormon. I testify that if you read, ponder, and pray with a sincere heart, you will know that the Book of Mormon is true. A post shared by D. Todd Christofferson (@dtoddchristofferson) on Sep 9, 2018 at 8:32am PDT

View this post on Instagram Today I spoke at #GeneralConference about those who are confronted with challenges that are unexpected and painful. I shared some of the story of my friend Richard Norby, who was seriously wounded during the March 2016 terrorist attack at the Brussels airport. . I didn’t have time during my address to share all I have learned from Richard as he has recovered from the devastating attack. He has been an amazing example of a disciple of Christ. I am especially impressed by his faith throughout his difficult recovery. He shared with me some of his thoughts: . “We answer what has been given to us. The tests and trials that come to each of us give the opportunity and privilege to better know the Savior and understand in deeper detail His atoning sacrifice. It is He we lean on. It is He we seek out. It is He we depend on. It is He we have confidence in. It is He that we love with all our heart, without any reservations. The Savior has covered all the physical and emotional pains that are part of mortality. He takes the pain from us. He absorbs our sorrows.” . Another friend who has seen challenges of a different nature shared with me similar feelings about how the Savior carried him through his trials: . “A nearly five-year battle with emotional darkness and gloom in varying degrees takes you to the very edge of your capacities, resolve, faith, and patience. . “Hope becomes the most precious, and elusive, of gifts. In short, I’m not sure I know how I got through this trial, save it was [the Savior]. It’s the only explanation. I can’t explain how I know this, except that I do. Because of Him, I got through this.” . The Savior stands ready to save us from the sorrows and pains of our wounded souls. However deep the wounds of your soul, whatever their source, wherever or whenever they happen, and for how short or how long they persist, you are not meant to perish spiritually. You are meant to survive spiritually and to live and grow in your faith and trust in God. . Pray with all your heart. Strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ, in His reality, in His grace. Hold on to His words: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” A post shared by Neil L. Andersen (@neillandersen) on Oct 7, 2018 at 11:09am PDT

View this post on Instagram My young friends, go forward in faith. Be not troubled. Stand in holy places and realize and claim your promised blessings. You are the future. You have been born in this day for a purpose, for a reason. Treasure these days. Know that you're where you are by divine design. . Know that you're here to accomplish the beginnings of your eternal destiny. I frequently pray for the Spirit of the Lord to watch over and bless you, each one of you, one by one. A post shared by Ronald A. Rasband (@ronaldarasband) on Jul 22, 2018 at 9:40am PDT

View this post on Instagram Today at #GeneralConference, I felt impressed to speak about ministering. Some years ago, I found an article in a local newspaper so intriguing that I saved it. The front-page headline read, “Determined Dog Won’t Abandon Lost Sheep.” This article describes a small number of sheep belonging to an operation not far from my friend’s property that were somehow left behind in their summer range. Two or three months later, they became stranded and snowbound in the mountains. . When the sheep were left behind, the sheepdog stayed with them, for it was his duty to look after and protect the sheep. He would not go off watch! There he remained—circling about the lost sheep for months in the cold and snowy weather, serving as a protection against coyotes, mountain lions, or any other predator that would harm the sheep. He stayed there until he was able to lead or herd the sheep back to the safety of the shepherd and the flock. . Every soul is precious to our Heavenly Father. His personal invitation to minister is of greatest value and importance to Him for it is His work and glory. It is quite literally the work of eternity. Each one of His children has immeasurable potential in His sight. He loves you with a love you cannot even begin to comprehend. Like the faithful sheepdog, He will stay on the mountain to protect you through the wind, rainstorms, snow, and more. A post shared by Gary E. Stevenson (@garyestevenson) on Oct 7, 2018 at 3:19pm PDT

View this post on Instagram If Christ were teaching a child to walk and the child stumbled, He would help the child get up and encourage the next steps. Christ is the helper and consoler. His ways bring joy and hope—always. . No matter how long we have been off the path or how far away we have wandered, the moment we decide to change, God helps us return. From God’s perspective, through sincere repentance and pressing forward with a steadfastness in Christ, once back on the path, it will be as if we were never off. . So, choose faith in Christ; choose repentance; choose to be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost; choose to conscientiously prepare for and worthily partake of the sacrament; choose to make covenants in the temple; and choose to serve the living God and His children. Our choices determine who we are and who we will become. #GeneralConference A post shared by Dale G. Renlund (@dalegrenlund) on Oct 7, 2018 at 3:15pm PDT

View this post on Instagram Have you ever been the only one not invited to someone’s birthday party? . Have you ever been chosen last, or not chosen, when teams were selected? . Have you prepared for a school test, a job interview, an opportunity you really wanted—and you felt you failed? . Have you prayed for a relationship that, for whatever reason, has not worked out? . Have you faced chronic illness, been abandoned by a spouse, agonized for your family? . For those who have felt, or feel, uncertain, alone, frustrated, angry, let down, disappointed, or estranged from God and His restored Church, it may take an extra measure of effort and faith to enter again on His covenant path. But it is worth it! Please come, or come again, unto the Lord Jesus Christ! God’s love is stronger than the cords of death—temporal or spiritual. . Our Savior’s Atonement is infinite and eternal. Each of us strays and falls short. We may, for a time, lose our way while keeping our faith. God lovingly assures us, no matter where we are or what we have done, there is no point of no return. He waits ready to embrace us. A post shared by Gerrit W. Gong (@gerritwgong) on Oct 18, 2018 at 10:50am PDT

View this post on Instagram We should have empathy for all people. That’s what the gospel of Jesus Christ is all about. We should never make any discrimination against someone because of the way they dress or because of the way they think. We are all children of God. A post shared by Ulisses Soares (@ulisses__soares) on Jul 8, 2018 at 7:42am PDT