Editor’s note: “This week from the pulpit” highlights recent messages from General Authorities, General Officers, and leaders of the Church. This story has been updated throughout the week.
As the new year begins, Church leaders are sharing inspired counsel. Here is a look at some of what they’ve said.
Elder Rasband tells missionaries worldwide there is great cause to rejoice
In a devotional streamed to missionaries worldwide through their online portal, Elder Ronald A. Rasband said missionaries have great cause to rejoice.
“Rejoice that you are immersed as a missionary in day-to-day, full-time service to the ‘Redeemer of the World.’ Up to this point your Church involvement has been worship on Sundays, the blessing of partaking of the sacrament, youth councils and activities, seminary, family home evenings and prayers on your knees.
“Now the Lord has asked you to join full-time in the work of salvation finding those who seek Him, the Creator, the Bright and Morning Star, the King, the Lord of Hosts.”
Read a full summary of Elder Rasband’s remarks at Church News.
Elder Gong’s 3 Invitations to Draw Closer to God
In the first worldwide devotional of 2021, Elder Gerrit W. Gong issued three invitations to young adults—be still, build relationships, and become a better you—as summarized by Church News. Elder Gong said these three invitations have inspired him to deepen his relationship with God, change the future now, and become a better version of himself.
“I pray, taken together, these invitations will strengthen your faith and draw you closer to God and those around you, as you find enduring joy on His covenant path,” Elder Gong said.
Learn more about his three invitations at Church News or watch the devotional in the video below.
Sister Gong on Our Greatest Hope
Also speaking during the worldwide devotional, Sister Susan Gong spoke about how our greatest hope is Jesus Christ, our Savior. She shared how even if young adults’ lives are not turning out how they expected, this is a time of invaluable learning.
“Perhaps our lives are unfolding in ways different from what we had hoped for. We can still ‘press forward with steadfastness in Christ and a perfect brightness of hope’ (2 Nephi 31:20) because we know that our loving Heavenly Father has a plan for us,” she said.
Read a full summary of Sister Gong’s remarks at Church News.
President Ballard: “How Precious Is the One”
In a message directed to young adults on his social media page, President M. Russell Ballard offered assurance that each person is precious to Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, and encouraged young adults to reach out to each other as They would.
“You never know what one little step of kindness—the impact it can have in the life of someone who might be in a stage of wonderment or concern or maybe even wandering,” President Ballard says in the video. “So I would just encourage you to think in terms of how precious is the one, and watch for those opportunities where your influence, your testimony, your love might make a difference. That’s what Jesus did. One by one He blessed people, lifted them up, and showed them the better way. I think all of us can do the same.”
Watch the full video below.
CES Presidents Give First 2021 Messages to Students
At the start of the new semester in January, each Church Educational System president delivered a devotional to the student body. Here’s a quote from each address accompanied by a link to read a full summary at Church News.
“There is, as Joseph Smith explained, ‘power in unity.’ And we are in more need of that unifying power than perhaps at any time in our lifetime, not only to weather the pandemic storm, but also to address pressing issues like social justice, poverty, inequities and angry divisiveness, and intolerance in political and other matters.”
BYU–Idaho President Henry J. Eyring
“Working together, we can strengthen and carry one another. We can be generous, courageous Good Samaritans, looking back with gratitude and satisfaction in work well done.”
BYU-Pathway President Clark G. Gilbert
“If you look deeper, you will see the ability to realize your divine potential, anchor your learning in a higher cause, and draw on the power of the Holy Ghost.”
BYU-Hawaii President John Kauwe
“We can be comforted by the faith that the Lord knows our needs, that He will prepare the path before us, and that He will give us the strength to carry on.”
Ensign College President Bruce C. Kusch
“Remembering God and His blessings is an important and essential part of our personal worship. Not remembering, even forgetting God, is a bigger problem than not knowing Him at all.”
Other Social Media Posts from General Authorities and General Officers
President Dallin H. Oaks
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Sister Michelle D. Craig
President Joy D. Jones
Sister Lisa L. Harkness
Lead image: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
