Things as they really are
Elder David Bednar gave a talk at a May 3, 2009 CES Fireside that I think is excellent. As usual, he brings clarity and a new perspective to his topic.
I really appreciated his remarks regarding virtual versus real worlds. His counsel is so grounded and so appropriate.
Examples he mentioned about people living fantasy lives through online experiences — which of course affects their real lives — made me sad.
I like how he laid the foundation for his talk by speaking about the Family Proclamation. It certainly sets the stage well for his remarks.
Also of interest was his focus on how the Adversary uses virtual worlds and the Internet generally to diminish the importance of our bodies. That’s something we have that he never will, a physical body. It only makes sense he’ll attack us this way.
I’ll close with his closing comments and suggest you visit LDS.org to read the full transcript, watch the video or listen to the audio recording. It’s well worth the time.
As we heed that inspired counsel, we can and will be blessed to recognize and repel the attacks of the adversary—today and in the days that lie ahead. We can and will fulfill our foreordained responsibilities and contribute to the work of the Lord in all the world.
I testify that God lives and is our Heavenly Father. He is the Author of the plan of salvation. Jesus is the Christ, the Redeemer, whose body was bruised, broken, and torn for us as He offered the atoning sacrifice. He is resurrected; He lives; and He stands at the head of His Church in these latter days. To be “encircled about eternally in the arms of his love” (2 Nephi 1:15) will be a real and not a virtual experience.
I testify we can and will be blessed with the courage and determination to face the world and all the powers of the evil one. Righteousness will prevail. No unhallowed hand can stop this work from progressing. I bear witness and testify of these things as they really are and as they really will be in the sacred name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.
Filed under: Commentary on May 23, 2009 | No Comments »
