“Technology, the Gathering, and You,” For the Strength of Youth, Oct. 2022.
Life Help
Technology, the Gathering, and You
You’re part of the Lord’s youth battalion. And technology can help!
You know when you find two things that are just meant to go together, like the perfect blend of peanut butter and chocolate, or chips and salsa? The combination brings such joy!
Our prophet has invited us to gather Israel, to join “the greatest challenge, the greatest cause, and the greatest work on earth.”1 What would it look like to combine the work of gathering Israel with technology?
When President Russell M. Nelson invited you to help gather Israel, he gave several invitations. Let’s look at five principles based on these invitations, with technology in mind.
Illustrations by Jarom Vogel
1 Disconnect to Connect
Our prophet first called for a seven-day social media fast. I loved doing this! Sometimes we need to quiet everything to truly hear.
When I take time to be still, I can feel the peace of the Holy Ghost. And often a prompting will come of someone Heavenly Father needs me to serve. Disconnecting from social media to connect with the Spirit can give you new ideas and direction.
2 Sacrifice a Little to Give a Lot
President Nelson’s second invitation was to “make a weekly sacrifice of time to the Lord,” to “give up something you like to do and use that time to help gather Israel.”2
As you consider what you might give up, think of it also as giving to the Lord and His work. Can you give up watching the latest dance video and give that time with technology to indexing, family history, gospel study, or sharing what you learn with others?
I promise that what you think you are sacrificing will be nothing compared to the blessings you receive.
3 Stand Strong
President Nelson’s next invitation was to do a “thorough life assessment with the Lord”3 to make sure you are on the covenant path. Part of gathering Israel is gathering yourself closer to the Savior!
There is so much good on the internet. But it’s no secret that there’s also a lot of harmful content. Standing strong means being ever watchful. As you listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, you will know when something is inappropriate, demeaning, or simply a waste of time. Ask Heavenly Father to increase your awareness and give you strength to turn away or turn it off.
4 Look Up and Reach Out
Our prophet next invited us to “pray daily that all of God’s children might receive the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”4 Yes, he asked you because you are part of this great work, and your prayers make a difference.
Look up from your phone and look at those around you. Look up to heaven to seek direction on how you can help. Then reach out—whether by video, text, post, call, or conversation—and put your prayers and the Lord’s promptings into action.
5 Be a Light
Finally, President Nelson invited us to “stand out. Be different. Be a light.”5 And that includes how you use technology! Remember, you are a child of heavenly parents, with a divine nature and eternal destiny. Let your light shine in every setting and circumstance.
President Nelson ended his invitations with a reminder that “you are among the best the Lord has ever sent to this world. You have the capacity to be smarter and wiser and have more impact on the world than any previous generation!”6
As you use technology for good, you will be an important part of the Lord’s battalion striving to gather Israel. The world needs your goodness and the Lord’s light! Now, that is a powerful combination!