Here Are Messages for Young Adults from the October 2018 General Conference
Want to know what the speakers had to share with you specifically?
This past general conference was a historic one. And some of the topics were most definitely relatable to what we young adults are facing in life right now. Here are a few teachings you can apply to your life right now:
Find answers from spiritual sources
When the world is feeding us ideas that are contrary to gospel teachings, where can you turn for truth? President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, taught, “When we seek the truth about religion, we should use spiritual methods appropriate for that search. . . .
“We find true and enduring joy by coming to know and acting upon the truth about who we are, the meaning of mortal life, and where we are going when we die” (“Truth and the Plan,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 25). President Oaks also discussed the importance of gender, marriage, and children, and how the gospel sometimes requires us to oppose current ideas that contradict eternal truths.
There is no need to fear
Fear can stop you from moving forward, especially during this time when the future is so uncertain and you have so many decisions to make. But, Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught “If we actively trust in the Lord and His ways, if we are engaged in His work, we will not fear the trends of the world or be troubled by them” (“Be Not Troubled,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 20). Studying his message can help us know how to find peace and comfort in our lives.
You are meant to survive your trials
Have you ever wondered about why we have to face such heart-wrenching trials? Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke about the “wounds of the soul” and how they are a part of the growth we experience in this life. He counseled, “Never give up—however deep the wounds of your soul, whatever their source, wherever or whenever they happen, and however short or long they persist, you are not meant to perish spiritually. You are meant to survive spiritually and blossom in your faith and trust in God” (“Wounded,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 84). Study his message to learn how you can triumph in the battles of life.
Let things go and find peace
According to Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, holding onto anger can damage your spirit and prevent you from finding happiness. He taught, “My beloved friends in our shared ministry of reconciliation, I ask us to be peacemakers—to love peace, to seek peace, to create peace, to cherish peace. I make that appeal in the name of the Prince of Peace, who knows everything about being ‘wounded in the house of [His] friends’ but who still found the strength to forgive and forget—and to heal—and be happy” (“The Ministry of Reconciliation,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 79). How can you be a better peacemaker in your life?
Understanding the nature of God is key to becoming like Him
Understanding Heavenly Father’s nature helps you realize your divine potential and realize His love for you. Brother Brian K. Ashton, Second Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency, taught, “A correct understanding of Heavenly Father’s character can change how we see ourselves and others and help us to understand God’s tremendous love for His children and His great desire to help us become like Him” (“The Father,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 93–94). Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles also taught us about the nature of God and His plan for us, saying, “Our Heavenly Father’s goal in parenting is not to have His children do what is right; it is to have His children choose to do what is right, and ultimately become like Him” (“Choose You This Day,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 104). These talks can help you get to know Heavenly Father on a deeper, more personal level and show you how you can become more like Him.
Ministering is everything
Ministering and caring for “lost sheep” was definitely emphasized through many talks. To name a few, Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, Young Women General President, said, “What better way is there to feed His sheep than to help them feel His love—through you?” (“Becoming a Shepherd,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 75), talking about the divine role we have to reach out to others in love. And Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles also spoke of blessings that will come to us and those we minister to through our efforts, saying, “Our greatest challenges and our greatest rewards may come as we minister to lost sheep” (“Shepherding Souls,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 112). Are you wondering what you can do to improve your ministering efforts? These talks can give you direction!