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Elder Kevin W. Pearson speaks at the concluding session of the 185th Annual General Conference on Sunday, April 5. (LDS.org)
Elder Kevin W. Pearson of the Seventy counseled members to hold to the rod and continually come to Christ at general conference.
Continually coming to Christ is much more than simply 'hanging in there,' according to Elder Pearson. “Casual obedience and lukewarm commitment weaken faith,' he said. 'Enduring to the end requires total commitment to the Savior and to our covenants.”
Elder Pearson used imagery given to Lehi to help church members understand the importance of remaining close to Christ, urging them to try and stay on the path. “There is a path that leads to the tree of life, to Christ. It is straight and narrow, strict and exact. God’s commandments are strict but not restrictive.”
Elder Pearson then spoke of the necessity of the Atonement for members to remain on that path. He urged members to press forward. “Without the strengthening and enabling power of the Atonement, it's impossible to stay on the path and endure,' he said.
He followed with counsel to search the Book of Mormon, avoid distractions and finally to stay converted. “As we yield our hearts to God, the Holy Ghost changes our very natures,' Elder Pearson said. 'We become deeply converted to the Lord and no longer seek the spacious building.”