Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints asked listeners to engage in personal reflection to find peace amid contention during the Sunday morning session of General Conference.
President Russell M. Nelson compared renovations being completed on the foundation of the Salt Lake Temple to ways listeners could strengthen their personal foundations of faith. He said building one’s foundation on Christ can keep people from succumbing to the anxieties of a challenging, uncertain world.
“My dear brothers and sisters, these are the latter days,” President Nelson said. “If you and I are to withstand the forthcoming perils and pressures, it is imperative that we each have a firm spiritual foundation built upon the rock of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.”
President Nelson also encouraged increased temple attendance and observance of one’s covenants.
“As you marry in the temple and return repeatedly, you will be strengthened and guided in your decisions,” President Nelson said. “Please believe me when I say that when your spiritual foundation is built solidly upon Jesus Christ, you have no need to fear.”
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke about using personal reflection, or a “daily restoration,” to stay faithful. He cited a study showing that individuals quite literally walk in circles when they don’t have sure landmarks to follow. Elder Uchtdorf encouraged listeners to use metaphorical landmarks like prayer, scripture study and personal introspection to keep themselves on a straight path toward Christ.
“Just as minor deviations can draw us out of the Savior’s Way, so too can small and simple acts of realignment assuredly lead us back,” Elder Uchtdorf said. “When darkness creeps into our lives, as it often does, our daily restoration opens our hearts to heavenly light, which illuminates our souls, chasing away shadows, fears and doubts.”
General Authority Seventy Elder Vaiangina Sikahema said God provides a natural order for His children to follow and discussed how people learn and grow in stages.
“Our growth is entirely dependent on our willingness, natural curiosity, level of faith and understanding,” Elder Sikahema said. “We will be blessed as we look for and follow the patterns and the sequence in which the Lord teaches what’s most important to Him.”
Primary General President Camille N. Johnson asked listeners to allow God to write their life story, even when His version includes trials and adversity. She shared scriptural and modern-day examples of people acting in faith even when their desired narrative didn’t align with God’s plan for them.
“Because He knows our potential perfectly, He will take us to places we never imagined ourselves,” Sister Johnson said. “The beautiful struggles written into our stories are what draw us closer to the Savior and refine us, making us more like Him.”
Apostles also spoke on how individuals can combat the world’s increasing contention.
Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles asked listeners to focus on loving Christ rather than finding faults in their neighbors, assume others are doing the best they can and work harder to foster unity and mutual respect.
“If we are not one, we are not His,” Elder Renlund said. “My invitation is to be valiant in putting our love of God and discipleship of the Savior above all other considerations.”
Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said disciples of Christ can find personal peace, even in a world of increasing incivility. Principles individuals can follow to find peace include loving God and living His commandments, forgiving everyone, using agency to choose righteousness, building a Zion community and following the prophet, Elder Cook said.
“The Savior can provide protection and peace to guide you ultimately to safety and shelter from life’s storms.”
