Now Is the Time
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What life-changing experience did Elder Gerard share that prompted him to reassess his priorities?
- How does Elder Gerard suggest we deal with the distractions of the modern world?
- What does Elder Gerard identify as the "best things" in life?
- How can understanding our divine origins help us in our eternal progress?
- What role does seeking truth play in Elder Gerard's message?
Topics
Reflect on Life Priorities
Elder Gerard recounts a personal health scare that led him to reassess his life and priorities. He emphasizes the importance of stepping back from worldly distractions to focus on what truly matters, such as family, covenants, and eternal perspectives.
If there was anything in our lives that we needed to consider, now was the time.
My mind raced away from the comfort and cares of this life to an eternal perspective—thoughts of family, children, my wife, and ultimately an assessment of my own life.
- What prompted Elder Gerard to reassess his life priorities?
- How does Elder Gerard describe the impact of his health scare on his perspective?
- What are some distractions in your life that prevent you from focusing on what truly matters?
- How can you create moments to step back and reassess your priorities?
Overcome Worldly Distractions
Elder Gerard discusses the pervasive nature of modern distractions and how they can lead us away from our spiritual goals. He encourages us to follow the Savior's counsel to "take heed" and to make conscious efforts to stay focused on our eternal progress.
We live in a world of information overload, dominated by ever-increasing distractions.
Assessing our lives gives us an opportunity to step back from the world, reflect on where we stand on the covenant path, and, if necessary, make adjustments to ensure a firm grip and a forward gaze.
- What are some examples of modern distractions mentioned by Elder Gerard?
- How does Elder Gerard relate these distractions to Lehi's dream?
- What steps can you take to limit distractions in your daily life?
- How can you ensure that your focus remains on your eternal progress?
Prioritize the Best Things in Life
Drawing from President Dallin H. Oaks" teachings, Elder Gerard emphasizes the importance of prioritizing activities that build faith in Jesus Christ and strengthen families. He suggests that the best things in life are those centered on understanding and following the Savior.
We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families.
The best things in this life are centered on Jesus Christ and understanding the eternal truths of who He is and who we are in our relationship with Him.
- What does President Dallin H. Oaks mean by "Good, Better, Best"?
- How does Elder Gerard suggest we prioritize our activities?
- What are some "good" activities in your life that you might need to forego to focus on "better" or "best" ones?
- How can you center your life more on Jesus Christ and His teachings?
Seek and Embrace Divine Truth
Elder Gerard underscores the importance of seeking divine truth in a world filled with conflicting voices. He reminds us that understanding our divine origins and purpose is crucial for our eternal progress and that we must rely on the Spirit of Truth to guide us.
The greatest achievement mankind can make in this world is to familiarize themselves with divine truth.
We must learn to rely on the Spirit of Truth, which "the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him."
- Why is it important to understand our divine origins?
- How can we seek and recognize divine truth in our lives?
- What steps can you take to familiarize yourself with divine truth?
- How can you rely more on the Spirit of Truth in your daily decisions?
Make Necessary Changes Now
Elder Gerard encourages us to make necessary changes in our lives without delay. He invokes the teachings of President Russell M. Nelson and other leaders who have urged us to assess our lives and make adjustments to stay on the covenant path, emphasizing that "now is the time" to act.
Today is the perfect time to change.
If there were things in their lives that needed changing, "today is the perfect time to change."
- What does Elder Gerard mean by "now is the time"?
- How does President Russell M. Nelson's counsel relate to making changes in our lives?
- What changes do you feel prompted to make in your life right now?
- How can you ensure that you act on these promptings without delay?
