April 2025 General Conference
Picture of Speaker

Personal Preparation to Meet the Savior

Dale G. Renlund, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder Renlund counsels on personal preparation for the Savior's return through parables and service.
Gospel Library iconOpen talk in Gospel Library
Study GuideLesson Preparation GuideTalk Preparation GuideReferences
In his General Conference address, Elder Dale G. Renlund emphasizes the importance of personal preparation for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. He reassures us that by following the Savior's teachings, we can replace fear and anxiety with faith and confidence. Elder Renlund uses the parables of the ten virgins, the talents, and the sheep and goats to illustrate how we can prepare ourselves spiritually and serve others. His message invites us to develop our unique abilities and to serve those in need, helping us to be ready to meet the Savior with joy.

Topics

Embrace Personal Preparation

Elder Renlund discusses the necessity of personal preparation for the Second Coming of Christ, emphasizing that this preparation should not be a source of anxiety. He highlights the teachings of Jesus Christ and the parables He shared to guide us in our preparation.

Now is the time for you and for me to prepare for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.
His instructions are neither mysterious nor complex. When we follow them, we do not need to fear or be anxious.
Key Points:
  • Preparation for the Second Coming should be approached with joyful optimism.
  • Following the Savior's teachings alleviates fear and anxiety.
  • The parables in Matthew 25 provide guidance for personal preparation.
Experiences:
  • Reflect on a time when following a simple gospel principle helped you overcome fear.
  • Share an experience where preparation in advance made a significant difference in your life.
  • Discuss how you have felt peace by focusing on the Savior's teachings amid uncertainty.

Gain Wisdom from the Parable of the Ten Virgins

The parable of the ten virgins teaches the importance of spiritual readiness and personal responsibility. Elder Renlund emphasizes the need to receive the truth, maintain the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and avoid deception.

For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall … abide the day.
Key Points:
  • Spiritual readiness is achieved through personal devotion and maintaining the Holy Spirit's guidance.
  • Avoiding deception is crucial in staying on the covenant path.
  • The five wise virgins represent those who are spiritually prepared.
Experiences:
  • Describe a moment when personal devotion helped you feel more prepared spiritually.
  • Share how you have recognized and avoided deception in your spiritual journey.
  • Discuss how the Holy Spirit has guided you in making important decisions.

Magnify Your Talents

The parable of the talents illustrates the importance of using and magnifying the abilities God has given us. Elder Renlund encourages us to focus on becoming the best version of ourselves rather than comparing our talents to others.

God expects us to magnify the abilities we have been given, but He does not want us to compare our abilities to those of others.
Key Points:
  • God expects us to develop and use our talents for good.
  • Comparison with others is not relevant; focus on personal growth.
  • Rely on the Savior's grace to become the best version of ourselves.
Experiences:
  • Reflect on a talent you have developed and how it has blessed others.
  • Share a time when you felt tempted to compare yourself to others and how you overcame it.
  • Discuss how the Savior's grace has helped you magnify your abilities.

Serve Others as You Serve God

The parable of the sheep and goats underscores the significance of serving others as a way to serve God. Elder Renlund highlights the importance of using our gifts and talents to bless others, especially those in need.

When we serve others, we serve God; when we don’t, we disappoint.
Key Points:
  • Service to others is equated with service to God.
  • Our gifts and talents should be used to bless the lives of others.
  • The parable teaches us to focus on helping the most vulnerable.
Experiences:
  • Share a personal experience where serving someone else brought you closer to God.
  • Reflect on how you have used your talents to bless others in your community.
  • Discuss a time when you felt prompted to help someone in need and the impact it had.

Trust in the Holy Ghost and Follow Jesus Christ

Elder Renlund invites us to trust the Holy Ghost as a cherished friend and to rely on Jesus Christ and His teachings. This trust and reliance will prepare us to meet the Savior with joy and optimism.

Follow Jesus Christ and to trust the Holy Ghost as you would a cherished friend.
Key Points:
  • Trusting in the Holy Ghost brings peace and guidance.
  • Following Jesus Christ leads to joyful preparation for His coming.
  • Rely on those who love you and the Savior for support.
Experiences:
  • Describe how trusting the Holy Ghost has guided you in a difficult situation.
  • Share a time when following Jesus Christ brought you unexpected joy.
  • Reflect on how the support of loved ones has helped you stay true to the gospel.

Copyright © 2023 Steve Todd