“How many times in life do we cause ourselves pain and sorrow through poor choices?” asked Elder K. Brett Nattress, a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as he delivered Tuesday morning’s devotional.
Elder Nattress testified that thankfully, the Savior and His infinite Atonement make it possible to be completely forgiven and whole again.
“Knowing that no one is perfect and that we all make mistakes, we will find peace and safety as we choose to ‘think celestial.’ This is the key to receiving spiritual power from on high,” he said.
Elder Nattress shared a story of a baptism that was to take place in Papua New Guinea, in a body of water where a young girl had been attacked by a crocodile only days before. Rather than canceling the baptismal service, the village united to protect the participants. They surrounded the cove with boats and armed men wielding spears and axes, ensuring the safety of those choosing to be baptized.
“You have your own crocodiles to deal with. These challenges may come in many forms: exams, papers, social media, evil influences, illness, depression and, of course, relationships!”
Like the crocodiles, Satan will try to distract and destroy God’s sons and daughters who are trying to become like the Savior, warned Elder Nattress. The adversary’s destructive path can only lead to heartache, disappointment and discouragement.
Elder Nattress added his testimony to President Russell M. Nelson’s prophetic promise: “As we make the continual strengthening of our testimony of Jesus Christ our highest priority, watch for miracles to happen in your life!”
“I have learned that the key to happiness, peace and safety in this troubled world is to heed the words of God’s chosen servants — His prophets and apostles.”
These leaders consistently invite the Church members to look to the Savior in all things, Elder Nattress said.
Elder Nattress invited the audience to do three simple things a day, which he promised would make an eternal difference in their lives.
Pray every day.
“When The Savior carried the excruciating weight of the sins of the world, we read that ‘being in agony, He prayed more earnestly.’”
So much can be learned from Christ’s perfect example, said Elder Nattress. His example teaches us to pray always.
Read the Book of Mormon every day.
As the Savior is mentioned in every 1.7 verses of scripture in the Book of Mormon, Elder Nattress said he finds it to be no surprise that one’s testimony of the Savior is strengthened by reading with real intent.
Quoting President Nelson again, Elder Nattress testified that as “you daily immerse yourself in the Book of Mormon, you can be immunized against the evils of the day.”
Find someone to serve each day.
“Service is the measuring stick of love,” Elder Nattress said.
One doesn't need hours for service, Elder Nattress explained. Simple daily acts, like a text wishing someone a good day or expressing gratitude, can make a meaningful impact.
“When it comes to kindness, a little goes a long way,” Elder Nattress taught. “Imagine for a moment what would happen if every student, all thirty thousand of you, did these three things every day for the rest of your lives? It would be transformational!”
Elder Nattress promised that doing these things will strengthen us, provide healing and help us to receive the guidance and direction we seek in our lives. It will also increase our desire to “enter the house of the Lord, to learn of Him, covenant with Him and then go forth and serve.”
