Elder Ulisses Soares, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, delivered today’s devotional address. He taught that as one strives to find truth and light daily, they will begin to walk with Jesus.
Elder Soares started off by discussing his time in college, during which he would make sure that he took time to find a quiet place and study the Book of Mormon or pray. He said that this time helped him reconnect with heaven and re-energized his soul.
“Although simple in nature, those sacred pauses provided moments when light and eternal truth strengthened my faith and helped me survive spiritually in my academic environment, which sometimes supported the philosophies of men.”
First, Elder Soares explained how seeking light will lead one to Jesus, as all things that invite light are from Him. The pursuit to find light leads the children of God to do good works and gain even more light.
“As we seek for light in our lives, we are seeking Christ. As we seek Christ and embrace His light, we become His children—“children of light.”
Quoting the Book of Mormon prophet Abinadi, Elder Soares testified that Jesus Christ “is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened.”
By walking in the light of the Savior and striving to do as he does, Elder Soares said that the Lord will bless us with the Spirit of the Lord to be our constant companion.
Speaking to the search for truth, Elder Soares said truth enables the ability to see clearly, have the spirit of discernment and avoid all the confusion of these times. He encouraged the audience to be mindful of what is true, and what is distorted reality.
“We live in marvelous times when the world is filled with more information than ever before. Yet it has never been harder to discern the truth. We live in a world with differing views, loud and divisive opinions and subtle philosophies that often come from self-declared experts and influencers.”
According to Elder Soares, Satan is the master of distorting reality by changing the definitions of something. It can be confusing to know how to discover eternal truth, but it can only be discovered by turning to Christ, who is the source of all truths.
“You cannot simply ask technology for light and truth. Walking with technology should never be confused with walking with Jesus. Relying on our walk with worldly voices and earthly sources can leave us vulnerable to false philosophies and untruths.”
Elder Soares promised that as one seeks for the Savior, He will walk with them. He offered three strategies in which one can discern light and truth even amongst worldly confusion.
Study the Book of Mormon
Asking God for revelation on knowing how to make time to study the Book of Mormon regularly is the first strategy Elder Soares suggests in order to discover truth and light.
“The Book of Mormon contains the answers to life’s most compelling questions, and it teaches the doctrine of Christ.”
Elder Soares told the story of the first time he read the Book of Mormon cover to cover as a young seminary student. He recounted the overwhelming feeling of the spirit that filled his soul and enlightened his understanding.
“The Book of Mormon is one of the cornerstones that strengthens my witness of the truth of Christ’s divine atoning sacrifice. It gives me courage to boldly declare my testimony of the light and truth of the Savior to the world.”
Spend Time in the Temple
Elder Soares’s second strategy is to spend more time in the temple, where visitors can focus on worshiping the Savior and leave the lone and dreary world distant.
“My dear brothers and sisters, when we faithfully strive to attend the temple, the Savior grants us peace that allows us to envision what we can achieve in the eternities.”
It is in the temple that we can feel completely immune to any of the evil influences of the world, Elder Soares said. He continued by saying that temples are places of revelation and somewhere we can find refuge from the spiritual storms we face in our day.
“Come and place your burdens before Him in His holy house, and I promise you that you will be filled with a new spirit and confidence in the future. The Lord will hold you, cradle you, and lead you step by step along the path to walk with Him.”
Listen to the Living Prophets
Elder Soares testified that having a living prophet is a sign that God loves his children. In order to feel God’s love, one must simply follow His teachings.
“Our greatest safety lies in following the word of the Lord given through His prophets, particularly the current President of the Church. I promise that as you walk with and listen to latter-day prophets and apostles, you will find yourself walking more with Jesus.”
