Elder Ricardo P. Giménez, a General Authority Seventy for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, delivered Tuesday’s devotional address at the Marriott Center. He focused his message on the importance of understanding the "why" behind spiritual practices, rather than simply completing tasks.
“The opportunity to link everything we do with our love for the Savior will help us understand the real ‘why’ behind all the things we do as disciples of the Savior,” Elder Giménez said. “This will help us have a covenantal connection with the heavens, understanding His truths, His eternal and absolute truths that will never change.”
Elder Giménez warned against external influences that may challenge fundamental gospel principles, stressing the necessity of both a personal and covenantal relationship with God through His restored Church.
“I invite you to be slow to consider or even be immune to being influenced by these misleading ideas and be quicker to remember what the Savior has been telling and teaching us since ancient times,” Elder Gimenez said.
He also emphasized the Savior’s numerous declarations of His divine role and His promises to be with and support those who follow Him.
“With all the energies of my heart, I declare and bear witness that His invitation is clear and simple: ‘Come unto Me,’” Elder Giménez expressed.
He invited the students to reflect on their personal “why” in worship and discipleship, encouraging them to consistently write down their thoughts and feelings in preparation for the upcoming general conference. By focusing on Christ and understanding the purpose behind their faith, he taught that each person can draw closer to Him and find true spiritual fulfillment.
Elder Giménez stressed that faith is a journey that begins with a desire to believe and grows through sincere effort.
“As we focus our lives on our Savior, His gospel and His teachings, we will find more joy, peace and hope in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him,” Elder Giménez concluded.
