Bishop W. Christopher Waddell, First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, delivered Tuesday’s devotional address. He spoke on the importance of being connected to our Savior, Jesus Christ, and shared three ways we can become better at that.
Bishop Waddell stated that the events surrounding the Apollo 13 space mission offer keen insight into the importance of connection. Two days into their mission to the moon, the Apollo 13 spacecraft experienced a circuit breaker malfunction, which compromised the astronauts' oxygen store.
Bishop Waddell explained that, despite the craft's dangerous technical defect, Bishop Waddell explained that the crew was able to return safely because they “stayed connected to the only source that could guide them safely home, and they trusted and carefully applied the counsel and instructions they received.”
Just as the astronauts of Apollo 13 had a home base who could give them clear directions, we too have a source for perfect guidance: Christ.
"Christ is the source that we can always trust, that will never let us down, that will always be on our side and that will love and respect us enough to always tell us what we need to hear, not necessarily what we want to hear,” Bishop Waddell said.
We’ve been given several gifts, said Bishop Waddell, to help us stay connected to Jesus Christ.
The Scriptures
The Book of Mormon is essential to renewing our connection with Christ because it frequently testifies of Him.
“Our daily study of the Book of Mormon,” stated Bishop Waddell, “will keep us connected to Jesus Christ as we are reminded on page after page that ‘Jesus Christ is the son of the living God and that all who will come unto Him and obey the laws and ordinances of His gospel may be saved.’”
The Sacrament
Worthily partaking of the sacrament keeps us connected to Christ because it functions as “a weekly reminder of our total dependence upon His Atonement and of our responsibility to keep the covenants we have made with Him,” said Bishop Waddell.
As we renew our covenants each Sunday and always remember Him, we can draw nearer to Christ and receive clearer communication from Him.
The Prophets
Referencing the story of Lehi, who was rejected as a prophet by his people and even his sons, Bishop Waddell explained that we need to choose to listen to God’s anointed spokespeople.
“I would suggest to you that our use of agency, a gift from God, is not to determine whether the prophet is right but rather to choose whether or not to follow the counsel of the Lord as directed by the prophet.”
While we may make every effort to repeatedly stay constantly connected to Christ, Bishop Waddell said that our efforts won’t always be perfect.
“Our Savior Jesus Christ will always be there for us with an invitation to reconnect. There is nothing you have done or will do that is beyond the reach of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ and His constantly outstretched arms.”
As we study the scriptures, partake of the sacrament and follow the prophets with purpose, we can return safely home to our loving heavenly parents and Elder Brother to dwell in eternal happiness.
Next Devotional
Sister Becky Craven, Second Counselor in the Young Women general presidency, will deliver the next devotional address on Tuesday, October 19, at 11:05 a.m. in the Marriott Center.
Sister Craven’s remarks will also be broadcast live on BYUtv, BYUtv.org (and archived for on-demand streaming), KBYU-TV 11, Classical 89 FM, BYUradio 107.9 FM and SiriusXM 143.
