In Friday’s closing session of BYU Women’s Conference, Elder Gary E. Stevenson invited members through the use of social media to accept the biblical invitation, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Elder Stevenson instructed members that the advancements in technology have been a fulfillment of prophecy to assist in bringing the knowledge of a Savior to all the world.
Elder Stevenson encouraged members to consider new ways to utilize social media in spreading positive messages of the Savior.
“One of the most precious gifts to treasure within our families and to give to others is “the knowledge of the Savior, or of Jesus Christ,” said Elder Stevenson.
Elder Stevenson went on to list several ideas to help members use social media such as having the courage to blog, pin, like, share, post, friend, tweet and snap in ways that align with the will of a loving Heavenly Father.
“We live in a unique world, in the fullness of times, with the ability to preach the gospel of peace, literally at our fingertips,” said Elder Stevenson.
Elder Stevenson noted how the knowledge of a Savior is being spread by the millions of individuals every day through social media. Inviting members to follow the patterns established by the church in its social media messaging. Using simple tweets, videos and posts centered on the message of the Savior as effective tools in bringing the message to, “every nation, kindred, tongue and people.”
Quoting the words of Book of Mormon prophet Nephi, Elder Stevenson summarized the purpose of these social interactions, “And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ . . . that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.”
Elder Stevenson pled with listeners to take advantage of the benefits of social media but be cautious of its associated risks. Mentioning the need to avoid inappropriate time consumption, pornography and what he called “Idealized Realities.”
Social media when used correctly, Elder Stevenson said, has benefits that far outweigh the bad.
“Ours is a message of peace, and you are lovely messengers that preach it,” said Elder Stevenson.
Elder Stevenson summarized his message by quoting the words of Elder Bednar, “I believe the time has come for us as disciples of Christ to use these inspired tools appropriately and more effectively to testify of God the Eternal Father, His plan of happiness for His children, and His Son, Jesus Christ, as the Savior of the world; to proclaim the reality of the Restoration of the gospel in the latter days; and to accomplish the Lord’s work.”
Writer: Cory Gill
