Connected to the Gospel

Spiritually speaking, we each need practical gospel knowledge and skills to help us return to our Father in Heaven. We need to be connected to the power of the gospel in our homes to teach and bless each other. We can do this by looking to the gospel of Jesus Christ and our Father in Heaven. Just as my father gave me counsel to take some practical classes, our Father in Heaven, through the Holy Ghost, will tell us all things we need to know and do (see 2 Nephi 32:3). Having the skills to receive inspiration is becoming increasingly important in today's world.

On January 30, 2010, Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke to the students at Brigham Young University–Idaho about the last days. He talked about the fulfillment of prophecies and the fallibility of the philosophies of men. A common thread was the admonition for students to strengthen their testimonies in preparation for that which is to come. He said, "I [do not] want … to frighten you but to wake you up." He continued, "We're in the last days—you can quote me on that. And it is moving more rapidly."1

Speaking in the priesthood session of the April 2009 general conference, President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said, "Your generation is filled with uncertainties. A life of fun and games and expensive toys has come to an abrupt end. We move from a generation of ease and entertainment to a generation of hard work and responsibility. We do not know how long that will last. …

"It may seem that the world is in commotion; and it is! It may seem that there are wars and rumors of wars; and there are! It may seem that the future will hold trials and difficulties for you; and it will! However, fear is the opposite of faith. Do not be afraid! I do not fear."2

To gain courage for what lies ahead, we need to be connected to the gospel of Jesus Christ and overcome the tendency to look to the wisdom of the world for help. Looking to the world rather than the gospel would be like calling a plumber to solve an electrical problem.

"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. …

"For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness" (3:19).

This is not a time to be naive, unprepared, or unaware.

Our Heavenly Father is the Father of our spirits, and Jesus Christ is the Creator of this world. They know and understand us and the world around us better than anyone else. Looking to a higher source for knowledge and power can help us far more than relying on the wisdom of the world. We need to have the Spirit and look to the prophets and our priesthood leaders. We also need to look to the scriptures, which contain God's words to holy men.