Elder David A. Bednar: 'Gather Together in One All Things in Christ'

August 2024 · 3 minute read

Notable quotes:

Elder Bednar spoke during his October 2018 general conference address about the principle of “gathering together in one all things in Christ.”

“Please do not focus primarily upon the logistical aspects of what has been announced. We must not allow procedural details to obscure the overarching spiritual reasons these changes now are being made.”"Only as we gather together in one all things in Christ, with firm focus on Him, can gospel truths synergistically enable us to become what God desires us to become and endure valiantly to the end.""I pray we can recognize the Lord's work as one great worldwide work that is becoming evermore home centered and Church supported."

Talk summary:

Strands of a rope combine to produce a powerful and productive tool. With an eye to interwoven patterns, Latter-day Saints should consider how the principle of “gathering together in one all things in Christ” applies in practical ways to learning and living His gospel and seeing the Lord’s work become evermore home centered and Church supported.

A doctrinal example is the fourth Article of Faith principles — trusting in and on the Savior in faith, relying on Him in repentance, following Him in baptism, and pressing forward with and in Him assisted by the Holy Ghost.

A Church-related example includes building Zion in native lands, the 1980 consolidated Sunday meeting schedule, “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” smaller temples, “to the rescue,” self-reliance and on to the recent quorum realignments, ministering emphasis and now additional Sunday meeting changes.

Promised blessings:

“I promise that increased perspective, purpose and power will be evident in our learning and living of the restored gospel as we strive to gather together in one all things in Christ. All opportunities and blessings of eternal consequence originate in, are possible and have purpose because of and endure through the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Speaker snapshot:

Elder David A. Bednar has been a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for 14 years. He was set apart on Oct. 7, 2004.Elder Bednar served as an Area Seventy before his calling to the Quorum of the Twelve.Prior to his call as an apostle, Elder Bednar was also the president of BYU-Idaho, where he oversaw the transition of Ricks College to BYU-I.Elder Bednar served as a full-time missionary in Germany.He received a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Brigham Young University as well as a doctoral degree in organizational behavior from Purdue University.Elder Bednar and his wife, Susan, were married in the Salt Lake Temple on March 20, 1975.He and his wife are the parents of three sons.

On the Web:

Elder Bednar is active on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.When given the chance, Elder Bednar shares the encounters he’s had with members during his travels. He recently shared an experience where he answered the innocent question of a young boy in Mexico.

His Twitter account sometimes shares teachings about receiving revelation.

The spirit of revelation provides light that will illuminate and enlarge your soul, enlighten your understanding, and direct and protect you and your family.

— David A. Bednar (@BednarDavidA) September 4, 2018

Teachings:

Elder Bednar has often emphasized the importance of receiving and understanding revelation and inspiration. He explores these topics in the Mormon Channel video series, “Patterns of Light.” Find the videos here:

The Light of Christ”“Discerning Light.”“Spirit of Revelation.”

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