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Weekly Study

Conference Talk of the Week

One conference talk each week, pre-selected on a rolling cycle. Start with the overview here, then open the official talk when you are ready to read it in full.

Week 5 of 37Viewing another talk in the series

Saturday Afternoon Session

Lost Luggage, Redeemed Souls

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

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As disciples of Jesus Christ, we rise with renewed determination to succor and care for those with whom we come in contact.

Overview

Elder Gary E. Stevenson uses the anxiety of lost luggage to teach about a holier trust: Heavenly Father sends His children into mortality and places us as stewards who help them “not be forgotten, neglected, or lost.” He highlights two places the Lord would be pleased with our careful “handling” of His precious souls, ministering as assigned brothers and sisters and strengthening the rising generation, through small, intentional acts, Spirit-guided care, and teaching children and youth to come to Jesus Christ and learn to hear the Holy Ghost.

Three Key Takeaways

  • 1Heavenly Father’s “claim” on us is a divine assurance, “You are mine… I have not forgotten you… I intend to bring you home”, and redemption is the ultimate “safe return.”
  • 2Ministering works best in “normal and natural ways”: show Christlike love, help in temporal or spiritual need, seek the Spirit, and help people make and keep covenants and receive ordinances.
  • 3Strengthening the rising generation is urgent in “perilous times” and requires investment in Primary, youth, and young adults by teaching them to receive Jesus Christ in their hearts, repent through Him, and develop the spiritual skill of hearing the Holy Ghost.

Reflection Questions

  • Who in my ministering assignment (or stewardship circle) might be feeling “forgotten” right now, and what would careful, intentional care look like for them this week?
  • When have small, specific acts (a check-in, a visit, a question, a prayer) made someone feel “counted, tracked, and cared for,” and how can I build that kind of thoroughness into my ministering?
  • What is one way I can better help a child or young person in my life learn to hear the Holy Ghost, and what time or setting do I need to create for that to happen?

Application Prompt

Choose one person you are assigned to minister to or one young person you can strengthen, and do one specific, Spirit-guided act of care this week (reach out, listen, offer help, or teach a simple truth about Jesus Christ) that helps them feel remembered and supported.