Conference Talk of the Week

Overview

Elder Dale G. Renlund compares modern life to a dog overwhelmed by chasing two balls at once: too many competing concerns can leave us confused and discouraged. His counsel is to prioritize what matters most by keeping an eternal perspective, specifically, by focusing on Jesus Christ and His infinite Atonement from Gethsemane through the Cross and Resurrection. He teaches that because of Jesus Christ we will all be resurrected, we can be forgiven completely as we repent and follow the covenant path, and we can receive real help and peace in our afflictions as the Savior perfectly understands us and will make right what is unfair.

Three Key Takeaways

• 1Not all concerns are equal; an eternal perspective helps you "keep your eye on the ball" by putting Jesus Christ and His Atonement first when life feels like too many balls in the air.
• 2Because Jesus Christ literally rose from the tomb, resurrection is universal and unconditional, death is not the end, and body and spirit will be reunited never to be separated again.
• 3Because of Jesus Christ, repentance leads to complete forgiveness with no lasting spiritual "scar"; He also empathizes perfectly with our griefs and frailties and can consecrate afflictions for our gain until they are "swallowed up in the joy of Christ."

Reflection Questions

• What are the “two balls” (or ten) that are currently pulling you in different directions, and how might focusing on Jesus Christ change how you prioritize them this week?
• Do you believe that after sincere repentance there is “no spiritual scar, track, or trace” left, what thoughts or habits keep you from accepting that promise, and what scriptures from this talk could you study to confront them?
• In a specific unfair or painful situation you’re facing, what would it look like to let the Savior “sanctify” your distress and “calm [your] anguish” rather than trying to carry it alone?