"Things As They Really Are" by David A. Bednar

My favorite part of Elder Bednar's talk was the section that discussed the importance of our physical bodies.  He emphasized the importance of "obtaining a physical body in the process of progressing toward our divine destiny."  He also discussed the importance of not defiling our bodies which is one of God's greatest gifts to us.  Our bodies are temples and should not be defiled in any way.  "If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." (1 Corinthians 3:17)  He also talked about how Satan tries to destroy us by getting us to use out bodies improperly.  Because we chose to follow Christ's plan, we have had the opportunity to receive a physical body.  Satan on the other hand never did and never will receive a body.  Bednar stated, "The very tool he does not have and cannot use is thus the primary target of his attempts to lure us to physical and spiritual destruction."  Satan rejoices when he succeeds in getting us to use our bodies improperly.    Elder Bednar also emphasized the importance of our bodies and their role in his plan also known as the Plan of Salvation.  We must stay strong and remember that our bodies are gifts from God and should be treated as such.

A Child of God

Henry B. Eyring stated, "The way to grow in faith that we are the children of our Heavenly Father is to act like it.  The time to start is now."  This was my favorite quite from Elder Eyring in the devotional he delivered on October 21, 1997.  We are all children of our Heavenly Father.  He loves us and cares for us more than we can understand.  We, as his children, are the future of the Church (his Church).  This being the case, God asks more of us than he has asked of those who were were in the same situation before us.  This is because the kingdom needs more now than it ever has in the past.  We have had a large responsibility placed upon us.  Because we are human, none of us are perfect.  It is important to realize this and to accept the fact that we need correction in our lives.  One great source we have to receive correction is the voice of our prophet Thomas S. Monson.  We also have stake presidents, bishops, fathers, and mothers that can give us correction as well.  We need to work hard to be our best selves and to live our lives to their fullest.  We only have one chance to live here on earth so we might as well give it our best shot.  Elder Eyring said, "Life at its longest is short.  What we do here determines the rest of our condition for eternity."  God has high hopes for us.  He wants to see us succeed and be happy in this life.  After all, we are his children.