Elder and Sister Gong
Young adults in the greater Chattanooga area participated in a worldwide devotional held by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sunday. Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Susan Gong, were the featured speakers.
Sister Gong taught that our greatest hope is through Jesus Christ. He knows the end from the beginning, she said. But we don’t. We only see in part. However, The Lord promises that all things will work together for our good if we walk uprightly. We can press forward in Christ because we know our Heavenly Father has a plan for us.
These are invaluable years and this is a season to develop talents, she continued. “The good and useful things you learn now will shape and bless your whole life.” She urged young adults to be anxiously engaged in good causes, to become good disciples and to love The Lord and our neighbors. “The gospel of Jesus Christ is true. It is powerful. It is beautiful. And it is important,” she testified.
Elder Gong encouraged young adults to do three things – 1, Be still and know that God is God; 2, Build relationships that change the future now; and 3, Become a better you. “Sometimes slowing down in things that matter less helps us find the things that matter most,” he said. God matters most, and as we seek Him we can acquire an eternal perspective that anchors us even as “all things shall be in commotion” (Doctrine & Covenants 88:91). Recognize God’s saving power.
“Belong strong,” he said. “We want church to be a space and a place where we don’t judge each other.” Come as you are. Be compassionate and inclusive. Be steadfast, valiant and faithful. Build relationships that “change the future, for the coming one, five, or even 77 years.”
Become better by “working with and beside the Lord of the Harvest. God adds His mercy to our efforts. God gives the increase. He opens the windows of heaven and pours out blessings such as there shall not be room enough to receive them. The Lord’s tender mercies often generously exceed what our work alone may merit.
The Savior has engraven us upon the palms of His hands. His promises are sure,” Elder Gong testified.
“Please create a personal environment that nurtures faith and helps you keep God’s commandments,” he continued. “Given in love, God’s commandments protect and bless. Do not let the world to pretend to offer you things it cannot deliver…. God is our Eternal Father. His beloved Son is our Savior, Jesus Christ. The restoration of the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ continues…. For the willing and humble, His is a gospel of second and third chances, to 70 times seven. Those who keep Gods commandment are and will be blessed in all things.”
Elder Gong stated that in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints there are over 2.3 million adults ages 18-30 who live on 6 continents in some 180 countries and territories. They read the Book of Mormon in over 114 languages. Among these are hundreds in the greater Chattanooga area. All young adults of every denomination are invited to view the worldwide devotional at https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/broadcasts?lang=eng&video=Watch-the-Worldwide-Devotional-for-Young-Adults-with-Elder-and-Sister-Gong&mode=watch.