Church Events of 2018 Remind Us of What’s Truly Important

The Church events of 2018 were all about growth, change, and preparation for the second coming. From fulfilling prophecies given by Joseph Smith, to ending a historical relationship with the Boy Scouts of America, there are several events taking place in the Church.

But what do all these changes mean? Well, you can probably think of a lot of ideas. However, I want to focus on what I think are the two most important takeaways from all the new changes coming in the future.

We Move Forward as Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

One of the first church events of 2018 was President Nelson’s encouragement to re-focus on how we refer to the Savior’s Church. The Lord commanded His disciples, “Whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do in my name; therefore, ye shall call the church in my name; and ye shall call upon the Father in my name that he will bless the church for my sake” (3 Nephi 27:7).

The Church’s full name clearly announces that we believe in the Savior Jesus Christ. We are disciples who “talk of Christ, rejoice in Christ, preach of Christ, prophesy of Christ, and write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins” (2 Nephi 25:260). Our belief in Jesus Christ should set us apart from the world, and it should help us live different lives than those living in the world.

More information about President Nelson’s message can be found at churchofjesuschrist.org.

We Strive to Minister as the Savior Did

The Savior filled His mortal life with service and love for those He came in contact with. As His disciples, we strive to do the same. In April of 2018, the efforts to serve and love those around us changed. Ministering has now replaced visiting and home teaching assignments as we’ve known them.

The First Presidency announced that the goal of ministering is to encourage members to serve as the Savior did. This is based on two of His commandments: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37, 39), and “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (3 Nephi 13:25).

As we continue to minister to all those we come in contact with, we are learning how to become more like the Savior and we are better representing the mission of His Church on the earth.

More information and resources on ministering, check out a Church News article at churchofjesuschrist.org.

We Believe the Family Is Central to Christ’s Church

During the first session of April’s General Conference, President Russell M. Nelson stood and announced: “it is time for a home-centered church” (Deseret News). The Church has always worked to put the family first, and we know from The Family: A Proclamation to the World that “the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children” (The Family: A Proclamation to the World). We are constantly striving to keep the family at the center and grow closer to Jesus Christ.

Consequently, the importance of family is apparent through the many announcements made during 2018. Some of those announcements have been the discontinuation of The Boy Scouts of America, a new initiative for youth, and new age-group progression through primary and youth programs.

We Look Forward With Faith to the Future

Throughout the 2018 year, I’ve reflected quite a bit on the church events taking place. I’m excited and optimistic about what the future holds. We know God’s work is moving forward, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it. Let’s continue to remember Jesus Christ, minister as He did, and build up our families.