Each and every person, said Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve, will one day stand before the judgement seat of Christ. Each will have face the important question: "What thinks Christ of me?"
"Even with His love for all mankind, Jesus reprovingly referred to some around Him as hypocrites, fools and workers of iniquity," he said. "He approvingly called others children of the kingdom and the light of the world. He disapprovingly referred to some as blinded and unfruitful; He commended others as pure in heart, and hungering after righteousness. He lamented that some were faithless and of the world, but others He esteemed as chosen, disciples, friends.
"And so we ask, 'What thinks Christ of me?'"
It is a time of growing disbelief and disregard for Christ and His teachings, he added.
"In this turbulent environment, we rejoice in being disciples of Jesus Christ. We see the Lord's hand all around us. Our destination is beautifully set before us. ... Being a disciple in these days will be a badge of honor throughout the eternities."
Elder Andersen said the messages heard during general conference were guideposts from the Lord on the journey of discipleship. Remember, Jesus' call to "come, follow me" is not only for those prepared "to compete in a spiritual Olympics."
"Discipleship is not a competition at all, but an invitation to all," he said. "Our journey of discipleship is not a dash around the track, nor is it fully comparable to a lengthy marathon. It is a life-long migration toward a more celestial world."
The road of discipleship is always the right road. It is the road to eternal life.
Elder Andersen shared accounts of discipleship in action. He spoke of President Thomas S. Monson, who administered a priesthood blessing nearly 20 years ago to a 12-year-old girl named Jami who was battling bone cancer. In the blessing, President Monson promised Jami that Christ "will be on your right side and on your left side to buoy you up." Following the blessing, the girl presented President Monson with a balloon that read "You're the Best" in bright letters.
President Monson's blessing lifted Jami's spirit as she endured chemotherapy and limb-saving surgery. President Monson did not forget her. Three years after their first meeting, Jami met again with President Monson in his office. He surprised her with the same balloon she had given him three years earlier.
"He had saved it knowing she would return to his office when she was cured of cancer," said Elder Andersen. "Fourteen years after their first meeting, President Monson performed the marriage of Jami Palmer and Jason Brinton in the Salt Lake Temple."
Miracles are not always immediate. "But as we trust in the Savior, promised miracles will occur. Whether in this life or the next, all will be made right"
Elder Andersen testified that "as you love Him, trust Him, believe Him, and follow Him, you will feel His love and approval."
