Notable quotes:
“Just as we never forget our own name no matter what else we are thinking about, we never forget a commitment that is etched in our hearts.” “It might be nice if increased faith were transmitted like the flu or the common cold. Then, a simple ‘spiritual’ sneeze would build faith in others.” “Our constancy to God should be like the dependable Congo River that flows near the Kinshasa temple. This river, unlike most rivers in the world, has constant flow all year and pours nearly 11 million gallons of water per second into the Atlantic Ocean.” Summary points:
- “Being converted unto the Lord starts with an unwavering commitment to God followed by making that commitment part of who we are. Internalizing such a commitment is a lifelong process that requires patience and ongoing repentance.”
- The way faith grows is through an individual choosing faith-building actions, such as praying, scripture study, partaking of the sacrament and serving others.
- As faith grows, God invites individuals to make covenants which, in turn, anchor them to the Savior and propel them along the path that leads to their heavenly home.
Talk summary:
More than a century ago, many in Congo worshipped inanimate objects. After their conversion to Christianity, some would intentionally make a pilgrimage to throw these objects into the churning waters of a massive waterfall, where the items became unrecognizable. “These actions were a token of a new, but unwavering, commitment to Jesus Christ.”
Similarly, in the Book of Mormon the Anti-Nephi-Lehies “laid down the weapons of their rebellion,” burying them “deep in the earth” as “a testimony to God … that they never would use (their) weapons again” and as a sign of their conversion “unto the Lord.”
“Being ‘converted unto the Lord’ means leaving one course of action, directed by an old belief system, and adopting a new one based on faith in Heavenly Father’s plan and in Jesus Christ and His Atonement.”
Faith in the Savior develops as individuals hear the testimony of those who have faith and then it deepens as they act in ways that anchor them to Him. “The only way faith grows is for an individual to act in faith.”
As faith in Jesus Christ grows, God invites individuals to make promises, or covenants, with Him. Covenants anchor individuals to the Savior and propel them along the path that leads to their heavenly home.
“We may be tempted to equivocate, throw our old ways in calm water, or bury our weapons of rebellion with the handles sticking out. But an ambivalent commitment to our covenants will not open the door to the sanctifying power of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.”
Commit to a lifelong process of discipleship. “Make and keep covenants. Throw your old ways into deep, churning waterfalls. Completely bury your weapons of rebellion with no handles sticking out. Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, making covenants with a real intent to reliably honor them will bless your life forever.”
In the news:
- Elder Renlund and his wife, Sister Ruth Renlund, spoke at a devotional to the youth at Glenwood Lake Park in Iowa in June 2019.
- In April 2019, Elder Renlund dedicated the Kinshasa Democratic Republic of Congo Temple. He also had the opportunity to speak to the youth in the area prior to the dedication, reminding them to dedicate themselves to the Savior.
- After witnessing the strength of the members, youth and members in Bacolod, Iloilo and Manila, in the Philippines, Elder Renlund commented that the country will play a key role for the future of the gospel in Asia.
About the speaker:
- Elder Renlund was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on Oct. 3, 2015.
- He served his mission in Sweden.
- He was a professor of Medicine at the University of Utah and medical director of the Utah Cardiac Transplant Program.
- Elder Renlund was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, in November 1952. He married Ruth Lybbert in 1977. They are the parents of one daughter.
Recently on Social:
- Elder Renlund shared his experiences on social media from his trip to the Europe East Area where he visited missionaries, members and volunteers. In one post, he included photos from the Blue Mosque, and shared a quote from Prophet Muhammed of Islam, and related it to his life.
- Elder Renlund shared a message about pioneers and the Church in Hawaii when he visited the Pulehu Chapel in Kula, Maui, Hawaii.
- Elder Renlund reminded youth in Iowa to love their neighbors and serve others during a devotional in June.
