Notable quotes:
"Restored truth reveals that blessings are never earned, but faith-inspired actions on our part, both initial and ongoing, are essential."
"The principle of activating blessings that flow from God is eternal."
"Some blessings are reserved for later, even for the most valiant of God's children."
Summary points:
- Blessings from God are not earned or pre-determined, but they do require action.
- Continuing actions of faith are sometimes required to show the Lord a true desire to follow His plan.
- Trust in the timing of the Lord.
Talk summary:
Blessings from God are neither earned nor pre-determined. Rather, "most blessings that God desires to give us require action on our part — action based on our faith in Jesus Christ. Faith in the Savior is a principle of action and of power."
A pile of kindling wood contains an enormous amount of fuel and potential. But in order to be lit, a combustion reaction must ignite a flame. An act as small as the striking of a match can provide the needed spark to create a large flame, but only if applied to the fuel properly. In this sense, while blessings from heaven are not earned, "you do have to qualify for [them]."
"To receive a desired blessing from God, act with faith, striking the metaphorical match on which the heavenly blessing is contingent."
Sometimes, all that is required to receive a blessing is to ask. Other times, "ongoing, repeated, faith-filled actions are required."
Early in the marriage of Michael and Marian Holmes, the couple did not pray and were not attending Church. But after encouragement from their bishop, the couple decided to try simply praying. It wasn't easy at first, but they kept working regularly at it, and eventually they returned to Church and their family was blessed.
"Small actions fuel our ability to walk along the covenant path and lead to the greatest blessings God can offer." But sometimes, it is required to continue pushing and asking.
"Sometimes, we need to 'be still' … and trust in [the Lord's] timing." But when the laws on which blessings are predicated are obeyed, the blessings will come, according to the timing of the Lord.
In the news:
- Elder Renlund spoke with his wife, Sister Ruth L. Renlund, during a worldwide devotional for young adults in January 2019 on faith, doubt and “staying in the boat.”
- In 2018, Elder Renlund spoken out about suicide prevention in a series of videos produced by the Church. Watch his message here.
- During October 2018 general conference, Elder Renlund spoke about how agency is essential to Heavenly Father’s plan.
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.
Recently on social:
- In a video on Instagram, Elder Renlund shared his testimony while he was at the Rome Italy Temple about how the temple offers eternal perspective, giving people the strength and courage to move forward.
- During Christmastime, Elder Renlund spoke about the importance of families, sharing a quote from Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women,” which states that “Families are the most beautiful thing in the world.”
- While visiting the Rome Italy Temple grounds, Elder Renlund shared his testimony of the Savior in a Twitter post.
