The following is the text of the address Elder
David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles delivered on August 19,
2014, during Campus Education Week at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.
My remarks today [focus upon three] important topics: (1) the
unique season in the history of the world in which we live, even “the
dispensation of the fulness of times,” (2) the inspired technological and
communication innovations that have come forth in this decisive dispensation,
and (3) how we appropriately use these powerful tools to advance the work of
salvation in all of the world.
The Dispensation of the Fulness of Times and Technology
We are blessed to live, learn,
and serve in this most remarkable dispensation. An important aspect of the
fulness that is available to us in this special season is a miraculous
progression of innovations and inventions that have enabled and accelerated the
work of salvation.
In 1862 Brigham Young said: "Every discovery in science and
art, that is really true and useful to mankind has been given by direct
revelation from God, though but few acknowledge it. It has been given with a
view to prepare the way for the ultimate triumph of truth, and the redemption
of the earth from the power of sin and Satan. We should take advantage of all
these great discoveries, the accumulated wisdom of ages, and give to our
children the benefit of every branch of useful knowledge, to prepare them to
step forward and efficiently do their part in the great work” (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel.
John A. Widtsoe [1954], 18–19).
In 1966 President David O. McKay
prophesied scientific discoveries that “stagger the imagination” would make
possible the preaching of the gospel to every kindred, tongue, and people. And
further: "Discoveries latent with such potent power, either for the
blessing or the destruction of human beings, as to make man’s responsibility in
controlling them the most gigantic ever placed in human hands. … This age is
fraught with limitless perils, as well as untold possibilities” (in Conference
Report, Oct. 1966, 4).
Please now listen to the voice of
President Spencer W. Kimball, recorded in 1974, as he described the future
of missionary work:
"I believe that the Lord is
anxious to put into our hands inventions of which we laymen have hardly had a
glimpse. … “With the Lord providing these miracles of communication, and with
the increased efforts and devotion of our missionaries and all of us, and all
others who are ‘sent,’ surely the divine injunction will come to pass: ‘For, verily,
the sound must go forth from this place into all the world, and unto the
uttermost parts of the earth—the gospel must be preached unto every creature’ (D&C 58:64)” (“When the World Will Be Converted,” Ensign, Oct. 1974,
10–11).
In June of 2013, Elder L. Tom Perry described the impact of digital
technologies on missionary work. He said:
“When I was a young missionary, we were able to speak with
contacts on the street and knock on doors to share the gospel. The world has
changed since that time. Now, many people are involved in the busyness of their
lives. They hurry here and there, and they are often less willing to allow
complete strangers to enter their homes, uninvited, to share a message of the
restored gospel. Their main point of
contact with others, even with close friends, is often via the Internet. The
very nature of missionary work, therefore, must change if the Lord is to
accomplish His work of gathering Israel ‘from the four corners of the earth’ (2 Nephi 21:12).
A technology known as social media is evolving in our day and
playing an increasingly important role in hastening the work of salvation. The
Lord is hastening His work, and it is no coincidence that these powerful
communication innovations and inventions are occurring in the dispensation of
the fulness of times. Social media channels are global tools that can
personally and positively impact large numbers of individuals and families. And I believe the time has come for us as
disciples of Christ to use these inspired tools appropriately and more
effectively to testify of God the Eternal Father, His plan of happiness for
His children, and His Son, Jesus Christ, as the Savior of the world; to
proclaim the reality of the Restoration of the gospel in the latter days; and
to accomplish the Lord’s work.
My beloved brothers and sisters, what has been accomplished thus
far in this dispensation communicating gospel messages through social media
channels is a good beginning—but only a small trickle. I now extend to you the
invitation to help transform the trickle into a flood. Beginning at this place
on this day, I exhort you to sweep the earth with messages filled with
righteousness and truth—messages that are authentic, edifying, and
praiseworthy—and literally to sweep the earth as with a flood.
