Elder David A. Bednar

Elder David A. Bednar is an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has served as a General Authority of the Church since 2004 and is known for his emphasis on spiritual self-reliance, technology, and the importance of the family. He has also written several books and given many talks that have been widely shared throughout the church.

You never totally move beyond faith as hope; it is not a box we check off and say, “I am done.” Rather, we begin again and gain experience with a new principle. It spirals upward as a helix, building and continuing. Here is how that occurs. We move from level of faith to level of faith through desire, a willingness to experiment and act, and then receiving a spiritual confirmation as evidence of things not seen. This process and experience bolster our faith. Consequently, we exhibit an increased willingness to experiment and receive an even greater confirmation. Our confidence waxes stronger, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little.

Elder David A. Bednar  |  Presentation at BYU-Idaho

Topics: , , ,

“The tuition of diligence and learning by faith must be paid to obtain and personally ‘own’ such knowledge.”

Elder David A. Bednar

Topics: , ,

“True faith is focused in and on the Lord Jesus Christ and always leads to righteous action. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that “faith [is] the first principle in revealed religion, and the foundation of all righteousness” and that it is also “the principle of action in all intelligent beings” (Lectures on Faith [1985], 1). Action alone is not faith in the Savior, but acting in accordance with correct principles is a central component of faith. Thus, “faith without works is dead” (James 2:20). The Prophet Joseph further explained that “faith is not only the principle of action, but of power also, in all intelligent beings, whether in heaven or on earth” (Lectures on Faith, 3). Thus, faith in Christ leads to righteous action, which increases our spiritual capacity and power. Understanding that faith is a principle of action and of power inspires us to exercise our moral agency in compliance with gospel truth, invites the redeeming and strengthening powers of the Savior’s Atonement into our lives, and enlarges the power within us whereby we are agents unto ourselves (see D&C 58:28).”

Elder David A. Bednar  |  Ask In Faith, April 2008 General Conference

Topics: , ,

“Brothers and sisters, please understand. I am not suggesting all technology is inherently bad; it is not. Nor am I saying we should not use its many capabilities in appropriate ways to learn, to communicate, to lift and brighten lives, and to build and strengthen the Church; of course we should. But I am raising a warning voice that we should not squander and damage authentic relationships by obsessing over contrived ones.”

Elder David A. Bednar  |  Things as They Really Are

Topics:

“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.”

Elder David A. Bednar  |  “To Sweep the Earth as with a Flood”

Topics:

“Who will people decide you are if all they know is what is on your social media page?”

Elder David A. Bednar  |  “To Sweep the Earth as with a Flood”

Topics:

“Godly fear is loving and trusting in Him. As we fear God more completely, we love Him more perfectly. And ‘perfect love casteth out all fear.’ I promise the bright light of godly fear will chase away the dark shadows of mortal fears. As we look to the Savior, build upon Him as our foundation, and press forward on His covenant path with consecrated commitment.”

Elder David A. Bednar  |  Therefore They Hushed Their Fears

Topics:

I promise your personal anguish will be relieved and your obedience and faithfulness to patiently submit your will to God will be rewarded in “the own due time of the Lord.”

Elder David A. Bednar  |  In The Path Of Their Duty

Topics: , ,

“A home with a loving and loyal husband and wife is the supreme setting in which children can be reared in love and righteousness and in which the spiritual and physical needs of children can be met.”

Elder David A. Bednar  |  Marriage Is Essential to His Eternal Plan

Topics: ,

“Immoral thoughts, words, and deeds always are immoral, even in cyberspace… We are all accountable to God, and ultimately we will be judged of Him according to our deeds and the desires of our hearts.”

Elder David A. Bednar  |  Things as They Really Are, CES Fireside, May 3, 2009 BYU-Idaho

Topics: , , ,