When prophets speak, we need to listen. Their words can warn, guide, and protect us in these
perilous latter-days. Elder David A. Bednar warns and calls the “rising generation” to action in
his powerful addresses, “To Sweep the Earth as with a Flood” and “Things as they Really Are.”
The world of digital technology provides youth with both potential perils and limitless
possibilities. It’s our calling and responsibility to use the great power which we have been given
for good.
Elder Bednar begins “Things as they Really Are” by emphasizing the importance of our
physical bodies. The talk then shifts to focus on the digital world. At first, I found this shift
disorienting and slightly irrelevant. However, Elder Bednar is teaching on the principle of line
upon line, precept upon precept. He builds the concept of reality and fidelity on the precept that
our bodies are sacred. The devil doesn’t have a body, so he uses technology to specifically target
those who do. Bednar suggests that technology used improperly can “minim[ize] the importance
of our physical bodies.” Understanding the connection between our physical bodies and virtual
reality therefore gives us an advantage in fending of Satan’s attacks.
The article “To Sweep the Earth as with a Flood,” also by Elder Bednar, is similar to the
previous article because it talks about modern technology. However, rather than warning, the talk
calls youth to action. Bednar gives suggestions for how to use technology and shows examples of
successful mass media campaigns in the past, including several church sponsored hashtags and
the church released movie, “Meet the Mormons.” He describes the capacity for good the wide
reaching effects technology can have on the billions who interact with it each day. This article
warns about the misuse of technology in addition to possible ways the media can be used to
spread the gospel.
It’s interesting to compare these two articles. They were given at different times, 2010 and
2014. The need to understand the influence of technology is only increasing as time goes on. The
timing of these articles is important. “Things as they Really Are” speaks of understanding and
correctly using technology. It warns of becoming too engrossed with virtual reality and
forgetting to live wholesome lives. This article almost acts a prerequisite for “To Sweep the
Earth with a Flood,” because it prepared the members to not only shun harmful uses of
technology, but use it for good. In this last and final dispensation of “the fullness of times” it is
no longer acceptable to merely survive in the midst of technology. We need to use it for our
benefit. The Lord’s timing in the release of these papers was inspired and necessary to the
members. Heavenly Father speaks through his prophets, and uses them to prepare his people.
The time has come to literally “sweep the earth as with a flood,”. We need to sweep it with a
flood of good, righteous, and edifying messages that uplift and inspire. I want to be part of this
great wave. Elder Bednar, a living prophet and apostle, has called us to act. Jesus proved that it is
possible to “live in the world, but not of the world.” In these days, we are asked to live
surrounded by distracting and evil technology, but not succumb to their influence. Instead, we
are asked to use technology for the progressing of the Lord’s plan. It is no coincidence that
technology emerged in this day and age. It is also no coincidence that we were born at this time.
We need to stand for truth and righteousness in a digital age. It is our calling to both “see things
as they really are,” and make the conscious decision to “sweep the earth” with the gospel wave.
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