Right Before Our Eyes

Elder Ronald A. Rasband shared a message about hastening. It’s such a great word that we read often in the Doctrine and Covenants but maybe it loses a little bit of its punch. Elder Rasband reminds us that “Hastening is a word that matters. It suggests moving quickly, accelerating, and even urgency. In the grow of the Church and the plan of Christ, hastening is happening. And we are all a part of it.“

He spoke about how he has observed three areas specifically where the Lord is hastening His work: the building of temples, missionary work, and church education. It is exciting to see the growth in these areas and all of the good that is coming from them.

The part of Elder Rasband’s message that struck me the most was towards the end. He spoke of balance and he encouraged us to “give the Lord equal time“. This has involved some pondering. I feel like I am in a busy season of life and while so much of it is good and wonderful, I feel like time is not really my own. Right now the vast majority of my time is dedicated to serving my family, which is so good, but I also don’t think Elder Rasband extended this invitation for some later date when my home is quieter. So the question that I have been pondering is, how do I give equal time to the Lord now?

I think that is a pretty personal question. I think it is going to vary for everyone and where they are at spiritually, their life experience, and maybe season of life. I don’t think the Lord is up there keeping tally of our minutes. He asks for our hearts to be changed, and that comes from spending time with Him whether it is the act of “doing” our discipleship or in taking time throughout our day to simply think on Him. I don’t think He is necessarily trying to add more to our plates.

So maybe that means taking a hard look at our time. I think Satan loves to fill our time with things of very little value – or at least I know he does that with me. As busy as I feel like life is, there are definitely times in my day that could be better spent. Times that I could spend more intentionally with my Savior. I want to look to Him more. Trust in Him more. Get all the things that I stew and mull over in my brain throughout the day, and give them to Him. Spend more time in stillness with Him.

Prompting

Give the Lord equal time. Dedicated, purposeful time with Him. Make strengthening my relationship with Him my biggest priority. Trust Him with my cares and worries. Know that He understands me and my desires. He will fill my cup in ways nothing else can. And He will give me the strength and energy to serve Him and those around me.

Invitations

• Stand tall as [the Lord’s] disciples, eyewitnesses of the fulfillment of prophecy, both ancient and modern.
• Whatever is on your to-do list, give equal time, not spare time, to the Lord in personal scripture study, family study of Come, Follow Me, prayer, Church callings, ministering, partaking of the sacrament, worshipping in the temple, and pondering the things of God.

My Favorite Takeaways

“Hastening” is a word that matters. It suggests moving quickly, accelerating, and even urgency. In the growth of the Church and the plan of Christ, hastening is happening. And we are all a part of it.

…I have had a front-row seat to the Lord hastening His work. The Church is building temples at an unprecedented pace, giving more members an opportunity to worship in the house of the Lord. Second, missionary work is gathering record numbers to the fold of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. And third, Church education in many configurations is at a new high in teaching those who “seek this Jesus”.

Brothers and sisters, we are hastening our holiness as we live temple worthy, as we worship in the house of the Lord, and as we make covenants with God for ourselves and on behalf of our ancestors on the other side of the veil.

In His house we can feel the Lord’s hallowed presence and trancendent peace.

The spirit of the gathering is bringing souls to Jesus Christ and His gospel.

We see the Lord hastening educational opportunities for our members and even those not of our faith around the world. One of the things that distinguishes us as a church is our emphasis on education.

Give the Lord equal time.

Whatever is on your to-do list, give equal time, not spare time, to the Lord in personal scripture study, family study of Come, Follow Me, prayer, Church callings, ministering, partaking of the sacrament, worshipping in the temple, and pondering the things of God. Our Lord and Savior has said, “Learn of me…and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Take Him at His word. And give Him equal time.

Brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ is the answer. Start with Him. Look for His hand in your life. Listen to Him. “Let not your heart be troubled.”

Know that He understands. He took upon Himself all our sins, mistakes, misery, and very bad days that we might live again with our Father in Heaven in eternity. He has said, “Look unto me in every though; doubt not, fear not.” Faith in Jesus Christ can lift you up and heal your wounded soul. Trust Him and you will hasten your return to “the arms of his love.”

May we as disciples of our day shout, “Hurrah for Israel” as we prepare for the return of our Lord and Savior.”

FULL text and video of Elder Ronald A. Rasband’s message can be found HERE.

Other messages from the April 2025 General Conference that I found particulary impactful:

• Confidence in the Presence of God by President Russell M. Nelson