Image of Jesus surrounded by the hosts of Heaven.

Preparing to Meet the Savior: 

A Joyful Journey of Faith and Service

Based on Elder Dale G. Renlund’s April 2025 General Conference Address

Introduction

In a world filled with uncertainty, talk of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ can often lead to feelings of fear or anxiety—especially among the young. In his April 2025 General Conference talk, Personal Preparation to Meet the Savior, Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles addressed these concerns with clarity, hope, and actionable guidance. Drawing from three parables taught by the Savior, Elder Renlund helps us understand what personal preparation truly means and how we can embrace the Second Coming with joyful optimism.

Summary of the Talk

Elder Renlund began with a story of a young girl in Primary who admitted being afraid of the Second Coming. This honest concern set the stage for a powerful message: we do not need to fear the future if we follow the Savior’s teachings, which are simple and direct.

He focused on three parables from Matthew 25:

1. The Ten Virgins – A lesson about spiritual preparedness, receiving truth, and avoiding deception through the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

2. The Talents – A reminder that God expects us to magnify our individual abilities, not to compare ourselves to others.

3. The Sheep and the Goats – A call to serve others, especially the vulnerable, for in doing so, we serve Christ Himself.

These stories reinforce three key actions: accept the gospel and follow Jesus Christ, develop and use your unique gifts, and actively serve others. With these principles, we can face the future with confidence and peace.

Five Notable Quotes

1. “His instructions are neither mysterious nor complex. When we follow them, we do not need to fear or be anxious.”

2. “We are wise when we accept the gospel, seek to have the Holy Ghost with us, and avoid deception.”

3. “God expects us to magnify the abilities we have been given, but He does not want us to compare our abilities to those of others.”

4. “When we serve others, we serve God; when we don’t, we disappoint.”

5. “Rely on those who love you and who love the Savior. Seek God’s guidance to develop your unique abilities, and help others, even when it isn’t easy.”

Conclusion and Suggestions for Follow-Up

Elder Renlund’s message is both a comfort and a call to action. Instead of focusing on fear about the future, we can find strength in following Christ, listening to the Spirit, and helping others.

Here are some ways to apply this message in your life:

• Study Matthew 25 and reflect on how each parable applies to your spiritual journey.

• Set a goal to regularly invite the Holy Ghost through personal prayer, scripture study, and temple attendance.

• Evaluate your talents and ask how you can better magnify them in service to others.

• Look for opportunities to serve those who are struggling—especially the “least of these.”

• Teach your children or youth in simple, joyful terms what it means to prepare to meet the Savior.

As Elder Renlund emphasized, preparation is not about panic—it is about purpose. When we prepare in faith, we are promised peace and joy, both now and in the life to come.

Reference (APA Style)

Renlund, D. G. (2025, April). Personal preparation to meet the Savior. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/25renlund?lang=eng

Keywords:

Second Coming, preparation, service, parables, Holy Ghost

Hashtags:

#SecondComing #FaithOverFear #ServeOthers #GospelLiving #LDSConference

Labels: Holy Ghost, parables, preparation, Second Coming, service

// posted by John Fisher @ June 06, 2025