Elder Kevin W. Pearson, General Authority Seventy, spoke during the Saturday evening session of October 2022 general conference. Expounding on a phrase from the sacrament prayers, he asked whether people are willing to witness unto God that they are willing. The following is a summary of what he said.
Elder Pearson’s conference talk summary
Partaking of the sacrament is a reminder of Christ’s Atonement and the need to always remember Him and keep His commandments.
The sacramental blessing on the bread reads, “‘And witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son.’ … How many times have we witnessed unto God that we are willing?”
Willingness is proportionate to the amount of time people commit to be in holy places where the Holy Ghost is present. Spend time in prayer and less time seeking other opinions. Change daily news feeds to the words of Christ and living prophets.
Honoring the Sabbath, paying tithing, attending the temple and honoring covenants are all powerful indicators of willingness. “Heavenly Father loves us perfectly, but that love comes with great expectations.”
Focusing on the Savior and on covenants brings lasting joy. This is a day foretold by ancient prophets. The most powerful spiritual influence in a child’s life is that of parents and grandparents who keep their covenants.
“Casual and inconsistent covenant keeping leads to spiritual casualty. The spiritual damage is often greatest on our children and grandchildren. Parents and grandparents, are we still willing?”
Notable quotes from Elder Pearson’s conference talk
“Willingness to focus on the Savior is so crucial, it is the central message of the two most quoted scriptures in the Church — the sacrament prayers.”
“Are we willing to put forth more than a superficial effort into strengthening our faith in Christ?”
“True discipleship leads to a fullness of Joy. Are we willing to pay the price of discipleship?”
See the full text of Elder Pearson’s talk: ‘Are You Still Willing’
Who is Elder Pearson?
- Elder Kevin W. Pearson has served as a General Authority Seventy since April 2008. He is currently the president of the Church’s Utah Area.
- He was a pitcher for the University of Utah baseball team, and served in the Finland Helsinki Mission.
- He and his wife, Sister June Pearson, have six children and led the Washington Tacoma Mission from 2005 to 2008.
- In April 2015 general conference, Elder Pearson shared six important principles from Lehi’s vision of the tree of life.
What has Elder Pearson done recently?
- Elder Pearson was a guest on the Church News podcast this year and spoke about the Utah Area presidency’s concerns for its members.
- He presided over the Lindon Utah Temple groundbreaking in April.
- He spoke about an ancient tabernacle exhibit in northern Utah in the spring.
