Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke during the Saturday evening session of October 2022 general conference. With the wheat growing amid the tares, he offered three ways Latter-day Saints can strengthen faith in Jesus Christ. The following is a summary of what he said.
Elder Andersen’s conference talk summary
The Savior explained to His disciples that in the time prior to His Second Coming, the wheat — or “the children of the kingdom” (Matthew 13:38) — would grow side by side with the tares — those who do not love God or keep His commandments.
“This will be our world until the Savior returns, with much that is good and much that is evil on every side.”
With the wheat growing amid the tares, how can individuals deepen and strengthen commitment to the Savior?
“First, we can immerse ourselves more completely into Jesus’s life, His teachings, His majesty, His power and His atoning sacrifice.”
Second, “we make covenants with Him.”
Making and keeping covenants allow the love of the Savior to sink more deeply into one’s heart.
Third, “in this sacred quest, we treasure, protect, defend and safeguard the gift of the Holy Ghost with all our heart. … It is a gift beyond price.”
Latter-day Saints are “children of the covenant” stretching across the nations and cultures of the world. “Seeking with all our heart to know and love the Savior, we separate ourselves from the world through covenants with God, being distinct, uncommon and special as we honor Him and His teachings.”
Notable quotes from Elder Andersen’s conference talk
“We realize that as evil increases in the world, our spiritual survival, and the spiritual survival of those we love, will require that we more fully nurture, fortify and strengthen the roots of our faith in Jesus Christ.”
“As we know very well, having faith in Jesus Christ and being a true disciple is more than a one-time decision — more than a one-time event. It is a sacred, ongoing process that grows and expands through the seasons of our lives, continuing until we kneel at His feet.”
“As you allow your love for the Savior and His love for you to sink deep into your heart, I promise you added confidence, peace and joy in meeting the challenges of your life.”
See the full text of Elder Andersen’s talk: ‘Drawing Closer to the Savior’
Who is Elder Andersen?
- Elder Neil L. Andersen was sustained to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on April 4, 2009. He was called as a General Authority Seventy in 1993, during which time he managed the development of the film “The Testaments of One Fold and One Shepherd” and supervised the initial launch of Mormon.org, now ComeUntoChrist.org.
- Elder Andersen served a mission in France from 1970 to 1972, presided over the France Bordeaux Mission from 1989 to 1992, and accompanied President Henry B. Eyring as he dedicated the Paris France Temple on May 21, 2017. In addition to English, he speaks French, Portuguese and Spanish.
- He met his wife, Sister Kathy Williams Andersen, while attending Brigham Young University. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on March 20, 1975, and are the parents of four children.
- Elder Andersen worked as an advertising executive and later as a vice president of Morton Plant Health System.
What has Elder Andersen done recently?
- During the April 2022 general conference, he taught what it means to be a peacemaker.
- How the new Praia Cape Verde Temple will bless the country and its people, increase holiness and complete families
- The Church in the South America Northwest Area: Increase in stakes and young, strong leaders
- Elder Andersen says the answer to this question ‘will shape your future’
- Elder Andersen asks members in Japan, Korea to share their belief in Jesus Christ
- How can you learn from the experience of Enos? Elder Andersen asks Utah Valley Institute students
