“One Thing Which is of More Importance Than They All”

I read Alma 7:7 today, “For behold, I say unto you there be many things to come; and behold, there is one thing which is of more importance than they all--for behold, the time is not far distant that the Redeemer liveth and cometh among his people.”

That is so applicable to today. There is so much we can talk about. Right now the NBA Playoffs are going on. There is much of strife in the world and tragedies and joys all around us, but what is the most important thing we could talk about and point our minds and hearts forward to...the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

We have seen the signs of His coming and those signs continue to manifest themselves. According to our calendars, we are at the end of the sixth seal, we have seen impressive solar eclipses and the blood moon tetrad. Men’s hearts are failing them and the gospel is going to all the world. Marvelous works are being done through the power of the priesthood of God. We are seeing the world powers gather near Armaggedon. The list goes on and on. We are told that signs follow those that believe (Mark 16:17; Mormon 9:24; Ether 4:18; Doctrine and Covenants 58:64, 63:9, 68:10, 84:65). What a wonderful time to be alive and to be believing!!!

These scriptures listed make it clear that signs follow after faith and that we are not to seek signs that we might have faith. That is so key. I’d encourage you to study these verses listed for they shed great light on the signs of the second coming and their purpose. I have seen many who seek for signs before they will act in faith. When things don’t happen according to their timing, then they switch directions and quit preparing for the coming of the Lord because their faith was centered in the signs, not in Christ. I have also seen many who see the signs and continue to live lives of faith and dedication to the Lord. Seeing the signs fulfilled brings them great hope and comfort to patiently move forward with faith in the coming of their Redeemer and King who will make all things right and usher in the peace of the millennium. 

It’s interesting at the time shortly before the signs given by Samuel the Lamanite in the Book of Mormon were to be manifest, the believers were severely persecuted. We are seeing that today. Many have seen the signs but they don’t want to believe that Christ really will come and that we need to repent and be prepared in every way; spiritually, temporally, emotionally and mentally. The prophets have spoken and told us how to be ready for His coming. If we heed their words and the voice of the Spirit and the Lord, Jesus Christ, we will be ready and rejoice in the days ahead. It truly will be great and terrible, great for the righteous and terrible for the wicked.