My dear brothers and sisters, it is with great joy
that I stand here before you as we
participate in this general conference together.
Listening to the words of wisdom, counsel, comfort,
and warning given in general conferences over many years
has been an immeasurable blessing to Sister Teixeira,
to our family, and to myself.
In this special season of the year,
especially on this Easter Sabbath,
I cannot help but reflect on the significance
of the Savior's teachings and His kind and loving example
in my life.
A deeper understanding of Jesus Christ
will give us greater hope for the future
and, despite our imperfections, more confidence
in achieving our righteous goals.
This will also grant us a greater desire
to serve our fellowman.
The Lord said, ""[Seek] me in every thought; doubt not,
fear not."
Seeking the Lord and feeling His presence
is a daily quest, a worthwhile effort.
Brothers and sisters, today more than in any other time,
we have at our disposal exceptional opportunities
and resources to deepen our understanding
of the teachings of Jesus Christ and His Atonement.
Using these resources appropriately
will help us live a fruitful life filled with joy.
In the Savior's metaphor of the vine and the branches,
He said: "Abide in me, and I in you.
As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself,
except it abide in the vine; no more can ye,
except ye abide in me."
The more we understand the extraordinary role of Christ
in our lives, the more conscious we will become of our purpose
here in mortality, which is to have joy.
That joy, however, does not preclude us
from experiencing trials and difficulties, even
some so great and complex that they might lead
us to think that happiness is not
possible in such circumstances.
I know by personal experience that the joy
of living in righteousness and abiding in Christ
can continue despite the tribulations characteristic
of mortality.
Ultimately, these tribulations often enrich,
refine, and guide us to a deeper understanding
of our purpose in our existence here in mortality
and of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Indeed, the fulness of joy can only
be achieved through Jesus Christ.
He said, "I am the vine, ye are the branches:
He that abideth in me, and I in him,
the same bringeth forth much fruit:
for without me ye can do nothing."
I believe that as we deepen our understanding of the Savior,
we will have an increased desire to live
joyfully and a conviction that joy is possible.
Consequently, we will have a greater ability
to go about each day with more enthusiasm for life
and for keeping the commandments of God,
even in challenging circumstances.
Let us not leave for tomorrow what we can do today.
It is now that we must come unto Christ because "if [we] believe
[Him], [we] will labor while it is called today."
Every day we should consider including frequent interactions
with the teachings of Christ.
Small and simple gestures and acts
made daily will deepen our understanding
of the significance of the Lord in our lives
and will help us share this understanding with the rising
generations, who will surely feel the love of Heavenly
Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, when
they see our example of sincerely living the gospel.
So what are some of the simple behaviors in this modern time
that will become a balm for our souls
in strengthening our testimony of Christ and His mission?
In 2014, the National Geographic photo contest
received 9,200 submissions by professional photographers
and enthusiasts from over 150 countries.
The winning photo depicts a woman
in the center of a train filled with passengers.
The light coming from her mobile phone illuminates her face.
She relays a clear message to the other passagers:
despite being physically present,
she is not truly there.
Mobile data, smartphones, and social networks
have profoundly changed our way of being in the world
and how we communicate with others.
In this digital era, we can so rapidly transport ourselves
to places and activities that can quickly remove us
from what is essential for a life filled with lasting joy.
This networked life can, if left unchecked,
give precedence to relationships with people that we don't know
or have never met rather than with people we live with--our
own family!
On the other hand we all know that we
are blessed with the excellent online resources,
including those developed by the Church,
such as text and audio versions of the holy scriptures
and general conference, video productions of the life
and teachings of Jesus Christ, apps
to record our family history, and opportunities
to listen to inspiring music.
The choices and priorities we make with our time online
are decisive.
They can determine our spiritual progress and maturity
in the gospel and our desire to contribute to a better world
and to live a more productive life.
For these reasons, today I would like
to mention three simple habits that will establish
healthy online activity.
These habits will generate the daily self-reflections
that are necessary for us to grow closer
to the teachings of our Heavenly Father
and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Habit Number 1: Visit the Church's official website
for resources.
Often visits during the week to these resources
will help us to always be sensitive to the teachings
of the gospel and encourage our family and friends to think
and reflect on what matters most.
Habit Number 2: Subscribe to the Church's
official social networks.
This choice will bring to your screen
the content that is essential to deepen your search
and seeking of the Lord and His teachings,
and it will strengthen your desire
to understand the gospel.
More importantly, this will help you remember
what Christ expects of us.
Just as "there is no good soil without a good farmer,"
likewise there will be no good online harvest
unless we prioritize from the very beginning
that which is accessible to our fingers and to our minds.
Habit Number 3: Make time to set aside your mobile devices.
It is refreshing to put aside our electronic devices
for a while and instead turn the pages of the scriptures
or take the time to converse with family and friends.
Especially on the Lord's day, experience the peace
of participating in a sacrament meeting
without the constant urge to see if you have
a new message or a new post.
The habit of setting aside your mobile device for a time
will enrich and broaden your view of life, for life is not
confined to a four-inch screen.
The Lord Jesus Christ said, "As the Father hath loved me,
so I have loved you: continue ye in my love."
God wants us to have joy and to feel His love.
Christ makes such joy a possibility for each of us.
We have the means to know Him better and to live His gospel.
I bear my testimony of the joy that
exists when we keep the commandments
and of the peace and safety that we
feel when we abide in the love of Heavenly Father
and His Son, our Savior.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.