Apostle Of God Calls For Uplifting Social Media Messages To Flood The Earth.

On August 19, 2014,  Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles delivered an address at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.  He exhorted us, from this day, "to sweep the earth with messages filled with righteousness and truth.. as with a flood."  In particular, to use new technologies to share simple, authentic, uplifting messages of goodness and truth.

Elder Bednar noted that the perils of the internet "indeed are real, but so too are the extraordinary opportunities," and the "powerful possibilities."

It was prophesied that righteousness and truth would one day sweep the earth

'And the day shall come that...  righteousness will I send down out of heaven; and truth will I send forth out of the earth... and righteousness and truth will I cause to sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out mine elect from the four quarters of the earth.'   (Moses 7:61,62) 

All true scientific discoveries are from God

In 1862 President Brigham Young said: "Every discovery in science and art, that is really true and useful to mankind has been given by direct revelation from God, .. given with a view to prepare the way for the ultimate triumph of truth... We should take advantage of all these great discoveries.”


Advances in science foretold by Latter-day prophets

In 1966 President David O. McKay prophesied scientific discoveries that “stagger the imagination” would make possible the preaching of the gospel to every kindred, tongue, and people. And further: "Discoveries latent with such potent power, either for the blessing or the destruction of human beings, as to make man’s responsibility in controlling them the most gigantic ever placed in human hands. … This age is fraught with limitless perils, as well as untold possibilities” 

(The Internet was created in 1973.)

President Spencer W. Kimball,  in 1974, described the future of missionary work:  "I believe that the Lord is anxious to put into our hands inventions of which we laymen have hardly had a glimpse...  For, verily... the gospel must be preached unto every creature.” (“When the World Will Be Converted”)

In 1981 President Gordon B. Hinckley taught: "We are confident that as the work of the Lord expands, he will inspire men to develop the means whereby the membership of the Church, wherever they may be, can be counseled in an intimate and personal way by his chosen prophet. Communication is the sinew that binds the Church as one great family. Between those facilities which are now available and those which are on the horizon, we shall be able to converse one with another according to the needs and circumstances of the time.” (“Faith: The Essence of True Religion")

(The IBM personal computer was introduced in 1981)

Can I have a real influence for good in the world?  

"I dispute the bold distortion that in order to have influence a woman must have money, fame or title... We are a sleeping giant..  It's time to wake up.. We have more influence than we think."    (Sheri Dew)

"Imagine the impact we can have as hundreds of thousands and millions of members of the Lord’s restored Church contribute in seemingly small ways to the rising floodwaters.  “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33).  (Elder Bednar)

How can I do more to influence the world for good?

In the lds.org Media Library, we read of our mandate to flood the earth with positive thoughts, imagery, and messages.  (Page includes a helpful explanation of some popular social media sites and how to use them.)

For more information about how to share the goodness in our lives, click here.

To watch or read Elder Bednar's talk in full, click here.

By Sandy Munro