I felt this General Conference our leaders spoke to us a little differently than usual. Their messages were very specific to our day. They seemed to explain, in great detail, how being mortal doesn’t preclude morality and that a myopic view limits our view of immortality.

Mortal—We were reminded for the first time in a long time that because we are mere mortals, we need to be physically prepared. Jesus Christ is coming. And we will experience difficulties ahead. Food storage and providing a secure place in our homes is essential for the coming days of unrest and upheaval.

Morality—But spiritual preparedness is far more important. Trusting in God, as opposed to the arm of flesh, will sustain a moral society a little longer, but ourselves for eternity.

Mortal—People are losing control of themselves, their anger, and their choices. Civil unrest leads to anarchy, not resolution.

Morality—Unity strengthens our righteous desires. Both earthly and eternal laws are in place to provide appropriate justice and mercy to every single child of God. Jesus Christ, because He has paid the price, allows us the freedom to choose a life of morality.

Myopic—Pres. Nelson’s one-word answer to a daughter-in-law at first seems perplexing, but we recognize that we all suffer from short-sightedness. Not all things have to be resolved in this life and in our time. Faith is our sustaining power.

Immortality—Jesus Christ offers us the greater perspective, too magnificent for our little minds to even comprehend. We can’t sell ourselves short on His promises.

Myopic—Our struggles seem huge to us and it is so very hard to patiently wade through them.

Immortality—Jesus Christ will win over all pain, all suffering, all evil, all hate, all despair. He will prevail. While on earth, He can prevail in our present day lives. We don’t have to wait for the eternities. His promises are for now and forever.

Mortal—In this life, we can all choose Jesus Christ. His cause is the only worthwhile cause. If we put Him first, He will give us power to endure our struggles better. His power is available to us by a simple, uttered prayer. We are never left to ourselves, ever.

Morality—If we honor our covenants, we can return to our Heavenly Father recommended by our Savior and our current temple recommends. After all that Jesus Christ has done for us the very least we can do is honor Him by the way we conduct our lives. Jesus Christ lives and loves us. As mortals, we can live a life of morality. And in spite of our myopic view we can trust in the promise of immortality, and even better, eternal life with our Father in Heaven.