#1- Sweep the Earth as with a Flood!

Called to Serve 

In the talks, “Things as They Really Are” and “To Sweep the Earth as with a Flood,” Elder Bednar analyzes both the benefits and the drawbacks of modern-day technology. We truly live in the dispensation of the fulness of times. Joseph Smith taught that prophets throughout all of history saw and anticipated this time, a time in which we see the fulfillment of many prophecies and the Gospel being spread throughout the world. However, this is being done in new, creative, and innovative ways. Gone are the days in which missionaries walk block after block, sweating, and knocking doors.  

Since the Restoration of the Gospel, God has blessed us with greater forms of communication that not only allow us to keep in contact with our loved ones, but also allow us to share the Gospel. Elder Bednar teaches that if we use text messages, Facebook, and other forms of social media in appropriate ways, we can “cause the earth to be swept as with a flood.” Not too long ago, members around the world might have had to wait days, weeks, or even months to receive the words of the prophets. Now, through social media sites and other forms of technology, millions of people, both members and nonmembers, can receive the inspired words of prophets and apostles within minutes.  

In today’s world, we all move one hundred miles an hour, almost one hundred percent of the time. Academic, religious, work and family responsibilities can overwhelm even the most competent people, making it seem like there simply isn’t enough time to accomplish everything. By using social media, members of the church can have spiritual and missionary experiences simply by sharing a church image or video on a social media site. Many nonmembers don’t have the time, confidence, or interest required to let two strangers into their home. They might, however, click on a link shared by a friend and form an interest in learning more about the Gospel.  

Technology, as Elder Bednar teaches, can also be addictive, distracting, and even enslaving. People can form bad habits and allow Satan to wear them down spiritually, socially, and emotionally. While technology can be an effective tool to share the Gospel, it can also drag good people down and cause bad habits that have long-lasting consequences. Elder Bednar warns us that we should be cautious of how we use technology.  

Despite the fact that technology can bring negative influences and habits, it is inspired of God. He has provided us with the means to “sweep the earth as with a flood,” and carry the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the four corners of the earth. Technology helps us strengthen our testimony, and it can help us to follow the Savior’s command and truly be “a light unto the world.”