Keeping Our Eyes on the Covenant: Understanding the Times We Live In

Brothers and sisters, if you feel like the world is spinning faster than ever before—if the news cycle feels like a relentless, overwhelming torrent—you are not alone. It’s a feeling that echoes across continents, from Singapore to Europe, from the local ward center to the digital corners of the internet.

Sometimes, when we are deep in study, perhaps working through the covenants in a Book Club, or maybe even wrestling with tough doctrinal questions with Davee during an AI Investigator session, the question inevitably surfaces: *Where are we? And what does it all mean?*

It’s natural to feel the weight of the times. We are taught to be vigilant, to be ready, but the constant barrage of headlines can make the concept of "end times" feel less like a guiding principle and more like a source of anxiety. As we gather together in our discipleship, I wanted to share some thoughts after reviewing a recent teaching from Dr. Baruch Korman, which really helped ground me in perspective.

The Prophetic Lens: Finding Calm in the Chaos

Dr. Korman spoke powerfully about the significance of the word "end" when considering the teachings of the Messiah. It’s easy to get caught up in predicting dates or drawing absolute conclusions about every current event—the pandemic, geopolitical tensions, or economic shifts. And while we must be diligent students of the word, we must also be careful not to let fear dictate our focus.

What struck me most was the emphasis on *pattern* over *panic*. The Savior taught about the "birth pains"—the signs that precede a great event. These signs are meant to be understood through the lens of scripture, not through the sensationalism of the moment.

The key takeaway isn't to panic over every headline, but to recognize the overarching prophetic framework. We are called to be disciples who can discern the Spirit’s voice from the noise of the world.

This ties directly into our calling as modern-day disciples. Whether you are preparing for your mission, serving as a returned missionary, or simply building your testimony in your home, our primary focus must remain on the eternal work. We are called to be internet missionaries, disciples wherever we are, all the time.

A Skill for the Journey: Discernment

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information out there, here is a small skill I encourage you to practice this week. When you hear a dramatic prediction about the end times, pause. Instead of reacting emotionally, ask yourself: "What does the *scripture* say about this pattern? Does this event fit the established prophetic pattern, or is it merely a current struggle?" This habit of pausing and checking against the established word is a powerful act of discipleship.

Remember, the goal isn't to predict the date; the goal is to live righteously in the *now* so that when the time comes, we are prepared to meet the Savior with open hearts and clean hands. We are building Zion, one disciple at a time.

If you want to dive deeper into how to apply scripture to these big, world-shaking questions, I highly recommend checking out the resources available through the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook. Sometimes seeing a passage highlighted alongside related insights from others can really clarify the message!

For those of you who are feeling the call to deepen your knowledge of scripture and covenants, I invite you to join our next Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. It's a wonderful, low-pressure way to study together and feel the Spirit guide our discussion.

Keep the faith, keep studying, and let’s keep the message of the restored Gospel shining brightly!