"Hasten My Work"

I am a firm believer that the new and evolving technologies that we have are here for the purpose of doing the Lord's work of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. In Doctrine and Covenants 88:73 the Lord reveals, "Behold, I will hasten my work in its time." I became increasingly aware of this on my mission as we used iPads to keep records and teach people the Gospel. We had so many tools right at our fingertips to help people learn and accept the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. In addition to electronic versions of scriptures, we had access to hundreds of videos to help us teach principles and give those we were teaching the chance to hear from the living Apostles and Prophets. We also had access to social medias such as Facebook, Skype, and Facetime, which we were able to use to teach people and share inspirational messages online.

While we were using these technologies and social media platforms, I noticed that they have provided us with unlimited opportunities to #sharegoodness around the world. Social media has become the most quick and efficient way to get information out. While this is being used for evil purposes to spread false information and bad news, it has increased our capability to make the world a better place. With a simple click, we have the power to share powerful and inspiring messages that can reach the world.

With these new tools, online activism has become a common practice in our culture and society. Through liking and sharing posts we can feel that we are involved in a greater cause. These shared messages encourage and inspire people to become more involved in supporting good causes to make positive changes in the world. While raising awareness and getting the message out is only the first step to making the change, it is making a positive impact. Some may say that this "slacktivism" is causing us to be more lazy and not actually get involved beyond sharing things online, but every piece comes together. Not everyone can be directly involved in a certain cause, but there is good that comes from having as many people as possible involved even in indirect ways.

However, the most important work that we can do is right in our own towns. We may not be able to go to a third-world country and help people in need, but we can be a great influence in our own communities, helping our neighbors with everyday acts of kindness. As long as we are giving our best efforts in any way we can, we are part of the hastening of the Lord's work.