Elder David A. Bednar of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encouraged young adults to use technology as a tool for righteousness during a Live Instagram broadcast on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.
Holding up his mobile phone, he said, “These digital devices are tools; they are neither good nor bad. It depends on how we use them.”
The member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles interacted from his office in Salt Lake City with a small group of eight young adults attending Brigham Young University–Idaho, who asked him questions about the use of technology. The live broadcast was one of several Elder Bednar has done in the past few years.
During the Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults on November 3, Elder Bednar will deliver a message titled “Things as They Are 2.0,” part two of an address he gave 15 years ago in 2009 that focused on the role of digital technology in our lives. During the Live Instagram broadcast, Elder Bednar encouraged young adults to study that message to prepare for his upcoming devotional, which will originate from the campus of BYU–I and be broadcast throughout the world in more than 20 languages.
Read “Things as They Really Are” in Gospel Library or watch it here.
Highlighting Gospel Library and other Church resources “at our fingertips anywhere we are, anytime,” Elder Bednar said that faith in Christ comes from reading, hearing and studying the word of God. Technology provides not just convenience, but is an endless resource for easy access to information and more efficient study.
Rather than mindlessly scrolling or playing “goofy video games” of no value, he encouraged listeners to intentionally access “the incredible wealth of information and light.”
Satan’s biggest tactics to distort God’s plan for technology are diversion and distraction. “Satan gets a win if he can divert you from doing the good things you know you should be doing,” Elder Bednar said.
Elder Bednar gave two ways to better discern the truth in social media and not fall prey to misleading or untrue information.
- The spirit of discernment through the power of Holy Ghost.
- “Do your homework.”
“You can verify, you can validate, you can do the research” behind what was written, he said. That will put you in the position where the Holy Ghost can help you discern the truth. “You’ll be guided to know the accuracy of the information, the intent of the person who presented it,” he said.
When asked how Elder Bednar and his wife, Susan, use technology, he said they text each other to share their love. They also enjoy listening to and discussing “Come, Follow Me” lessons on their tablets. Technology provides “an effortless, easy process for engaging in the scriptures together,” he said. They also use Zoom. “It keeps us connected with our family as we travel.”
Addressing how to help others who are struggling with distraction or untruths, Elder Bednar said the gift of discernment operates as we try to see with spiritual eyes and listen with spiritual ears that hear by the power of the Holy Ghost.
The gift of discernment helps us know what we might ask, or not to ask at that time. “If you know the person and you care for them, then you’re going to have help from the Holy Ghost to know what you can ask. … You’ll be blessed to know in the moment.”
“I can testify that the Lord will guide you,” he said at the conclusion of the live broadcast.
