Elder Bednar Urges Japan Youth to “Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness”

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Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Sister Susan Bednar, Presiding Bishopric First Counselor Bishop L. Todd Budge and Sister Lori Budge, and Elder Benjamin M. Z. Tai of the Presidency of the Seventy and Sister Naomi Tai visited Japan and participated in a devotional for youth and young single adults (YSAs) in Kanto area. Members of the Asia North Area Presidency and their wives also participated, answering questions submitted by the younger generation and sharing their testimonies of a Christ-centered life.

Unlike a traditional devotional, this meeting was highly interactive. Participants scanned a QR code displayed on screens throughout the venue and submitted questions to the speakers using their smartphones. The questions were automatically translated into English, allowing Elder Bednar and the other leaders to respond in real time.

One of the first questions asked was, “What is the most important thing I can do to prepare for missionary service?”

Elder Bednar answered, “Remain worthy to enter the house of the Lord.” He explained that during his 22 years as an Apostle, he had never asked a young man, “Are you going on a mission?” Instead, he said he would rather ask whether they are worthy to enter the temple. He testified that those who maintain temple worthiness will be guided by the Lord to understand who they are, where they should go, and what they should do.

Elder Teh explained that this counsel is closely connected to having the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Missionaries meet many different people, and it is the Holy Ghost who teaches them how to minister to each individual. He emphasized that learning to recognize and follow the Spirit is one of the most important preparations for missionary service. Sister Teh shared from her own experience that spending time with her mother and serving alongside missionaries helped prepare her for future service.

Sister Budge emphasized the importance of building a relationship with each member of the Godhead as preparation for missionary service and life. She testified that understanding one’s divine identity as a child of God, knowing that Heavenly Father helps His children, that Jesus Christ is our Savior who loves us, and that the Holy Ghost can be our constant companion gives strength to move forward in faith under any circumstance.

When asked, “How can I feel the Lord’s love more deeply?” Sister Bednar shared personal experiences and encouraged participants to reflect during their daily prayers on how the Lord had been involved in their lives that day. She testified that as we recognize the Lord’s hand in our daily lives, we come to know that He is aware of us personally and loves us.

Another question focused on balancing school, sports, and Church responsibilities. Sister Tai taught that when individuals sincerely pray, “Heavenly Father, I want to put Thee first. Please help me,” they can better understand what matters most. Elder Tai added that Heavenly Father does not necessarily increase the amount of time available to us, but He does enlarge our capacity to accomplish what is needed.

Participants also asked how they could strengthen their trust in Jesus Christ and continue moving forward during difficult times. Elder Bednar turned to Mosiah 24 and recounted the experience of Alma and his people during persecution. He taught that the Lord did not remove their burdens; rather, He strengthened them so they could bear those burdens. He testified that the gospel is not a promise that life’s challenges will disappear, but that the Savior will provide the strength needed to overcome them. He further taught that the Book of Mormon was written not only for people in the past, but specifically for people in our day and for future generations.

When asked about the greatest miracle he had ever seen, Elder Bednar looked at the youth and young adults gathered in attendance and replied, “You.” He explained that in a country where Christianity does not have a large historical presence, young people who choose to believe in Jesus Christ and follow Him are themselves a miracle.

Several leaders and their spouses also shared counsel about eternal marriage.

Sister Esplin related the observation of a young missionary who said that he was already laying the foundation for the kind of marriage he hoped to have in the future. She taught that preparation for eternal marriage begins long before one starts looking for a spouse and is developed through daily faith and righteous choices.

Elder Esplin explained that happiness grows when husbands and wives sacrifice for and serve one another. He testified that temple sealing is both a covenant between spouses and a covenant with the Lord. As couples draw closer to Him together, they also draw closer to each other.

Sister Kim emphasized the importance of developing Christlike attributes rather than focusing solely on finding a future companion. As individuals learn patience, charity, kindness, and selfless service, the Lord helps guide their path. Elder Kim taught that putting the Lord first is essential for a happy marriage and that one’s spouse should come next. He explained that when personal interests take a secondary place to devotion to the Lord and one’s companion, stronger marriages are built.

Addressing young adults who were anxious about finding an eternal companion, Elder Bednar taught, “Rather than focusing on finding the ideal companion, focus on becoming the kind of companion you hope to find.” He explained that successful marriages are not something people simply find. Instead, they are created together as husband and wife center their lives on Jesus Christ.

In response to a question about remaining connected to the Lord during school life, Bishop Budge encouraged the young people to pray sincerely, study the scriptures, and love and serve those around them. He testified that through such efforts, the Lord increases wisdom and helps His children make righteous decisions. Sister Budge added the importance of attending the temple whenever possible.

When asked how to establish priorities in life, Elder Esplin taught that even amidst many responsibilities, it is possible to keep the Lord first and continue serving others. He testified that happiness is not determined by circumstances but is found through focusing on Jesus Christ.

The final question to be addressed was, “What do you think the Lord would say to the youth of Japan today?”
Quoting the Savior’s words, Elder Bednar responded, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.” He taught that when worldly pursuits become our highest priority, we can lose sight of what matters most. However, as we seek God’s kingdom first, all necessary blessings will come according to God’s timing and God’s will. He testified that Heavenly Father, the author of the Plan of Happiness, knows each of His children by name and continues to guide them today.

One youth who attended the devotional reflected, “As I came to understand my priorities more clearly, everything in my life seemed to become simpler. I want to exercise faith and receive the blessings the Lord has prepared for me.”

Through this devotional, youth and young single adults not only received answers to their questions but also learned practical ways to draw closer to the Savior in their daily lives. They were taught the importance of remaining worthy to enter the temple, following the guidance of the Holy Ghost, praying and studying the scriptures consistently, understanding their divine identity as children of God, and seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Participants left with a renewed determination to make these daily choices and to build lives centered on Jesus Christ.

Click HERE to read the article about the special devotional with Elder Bednar held on August 30.