You can watch Elder Renlund’s talk here.

Elder Renlund teaches that focusing on Jesus Christ and His Atonement brings clarity, peace, and eternal perspective in a complex and demanding world. 

The central message is that keeping our focus on the Saviour helps us prioritise what matters most and experience joy regardless of circumstances. 

Key quotes:

‘I cannot add more time to your days or eliminate the many concerns modern life brings. But I can offer this counsel: Not all matters are of equal value, and maintaining an eternal perspective helps us prioritize the things that are of greatest value.’ (Paragraph 4)

‘Death is not the end because the spirit and the body will be reunited, never again to be divided.’ (Paragraph 7)

‘Jesus Christ has both the power and the desire to save us from our sins.’ (Paragraph 8)

‘“All mankind may be saved” because of Him and His atoning sacrifice. All means everyone. If everyone, then anyone. If anyone, then even one. And if even one, then even you.’ (Paragraph 8)

‘Jesus Christ has infinite capacity to forgive, promising that “as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me.” Because of Jesus Christ, sins for which we have sincerely repented leave no spiritual scar, track, or trace.’ (Paragraph 9)

‘After we have repented, we owe no more to justice because Jesus has paid the debt; He pardons us from deserved punishment.’ (Paragraph 9)

‘Jesus Christ understands our challenges, having taken on not only our sins but also our griefs, sicknesses, and frailties. Because He endured and completed the infinite atoning sacrifice, He empathizes perfectly with us.’ (Paragraph 10)

‘Because of Jesus Christ, all that is unfair in life can and will be made right. He will consecrate our afflictions for our gain.’ (Paragraph 11)

‘Focusing on the Savior, His infinite Atonement, and what He has done for us will bring joy and clarity into our lives, no matter how many other concerns we have.’ (Paragraph 12)

‘Because Jesus Christ completed the Atonement, He has the power to help you along your earthly journey and to redeem you from death, both physical and spiritual. Celebrate the joyous message of Easter every day by reflecting every day on the blessings you receive because of Him.’ (Paragraph 18)

Questions to discuss or ponder:

What do you take from the story of Lady? (Paragraphs 1-2)

How can focusing on Jesus Christ  help us deal with our concerns? (Paragraphs 4 and 12)

How should knowing that Christ understands everything we experience change the way we face challenges? (Paragraph 10)

How does it make you feel to know that all that is unfair in life can, and will be made right?  (Paragraph 11)

What does it mean to keep our eye on the ball spiritually? (Paragraph 13)

How can we celebrate the joyous message of Easter every day? (Paragraph 18)

Invitations and application:

Focus intentionally on Jesus Christ

Repent regularly

Trust in Jesus and His promises

Keep our eye on the ball spiritually

Additional thoughts:

‘When you make choices, I invite you to take the long view—an eternal view. Put Jesus Christ first, because your eternal life is dependent upon your faith in Him and in His Atonement.’ (President Russell M Nelson, October 2023)

“What, if anything, happens after we die?” is one of life’s oldest and most tender questions. Throughout history, people have wondered what lies beyond the grave. The true answer to this question came when He who had willingly submitted to death and overcame it restored divine truth through His prophets. The restored gospel of Jesus Christ  answers the question with divine power and authority.

The gospel teaches that death is not the end but a glorious continuation of life—an essential step in our eternal journey. Before we came to earth we lived with God as His spirit children. Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can live with Him again after this life.

We can better understand the meaning of death when we understand the purpose of life. As Elder Bruce R McConkie explained: 

“Birth and death are both essential steps in the unfolding drama of eternity. … Without death and the Resurrection we could not be raised in immortal glory and gain eternal life.” (The Dead Who Die in the Lord, General Conference, October 1976)

Understanding life after death transforms how we live today. It gives us hope in sorrow, courage in trial, and peace in uncertainty. It reminds us that mortality is a brief moment in an endless, divine story. Knowing that this life is a preparation for eternity encourages us to follow the Saviour, love more deeply, and serve more willingly.

In times of loss, the Spirit whispers peace. In seasons of uncertainty, the gospel offers clarity. And in all things, we are reminded of the Saviour’s promise:

“Because I live, ye shall live also” (John 14:19).

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