General Conference Applied "Beware the Second Temptation"
9/4/2025: S5 E44, Episode 153, Elder Scott D. Whiting, April 2025 General Conference, "Beware the Second Temptation".
*Special Guest*: Mitch and Clay were joined in this episode by a member of Clay's ward, Nate Boyle. As a nurse practitioner, Nate commented on the story that Elder Whiting shared about a cactus injury he sustained as a 12-year-old. Nate spoke of the importance of getting the cactus out of the skin as quickly as possible, and then related this to the gospel of Jesus Christ. He said: "We can always repent, but I think it makes it that much harder the longer that we wait."
Clay and Mitch identified the following invitations and shared how they will take action and how you could take action:
1. "As we progress in our maturity and understanding, we hope that our strength to avoid first temptations will continually improve as we strive to become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ."
2. "The accuser, as he is called in the book of Revelation, will tempt you with thoughts that sound like this: 'You aren't strong enough to change your life; you can't do this; you don't belong with these people; they will never accept you; you are too weak.' If these thoughts seem to ring true to you who are newly planted on the covenant path, we plead with you not to heed the accuser's voice."
3. "President Russell M. Nelson has taught that 'overcoming the world is not an event that happens in a day or two. It happens over a lifetime as we repeatedly embrace the doctrine of Christ. We cultivate faith in Jesus Christ by repenting daily and keeping covenants that endow us with power. We stay on the covenant path and are blessed with spiritual strength, personal revelation, increasing faith, and the ministering of angels.'"
4. "Don't hide from those who will love and support you; rather, run to them. Good bishops, branch presidents, and leaders can help you access the healing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. To those who may be in hiding, we implore you to come back. You need what the gospel and the Atonement of Jesus Christ offer, and we need what you offer. God knows your sins; you cannot hide from Him. Reconcile yourself before Him. ... Beware this second temptation! Follow the counsel of prophets both ancient and modern and know that you cannot hide from a loving Father. Instead, avail yourself of the miraculous healing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ."
5. "As His Saints, each of us must foster a culture of belonging in the Church that is loving, accepting, and encouraging of all who desire to progress along His path." [To new converts and others who struggle with maintaining worthy lifestyle changes:] We love you... We accept you... At a time when you need our love and support the most, don't be deceived into thinking that we will reject you if you take a step back into your prior lifestyle."
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