In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, twice a year our prophet, apostles, and other church leaders speak to us in General Conference. They give messages of instruction and hope. As I study my scriptures and general conference, I pay extra attention when words are repeated. So, when I watched General Conference last month, my ears perked up when I heard the word “redouble” used in three different talks.
Redouble means, “make or become much greater, more intense, or more numerous.”
Church leaders urged us to redouble our efforts in regard to the temple, prayer, and to our discipleship to Christ. I am pondering on how I can redouble my efforts in those areas. What can I do to make the temple, prayer, and discipleship to Christ- greater, more intense and more numerous in my life?
I can go to the temple more often and prepare myself before going. I can pray more often and more sincerely. I can go to the Lord with all my concerns and worries and thank Him for all my blessings. I can be more loving and forgiving to others. I can serve more and look for ways to be a positive influence to those around me…
What do you need to make greater, more intense, and more numerous in your life?
“Let the work of my temple, and all the works which I have appointed unto you, be continued on and not cease; and let your diligence, and your perseverance, and patience, and your works be redoubled, and you shall in nowise lose your reward, saith the Lord of Hosts.”(Doctrine and Covenants 127:4)
When the Lord calls for us to “redouble” our efforts, He is asking that we increase in righteousness. For example, we may expand our study of the scriptures, our family history research, and our prayers of faith that we may share our love for the Lord’s house with those preparing to receive a temple recommend, our family members in particular.
I promise you as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ that as you strive to redouble your righteous efforts, you will feel renewed in your devotion to God the Father and Jesus Christ, you will feel an abundance of the Holy Ghost guiding you, you will be grateful for your sacred covenants, and you will feel peace knowing you are “recommended to the Lord.”
I pray that you will strive, with redoubled energy worthy of this time, to serve, exercise faith, repent, and improve each day, to qualify to receive temple blessings and the enduring joy that comes only through the gospel of Jesus Christ. I pray that you will prepare to become that diligent missionary, loyal husband or wife, loving father or mother that you have been promised you may ultimately become by being a true disciple of Jesus Christ.
Brothers and sisters, I urge you to redouble your commitment to prayer. I urge you to pray in your closets, in your daily walk, in your homes, in your wards, and always in your hearts.