When Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was piloting planes for Lufthansa, he would sometimes meet people who feared flying.
He said some of the reasons people fear flying (turbulence, lack of control, media reports and past experiences) are similar to the reasons young people today fear their future.
The Apostle, who is no stranger to fear (he was a World War II refugee twice), taught nearly 13,500 young single adults gathered in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Sunday, August 4, 2024, to overcome their fears by making Jesus Christ the center of their lives.
“Jesus Christ and His teachings are the answer,” said Elder Uchtdorf, who was joined in the devotional broadcast by his wife, Sister Harriet Uchtdorf. “Jesus Christ is your strength.”
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Elder and Sister Uchtdorf’s remarks capped a three-day conference for young single adults that was themed, “Together in Christ.”
To guide them in their journey, Elder Uchtdorf suggested these single adults look to the faith’s guide for making choices, the “For the Strength of Youth” booklet.
Though the guide is created for teenagers, Elder Uchtdorf reminded these 18- to 35-year-olds that the pamphlet’s principles are timeless and do not expire in adulthood.
“We could have titled it ‘For the Strength of You.’ It is for you! It is for me. It is for everyone,” he said. “Jesus Christ is the strength of youth. He is the strength of young adults — He is the strength of all of us. As you’ve already discovered, your need for the Savior’s strength does not suddenly cease when you turn 18. If anything, you need Him more as life gets more complicated and your responsibilities increase.”
Elder Uchtdorf said he carries a pocket-size copy of “For the Strength of Youth” with him wherever he goes. He said it helps outsiders understand the Church’s values.
His pamphlet recipients have included ambassadors and senators, civic and religious leaders and everyday mothers and fathers.
In her remarks, Sister Uchtdorf reflected on how a tough time in her past helps her see the tremendous potential of today’s young single adults. Her father died of cancer when she was 12. Their home was a place of “suffering, sadness and hopelessness.”
Eight months later, two Latter-day Saint missionaries knocked on their door and left a Book of Mormon with her mother.
“During the painful last weeks of my father's life, I had often stood at the window of our apartment earnestly praying to heaven for God’s help and guidance,” Sister Uchtdorf said. “And the missionaries brought us God’s answers. The message of the plan of salvation, the plan of happiness, was so beautiful and powerful. It brought hope and light back into our home. As we embraced the Book of Mormon, it calmed our heartache and healed the despair and sadness caused by my father's death.”
She told young adults they can have the same leavening influence on the lives of others.
“You are the chosen ones of our days, who by word and deed, teach and live the gospel message wherever you are,” Sister Uchtdorf said. “For this purpose, you are placed in your city, your school or workplace, your family. Don’t forget, you have the potential to be angels of glory to those right next to you. You represent the Church of Jesus Christ, and you are powerful leaders in proclaiming the gospel message through your good life and courageous testimony.”
As he closed his remarks, Elder Uchtdorf also reminded the audience of their divine potential.
“My dear young friends, you were created to fly with the eagles and to reach celestial heights. You are a beloved child of Almighty God. You were made to soar,” he said. “Sister Uchtdorf and I love you. We are grateful for your desire to serve God and your fellowmen, to be together in Christ.
“It is my earnest prayer, my profound desire, that your heart and mind will be filled with joyful hope and your soul will overflow with faith in Jesus Christ.”
