Is there ever a better message for the moment than a message from God? I realize this while reading a recent General Conference address from President Monson himself. It's called "Be Your Best Self," from the Priesthood Session of April 2009. Although this was initially intended for men with the priesthood, I believe that anyone, regardless of age, gender, or religious views, could benefit from reading these words of a Prophet of today.
The voice of our Prophet gives us three things to ponder and apply in our lives: study diligently, pray fervently, and live righteously. These principles have applied to every generation before, but they apply even more now. After all, many prophets have spoken of the Last Days being the most difficult and trying of times. Thus, we need all of the spiritual advantage that we can get. The Lord knows this and inspires his mouthpieces on this earth to remind us of these things.
The most interesting thing about General Conference talks is that there are so many stories of how a certain talk has changed someone's life in some way. The things they heard that day applied directly to their lives in some way or another. The reason this occurs is because God knows exactly what things will help the people of this world the most at this precise time. That's not to mention that it may not be only the speaker that the audience hears. In fact, it shouldn't. The Holy Ghost is also present in these circumstances, and teaches things beyond any speakers' knowledge to each individual.
Finally, President Monson reinforces his use of kairos when he proclaims, "To those within the sound of my voice who are struggling with challenges and difficulties large and small, prayer is the provider of spiritual strength it is the passport to peace" (par. 21)
"I Have A Dream"
14 years ago
There is no better master of Kairos than God, whether or not we want it to be true! Good article Lars, and I liked how you started off by pointing out the importance of modern-day guidance.
ReplyDeleteSomething that could be added on to support Pres. Monson's kairos is an example from the talk that addresses the current world, and is set apart from the normal message of "study, pray, and live."
This analysis fails after the sentence: "Of course, these principles have applied to every geneeration [sic] before, but they apply even more now."
ReplyDeleteThe whole point of analyzing kairos is to describe what it is about now that makes a certain speech or article particularly timely. So it does no good to say principles apply even more now without saying what it is about now that makes that true.
I am willing to believe God knows why this speech mattered now as opposed to some other day, but you're not giving me evidence that you understand.
This needs serious reworking--or you could analyze something else you have a better sense of the kairos for.