All too often, we hear about “the signs of the time.” Perhaps we look at the great disasters that have befallen the world in the last few years, the wars and rumors of wars, and think these are signs of the Savior’s coming. Interestingly enough, the early Saints looked at various disasters, trials and tribulations and thought the Savior would soon return to Earth. I believe it was Brigham Young who admonished a brother to continue with temporal preparation, and in the Wilford Woodruff manual last year, the prophet noted that he would look for signs of the Savior’s coming, but still plant fruit trees.
So it is with us. Sometimes we get so caught up in looking at the big things that we miss the small and simple. Remember Elijah, who heard the voice of God not in the wind, earthquake, and fire, but in the still, small voice? (1 Kings 19:11-12) As we look at the Pharisees and Sadducees at the beginning of Matthew 16 who asked for a sign, we must be certain that we, too, are not seeking one as we go through our day-to-day lives. We ought also make sure that we don’t spend so much time pointing to the signs that we forget to prepare ourselves for when we stand before Christ.
Speaking of the “wicked and adulterous generation” (verse 4), Elder Howard W. Hunter stated in the October 1970 General Conference, “Perhaps it was with them, as with many today, truth is not recognized as truth unless accompanied by the sensational.” In a world seeking to be entertained rather than uplifted, dazzled rather than filled, too many seek the spectacular and miss the still small promptings. In an April 1951 Conference talk, Bishop LeGrand Richards elaborates. As he talks about the great astronomical signs that will precede the Savior’s return, he notes that only those filled with faith will recognize them for what they are. But he further discusses the fact that far too many miss the small and simple signs of the Savior’s divinity.
I submit that many in and out of the world miss the quiet whispers of the Holy Spirit. The testimonies born. The wonders of life around us. In bemoaning the rain, they miss the rainbows. In fixating on the acts of war, they miss the acts of selflessness and generosity.
The Lord’s hand works in all aspects of our lives. His love shines through in so many ways. We should be sure that we sharpen ourselves spiritually, that we might not miss those smaller witnesses. We should continue to prepare ourselves for the day of His coming – or the day we leave this world to go meet Him – but we should do so by being aware of His constant presence. Though He may not physically stand before us, He can spiritually walk with us, if we let Him.
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