Signs of the Time

Mathew 24:

3 ¶ And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

When I read this my first impulse is to worry about the condition of the world today. At this point in my life I seem to stress too much about the economy, political situation, and disillusioning media presentations of the world status. I also worry about the progression of the world and what it might be for my kids in the future. Then I read the following and remember the eternal perspective I must have.

13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come

The signs of the time also give hope. A hope of the coming of the Lord and the eventual eternal peace. What a wonderful time to live...when the fullness of the gospel is being preached to all the world. The gospel brings that peace that is so needed in today's society. I teach at the MTC and recently spent some time discussing with my missionaries the wonderful opportunity they have to teach the "good news" to a troubled world. They will have an exceedingly great opportunity to teach prepared souls the message of peace. The world condition will help "uncover" those individuals who are really hungering and thirsting for the truth.