In recent years we have been reminded by our leaders that a significant prophecy is being fulfilled in our day. The Lord said: “Behold, I will hasten my work in its time” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:73). To hasten is to urge on, to accelerate, to move or act quickly.

Specifically, the Brethren have called upon the Latter-day Saints to hasten the work of (1) reaching out to those who may not now enjoy the blessings of the restored gospel; (2) extending the blessings of that gospel to those who have died without the opportunity to receive its requisite covenants and ordinances; and (3) searching out and caring for the poor and needy among us.

These selfless acts — missionary work, temple work and compassionate service — are part of what we are called upon to do as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle James, brother of our Lord, explained that this is what true Christians do; this is what he called “pure religion.” But there was one more thing involved in pure religion — namely, keeping ourselves unspotted from the vices of the world (JST, James 1:27). This facet of the Christian faith has to do with personal spiritual development.