On the evening of May 4, 2025, Camille N. Johnson, the 18th Relief Society General President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, addressed young adults across the world in an inspiring Worldwide Devotional held at the historic Tabernacle on Temple Square. The message was directed at young adults ages 18 to 35. Her message on stewardship and hope was a call to action and a witness of the divine trust God places in the younger generation.
The devotional opened with the congregation singing the hymn All Creatures of Our God and King, a fitting introduction to President Johnson’s message, which focused on the Saints’ sacred duty to care for the earth and others. She reminded all that stewardship includes not just the physical world, but also our brothers and sisters, and the individual spiritual gifts we have been given.
Sister Johnson began her message by highlighting Temple Square’s resourceful beginnings over a century ago. While building the temple, the Saints used recycled lumber, nails, and plaster mixed with animal hair–whatever they could gather, showing respect for what they had. This also reflected their deep devotion to God, who had provided these materials to be recycled and used. In the same spirit, she invited today’s rising generation to offer their time and talents in the service of the Lord.
Her message then urged young adults to prepare for the Savior’s Second Coming by becoming faithful and righteous stewards. “You are a generation reserved for this day,” she said. “I believe in you. Don’t give up in seeking to address the complexities of this time. We need you!”
Drawing on two guiding parables from the New Testament: the Parable of the Ten Virgins and the Parable of the Talents, Sister Johnson shared how they illustrate the divine stewardship over the gifts and resources God gives his children. “We have a stewardship and a personal accountability for that with which we’ve been blessed,” she taught.
In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, Christ taught about personal preparation. Five prepared virgins were ready to meet the bridegroom. They had sufficient oil that lasted as they waited for the wedding feast. The other five virgins were unprepared, without enough oil in their lamps, and ultimately shut out of the wedding feast (Matthew 25:1-13). President Johnson emphasized through this story that conversion to the Gospel cannot be borrowed, and that disciples of Christ must develop their own testimonies.
Then, sharing the Parable of the Talents, Sister Johnson highlighted the importance of using the gifts that the Lord grants each of us. In the parable, each servant was entrusted with a different amount of talents, and the master who had given them the coins expected them to be faithful and act. One servant was embarrassed and hid his talent, while the others multiplied theirs. Then, when the master returned, he took away the one servant’s talent, chastening him for not using his abilities (Matthew 25:14-29). Sister Johnson used this story to teach that the Lord does not expect his children to have the same gifts, but that he expects them to multiply their talents for good. President Johnson noted that the Lord requires faithful effort, but does not expect perfection.
Listing various spiritual gifts, Sister Johnson encouraged listeners to reflect on their personal gifts. From listening and showing compassion for others to bearing testimony of Christ, all gifts come from the Spirit. She underscored that these spiritual gifts are meant to benefit all of God’s children.
But, “comparisons are odious,” she warned, prompting young adults to avoid comparing their gifts to each other. She encouraged young adults to use their unique gifts to bless others rather than focusing on differences, which can lead to feelings of inferiority or superiority.
In addition to recognizing their spiritual gifts, she reminded young adults that “we don’t need to wait to be told something great to do,” she said. “Use your gifts and talents to do a few small and simple things in the sphere of your stewardship. Wherever you live, there are people who are hungry, thirsty, sick, or in need. Friends, we need you.”
Sister Johnson then spoke about the global initiative led by the Relief Society aimed at improving the health and well-being of women and children. From clean water and hygiene projects to education and maternal care, the initiative is touching lives around the world. Johnson invited all to help in this sacred work, reminding that “blessing a child is an investment in the future.” A video from the “2024 Caring for Those in Need Summary” was shared, which described Christ’s service and call to “lift others.”
Then, quoting Isaiah 58:10, President Johnson reminded young adults of the promise of light that comes from selfless service: “And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday.” Those who engage in service bless others, but are also blessed by a loving Heavenly Father, Sister Johnson reminded.
She extended a personal invitation to the young adults, “Friends, we need you! Seek revelation and use your gifts and talents to bless the future of all God’s children.”
Sharing a personal story, she talked about a young service missionary named Lydia, who suffered from arthritis from a young age. Despite her challenges and pain, she continues to radiate light to those around her. Her faithfulness and service, Sister Johnson shared, are powerful examples of stewardship over one’s life and testimony.
Sister Johnson concluded with a powerful testimony of God’s love and the call to serve. “God knows and love all His creations by name. Including you…We are His vital associates in the work of salvation. The work and the glory is to see us home–prepared and qualified–to a place where there are no hungry, no sick, and no lame.”
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