Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke during the Sunday afternoon session of October 2023 general conference. He underscored Jesus Christ as “the mark” to look to and the treasure to be sought. The following is a summary of what he said.

Elder Renlund’s talk summary

Searching five fruitless years for King Tutankhamun’s burial chamber in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, an archaeologist realized the only remaining possible location was under his base camp. Soon, the treasure-laden tomb was discovered.

The 1923 discovery can be likened to Jacob’s Book of Mormon prophecy of people in Jerusalem “looking beyond the mark” by not recognizing the promised Messiah.

“He is our mark. If we incorrectly imagine that there is a need for something beyond what He offers, we deny or diminish the scope and power He can have in our lives. … Jesus Christ is our treasure.”

The Savior provides many ways to focus on Him intentionally, including the daily opportunity to repent, the weekly retaining a remission of sins through partaking the sacrament, the sanctifying companionship of the Holy Ghost, and the making and keeping of covenants, including temple covenants.

Conference messages can help one remember and always focus on Jesus Christ.

“He is our Savior and Redeemer, the ‘mark’ to whom we should look, and our greatest treasure. … As you come to Him, you will be rewarded with strength to face life’s challenges, courage to do what is right, and the ability to fulfill your mission in mortality.”

Notable quotes

See the full text of Elder Renlund’s talk: ‘Jesus Christ Is the Treasure’

Who is Elder Renlund?

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

• Elder Dale G. Renlund was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on Oct. 3, 2015.
• He was a professor of medicine at the University of Utah and medical director of the Utah Cardiac Transplant Program.
• Elder Renlund is the son of Swedish immigrants, served a mission in Sweden from 1972 to 1974, speaks Swedish and considers the country his “other homeland.”
• He met his wife, Sister Ruth Lybbert Renlund, in his home ward in Salt Lake City. After mustering the courage to ask her out, she said, “No.” He was more successful when he tried again a few months later. They were married on June 16, 1977, in the Salt Lake Temple and are the parents of one daughter.

What has Elder Renlund done recently?

• During the April 2023 general conference, he used a phenomenon of the Amazon River in encouraging listeners to go against the worldly flow in accessing God’s power through covenants.
• At the June 2023 Seminar for New Mission Leaders, Elder Renlund shared what he learned from a stethoscope about seeking and relying on the Holy Ghost.
• At the 2023 BYU Education Week, Elder Renlund explains how observation and reason work synergistically with faith.
• Focus on the Savior, Elder Renlund encourages during June 2023 ministry in the Philippines.

Read more of Elder Renlund’s general conference addresses, or follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.