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Most of us don’t wake up and think, “Today I’ll drift spiritually.” It’s usually quieter than that- it’s missed prayers, rushed scriptures, a little less humility, a little more distraction… and suddenly we feel out of alignment and can’t quite explain why. Elder Kelly R. Johnson’s talk “Be Reconciled to God” from October 2025 General Conference is a great talk to remind us how important it is to take a look at our lives and reconcile the big and little things. It’s fantastic for personal reflection, it fits naturally into family study, and it’s a strong foundation for a church lesson because it invites people to talk about how we reconnect with Christ in real, practical ways. Read on for discussion ideas and a free printable study sheet to help you dive in.

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Summary and Personal Ponderings

First, let’s get on the same page with this quick refresh of what Elder Johnson shared with us in General Conference in October:

“Reconciled to God” means restoring our relationship with God. Our sins or actions can strain our relationship.

We’re free to choose, but without diligence our choices can slowly pull us away from God.
Reconciliation is only possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and His mercy.
Daily repentance is a powerful tool for realignment because it removes sin’s barrier.
Enos is a great example of reconciliation and how we can become unshaken in our faith.
Weakened connection leads to being “easily shaken.” Doubts, fears, and disobedience can loosen our connection to Christ.
Even faithful disciples need to be watchful.
“Ripe for destruction” isn’t about being unable to change; it’s about becoming unwilling to change.
Repentance, revelation, recognizing God’s hand, and listening to prophets help our faith become more steady and resilient.

Now let’s dive into the talk with some personal pondering. You can write your answers on our free printable study sheet included toward the bottom of this post. Here are some questions to get you thinking:

Where in my life do I feel “out of alignment” with God right now?
What is one small “discrepancy” I’ve been ignoring because it seems minor?
Am I choosing to let God prevail in my daily life? What does that look like?
What spiritual habits slip first when I get busy or stressed? How can I make these more of an anchor instead of “first to go”?
What keeps me from drawing near to God?
What’s one fear-based thought that makes me easier to “shake” spiritually?
What does Enos teach me about being honest and determined with God?
How do I feel after I sincerely repent?
How do I seek revelation: scriptures, prayer, quiet, counsel, temple, something else?
What is one step I can take today to strengthen my connection to Jesus Christ?

Discuss it with your Family

You can easily connect this talk to your family’s Come Follow Me studies anytime repentance comes up like when we talk about the Fall (January 19-25). Here are a few questions that can help you get a conversation going with your family. These questions are also included in the free printable later in this post.

Tiny discrepancies can take time to fix. What small habit do you think makes a big difference in your life (good or bad)?
“Reconciled to God” includes a restored relationship. What helps rebuild trust after someone messes up? How can we do this with our Heavenly Father?
We can drift without noticing. What might be some things we can use as signs to signal to us that we’re drifting spiritually as a family?
What are some simple ways we can choose to draw near to God this week?
Enos said his guilt was “swept away.” What does forgiveness feels like to you?
Reconciliation can heal relationships with others too. What’s one way we can make home feel more peaceful?
The cherry shaker shook fruit loose. What do you think “shakes” people loose spiritually these days?
Disobedience, doubts, fears weaken connection. How can we support and strengthen each other?
Elder Johnson explains “ripe for destruction” doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t repent but rather they have an unwillingness to change. How do you think people get stuck in this “unchangeable” position and belief?
Prophets help us become unshaken as we follow their counsel. What’s a recent prophetic invitation that has helped you?
The goal isn’t “never mess up,” it’s to come back quickly. What helps you come back faster after mistakes?

Print Johnson Summary & Questions

Teach it at Church

This talk is built for discussion because everyone understands discouragement, distraction, and the need to reconnect with our Heavenly Father. Invite people to share what strengthens their connection to Christ when life is loud. Use these questions to get the conversation going. Teaching last minute? Don’t worry, these questions are included in the free printable too.

What are modern “shakers” that test faith, and how do we prepare without fear?
How do your covenants strengthen your personal connection to Christ in practical, daily ways?
Elder Johnson compares reconciliation to resolving small financial discrepancies. What are “small discrepancies” in discipleship that quietly drift us out of alignment with God?
What helps you notice misalignment early, before it becomes a bigger spiritual problem?
“Draw near unto me, and I will draw near unto you.” What are different ways we can do that?
Elder Johnson emphasizes daily repentance. What makes daily repentance feel hopeful and strengthening rather than heavy or shame-based for you?
Enos’s story includes effort, honesty, and assurance. Where do you see the balance between doing our part and receiving God’s gift of mercy and help?
How has forgiveness changed your confidence and willingness to keep going as a disciple?
Elder Johnson suggests reconciliation also affects relationships with others. How have you seen becoming closer to Christ change the way someone treats others?
The cherry-shaker story frames “being shaken” as weakened connection. What tends to weaken your connection to Christ most: disobedience, fear, distraction, discouragement, doubt, busyness, comparison, something else? How can we overcome these tendencies?
Elder Johnson warns even the faithful to “take heed.” What does spiritual vigilance look like without becoming anxious or overwhelmed?
What does “pray always” look like in your real modern schedule (school, work, kids, phones, fatigue)?
What role have prophets and apostles played in helping your faith become steadier? Feel free to share specific invitations that helped.
When you’ve felt spiritually “shaken,” what helped you reconnect (people, habits, scripture, repentance, service, temple worship, time, something else)?
If you could give one “strengthen the connection” practice to a teen (or a busy adult) that’s realistic this week, what would it be and why?

Want more General Conference study helps?

If you’re working through more of October 2025 General Conference (or prepping lessons and youth devotionals), check out our October 2025 Conference Study Helps for more summaries, note pages, and discussion printables you can use again and again.

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