Welcome once again to the Breakfast of Champions. I have set an ambitious goal for myself. Starting today, Sunday, May 16, I plan to read and record one General Conference talk per day until I have read them all. This first talk is the traditional welcome by the Prophet. I always enjoy it because it sets such a positive tone for the entire conference.
This is a significant conference because it is the 180th general conference of the church. I remember listening to and viewing the sesquicentennial (150th) conference back in 1980 when I was at BYU. That was a big deal. Only 20 more years until the bicentennial conference!
Once again we call upon the members of the Church to reach out to the new converts or to those making their way back into the Church, to surround them with love and to help them feel at home.
A good reminder of one of the things we should be doing. I always appreciate the recognition for the work the members are doing: Thank you for all that you do in your wards and branches, in your stakes and districts. You serve willingly and well and accomplish great good. May the Lord bless you as you strive to follow him and to obey His commandments.
President Monson talked about humanitarian efforts in the first three months of 2010 in French Polynesia, Mongolia, Bolivia, Peru, Arizona, Mexico, Portugal, and Uganda. Also, major help in Haiti and Chile following earthquakes and tsunamis in those areas.
He also talked about temple building and the announcement of a new temple in Payson, Utah and major renovation to the Ogden Utah temple. He talked about dedicating new temples in Vancouver, British Columbia, Gila Valley, Arizona and Cebu City in the Philippines in the next three months.
President Monson sums up his introduction with this endorsement of the conference:
Now, brothers and sisters, we have come here to be instructed and inspired. We welcome those of you who are new in the Church. Others of you are struggling with problems, with challenges, with disappointments, with losses. We love you and we pray for you. Many messages, covering a variety of gospel topics, will be given during the next two days. Those men and women who will speak to you have sought heaven's help concerning the messages they will give. It is my prayer that we may be filled with His Spirit as we listen and learn.
President Boyd K. Packer: The Power of the Priesthood
This is a great talk. As far as teaching the powers and duties of the Priesthood, this is a landmark talk. President Packer also, for me anyway, describes our place in the world - our place as a church and our place as families and individuals.
It has never been easy to live the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was not easy when HE lived, and it was not easy in the early days of the Church. The Book of Mormon makes it clear that we will never dominate by numbers. But we have the power of the priesthood.
As far as our role in the world, I was impressed by this thought:
We can and in due time certainly will influence all of humanity. It will be known who we are and why we are. It might seem hopeless; it is monumentally difficult; but it is not only possible but certain that we will win the battle against Satan.
Referring to a talk he gave several years ago and that was published President Packer said:
Later, when it was to be published, I changed the title to read "What Every Elder Should Know - and Every Sister as Well." Include the sisters because it is crucial for everyone to understand what is expected of the brethren. Unless we enlist the attention of the mothers and daughters and sisters - who have influence on their husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers - we cannot progress. The priesthood will lose great power if the sisters are neglected.
President Packer next talked about priesthood power and authority, especially power.
Distributing the authority of the priesthood has raced, I think, ahead of distributing the power of the priesthood. The priesthood does not have the strength that it should have and will not have until the power of the priesthood is firmly fixed in the families as it should be.
We need this "call to power" seriously:
We must awaken in every elder and high priest, in every quorum and group, and in the father of every home the power of the priesthood of the Almighty.
We need everyone. The tired or worn out or lazy and even those who are bound down with guilt must be restored through repentance and forgiveness. Too many of our priesthood brethren are living below their privileges and the Lord's expectations.
That the work of the Lord will prevail is not a question. That we must marshal all of our efforts and unify ourselves are givens.
After all that we have correlated and organized, it is now our responsibility to activate the power of the priesthood in the Church. Authority in the priesthood comes by way of ordination; power in the priesthood comes through faithful and obedient living in honoring covenants. it is increased by exercising and using the priesthood in righteousness.
President Packer then directed his remarks to the fathers and the homes:
Now, fathers, I would remind you of the sacred nature of your calling. You have the power of the priesthood directly from the Lord to protect your home. There will be times when all that stands as a shield between your family and the adversary's mischief will be that power. You will receive direction from the Lord by way of the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The adversary is not actively disturbing our Church meetings - perhaps only occasionally. But he and those who follow him are persistent in attacking the home and the family.
The ultimate end of all activity in the Church is that a man and his wife and their children might be happy at home, protected by the principles and laws of the gospel, sealed safely in the covenants of the everlasting priesthood.
. . . all these have as their ultimate purpose the perfection of the individual and the family.
President Packer then closes with his testimony of the power and importance of the priesthood and the role it will play in the coming years:
I bear witness of the power of the priesthood given to the Church to protect us and guide us. And because we have that, we have no fear of the future. Fear is the opposite of faith. We move forward, certain that the Lord will watch over us, particularly in the family.
It has never been easy to live the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was not easy when HE lived, and it was not easy in the early days of the Church. The Book of Mormon makes it clear that we will never dominate by numbers. But we have the power of the priesthood.
As far as our role in the world, I was impressed by this thought:
We can and in due time certainly will influence all of humanity. It will be known who we are and why we are. It might seem hopeless; it is monumentally difficult; but it is not only possible but certain that we will win the battle against Satan.
Referring to a talk he gave several years ago and that was published President Packer said:
Later, when it was to be published, I changed the title to read "What Every Elder Should Know - and Every Sister as Well." Include the sisters because it is crucial for everyone to understand what is expected of the brethren. Unless we enlist the attention of the mothers and daughters and sisters - who have influence on their husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers - we cannot progress. The priesthood will lose great power if the sisters are neglected.
President Packer next talked about priesthood power and authority, especially power.
Distributing the authority of the priesthood has raced, I think, ahead of distributing the power of the priesthood. The priesthood does not have the strength that it should have and will not have until the power of the priesthood is firmly fixed in the families as it should be.
We need this "call to power" seriously:
We must awaken in every elder and high priest, in every quorum and group, and in the father of every home the power of the priesthood of the Almighty.
We need everyone. The tired or worn out or lazy and even those who are bound down with guilt must be restored through repentance and forgiveness. Too many of our priesthood brethren are living below their privileges and the Lord's expectations.
That the work of the Lord will prevail is not a question. That we must marshal all of our efforts and unify ourselves are givens.
After all that we have correlated and organized, it is now our responsibility to activate the power of the priesthood in the Church. Authority in the priesthood comes by way of ordination; power in the priesthood comes through faithful and obedient living in honoring covenants. it is increased by exercising and using the priesthood in righteousness.
President Packer then directed his remarks to the fathers and the homes:
Now, fathers, I would remind you of the sacred nature of your calling. You have the power of the priesthood directly from the Lord to protect your home. There will be times when all that stands as a shield between your family and the adversary's mischief will be that power. You will receive direction from the Lord by way of the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The adversary is not actively disturbing our Church meetings - perhaps only occasionally. But he and those who follow him are persistent in attacking the home and the family.
The ultimate end of all activity in the Church is that a man and his wife and their children might be happy at home, protected by the principles and laws of the gospel, sealed safely in the covenants of the everlasting priesthood.
. . . all these have as their ultimate purpose the perfection of the individual and the family.
President Packer then closes with his testimony of the power and importance of the priesthood and the role it will play in the coming years:
I bear witness of the power of the priesthood given to the Church to protect us and guide us. And because we have that, we have no fear of the future. Fear is the opposite of faith. We move forward, certain that the Lord will watch over us, particularly in the family.
Sister Julie B. Beck: "And upon the Handmaids in Those Days Will I Pour Out My Spirit"
This talk, by Relief Society General President Julie B. Beck is excellent. Although she addresses primarily the sisters, everything she says about our duties and ability to find happiness applies to Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthood holders also.
She notes from her travels around the world and visits with sisters that, "there is much distraction and not enough peace and joy. Despite popular media messages to the contrary, no one is rich enough, beautiful enough, or clever enough to avoid a mortal experience."
Sister Beck continues with an observation of sisters around the world that could also be applied to the brothers: In my visits with the sisters, I have felt that there has never been a greater need for increase faith and personal righteousness. There has never been a greater need for strong families and homes. There has never been more that could be done to help others who are in need.
Continuing, and talking about "a good woman" and revelation (but what could be also applied to "good men") she states: A good woman knows that she does not have enough time, energy, or opportunity to take care of all of the people or do all of the worth things her heart years to do. A good woman must constantly resist alluring and deceptive messages from many sources telling her that she is entitled to more time away from her responsibilities and that she deserves a life of greater ease and independence. But with personal revelation, she can prioritize correctly and navigate this life confidently.
The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life. So that is why we are here. Sister Beck then describes the things that sisters (and brothers) can do to receive personal revelation. The list includes:
Sister Beck talked directly about the proper role of Relief Society: When Relief Society functions in an inspired way, it lifts women up and out of a troubled world and into a way of living that prepares them for the blessings of eternal life.
Sister Beck talked about measuring success. She paraphrased a list found in Preach My Gospel. I would like to include the list directly from the manual. On page 10 it starts out, "You can know you have been a successful missionary when you . . ." I would like to insert "priesthood holder" where "missionary is:
She notes from her travels around the world and visits with sisters that, "there is much distraction and not enough peace and joy. Despite popular media messages to the contrary, no one is rich enough, beautiful enough, or clever enough to avoid a mortal experience."
Sister Beck continues with an observation of sisters around the world that could also be applied to the brothers: In my visits with the sisters, I have felt that there has never been a greater need for increase faith and personal righteousness. There has never been a greater need for strong families and homes. There has never been more that could be done to help others who are in need.
Continuing, and talking about "a good woman" and revelation (but what could be also applied to "good men") she states: A good woman knows that she does not have enough time, energy, or opportunity to take care of all of the people or do all of the worth things her heart years to do. A good woman must constantly resist alluring and deceptive messages from many sources telling her that she is entitled to more time away from her responsibilities and that she deserves a life of greater ease and independence. But with personal revelation, she can prioritize correctly and navigate this life confidently.
The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life. So that is why we are here. Sister Beck then describes the things that sisters (and brothers) can do to receive personal revelation. The list includes:
- Qualifying for the Lord's Spirit begins with a desire for that Spirit and implies a certain degree of worthiness. (1) Keeping the commandments, (2) repenting, and (3) renewing covenants made at baptism lead to the blessing of always having the Lord's Spirit with us.
- Making and keeping temple covenants also adds spiritual strength and power to a woman's life.
- Many answers to difficult questions are found by reading the scriptures because the scriptures are an aid to revelation.
- Daily prayer is also essential to having the Lord's Spirit with us. Those who earnestly seek help through prayer and scripture study often have a paper and pencil nearby to write questions and record impressions and ideas.
- Being in the right place allows us to receive guidance. It requires a conscious effort to diminish distractions.
Sister Beck talked directly about the proper role of Relief Society: When Relief Society functions in an inspired way, it lifts women up and out of a troubled world and into a way of living that prepares them for the blessings of eternal life.
Sister Beck talked about measuring success. She paraphrased a list found in Preach My Gospel. I would like to include the list directly from the manual. On page 10 it starts out, "You can know you have been a successful missionary when you . . ." I would like to insert "priesthood holder" where "missionary is:
- Feel the Spirit testify to people through you. (This could family members, church members, or non-members.
- Love people and desire their salvation. (See the above list!)
- Obey with exactness.
- Live so that you can receive and know how to follow the Spirit, who will show you where to go, what to do, and what to say. (Just as Sister Beck counseled the sisters.)
- Develop Christlike attributes.
- Work effectively every day, do your very best . . ., and seek earnestly to learn and improve.
- Help build up the Church wherever you are assigned to work.
- Warn people of the consequences of sin. Invite them to make and keep commitments.
- Teach and serve . . .
- Go about doing good and serving people at every opportunity.
Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world (in whom there is often an inner sense of spirituality) will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different - in happy ways - from the women of the world . . . Thus it will be that female exemplars of the Church will be a significant force in both the numerical and spiritual growth of the Church in the last days.
Bishop Keith B. McMullin: Our Path of Duty
This was another very good talk on a topic that has been on my mind a lot for the last couple of years. I find it interesting that many General Conference talks seem to treat these topics. Or maybe, it's that I'm just paying closer attention!
This is a troubled world. Discord and disaster are everywhere. It sometimes feels as though mankind itself may be hanging in the balance.
Amen! Then, what we must do to find peace and happiness and to fulfill our purpose for coming to earth:
For those who eschew evil and live good lives, who strive for a brighter day and keep the commandments of God, things can get better and better even in the face of tragedy.
President Thomas S. Monson has counseled: "If we are to walk with head held high, we must make our contribution to life. If we are to fulfill our destiny and return to live with our Father in Heaven, we must keep His commandments and pattern our lives after the Savior. By so doing, we will not only achieve our goal of eternal life, but we will also leave the world richer and better than it would have been had we not lived and performed our duties.
I like the two guideposts mentioned by President Monson:
This is a troubled world. Discord and disaster are everywhere. It sometimes feels as though mankind itself may be hanging in the balance.
Amen! Then, what we must do to find peace and happiness and to fulfill our purpose for coming to earth:
For those who eschew evil and live good lives, who strive for a brighter day and keep the commandments of God, things can get better and better even in the face of tragedy.
President Thomas S. Monson has counseled: "If we are to walk with head held high, we must make our contribution to life. If we are to fulfill our destiny and return to live with our Father in Heaven, we must keep His commandments and pattern our lives after the Savior. By so doing, we will not only achieve our goal of eternal life, but we will also leave the world richer and better than it would have been had we not lived and performed our duties.
I like the two guideposts mentioned by President Monson:
- Keep His commandments
- Pattern our lives after the Savior
Bishop McMullin then quoted from Ecclesiastes (he actually used this quote twice):
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
He then continues: The duty of which I speak is what we are expected to do and to be. It is a moral imperative summoning forth from individuals and communities that which is right, true, and honorable. Duty does not require perfection, but it does require diligence. it is not simply what is legal; it is what is virtuous. It is not reserved to the mighty or high in station but instead rests on a foundation of personal responsibility, integrity, and courage. Doing one's duty is a manifestation of one's faith. For members of the Church of Jesus Christ, our path of duty is keeping our covenants in daily life.
Bishop McMullin quoted President Joseph F. Smith on duty:
"All that we have comes from [God]. . . . In and of ourselves we are but a lifeless lump of clay. Life, intelligence, wisdom, judgment, power to reason, all are the gifts of God to the children of men. He gives us our physical strength as well as our mental powers. . . . We should honor God with our intelligence, with our strength, with our understanding, with our wisdom, and with all the power that we possess. We should seek to do good in the world. This is our duty.
Bishop McMullin:
As men and women and boys and girls do their duty to God, they feel impelled to do their duty to one another, to their family, to their church and nation, to all things entrusted to their care.
Since I want to do my duty to God, and as I do, I should start to feel more committed to doing my duty to
- my family
- my church callings
- my country
- my students at school
- and others I am given stewardship over
(continuing) They are duty bound to magnify their talents and to be law-abiding, good people. They become humble, submissive, and easily entreated. Temperance conquers indulgence; obedience guides their diligence. Peace distills upon them. Citizens become loyal, communities become benevolent, and neighbors become friends.
I like the above mentioned ideas, so I will list them. The duty bound will
- magnify their talents
- be law-abiding, good people
- become humble, submissive, and easily entreated
- let obedience guide dilegence
- let peace distill in them
The next section heading (in bold) asks: How Do We Know Our Path of Duty in the Midst of Crisis?
Bishop McMullin's answer:
We pray!
Humble, sincere, inspired prayer makes available to each of us the divine guidance we so desperately need.
The Spirit manifests what our petitions should be.
It is important to be guided by the Holy Spirit while praying as it is to be enlightened by the same Spirit while receiving an answer to prayer.
Our path of duty is clearly marked by an undivided faith and belief in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the power of prayer.
Elder Wilford W. Andersen: The Rock of Our Redeemer
This was a very good talk about hope. Elder Andersen also referred to the early pioneers and the Saints in Haiti following the earthquake this winter. Concerning the early Saints:
These early Saints were indeed homeless, but they were not hopeless. Their hearts were broken, but their spirits were strong. They had learned that hope, with its attendant blessings of peace and joy, does not depend upon circumstance. The true source of hope is faith - faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and in His infinite Atonement, the one sure foundation upon which to build our lives.
Then about the Haitian Saints: The faithful Haitian Saints . . . are teaching us that hope and happiness and joy are not products of circumstance but of faith in the Lord.
Then, speaking to the rest of us, Elder Andersen had these thoughts:
Some who at this very moment feel desperate or discouraged may wonder how they can possibly regain hope. If you are one of those, remember that hope comes as a result of faith. If we would build our hope, we must build our faith. Faith in the Savior requires more than mere belief. True faith requires work. Faith grows by keeping the commandments.
When we strive to keep the commandments of God, repenting of our sins and promising our best efforts to follow the Savior, we begin to grow in confidence that through the Atonement everything will be all right. Those feelings are confirmed by the Holy Ghost, who drives from us what our pioneer mothers and fathers called "our useless cares." In spite of our trials, we are filled with a sense of well-being and feel to sing with them that indeed "all is well."
Near the end of his talk, Elder Andersen cites a scripture in Helaman that I hadn't really thought of in this context - that, despite everything going on around us, we should have hope:
"Remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall bear upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." (Helaman 5:12)
These early Saints were indeed homeless, but they were not hopeless. Their hearts were broken, but their spirits were strong. They had learned that hope, with its attendant blessings of peace and joy, does not depend upon circumstance. The true source of hope is faith - faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and in His infinite Atonement, the one sure foundation upon which to build our lives.
Then about the Haitian Saints: The faithful Haitian Saints . . . are teaching us that hope and happiness and joy are not products of circumstance but of faith in the Lord.
Then, speaking to the rest of us, Elder Andersen had these thoughts:
Some who at this very moment feel desperate or discouraged may wonder how they can possibly regain hope. If you are one of those, remember that hope comes as a result of faith. If we would build our hope, we must build our faith. Faith in the Savior requires more than mere belief. True faith requires work. Faith grows by keeping the commandments.
When we strive to keep the commandments of God, repenting of our sins and promising our best efforts to follow the Savior, we begin to grow in confidence that through the Atonement everything will be all right. Those feelings are confirmed by the Holy Ghost, who drives from us what our pioneer mothers and fathers called "our useless cares." In spite of our trials, we are filled with a sense of well-being and feel to sing with them that indeed "all is well."
Near the end of his talk, Elder Andersen cites a scripture in Helaman that I hadn't really thought of in this context - that, despite everything going on around us, we should have hope:
"Remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall bear upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." (Helaman 5:12)
Elder M. Russell Ballard: Mothers and Daughters
As the father of five daughters and the husband of one wife, I really enjoyed this talk. You should all read it and take it to heart, as should I.
President Joseph F. Smith said: "It is not for you [the women of the Church] to be led by the women of the world; it is for you to lead the . . . women of the world, in everything that is praise-worthy, everything that is God-like, every thing that is uplifting and . . . purifying to the children of me."
There is nothing in this world as personal, as nurturing, or as life changing as the influence of a righteous woman.
Elder Ballard then had some specific remarks for the young women of the Church. This is good advice for my daughters. I am very proud of the daughters they are and the way they have treated their mother. These remarks reminded me that I have such great daughters.
Young women, your mothers adore you. They see in you the promise of future generations. Everything you accomplish, every challenge you overcome brings them pure joy. And likewise your worries and heartaches are their worries and heartaches. (I would add that the same applies to me as their father, but I do understand that the relationship is different.
It is all too easy to illustrate the confusion and distortion of womanhood in contemporary society. I urge you not to look to contemporary culture for your role models and mentors. Please look to your faithful mothers for a pattern to follow. (I am very proud to observe that all five of you, my daughters, are following that counsel and have been your whole life.) Model yourselves after them. Look to your mother. Learn from her strengths, her courage, and her faithfulness. Listen to her. When it comes to matters of the heart and the things of the Lord, she has a wealth of knowledge. As you approach the time for marriage and young motherhood, she will be your greatest source of wisdom. No other person on earth loves you in the same way or is willing to sacrifice as much to encourage you and help you find happiness - in this life and forever.
Love your mother, my young sisters. Respect her. Listen to her. Trust her. She has your best interests at heart. She cares about your eternal safety and happiness. So be kind to her. Be patient with her imperfections, for she has them. We all do.
Elder Ballard next talked to the mother's. And Theresia is a great example of a righteous mother.
Mothers . . . [and] the special role you play in your daughter's lives. Young women behave like their mothers. If the mothers are thrifty, so are their daughters. If the mother's are modest, so are the girls. If the mothers wear flip-flops and other casual clothing to sacrament meeting, so do their daughters. Mothers, your example is extremely important to your daughters - even if they don't acknowledge it.
Now mothers, I understand that it sometimes appears that our children aren't paying attention to the lessons we're trying to teach them. Believe me - I've seen that glazed-over look that comes to the eyes of teenagers just when you're coming to what you think is the best part of your instruction. Let me assure you that even when you think your daughter is not listening to a thing you say, she is still learning from you as she watches to see if your actions match your words.
To us all he adds: In these last days it is essential - even critical - that parents and children listen to and learn from one another.
The Church will help wherever we can. But the home is the most important place to prepare the youth of today to lead the families and the Church of tomorrow. It rests upon each one of us as mothers and fathers to do all we can to prepare our youth to be faithful, righteous men and women. It is in the home where we must teach the gospel by precept and by example.
President Joseph F. Smith said: "It is not for you [the women of the Church] to be led by the women of the world; it is for you to lead the . . . women of the world, in everything that is praise-worthy, everything that is God-like, every thing that is uplifting and . . . purifying to the children of me."
There is nothing in this world as personal, as nurturing, or as life changing as the influence of a righteous woman.
Elder Ballard then had some specific remarks for the young women of the Church. This is good advice for my daughters. I am very proud of the daughters they are and the way they have treated their mother. These remarks reminded me that I have such great daughters.
Young women, your mothers adore you. They see in you the promise of future generations. Everything you accomplish, every challenge you overcome brings them pure joy. And likewise your worries and heartaches are their worries and heartaches. (I would add that the same applies to me as their father, but I do understand that the relationship is different.
It is all too easy to illustrate the confusion and distortion of womanhood in contemporary society. I urge you not to look to contemporary culture for your role models and mentors. Please look to your faithful mothers for a pattern to follow. (I am very proud to observe that all five of you, my daughters, are following that counsel and have been your whole life.) Model yourselves after them. Look to your mother. Learn from her strengths, her courage, and her faithfulness. Listen to her. When it comes to matters of the heart and the things of the Lord, she has a wealth of knowledge. As you approach the time for marriage and young motherhood, she will be your greatest source of wisdom. No other person on earth loves you in the same way or is willing to sacrifice as much to encourage you and help you find happiness - in this life and forever.
Love your mother, my young sisters. Respect her. Listen to her. Trust her. She has your best interests at heart. She cares about your eternal safety and happiness. So be kind to her. Be patient with her imperfections, for she has them. We all do.
Elder Ballard next talked to the mother's. And Theresia is a great example of a righteous mother.
Mothers . . . [and] the special role you play in your daughter's lives. Young women behave like their mothers. If the mothers are thrifty, so are their daughters. If the mother's are modest, so are the girls. If the mothers wear flip-flops and other casual clothing to sacrament meeting, so do their daughters. Mothers, your example is extremely important to your daughters - even if they don't acknowledge it.
Now mothers, I understand that it sometimes appears that our children aren't paying attention to the lessons we're trying to teach them. Believe me - I've seen that glazed-over look that comes to the eyes of teenagers just when you're coming to what you think is the best part of your instruction. Let me assure you that even when you think your daughter is not listening to a thing you say, she is still learning from you as she watches to see if your actions match your words.
To us all he adds: In these last days it is essential - even critical - that parents and children listen to and learn from one another.
The Church will help wherever we can. But the home is the most important place to prepare the youth of today to lead the families and the Church of tomorrow. It rests upon each one of us as mothers and fathers to do all we can to prepare our youth to be faithful, righteous men and women. It is in the home where we must teach the gospel by precept and by example.
President Henry B. Eyring: Help Them on Their Way Home
President Eyring is speaking to those who work with youth - as parents and/or youth leaders in the church. He also starts off with a good story from when he was a bishop and had a youth with a problem. He also counseled:
Heavenly Father wants and needs our help to bring His spirit children home to Him again. And he needs our help to get them back to the path quickly should they begin to wander.
We help God's children best by providing ways to build faith in Jesus Christ and His restored gospel when they are young. Then we must help rekindle that faith quickly before it dims as they wander off the path.
Heavenly Father has assigned us to a great variety of stations to strengthen and, when needed, to lead travelers to safety. Our most important and powerful assignments are in the family.
We all can help. Grandmothers, grandfathers, and every member who knows a child can help. It doesn't take a formal calling in Primary. Nor is it limited by age. As I read this section I had the impression that I need to pay attention to all of the children (and youth) at church and encourage them. I feel like I do that on a limited basis already. I just need to do more.
We encourage young people in the rising generation to see their own potential to build great spiritual strength. And we plead with those who care about those young people to rise to what the Lord requires of us to help them. I can do this in a limited extent at school too because everyone is a child of God.
Next, President Eyring spent a lot of time talking about the Personal Progress program and the new Duty to God program.
The Personal Progress booklet for young women makes the purpose clear for them."The Personal Progress program uses the eight Young Women values to help you understand more fully who you are, why you are here on the earth, and what you should be doing as a daughter of God to prepare for the day you go to the temple to make sacred covenants.
It goes on to say that young women will "make commitments, carry them out, and report your progress to a parent or leader." It also promises that "the patterns you establish as you work on Personal Progress - such as prayer, scripture study, service, and journal keeping - will become personal daily habits. These habits will strengthen your testimony and help you learn and improve throughout your life.
The Duty to God program . . . will be contained in one simple book for all three Aaronic Priesthood offices. It is a powerful tool. It will strengthen the testimonies of young men and their relationship with God. It will help them learn and want to fulfill their priesthood duties. It will strengthen their relationships with their parents, among quorum members, and with their leaders.
Both of these programs put great responsibility on the efforts of the young people themselves. These programs expect consistency, great effort, and the accumulation of learning and spiritual experiences over the years.
Personal Progress helps young women prepare to receive the ordinances of the temple.
Of all the help we can give these young people, the greatest will be to let them feel our confidence that they are on the path home to God and that they can make it. We do that best by going with them. These inspired programs . . . will lead the young person to invite and receive the companionship of the Holy Ghost.
Then, speaking again in general to those who serve the youth:
The best counsel for us to give young people is that they can arrive back to Heavenly Father only as they are guided and corrected by the Spirit of God.
We then, get our assignments to help the youth.
So if we are wise, we will encourage, praise, and exemplify everything which invites the companionship of the Holy Ghost. They will feel in our praise and our smiles the approval of God. And should we feel the need to give corrective counsel, they will feel our love and the love of God in it, not rebuke and rejection, which can permit Satan to lead them further away. (Great counsel for parents!)
The example they most need from us is to do what they must do. We need to pray for the gifts of the Spirit. We need to ponder in the scriptures and in the words of living prophets. We need to make plans which are not only wishes but covenants. And then we need to keep our promises to the Lord. And we need to lift others by sharing with them the blessings of the Atonement which have come in our lives.
And we need to exemplify in our own lives the steady and prolonged faithfulness that the Lord expects of them. As we do, we will help them feel from the Spirit an assurance that if they will persist, they will hear the words from a loving Savior and Heavenly Father: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant.
Heavenly Father wants and needs our help to bring His spirit children home to Him again. And he needs our help to get them back to the path quickly should they begin to wander.
We help God's children best by providing ways to build faith in Jesus Christ and His restored gospel when they are young. Then we must help rekindle that faith quickly before it dims as they wander off the path.
Heavenly Father has assigned us to a great variety of stations to strengthen and, when needed, to lead travelers to safety. Our most important and powerful assignments are in the family.
We all can help. Grandmothers, grandfathers, and every member who knows a child can help. It doesn't take a formal calling in Primary. Nor is it limited by age. As I read this section I had the impression that I need to pay attention to all of the children (and youth) at church and encourage them. I feel like I do that on a limited basis already. I just need to do more.
We encourage young people in the rising generation to see their own potential to build great spiritual strength. And we plead with those who care about those young people to rise to what the Lord requires of us to help them. I can do this in a limited extent at school too because everyone is a child of God.
Next, President Eyring spent a lot of time talking about the Personal Progress program and the new Duty to God program.
The Personal Progress booklet for young women makes the purpose clear for them."The Personal Progress program uses the eight Young Women values to help you understand more fully who you are, why you are here on the earth, and what you should be doing as a daughter of God to prepare for the day you go to the temple to make sacred covenants.
It goes on to say that young women will "make commitments, carry them out, and report your progress to a parent or leader." It also promises that "the patterns you establish as you work on Personal Progress - such as prayer, scripture study, service, and journal keeping - will become personal daily habits. These habits will strengthen your testimony and help you learn and improve throughout your life.
The Duty to God program . . . will be contained in one simple book for all three Aaronic Priesthood offices. It is a powerful tool. It will strengthen the testimonies of young men and their relationship with God. It will help them learn and want to fulfill their priesthood duties. It will strengthen their relationships with their parents, among quorum members, and with their leaders.
Both of these programs put great responsibility on the efforts of the young people themselves. These programs expect consistency, great effort, and the accumulation of learning and spiritual experiences over the years.
Personal Progress helps young women prepare to receive the ordinances of the temple.
Of all the help we can give these young people, the greatest will be to let them feel our confidence that they are on the path home to God and that they can make it. We do that best by going with them. These inspired programs . . . will lead the young person to invite and receive the companionship of the Holy Ghost.
Then, speaking again in general to those who serve the youth:
The best counsel for us to give young people is that they can arrive back to Heavenly Father only as they are guided and corrected by the Spirit of God.
We then, get our assignments to help the youth.
So if we are wise, we will encourage, praise, and exemplify everything which invites the companionship of the Holy Ghost. They will feel in our praise and our smiles the approval of God. And should we feel the need to give corrective counsel, they will feel our love and the love of God in it, not rebuke and rejection, which can permit Satan to lead them further away. (Great counsel for parents!)
The example they most need from us is to do what they must do. We need to pray for the gifts of the Spirit. We need to ponder in the scriptures and in the words of living prophets. We need to make plans which are not only wishes but covenants. And then we need to keep our promises to the Lord. And we need to lift others by sharing with them the blessings of the Atonement which have come in our lives.
And we need to exemplify in our own lives the steady and prolonged faithfulness that the Lord expects of them. As we do, we will help them feel from the Spirit an assurance that if they will persist, they will hear the words from a loving Savior and Heavenly Father: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: The Sustaining of Church Officers
There were no changes in the First Presidency or Quorum of the Twelve Apostles this conference. We did, however, sustain a new Primary General Presidency, four new members of the First Quorum of the Seventy, and three new members of the Second Quorum of the Seventy. Also released were 42 Area Seventies and we sustained 43 new Area Seventies. Notable (to me any way) was the sustaining of Gifford Nielsen, star quarterback at BYU when I was a freshman, as an Area Seventy and Robert N. Packer, who accompanied Elder Bruce Hafen of the First Quorum of the Seventy as they visited our stake conference the weekend after this general conference.
Robert W. Cantwell: Church Auditing Department Report, 2009
The auditing report for the past calendar year is always nice to read because it is a reminder that there is a department that follows up on accounting and information system procedures AND that this is required by revelation (see D&C 120.) Of course, I am familiar with this at the local level too, having been through ward financial audits (by the stake) and Family History Center audits (also by the stake.)
Brook P. Hales: Statistical Report, 2009
One of the fun things about the April 'Annual' General Conference is that we get the Statistical Report for the preceding calendar year. It is fun to see the statistical growth of the church and to know that our ward contributed, both in terms of convert baptisms and child of record baptisms. The church now has 13.8 million members. The number of converts is in that 275,000 to 300,000 range that it always seems to be in (280,00 this year). There were 51,736 missionaries - including Danielle (until the first of June.) Two temples were dedicated - both in the southern end of Salt Lake County. And we were able to attend the open house of one of them (the Oquirrh Mountain temple.)
Elder L. Tom Perry: Mothers Teaching Children in the Home
Wow, only the Saturday afternoon session and this is the third talk about mothers! Must be a message in that.
Elder Perry said, "Please allow me to . . . share a few of the lessons I learned from my mother about teaching the gospel in the home." He then talked a bit about his mother and added, "Times are very different today, but while times may change, a parent's teaching must never be devalued. Many activities link the values of one generation to the next, but perhaps the most central of these activities is parents teaching children in the home."
I hope that Theresia and I have done an adequate job of teaching in the home. Even though we just have Calais and Taylor at home now, we are still trying to do a good job. I hope also that our children have learned the importance of what Elder Perry is talking about and will strive to teach their children well, in their homes.
Elder Perry counsels, "Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time. [We do try to do those things.] They know the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world.
One thing that struck me about that section is the phrase "daily parenting." It really is a daily endeavor. You can't take a week off or a month off because you are really busy, or distracted. Parents need to do those things that Elder Perry suggests, every day. It is a constant effort. And worth it. Our children are examples of that. We worked at it. We were also blessed with special spirits for children. And it has worked very well so far.
The leaders of the Church spend a great deal of time thinking about how to improve teaching in the Church. Our teaching in the home prepares us to teach more effectively at church, and our teaching at church helps us to teach more effectively at home.
I think this is one area that can really use attention in the church (speaking locally), improved teaching and improve speaking (talk giving.)
There is no such thing as overpreparing to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, for gospel insights, whether or not they are used during class time, can always be taught in the home.
We see so many challenges today from distracting and destructive influences intended to mislead God's children. We are seeing many you people who lack the deep spiritual roots necessary to remain standing in faith as storms of unbelief and despair swirl around them. Too many of our Father in Heaven's children are being overcome by worldly desires. Teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in the home adds another layer of insulation to protect our children from worldly influences.
I noticed that this is yet another talk that mentions distractions. That last paragraph was very well put. It sums up a lot of thoughts I've been having lately.
Elder Perry said, "Please allow me to . . . share a few of the lessons I learned from my mother about teaching the gospel in the home." He then talked a bit about his mother and added, "Times are very different today, but while times may change, a parent's teaching must never be devalued. Many activities link the values of one generation to the next, but perhaps the most central of these activities is parents teaching children in the home."
I hope that Theresia and I have done an adequate job of teaching in the home. Even though we just have Calais and Taylor at home now, we are still trying to do a good job. I hope also that our children have learned the importance of what Elder Perry is talking about and will strive to teach their children well, in their homes.
Elder Perry counsels, "Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time. [We do try to do those things.] They know the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world.
One thing that struck me about that section is the phrase "daily parenting." It really is a daily endeavor. You can't take a week off or a month off because you are really busy, or distracted. Parents need to do those things that Elder Perry suggests, every day. It is a constant effort. And worth it. Our children are examples of that. We worked at it. We were also blessed with special spirits for children. And it has worked very well so far.
The leaders of the Church spend a great deal of time thinking about how to improve teaching in the Church. Our teaching in the home prepares us to teach more effectively at church, and our teaching at church helps us to teach more effectively at home.
I think this is one area that can really use attention in the church (speaking locally), improved teaching and improve speaking (talk giving.)
There is no such thing as overpreparing to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, for gospel insights, whether or not they are used during class time, can always be taught in the home.
We see so many challenges today from distracting and destructive influences intended to mislead God's children. We are seeing many you people who lack the deep spiritual roots necessary to remain standing in faith as storms of unbelief and despair swirl around them. Too many of our Father in Heaven's children are being overcome by worldly desires. Teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in the home adds another layer of insulation to protect our children from worldly influences.
I noticed that this is yet another talk that mentions distractions. That last paragraph was very well put. It sums up a lot of thoughts I've been having lately.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson: The Blessing of Scripture
Elder Christofferson starts with the story of William Tyndale and his sacrifices (and ultimate execution) in bringing forth an English version of the Bible for all to read. Then he had this counsel:
The scriptures enlarge our memory by helping us always to remember the Lord and our relationship to Him and the Father. They remind us of what we knew in our premortal life.
Those who either don't have or ignore the recorded word of God eventually cease to believe in Him and forget the purpose of their existence. This is a very important reason to read scriptures regularly.
Today the Bible and other scripture are readily at hand, yet there is a growing scriptural illiteracy because people will not open the books. Consequently they have forgotten things their grandparents knew. This could probably go back to all of those 'distractions' that are talked about at this conference - many more distractions than in previous generations. I am glad that we make time each day to read and study the scriptures as a family.
Many today would dispute . . . the seriousness of immorality. They have imagined a Jesus who wants people to work for social justice but who makes no demands upon their personal life and behavior.
Scripture tutors us in principles and moral values essential to maintaining civil society, including integrity, responsibility, selflessness, fidelity, and charity. This is a great list of moral values for society.
The central purpose of all scripture is to fill our souls with faith in God the Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ - faith that They exist; faith in the Father's plan for our immortality and eternal life; faith in the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which animates this plan of happiness; faith to make the gospel of Jesus Christ our way of life; and faith to come to know "the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom [He has] sent" (John 17:3). This too, is a great list. A list of things we can have faith in.
Faith comes by the witness of the Holy Spirit to our souls, Spirit to spirit, as we hear or read the word of God.
Being in the scriptures is one way we receive the Holy Ghost. Study the scriptures carefully, deliberately. Ponder and pray over them. Scriptures are revelation, and they will bring added revelation.
Never in history has a people been blessed with such a quantity of holy writ. Surely with this blessing the Lord is telling us that our need for constant recourse to the scriptures is greater than in any previous time.
The scriptures enlarge our memory by helping us always to remember the Lord and our relationship to Him and the Father. They remind us of what we knew in our premortal life.
Those who either don't have or ignore the recorded word of God eventually cease to believe in Him and forget the purpose of their existence. This is a very important reason to read scriptures regularly.
Today the Bible and other scripture are readily at hand, yet there is a growing scriptural illiteracy because people will not open the books. Consequently they have forgotten things their grandparents knew. This could probably go back to all of those 'distractions' that are talked about at this conference - many more distractions than in previous generations. I am glad that we make time each day to read and study the scriptures as a family.
Many today would dispute . . . the seriousness of immorality. They have imagined a Jesus who wants people to work for social justice but who makes no demands upon their personal life and behavior.
Scripture tutors us in principles and moral values essential to maintaining civil society, including integrity, responsibility, selflessness, fidelity, and charity. This is a great list of moral values for society.
The central purpose of all scripture is to fill our souls with faith in God the Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ - faith that They exist; faith in the Father's plan for our immortality and eternal life; faith in the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which animates this plan of happiness; faith to make the gospel of Jesus Christ our way of life; and faith to come to know "the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom [He has] sent" (John 17:3). This too, is a great list. A list of things we can have faith in.
Faith comes by the witness of the Holy Spirit to our souls, Spirit to spirit, as we hear or read the word of God.
Being in the scriptures is one way we receive the Holy Ghost. Study the scriptures carefully, deliberately. Ponder and pray over them. Scriptures are revelation, and they will bring added revelation.
Never in history has a people been blessed with such a quantity of holy writ. Surely with this blessing the Lord is telling us that our need for constant recourse to the scriptures is greater than in any previous time.
Elder Koichi Aoyagi: Helping Hands, Saving Hands
Elder Aoyagi shared some experiences from his life when he joined the church and later became reactivated. The main focus of his talk was a “focus on hands that help and save spiritually.”
Elder Aoyagi also gave examples of members around the world who were “hands that help”. He concluded with a quote from President Monson: “My brothers and sisters, we are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness – be they family members, friends, acquaintances, or strangers. We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift his children. He is dependent upon each of us.”
Elder Bruce A. Carlson: When the Lord Commands
Elder Carlson started off with a story about two fishermen in the bush and their taking a short cut in flying out – and their crash. His talk is about obedience to the Lord’s commandments.
Occasionally we believe that there must be an easier way, a shortcut or modification of the Lord’s commandments that will accommodate our individual circumstances. Thoughts such as these fail to acknowledge that strict obedience to God’s laws brings His blessings and failure to abide by His laws leads to foreseeable consequences.
Harold B. Lee said, “The safety of the Church lies in the members keeping the commandments . . . As they keep commandments, blessings will come.
When we choose to disobey a commandment, it is usually because (1) we have convinced ourselves that the commandment does not apply to us; (2) we do not believe that it is important; or (3) we are certain that it is too difficult to obey.
Elder Carlson then talks about each of the three reasons he mentioned that people disobey commandments
This Commandment Doesn’t Apply to Me
Our partial or selective compliance with God’s laws will fail to bring the full blessings of obedience.
This Commandment Is Not Important
Obedience to the Lord’s commands, in spite of how trivial or unimportant we believe them to be, will surely bring His promised blessings.
This Commandment Is Just Too Hard
At times we may rationalize that the Lord will understand our disobedience because our special circumstances make adherence to His laws difficult, embarrassing, or even painful. However, faithful obedience, regardless of the apparent size of the task, will bring the Lord’s guidance, assistance, and peace.
Elder Carlson reminds us of two great promises the Lord makes in the scriptures to those who are obedient.
The Lord’s response when we obey His commandments is sure. He has promised us, “If you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life. (D&C 14:7)
Additionally He has counseled us, “I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end.” (D&C 76:5)
Elder Carlson also reminds us of the power of faithful obedience. I am taking his quote and putting it in bullet form to emphasize the blessings we will receive.
· Obedience to the Lord’s commandments provides us confidence in our chosen path,
· qualifies us for His guidance and direction as we pursue our efforts,
and offers us the potential to become like our Savior, Jesus Christ,
· and to return to our Father’s presence.
Elder David A. Bednar: Watching with All Perseverance
This is a great talk on parenting and helping our children gain a testimony and then become valiant in that testimony.
Spiritual warnings should lead to increasingly vigilant watching. You and I live in “a day of warning” (D&C 63:58)
Elder Bednar introduces his thoughts on a “spiritual early warning system”:
I pray for the guidance of the Holy Ghost as I describe a spiritual early warning system that can help parents in Zion to be watchful and discerning concerning their children. This early warning system applies to children of all ages and contains three basic components: (1) reading and talking about the Book of Mormon with your children, (2) bearing testimony of gospel truths spontaneously with your children, and (3) inviting children as gospel learners to act and not merely be acted upon. Parents who do these things faithfully will be blessed to recognize early signals of spiritual growth in or challenges with their children and be better prepared to receive inspiration to strengthen and help those children.
Component Number One: Reading and Talking about the Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon speaks to the spirit and to the heart of the reader like no other volume of scripture. Regular reading of and talking about the Book of Mormon invite the power to resist temptation and to produce feelings of love within our families. And discussions about the doctrines and principles in the Book of Mormon provide opportunities for parents to observe their children, to listen to them, to learn from them, and to teach them.
Such conversations can help parents to discern what their children are learning, thinking, and feeling about the truths contained in this sacred volume of scripture, as well as the difficulties they may be facing.
Reading this from Elder Bednar makes me grateful for two things. First, we have tried to follow this counsel as our children have been growing up. Though we didn’t study scriptures every day, there were many times we would have family scripture study together and we have read the Book of Mormon a few times as a family during that scripture study. Second, we have seen the blessings of having our children grow up to be fine people. I believe that has been a direct blessing from reading the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, as a family.
Component Number Two: Bearing Testimony Spontaneously
Testimony is personal knowledge, based upon the witness of the Holy Ghost, that certain facts of eternal significance are true. The knowledge and spiritual conviction we receive from the Holy Ghost are the result of revelation.
Parents should be vigilant and spiritually attentive to spontaneously occurring opportunities to bear testimony to their children. Discussions – especially when parents are as eager to listen intently as they are to talk – can foster a supportive and secure environment in the home and encourage ongoing communication about difficult topics.
I really like that phrase “especially when parents are as eager to listen intently as they are to talk”. As parents we need to listen. It’s hard when we feel like we have so much to share, and that we are right! But we are still learning, and to learn we need to listen.
Component Number Three: Inviting Children to Act
As gospel learners, we should be “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22)
Learning requires spiritual, mental, and physical exertion and not just passive reception.
I wish there was a way for my students to catch the visual of that preceding quote. Elder Bednar then expounds on this idea that learners (especially children) need to put forth effort to really learn.
Are you and I helping our children become agents who act and seek learning by study and by faith, or have we trained our children to wait to be taught and acted upon? [Great question?] Are we as parents primarily giving our children the equivalent of spiritual fish to eat, or are we consistently helping them to act, to learn for themselves, and to stand steadfast and immovable? Are we helping our children become anxiously engaged in asking, seeking, and knocking? (See 3 Nephi 14:&) I especially like the idea of “consistently helping”; that is an important principal in parenting.
The spiritual understanding you and I have been blessed to receive, and which has been confirmed as true in our hearts, simply cannot be given to our children. The tuition of diligence and of learning by study and also by faith must be paid to obtain and personally “own” such knowledge. [I like that analogy to tuition – the cost- is diligence, study and faith.] Only in this way can what is known in the mind also be felt in the heart. Only in this way can a child move beyond relying upon the spiritual knowledge and experiences of parents and adults and claim those blessings for himself or herself. Only in this way can our children be prepared spiritually for the challenges of mortality.
Elder Bednar finishes his talk with a promise to parents: The spiritual discernment and inspiration you will receive from the combination of these three holy habits will enable you to stand as watchmen on the tower for your families – “watching . . . with all perseverance” (Ephesians 6:18) – to the blessing of your immediate family and your future posterity.
Great talk!
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: Place No More for the Enemy of My Soul
This was a very powerful talk by Elder Holland.
Why is there so much moral decay around us, and why are so many individuals and families, including some in the Church, falling victim to it, being tragically scarred by it? Elder Holland answers his own question by saying, Most days we all find ourselves assaulted by immoral messages of some kind flooding in on us from every angle.
If we stop chopping at the branches of this problem and strike more directly at the root of the tree, not surprisingly we find lust lurking furtively there.
Lust is characterized by shame and stealth and is almost pathologically clandestine - the later and darker the hour the better, and with a double-bolted door just in case.
Love makes us instinctively reach out to God and other people.
Lust, on the other hand, is anything but godly and celebrates self-indulgence.
Love comes with open hands and open heart;
lust comes with only an open appetite.
Elder Holland then gives some excellent counsel in the form of some key actions to guard against lust and its attendant temptations:
Why is there so much moral decay around us, and why are so many individuals and families, including some in the Church, falling victim to it, being tragically scarred by it? Elder Holland answers his own question by saying, Most days we all find ourselves assaulted by immoral messages of some kind flooding in on us from every angle.
If we stop chopping at the branches of this problem and strike more directly at the root of the tree, not surprisingly we find lust lurking furtively there.
Lust is characterized by shame and stealth and is almost pathologically clandestine - the later and darker the hour the better, and with a double-bolted door just in case.
Love makes us instinctively reach out to God and other people.
Lust, on the other hand, is anything but godly and celebrates self-indulgence.
Love comes with open hands and open heart;
lust comes with only an open appetite.
Elder Holland then gives some excellent counsel in the form of some key actions to guard against lust and its attendant temptations:
- Start by separating yourself from people, materials, and circumstances that will harm you.
- Acknowledge that people bound by the chains of true addictions often need more help than self-help, and that my include you. Seek that help and welcome it.
- Along with filters on computers and a lock on affections, remember that the only real control in life is self-control. Exercise more control over even the marginal moments that confront you.
- Like thieves in the night, unwelcome thoughts can and do seek entrance to our minds. But we don't have to throw open the door . . . Throw the rascals out!
- Cultivate and be where the Spirit of the Lord is. Make sure that includes your own home or apartment, dictating the kind of art, music, and literature you keep there. If you are endowed, go to the temple as often as your circumstances allow.
In what will be come a classic statement, Elder Holland said,
Most people in trouble end up crying, "What was I thinking?" Well, whatever they were thinking, they weren't thinking of Christ.
We pledge every Sunday of our lives to take upon ourselves His name and promise to "always remember him." (D&C 20:77, 79) So let us work a little harder at remembering Him.
When we face such temptations in our time, we must declare, as young Nephi did in his, "[I will] give place no more for the enemy of my soul." (2 Nephi 4: 28, from the "psalm of Nephi") We can reject the evil one. If we want it dearly and deeply enough, that enemy can and will be rebuked by the redeeming power of the Lord Jesus Christ. A wonderful and powerful promise.
May the joy of our fidelity to the highest and best within us be ours as we keep our love and our marriages, our society and our souls, as pure as they were meant to be.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks: Healing the Sick
This was a great talk for Melchizedek Priesthood holders (or those who will eventually hold that priesthood.) Elder Oaks starts the talk by reinforcing that the Latter-day Saints believe in using modern-day medicine as well as faith and priesthood power. This is good to note in Oregon where there has been a lot of press given to a local Christian congregation who let children die by eschewing (my big word) medical attention and relying on faith-healing. He then talked about the importance of the "prayer of faith" in healing the sick. He then said:
We have this priesthood power, and we should all be prepared to use it properly. Current increases in natural disasters and financial challenges show that we will need this power even more in the future than in the past. That is quite a statement!
Elder Oaks then provides some excellent instruction in how to properly use priesthood power in this regard:
There are five parts to the use of priesthood authority to bless the sick: (1) the anointing, (2) the sealing of the anointing, (3) faith, (4) the words of the blessing, and (5) the will of the Lord.
Anointing- Elder Oaks mentions the use of oil as part of the blessing and for sanctification. He cites examples from the Old and New Testaments.
Sealing the Anointing- To seal something means to affirm it, to make it binding for its intended purpose. When elders anoint a sick person and seal the anointing, they open the windows of heaven for the Lord to pour forth the blessing He wills for the person afflicted. Elder Oaks then quotes Brigham Young on how the process works. I found this very instructive as one who gives blessings: "When I lay hands on the sick, I expect the healing power and influence of God to pass through me to the patient, and the disease to give way . . . When we are prepared, when we are holy vessels before the Lord, a stream of power form the Almighty can pass through the tabernacle of the administrator to the system of the patient, and the sick are made whole." Elder Oaks cautions us to rarely refer to healings in public settings lest it seem that we are "boasting of ourselves."
Faith- Faith is essential for healing by the powers of heaven. Elder Oaks quotes President Spencer W. Kimball about the role of faith in the blessing and healing process. I thought this was very instructive also: "The need of faith is often underestimated. The ill one and the family often seem to depend wholly on the power of the priesthood and the gift of healing that they hope the administering brethren may have, whereas the greater responsibility is with him who is blessed . . . The major element is the faith of the individual when that person is conscious and accountable. 'Thy faith made thee whole' [Matthew 9:22] was repeated so often by the Master that it almost became a chorus."
Words of Blessing- In some priesthood blessings - like a partriachal blessing - the words spoken are the essence of the blessing. But in a healing blessing it is the other parts of the blessing - the anointing, the sealing, faith, and the will of the Lord - that are the essential elements. Fortunately, the words spoken in a healing blessing are not essential to its healing effect. If faith is sufficient and if the Lord wills it, the afflicted person will be healed or blessed whether the officiator speaks those words or not. Consequently, brethren, no elder should ever hesitate to participate in a healing blessing because of fear that he will not know what to say. The words spoken in a healing blessing can edify and energize the faith of those who hear them, but the effect of the blessing is dependent upon faith and the Lord's will, not upon the words spoken by the elder who officiated. This is important information to share in a priesthood lesson.
Will of the Lord- This caught my attention: Young men and older men, please take special note of what I will say now. As we exercise the undoubted power of the priesthood of God and as we treasure His promise that He will hear and answer the prayer of faith, we must always remember that faith and the healing power of the priesthood cannot produce a result contrary to the will of Him whose priesthood it is. From all of this we learn that even the servants of the Lord, exercising His divine power in a circumstance where there is sufficient faith to be healed, cannot give a priesthood blessing that will cause a person to be healed if that healing is not the will of the Lord.
We have this priesthood power, and we should all be prepared to use it properly. Current increases in natural disasters and financial challenges show that we will need this power even more in the future than in the past. That is quite a statement!
Elder Oaks then provides some excellent instruction in how to properly use priesthood power in this regard:
There are five parts to the use of priesthood authority to bless the sick: (1) the anointing, (2) the sealing of the anointing, (3) faith, (4) the words of the blessing, and (5) the will of the Lord.
Anointing- Elder Oaks mentions the use of oil as part of the blessing and for sanctification. He cites examples from the Old and New Testaments.
Sealing the Anointing- To seal something means to affirm it, to make it binding for its intended purpose. When elders anoint a sick person and seal the anointing, they open the windows of heaven for the Lord to pour forth the blessing He wills for the person afflicted. Elder Oaks then quotes Brigham Young on how the process works. I found this very instructive as one who gives blessings: "When I lay hands on the sick, I expect the healing power and influence of God to pass through me to the patient, and the disease to give way . . . When we are prepared, when we are holy vessels before the Lord, a stream of power form the Almighty can pass through the tabernacle of the administrator to the system of the patient, and the sick are made whole." Elder Oaks cautions us to rarely refer to healings in public settings lest it seem that we are "boasting of ourselves."
Faith- Faith is essential for healing by the powers of heaven. Elder Oaks quotes President Spencer W. Kimball about the role of faith in the blessing and healing process. I thought this was very instructive also: "The need of faith is often underestimated. The ill one and the family often seem to depend wholly on the power of the priesthood and the gift of healing that they hope the administering brethren may have, whereas the greater responsibility is with him who is blessed . . . The major element is the faith of the individual when that person is conscious and accountable. 'Thy faith made thee whole' [Matthew 9:22] was repeated so often by the Master that it almost became a chorus."
Words of Blessing- In some priesthood blessings - like a partriachal blessing - the words spoken are the essence of the blessing. But in a healing blessing it is the other parts of the blessing - the anointing, the sealing, faith, and the will of the Lord - that are the essential elements. Fortunately, the words spoken in a healing blessing are not essential to its healing effect. If faith is sufficient and if the Lord wills it, the afflicted person will be healed or blessed whether the officiator speaks those words or not. Consequently, brethren, no elder should ever hesitate to participate in a healing blessing because of fear that he will not know what to say. The words spoken in a healing blessing can edify and energize the faith of those who hear them, but the effect of the blessing is dependent upon faith and the Lord's will, not upon the words spoken by the elder who officiated. This is important information to share in a priesthood lesson.
Will of the Lord- This caught my attention: Young men and older men, please take special note of what I will say now. As we exercise the undoubted power of the priesthood of God and as we treasure His promise that He will hear and answer the prayer of faith, we must always remember that faith and the healing power of the priesthood cannot produce a result contrary to the will of Him whose priesthood it is. From all of this we learn that even the servants of the Lord, exercising His divine power in a circumstance where there is sufficient faith to be healed, cannot give a priesthood blessing that will cause a person to be healed if that healing is not the will of the Lord.
Elder Ronald A. Rasband: The Divine Call of a Missionary
Very interesting talk by Elder Rasband who is a member of the Presidency of the Seventy. A kind of 'inside look' at how mission assignments are made. First, however, Elder Rasband talked about the importance of missionary work, especially to young men of missionary age.
Missionary work is the life-blood of the Church and the lifesaving blessing to all who accept its message.
President Thomas S. Monson, has said of those called to serve: "The missionary opportunity of a lifetime is yours. The blessings of eternity await you. Yours is the privilege to be not spectators but participants on the stage of priesthood service."
Elder Rasband then told of an experience he had as a new General Authority when he was invited by then Elder Henry B. Eyring to sit in on a session where he, an apostle, made mission assignments. Very interesting process. I hope that Taylor will be impressed by the process. I thought it was an interesting combination of technology and revelation.
Elder Rasband concluded his talk with this encouragement to young men:
At this time in your life, a mission call from the Lord, my young friends, is the most important work that you can do. Prepare now, live righteously, learn from your family and Church leaders, and come join with us in building the kingdom of God on earth - accept your divine appointment in "so great a cause."
Missionary work is the life-blood of the Church and the lifesaving blessing to all who accept its message.
President Thomas S. Monson, has said of those called to serve: "The missionary opportunity of a lifetime is yours. The blessings of eternity await you. Yours is the privilege to be not spectators but participants on the stage of priesthood service."
Elder Rasband then told of an experience he had as a new General Authority when he was invited by then Elder Henry B. Eyring to sit in on a session where he, an apostle, made mission assignments. Very interesting process. I hope that Taylor will be impressed by the process. I thought it was an interesting combination of technology and revelation.
Elder Rasband concluded his talk with this encouragement to young men:
At this time in your life, a mission call from the Lord, my young friends, is the most important work that you can do. Prepare now, live righteously, learn from your family and Church leaders, and come join with us in building the kingdom of God on earth - accept your divine appointment in "so great a cause."
David L. Beck: The Magnificent Aaronic Priesthood
I am very interested in Brother Beck's talk because of the new Duty to God program. He gives some good explanations, so I have included many of his remarks for future reference.
Tonight I will help you see how you can discover for yourselves the magnificence of the Aaronic Priesthood.
When God entrusts you with His sacred priesthood, He shows great confidence in you. He knows He can trust you to use the priesthood to serve others, just as He has trusted other young men to do some of His most important work.
Brother Beck set the stage to discuss the new Duty to God program with this quote from President Monson: "Great things are expected of you. 'Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence.'
Brother Beck continues with both the reasons for the new program and the way it will work:
To help you respond to that urgent call, the Church is introducing a new Duty to God program. As a deacon, teacher, and priest, you will participate in activities that will help you build spiritual strength and learn and fulfill your priesthood duties. Each activity follows this simple pattern:
Brother Beck concluded with this counsel and testimony:
I testify that your faithful service in the Aaronic Priesthood will change the lives of those you serve. There are people who need your priesthood service. Your family needs you. Your quorum needs you. The Church needs you. The world needs you.
He related an experience from a trip to Portugal where he came across a monument to the early Portuguese explorers. I see you when I think of that monument of courageous explorers. I see you on a personal journey that few in the world today choose to pursue. I see you fulfilling your duty to God.
Tonight I will help you see how you can discover for yourselves the magnificence of the Aaronic Priesthood.
When God entrusts you with His sacred priesthood, He shows great confidence in you. He knows He can trust you to use the priesthood to serve others, just as He has trusted other young men to do some of His most important work.
Brother Beck set the stage to discuss the new Duty to God program with this quote from President Monson: "Great things are expected of you. 'Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence.'
Brother Beck continues with both the reasons for the new program and the way it will work:
To help you respond to that urgent call, the Church is introducing a new Duty to God program. As a deacon, teacher, and priest, you will participate in activities that will help you build spiritual strength and learn and fulfill your priesthood duties. Each activity follows this simple pattern:
- First you learn about a gospel principle or a priesthood duty. You discover what Heavenly father wants you to do, and you strive to gain a spiritual witness about why it is important.
- Next you make plans to act on what you have learned. This is a wonderful chance to take responsibility for your own growth and develop spiritual self-reliance.
- Then you share what you learn and experience with others. You will increase you ability to talk about the gospel with others.
Brother Beck concluded with this counsel and testimony:
I testify that your faithful service in the Aaronic Priesthood will change the lives of those you serve. There are people who need your priesthood service. Your family needs you. Your quorum needs you. The Church needs you. The world needs you.
He related an experience from a trip to Portugal where he came across a monument to the early Portuguese explorers. I see you when I think of that monument of courageous explorers. I see you on a personal journey that few in the world today choose to pursue. I see you fulfilling your duty to God.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: Continue in Patience
This was a great talk. We studied it for our May, 2010 fourth Sunday lesson.
President Uchtdorf started off with the story of a famous experiment where 4-year olds had a marshmallow place in front of them and were told that if they did not eat it, in 15 minutes they would be given a second one and could have both of them. What was interesting to me about that is, a couple of weeks before the talk I saw a video of a recreation of that experiment. Then, today, as we were discussing the talk in priesthood meeting I had the thought that 4-year olds don't comprehend the concept of 15 minutes. That is an infinite amount of time for them. So what they were really being asked to do was to wait until they received further instructions. This applies to us as adults too. We may think that waiting 15 minutes to double our reward is no problem. But it takes faith and obedience to wait an infinite amount of time for our reward - meaning that we usually don't know when we will receive the reward for our obedience. So, we either wait, or we don't.
President Uchtdorf continues: Waiting can be hard. Children know it, and so do adults. We live in a world offering fast food, instant messaging, on-demand movies, and immediate answers to the most trivial or profound questions. We don't like to wait. Some even feel their blood pressure rise when their line at the grocery store moves slower than those around them. I thought this was an extremely accurate description of our world (at least in North America) today.
Patience-the ability to put our desires on hold for a time-is a precious and rare virtue. We want what we want, and we want it now. Therefore, the very idea of patience may seem unpleasant and, at times, bitter.
Patience is a purifying process that refines understanding, deepens happiness, focuses action, and offers hope for peace.
If children are ever going to mature and reach their potential, they must learn to wait. I think that patience then, is a sign of maturity - physical maturity, social maturity, economic maturity, and spiritual maturity. We can gauge how we are doing - maturing - by noticing how patient we are in these areas.
Patience [is] far more than simply waiting for something to happen - patience require[s] actively working toward worthwhile goals and not getting discouraged when results didn't appear instantly or without effort.
Patience is not passive resignation, nor is it failing to act because of our fears. Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can - working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well! This is great counsel - to show patience, especially in times of adversity.
Impatience, on the other hand, is a symptom of selfishness. It is a trait of the self-absorbed. It arises from the all-to-prevalent condition called "center of the universe" syndrome, which leads people to believe that the world revolves around them and that all others are just supporting cast in the grand theater of mortality in which only they have the starring role. I shared the comment in priesthood that, sometimes, when looking at the positive attributes of patience doesn't work for me, I might just consider these negative attributes. I don't want to be like that! And so I need to be more patient.
[In] the 121st section of the Doctrine and Covenants. In a few verses, the Lord provides a master course in priesthood leadership. "No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned. " (D&C 121:41)
The character traits and practices described in these verses are the foundation of godly patience and are inseparably connected to effective priesthood and patriarchal service. These attributes will give you strength and wisdom in magnifying your callings, in preaching the gospel, in fellowshipping quorum members, and in giving the most important priesthood service-which is indeed the loving service within the walls of your own homes.
Let us always remember that one of the reasons God has entrusted the priesthood to us is to help prepare us for eternal blessings by refining our natures through the patience which priesthood service requires.
As the Lord is patient with us, let us be patient with those we serve. Understand that they, like us, are imperfect. They, like us, make mistakes. They, like us, want others to give them the benefit of the doubt.
Never give up on anyone. And that includes not giving up on yourself.
That was a long section to quote, but there was just so much good information for individuals and for leaders, I wanted to include it.
President Uchtdorf said, "Looking back, I know for sure that the promises of the Lord, if perhaps not always swift, are always certain."
Brigham Young taught that when something came up which he could not comprehend fully, he would pray to the Lord. "Give me patience to wait until I can understand it for myself." And then Brigham would continue to pray until he could comprehend it.
I love this next quote, and it means more to me now that I am older: Often the deep valleys of our present will be understood only by looking back on them from the mountains of our future experience. Often we can't see the Lord's hand in our lives until long after trials have passed. Often the most difficult times of our lives are essential building blocks that form the foundation of our character and pave the way to future opportunity , understanding, and happiness. I think I could use the main idea behind this quote when students ask me why they "need to learn all this stuff."
Patience is a godly attribute that can heal souls, unlock treasure of knowledge and understanding, and transform ordinary men and women into saints and angels.
Next, is another long quote, but I like how he outlines the definitions of patience.
Patience means staying with something until the end. It means delaying immediate gratification for future blessings. It means reining in anger and holding back the unkind word. It means resisting evil, even when it appears to be making others rich.
Patience means accepting that which cannot be changed and facing it with courage, grace, and faith. It means being "willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon [us], even as a child doth submit to is father." Ultimately, patience means being "firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord every hour of every day, even when it is hard to do so. In the words of John the Revelator, "here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and . . . faith [in] Jesus.
Patience is a process of perfection.
Patience means to abide in faith, knowing that sometimes it is in the waiting rather than the receiving that we grow the most.
President Uchtdorf finished his talk with this:
The work of patience boils down to this: keep the commandments; trust in God, our Heavenly Father; serve Him with meekness and Christlike love; exercise faith and hope in the Savior; and never give up. The lessons we learn from patience will cultivate our character, lift our lives, and heighten our happiness. They will help us to become worth priesthood bearers and faithful disciples of our Master, Jesus Christ.
It is my prayer that patience will be a defining characteristic of we who hold the priesthood of Almighty God.
President Uchtdorf started off with the story of a famous experiment where 4-year olds had a marshmallow place in front of them and were told that if they did not eat it, in 15 minutes they would be given a second one and could have both of them. What was interesting to me about that is, a couple of weeks before the talk I saw a video of a recreation of that experiment. Then, today, as we were discussing the talk in priesthood meeting I had the thought that 4-year olds don't comprehend the concept of 15 minutes. That is an infinite amount of time for them. So what they were really being asked to do was to wait until they received further instructions. This applies to us as adults too. We may think that waiting 15 minutes to double our reward is no problem. But it takes faith and obedience to wait an infinite amount of time for our reward - meaning that we usually don't know when we will receive the reward for our obedience. So, we either wait, or we don't.
President Uchtdorf continues: Waiting can be hard. Children know it, and so do adults. We live in a world offering fast food, instant messaging, on-demand movies, and immediate answers to the most trivial or profound questions. We don't like to wait. Some even feel their blood pressure rise when their line at the grocery store moves slower than those around them. I thought this was an extremely accurate description of our world (at least in North America) today.
Patience-the ability to put our desires on hold for a time-is a precious and rare virtue. We want what we want, and we want it now. Therefore, the very idea of patience may seem unpleasant and, at times, bitter.
Patience is a purifying process that refines understanding, deepens happiness, focuses action, and offers hope for peace.
If children are ever going to mature and reach their potential, they must learn to wait. I think that patience then, is a sign of maturity - physical maturity, social maturity, economic maturity, and spiritual maturity. We can gauge how we are doing - maturing - by noticing how patient we are in these areas.
Patience [is] far more than simply waiting for something to happen - patience require[s] actively working toward worthwhile goals and not getting discouraged when results didn't appear instantly or without effort.
Patience is not passive resignation, nor is it failing to act because of our fears. Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can - working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well! This is great counsel - to show patience, especially in times of adversity.
Impatience, on the other hand, is a symptom of selfishness. It is a trait of the self-absorbed. It arises from the all-to-prevalent condition called "center of the universe" syndrome, which leads people to believe that the world revolves around them and that all others are just supporting cast in the grand theater of mortality in which only they have the starring role. I shared the comment in priesthood that, sometimes, when looking at the positive attributes of patience doesn't work for me, I might just consider these negative attributes. I don't want to be like that! And so I need to be more patient.
[In] the 121st section of the Doctrine and Covenants. In a few verses, the Lord provides a master course in priesthood leadership. "No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned. " (D&C 121:41)
The character traits and practices described in these verses are the foundation of godly patience and are inseparably connected to effective priesthood and patriarchal service. These attributes will give you strength and wisdom in magnifying your callings, in preaching the gospel, in fellowshipping quorum members, and in giving the most important priesthood service-which is indeed the loving service within the walls of your own homes.
Let us always remember that one of the reasons God has entrusted the priesthood to us is to help prepare us for eternal blessings by refining our natures through the patience which priesthood service requires.
As the Lord is patient with us, let us be patient with those we serve. Understand that they, like us, are imperfect. They, like us, make mistakes. They, like us, want others to give them the benefit of the doubt.
Never give up on anyone. And that includes not giving up on yourself.
That was a long section to quote, but there was just so much good information for individuals and for leaders, I wanted to include it.
President Uchtdorf said, "Looking back, I know for sure that the promises of the Lord, if perhaps not always swift, are always certain."
Brigham Young taught that when something came up which he could not comprehend fully, he would pray to the Lord. "Give me patience to wait until I can understand it for myself." And then Brigham would continue to pray until he could comprehend it.
I love this next quote, and it means more to me now that I am older: Often the deep valleys of our present will be understood only by looking back on them from the mountains of our future experience. Often we can't see the Lord's hand in our lives until long after trials have passed. Often the most difficult times of our lives are essential building blocks that form the foundation of our character and pave the way to future opportunity , understanding, and happiness. I think I could use the main idea behind this quote when students ask me why they "need to learn all this stuff."
Patience is a godly attribute that can heal souls, unlock treasure of knowledge and understanding, and transform ordinary men and women into saints and angels.
Next, is another long quote, but I like how he outlines the definitions of patience.
Patience means staying with something until the end. It means delaying immediate gratification for future blessings. It means reining in anger and holding back the unkind word. It means resisting evil, even when it appears to be making others rich.
Patience means accepting that which cannot be changed and facing it with courage, grace, and faith. It means being "willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon [us], even as a child doth submit to is father." Ultimately, patience means being "firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the commandments of the Lord every hour of every day, even when it is hard to do so. In the words of John the Revelator, "here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and . . . faith [in] Jesus.
Patience is a process of perfection.
Patience means to abide in faith, knowing that sometimes it is in the waiting rather than the receiving that we grow the most.
President Uchtdorf finished his talk with this:
The work of patience boils down to this: keep the commandments; trust in God, our Heavenly Father; serve Him with meekness and Christlike love; exercise faith and hope in the Savior; and never give up. The lessons we learn from patience will cultivate our character, lift our lives, and heighten our happiness. They will help us to become worth priesthood bearers and faithful disciples of our Master, Jesus Christ.
It is my prayer that patience will be a defining characteristic of we who hold the priesthood of Almighty God.
President Henry B. Eyring: Act in All Diligence
I speak to you tonight of diligence in the Lord's service. President Eyring opens with some observations on the new Duty to God booklet and how it will work. ". . . the pattern from the new Duty to God booklet. It is to learn what the Lord expects of you, make a plan to do it, act on your plan with diligence, and then share with others how your experience changed you and blessed others.
You have seen such examples of great priest hood servants. Tonight, I will try to tell youabout what I have learned about them. It begins with their learning to know whose service they are in and for what purpose. When that goes down into their hearts, it makes all the difference.
In talking to the Aaronic Priesthood holders about passing the Sacrament he said, "As you remember Him, you will be determined to perform that sacred service, as nearly as you can, as well and faithfully as He did.
Then President Eyring started speaking to the Melchizedek Priesthood: "Like the Aaronic Priesthood, the Melchizadeck Priesthood is more than a trust to do what the Lord due. It is an invitation to become as He is.
There is a pattern by which all priesthood holders are lifted to that glorious blessing. One place in scripture where the Lord gives the patter for us is in the 107th section of the Doctrine and Covenants:
President Eyring shared an experience he had visiting a faithful priesthood holder who was undergoing painful medical treatments that were not curing him. After visiting, they concluded with a priesthood blessing. The man was anointed with "oil consecrated by the power of the Melchizedek Priesthood." President Eyring then said, "As I sealed the blessing, I was taught by the Holy Ghost at least part of what the Lord had already done for this faithful priesthood holder. he was clean, his sins washed away. His nature had been changed to want what the Savior wanted. He had no fear of death. The desire of his heart was to live to give service to his family and to others of Heavenly Father's children who needed him.
The talk concluded with this counsel to priesthood holders (I put it in bullet form so that each bit of counsel stands out):
You have seen such examples of great priest hood servants. Tonight, I will try to tell youabout what I have learned about them. It begins with their learning to know whose service they are in and for what purpose. When that goes down into their hearts, it makes all the difference.
In talking to the Aaronic Priesthood holders about passing the Sacrament he said, "As you remember Him, you will be determined to perform that sacred service, as nearly as you can, as well and faithfully as He did.
Then President Eyring started speaking to the Melchizedek Priesthood: "Like the Aaronic Priesthood, the Melchizadeck Priesthood is more than a trust to do what the Lord due. It is an invitation to become as He is.
There is a pattern by which all priesthood holders are lifted to that glorious blessing. One place in scripture where the Lord gives the patter for us is in the 107th section of the Doctrine and Covenants:
- "Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence.
- He that is slothful shall not be counted worth to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand. Even so. Amen (D&C 107: 99-100)
President Eyring shared an experience he had visiting a faithful priesthood holder who was undergoing painful medical treatments that were not curing him. After visiting, they concluded with a priesthood blessing. The man was anointed with "oil consecrated by the power of the Melchizedek Priesthood." President Eyring then said, "As I sealed the blessing, I was taught by the Holy Ghost at least part of what the Lord had already done for this faithful priesthood holder. he was clean, his sins washed away. His nature had been changed to want what the Savior wanted. He had no fear of death. The desire of his heart was to live to give service to his family and to others of Heavenly Father's children who needed him.
The talk concluded with this counsel to priesthood holders (I put it in bullet form so that each bit of counsel stands out):
- Ponder deeply and diligently in the scriptures and in the words of living prophets.
- Persist in prayer for the Holy Ghost to reveal to you the nature of God the Father and His Beloved Son.
- Plead that the Spirit will show you what the Lord wants you to do.
- Plan to do it.
- Promise Him to obey.
- Act with determination until you have done what He asked.
- And then pray to give thanks for the opportunity to serve and to know what you might do next.
President Thomas S. Monson: Preparation Brings Blessings
President Monson gave excellent counsel on a variety of topics during this priesthood session talk. I am choosing to record them in bullet format so I can more easily refer back to them.
- One of my most vivid memories is attending priesthood meeting as a newly ordained deacon and singing the opening hymn "Come, All Ye Sons of God." Tonight I echo the spirit of that special hymn and say to you, "Come, all ye sons of God who have received the priesthood." Let us consider our callings, let us reflect on our responsibilities, and let us follow Jesus Christ, our Lord.
- You men, I admonish you to prepare for service as a missionary. One . . . tool is the booklet entitled "For the Strength of Youth". It features standards from the writings and teachings of Church leaders and from scripture, adherence to which will bring the blessings of our Heavenly Father and the guidance of His Son to each of us.
- Begin to prepare for a temple marriage as well as for a mission. Proper dating is a part of that preparation. In cultures where dating is appropriate, do not date until you are 16 years old. "Not all teenagers need to date or even want to . . . When you begin dating, go in groups or on double dates. . . . Make sure your parents meet [and become acquainted with] those you date." Because dating is a preparation for marriage, "date only those who have high standards." (For the Strength of Youth, 2001, p. 24-25)
- Servants of the Lord have always counseled us to dress appropriately to show respect for our Heavenly Father and for ourselves. The way you dress sends messages about yourself to others and often influences the way you and others act. Dress in such a way as to bring out the best in yourself and those around you.
- Everyone needs good friends. Your circle of friends will greatly influence your thinking and behavior, just as you will theirs. When you share common values with your friends, you can strengthen and encourage each other. Treat everyone with kindness and dignity. Many nonmembers have come into the Church through friends who have involved them in Church activities.
- Honesty [is] the best policy." A Latter-day Saint young man lives as he teaches and as he believes. He is honest with others. He is honest with himself. He is honest with God. He is honest by habit and as a matter of course. When a difficult decision must be made, he never asks himself, "What will others think?" but rather, "What will I think of myself?"
- How you speak and the words you use tell much about the image you choose to portray. Use language to build and uplift those around you. Profane, vulgar, or crude language and inappropriate or off-color jokes are offensive to the Lord. Never misuse the name of God or Jesus Christ.
- Our Heavenly Father has counseled us to seek after "anything virtuous, lovely or of good report or praiseworthy." Whatever you read, listen to, or watch makes an impression on you.
- Pornography is especially dangerous and addictive. Curious exploration of pornography can become a controlling habit, leading to coarser material and to sexual transgression. Avoid pornography at all costs.
- If you have any question about whether a particular movie, book, or other form of entertainment is appropriate, don't see it, don't read it, don't participate.
- Hard drugs, wrongful use of prescription drugs, alcohol, coffee, tea, and tobacco products destroy your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Any form of alcohol is harmful to your spirit and your body. Tobacco can enslave you, weaken your lungs, and shorten your life.
- Music can help you draw closer to your Heavenly Father. It can be used to educate, edify, inspire, and unite. However, music can, by its tempo, beat, intensity, and lyrics, dull your spiritual sensitivity. You cannot afford to fill your minds with unworthy music.
- Because sexual intimacy is so sacred, the Lord requires self-control and purity before marriage as well as full fidelity after marriage. In dating, treat your date with respect and expect your date to show that same respect for you. Tears inevitably follow transgression.
- President David O. McKay advised, "Every action is preceded by a thought. If we want to control our actions, we must control our thinking."
- Whenever temptation comes, remember the wise counsel of the Apostle Paul, who declared, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (1 Corinthians 10:13)
- When challenged or tempted, you do not need to feel alone. Remember that prayer is the passport to spiritual power.
- Don't put your eternal life at risk. Keep the commandments of God. If you have sinned, the sooner you begin to make your way back, the sooner you will find the sweet peace and joy that come with the miracle of forgiveness. Happiness comes from living the way the Lord wants you to live and from service to God and others.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: "You Are My Hands"
This is a great talk about service and how we should act as followers of Christ.
President Uchtdorf started off with a story from World War II. This is one of the topics that he frequently uses to illustrate points. It is interesting to me to hear his stories because he seems so young to be a survivor (even as a child) of the war. After the story (about a statue of Christ being damaged in the war and not having the hands replaced) he said:
There is a profound lesson in this story. When I think of the Savior, I often picture Him with hands outstretched, reaching out to comfort, heal, bless, and love. And He always talked with, never down to, people. He loved the humble and the meek and walked among them, ministering to them and offering hope and salvation. That is what He did during his mortal life; it is what He would be doing if He were living among us today; and it is what we should be doing as His disciples and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
As we emulate His perfect example, our hands can become His hands; our eyes, His eyes; our heart, His heart.
I hope that we welcome and love all of God's children, including those who might dress, look, speak, or just do things differently. It is not good to make others feel as though they are deficient. Let us lift those around us. Let us extend a welcoming hand. Let us bestow upon our brothers and sisters in the Church a special measure of humanity, compassion, and charity so that they feel, at long last, they have finally found home. I feel that this is one area I really need to work on both at church and at school.
When we are tempted to judge, let us think of the Savior, who "loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him . . .
"[And] he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, . . . [for] all men are privileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden." (2 Nephi 26:24-25, 28)
It seems only right and proper that we extend to others that which we so earnestly desire for ourselves. I am not suggesting that we accept sin or overlook evil, in our personal life or in the world. Nevertheless, in our zeal, we sometimes confuse sin with sinner, and we condemn too quickly and with too little compassion. Every person we meet is a VIP to our Heavenly Father. Once we understand that, we can begin to understand how we should treat our fellowmen.
That was some excellent counsel about how we should treat others. President Uchtdorf then adds counsel on how we can serve others.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, our Master, we are called to support and heal rather than condemn. We are commanded "to mourn with those who mourn" and "comfort those that stand in need of comfort." (Mosiah 18:9)
It is unworthy of us as Christians to think that those who suffer deserve their suffering.
True love requires action. We can speak of love all day long - we can write notes or poems that proclaim it, sing songs that praise it, and preach sermons that encourage it - but until we manifest that love in action, our words are nothing but "sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal." (1 Corinthians 13:1)
Christ did not just speak about love; He showed it each day of His life. He did not remove Himself from the crowd. Being amidst the people, Jesus reached out to the one. He rescued the lost. He didn't just teach a class about reaching out in love and then delegate the actual work to others. He not only taught but also showed us how to "succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees." (D&C 81:5)
If we are His hands, should we not do the same?
The Savior revealed the perfect priorities for our lives, our homes, our wards, our communities, and our nations when he spoke of love as the great commandment upon which "hang all the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22:40) We can spend our days obsessing about the finest details of life, the law, long lists of things to do; but should we neglect the great commandments, we are missing the point and we are clouds without water, drifting in the winds, and trees without fruit. (see Jude 1:12)
Without this love for God the Father and our fellowmen we are only the form of His Church - without the substance. What good is our teachings without love? What good is missionary, temple, or welfare work without love?
As we extend our hands and hearts toward others in Christlike love, something wonderful happens to us. Our own spirits become healed, more refined, and stronger. We become happier, more peaceful, and more receptive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit. That is a great promise.
This entire talk, and especially the last part, is good counsel for leaders.
President Uchtdorf started off with a story from World War II. This is one of the topics that he frequently uses to illustrate points. It is interesting to me to hear his stories because he seems so young to be a survivor (even as a child) of the war. After the story (about a statue of Christ being damaged in the war and not having the hands replaced) he said:
There is a profound lesson in this story. When I think of the Savior, I often picture Him with hands outstretched, reaching out to comfort, heal, bless, and love. And He always talked with, never down to, people. He loved the humble and the meek and walked among them, ministering to them and offering hope and salvation. That is what He did during his mortal life; it is what He would be doing if He were living among us today; and it is what we should be doing as His disciples and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
As we emulate His perfect example, our hands can become His hands; our eyes, His eyes; our heart, His heart.
I hope that we welcome and love all of God's children, including those who might dress, look, speak, or just do things differently. It is not good to make others feel as though they are deficient. Let us lift those around us. Let us extend a welcoming hand. Let us bestow upon our brothers and sisters in the Church a special measure of humanity, compassion, and charity so that they feel, at long last, they have finally found home. I feel that this is one area I really need to work on both at church and at school.
When we are tempted to judge, let us think of the Savior, who "loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him . . .
"[And] he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, . . . [for] all men are privileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden." (2 Nephi 26:24-25, 28)
It seems only right and proper that we extend to others that which we so earnestly desire for ourselves. I am not suggesting that we accept sin or overlook evil, in our personal life or in the world. Nevertheless, in our zeal, we sometimes confuse sin with sinner, and we condemn too quickly and with too little compassion. Every person we meet is a VIP to our Heavenly Father. Once we understand that, we can begin to understand how we should treat our fellowmen.
That was some excellent counsel about how we should treat others. President Uchtdorf then adds counsel on how we can serve others.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, our Master, we are called to support and heal rather than condemn. We are commanded "to mourn with those who mourn" and "comfort those that stand in need of comfort." (Mosiah 18:9)
It is unworthy of us as Christians to think that those who suffer deserve their suffering.
True love requires action. We can speak of love all day long - we can write notes or poems that proclaim it, sing songs that praise it, and preach sermons that encourage it - but until we manifest that love in action, our words are nothing but "sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal." (1 Corinthians 13:1)
Christ did not just speak about love; He showed it each day of His life. He did not remove Himself from the crowd. Being amidst the people, Jesus reached out to the one. He rescued the lost. He didn't just teach a class about reaching out in love and then delegate the actual work to others. He not only taught but also showed us how to "succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees." (D&C 81:5)
If we are His hands, should we not do the same?
The Savior revealed the perfect priorities for our lives, our homes, our wards, our communities, and our nations when he spoke of love as the great commandment upon which "hang all the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22:40) We can spend our days obsessing about the finest details of life, the law, long lists of things to do; but should we neglect the great commandments, we are missing the point and we are clouds without water, drifting in the winds, and trees without fruit. (see Jude 1:12)
Without this love for God the Father and our fellowmen we are only the form of His Church - without the substance. What good is our teachings without love? What good is missionary, temple, or welfare work without love?
As we extend our hands and hearts toward others in Christlike love, something wonderful happens to us. Our own spirits become healed, more refined, and stronger. We become happier, more peaceful, and more receptive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit. That is a great promise.
This entire talk, and especially the last part, is good counsel for leaders.
Elder Richard G. Scott: He Lives! All Glory to His Name!
The Sunday sessions of conference fell on Easter this year. This talk by Elder Scott was about the Resurrection and the Atonement.
This Easter, as you remember the Resurrection and the price paid and the gift given through the Atonement, ponder what the scriptures teach of those sacred events. Your personal witness of their reality will be strengthened.
Jesus Christ lives. He gave His life to break the bonds of death. His Atonement made fully active the plan of happiness of His Father in Heaven.
Elder Scott said that to understand the Atonement one needs to understand what was required of the Father and the Son: Three of the challenges the Savior faced were:
This Easter, as you remember the Resurrection and the price paid and the gift given through the Atonement, ponder what the scriptures teach of those sacred events. Your personal witness of their reality will be strengthened.
Jesus Christ lives. He gave His life to break the bonds of death. His Atonement made fully active the plan of happiness of His Father in Heaven.
Elder Scott said that to understand the Atonement one needs to understand what was required of the Father and the Son: Three of the challenges the Savior faced were:
- First, an enormous sense of responsibility, for He realized that except it be done perfectly, not one of His Father's children could return to Him.
- Second, in His absolutely pure mind and heart, He had to personally feel the consequences of all that mankind would ever encounter, even the most depraved, despicable sins.
- Third, He had to endure the vicious attack of Satan's hordes while physically and emotionally pressed to the limit.
As the world becomes more devoid of foundational standards and as honor, virtue, and purity are increasingly cast aside in the pursuit of appetite, our understanding of and faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ will provide strength and capacity needed for a successful life. It will also bring confidence in times of trial and peace in moments of turmoil.
I energetically encourage you to establish a personal study plan to better understand and appreciate the incomparable, eternal, infinite consequences of Jesus Christ's perfect fulfillment of His divinely appointed calling as our Savior and Redeemer. Profound personal pondering of the scriptures accompanied by searching, heartfelt prayer will fortify your understanding of and appreciation for His priceless Atonement. Another powerful way to learn of Jesus Christ and His Atonement is through consistent temple attendance.
Use the Church as a righteous tool to strengthen the home, but recognize that as parents we have the fundamental responsibility and privilege to be guided by the Lord in the upbringing of the spirit children He has entrusted to our care.
As you ponder - not just read but ponder and meditate - on scriptural passages, the power of the Holy Ghost will distill truths in your mind and heart as a secure foundation in this uncertain time in which we live.
This Easter, resolve to make the Lord Jesus Christ the living center of your home. Be sure that every decision you make, whether it be of a spiritual or physical nature, be guided by the thought, "What would the Lord Jesus Christ have me do?" When the Savior is the center of you home, it is filled with peace and serenity. There is a spirit of calm assurance that pervades the home that is felt by the children and adults alike.
That is wonderful counsel and wonderful promises that I want for our home.
Elder Donald L. Hallstrom: Turn to the Lord
Elder Hallstrom started with two stories of adversity and how the parties handled it. The first, did not go well, was very sad, and had an on-going negative four generations. The second, from his own family, was sad but ended positively and had a positive affect on four generations. He discussed the role of adversity in our lives and the plan of happiness.
Throughout the world and among the membership of the Church, there is great joy and great pain. Both are part of the plan. Without one, we cannot know the other.
No matter the size of the issue, how we respond can reset the course of our life.
Elder Hallstrom related part of the story of Joseph Smith in Liberty jail and the revelation found in Doctrine and Covenants section 122. Great counsel for us is found in verse 9: "Therefore, hold on thy way, and . . . fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever."
Elder Hallstrom continued: If you feel you have been wronged - by anyone or anything - deal with the matter directly and with all the strength you have. "Hold on thy way (D&C 122:9); giving up is not an option. And, without delay, turn to the Lord. Exercise all of the faith you have in Him. Let Him share your burden. Allow His grace to lighten your load.
Throughout the world and among the membership of the Church, there is great joy and great pain. Both are part of the plan. Without one, we cannot know the other.
No matter the size of the issue, how we respond can reset the course of our life.
Elder Hallstrom related part of the story of Joseph Smith in Liberty jail and the revelation found in Doctrine and Covenants section 122. Great counsel for us is found in verse 9: "Therefore, hold on thy way, and . . . fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever."
Elder Hallstrom continued: If you feel you have been wronged - by anyone or anything - deal with the matter directly and with all the strength you have. "Hold on thy way (D&C 122:9); giving up is not an option. And, without delay, turn to the Lord. Exercise all of the faith you have in Him. Let Him share your burden. Allow His grace to lighten your load.
Sister Cheryl C. Lant: That Our Children Might See the Face of the Savior
Sister Lant gave a very nice talk on the importance of teaching our children about Jesus. She also offered some suggestions on how to do it.
Christ's invitation to seek Him is an invitation to know who He is, what He has done for us, and what He has asked us to do. Coming to Christ, and eventually seeing His face, comes only as we draw close to Him through our faith and our actions. It comes through a lifetime of effort.
It is our sacred responsibility as parents and leaders of this rising generation of children to bring them to the Savior so that they might wee His face and the face of our Father in Heaven as well. As we do so, we also bring ourselves.
Again the question, how do we do this, especially in a world that is full of distractions? Again I see this theme of distractions. Many of the speakers at the conference have talked about the fact that there are things 'distracting' us more and more and we need to aware and counteract that.
Sister Lant quotes a passage of scripture about what Christ asks parents to do:
"All thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children." (3 Nephi 22:13)
Now, I would ask you to look around you at those you love. This is what matters most - our families.
The account in 3 Nephi can help us bring our children to Him because it gives us a pattern to follow.
Christ's invitation to seek Him is an invitation to know who He is, what He has done for us, and what He has asked us to do. Coming to Christ, and eventually seeing His face, comes only as we draw close to Him through our faith and our actions. It comes through a lifetime of effort.
It is our sacred responsibility as parents and leaders of this rising generation of children to bring them to the Savior so that they might wee His face and the face of our Father in Heaven as well. As we do so, we also bring ourselves.
Again the question, how do we do this, especially in a world that is full of distractions? Again I see this theme of distractions. Many of the speakers at the conference have talked about the fact that there are things 'distracting' us more and more and we need to aware and counteract that.
Sister Lant quotes a passage of scripture about what Christ asks parents to do:
"All thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children." (3 Nephi 22:13)
Now, I would ask you to look around you at those you love. This is what matters most - our families.
The account in 3 Nephi can help us bring our children to Him because it gives us a pattern to follow.
- First, we must learn how to love the Lord and our families. This takes time, experience, and faith. It requires selfless service. Then, as we are filled with the love of the Lord, we can love.
- Second, we must become worthy examples. This is also a process. If we want our children to come to Christ so that they might see His face, it is important that we seek to see it as well. We must put our own lives in order so that the children can look to us and follow.
- And third, . . . teaching [our children] the truths of the gospel from the scriptures and the prophets and by helping them to feel and recognize the Spirit. They love the scriptures, and they love the prophet. They intuitively want to be good. It is up to us to help them keep that connection to heaven open. It is up to us to protect them from influences that detract from the Spirit. We can help them find the joy of living the gospel. This will build a firm foundation of faith and obedience in their lives that will strengthen them.
While Sister Lant was discussing her second item above, she asked an interesting question and had some excellent counsel:
"What do my children see when they look at my face? Do they see the image of the Savior in my countenance because of how I live my life?"
Now remember, none of us will be the perfect example for our children, but we all can become worthy parents and leaders. Our striving to be worthy is an example in itself. I like that comparison between 'perfect' (which is basically unattainable in this life) and 'worthy' (which is well within the capacity of each of us.)
Elder Quentin L. Cook: We Follow Jesus Christ
Anyone reading this talk should know that we believe in Jesus Christ; that we are Christians. Members of the Church who read the talk will get a reminder of what it means and looks like to be a follower of Christ. Elder Cook uses the events of the last two days of the Saviors life to help us understand what it means to follow Christ. We can learn much from those last two days.
Ordinances and doctrines of great importance were initiated at the Last Supper. I will mention just three.
Ordinances and doctrines of great importance were initiated at the Last Supper. I will mention just three.
- . . . the Savior introduced the ordinance of the sacrament. He took bread, broke it, prayed over it, and passed it to His disciples, saying, "This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me." In this manner He instituted the sacrament.
- . . . His overwhelming emphasis was on doctrines teaching love as a preeminent principle. He taught, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
- . . . through Christ's intercession or direction, "the Holy Ghost was promised to the apostles as another Comforter.
In talking about Easter and the Atonement, Elder Cook quotes the Prophet Joseph Smith: "The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it."
Elder Cook then goes on to elaborate on the three "ordinances and doctrines" from the Last Supper (mentioned above.)
As we ponder what it means to be Christians today, think about what our path of discipleship will require of us. I suggest that we contemplate and in appropriate ways emulate what the Savior did in those last two days of His mortal life.
First, consider the Savior's introduction of the sacrament. Sacrament meeting is the most sacred and holy of all the meetings in the Church. If we are to be His disciples and to be committed members of His Church, we must remember and reverence the sacrament. It allows each of us to express with broken hearts and contrite spirits our willingness to follow the Savior, to repent, and to become a Saint through the Atonement of Christ. The sacrament allows us to witness to God that we will remember His Son and keep His commandments as we renew our baptismal covenant. This increases our love and appreciation for both the Father and the Son. [This is why Sacrament meeting is so important.]
The Savior also emphasized love and unity and declared that we would be known as His disciples if we have love one to another. We manifest our love for God when we keep His commandments and serve His children. We don't fully comprehend the Atonement, but we can spend our lives trying to be more loving and kind, regardless of the adversity we face.
How we relate and interact with each other is a measure of our willingness to follow Jesus Christ. Many in this world are afraid and angry with one another. While we understand these feelings, we need to be civil in our discourse and respectful in our interactions. This is especially true when we disagree. The Savior taught us to love even our enemies. I found these comments comforting given the growing coarseness of our [un]civil public conversations.
I invite each one of us individually to recognize that how we disagree is a real measure of who we are and whether we truly follow the Savior. It is appropriate to disagree, but it is not appropriate to be disagreeable. Violence and vandalism are not the answer to our disagreements. If we show love and respect even in adverse circumstances, we become more like Christ. [I suppose this applies to any followers of Christ who are talk show hosts too!]
For yet another time, a speaker at this conference talked about how noisy and distracting our world is. Elder Cook continues: We live in a noisy, contentious world, where it is possible to be viewing or listening to information, music, or even pure nonsense virtually every waking hour. If we want to have the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, we must find time to slow down, ponder, pray, and live so we are worthy to receive and act upon His promptings. We will avoid major mistakes if we heed His warnings. It is our privilege as members to receive light and knowledge form Him even to the perfect day.
Elder Cook concluded with a story from Samoa following the recent tsunami there. He said, As we met with the families in Samoa, the significance of spiritually going to the higher ground, living a better life, and clinging to saving ordinances was abundantly clear. As I have pondered . . . the current condition of the world, I have felt an urgency to counsel each of us to seek the higher ground - the refuge and eternal protection of the temple.
Elder Cook then goes on to elaborate on the three "ordinances and doctrines" from the Last Supper (mentioned above.)
As we ponder what it means to be Christians today, think about what our path of discipleship will require of us. I suggest that we contemplate and in appropriate ways emulate what the Savior did in those last two days of His mortal life.
First, consider the Savior's introduction of the sacrament. Sacrament meeting is the most sacred and holy of all the meetings in the Church. If we are to be His disciples and to be committed members of His Church, we must remember and reverence the sacrament. It allows each of us to express with broken hearts and contrite spirits our willingness to follow the Savior, to repent, and to become a Saint through the Atonement of Christ. The sacrament allows us to witness to God that we will remember His Son and keep His commandments as we renew our baptismal covenant. This increases our love and appreciation for both the Father and the Son. [This is why Sacrament meeting is so important.]
The Savior also emphasized love and unity and declared that we would be known as His disciples if we have love one to another. We manifest our love for God when we keep His commandments and serve His children. We don't fully comprehend the Atonement, but we can spend our lives trying to be more loving and kind, regardless of the adversity we face.
How we relate and interact with each other is a measure of our willingness to follow Jesus Christ. Many in this world are afraid and angry with one another. While we understand these feelings, we need to be civil in our discourse and respectful in our interactions. This is especially true when we disagree. The Savior taught us to love even our enemies. I found these comments comforting given the growing coarseness of our [un]civil public conversations.
I invite each one of us individually to recognize that how we disagree is a real measure of who we are and whether we truly follow the Savior. It is appropriate to disagree, but it is not appropriate to be disagreeable. Violence and vandalism are not the answer to our disagreements. If we show love and respect even in adverse circumstances, we become more like Christ. [I suppose this applies to any followers of Christ who are talk show hosts too!]
For yet another time, a speaker at this conference talked about how noisy and distracting our world is. Elder Cook continues: We live in a noisy, contentious world, where it is possible to be viewing or listening to information, music, or even pure nonsense virtually every waking hour. If we want to have the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, we must find time to slow down, ponder, pray, and live so we are worthy to receive and act upon His promptings. We will avoid major mistakes if we heed His warnings. It is our privilege as members to receive light and knowledge form Him even to the perfect day.
Elder Cook concluded with a story from Samoa following the recent tsunami there. He said, As we met with the families in Samoa, the significance of spiritually going to the higher ground, living a better life, and clinging to saving ordinances was abundantly clear. As I have pondered . . . the current condition of the world, I have felt an urgency to counsel each of us to seek the higher ground - the refuge and eternal protection of the temple.
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