THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS • SEPTEMBER 2013

How Justice and Mercy Free Us from Bondage, p. 20 The Way God’s Grace Really Works, p. 42 What’s So Great about the Great and Spacious Building? p. 48 Children, Your Example Makes a Difference, pp. 67, 71 “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him . . . springing up into everlasting life.”

John 4:14 Liahona, September 2013

26

MESSAGES 26 Christlike Mercy DEPARTMENTS By Randy L. Daybell First Presidency Message: April Conference Notebook 4 These scriptural accounts from 8 Saints for All Seasons the Savior’s life can teach us ways By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf 10 What We Believe: The to be merciful. Priesthood Must Be Used 7 Visiting Teaching Message: Worthily Self-Reliance 30 How Is Doctrine Established? By LaRene Porter Gaunt 12 Our Homes, Our Families: Use this flowchart to understand The Lord Never Shouted at Me FEATURE ARTICLES more about how God reveals doc- Name withheld trine to prophets and apostles. 18 My Prayers of Gratitude 14 Gospel Classics: What Does By Christie Skrinak 32 Today’s Young Men Need Jesus Mean to Us Today? Our family was desperate for bless- Righteous Role Models By Elder David B. Haight By Hikari Loftus ings. How could I be grateful amid 16 News of the Church such trials? Having worked through his own troubled youth, Todd Sylvester 38 Latter-day Saint Voices 20 The Justice and Mercy of God strives to reach out to today’s By Elder Jeffrey R. Holland young men. 80 Until We Meet Again: The If we can repent of our sins and be Longest Sacrament Meeting charitable with the sins of others, 36 Still a Clarion Call By Okon Edet Effiong the living Father of us all will reach By Richard M. Romney down to bear us up. “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” acts as a modern title of liberty, providing clarity and guidance to families.

ON THE COVER Front: The Lost Lamb, by Newell Convers Wyeth, reproduced by permission of the Colby College Museum of Art. Back: photograph © Thinkstock. Inside front cover: photograph by Chelsea Stark.

September 2013 1 YOUNG ADULTS YOUTH CHILDREN

46 Steps to Happiness 42 By Elder D. Todd Christofferson 64 When we understand the purpose of the commandments, we want more of them—not fewer. 48 What’s So Great about the Great and Spacious Building? By Dennis C. Gaunt Writing It Right The great and spacious building 64 By Jan Pinborough can be alluring, so how do we avoid it? Cara’s teacher said that Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy 52 Be a Light to Your Friends Ghost were all one person. What By Elder Benjamín De Hoyos could Cara say? Missionary work begins with a Song: Jesus Is My Shepherd good example. 66 By Tammy Simister Robinson 54 To the Point 67 Faithful Examples 42 His Grace Is Sufficient 56 For the Strength of Youth: By Jean A. Stevens By Brad Wilcox The Influence of Music The example of these Primary The miracle of Christ’s grace is not By Rosemary M. Wixom children in Hong Kong helped their just that we can return to heaven What can mice teach us about ward members have the faith to but that we can change so we feel choosing wholesome music? live the gospel. at home there. On the Trail: The Nauvoo A Prayer of My Heart 68 58 Temple and Carthage Jail By Ma. Consuelo N. By Jennifer Maddy The Lord’s words helped me love music even more. 70 Special Witness: Why is it important to have both the 59 Poster: Launch Your Future Bible and the Book of Mormon? By Elder L. Tom Perry 60 From the Mission Field: Through Thin Walls 71 I Chose the Right By Monica Garcia Adams By Ekene B. It wasn’t just Soledad who listened; See if you can I didn’t want to drink the wine, but Juan was listening on the other side what would happen to my family if find the Liahona of the wall. I didn’t? hidden in this issue. Hint: Jesus 62 Learning from Living Prophets 72 Our Page By Elder Neil L. Andersen visited the people These four questions can help you 74 Bringing Primary Home: I Will in America. follow the prophet. Serve God with All My Heart, Might, Mind, and Strength 76 For Young Children 81 Prophet Portrait: George Albert Smith

CORRECTION We apologize for an error in “Scripture Cards” on pages 65–66 of the August issue. The scriptures for the card “When I feel happy . . .” should be Psalm 118:24; John 13:17; and Alma 26:35. The scriptures for the 52 card “When I need courage . . .” should be Daniel 6; 1 Nephi 3:7; and Alma 56:44–48. Corrected pages can be printed from liahona.lds.org.

2 Liahona SEPTEMBER 2013 VOL. 37 NO. 9 LIAHONA 10789 International magazine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Family Home Evening Ideas Latter-day Saints The First Presidency: Thomas S. Monson, This issue contains articles and activities that could be used for family home evening. Henry B. Eyring, Dieter F. Uchtdorf The following are two examples. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry, Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, M. Russell Ballard, Richard G. Scott, Robert D. Hales, Jeffrey R. Holland, David A. Bednar, Quentin L. Cook, D. Todd Christofferson, Neil L. Andersen Editor: Craig A. Cardon Advisers: Shayne M. Bowen, Bradley D. Foster, Christoffel Golden Jr., Anthony D. Perkins Managing Director: David T. Warner Director of Family and Member Support: Vincent A. Vaughn Director of Church Magazines: Allan R. Loyborg Business Manager: Garff Cannon Managing Editor: R. Val Johnson Assistant Managing Editors: Ryan Carr, LaRene Porter Gaunt Publications Assistant: Melissa Zenteno Writing and Editing: Susan Barrett, David Dickson, David A. Edwards, Matthew D. Flitton, Mindy Raye

Friedman, Lori Fuller, Garrett H. Garff, Jennifer Grace Jones, BY CODY BELL PHOTO ILLUSTRATION Hikari Loftus, Michael R. Morris, Richard M. Romney, Paul VanDenBerghe, Julia Woodbury “What’s So Great about the Great and “Writing It Right,” page 64, and “I Managing Art Director: J. Scott Knudsen Spacious Building?” page 48: Read the Chose the Right,” page 71: Consider Art Director: Tadd R. Peterson Design: Jeanette Andrews, Fay P. Andrus, C. Kimball Bott, article with your family. Consider asking sharing how both Cara and Ekene in these Thomas Child, Nate Gines, Kerry Lynn C. Herrin, them if they have ever felt embarrassed stories find ways to stand for the truth. Colleen Hinckley, Susan Lofgren, Eric P. Johnsen, Scott M. Mooy, Brad Teare to live the standards of the Church; you You could discuss what it means to “stand Intellectual Property Coordinator: could share a time when you felt that as witnesses of God” (Mosiah 18:9). Collette Nebeker Aune Production Manager: Jane Ann Peters way and what you learned. Discuss the Brainstorm ways to share your testimony Production: Kevin C. Banks, Connie Bowthorpe Bridge, Julie Burdett, Bryan W. Gygi, Denise Kirby, Ginny J. Nilson, difference between saying you can’t do and make a plan to do it this week. For an Gayle Tate Rafferty something compared to saying you won’t activity, your family could read or review Prepress: Jeff L. Martin Printing Director: Craig K. Sedgwick do something. Your family could follow this scripture stories where someone stood as a Distribution Director: Stephen R. Christiansen scripture chain to learn more about how witness of God; then act out the charac- For subscriptions and prices outside the United States and Canada, go to store.lds​ .org​ or contact your local Church agency fits into God’s plan: Moses 4:1–4; ters in the stories. Some ideas for stories distribution center or ward or branch leader. 2 Nephi 2:14–16, 22–27; Joshua 24:15; include Daniel and his friends refusing to Submit manuscripts and queries online at liahona.lds​ ​ .org; by email to liahona@ldschurch​ .org;​ or by mail to Mosiah 2:41; Doctrine and Covenants eat bad things (Daniel 1), Stephen testify- Liahona, Rm. 2420, 50 E. North Temple St., Salt Lake City, 82:10; 130:20–21. You could then sing ing of Jesus Christ (Acts 6–7), and Nephi UT 84150-0024, USA. The Liahona (a Book of Mormon term meaning “compass” “Choose the Right” (Hymns, no. 243) or encouraging his brothers to get the plates or “director”) is published in Albanian, Armenian, Bislama, another hymn about making good choices. (1 Nephi 3–4). Bulgarian, Cambodian, Cebuano, Chinese, Chinese (simplified), Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Fijian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Icelandic, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Kiribati, Korean, Latvian, Lithuanian, Malagasy, Marshallese, Mongolian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Samoan, Slovenian, Spanish, Swahili, Swedish, Tagalog, Tahitian, Thai, Tongan, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Vietnamese. IN YOUR LANGUAGE (Frequency varies by language.) © 2013 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. The Liahona and other Church materials are available in many languages at languages.lds​ .org.​ Printed in the United States of America. Text and visual material in the Liahona may be copied for incidental, noncommercial church or home use. Visual TOPICS IN THIS ISSUE material may not be copied if restrictions are indicated Numbers represent the first page of the article. in the credit line with the artwork. Copyright questions should be addressed to Intellectual Property Office, 50 E. North Temple St., Salt Lake City, UT 84150, USA; email: Adversity, 4, 18, 48, 71 Grace, 42 Prophets, 30, 62 cor-intellectualproperty@​ldschurch​.org. Agency, 48 Gratitude, 18 Repentance, 20 For Readers in the United States and Canada: September 2013 Vol. 37 No. 9. LIAHONA (USPS 311-480) Bible, 70 Holy Ghost, 12, 41, 56, Revelation, 30, 62 English (ISSN 1080-9554) is published monthly by The Book of Mormon, 70 72, 80 Sacrament, 80 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 50 E. North Temple St., Salt Lake City, UT 84150. USA subscription price Chastity, 54 Jesus Christ, 26, 66, 76 Scriptures, 40, 70 is $10.00 per year; Canada, $12.00 plus applicable taxes. Church history, 7, 68 Justice, 20 Self-Reliance, 7 Periodicals Postage Paid at Salt Lake City, Utah. Sixty days’ notice required for change of address. Include address label Commandments, 46, 71 Mercy, 20, 26 Service, 74 from a recent issue; old and new address must be included. Doctrine, 30 Miracles, 76 Smith, George Albert, 81 Send USA and Canadian subscriptions to Salt Lake Distribution Center at address below. Subscription help line: Education, 59 Missionary Work, 40, 52, Stewardship, 80 1-800-537-5971. Credit card orders (American Express, 54, 60 Discover, MasterCard, Visa) may be taken by phone or Example, 32, 38, 40, 52, Temple, 68 at store.lds​ .org.​ (Canada Post Information: Publication 67, 74 Music, 56, 58 Testimony, 64 Agreement #40017431) Faith, 39, 72, 76 Physical Fitness, 54 Tithing, 67 POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS (see DMM 707.4.12.5). NONPOSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: Send address Family, 12, 36 Prayer, 18, 58, 60, 72 Word of Wisdom, 71 changes to Distribution Services, Church Magazines, Freedom, 20 Priesthood, 10 P.O. Box 26368, Salt Lake City, UT 84126-0368, USA.

September 2013 3 FIRST PRESIDENCY MESSAGE

By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf Second Counselor in the First Presidency

SaintsFOR ALL SEASONS

have childhood memories of a part of the world that Our all-wise Heavenly Father knew that for His children could serve as a picture postcard for the changing to grow into the beings they were designed to become, I seasons of the year. Each passing month was glorious they would need to experience seasons of adversity during and wonderful. During a perfect winter day, pristine snow their sojourn in mortality. The Book of Mormon prophet blanketed the mountains and city streets. Spring brought Lehi said that without opposition, “righteousness could not cleansing rains and the explosion of green-dressed life. be brought to pass” (2 Nephi 2:11). Indeed, it is life’s bitter- The lazy skies of summer served as a pleasant blue canvas ness that allows us to recognize, contrast, and appreciate its for the blaze of a bright sun. And spectacular autumn trans- sweetness (see D&C 29:39; Moses 6:55). formed nature into brilliant shades of orange, yellow, and President Brigham Young put it this way: “All intelligent red. As a child, I loved each season, and to this day, I love beings who are crowned with crowns of glory, immortality, the character and uniqueness of each one. and eternal lives must pass through every ordeal appointed We have seasons in our lives as well. Some are warm for intelligent beings to pass through, to gain their glory and pleasant. Others are not. Some of the days in our lives and exaltation. Every calamity that can come upon mortal are as beautiful as pictures in a calendar. And yet there beings will be suffered . . . to prepare them to enjoy the are days and circumstances that cause heartache and may presence of the Lord. . . . Every trial and experience you bring into our lives deep feelings of despair, resentment, have passed through is necessary for your salvation.” 1 and bitterness. The question is not whether we will experience sea- I am sure at one time or another we have all thought sons of adversity but how we will weather the storms. Our it would be nice to take up residence in a land filled only great opportunity during the ever-changing seasons of life with days of picture-perfect seasons and avoid the unpleas- is to hold fast to the faithful word of God, for His counsel ant times in between. is designed not only to help us weather the storms of life But this is not possible. Nor is it desirable. but also to guide us past them. Our Heavenly Father has As I look over my own life, it is apparent that many of given His word through His prophets—precious knowl- the times of greatest growth have come to me while pass- edge designed to lead us through the challenges of difficult ing through stormy seasons. seasons toward the unspeakable joy and brilliant light

4 Liahona of eternal life. It is an important part Saints, we serve joyfully and willingly In short, we are Saints of God, of our life’s experience to develop in all weather and in all seasons. And determined to learn of Him, to love the strength, courage, and integrity as we do so, our hearts become filled Him, and to love our fellowman. We to hold fast to truth and righteous- with hallowed faith, healing hope, and are pilgrims on the blessed road of ness despite the buffeting we may heavenly charity. discipleship, and we will walk stead- experience. Still, we will have to pass through fastly toward our heavenly goal. Those who have entered the waters all seasons—both pleasant and pain- Therefore, let us be Saints in spring, of baptism and received the gift of the ful. But no matter the season, as summer, fall, and winter. Let us be Holy Ghost have set their feet on the followers of Jesus the Christ, we will Saints for all seasons. ◼ path of discipleship and are charged rest our hope upon Him as we walk NOTE 1. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: to follow steadily and faithfully in the toward His light. Brigham Young (1997), 261–62. footsteps of our Savior. The Savior taught that the sun rises “on the evil and on the good, and . . . rain [falls] on the just and on the TEACHING FROM THIS MESSAGE unjust” (Matthew 5:45). Sometimes he First Presidency has taught, “Some of the greatest sermons are preached we cannot understand why difficult, Tby the singing of hymns” (Hymns, ix). As you discuss this message, consider even unfair, things happen in life. But singing with those you teach one of these hymns or another song about endur- as followers of Christ, we trust that ing adversity: “How Firm a Foundation” (no. 85); “The Lord Is My Shepherd” if we “search diligently, pray always, (no. 108); or “Let Us All Press On” (no. 243). If you feel prompted, share a time and be believing, . . . all things shall when a stormy season in your life turned out to be a blessing. work together for [our] good, if [we] walk uprightly” (D&C 90:24; empha- sis added).

PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONS BY STEVE BUNDERSON © 2001 AND CRAIG DIMOND; WINTER BACKGROUND ISTOCKPHOTO/THINKSTOCK PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONS As members of His Church, as

September 2013 5 YOUTH CHILDREN

I Was Able Serving in All Seasons to Let Go of resident Uchtdorf teaches that we should “serve My Sorrow Pjoyfully and willingly in all weather and in all By Juan Zhu seasons.” In the pictures below, children are using objects from different seasons to serve others. Match hen my friends Brother Chen and his wife were the object in the right column with its picture in the Wbaptized into our ward, I was overjoyed. A year after their baptism, they were sealed in the temple, and left column. their son who had passed away before they joined the Church was sealed to them. It was wonderful to see the Chens grow in the gospel. Then Brother Chen was killed in a car accident the next year. Following the accident, his death seemed to always be on my mind and often haunted my dreams. I woke up in tears and asked over and over again, “Why? Why does the Lord allow this kind of tragedy to happen? Why does such a thing have to happen to this beauti- ful family?” One day, when I was struggling with these questions, I picked up a lesson manual and read these words from President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985): “If we looked at mortality as the whole of existence, then pain, sorrow, failure, and short life would be calam- ity. But if we look upon life as an eternal thing stretching far into the premortal past and on into the eternal post- death future, then all happenings may be put in proper perspective. . . . “Are we not exposed to temptations to test our strength, sickness that we might learn patience, death that we might be immortalized and glorified?” 1 At that moment, I decided to let go of my sorrow and look into the promised and possible future. I saw in my mind’s eye Brother Chen happily reunited with his family. That sight brought me peace. I know that Heavenly Father will give us the wisdom and courage to face adversities. The author is from Taiwan. NOTE 1. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball (2006), 15. FROM LEFT: ILLUSTRATIONS BY BRIAN CALL AND DILLEEN MARSH ILLUSTRATIONS FROM LEFT:

6 Liahona VISITING TEACHING MESSAGE

Prayerfully study this material and, as appropriate, discuss it with the sisters you visit. Use the Faith, Family, Relief questions to help you strengthen your sisters and to make Relief Society an active part of your own life. For more information, go to reliefsociety​.lds​.org.

Self-Reliance From Our History After the Latter-day Saints had gathered in the Salt Lake Valley, which was an isolated desert, elf-reliance is the ability, commit- President Brigham Young wanted Sment, and effort to provide for the them to flourish and establish spiritual and temporal well-being of permanent homes. This meant ourselves and of our families.1 the Saints needed to learn skills As we learn and apply the princi- that would allow them to become ples of self-reliance in our homes and self-sufficient. In this effort, communities, we have opportunities President Young had great trust to care for the poor and needy and in the capacities, talents, faith- to help others become self-reliant so fulness, and willingness of the they can endure times of adversity. women, and he encouraged them We have the privilege and duty in specific temporal duties. While to use our agency to become self- The purpose of both temporal and the specific duties of Relief Society reliant spiritually and temporally. spiritual self-reliance is to get our- sisters are often different today, Speaking of spiritual self-reliance and selves on higher ground so that we the principles remain constant: our dependence on Heavenly Father, can lift others in need.” 3 Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum 1. Learn to love work and of the Twelve Apostles has taught: From the Scriptures avoid idleness. “We become converted and spiritually Matthew 25:1–13; 1 Timothy 5:8; 2. Acquire a spirit of self-reliant as we prayerfully live our Alma 34:27–28; Doctrine and self-sacrifice. covenants—through worthily partak- Covenants 44:6; 58:26–29; 88:118 3. Accept personal responsi- ing of the sacrament, being worthy of bility for spiritual strength, a temple recommend, and sacrificing NOTES health, education, employ- 2 1. See Handbook 2: Administering the Church to serve others.” (2010), 6.1.1. ment, finances, food, Elder Hales counseled us to become 2. Robert D. Hales, “Coming to Ourselves: The Sacrament, the Temple, and Sacrifice in and other life-sustaining self-reliant temporally, “which includes Service,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2012, 34. necessities. getting a postsecondary education 3. Robert D. Hales, “Coming to Ourselves,” 36. 4. See Daughters in My Kingdom: The History 4. Pray for faith and courage or vocational training, learning to and Work of Relief Society (2011), 51. to meet challenges. work, and living within our means. By avoiding debt and saving money 5. Strengthen others who 4 now, we are prepared for full-time need assistance. Church service in the years to come.

What Can I Do?

1. How am I helping the sisters I 2. Am I increasing my spiritual self- watch over find solutions to their reliance through preparing for the temporal and spiritual needs? sacrament and sacrificing to serve? PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ROBERT CASEY © 2005 PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

September 2013 7 APRIL 2013 CONFERENCE NOTEBOOK “What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken; . . . whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (D&C 1:38).

As you review the April 2013 general conference, you can use these pages (and Conference Notebooks in future issues) to help you study and apply the recent teachings of the living prophets and apostles and other Church leaders.

STORIES FROM CONFERENCE

A Light in Africa

By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf Second Counselor in the First Presidency ome years ago, my wife, Harriet, Sand I had a memorable experi- ence in which we saw this promise fulfilled. We were in West Africa, a beautiful part of the world where the Church is growing and the Latter-day Saints are delightful. However, West Africa also has many challenges. In particular, I was

sorrowed by the poverty that I saw. BY RICHARD M. ROMNEY PHOTO ILLUSTRATION In the cities there is high unemploy- ment, and families often struggle to radiating with light! The happiness smiles of our Saints. Oh, how I loved provide for their daily needs and they felt for the gospel was contagious being with these wonderful people! for their safety. It broke my heart and lifted our spirits. The love they The darkness in the chapel contin- to know that many of our precious expressed for us was humbling. Their ued, and so I sat next to my wife and members of the Church live in such smiles were genuine and infectious. waited for the power to be restored. deprivation. But I also learned that I remember wondering at the time As we waited, something remarkable these fine members help each other if there could possibly be a happier happened. to lighten their heavy burdens. people on the face of the planet. A few voices began singing one We eventually arrived at one of Even though these dear Saints were of the hymns of the Restoration. And our meetinghouses near a large city. surrounded by difficulties and trials, then others joined in. And then more. But instead of finding a people bur- they were filled with light! Soon, a sweet and overwhelming dened and absorbed by darkness, we The meeting began, and I started chorus of voices filled the chapel. discovered a joyful people who were to speak. But soon the power went These members of the Church did out in the building, and we were left not need hymnbooks; they knew in complete darkness. every word of every hymn they To read, watch, or listen to general confer- For a while I could hardly see any- sang. And they sang one song after ence addresses, visit conference.lds.org. one in the congregation, but I could another with an energy and spirit see and feel the brilliant and beautiful that touched my soul.

8 Liahona Eventually, the lights sparked back PROPHETIC WORDS ON ANSWERS FOR YOU on and bathed the room with light. HUMAN FRAILTY Each conference, prophets and Harriet and I looked at each other, “In this Church, what we know apostles give inspired answers to our cheeks wet with tears. will always trump what we do not questions Church members may have. know. And remember, in this world, In the midst of great darkness, Use your conference issue or visit everyone is to walk by faith. these beautiful, wonderful Saints had “So be kind regarding human conference.lds.org to find answers to filled this Church building and our frailty—your own as well as that these questions: souls with light. of those who serve with you in a • How do I stay strong when I It was a profoundly moving Church led by volunteer, mortal am mocked for my beliefs? See moment for us—one Harriet and I men and women. Except in the Robert D. Hales, “Stand Strong case of His only perfect Begotten will never forget. in Holy Places,” 48. Son, imperfect people are all God From “The Hope of God’s Light,” Liahona and • What can I do if someone I love Ensign, May 2013, 76. has ever had to work with. That must be terribly frustrating to Him, is making bad choices? See but He deals with it. So should we. Henry B. Eyring, “Come unto . . . So be patient and kind and Me,” 22; and Richard G. Scott, forgiving.” “For Peace at Home,” 29. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the • Why is marriage between a Twelve Apostles, “Lord, I Believe,” Liahona and QUESTIONS TO PONDER Ensign, May 2013, 94. man and a woman so impor- • How can you open your eyes tant? See David A. Bednar, “We to the hope of God’s light? Believe in Being Chaste,” 41; • How can following in the THE SANCTITY OF MARRIAGE L. Whitney Clayton, “Marriage: footsteps of Jesus Christ help “The commandment to multiply Watch and Learn,” 83; and you to walk in His light? and replenish the earth remains L. Tom Perry, “Obedience to • What changes do you need in force today. Thus, marriage Law Is Liberty,” 86. between a man and a woman is to make to feel the light of • What is the purpose of the the authorized channel through the gospel more fully? priesthood? See M. Russell which premortal spirits enter mor- tality. Complete sexual abstinence Ballard, “This Is My Work and Consider writing your thoughts before marriage and total fidelity Glory,” 18. in your journal or discussing them within marriage protect the sanc- • Why do we need a church? See with others. tity of this sacred channel.” Quentin L. Cook, “Personal Peace: Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the The Reward of Righteousness,” Twelve Apostles, “We Believe in Being Chaste,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2013, 42. 32; and D. Todd Christofferson, “Redemption,” 109.

Additional resources on this topic: Gospel Principles (2009), “The Holy Ghost,” 31–33; Gospel Topics on LDS. org, “Hope,” “Holy Ghost”; Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Infinite Power of Hope,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2008, 21–24.

September 2013 9 WHAT WE BELIEVE

THE PRIESTHOOD MUST BE USED WORTHILY

eavenly Father gives a portion the powers of heaven cannot be those standards to His prophets and Hof His power and authority to controlled nor handled only upon apostles. Priesthood holders become worthy male members of the Church. the principles of righteousness” (D&C worthy by repenting of their sins and This delegated authority is called 121:36). Thus, there is a difference living in harmony with the gospel and the priesthood. Those who hold the between the authority and the power commandments of Jesus Christ. The priesthood are authorized to act in the of the priesthood. “Priesthood author- companionship of the Holy Ghost Lord’s name in leading His Church, ity, which is the authorization to act in in their lives can help them know of teaching the gospel, blessing the sick, God’s name, . . . is given by the laying their worthiness. ◼ and performing the sacred ordinances on of hands. The power of the priest- For more information, see Doctrine and necessary for salvation. hood comes only when those who Covenants 121:34–46; Thomas S. Monson, The priesthood must be used exercise it are worthy and acting in “Priesthood Power,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2011, 66–69. worthily because, as the Lord revealed accordance with God’s will.” 1

to Joseph Smith, “the rights of the Because the priesthood is God’s NOTE priesthood are inseparably connected power, He sets the standards of 1. M. Russell Ballard, “This Is My Work and Glory,” Liahona and Ensign, with the powers of heaven, and . . . worthiness for its use and reveals May 2013, 18–19.

SAFEGUARD AND LIVE WORTHY OF THE PRIESTHOOD

“Our behavior in ambition. We cannot exercise control, guide by which to live our lives. In its public must be above or dominion, or compulsion upon our fulness, its authority reaches beyond reproach. Our behav- wives or children, or any others in any the veil of death into the eternities that ior in private is even degree of unrighteousness. lie ahead. more important. It “If we do any of these things, the “There is nothing else to compare must clear the stan- powers of heaven are withdrawn. The with it in all this world. Safeguard it, dard set by the Lord. We cannot indulge Spirit of the Lord is grieved. The very cherish it, love it, live worthy of it.”

in sin, let alone try to cover our sins. We virtue of our priesthood is nullified. Its President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008), cannot gratify our pride. We cannot authority is lost. . . . “Personal Worthiness to Exercise the Priesthood,” Liahona, July 2002, 58, 61; partake of the vanity of unrighteous “. . . [The priesthood] serves as a Ensign, May 2002, 52, 59.

10 Liahona Priesthood holders gain power in the priesthood through faith and obedience:

Worship in the temple.

Treat your wife, children, and others kindly. Serve faithfully in your calling.

Exercise the priesthood when called upon.

Take the sacrament worthily. PHOTOGRAPH © BUSATH PHOTOGRAPHY; ILLUSTRATIONS BY DAVID HABBEN BY DAVID ILLUSTRATIONS PHOTOGRAPHY; PHOTOGRAPH © BUSATH

September 2013 11 OUR HOMES, OUR FAMILIES

THE LORD NEVER SHOUTED AT ME Name withheld

I felt helpless watching our eldest son fall into Satan’s traps, and I often communicated my fear by becoming angry. I had to change myself instead of trying to change my son.

hen our four children were Wyoung, my husband and I assumed that if we set good exam- ples and brought them up in the gos- pel with lots of love and consistency, they would certainly not depart from that path. One summer day we were forced to abandon that assumption. Our eldest son, about 14 years old, went swimming with his friends. When I came to the swimming pool with the younger children, I thought I saw him with a cigarette in his hands. I was worried, so I spoke to him about it later. He simply said I was mistaken. Unfortunately, that was the beginning of his lies. Over time he distanced himself from us more and more. He was no longer approachable and often became angry without provocation. reproached him and challenged him prayed, we felt guided to allow our Alcohol, drugs, foul language, and a to change, our discussions often son more space instead of controlling host of lies were added to the ciga- became loud arguments that brought him with stricter rules. This seemed rettes. And his behavior toward the more distance between us. extremely counterproductive and family became insufferable. Our fears for our eldest son were counterintuitive, but all our previous At first we tried to restrict his hard on my husband and me. We tried attempts to stop his behavior had activities in order to protect him, but to find guidance through prayer, but been unsuccessful. So we chose to that just brought more resistance. I felt helpless watching my eldest son punish or restrict him only when his Discipline had no effect. When I choose such a dangerous path. As we actions directly affected our family life.

12 Liahona RECOGNIZE THE GOOD IN OTHERS “I offer some final thoughts for those who love a family member who is not making good choices. That can Despite trying to follow the Lord’s encouragement. But the Lord knew challenge our patience and endur- counsel, we found the situation wors- my true needs. I was admonished ance. We need to trust in the Lord ened. I struggled to overcome my for arguing so loudly with my son. and in His timing that a positive self-doubts and discouragement. My The Lord made me aware that He response to our prayers and rescue efforts can occur. We do all that husband and I tried to be consistent had never once shouted at me—but I we can to serve, to bless, and to with family home evening and family shouted at my children all the time. submissively acknowledge God’s prayer, but I was overwhelmed with In that blessing, I was additionally will in all things. . . . With faith we guilt as I remembered every time we counseled that I needed to talk to my can know that this straying loved had fallen short and every time I had son about my worries for him instead one is not abandoned but is in the behaved wrongly toward our son. I of reproaching him. I realized that watchcare of a loving Savior. cried a lot, slept little, and was some- my anger and criticism had actually “Recognize the good in others, not their stains. At times a stain times so physically exhausted that I been a manifestation of my fear for needs appropriate attention to be only just managed to function. him. I was constantly attacking him, cleansed, but always build on his or Family life as we had known it and he defended himself any way he her virtues.” hardly existed anymore. Family home could. I considered ways to change Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of evenings regularly ended in chaos and my behavior. the Twelve Apostles, “For Peace at Home,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2013, 31. arguments. I especially was impatient At this time, I was serving as an with my loved ones and loudly let institute teacher. I found it wasn’t dif- them know. ficult to deal calmly and considerately My husband and I recognized that with the youth at church because I did we couldn’t let our family be ground not have to struggle with the emotions down by the situation. We decided of a mother. to continue following the counsel I tried to look at my son not with of the Lord and the prophets, so we the eyes of a concerned mother but as behavior on his own. My husband and made an effort to hold spontaneous, an outsider. This strategy, and much I merely counseled him and advised informal family home evenings with prayer and fasting, helped me to rein him of ways he could solve his prob- the children who were willing. But in my emotions and see my son— lems for himself. I still couldn’t accept that our eldest who was now almost 18—with new I now know what it means to son was caught in Satan’s traps. With eyes. I was once again able to see his entrust my children to the Lord. He prayer, fasting, and hope—all that good qualities. I managed to express knows them better than I do. I have seemed left to us—we cast our bur- my feelings and worries to him sin- learned not to feel accountable for all den on the Lord and trusted Him. cerely and without becoming anxious. my children’s decisions. My husband The problems got worse. At one This became a turning point in our and I discovered that the best help particularly difficult time, I asked my relationship. My son and I discussed we could give our son was to turn husband for a priesthood blessing. many things, and I became able to to the Lord and trust in His will and

ILLUSTRATION BY BEN SOWARDS ILLUSTRATION I hoped for words of comfort and let him bear the consequences of his counsel. ◼

September 2013 13 GOSPEL CLASSICS

By Elder David B. Haight (1906–2004) Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Mark, writing of the events on the and the Word was God. . . . All things WHAT DOES morning of the Resurrection, states were made by him. . . . In him was JESUS MEAN that Mary Magdalene and Mary the life; and the life was the light of men. mother of James were directed by the And the light shineth in darkness; and TO US TODAY? [two angels] they encountered as they the darkness comprehended it not” entered the sepulcher, “Go . . . tell ( John 1:1, 3–5). . . . Elder David B. Haight was ordained his disciples and Peter” (Mark 16:7). It may be beyond our own compre- an Apostle on January 8, 1976, and They were directed specifically to hension to realize what Jesus meant served in that quorum until his death inform Peter. Peter and John hurried to Nephi when the resurrected Christ in 2004. As an Assistant to the Council to the sepulcher. Peter entered, saw appeared on the western continent, of the Twelve, he delivered this address the neatly folded linen clothes and the saying, “Behold, I am Jesus Christ, in general conference on April 6, handkerchief that had been about His whom the prophets testified shall 1974. For the full text in English, see head. Peter was now a personal wit- come into the world.” . . . the May 1974 Ensign at LDS.org.​ ness of this great event. Then Nephi writes, “The multitude On the day of Pentecost, Peter . . . went forth, and thrust their hands preached of the glorious gospel and into his side, and did feel the prints he Jesus I know and believe in is testified of Jesus of Nazareth. People of the nails in his hands and in his TJesus the Christ, the Son of God. were pricked in their hearts and feet” (3 Nephi 11:10, 15). . . . They This witness has been revealed to me asked, “Men and brethren, what shall had been in His presence, and they by the blessing and influence of the we do?” (Acts 2:37). And Peter, with could testify. Holy Ghost. I know that He is . . . the that newly developed depth of con- What did Jesus mean to the boy Creator of the world and all that is viction, replied, “Repent, and be bap- Joseph Smith? The appearance of in it, that He is our Savior who loves tized every one of you in the name of God the Father and Jesus Christ to each of us and who died on the cross Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, the boy prophet in modern times is for us, who teaches us compassion and ye shall receive the gift of the described in his own words: “I saw a and forgiveness, the friend of all, Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). Three thou- pillar of light exactly over my head, healer of the sick, the giver of peace sand souls believed and were bap- above the brightness of the sun. . . . to all who will listen and believe. tized. They felt of the spirit and power When the light rested upon me I saw Modern man must not be led astray of our Lord’s senior Apostle. Could we two Personages, whose brightness from ancient and latter-day truths— ever doubt what Jesus meant to Peter? and glory defy all description, stand- truths and spiritual experiences that I am always strengthened by the ing above me in the air. One of them occurred when prophets walked and fervor and magnitude of John’s con- spake unto me, calling me by name talked with Jesus. What did Jesus viction. There was never any doubt. and said, pointing to the other— mean to the ancient apostles? What He testified: “In the beginning was the This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him! ” did He mean to Peter? Word, and the Word was with God, ( Joseph Smith—History 1:16–17). . . .

14 Liahona Spiritual knowledge and spiritual the world of His godship, the actuality forgiveness of his past sins and the experiences must not and need not of His birth in the flesh of both divine opportunity to gain exaltation. “I am disappear from the mind of modern and mortal parentage. He was selected the way, the truth, and the life: no man, because the testimonies of to perform the essential mission of the man cometh unto the Father, but by ancient and modern prophets have Restoration and Redemption. This He me” ( John 14:6). Could the mind of been recorded for man’s own benefit, did—He was crucified and rose from man possibly develop a more noble and today believers testify of these the grave, thus making it possible for concept for the destiny of man? Jesus truths. Modern man must replace every human being to be resurrected Christ is the central figure. uncertainties and doubt with a desire through this marvelous Atonement of To the question “What does Jesus to know more of Jesus. Jesus, saint and sinner alike. mean to modern man?” I testify that It is our responsibility and glorious All can be placed on the pathway He means everything. ◼ opportunity to bear constant testimony to eternal progression. Everyone who Punctuation, capitalization, and citations of Jesus the Christ. We must testify to accepts Him and is repentant receives standardized. BY WALTER RANE BY WALTER

Modern man must not be led astray from ancient and latter-day truths—truths and spiritual experiences that occurred when prophets walked and talked with Jesus. IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME,

September 2013 15 NEWS OF THE CHURCH Visit news​.lds​.org for more Church news and events.

New Visiting Teaching One Billion Records Now Topics Begin in October on FamilySearch eginning in October 2013 the teaching is our opportunity to follow By R. Scott Lloyd BRelief Society Visiting Teaching His example. Church News Messages will focus on the divine President Henry B. Eyring, First olunteers around the world mission of Jesus Christ and His many Counselor in the First Presidency, Vindexing (digitizing) the roles and attributes. testified that “visiting teaching is Church’s vast collection of genea- As we read in Daughters in my part of the Lord’s plan to provide logical records collectively reached a Kingdom: The History and Work of help for people all over the world. major milestone on April 19, 2013. Relief Society, “When Jesus Christ . . . ‘He set a pattern in place.’” 4 On that date they attained one was on the earth, He showed us the As visiting teachers, we also remem- billion searchable records added to way we should live.” 1 By studying ber President Thomas S. Monson’s the Church’s FamilySearch website and focusing on the roles and attrib- counsel: “We are the Lord’s hands in less than seven years. Volunteers have been extracting utes of the Savior, the sisters in the here upon the earth, with the or indexing records in earnest since Church will learn to be like Him2 and mandate to serve and to lift His 1978, but in September 2006 the will be able to discuss with the sisters children. He is dependent upon Family History Department launched 5 they serve how the teachings and each of us.” ◼ a major innovation inviting virtually

example of the Savior can influence NOTES anyone anywhere to log on to the their lives. 1. Daughters in My Kingdom: The History site and sign up to participate in the and Work of Relief Society (2011), 105. The Lord showed us how to minister 2. See Moroni 7:48. indexing project. 3. See Daughters in My Kingdom, “The documents are drawn —how to watch over, strengthen, and 105; Handbook 2: Administering teach one another. His was a ministry the Church, 9.5. primarily from a collection of 4. Daughters in My Kingdom, 110. 2.4 million rolls of microfilm contain- to individuals, one by one.3 Visiting 5. Daughters in My Kingdom, 112. ing photographic images of histor- ical documents from 110 countries and principalities,” explains a wiki entry on the FamilySearch site. “The documents include census records, birth and death certificates, mar- riage licenses, military and property records, and other vital records main- tained by local, state, and national governments.” ◼ © IRI

16 Liahona SPEAKING TODAY

Conference Is Coming eneral conference is approaching once more, the Gtime when Church leaders share with members the word of the Lord. As the Lord said, “Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (D&C 1:38). Here is an experience from the April 2013 general conference:

Conference on the Sea of Galilee PHOTOGRAPH BY JEFFREY D. ALLRED Some 60 students from the Brigham Young University Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Elder Perry Tells Elder Nelson Visits University Graduates Asia North Area Studies gathered on the shore of the Sea of Galilee to Keep Life Balanced From February 23 to March 3, last April to watch the Sunday morning session Elder L. Tom Perry of the 2013, Elder Russell M. Nelson of general conference. A live Internet broadcast Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Quorum of the Twelve of the meeting was projected on the side of a spoke at commencement exercises Apostles visited the Asia North shed located a short distance from the water. The for Brigham Young University In Area. Elder Nelson said that no students were in Galilee as part of a 10-day trip to Provo, Utah, USA, in April 2013. matter where he goes in the the region. They recognized and appreciated the He spoke of the need for finding world, his message is the same. significance of the event. balance in life and emphasized the “We are here to teach and testify Jennie Smithson, one of the students, said that it need to provide time for family, of the Lord Jesus Christ and His was a wonder “to be instructed by latter-day prophets time for work, time for study, gospel restored,” he told members and apostles while imagining ancient apostles being time for service, time for self, and in the area. “Ours is a message of instructed on these exact same shores by Christ especially time for the gospel of peace and joy, of strengthening Himself.” ◼ Jesus Christ. families, bonding husband and He counseled the graduates to wife, children to their parents, and live providently. “One of the most people to their ancestors . . . that important lessons you will ever they can all enjoy eternal life in View from the BYU Jerusalem Center. learn is the security and peace the presence of God when their that comes from living within your sojourn on earth is over.” means,” he said. In addition to meeting with He also stressed the importance priesthood leaders and members of establishing a Christ-centered throughout the area and a special home. “Daily prayer and scripture district for military personnel in study should be a part of every Okinawa, Elder Nelson also met Latter-day Saint home,” he said. with two local government officials “Make the gospel of Jesus Christ a in Japan. vital, active part of your life.” © IRI

September 2013 17 y Prayersm ofGratitude

As we struggled financially, I felt that we had so many needs to pray for. Could I really focus my prayers on just gratitude?

18 Liahona By Christie Skrinak

ears ago my husband and I purchased a home we faith?” (Matthew 6:30). This scripture humbled me as I con- adored and spent a lot of time and money fixing it tinued to pray. Through gratitude, I was learning more about up. Eighteen months later, the economy took a dive. true humility. YWe had to spend our hard-earned savings on a hefty mort- As the week progressed, my prayers changed from gage and a slew of unforeseen expenses. “I thank Thee for food, clothing, and shelter” to “I thank Months of trials and financial hardships went by. We Thee for the family that Thou hast preserved and kept hit a particularly difficult month of home and auto repairs, well, for the protection Thou dost continue to afford us. I medical bills, and a decrease in pay. Our savings quickly thank Thee for the provisions Thou wilt continue to bless disappeared. us with.” I also remember praying, “I thank Thee for our I remember praying, asking over and over again for the dependence upon Thee, for Thy mindfulness of us, and for things we needed. Consumed by stress, I found it difficult the pathway Thou art preparing for us to escape this bond- to care properly for our children and our family’s needs as I age, whatever it may be.” Somewhere along the line, my was falling into depression and despair. Still, I continued to prayers became prayers of not just gratitude, not just humil- pray, seeking comfort and knowing prayer to be the anchor ity, but of faith also. Without asking for blessings, I was keeping me from falling further into darkness. expressing faith that the Lord would provide for us, and my After months of praying for help, I began thinking of faith was growing exponentially. ways to pray more fervently. The Spirit brought to my During these prayers, my thoughts were often drawn mind counsel from priesthood leaders and scriptures that to the sacrifice of the early Saints, and I would ask myself taught the importance of expressing gratitude to Heavenly what I was willing to sacrifice. A few more days passed, Father. These promptings helped me realize that I needed and we put our beloved home up for sale. The real estate to express deeper appreciation for my blessings and ask market was severely depressed, but amazingly we were less for the things my family and I needed. I decided that I blessed to sell our home. Though we took a significant would try for one week to let go of my daily pleadings and loss—as we had expected—our family was now in a posi- express only gratitude in my prayers. tion to begin building a more firm temporal foundation. It was difficult. I felt my family had so many needs. I felt Still, selling our home in such difficult times is not the as though I was letting my family down by not asking for miracle that I take with me from this experience. The mira- the blessings we so desperately needed. How would the cle is the faith I developed and the understanding I gained. Lord bless me when I didn’t ask? President James E. Faust (1920–2007), Second Counselor in Despite my nervousness about it, I tried. I soon realized the First Presidency, declared gratitude to be a “saving prin- that my prayers were no longer monotonous pleadings. I ciple.” 1 I think I experienced something of what he was regained the ability to recognize the needs of others and see talking about as I turned my heart and prayers to Heavenly beyond my problems to the blessings that were still mine. Father, receiving comfort, peace, and guidance. My new- My gratitude was drawing me closer to the Savior, comfort- found testimony of gratitude is that it inspires humility, ing me in ways I could not have received otherwise. humility encourages faith, and faith brings miracles. ◼ A scripture kept coming to mind: “If God so clothe the The author lives in Nevada, USA. grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into NOTE 1. See James E. Faust, “Gratitude as a Saving Principle,” Ensign, May 1990,

PHOTOGRAPH BY CRAIG DIMOND © IRI the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little 85–87.

September 2013 19 By Elder Jeffrey R. Holland Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles JusticeThe and Mercy of God

I know that we will be with the Savior again, that if we are faithful to Him, we will stand free—unfettered and unencumbered—and that we will recognize in the marks in His flesh something of His bondage and imprisonment and dying sacrifice for us.

20 Liahona Justice and Mercy of God t was unlike any other commencement robbery charge. The closing prayer was or baccalaureate exercise I had ever given by a man who was 45 or 50 years old Iattended or in which I had ever partici­ and who looked as if he could have been pated. There were 44 graduates, all male. somebody’s uncle. He was in for a life term They did not have traditional academic robes on second-degree murder. or caps or gowns. Each man wore a light A young man who had been released blue denim shirt and dark blue from prison had come back to denim trousers. get his certificate and to encour- The ceremony was not held age his colleagues. He said, in a field house or a stadium “Guys, the perspective in prison or even a lovely auditorium. is really bad. It really looks It was held in a modest inter­ better on the outside. Try to denominational chapel at the remember that.” Then he turned Utah State Prison. The graduat- to the outsiders, to the friends ing class had successfully com- and families who had come, pleted a year’s course of Bible study, which and said, “You people are a light in a dark was sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ place. If it were not for love like yours, we of Latter-day Saints but open to all who cared would not be able to get from where we are to participate. to where we need to be.” The opening prayer was given by a When the service was over, the inmate young man who looked more like a mere who conducted said, with some emotion in boy. He was frightened to death, but he his voice and a little mist in his eyes, “This gave a prayer from his heart. He was in is the most auspicious occasion of our year.

FROM LEFT: PHOTOGRAPH BY JEREMY BURKE HUNTER, MAY NOT BE COPIED; PHOTOGRAPH © THINKSTOCK PHOTOGRAPH BY JEREMY BURKE HUNTER, MAY FROM LEFT: prison for 10 years to life on an armed It’s better than Christmas. It’s better than

September 2013 21 Let us go to the place Thanksgiving. It’s even better than Mother’s reali­zation­ that my first thought—that God is of penitence—to the Day. It’s better because we’re enlightened, just—wasn’t as painful as it sounded. However bishop or to the Lord and that’s as close as we come to being free.” frightening it may be that all of us have sinned, or to those we have Then the gates clanged shut behind my however frightening it may be to contemplate offended or to those wife and me. That night we went home, a just God, it is infinitely more frightening to who have offended us. and I confess I couldn’t sleep. That experi- me to contemplate an unjust God. ence haunted me. In the early hours of that A basic principle of Latter-day Saint doc- morning, I had feelings and thoughts and a trine is that we have to know that God is just response to imprisonment and freedom (and in order to go forward. One of God’s attri­ their relationship to enlightenment and love) butes is justice, and we would not have the that I never had before. faith—because of fear—to live righteously or to love better or to repent more readily if The Justice of God somehow we didn’t think that justice would One impression I had that night is that count for us, if somehow we thought God God is just. Alma said: “Do ye suppose that would change His mind and decide there mercy can rob justice? I say unto you, Nay; was another set of rules.1 Because we know not one whit. If so, God would cease to be that God is just and would cease to be God if God” (Alma 42:25). The Apostle Paul said to He weren’t so, we have the faith to go for- the Galatians, “Be not deceived; God is not ward, knowing that we will not be the vic- mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that tims of whimsy or caprice or a bad day or a shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7). bad joke. That assurance is very encouraging. One of my thoughts that followed is that Paul really meant we reap in kind. It came The Mercy of God to me again that if we sow thistles, we don’t Then I had another thought. How grateful really plan to get strawberries. If we sow I was that because God is who He is, He has hate, we don’t really expect to receive an to be a merciful God also. In Alma 42, after abundance of love. We get back in kind that Alma had established with Corianton that God which we sow. had to be just, he declared that that same God Then another thought came as I remem- would have to be merciful as well and that bered those men in their blue: it’s one thing to mercy would claim the penitent. Now, that reap in kind, but we reap, somehow, always in thought was different to me because I had just greater quantity. We sow a little thistle, and we been to the penitentiary. This thought gave me get a lot of thistle—years and years of it, big encouragement: Mercy could claim the peni- bushes and branches of it. We never get rid of tent. I decided that if those men had to go to it unless we cut it out. If we sow a little bit of the penitentiary to take advantage of the gift hate, before we know it we’ve reaped a lot of of mercy—and if by going there, they found hate—smoldering and festering and belliger- the gospel of Jesus Christ or the scriptures or ent and finally warring, malicious hate. the Atonement—then their imprisonment was

Then, ironically, I had a comforting worth it. BY LES NILSSON © IRI; PHOTOGRAPH THINKSTOCK PHOTO ILLUSTRATION FROM LEFT:

22 Liahona If we sow thistles, we don’t really plan to get strawberries. If we sow hate, we don’t really expect to receive an abundance of love. We get back in kind that which we sow.

So let us go to the place of penitence—to undone, but it cannot ‘develop’ into good. the bishop or to the Lord or to those we have Time does not heal it. The spell must be offended or to those who have offended us. unwound.” 2 We have our own little penitentiaries, I sup- So God is just, “mercy claimeth the peni- pose, all around us. If going there is what it tent” (Alma 42:23), and evil can be undone. takes to make us truly penitent and to enable us to lay claim to the gift of mercy, then we The Need for Repentance have to do it. The final and crowning thought I had I know it isn’t easy to go back and undo helped me understand what maybe I had and make a new beginning, but I believe never literally understood. It is why in every with all my heart that it is easier and surely generation, to every dispensation, the Lord more satisfying to begin anew than to go has said what He said very early in the doc- on and try to believe that justice will not trines of this dispensation: “Say nothing but take its toll. repentance unto this generation; keep my A favorite British scholar said: “I do not commandments” (D&C 6:9). That became a think that all who choose wrong roads very positive, helpful, and moving thought perish; but their rescue consists in being put and verse for me. I knew in a way that I had back on the right road. A [mathematical] never understood before that there is no sum [incorrectly worked] can be put right: other way besides repentance. but only by going back till you find the If you are like other mortals, you have error and [then] working it afresh from that some areas in which to unchain yourself, point, never by simply going on. Evil can be you have some bonds and fetters you could FROM LEFT: PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY LES NILSSON © IRI; PHOTOGRAPH THINKSTOCK PHOTO ILLUSTRATION FROM LEFT:

September 2013 23 be free of, and you have some sins you learned,3 that light and truth forsake the evil could repent of. May I isolate just one one (see D&C 93:37), that the glory of God example: the bondage of ignorance. is intelligence (see D&C 93:36), and on and What seems to me the supreme on. At one time early in this dispensation, initial bond in our lives is simply not the entire Church, collectively, was indicted. to know enough. We learn little clichés The Lord says in section 84 of the Doctrine early in our lives. Two of them are and Covenants: “Ignorance is bliss” and “What I don’t “And I now give unto you a command- know won’t hurt me.” Let me say with ment to beware concerning yourselves, to all the intensity I have that nothing will give diligent heed to the words of eternal life. hurt you more than what you don’t know. I “For you shall live by every word that pro- believe that we will be indicted for the result- ceedeth forth from the mouth of God. ing bondage that we incur and that we will “For the word of the Lord is truth, and serve some sentence in this life or the next whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is for that which we fail to learn. light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ” Within the tenets of our faith we learn (verses 43–45; emphasis added). that we cannot be saved in ignorance (see The beginning of coming ultimately into D&C 131:6), that what we learn in this life the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, which rises with us in the resurrection (see D&C is where section 84 takes us, is the word. 130:18), that we have so much the advan- “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in tage in the world to come if we are knowl- you,” the Lord declared in His ministry, “ye edgeable (see D&C 130:19), that we are shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done saved in proportion to that which we have unto you” ( John 15:7; emphasis added).

I know it isn’t easy to go back and undo and start again and make a new beginning, but I believe with all my heart that it is easier and surely more satisfying to begin anew than to go on and try to believe that justice will not take its toll.

24 Liahona Joseph Smith wrote what may be the most The Importance of Freedom prisons in our lives that we need to destroy. sublime scriptural If we had to pick a theme for our existence All that we came here to do, we need to do. literature of our —the existence we know now, not our past I believe with all my heart that if we can dispensation out of the in premortality and not what lies ahead—that repent of our sins, if we can be charitable very heart and center theme would have to have something to do with the sins of others, if we can take cour- of a dingy, dismal, with the quest for true freedom. We know age toward our circumstances and want to and dreary prison. that an important part of the great Council do something about them, the living Father in Heaven was spent in teaching us how we of us all will reach down and, in the scrip- might progress toward complete freedom. tural term, “bear [us] up as on eagles’ wings” The Father’s course was one of agency and (D&C 124:18). choice—the freedom to err but ultimately the I have been borne on eagles’ wings. I freedom to succeed. As many safeguards as know with all my heart that God lives and that possible and all the powers of the universe Jesus is the Christ. I know that Jesus leads this were brought to bear to guarantee our free- Church, that it is His Church, that He is the dom to exercise our agency and return to our chief cornerstone, around which the founda- celestial home. These safeguards include the tion of living apostles and prophets is laid. I fulness of gospel truths and the Atonement of know that we will be with the Savior again, the Savior Jesus Christ. that if we are faithful to Him, we will stand We really do experience bondage and free—unfettered and unencumbered—and prison when we are not free. I almost wish I that we will recognize in the marks in His had been imprisoned sometime in my life so flesh something of His bondage and impris- I could make this statement very dramatic. onment and dying sacrifice for us. I know I wish I could talk like Peter or Paul and that we must repent of our sins and that God have the angels come to startle the guards has to be just, but I take great delight in the and open the prison gates (see Acts 12:5–11; scriptures and in the words of the living see also 16:25–26) or like Alma and Amulek prophets that where sin abounds, grace may and have the prison walls crumble (see much more abound and that “mercy claimeth BY GREG K. OLSEN, MAY NOT BE COPIED BY GREG K. OLSEN, MAY Alma 14:23–29) or like Joseph Smith, who the penitent.” ◼ could write what may be the most sublime From a fireside address, “Borne Upon Eagles’ Wings,” deliv- scriptural literature of our dispensation out ered on June 2, 1974, at Brigham Young University. For the full text in English, go to speeches.byu​ .edu.​ of the very heart and center of a dingy, For more on this topic, see D. Todd JOSEPH SMITH IN LIBERTY JAIL, JOSEPH SMITH IN LIBERTY dismal, dreary prison (see D&C 121–23). Christofferson, “Redemption,” Liahona and We thank God that we live in such a time as Ensign, May 2013, 109; and Craig A. Cardon, we do, when the President and prophet of “The Savior Wants to Forgive,” Liahona and our Church does not need to live in fear of Ensign, May 2013, 15. imprisonment and when we are not, at least NOTES politically and physically, required to go into 1. See Lectures on Faith (1985), 50–54. bondage or into slavery. But there are other 2. C. S. Lewis, The Great Divorce (1946), viii. 3. See Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY WELDEN C. ANDERSEN; PHOTO ILLUSTRATION kinds of bonds and there are other kinds of Smith (2007), 266.

September 2013 25 Christlike Mercy The mortal ministry of the Savior provides us with practical examples of how we can be merciful.

By Randy L. Daybell hen the Prophet Joseph Smith and Martin Jesus showed mercy by not blaming others. Harris lost 116 pages of the Book of Mormon At the Last Supper, hours before the betrayal, Judas Wtranslation, they received a severe rebuke from Iscariot ate the Passover meal with the other disciples. the Lord (see D&C 3:6–8, 12–13). Joseph lost the privilege When Jesus announced, “One of you shall betray me,” the of translating for a time and grieved over his disobedience.1 disciples, including Judas, asked Him, “Is it I?” (Matthew After he humbled himself and petitioned the Lord for 26:21–22). Jesus responded to Judas, “That thou doest, do forgiveness, the Savior assured Joseph, “Remember, God is quickly” ( John 13:27). Then at the entrance to the Garden merciful; . . . and thou art still chosen, and art again called of Gethsemane, Jesus and Judas again met. Judas said, “Hail, to the work” (D&C 3:10). master” and greeted the Savior with a kiss (Matthew 26:49), President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the to which Jesus asked, “Betrayest thou the Son of man with First Presidency, taught: “Christ is our exemplar. In His a kiss?” (Luke 22:48). Jesus’s reply, while not relieving Judas teachings [on mercy] as in His life, He showed us the way. of the consequences of his actions, does not lay blame upon He forgave the wicked, the vulgar, and those who sought him but rather appeals to Judas’s sense of right and wrong. to hurt and to do Him harm.” 2 After Jesus had endured at the hands of Roman soldiers The scriptures show that mercifulness is one of the hours of imprisonment, beating, whipping, marching through Savior’s supernal qualities. Jesus taught, “Blessed are the the city, and carrying and being nailed to a cross, He mer- merciful” (Matthew 5:7), and “Be ye therefore merciful, as cifully looked upon His captors and pled, “Father, forgive your Father also is merciful” (Luke 6:36).3 Mercy is defined them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). as compassion and includes feelings and acts of sympathy, kindness, forgiveness, and love. Our capacity for mercy is Jesus showed mercy by choosing to love often brought forth when we become aware of the unusual rather than condemn. and distressing circumstances of others. Jesus Christ demon- Early in His ministry, Jesus stopped to rest and refresh strated an infinite capacity for mercy. He “could not look into Himself at a well in Samaria during one of His journeys. men’s faces without being pained by their confusion, their A woman came to the well to draw water, and the Savior perplexity, and their misery. . . . Whenever he saw men faint- engaged her in conversation. She was astonished that He ing and scattered abroad like sheep having no shepherd, his would speak with her, “for the Jews [had] no dealings with heart was moved with compassion on them.” 4 The following principles from accounts in the New “Whenever [the Savior] saw men fainting and scattered Testament illustrate how the Savior extended mercy and abroad like sheep having no shepherd, his heart was moved how we may choose to be merciful to others. with compassion on them.”

26 Liahona BY NEWELL CONVERS WYETH, REPRODUCED PERMISSION OF THE COLBY COLLEGE MUSEUM ART THE LOST LAMB,

September 2013 27 the Samaritans.” But He overlooked the traditions that deval- toward the city and its people; instead He often expressed ued her in others’ eyes. He taught her about the living water sadness at their wickedness and refusal to repent. of the gospel, and He testified to her, “I that speak unto thee Days before His Crucifixion, Jesus rode into Jerusalem am [the Messiah].” (See John 4:3–39.) on a donkey. A multitude of followers rejoiced, placing During the closing days of His Perean ministry, Jesus their garments on the ground in front of Him and praising passed through the city of Jericho on His way to Jerusalem. God. (See Luke 19:28–38.) But Jesus knew that the loyalty A short, wealthy man named Zacchaeus climbed a tree of the people in Jerusalem would not last. As He looked to get a look at the Savior as He walked by. Jesus noticed over the city during His last week, the Savior wept, saying, him and invited Himself over to Zacchaeus’s house. Some “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and of Jesus’s disciples complained when they saw this, saying stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I that Jesus “was gone to be guest with a man that is a sin- have gathered thy children together, . . . and ye would not!” ner.” But Jesus saw the goodness in Zacchaeus and said, (Matthew 23:37; see also Luke 19:41–44). “This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he Mere days later, the crowds turned on Jesus and clam- also is a son of Abraham.” (See Luke 19:1–10.) ored for His execution. As the Savior was led away to be crucified, “a great company of people, and of women, . . . Jesus showed mercy by giving others many also bewailed and lamented him. opportunities to repent and be forgiven. “But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, Early in His ministry, Jesus returned to His hometown weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your synagogue in the city of Nazareth, where He had worship­ children” (Luke 23:27–28). Despite His public humiliation ped many times. He read to those who had gathered for the and intense personal suffering at the hands of the people Sabbath a prophecy from Isaiah about the Messiah. He then in Jerusalem, the Savior did not become bitter against plainly testified to them that He was the Messiah. The peo- them and expressed sadness that they refused to repent. ple in the synagogue were “filled with wrath” at His words, and they “thrust him out of the city . . . that they might cast Jesus showed mercy by helping others in need. him” off a cliff. (See Luke 4:16–30.) Jesus’s lifelong friends During one of His journeys, Jesus approached the had become His enemies. Some time later, Jesus ventured city of Nain, where He saw “a dead man carried out, the to Nazareth again and taught the people. And even though only son of his mother, and she was a widow” (Luke 7:12). they were again offended by Him, He had tried twice to help Elder James E. Talmage (1862–1933) of the Quorum of the them understand. (See Matthew 13:54–57.) Twelve Apostles describes the ensuing miracle in his book The leaders of the Jews were the Savior’s most bitter ene- Jesus the Christ: “Our Lord looked with compassion upon mies. They sought to kill Him because He threatened their the sorrowing mother, now bereft of both husband and traditions. Yet Jesus repeatedly urged them to repent and son; and, feeling in Himself the pain of her grief, He said be reconciled to the truth. The scriptures record at least 10 in a gentle tone, ‘Weep not.’ He touched the stretcher [and] major sermons that Jesus directed specifically at these leaders . . . addressing the corpse He said: ‘Young man, I say unto where He identified their sins and invited them to repent. thee, Arise.’ And the dead heard the voice of Him who is Lord of all, and immediately sat up and spoke. Graciously Jesus showed mercy by avoiding bitterness. Jesus delivered the young man to his mother.” 5 Jerusalem was the site of the Savior’s eventual suffering Jesus performed numerous other miracles for people and death. He could have become resentful and angry during times of need. He healed a leper, calmed the sea,

28 Liahona Jesus performed numerous miracles for people during times of need. He healed a leper, calmed the sea, and raised Jairus’s daughter from the dead.

and raised Jairus’s daughter from the dead. He made whole on the multitude, and beheld they were in tears. . . . an infirm man at the pool of Bethesda, healed a deaf man “And he said unto them: Behold, my bowels are filled with a speech impediment, and cleansed 10 lepers. Each with compassion towards you. was in desperate need. “Have ye any that are sick among you? . . . Bring them The Savior has marked the path to follow. We can strive hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon to be merciful by not blaming others, choosing to love you; my bowels are filled with mercy” (3 Nephi 17:5–7; rather than condemn, giving others many opportunities emphasis added). His mercy is infinite. He will bless us to repent, avoiding bitterness, and helping others in need. with the divine gift of mercy if we will come unto Him The more we recognize and remember the many mercies (see Moroni 10:32). ◼ extended to us through Jesus Christ, the more we will learn The author lives in New York, USA. to extend mercy to others. For more on this topic, see Dallin H. Oaks, “Followers of President Uchtdorf has counseled: “There is enough Christ,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2013, 96. heartache and sorrow in this life without our adding to NOTES it through our own stubbornness, bitterness, and resent- 1. See Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2011), ment. . . . We must let go of our grievances. . . . That is the 69–71. 2. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Merciful Obtain Mercy,” Liahona and Ensign, May 6 Lord’s way.” 2012, 76. 3. The Greek word in Matthew 5:7 is eleémón, meaning compassionate. When the resurrected Lord visited the Nephites in the The Greek word in Luke 6:36 is oiktirmón, also meaning compassionate. Americas, He taught the people. And when it came time 4. Charles Edward Jefferson, The Character of Jesus (1908), 154. 5. James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ, 33rd ed. (1977), 252.

ILLUSTRATION BY DAN BURR ILLUSTRATION for Him to leave, Jesus “cast his eyes round about again 6. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Merciful Obtain Mercy,” 76–77.

September 2013 29 How Is Doctrine Established? By LaRene Porter Gaunt Church Magazines

Doctrine comes s Latter-day Saints, “we believe all that confirmation that the doctrines of the gospel today as it God has revealed, all that He does of Jesus Christ are true. This personal reve- did anciently — A now reveal, and we believe that lation comes through prayer, scripture study, He will yet reveal many great and important and the witness of the Holy Ghost. We show through divine things pertaining to the Kingdom of God” that we accept the doctrine of Jesus Christ by revelation (Articles of Faith 1:9). repenting, being baptized, receiving the gift to prophets. Of the relationship between revelation of the Holy Ghost, and continuing to follow and doctrine, Elder D. Todd Christofferson the laws and keep the covenants of the gos- of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, pel throughout our life. “In the Church today, just as anciently, estab- The following flowchart, based on Elder lishing the doctrine of Christ or correcting Christofferson’s April 2012 general con­ doctrinal deviations is a matter of divine ference address, shows how doctrine is revelation to those the Lord endows with established.2 ◼ apostolic authority.” 1 NOTES Just as revelation is the means by which 1. D. Todd Christofferson, “The Doctrine of Christ,” doctrine comes to prophets, seers, and reve- Liahona and Ensign, May 2012, 86. 2. See D. Todd Christofferson, “The Doctrine of Christ,” lators, each of us can also receive our own 86–90.

The First Presidency The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles PHOTOGRAPHS BY CRAIG DIMOND © IRI; CHART GRAPHICS BY TAIA MORLEY PHOTOGRAPHS BY CRAIG DIMOND © IRI; CHART GRAPHICS BY TAIA

30 Liahona REVELATION OF DOCTRINE COMES FROM JESUS CHRIST When revelation is doctrine for the whole Church, it comes to only the First How Is Doctrine Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (see Amos 3:7; D&C 1:38; 28:2). REVELATION MAY COME BY . . .

HIS OWN PERSON HIS OWN VOICE THE VOICE OF THE MESSENGER God appeared to Moses The Lord spoke to HOLY GHOST The messengers and showed him the Nephi and com- This type of revelation Moses, Elias, and Elijah workmanship of His manded him to build is communicated Spirit appeared to Joseph hands ( see Moses 1:1–9; a ship to bring his to spirit. The New Smith and Oliver see also Joseph Smith— family to the Americas Testament Apostles Cowdery and each History 1:15–20). (see 1 Nephi 17:7–8). received a confirma- committed the keys tion through the Holy of his dispensation Ghost that they should to the Prophet (see not require new D&C 110:11–16). converts to keep the law of Moses (see Acts 15:5–29).

REVELATION MAY COME TO . . .

THE PRESIDENT OF THE PROPHETS ACTING CHURCH INDIVIDUALLY IN COUNCIL The prophet and President The disciples in the Americas of the Church can receive prayed to know what they revelation individually should name the Church. that becomes doctrine Christ appeared to them when it is sustained by and answered, “Whatsoever the united voice of the ye shall do, ye shall do it in First Presidency and my name; therefore ye shall Quorum of the Twelve call the church in my name” Apostles (see Acts 10; (3 Nephi 27:7). Official Declaration 2).

September 2013 31 Righteous role models can greatly bless teens during one of the most critical stages of their lives. TODAY’S YOUNG MEN NEED Righteous Role Models

By Hikari Loftus Church Magazines

n high school, Todd Sylvester had two of the Church, called him up and said, “Todd, goals: to be great at basketball and to I felt prompted to tell you that we need you Ibe known as the biggest partier in the on our side. . . . You’re going to help a lot of school. people, especially the youth and kids.” At the age of 14, Todd started drinking and A few years later, after his baptism and using drugs. He was not a member of the temple marriage, Brother Sylvester was called Church, and his parents did not teach him, as to serve in the Young Men program—a call- he describes it, “one way or another” regarding ing that would lead him to 14 years of serv- his behavior. Over the years, his drug addic- ing the young men. tion and alcoholism ruined his once-promising Using his past as motivation to help the basketball career and sent him down a path young men he was called to serve, Brother that left him contemplating suicide. Sylvester found a way to relate to the struggles Unfortunately, elements of Todd’s story he saw the boys go through. “I think most kids can be seen in the lives of many young men are afraid to talk about when they are strug- today, even among members of the Church. gling,” he says. “But I shared my story with However, Todd didn’t have something young these kids every year. I think because of that, men of the Church have: righteous role they felt comfortable coming to me saying, models. Adult Church leaders can be a great ‘Hey, I’m struggling with pornography or drink- blessing to teens during one of the most ing or suicidal thoughts.’” Brother Sylvester critical stages of their lives. Because of his could support them as they worked on repent- background, Todd, who joined the Church at ing, which included visits with the bishop. age 22, now tries to be a positive role model Leaders who listen and provide loving feed- to youth in his ward. back to youth during critical times can create Brother Sylvester’s turnaround came when, powerful connections that help shape a young during his darkest hour, he uttered a simple person’s identity. Mat Duerden, an assistant prayer: “God, I need help.” A month and a professor at Brigham Young University who

PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONS BY PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONS WELDEN C. ANDERSEN half later, a longtime friend, who is a member received his PhD in youth development, says,

September 2013 33 “Adolescence is [when individuals] develop a sense of per- While adult Church leaders can play a critical role in sonal identity: values, beliefs, roles, etc. That is an explor- helping mentor a teen, prophets and apostles have said atory process. Part of that process is getting feedback from that the primary role models for youth are their parents. peers or parents or other adults, and it can be really power- For example, Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of ful if it is a respected and valued adult.” the Twelve Apostles has said: “Fathers, you are the pri- Brother Duerden continues, “The most effective mentor- mary model of manhood for your sons. You are their most ing roles are built on common respect for each other and meaningful mentor, and believe it or not, you are their hero the youth’s feeling that there is someone who really cares in countless ways. Your words and your example are a about him no matter how he dresses or speaks.” great influence on them” (“Fathers and Sons: A Remarkable “Most boys long to have a relationship with their dads,” Relationship,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2009, 47). says Brother Sylvester. “If they don’t have that, the next best None of the strong relationships that Brother Sylvester thing is to be able to have a male adult figure they can talk created with the young men were immediate; he had to to, bounce ideas off, and not be judged, ridiculed, or criti- cultivate those relationships through years of service. Of cized because of their problems. I wasn’t there to replace the 20 young men he taught, 17 went on to serve missions. their dads, but I wanted to be there so they could talk to At least 5 of them had no intention of serving before inter- me in a way that is healthy.” acting with Brother Sylvester. “The reason why I had such success with these boys is that they knew I absolutely loved them,” Brother Sylvester says. “They knew it—not because I said it but because I acted it. I really focused on their having a relation- ship with their Savior. I just felt that “It is important to have shared was the key for them to get through experiences with the youth so everything and to move forward in you are on the same playing life and be successful.” field. Instead of standing on the sidelines, you need to By helping young men develop a actively participate. There relationship­ with the Savior, Brother is real power in shared Sylvester hoped that their testimonies experiences. would lead them toward serving mis- “All members should be sions, being married in the temple, and engaged with youth, regardless raising a righteous family. “That is the of their calling.” plan of happiness,” he says. “That is why Mat Duerden, assistant professor, Brigham Young University [helping the youth] is important.” ◼

34 Liahona SUCCESS STORIES The following young men had positive role models who made a difference in their lives.

I Never Missed Sacrament Meeting Again He Saw Me as a Child of God s an adolescent, I went through the normal trials of hroughout my youth in Missouri, USA, Blaine A those that age. In addition, I had a father who was TBartholomew, a member of the stake Young Men not active in the Church, so my mother was my only refer- presidency, was a good friend to me at activities. However, ence point in the gospel. Though I may not have realized I never took his friendship or advice to heart. It wasn’t it, I needed a priesthood holder to emulate. until I became 18 that a deeper relationship truly began. Heavenly Father placed in my path a man who still, to He watched me struggle and continue to fall, and as my this day, exercises great influence on me. His name is Paulo bishop at the time, he tried to counsel me and lead me César dos Santos. back to the path of righteousness. Eventually I fell into I recall one Sunday when I did not want to go to church. drugs and alcohol, and after moving away, I continued on I wanted my mother to leave me in peace. I told her that that downward course. she could go on ahead to church and I would get ready and When I returned home, I remembered Blaine and the go a little later. I did not go but stayed home and watched love he had for me. He willingly continued that friendship a race on TV. After a while, though, I heard Bishop Paulo’s and made me a part of his family. He became not only a familiar voice calling from the gate. He patiently talked to friend but also a second father. Many times when I was me, and I reluctantly went to sacrament meeting. drunk or under the influence of drugs he took care of me. This experience had a lifelong effect on me, and I have I am older now and cherish my relationship with Blaine. never missed a sacrament meeting since. His constant encouragement, love, and support have meant Vinicius Elias Barbosa Jardim, São Paulo, Brazil more than he can know. He has never doubted my poten- tial as a child of God. Now I am trying to overcome my sins and pride and am on the verge of making covenants I never imagined I would be able to make. I am grateful that Heavenly Father raised up such a man to be an exam- ple for me. Name withheld, Utah, USA

September 2013 35 Still A CLARION CALL

Prophets and By Richard M. Romney Church Magazines apostles declare that “The Family: n a world where marriage is imperiled promises that “we will attract the world to A Proclamation and traditional families are attacked, one us. Parents who place a high priority on their to the World” Idocument in particular provides clarity families will gravitate to the Church. . . . and guidance. Prophets and apostles say “Our family-centered perspective should is even more “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” make Latter-day Saints strive to be the best relevant today applies as much or more today as when it parents in the world. It should give us enor- than when it was issued in 1995.1 mous respect for our children, who truly are was first issued. our spiritual siblings, and it should cause A Modern Title of Liberty us to devote whatever time is necessary to The proclamation on the family remains strengthen our families. Indeed, nothing is “a clarion call to protect and strengthen fami- more critically connected to happiness—both lies,” according to Elder M. Russell Ballard of our own and that of our children—than how the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.2 well we love and support one another within Our world is similar to the deteriorating the family.” 5 Nephite society in the Book of Mormon, and Elder Ballard encourages Latter-day Saints to Strength beyond Your Own “make [the proclamation] a banner not unlike Elder Ballard counsels families everywhere General Moroni’s ‘title of liberty,’ and to com- to get a copy of the proclamation and to mit ourselves to live by its precepts.” 3 align themselves to its teachings. “Be the very best and act the very best Critical to Happiness you can. God will give you strength beyond The world promotes many diverse paths to your own as you strive daily to fulfill the happiness. But modern prophets assert that most sacred mortal responsibility He gives the greatest possibilities for happiness exist in to His children. Listen to the voice of the celestial marriage.4 Spirit and the counsel of the living prophets. If we live and act upon our knowledge Be of good cheer. God did not place you that families can be eternal, Elder Ballard on earth to fail, and your efforts as parents

36 Liahona ind and share the Fproclamation on the family at lds.org/topics/ family.

will not be counted as failure unless you He quotes the prophetic warning and call to NOTES 6 1. See M. Russell Ballard, give up.” action with which the proclamation ends: “What Matters Most Is What “We warn that individuals who violate Lasts Longest,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2005, 41. Hope for Eternal Life covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or 2. M. Russell Ballard, “What Matters Most Is What Lasts The family proclamation teaches that fami- offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsi- Longest,” 41. lies can endure forever. Elder Russell M. Nelson bilities will one day stand accountable before 3. M. Russell Ballard, “What Matters Most Is What Lasts of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles teaches God. Further, we warn that the disintegration Longest,” 42. 4. See Russell M. Nelson, that “while salvation is an individual matter, of the family will bring upon individuals, com- “Celestial Marriage,” exaltation is a family matter. . . . When a family munities, and nations the calamities foretold Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2008, 92–94. is sealed in the temple, that family may become by ancient and modern prophets.” 10 5. M. Russell Ballard, “What 7 Matters Most Is What Lasts as eternal as the kingdom of God itself.” Longest,” 42. President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor An International Document 6. M. Russell Ballard, “The Sacred Responsibilities in the First Presidency, explains that our When President Gordon B. Hinckley of Parenthood,” Liahona, Mar. 2006, 17; Ensign, Mar. families are “fundamental not only to society (1910–2008) introduced the family proclama- 2006, 33. and to the Church but also to our hope for tion at the general Relief Society meeting on 7. Russell M. Nelson, “Celestial Marriage,” 92, 93. eternal life.” 8 September 23, 1995, he said its purpose was 8. Henry B. Eyring, “The 11 Family,” Liahona, Oct. 1998, to “warn and forewarn” the world against 23; Ensign, Feb. 1998, 18. A Warning ahead of Its Time deviating from its standards. Since then, 9. Henry B. Eyring, Liahona, Oct. 1998, 23; Ensign, Feb. President Eyring warns that the conse- the document has been published in many 1998, 18. 10. “The Family: A Proclamation quences for ignoring the teachings in the languages, has been repeatedly discussed to the World,” Liahona and family proclamation “will be more disas- in general conference, and is displayed in Ensign, Nov. 2010, 129. 11. Gordon B. Hinckley, “Stand trous than simply lack of peace in this life or meetinghouses and homes internationally. Strong against the Wiles of 9 the World,” Ensign, Nov. absence of happiness.” It is a prophetic proclamation provided by a 1995, 100. The proclamation is prophetic, he says, loving Heavenly Father to give guidance to because it warns against the very things that His children—guidance that was never more

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY CRAIG DIMOND AND CODY BELL © IRI PHOTO ILLUSTRATION have undermined families in recent years. needed than it is today. ◼

September 2013 37 LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES

SERMON BEHIND THE PULPIT

s my family sat a few rows behind up, and of her struggles as a single in preparing for the sacrament. A the deacons one sacrament mother. It was a wonderful talk that The young man and his mother meeting, all I could think about before left her in tears. She took her seat on came down from the stand and sat the opening hymn was that one of the stand and continued to cry as the together as the choir began to sing. I the deacons had failed to properly ward choir gathered to sing. sat there, unable to listen to the music tie his long tie and correctly tuck in Just then her son, with his crooked because the sermon taught by this his wrinkled shirt. I thought someone tie and untucked shirt, stood and deacon flooded my heart with a mes- should have helped him out. After all, walked to the stand. He hugged his sage of Christlike charity. when passing the sacrament, deacons mother and crouched beside her to He had performed his act with should be an example of the Savior in comfort her. Tears came to my eyes tenderness and care. There was not action and dress. as the scene played out before me; the slightest sign of embarrassment The meeting proceeded, and I I was touched beyond words. But on his young face—only pure love. forgot about him. After the deacons then reali­zation dawned, and I hung The subsequent messages over the had passed the sacrament, the talks my head. Sitting in my crisp double- pulpit that day were good, but I will began. The second speaker was the breasted suit, with my perfectly tied always remember the sermon behind young man’s mother. She spoke of tie and polished black shoes, I real- the pulpit. ◼ her conversion, of her trials growing ized I had truly missed something Jeff Fullmer, Idaho, USA

ith his Wcrooked tie and untucked shirt, he stood and walked to the stand. He hugged his mother and crouched beside her to comfort her.

38 Liahona ILLUSTRATIONS BY BRADLEY CLARK S and though and though date approached, to anyotheractivity. The tochurchor cons returned—not for anincrease in attendance. ing thatthey neededtobeprepared back, andpreparedactivities, believ less-active deaconsandinvitedthem together, fastedtogether, visitedthe would beanswered. They prayed promised, expectingthattheirprayers three young mendidwhatthey had forward withfaithandconfidence. were thewillofLord, sothey moved pledged todothefollowing: this sacredendeavor andprayerfully their goal. They prayed for successin weeks away—by whichtoachieve prayerfully setadate—aSunday six Church meetingsandactivities. They tobeginattending in theirquorum least two oftheless-active deacons presidency decidedthey wanted at presidency. ofthequorum part deacons, allofwhomwere calledtobe weIn ourquorum hadthreeactive DEACONS NEW TWO Despite theirdiligence, nodea During thefollowing weeks, these The presidencyfelt thatthesegoals • • • • In oneoftheirmeetings, thisyoung serving as deacons quorum adviser. asdeaconsquorum serving ome years agoIhadtheprivilegeof structured program. structured ing deaconswould enterawell- Plan activities sothatanyreturn Plan activities Visit eachdeaconontheroll. Fast together. Pray togetherregularly. - - - to church. deacons back the less-active and invited fasted together, prayed together, three young men weeks, these D had beeninvestigating theChurch that two 12-year-old young menwho meeting announced duringsacrament to camechurch. Butthebishop the presidencyhadreachedout and noneoftheyoung menwhom answer theirprayers. confident thatHeavenly Father would to church, theyoung menremained wereof theirquorum notreturning they were disappointedthatmembers The Sunday oftheirgoalarrived, following uring the

quorum that one memberofthepresi quorum the Lordkeeps Hispromises. answered that andtolearn sodirectly andprayers dency toseetheirefforts what ablessingitwas for thepresi withsuchapresidency.quorum And new membersoftheChurchtojoina would bebaptizedthatevening. Anthony Poutu,NewZealand dency said, “Let’s dothisagain.” ◼ Such was theexcitement inthe What ablessingitwas for thesetwo - - HEAVENLY FATHER’S LOVE

ome time ago our friends asked if On the first evening with our guests, To make Mary feel comfortable, Stheir son, John, and his girlfriend we felt that we should not invite them my husband told her about the plan could stay at our place for a weeklong to study with us. But the next evening of salvation, the Savior Jesus Christ, visit. John is less active, and his girl- before scripture study, John shyly Joseph Smith’s First Vision, and the friend is not a member of the Church. knocked on our door and said, “Mary Book of Mormon. She talked with We let her have our son’s room and is afraid to ask, but she would like to us until midnight. gave John a couch in the living room. know if we can join you.” The next day, John and Mary Before they arrived, we prayed We swung open the door, invited joined us for a discussion with the to Heavenly Father, asking how we them in, and began studying the Book missionaries. I will never forget should present ourselves to them—as of Mormon together. Mary had never the spirit that filled the room. After teachers, parents, or simply friends? read scriptures before and did not a simple discussion, we talked about The answer came that we needed to know whether she believed in God. the nature of our Heavenly Father. follow the promptings of the Spirit She admitted that when she came to Then Mary asked why God allows and help them spiritually. our home, she had been afraid we suffering if He loves us, a question Every evening my husband, son, might make her take part in something I had pondered for a long time. and I sit down to study the scriptures. religious she did not understand. Several days earlier I had received a letter from a friend who had miscar- ohn shyly knocked on our door ried her third child, so Mary’s question and said, “Mary is afraid to ask, J touched my heart. I testified that times but she would like to know if we of happiness and joy occasionally can- can join you for scripture study.” not teach us as deeply and eternally as times of personal tragedy. I told Mary that grief can temper us just as fire tempers iron. If we remain true to God while passing through trials, our faith will grow. It was an unforgettable discussion. Afterward we sat silently while the Spirit testified of our Heavenly Father’s love. When Mary looked up, her eyes were bright and full of tears. I do not know what will happen in the coming years, but I know for certain that the understanding I saw in Mary’s eyes that day will help her through- out her life and may help lead her to her Heavenly Father. ◼ Anna Nikiticheva, Russia

40 Liahona HE BLESSED MY SOUR NOTE

y ears burned bright red with University–Idaho. He had said, “When I returned to the meetinghouse. The Membarrassment as my teenage we act in faith in [ Jesus] to do His Lord had blessed an unpolished musi- son, Derek, and I finished singing “Be work, He goes with us” to serve oth- cal number and carried its message Still, My Soul” 1 in sacrament meeting. ers and “blesses us to say just what perfectly into the grieving heart of a I had not properly warmed up my they need to hear.” He also taught that young sister to comfort her sorrowing voice before the meeting began, and “what we actually say and actually do soul. In addition, the Lord used this as a result, when I tried to reach a may feel a little awkward or not very touching experience to carry into my high note, my voice cracked badly. polished. . . . But the Savior takes our heart a much deeper understanding of I slid back onto my bench, feeling words and our actions and He carries a profound gospel principle. ◼ uncomfortable despite supportive them through His spirit unto the hearts Randy Lonsdale, Alberta, Canada looks from my smiling wife, assuring of the people. He takes our sincere but NOTES me that I had not ruined the spirit of imperfect effort and turns it into some- 1. Hymns, no. 124. 2. Kim B. Clark, “Love by Faith” (Brigham the meeting. thing that is just right, indeed, into Young University–Idaho devotional, July After the closing prayer I headed something that is perfect.” 2 29, 2010), www.byui.edu/Presentations/ Transcripts/EducationWeek/2010_07_29_ for my car to retrieve a lesson manual. Tears of gratitude filled my eyes as Clark.htm. A sister in our ward stood near the door, sobbing. A friend supported her had not properly warmed up my with an arm around her shoulder. As voice before the meeting began, I passed by, the weeping sister called I and as a result, when I tried to reach my name and expressed her apprecia- a high note, my voice cracked badly. tion to me for choosing the hymn we sang and for performing it in a way that touched her deeply. She explained that she had given birth to a stillborn baby several days earlier and had battled anger and despair ever since. As Derek and I sang the hymn, she had felt the Spirit wrap her aching soul in a peaceful, comforting warmth. It had filled her with the hope she needed to bear her cross of grief. I awkwardly mumbled thanks and headed out the door, feeling blessed and humbled by her words. As I reached the car, I remembered a devotional address by Kim B. Clark, president of Brigham Young

September 2013 41 42 Liahona YOUNG ADULTS HIS GRACE IS Sufficient How does God’s grace really work?

By Brad Wilcox young woman once came repent, make and keep covenants, it? Practice! Does the child’s practice to me and asked if we could receive the Holy Ghost, and endure pay the piano teacher? No. Does the A talk. I said, “Of course. How to the end. By complying, we are not child’s practice repay Mom for pay- can I help you?” paying the demands of justice—not ing the piano teacher? No. Practicing She said, “I just don’t get grace.” even the smallest part. Instead, we are is how the child shows appreciation I responded, “What is it that you showing appreciation for what Jesus for Mom’s incredible gift. It is how don’t understand?” Christ did by using it to live a life like he takes advantage of the amazing She said, “I know I need to do my His. Justice requires immediate per- opportunity Mom is giving him to live best, and then Jesus does the rest, but fection or a punishment when we fall his life at a higher level. Mom’s joy I can’t even do my best.” short. Because Jesus took that punish­ is found not in getting repaid but in I said, “The truth is, Jesus paid our ment, He can offer us the chance for seeing her gift used—seeing her child debt in full. He didn’t pay it all except ultimate perfection (see Matthew 5:48; improve. And so she continues to call for a few coins. He paid it all. It is 3 Nephi 12:48) and help us reach for practice, practice, practice. finished.” that goal. He can forgive what justice If the child sees Mom’s requirement She said, “Right! Like I don’t have to never could, and He can turn to us of practice as being too overbearing do anything?” now with His own set of requirements (“Gosh, Mom, why do I need to prac- “Oh, no,” I said, “you have plenty (see 3 Nephi 28:35). tice? None of the other kids have to to do, but it is not to pay that debt. We practice! I’m just going to be a pro- will all be resurrected. We will all go Grace Transforms Us fessional baseball player anyway!”), back to God’s presence to be judged. Christ’s arrangement with us is perhaps it is because he doesn’t yet BY HEINRICH HOFMANN, COURTESY OF C. HARRISON CONROY CO.; BACKGROUND © THINKSTOCK/ISTOCKPHOTO What is left to be determined by our similar to a mom providing music see with Mom’s eyes. He doesn’t see obedience is how comfortable we lessons for her child. Mom pays the how much better his life could be if he plan to be in God’s presence and what piano teacher. Because Mom pays would choose to live on a higher plane.

CHRIST IN GETHSEMANE, degree of glory we plan on receiving.” the debt in full, she can turn to her In the same way, because Jesus Christ asks us to show faith in Him, child and ask for something. What is has paid justice, He can now turn to DETAIL FROM DETAIL

September 2013 43 us and say: “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19); “Keep my commandments” ( John 14:15). If we see His requirements as being way too much to ask, maybe it is because we do not yet see through Christ’s eyes. We have not yet comprehended what He is trying to make of us. Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has said, “The repenting sinner must suffer for his sins, but this suffering has a different purpose than punishment­ or payment. Its purpose is change ” (The Lord’s Way [1991], 223; emphasis in original). Let’s put that in terms of the child pianist: The child must practice the piano, but this practice has a different purpose than punishment or payment. Its purpose is change. The miracle of the Atonement is not just When we understand that we can live after we die but that we grace, we understand can live more abundantly (see John 10:10). that the blessings of The miracle of the Atonement is not just that we can be cleansed and consoled but Christ’s Atonement that we can be transformed (see Romans are continuous and His 8). Scriptures make it clear that no unclean strength is perfect in thing can dwell with God (see Alma 40:26), our weakness. but no unchanged thing will even want to. The miracle of the Atonement is not just that we can go home but that— miraculously—we can feel at home there. If Heavenly Father and His Son did not BY HEINRICH HOFMANN, COURTESY OF C. HARRISON CONROY CO. require faith and repentance, then there would be no desire to change. Think of your friends and family members who have chosen to live without faith and without repentance. They don’t want to change.

They are not trying to abandon sin and CHRIST AND THE RICH YOUNG RULER, become comfortable with God. Rather, they

are trying to abandon God and become FROM DETAIL

44 Liahona YOUNG ADULTS

KEY IDEAS comfortable with sin. If the Father and • We are saved through the kicks in once our fuel supply is the Son did not require covenants and grace of Christ, who paid the exhausted. Rather, it is our constant bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost, price of our sins. energy source. It is not the light at the then there would be no way to change. • Our works, such as repen- end of the tunnel but the light that We would be left forever with only tance and keeping the moves us through the tunnel. Grace willpower, with no access to His commandments, do not save is not achieved somewhere down power. If Heavenly Father and His Son us, but they are requirements the road. It is received right here and did not require endurance to the end, set by the Savior to help right now. then there would be no internalization transform us. of those changes over time. They • God’s grace is divine power Grace Is Sufficient would forever be surface and to help us with all of our The grace of Christ is sufficient (see cosmetic rather than sinking inside shortcomings and is available Ether 12:27; D&C 17:8)—sufficient to us and becoming part of us—part of to us at all times. cover our debt, sufficient to transform who we are. Put simply, if Jesus didn’t us, and sufficient to help us for as long require practice, then we would never as that transformation process takes. become Saints. The Book of Mormon teaches us to rely solely on “the merits, and mercy, and Grace Helps Us but they continually feel like they grace of the Holy Messiah” (2 Nephi “But don’t you realize how hard it are just not good enough. They 2:8). As we do, we do not discover—as is to practice? I’m just not very good don’t understand grace. some Christians believe—that Christ at the piano. I hit a lot of wrong There should never be just two requires nothing of us. Rather, we dis- notes. It takes me forever to get it options: perfection or giving up. cover the reason He requires so much right.” Now wait. Isn’t that all part of When learning the piano, are the only and find the strength to do all He asks the learning process? When a young options performing at Carnegie Hall or (see Philippians 4:13). Grace is not the pianist hits a wrong note, we don’t quitting? No. Growth and development­ absence of God’s high expectations. say he is not worthy to keep prac- take time. Learning takes time. When Grace is the presence of God’s power ticing. We don’t expect him to be we understand grace, we understand (see Luke 1:37). flawless. We just expect him to keep that God is long-suffering, that change God’s grace is sufficient. Jesus’s trying. Perfection may be his ultimate is a process, and that repentance is a grace is sufficient. It is enough. It is all goal, but for now we can be content pattern in our lives. When we under- we need. Don’t quit. Keep trying. Don’t with progress in the right direction. stand grace, we understand that the look for escapes and excuses. Look Why is this perspective so easy to blessings of Christ’s Atonement are for the Lord and His perfect strength. see in the context of learning piano continuous and His strength is perfect Don’t search for someone to blame. but so hard to see in the context of in our weakness (see 2 Corinthians Search for someone to help you. Seek learning heaven? 12:9). When we understand grace, Christ, and, as you do, you will feel the Too many are giving up on the we can, as it says in the Doctrine and enabling power and divine help we Church because they are tired of Covenants, “continue in patience until call His amazing grace. ◼ constantly feeling like they are falling [we] are perfected” (D&C 67:13). From a devotional address given at Brigham Young University on July 12, 2011. For the full text short. They have tried in the past, Grace is not a booster engine that in English, visit speeches.byu.edu.

September 2013 45 By Elder D. Todd Christofferson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

STEPS TO HAPPINESS Commandments are not given to restrict but rather to make possible what we truly desire and what our Heavenly Father, who loves us, wants for us.

46 Liahona Y outh

SUNDAY LESSONS

This Month’s Topic: The Commandments

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

t times, some people get Father who loves us gives unto confused, thinking that the us according to our desires. If we A commandments are restric- desire it, He is going to give us more tions or limitations that complicate commandments in order to facilitate life, that take away opportunities or our progress. happiness or the pleasures of life. In So, young people, please don’t reality, the commandments protect us complain about the commandments. and guide us to happiness. They are Don’t say, “I don’t want any more,” hroughout September you’ll be not to restrict but rather to make pos- but rather say, “Yes, more, more. Tstudying about the commandments sible—to allow us to achieve in this I want to progress. I want to be in your priesthood quorums and Young life and in the next—what we truly happy. I want to be like my Heavenly Women and Sunday School classes. You desire and what our Heavenly Father, Father. And the commandments show may want to think about some command- who loves us, wants for us. me how to do so. They open up the ments that your peers often struggle They are like a flight of stairs. Each pathway before me and also protect with. What blessings have you or others step may represent one command­ me from evil and the things that received by following those command- ment, and with each commandment destroy happiness—and sometimes ments? Brainstorm ways you could testify that we obey, we can move upward. they even protect life itself.” of those blessings to people around you, Then, if we understand the essence I hope that you’re convinced. and follow the Spirit to know what to say of the commandments, we want We have to do all things necessary to and when to say it. You could role-play more. We don’t feel resentment keep the commandments, even if it some examples during a family home regarding the commandments; we seems we are all alone as we do so. ◼ evening or share your testimony during a

want more in order to be able to From an address given to youth in Salta, Sunday School lesson. progress more. And a Heavenly Argentina, in November 2011.

For more information on this topic, see Thomas S. Monson, “Obedience Brings Blessings,” Liahona and

ILLUSTRATION BY DAVID HABBEN; PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ROBERT CASEY © IRI HABBEN; PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY DAVID ILLUSTRATION Ensign, May 2013, 89; and L. Tom Perry, “Obedience to Law Is Liberty,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2013, 86.

September 2013 47 What’s So GREAT about the GREAT and SPACIOUS BUILDING?

By Dennis C. Gaunt

bby is excited about going to the described in Lehi’s vision of the tree of a while they appear to run parallel prom but wishes her new dress life. In that vision, we learn that two to the gospel path. Some are glamor- A were just a little more like the of the main reasons people leave the ously carpeted in red and echo with dresses her friends will be wearing. strait and narrow path are that they applause. Others appear to be paved She thinks her friends will look more are blinded by the allure of temptation with gold and jewels. glamorous and sophisticated in their (see 1 Nephi 8:23; 12:17) and that they The appeal of the great and spa- sleeveless dresses than she will in her are embarrassed by the mockery from cious building itself is very similar. modest dress, and she worries she’ll those in the great and spacious build- After all, some of the richest, most stand out. ing (see 1 Nephi 8:26–28). Let’s exam- popular, most attractive, and most Nate is hanging out with his friends ine these two parts of Lehi’s vision powerful people in the world live one evening when one of his bud- to see if we can not only understand there! Who wouldn’t want to hang dies brings out some cans of beer them better but also learn from them out with, act like, and dress like those and passes them around. When Nate to find the strength to stand up and people? They often appear to be refuses at first, saying, “I can’t,” his stand out for what is right. having a much better time than the friends begin to laugh and tease him. rest of us who are trying to stay on the Nate doesn’t want his friends to think Walk This Way gospel path. he’s not cool, so he considers taking a The problem with the temptations Much like our friend Abby, the few sips of beer just to get his friends of the world is that they’re just so more attention we give the residents to stop laughing. tempting, aren’t they? As President of the great and spacious building, the Do these situations feel familiar? Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) said: more we might feel jealous or frus- Like Abby and Nate, we each come to “Whoever said that sin was not fun? trated or even angry. We might think crossroads in our lives where differ- . . . Sin is attractive and desirable. . . . it doesn’t seem fair that they should ent choices are laid out before us like Sin is easy and has a big company of have so many nice things while we’re pathways. At these difficult and impor- pleasant companions.” 1 trying to stay on the path to the tree tant decision points, sometimes we’re As much as we hate to admit it, of life. afraid to stand up for what we believe many of those other paths often look Satan knows that one of the best because we’re afraid we’ll stand out. appealing. Some paths veer off sud- ways to get people to leave the Abby and Nate are experiencing denly in exciting directions, while gospel path is by tricking them into

firsthand some of the difficulties others curve away so subtly that for believing that it’s too hard, boring, or BY STEVE KROPP ILLUSTRATIONS

48 Liahona Youth courage to stand up and live the truths of the gospel. up and live the truths the of courage stand to When the world tells you that its way is better, have the you thatWhen the world its tells way is better, old-fashioned to stay on the path. He doesn’t we’re helpless victims of an impersonal God care which of the other paths we take— who has locked us up so that we don’t have any path will do—so long as it’s not the any fun. STANDING FOR gospel path. This tactic is very, very old. In fact, Satan WHAT WE BELIEVE has been using it from the very beginning. o watch a video about “How Does That Fruit Taste?” When God placed Adam and Eve in the Tstanding up for what Mocking the faithful is a favorite activity Garden of Eden, He told them, “Of every tree we believe and to listen at the great and spacious building. President of the garden thou mayest freely eat” (Moses to youth explain why they Thomas S. Monson has said: “Increasingly, 3:16). Do the words “every tree” sound like a choose to keep their stan- some celebrities and others . . . in the public restriction to you? While God told Adam and dards, visit youth.lds​ ​.org eye have a tendency to ridicule religion in Eve that there were specific consequences and look for the videos general and, at times, the Church in particu- for eating of the tree of knowledge of good “Dare to Stand Alone” lar. If our testimonies are not firmly enough and evil, He never physically restricted them. and “I Choose to Be Pure” rooted, such criticisms can cause us to doubt They had the whole garden to themselves under Featured Videos our own beliefs or to waver in our resolves.” 2 and were told, “Thou mayest choose for (available in English, It seems as though no matter where we thyself, for it is given unto thee” (Moses 3:17). Portuguese, and Spanish). go in life, whether in person or online, there That sounds like freedom to me! will be an open window from the great and So it’s interesting that when Satan comes spacious building nearby with someone ready along later he says, “Yea, hath God said—Ye to point a finger and laugh at the things we shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” value. We have probably all experienced (Moses 4:7). Essentially, Satan was asking, this mockery at different times, and it can “Why can’t you eat the fruit of that tree?” in be very painful. We know we should react the same mocking tone that comes from the in a Christlike manner, but it’s not always windows of the great and spacious building. easy. Nobody likes to be laughed at or have Satan focused on the one thing that God deeply held beliefs belittled. Like Nate, we had attached consequences to, and he made might sometimes respond with a phrase like “I it sound as though God wanted to deprive can’t—I’m Mormon,” only to hear others laugh Adam and Eve. Satan twisted God’s words, even harder. adding lies in the effort to convince them to follow him instead of God. In the end, “I Can’t . . .” partaking of the fruit had been part of the Have you ever noticed how mockers plan all along. And God provided a Savior to always tend to focus on the word can’t? As in, give Adam and Eve and all their children the “Why can’t you drink that?” “Why can’t you chance to grow and return home. go shopping with me on Sunday?” or “Why can’t you have sex before you’re married?” “I Won’t!” This focus on the word can’t may cause us And what is it we’re really saying when to feel powerless. It may feel as though we’re we say, “I can’t—I’m Mormon”? Are we weak and spineless. It may feel as though really saying, “I wish I could, and if I weren’t

50 Liahona Y outh

THE POWER TO CHOOSE “Because [the children of men] are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon” (2 Nephi 2:26).

Mormon, I totally would”? I once had Using “I won’t” instead of “I can’t” is the gospel path truly do stand out. a friend who used to joke about all also a monumental act of courage. It But they are not alone. As President the things he’d like to do if he weren’t doesn’t take any courage to follow the Thomas S. Monson has invited us, a member of the Church. The problem crowds down the various paths of the “May we ever be courageous and was, I couldn’t always tell if he was world. Anyone can do that. Standing prepared to stand for what we believe, joking. up for the truth shows real faith. and if we must stand alone in the Rather than focusing on can’t and Standing out from the world takes real process, may we do so courageously, don’t, we would be much better off courage. It shows that we are truly strengthened by the knowledge that if we used the word won’t. As in, “I using our agency and really thinking in reality we are never alone when we won’t—I’m Mormon.” Using won’t for ourselves. The people in the great stand with our Father in Heaven.” 3 ◼ instead of can’t changes the focus and spacious building are always The author lives in Utah, USA. of the phrase and shows that we are referred to as a nameless crowd, a empowered to choose for ourselves. faceless mob. In the end, their words By saying, “I won’t,” we’re saying, “I’m are hollow and meaningless. By faith- choosing not to do that, not because fully exercising our agency, we can I’m a blind follower or because I’m find the courage to say, as did Lehi restricted but because I believe in and the brave and faithful members agency and accountability and I want of his family, “We heeded them not” NOTES 1. Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the to do what’s right. I am choosing (1 Nephi 8:33). Miracle (1972), 229. to act and not be acted upon” (see Amid an increasingly wicked 2. Thomas S. Monson, “Dare to Stand Alone,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2011, 60. 2 Nephi 2:14, 26). world, those who stand up and walk 3. Thomas S. Monson, “Dare to Stand Alone,” 67.

September 2013 51 BE A LIGHT TO YOUR FRIENDS

52 Liahona Y outh

By Elder Benjamín De Hoyos Of the Seventy

grew up with the same friends for One of the things that helped me When I was in high school, one of the first 12 years of my life. We get through this hard time was going my friends invited me to a party and Iwere neighbors. We went to the every week to Church activities, said, “Let’s go ask my father if we can same schools and attended each including Mutual. I also kept myself borrow his car.” His father did not other’s birthday parties. I sometimes busy with dancing, sports, and youth want to let him borrow the car. Then, ate at their homes, they came to conferences. when his father saw me, he said, “OK, mine, and we had fun together. But I made a new friend who was I’ll let you borrow the car, but only if when we became teenagers, things not a member of the Church, and Benjamín will drive.” began to change. They were not he sometimes invited me to go to This man knew that my family and members of the Church, and they parties. These parties were the same I were members of the Church, that swore, they smoked, and they drank day as Mutual, so I told him, “I’m we didn’t drink alcohol, and that I alcohol. They had a completely sorry. I would like to go, but I have would be a safe driver. different view of the law of chastity other plans.” The reaction of my friend’s father than I did. He asked what I was doing. I told helped me appreciate my parents’ I thought about the problem him, “I’m going to Mutual.” teachings and the example they set. carefully, and then I talked to my “What’s Mutual?” he asked. At home we had family home evening father about what to do. He said, I explained that we had a lot of and family prayer. Sunday was a day “You have to decide. These good fun activities at Mutual and that I was of rest for us. These types of things friends are different from you. serving as a counselor in the presi­ were the gospel in action for us, and Before you couldn’t tell, but now dency. After I turned down three we enjoyed it a lot. My father often there’s a very big difference.” invitations to his parties, he said, invited other members of the Church I trusted my father’s counsel. My “Invite me to Mutual.” to come to our house to talk about the friends knew I was a member of the So he came with me, the mis- gospel on Sunday afternoons. We ate Church, so when I decided not to sionaries taught him, and he was together, we talked about the gospel, always go everywhere they went, they eventually baptized. and we shared a close friendship. understood. Eventually, we spent less I invite you to make decisions Prepare now to build your own and less time together even though now so that you can be a light to strong future families. You do that we were still friendly. your friends. One thing you can do when you are active in learning It was a trial for me to leave is attend seminary. Your seminary about the gospel. Remember that my friends, but I knew that it was teachers do their part; they put forth if you will put your trust in God; important to maintain the principles a lot of effort in preparing lessons for have daily, fervent prayer; read the of the gospel in my life. I thought you. Seminary will be even more of scriptures; keep yourselves clean; about Alma’s counsel to his sons a blessing to you when you do your and work on your Duty to God when he taught them to have faith part: read the assignments, pray and or Personal Progress, you will be in God. He said, “Whosoever shall fast, receive and accept the teachings. protected from harm, will be a light put their trust in God shall be Learning takes place when both parties to your friends, and will find joy in

TO YOUR FRIENDS BY SCOTT GREER ILLUSTRATION supported in their trials” (Alma 36:3). do what they need to do. your life. ◼

September 2013 53 TO THE POINT

Where I live, you’re considered his is a significant challenge for many Latter-day Saint youth all boyfriend/girlfriend after one date. Taround the world. They are counseled to “avoid going on frequent dates with the same person” so that they do not develop serious rela- How can a person tionships at a young age (For the Strength of Youth [booklet, 2011], 4). casually date But in the culture of much of the world, the invitation for a boyfriend/ girlfriend relationship often comes even before a first date; and like-

different people wise, just one date can imply an exclusive relationship with an expec- without getting a reputation tation of commitment. In such a culture, going on dates with different as a promiscuous or people appears to violate the “relationship” and can give you a reputa- dishonest person? tion as a promiscuous or dishonest person. So what should you do? First of all, make sure everyone knows your belief in and commit- ment to the Lord’s standard of chastity and sexual purity so that there is never any doubt about your character and behavior. Next, you can actively work to change the dating culture around you for the better by speaking up for the Church’s guidelines. If people question you about your dating standards, ask them why, if they aren’t looking to get married anytime soon, they feel the need to have such emotionally and physically intimate and exclusive relationships at such a young age. Invite them to join you on a group date so that they can see the fun they can have while avoiding the needless moral dangers and emotional drama of teen romance. And let them know about the guidance and counsel we have been given by living prophets and apostles. ◼

54 Liahona Y outh

Why do young men start When should home teaching I start paying fast when they’re 14 but young women offerings start visiting teaching and making other when they’re 18? donations?

n a revelation given at the time the Church was organized in 1830, the Lord f you have a source of income and Ideclared, “The teacher’s duty is to watch over the church always, and be with Ia willing heart, you can start giving and strengthen them” (D&C 20:53). Besides teachers in the Aaronic Priesthood, fast offerings at any age. Of course, this duty is shared by priests and by those who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood when you earn money, the Lord (see D&C 20:45–52). Home teaching is one way they fulfill this duty by accept- has commanded that you pay tith- ing specific assignments from priesthood leaders. Visiting teaching, although ing on your earnings. In addition, “a similar, has a slightly different purpose, providing an opportunity for Relief proper fast day observance includes Society sisters to strengthen and teach one another through assignments from . . . giving a generous fast offering the Relief Society presidency (as approved by the bishop or branch presi- to help care for those in need” (For dent). Young women (especially class presidencies) should, of course, seek the Strength of Youth [booklet, 2011], to strengthen and support one another in a variety of ways, but they are not 39). Just because your parents pay assigned to make monthly visits to specific people. ◼ for your family’s food doesn’t mean you can’t make a contribution of your own if you feel prompted when your family fasts each month. Remember, What are the physical fitness although you are young, regardless of requirements the amount of the contribution, what to serve a mission? matters most is the fact that you are obeying the Lord’s commandments erious physical challenges or medical limitations can prevent some people and selflessly helping to bless others. Sfrom performing missionary duties effectively and can negatively affect You as well as others will be blessed their companions’ service as well. Such people do not normally serve missions. through your sacrifice. And if you feel For example, those who need a wheelchair or crutches or cannot perform daily inspired and are able to do so, you tasks without the aid of others are not recommended for missionary service. may also consider consulting with And being significantly overweight can cause a person to have serious difficulty your parents and making donations with the daily rigors of a mission, so priesthood leaders may ask some people to other Church funds listed on the to lose weight before they recommend them for service. Regarding general Tithing and Other Offerings slip. ◼ fitness, one guideline might be that you should be able to walk about six miles (9 km) a day without difficulty. If you have any questions about any of these matters, your bishop or branch

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MATTHEW REIER; COINS © THINKSTOCK/ISTOCKPHOTO BY MATTHEW PHOTO ILLUSTRATION president can give you answers and guidance. ◼

September 2013 55 FOR THE STRENGTH OF YOUTH

By Rosemary M. Wixom Primary General President

The INFLUENCE of MUSIC An experiment with mice shows us how much the music we listen to can affect us.

hen I ask someone, “What do inspire, and unite. However, music can, by you remember most about its tempo, beat, intensity, and lyrics, dull your Primary?” the answer is often, spiritual sensitivity. You cannot afford to fill W 2 “The music.” The words to Primary songs your minds with unworthy music.” And it never leave us—they are embedded in our may not matter if you listen carefully to the hearts. Take, for example, the following words or not; words that are put to music are Primary songs. Can you complete each often easily learned and easily remembered. 3 phrase? No wonder we are cautioned to “choose “I’m trying to be . . .” carefully the music [we] listen to.” 4 “Heavenly Father, are . . . ?” “Book of Mormon . . .” Mice, Music, and Learning As you completed each sentence, did Your choice of music can also affect your you find yourself singing the melody? ability to accomplish tasks or to learn. Two If so, it’s probably because music researchers explored this relationship by enhances our senses, touches our emotions, studying the effects of music and rhythm on and creates memories. So it’s no wonder the nervous system of mice. For eight weeks, that we celebrate temple dedications with one group of mice constantly listened to a cultural event where youth participate in Strauss waltzes (highly organized and orderly uplifting music and dancing. These events music), while a second heard disharmonious let us “make a joyful noise unto God” sounds in the form of continuous drumbeats. and “sing forth the honour of his name” A third group was raised in silence. (Psalm 66:1–2). After eight weeks, the mice were placed in a maze to find food. The mice in the Music Always Affects Us second group wandered off with no sense For the Strength of Youth teaches that of direction—“a clear indication they were “music has a profound effect on your having trouble learning”—and took much mind, spirit, and behavior.” 1 Music can longer to find the food than they had at the enrich your life in so many ways, but beginning of the study. The mice exposed it can also be dangerous. President “to discordant sounds not only developed Thomas S. Monson said: “Music can difficulties in learning and memory, . . . but help you draw closer to your Heavenly they also incurred structural changes in their Father. It can be used to educate, edify, brain cells.” The researchers’ diagnosis is

56 Liahona Y outh

The INFLUENCE of MUSIC

very interesting: “We believe that the mice were trying to compensate for this constant bombardment of dishar- monic noise. . . . They were struggling against the chaos.” 5 What could be the “chaos” in some of today’s music—things that might keep you from learning effectively? be more intended to agitate than to We need the Holy Ghost with us at It may relate to the rhythm and beat pacify, more to excite than to calm.” 6 all times. For that reason, we should of the music (as with the mice) or choose carefully the music we listen with the words used or messages Matters of Time and the Spirit to and the dances we attend. Let the presented. President Boyd K. Packer, It is not only the rhythm and the Spirit be your guide, and when you President of the Quorum of the lyrics of jarring music that are detri- have doubts about the music you are Twelve Apostles, said: “Society is mental. By listening to such music, listening to or the circumstances you undergoing a subtle, but powerful, we also prevent quiet moments that are in, have the courage to act so the

change. It is becoming more and allow us to think clearly and listen to Spirit can remain with you. ◼ more permissive in what it will accept the Spirit. In The Screwtape Letters, a in its entertainment. As a result, much popular Christian novel, a character of the music being performed by named Screwtape represents Satan popular entertainers today seems to and tries to lead good souls to his cause. Screwtape says, “It is funny how mortals always picture us as put- NOTES ting things into their minds: in reality 1. For the Strength of Youth (booklet, 2011), 22. 2. Thomas S. Monson, A Prophet’s Voice: our best work is done by keeping Messages from Thomas S. Monson (2012), 77. things out.” 7 In essence, Satan knows 3. See Jack R. Christianson, quoted in “Author’s criterion for picking music: does it encour- that he does not always have to fill age a proper life style?” Church News, May 6, 1989, 5. our minds with bad thoughts if he can 4. For the Strength of Youth, 22. just keep us from focusing on things 5. Richard Lipkin, “Jarring Music Takes Toll on Mice,” Insight, vol. 4, no. 14, April 4, of the Spirit. “If you listen to music 1988, 58. 6. Boyd K. Packer, “Worthy Music, Worthy constantly, you may not have the quiet Thoughts,” Liahona, Apr. 2008, 33; New Era, time you need for thinking, feeling, Apr. 2008, 9. 7. C. S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters (1982), 20. 8 FROM LEFT: THINKSTOCK/ISTOCKPHOTO; PHOTOGRAPH OF ROSEMARY M. WIXOM © BUSATH PHOTOGRAPHY; M. WIXOM © BUSATH THINKSTOCK/ISTOCKPHOTO; PHOTOGRAPH OF ROSEMARY FROM LEFT: THINKSTOCK/COMSTOCK; BACKGROUND: THINKSTOCK/ABLESTOCK.COM BY ROBERT CASEY; PHOTO ILLUSTRATION and receiving spiritual guidance.” 8. For the Strength of Youth, 23.

September 2013 57 A PRAYER OF MY HEART Raising my standards for the music I listen to helped me love it even more.

By Ma. Consuelo N. love music, and my day doesn’t seem complete unless situations. And at times when people may not change the I’m listening to it or singing. Lately, my love for music has music for us, we still have another option: we can go some- Igrown in a different way, and I’ve learned some things where else. that have changed how I think about and use music. I know that through good music we can draw closer to It started when I read the scripture where the Lord says, our Heavenly Father. Music can edify us, inspire us, invite “For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the the Holy Ghost to be with us, move us to righteous actions, song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be and help us withstand the temptations of the adversary answered with a blessing upon their heads” (D&C 25:12). (see For the Strength of Youth [booklet, 2011], 22–23). When I read that verse, I remembered something my mom Remember that when we are singing the song of had taught me. Once, when I was singing the hymns in an the righteous, we are actually praying to our Father inappropriate manner, she reminded me that hymns can be in Heaven. ◼ prayers and that I need to sing them properly. I think this The author lives in Metro Manila, Philippines. verse refers not only to hymns alone but also to any songs we sing with a righteous desire. Imagine what blessings will come upon us, as the scripture says, when we sing CHOOSE GOOD MUSIC songs unto the Lord. “Music has a profound effect on your mind, spirit, and behavior. I also learned the importance of listening to good music. “Choose carefully the music you listen to. Pay attention to After reading this scripture, I started scanning my list of how you feel when you are listening. Some music can carry evil songs and deleting those that were not in harmony with and destructive messages. Do not listen to music that encourages immorality or glorifies violence through its lyrics, beat, or intensity. the standards in For the Strength of Youth. Do not listen to music that uses vulgar or offensive language I also had to make decisions about music beyond what I or promotes evil practices. Such music can dull your spiritual had in my own collection. One day when I was in school, sensitivity.” a classmate started playing a bad song. I didn’t feel good For the Strength of Youth (booklet, 2011), 22. about the song, so I asked him to change it, which he did.

I know that each of us can have the same courage in those BY STEVEN KEELE ILLUSTRATION

58 Liahona YOUR FUTURE Fuel up with knowledge and see how far Fuel up with knowledge and see how far LAUNCH your learning will take you.

ILLUSTRATION BY DRAVOT & CARNEHAN FROM THE MISSION FIELD

Through THIN WALLS

We didn’t realize until later love and run away from home with he would buy food and, sometimes, that, as we taught one family Oscar, even though her parents didn’t small gifts for the children. But when the gospel, we were also teach- approve. Neither she nor her husband sales were poor, he would often return had any education or a job, and their home depressed, angry, and drunk. ing their neighbor next door. future was bleak. She wondered if We felt challenged to help them By Monica Garcia Adams God had abandoned her and if He deal with so many temporal concerns. s sister missionaries, we were was punishing them for the poor But we also felt urged by the Spirit to sharing the gospel with a choices they had made. continue loving and teaching them, A woman who lived in modest Oscar peddled trinkets door to even though at times their progress circumstances at the bottom of a large door in an effort to help his family was disappointing. After several more hill near a small city dump on the survive. When he had a successful day, visits and after praying sincerely, we outskirts of Asunción, Paraguay. Soledad and her husband, Oscar, lived in one room of a long, narrow house that was actually a series of connected rooms, side by side, with very thin walls. Each room was a tiny residence with one window, one door, one table, and one bed. There were several such buildings in this area, constructed of wood, with a thatched roof and dirt floors. Clay that had been pushed into the crevices kept out some of the cold.

Soledad Listened Soledad was the mother of three young children, and she was young herself—and overwhelmed. It was all she could do to take care of her home and the daily demands of her children. But she seemed to welcome our visits and to recognize a need for God in her life. Soledad expressed her thoughts and feelings freely. She had fallen in

60 Liahona Y outh

finally felt we needed to give them Juan Listened Too Book of Mormon for the next two some time to consider what we had Unknown to us, however, the days. Soledad also prayed earnestly taught, study the Book of Mormon, neighbor next door, Juan, had been and talked with Oscar. Together they and pray by themselves. listening through the wall to what we began reading the Book of Mormon. We explained our concerns to had been teaching. He was young, Soledad, and she was upset. She felt we curious, and painfully shy. As he had And Heavenly Father Listened were abandoning her family. She also listened, he had had many questions Two days after the storm, as my told us they were expecting a fourth about the plan of salvation, the Book companion and I knelt in prayer, child and didn’t know how they would of Mormon, and repentance. He had we felt compelled to return to the survive. In anger she told us to leave even been borrowing Soledad’s copy tiny little homes at the bottom of

ILLUSTRATION BY SAM LAWLOR ILLUSTRATION and never return. of the Book of Mormon, reading it, the hill. We went immediately, and and praying regarding all that he had when we arrived, we were greeted been quietly learning. with happy tears and excitement by Days passed. Juan began to worry Soledad, Oscar, their children, and when we did not return to teach Juan. They told us all that had hap- Soledad and Oscar. Then one night, pened, and from that time on, all of as a heavy winter storm was brewing, them were eager to learn about the he asked Soledad where we lived gospel. It wasn’t long before Juan and how he could contact us. She said was baptized, and Soledad and Oscar she didn’t know, and he began to cry. soon followed. He bore his testimony to her of the I remember wondering why we truthfulness of our message and ran were so strongly impressed to keep out into the stormy night to look for teaching even when Soledad and us as rain poured down, turning the Oscar weren’t responding well. I streets into muddy rivers. remember wondering why we felt Hours later, tired and cold, he such an urgency to return when we continued to search. He began to had been chased away in anger. pray as he made his way through But as I saw the joy that came into the darkness, promising his Father Juan’s life and then into Soledad in Heaven that if He would help him and Oscar’s family, I knew that not find us, he would be baptized and only was Juan listening through serve Him all the days of his life. In thin walls but that Heavenly Father the meantime, Soledad, impressed by was listening to prayers from each Juan’s testimony, started praying that of us in turn, prayers that came we would return. Juan came home from the heart. ◼ but continued to pray and read the The author lives in Utah, USA.

September 2013 61 By Elder Neil L. Andersen Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Four Questions to Ask Think how you would respond to the following questions: 1. Could you tell me the names of the three members of the First Presidency and the names of each of those who belong to the LEARNING FROM Quorum of the Twelve Apostles? These are the 15 men you and I sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators. 2. If we were to hold up a picture of these LIVING Brethren, would you recognize each of them? We rarely pay close attention to someone we do not recognize or know. PROPHETS 3. Could you share with me the counsel Could our attention to the counsel and the given by the First Presidency and the teaching of the Brethren be more active, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from the searching, and responsive? last general conference? And could you identify the concerns of President Monson, President Eyring, and President Uchtdorf in the First Presidency Messages of the f course we love President Thomas S. Monson, the two Liahona this year? counselors in the First Presidency, and the Quorum of 4. Perhaps more importantly, could you Othe Twelve Apostles. But in acknowledging our love share with me a recent decision where and our loyalty, I would ask, Could our attention to the counsel you changed something in your life and the teaching of these Brethren be more active, searching, because of counsel received from one and responsive? of these 15 men?

The Lord’s Pattern The reasons our answers to these ques- tions are so important rests in the calling and responsibility of the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles. Whenever the Lord’s Church has been established, the Lord has called prophets and apostles. The Savior said, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you” ( John 15:16). To these men, that ordination brings a spiritual power and a solemn responsibility—a power to

The First Presidency—Henry B. Eyring, President Thomas S. Monson, Dieter F. Uchtdorf know and to testify and a responsibility to PHOTOGRAPHS BY CRAIG DIMOND © IRI; BACKGROUND THINKSTOCK/ISTOCKPHOTO

62 Liahona Y outh

A CONSTANT STREAM OF REVELATION “We have the Bible, the Book of Mormon and the Book of Doctrine and teach and to bless. It also brings a respon- to guide and direct us. We are not forced Covenants; but all these sibility and a promise to us all. We have the to obey; there is no compulsion. But if we books, without the living responsibility to listen and to follow, and will be attentive to their words, if we will be oracles and a constant we have a promise that blessings will come responsive and willing to change our behav- stream of revelation as we believe and act on their words. ior as the Holy Ghost confirms their counsel, from the Lord, would not lead any people into When the Lord called twelve disciples we will not be moved out of our place— the Celestial Kingdom of in the Americas after His Resurrection, He meaning we will hold fast to the iron rod and God. . . . taught the people: “Blessed are ye if ye shall will forever remain safely on the path leading “Of course, these give heed unto the words of these twelve to the tree of life. ◼ records are all of infinite whom I have chosen from among you to From a Church Educational System fireside given on March value. They cannot be minister unto you, and to be your servants” 4, 2007, two years before Elder Andersen was called to the too highly prized, nor Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. (3 Nephi 12:1). In our day, in a very difficult can they be too closely studied. But in and of time, the Lord promised the Saints, “If my NOTES 1. Boyd K. Packer, “The Twelve Apostles,” Ensign, Nov. themselves, with all the people will hearken unto my voice, and 1996, 6. 2. Relative to the importance of living prophets, light that they give, they unto the voice of my servants whom I have President Wilford Woodruff said: “If we had before are insufficient to guide us every revelation which God ever gave to man; if appointed to lead my people, behold, verily I we had the Book of Enoch; if we had the untrans- the children of men and say unto you, they shall not be moved out of lated plates before us in the English language; if to lead them into the we had the records of the Revelator St. John which presence of God. To be their place” (D&C 124:45). are sealed up, and all other revelations, and they were piled up here a hundred feet high, the church thus led requires a living This is the Lord’s pattern. He calls 15 and kingdom of God could not grow, in this or any Priesthood and constant men from “the ordinary pursuits of life” 1 other age of the world, without the living oracles of God” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford revelation from God to and endows them with the keys and power Woodruff [2004], 198). the people according to the circumstances in which they may be placed.” 2 The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles President George Q. Cannon (1827–1901), First Counselor in the First Presidency, Gospel Truth: Discourses and Writings of George Q. Cannon, comp. Jerreld L. Newquist (1987), 252.

Boyd K. Packer L. Tom Perry Russell M. Nelson Dallin H. Oaks M. Russell Ballard Richard G. Scott

Robert D. Hales Jeffrey R. Holland David A. Bednar Quentin L. Cook D. Todd Christofferson Neil L. Andersen

September 2013 63 Cara knew the truth. But would she be brave enough to write about it?

64 Liahona C hildren Writing It Right

By Jan Pinborough wouldn’t be so sad anymore. But Almost at once, Cara began to feel Church Magazines Cara felt too shy to say anything. calm and peaceful inside. The Holy Based on a true story After school, Cara told Mom Ghost whispered that if she wrote “I am not ashamed of the gospel of about what Mrs. Schmidt said. what was in her heart, everything Christ” (Romans 1:16). “Knowing that babies go to heaven would be OK. ara put down her pencil is one of the blessings we have Cara lifted her head, picked up and stared at the piece of because of the Book of Mormon,” her pencil, and began to write. Cpaper on her desk. It was Mom said. Cara hoped that Mrs. Heavenly Father and Jesus are two blank except for her name and a Schmidt would read the Book of separate people. They have bodies of big eraser smudge. “What should I Mormon someday. She wished she flesh and bone like we do. The Holy write?” she thought. had the courage to tell her about it. Ghost is a Spirit who can speak to us Across the aisle, her friend Lily Now in today’s lesson, Mrs. Schmidt in our hearts. was writing busily. Cara put her had told the class that God, Jesus, and After writing a few more sen- head down and rested it on her arm. the Holy Ghost are all one person. tences, Cara put her pencil down. Cara really liked her new school. Cara thought about how Heavenly She didn’t know what Mrs. Schmidt It was in a church building of Father and Jesus Christ appeared to would think of what she had writ- another religion, and her new class Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove. ten, but she felt happy that she had was small enough that her teacher, She knew that They were two sep- been able to tell her teacher some- Mrs. Schmidt, had time to help her arate people and that each had a thing important and true. ◼ with math. Every day after math, body. She was glad she knew that for Mrs. Schmidt taught a lesson from sure, even before talking to Mom or the Bible. Usually the Bible les- Dad about it. sons were a lot like what Cara had But then Mrs. Schmidt had said, learned at home and in Primary. “Class, please take out a piece of But a few weeks ago during a paper and write about what we have lesson about baptism, Mrs. Schmidt been talking about.” had told the class that babies who That’s when Cara got a worried “Be humble and testify died before they were baptized feeling in her stomach. She wanted of the Restoration of the gospel. . . . Be courageous. couldn’t go to heaven. Then she said to do the assignment the way her Have faith. Do not fear. that one of her own children died teacher wanted her to. Could she Trust the Lord.” right after he was born. When she be brave enough to write what she President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in said that, Mrs. Schmidt looked like knew was true? the First Presidency, “The Restoration,” New Era, Oct. 2011, 5. she was going to cry. With her head down on her desk, “But babies who die do go to Cara began to say a silent prayer. heaven,” Cara wanted to say. If only “Please, dear Heavenly Father, what

ILLUSTRATION BY G. BJORN THORKELSON ILLUSTRATION Mrs. Schmidt knew that, maybe she should I do?”

September 2013 65 Jesus Is My Shepherd Jesus Is My Shepherd (Simplified) Sweetly = 86–98 (Simplified) Words and music by Tammy Simister Robinson q a tempo 4 œ œ œ œ & b 4 œ œ œ œ œ .   œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ 1. Je - sus is my P rit. 2. Je - sus is my     4 œ œ    œ ? b 4 œ . œ œ œ œ

œ & b   œ œ œ w  œ œ œ œ œ   Shep - herd. I’mœ His pre - cious lamb.Ó Ten - der - ly He guides me Shep - herd. Je - sus knows my name. For His sheep are num - bered;     œ ? œ œ œ œ œ œ b œ œ œ œ œ

b œ œ œ œ  & œ œ œ œ w œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ with His gen - tle hand.Œ Calm are wa - ters where He leads. Green are pas-tures each He loves the same. If my ti - ny feet should roam, He would seek to  Œ .    ?  .  œ œ   b   œ œ œ 1. rit. a tempo œ œ . & b œ œ œ œ œ œ œ   œ œ œ w œ œ œ œ . where He feedsœ me. œ œ Je - sus is my Shep-herd. He loves me.Œ bring me home.     œ œ œ  œ nœ A œ œ ? b  œ  . 2. rit. U b & œ œ œ œ w œ œ œ œ œ bœ w He loves me.Ó œ He loves me.w p  w PHOTOGRAPH © ISTOCKPHOTO ?  b    b w  uw © 2001 by Tammy Simister Robinson. Arr. © 2013 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. This song may be copied for incidental, noncommercial church or home use. This notice must be included on each copy made. Original version found at music.lds.org. C hildren By Jean A. Stevens First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency Faithful Examples

“And a little child shall lead them” He told the bishop that the members law of tithing. He asked them to pay (2 Nephi 21:6). should pay their tithing. tithing on the money they earned. s a member of the Primary The bishop was worried. The The children promised they would— general presidency, I love people barely had enough food and and they did! A meeting children all over money to meet their needs. Several months later, the bishop the world. Everywhere I go, I meet “If they will pay their tithing, the had a meeting with the grown-ups wonderful children who are follow- Lord will bless them,” the General in the ward. He told them that their ing Jesus Christ and faithfully living Authority said. children had been paying tithing. the gospel. Often they are leading The bishop thought for a moment. “Would you be willing to pay their families and others in keeping Then he said, “I will talk to some tithing too?” he asked. the commandments. of the most faithful members of The grown-ups were touched Once a General Authority our ward—the Primary by the children’s faithful examples. visited a ward in Hong Kong children!” They said that they would pay their where people were strug- The next Sunday, tithing too. Because the children set gling to support their the bishop visited the an example, their families received families. Primary. He taught the blessings they needed (see the children about the Malachi 3:8–10). Everyone’s faith and testimonies grew. Wherever you live, you can lead others with your good example. Keep the commandments and fol- low Jesus Christ. Then you will be a blessing to your family and others. We pray for you. And we know that, just like the children in Hong Kong, your example can make a difference for good! ◼ PHOTOGRAPH © BUSATH PHOTOGRAPHY; ILLUSTRATION BY MAREN J. SCOTT ILLUSTRATION PHOTOGRAPHY; PHOTOGRAPH © BUSATH

September 2013 67 ON THE TRAIL The Nauvoo Temple and Come along to explore these important places in Carthage Jail Church history!

By Jennifer Maddy Finishing the Temple would continue. The Saints finally n 1841 many of the Saints in The Saints were brokenhearted finished the temple. Church leaders Nauvoo were poor. But they that their Prophet was gone. worked in the temple day and night Iknew they needed to build a Brigham Young, who was President so the Saints could be baptized for temple, as the Lord had told them. of the Quorum of the Twelve their ancestors and be sealed as More than 1,000 men worked to Apostles, knew the Lord’s work eternal families. build the temple. Women sewed shirts and cooked for the workers. Many people sacrificed to build the temple. They looked forward to the The original Nauvoo Temple blessings they would receive there. had 30 sunstones.

Carthage Jail Work on the temple stopped in June 1844, when the Prophet Joseph Smith was killed. Joseph and several other men had been taken to Carthage Jail. On June 27 a mob stormed the jail. They shot and killed Joseph and his brother Hyrum.

A crescent moon carved on the outside wall of the temple. PHOTOGRAPHS BY JENNIFER MADDY AND CRAIG DIMOND © IRI 68 Liahona C hildren

The mob ran up this stairway in Carthage Jail to get to Joseph and his Statues of Joseph and Hyrum stand in front of companions. Carthage Jail. “In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated!” (D&C 135:3).

Joseph and the other men were in the upstairs room at the jail.

Rebuilding the Temple After the Saints left Nauvoo, the temple was destroyed by fire and a tornado. In 1999, President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) announced that the Nauvoo Temple would be built again in the same place. Today you can see this beautiful temple just as it looked back in the 1840s. ◼

September 2013 69 SPECIAL WITNESS Why is it important to have both the Bible and the Book of Mormon?

By Elder L. Tom Perry Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles NOT BE COPIED MAY L. KAPP, BY GARY The members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are special KNOW, YE MAY THAT witnesses of Jesus Christ.

Both the Bible and the Book What a blessing it is to have Both are necessary for us to of Mormon are necessary for the account of the mission of teach and learn about the full our salvation. our Lord and Savior declared in and complete doctrine of Christ. the Book of Mormon to add a second witness to the doctrine declared in the Bible.

70 Liahona From “The Power of Deliverance,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2012, 94–97. C I Chose the RIGHT hildren By Ekene B., age 7, Nigeria

If I refused to drink the wine, I could be punished and so could my family.

“Learn in thy youth to keep the com- taking part would be expected to help me to do what is right.” mandments of God” (Alma 37:35). drink wine as part of the ceremony. When it was my turn to drink the went with my family to visit I was very worried. I knew that wine, I was nervous, but I spoke my parents’ village for a New drinking the wine would be break- loudly and clearly. “My body is a I Year celebration. It had been ing the Word of Wisdom. But I also temple. I will not break the Word of three years since we had visited last, knew that if I did not drink the Wisdom,” I said. and we were looking forward to wine, I might be punished for being The village elder was very sur- seeing friends and family members disrespectful—and my family might prised. He turned to me and said, again. When we arrived, we were be punished too. Then I remem- “You seem very sure of what you happily welcomed. bered what my mother had taught are doing. Please, we would like When New Year’s Eve came, we me: when you find yourself in a to hear more of your views.” gathered with others for a traditional situation you cannot control, you My family and I were not pun- ceremony to wish protection, long should pray to Heavenly Father and ished, and our faith was strength- life, and prosperity to the oldest son ask Him to help you. ened. I know Heavenly Father of each family. I am the oldest son I prayed silently, “Heavenly helped me have the courage to

ILLUSTRATION BY STEVE KROPP ILLUSTRATION in my family. I learned that all those Father, let Thy Spirit guide me and choose the right. ◼

September 2013 71 OUR PAGE

I love my During family home evening, I mother very like to give a scriptural thought much and like and say a prayer. I like my Primary to help her do friends, and I like raising and dishes. I also caring for pigeons. I would like to pray for my go to the Nauvoo Illinois Temple father. I know someday, and I want to be a that Heavenly missionary too. I love my family so Father tells us, much! I know the Church is true, “Don’t hit people, don’t call people names, and I love the Book of Mormon. and don’t hurt little animals.” Prince M., age 9, Philippines Ya-Se C., age 4, Taiwan

Prince and his sisters read the scriptures during family home evening.

Happy Birthday, by James C., age 5, Peru

Macarena G., age 8, Chile

I know that Jesus Christ lives, that He loves us, and that the Church is true. The story of the tree of life teaches that if we follow the gospel, we can be happy. Manuelis R., age 5, Venezuela

72 Liahona C

TRYING TO BE LIKE JESUS hildren When I came out of the gymnasium at school one day, all my things were dumped out of my backpack, and a toy I had in there was gone. I thought my friend had taken my toy because he had tried to buy it from me earlier that day. I was sad because this meant we would not be friends anymore. That night I prayed that whoever took my toy would Sarah G., age 6, understand that it was wrong and would Guatemala give it back to me. The next day at school my friend gave me back the toy and asked me to forgive him so we could be friends again. I was so happy, and I forgave him. I am grateful the Holy Ghost helped my friend and me do what was right. I know I can pray to Heavenly Father anytime and He will help me. When my One time my Brandon A., age 8, Mexico mother and baptism and I took my confirmation brothers to the was only a day airport because or two away, I they were going had a fever and on a trip. We was not feeling encountered very good. I a lot of traffic, did not want and we were afraid they might miss their to postpone my baptism. I felt I should go plane. My mother wasn’t feeling very well ahead on the appointed day. Many relatives either. That’s when I said a prayer, and I had and friends, some who are not members of faith that it would be answered. We did get the Church, came to my baptism. When I was my brothers to their plane on time! I know baptized, my fever went down right away, Heavenly Father heard my prayer. and I felt a lot better. That day I felt the Holy Sara P., age 11, Italy Ghost very strongly. I am grateful that I could be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost. Sara M., age 8, Spain

Milton with his father on his baptism day. The Primary children of I will always remember the day of my the Monay baptism because it was the most important Ward, Cuenca Ecuador Stake, day of my life. That was the day I made a love learning covenant with Heavenly Father. I know that about the Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, gospel. live and that They love me very much. I love going to the temple, even though I cannot go in yet. Milton Aarón V., age 10, Ecuador

September 2013 73 BRINGING PRIMARY HOME

I Will Serve God with All My Heart, Might, Mind, and Strength

ne day at recess, Madison love and kindness to others. We care saw a girl who was crying about what others need. When we LET’S TALK because someone had said serve cheerfully, we are serving with O As a family, decide on some things you something mean to her. Madison felt our heart. could do together as you serve with bad for the girl and walked over to How do we serve with our your whole self. Explain that when- comfort her. “Would you like to play mind? We can serve with our mind ever we serve others, we are serving with me?” she asked the girl. by thinking of ways to help others. Heavenly Father. That day, Madison served with When we see needs of those around her heart. She followed the example us and think about what we could of Jesus Christ and showed love to do to help, we are serving with someone in need. We can show our our mind. love for Heavenly Father by serving How do we serve with our might others with our heart, our might, and strength? Serving with our might our mind, and our strength. We can and strength could be doing chores serve with our whole selves! and working hard to help others. How do we serve with our heart? We can often bless and serve older We can serve with our people by doing things that are heart by showing hard for them to do. ◼ C hildren

SERVING WITH YOUR WHOLE SELF Choose a way you would like to serve from each of the areas below or think of your own ideas. After you have finished with one act of service, color in the shape next to the description.

HEART MIND MIGHT AND STRENGTH

Tell your parents or siblings Write a letter to a grandparent. When your parents ask you to that you love them. do something, work hard at it.

Do something kind for someone Offer to help a brother or sister Help a brother or sister with who is alone. Smile at someone. with homework. a chore.

Food SONG AND SCRIPTURE • “Called to Serve,” Children’s Songbook, 174 • Doctrine and Covenants 59:5

Rake leaves, pull weeds, or do Help plan a family service something else to help your project. family. LEFT: ILLUSTRATION BY GREG NEWBOLD; RIGHT: ILLUSTRATIONS BY VAL CHADWICK BAGLEY BY VAL ILLUSTRATIONS BY GREG NEWBOLD; RIGHT: ILLUSTRATION LEFT:

September 2013 75 FOR YOUNG CHILDREN Jesus Calms the Tempest By Charlotte Mae Sheppard, Utah, USA

One day when Jesus and His disciples were sailing on a ship, there was a terrible storm.

The waves crashed. The winds blew. The disciples

were scared that the ship would sink. BY SCOTT PECK ILLUSTRATIONS

76 Liahona C hildren

The disciples looked for Jesus. They found Him sleeping. “Save us!” they cried. “Why are ye fearful?” Jesus asked.

Jesus stood up and commanded the storm to stop. The disciples watched as the waves stopped crashing and the winds stopped blowing. The storm had ended, just as Jesus had commanded it to do.

September 2013 77 Sometimes when scary things happen, we feel afraid. But Jesus is near. Thinking about Him can help us feel safe and calm. ◼

78 Liahona C COLORING PAGE hildren

Jesus Calms the Tempest

ILLUSTRATION BY JARED BECKSTRAND ILLUSTRATION “Then [ Jesus] arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm” (Matthew 8:26).

September 2013 79 UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN

Truly, the talks were not long, but an un­ THE LONGEST reasonable anxiety had taken over my mind. SACRAMENT Five minutes before the end of the meeting, I could bear it no more. I passed a note to the MEETING first counselor asking if I had left the book by By Okon Edet Effiong him. I wished he would nod his head yes. He shook it instead. love to read Latter-day Saint religious books. I did not close my eyes during the bene- I And because these books are not readily diction but closely monitored the two remain- available in Nigeria, I borrow them from a ing places where I thought the book might friend. Desiring to return my friend’s books be. Meanwhile, I decided that, if necessary, within a few days, I always carry them with Sacrament I would go to the Sunday School classes to me and use spare moments to read. announce that I had lost a book. One Sunday I had a borrowed book with meeting usually Surprisingly, however, when sacrament me as I attended sacrament meeting in the lasts for 70 meeting concluded, my feelings had changed ward where I am assigned as high councilor. minutes. But radically, and I wasn’t worried about the book. I read the book while I waited to give the one Sunday it The Holy Spirit showed me—in just a few short bishop a message from the stake presidency. seemed to stretch moments of spiritual enlightenment—that my When the bishop arrived, he asked me to concerns were misplaced. I learned that what speak to his first counselor since he needed to on forever. truly mattered was whether or not I would greet some visitors. After passing the message protect those things that God had put into my to the first counselor, I took a seat on the stand. care. My mind immediately listed what I could No sooner had I sat down, however, than remember God entrusting to me: my soul, my I realized my friend’s book was gone. With family, those I home teach, those I should about five minutes before the meeting was share the gospel with, ward members I serve, to begin—and with the presiding authority my departed ancestors who need temple work, seated on the stand—I thought I shouldn’t and so on. leave. Sick about disappointing my friend, I I did find the book after what became an thus started my ordeal in the longest sacra- important soul-searching experience. But at the ment meeting I have ever attended. end of the longest sacrament meeting, I also I hoped that time would pass quickly, but found areas of my life that needed improve- every item on the meeting agenda took what ment. And I found the commitment to work on seemed like a lifetime. I was restless, praying the priorities Heavenly Father desires. ◼

silently that God would keep the book safe. The author lives in Lagos, Nigeria. BY LES NILSSON PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

80 Liahona ILLUSTRATION BY ROBERT T. BARRETT T. BY ROBERT ILLUSTRATION GEORGE ALBERT George Albert Smith was 21 when he was first called to serve the young men SMITH of the Church. He became involved with the Boy Scouts of America, which honored him for his service. While serving as an Apostle, George Albert Smith was also a leader in several national and international farming organizations. He dedicated the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple. In his article, “The Justice and Mercy of God,” Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles uses sowing thistles as a meta- phor for becoming trapped in sin. “We sow a little thistle, and we get a lot of thistle—years and years of it, big bushes and branches of it. We never get rid of it unless we cut it out.” To read his counsel on how we can repent and lay claim to mercy, see page 20.