Deep in Our Heart Elder Dale G

By Douglas D. Holmes Recently Released First Counselor in the Young Men General Presidency

They are the foundation for effective ministering.5 Deep in Our Heart Elder Dale G. Renlund gave us a key to developing these relationships when he said: “To effectively serve others we must see them . . . through The Lord is trying to help us—all of us—get His Heavenly Father’s eyes. Only then can we begin to comprehend the true gospel deeper in our hearts. worth of a soul. Only then can we sense the love that Heavenly Father has for all His children.”6 Seeing others as God does is a gift. Sisters and brothers, what a wonderful We are not expected to find or walk I invite all of us to seek for this gift. time we live in. As we celebrate the the covenant path alone. We need love As our eyes are opened to see,7 we beginning of the Restoration, it is also and support from parents, other family will also be able to help others see appropriate to celebrate the ongoing members, friends, and leaders who are themselves as God does.8 President Restoration that we are witnessing. I also walking the path. Henry B. Eyring emphasized the rejoice with you to live in this day.1 The These kinds of relationships take power of this when he said: “What Lord continues to put in place, through time. Time to be together. Time to will matter most is what [others] learn His prophets, all that is needed to help laugh, play, learn, and serve together. from [you] about who they really are us prepare to receive Him.2 Time to appreciate each other’s and what they can really become. One of those needed things is the interests and challenges. Time to be My guess is that they won’t learn it new Children and Youth initiative. open and honest with each other as so much from lectures. They will get Many of you are familiar with this we strive to be better together. These it from feelings of who you are, who program’s emphasis on setting goals, relationships are one of the primary you think they are, and what you new emblems of belonging, and For purposes of gathering as families, think they might become.”9 Helping the Strength of Youth conferences. quorums, classes, and congregations. others understand their true identity But we must not let those cloud our view of the principles the program is built on and their purpose: to help get the gospel of Jesus Christ deep in the hearts of our children and youth.3 I believe as we come to see these principles more clearly, we will rec- ognize this as more than a program for members ages 8 to 18. We will see how the Lord is trying to help us—all of us—get His gospel deeper in our hearts. I pray the Holy Ghost will help us learn together.

Relationships—“Be with Them”4 The first principle is relationships. Because they are such a natural part of the Church of Jesus Christ, we sometimes forget the importance of relationships in our ongoing journey to Christ.

MAY 2020 23 Christ to change us into the best version of ourselves. This is far more than an exercise in goal setting or self-improvement. Goals are simply a tool that helps us connect with heaven through revelation, agency, and repentance—to come unto Christ and receive His gospel deeper in our hearts. and purpose is one of the greatest feelings in our hearts. The word of gifts we can give.10 Seeing others God is spiritual power.18 It is truth Engagement and Sacrifice—“Let Them and ourselves as God does knits our and light.19 It is how we hear Him! Lead”25 hearts “together in unity and in love.”11 The word initiates and increases Finally, to get the gospel of Jesus With ever-increasing secular forces our faith in Christ and fuels within Christ deep in our hearts, we need pulling at us, we need the strength us a desire to become more like the to engage in it—to give our time and that comes from loving relationships. Savior—that is, to repent and walk talents to it, to sacrifice for it.26 We all So as we plan activities, meetings, and the covenant path.20 want to live a life of meaning, and this other gatherings, let us remember an Last April, President Russell M. is especially true of the rising genera- overarching purpose of these gath- Nelson helped us understand the tion. They desire a cause. erings is to build loving relationships central role of repentance in this The gospel of Jesus Christ is the that unite us and help get the gospel revelatory journey.21 He said: “When greatest cause in the world. President of Jesus Christ deeper in our hearts.12 we choose to repent, we choose Ezra Taft Benson said: “We are com- to change! We allow the Savior to manded by God to take this gospel Revelation, Agency, and transform us into the best version of to all the world. That is the cause that Repentance—“Connect Them with ourselves. . . . We choose to become must unite us today. Only the gospel Heaven”13 more like Jesus Christ!”22 This process will save the world from the calamity Of course, it’s not enough just to of change, fueled by the word of God, of its own self-destruction. Only the be bound together. There are many is how we connect with heaven. gospel will unite men [and women] groups and organizations that achieve Underlying President Nelson’s of all races and nationalities in peace. unity around a variety of causes. invitation to repent is the principle Only the gospel will bring joy, hap- But the unity we seek is to be one of agency. We must choose repen- piness, and salvation to the human in Christ, to connect ourselves with tance for ourselves. The gospel can’t family.”27 Him.14 To connect our hearts with be forced into our hearts. As Elder Elder David A. Bednar promised, heaven, we need individual spiritual Renlund said, “Our Heavenly Father’s “As we empower the youth by inviting experiences, as Elder Andersen just goal in parenting is not to have His and allowing them to act, the Church eloquently spoke to us about.15 Those children do what is right; it is to will move forward in miraculous experiences come as the Holy Ghost have His children choose to do what ways.”28 Too often we have not invited carries the word and love of God to is right.”23 and allowed the youth to sacrifice our mind and heart.16 In the programs replaced by for this great cause of Christ. Elder This revelation comes through Children and Youth, there were Neal A. Maxwell observed, “If [our] the scriptures, especially the Book over 500 different requirements to youth are too underwhelmed [by of Mormon; through inspired words complete in order to receive various God’s work], they are more likely to of living prophets and other faith- recognitions.24 Today, there is essen- be overwhelmed by the world.”29 ful disciples; and through the still, tially one. It is an invitation to choose The Children and Youth pro- small voice.17 These words are more to become more like the Savior. We gram focuses on empowering the than ink on a page, sound waves in do this by receiving the word of God youth. They choose their own goals. our ears, thoughts in our minds, or through the Holy Ghost and allowing Quorum and class presidencies are

24 SATURDAY MORNING SESSION in time and in eternity. Nothing—not placed in their proper role. The ward feel the joy of choosing to engage in anything, not anyone, not any influence— youth council, just like the ward coun- and sacrifice for the cause of Christ. will keep this Church from fulfilling its mission and realizing its destiny declared cil, focuses on the work of salvation His gospel will get deeper into their from before the foundation of the world. and exaltation.30 And quorums and hearts, and the work will move for- . . . There is no need to be afraid or classes begin their meetings by coun- ward in miraculous ways. tentative about the future. “Unlike every other era before us, seling about how to do the work God this dispensation will not experience an 31 has given them. Promise and Testimony institutional apostasy; it will not see a President Nelson said to the youth I promise, as we focus on these loss of priesthood keys; it will not suffer a cessation of revelation from the voice of of the Church: “If you choose to, if principles—relationships, revelation, Almighty God. . . . What a day in which you want to, . . . you can be a big part agency, repentance, and sacrifice—the to live! of something big, something grand, gospel of Jesus Christ will sink deeper “. . . If you haven’t noticed, I am bullish about the latter days. . . . Believe. Rise something majestic! . . . You are in all our hearts. We will see the up. Be faithful. And make the most of among the best the Lord has ever sent Restoration move forward to its ulti- the remarkable day in which we live!” to this world. You have the capacity mate purpose, the redemption of Israel (Facebook post, May 27, 2015; see also 35 “Be Not Afraid, Only Believe” [address to be smarter and wiser and have and the establishment of Zion, where to Church Educational System religious more impact on the world than any Christ will reign as King of kings. educators, Feb. 6, 2015], broadcasts. previous generation!”32 On another I testify that God continues to do ChurchofJesusChrist.org). 2. See John 1:12. occasion, President Nelson told the all things necessary to prepare His 3. Shortly after we were called as the Young youth: “I have complete confidence in people for that day. May we see His Men General Presidency, President you. I love you, and so does the Lord. hand in this glorious work as we all Henry B. Eyring discussed with us the We’re His people, engaged together in strive to “come unto Christ, and be unique challenges and opportunities 33 36 the youth of the Church face today. He His holy work.” Young people, can perfected in him.” In the name of counseled us to focus on those things that you feel the trust President Nelson has Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ would help get the gospel of Jesus Christ in you and how important you are to down deep in their hearts. That counsel NOTES has been a beacon for us as the Young this work? 1. See Doctrine and Covenants 45:12. Men Presidency. Parents and adult leaders, I invite President Nelson said: “Just think of the 4. See “Be with Them,” ChurchofJesusChrist you to see the youth as President excitement and urgency of it all: every .org/callings/aaronic-priesthood-quorums/ prophet commencing with Adam has my-calling/leader-instruction/ Nelson does. As the youth feel your seen our day. And every prophet has be-with-them. love and trust, as you encourage and talked about our day, when Israel would 5. See Mosiah 18:25; Moroni 6:5. teach them how to lead—and then be gathered and the world would be 6. Dale G. Renlund, “Through God’s Eyes,” prepared for the Second Coming of the Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 94; see also get out of their way—they will amaze Savior. Think of it! Of all the people who Moses 1:4–6. you with their insights, abilities, and have ever lived on planet earth, we are the President Thomas S. Monson taught: commitment to the gospel.34 They will ones who get to participate in this final, “We have the responsibility to see great gathering event. individuals not as they are but rather as How exciting is that!” they can become. I would plead with you (“Hope of Israel” to think of them in this way” (“See Others [worldwide youth as They May Become,” Ensign or Liahona, devotional, June 3, Nov. 2012, 70). 2018], HopeofIsrael Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught: .ChurchofJesusChrist “Too often, a young person’s outward .org). non-compliance with Church standards, Elder Jeffrey R. or his seemingly confrontive questions, Holland taught: or his expressed doubts get him quickly “What a terrific time labeled. The results can be distance to be alive! and, sometimes, disaffiliation. True love “The gospel of does not like labels!” (“Unto the Rising Jesus Christ is the Generation,” Ensign, Apr. 1985, 9). most certain, the 7. See 2 Kings 6:17. most secure, the most 8. Stephen L. Richards, as a member of the reliable, and the most First Presidency, said, “The highest type rewarding truth on of discernment is that which perceives in Bluffdale, Utah, USA earth and in heaven, others and uncovers for them their better

MAY 2020 25 can do things of significance if given a chance!” 30. See General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2.2, ChurchofJesusChrist.org. 31. Several resources are available in the BY HARRY ANDERSON BY HARRY Gospel Library to help the youth lead, including “Quorum and Class Presidency Resources,” “Using Come, Follow Me—For

JESUS CHRIST, Aaronic Priesthood Quorums and Young Women Classes,” and in the resources natures, the good inherent within them” 50:17–22; 68:4. for Young Women classes and Aaronic (in Conference Report, Apr. 1950, 162; 19. See John 6:63; 17:17; Alma 5:7; Doctrine Priesthood quorums in “Ward or Branch in David A. Bednar, “Quick to Observe,” and Covenants 84:43–45; 88:66; 93:36. Callings.” Ensign, Dec. 2006, 35; Liahona, Dec. 20. See John 15:3; 1 Peter 1:23; Mosiah 1:5; 32. Russell M. Nelson, “Hope of Israel,” 2006, 19). See also 2 Kings 6:17. Alma 5:7, 11–13; 32:28, 41–42; 36:26; HopeofIsrael.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. 9. Henry B. Eyring, “Teaching Is a Moral Act” 62:45; Helaman 14:13. During this same devotional, President (address at Brigham Young University, 21. See 2 Nephi 31:19–21; 32:3, 5. Nelson said: “Our Heavenly Father has Aug. 27, 1991), 3, speeches.byu.edu; 22. Russell M. Nelson, “We Can Do Better reserved many of His most noble spirits— emphasis added; see also Henry B. and Be Better,” Ensign or Liahona, perhaps, I might say, His finest team— Eyring, “Help Them Aim High,” Ensign May 2019, 67. for this final phase. Those noble spirits or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 60–67. 23. Dale G. Renlund, “Choose You This Day,” —those finest players, those heroes— 10. See Moses 1:3–6. Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 104. are you!” 11. Mosiah 18:21; see also Moses 7:18. 24. This figure includes requirements of the 33. Russell M. Nelson, opening remarks in 12. “Young men who have strong, positive Scouting programs, which until recently “Children and Youth: A Face to Face Event relationships with an active [Latter-day were part of the Church’s activity program with Elder Gerrit W. Gong,” Nov. 17, 2019, Saint] family, peers, and leaders, which for boys and young men, primarily in broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. help them develop a relationship the United States and Canada. In areas 34. President Nelson said: “We need to let with their Heavenly Father, are most that did not participate in Scouting, the the young people lead, particularly those likely to stay active. Specific program number of requirements was over 200. who have been called and set apart to elements—such as the Sunday curriculum, In addition, the various activity programs serve in class and quorum presidencies. [Young Men] activity program, personal for boys, girls, young men, and young Priesthood authority will have been achievement expectations . . . may women were structured differently, delegated to them. They will learn how have little effect independent of those making the whole experience more to receive inspiration in leading their relationships. . . . The important question complex for families. class or quorum” (in “Children and Youth is not how completely specific program 25. See “Let Them Lead,” ChurchofJesusChrist. Introductory Video Presentation,” Sept. 29, elements are implemented but how org/callings/aaronic-priesthood-quorums/ 2019, ChurchofJesusChrist.org). they contribute to positive relationships my-calling/leader-instruction/ Elder Quentin L. Cook said, “Our that strengthen the religious identity of let-them-lead. youth are being asked to take more [Latter-day Saint] young men” (“Be with 26. See Omni 1:26; 3 Nephi 9:20; 12:19; individual responsibility at younger Them,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org/callings/ Doctrine and Covenants 64:34. “A religion ages—without parents and leaders taking aaronic-priesthood-quorums/my-calling/ that does not require the sacrifice of over what youth can do for themselves” leader-instruction/be-with-them). all things never has power sufficient to (“Adjustments to Strengthen Youth,” 13. See “Connect Them with Heaven,” produce the faith necessary unto life and Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 40). ChurchofJesusChrist.org/callings/ salvation” (Lectures on Faith [1985], 69). 35. President George Q. Cannon taught: “God aaronic-priesthood-quorums/ 27. Ezra Taft Benson, The Teachings of has reserved spirits for this dispensation my-calling/leader-instruction/ Ezra Taft Benson (1988), 167; in Preach who have the courage and determination connect-them-with-heaven. My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary to face the world, and all the powers 14. See John 15:1–5; 17:11; Philippians 4:13; Service (2019), 13; see also Russell M. of the evil one, visible and invisible, to 1 John 2:6; Jacob 1:7; Omni 1:26; Nelson, “Hope of Israel,” HopeofIsrael. proclaim the gospel and maintain the Moroni 10:32. ChurchofJesusChrist.org. truth and establish and build up the Zion 15. The scriptures are full of examples of 28. Meeting with Elder David A. Bednar; see of our God fearless of all consequences. this; here are just two: 1 Nephi 2:16; also “2020 Temple and Family History He has sent these spirits in this generation Enos 1:1–4. Leadership Instruction,” Feb. 27, 2020, to lay the foundation of Zion never more 16. See Luke 24:32; 2 Nephi 33:1–2; Jacob ChurchofJesusChrist.org/family-history. to be overthrown, and to raise up a seed 3:2; Moroni 8:26; Doctrine and Covenants 29. Neal A. Maxwell, “Unto the Rising that will be righteous, and that will honor 8:2–3. Generation,” 11. Elder Maxwell continued: God, and honor Him supremely, and be 17. See 2 Timothy 3:15–16; Doctrine and “Functionally, how many deacons and obedient to Him under all circumstances” Covenants 68:3–4; 88:66; 113:10. teachers quorum presidencies consist (“Remarks,” Deseret News, May 31, 1866, 18. See 1 Thessalonians 1:5; Alma 26:13; of merely calling on someone to offer a 203); see also Teachings of Presidents of 31:5; Helaman 3:29; 5:17; Doctrine prayer or pass the sacrament? Brethren, the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 186. and Covenants 21:4–6; 42:61; 43:8–10; these really are special spirits, and they 36. Moroni 10:32.

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