THE ENSIGN OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS • november 2010

General Conference Addresses President Monson Urges Missionary Preparation and Service He Anointed the Eyes of the Blind Man, by Walter Rane

Having compassion for a man who was blind since birth, the Savior “spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, and said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam. . . . He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing” ( John 9:6–7).

Courtesy of Church History Museum Contents November 2010 Volume 40 • Number 11

2 Summary for the 180th Semiannual 59 Serve with the Spirit General Relief Society Meeting General Conference President Henry B. Eyring 112 “Daughters in My Kingdom”: The 67 The Three Rs of Choice History and Work of Relief Society Saturday Morning Session President Thomas S. Monson Julie B. Beck 4 As We Meet Together Again 116 Steadfast and Immovable President Thomas S. Monson Sunday Morning Session Silvia H. Allred 6 Because of Your Faith 70 Trust in God, Then Go and Do 119 And of Some Have Compassion, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland President Henry B. Eyring Making a Difference 9 Stay on the Path 74 Cleansing the Inner Vessel Barbara Thompson Rosemary M. Wixom President Boyd K. Packer 122 Charity Never Faileth 11 Obedience to the Prophets 77 The Holy Ghost and Revelation President Thomas S. Monson Elder Claudio R. M. Costa Elder Jay E. Jensen 64 General Authorities of The Church 13 Gospel Learning and Teaching 80 Be an Example of the Believers of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints David M. McConkie Mary N. Cook 125 Conference Story Index 16 Reflections on a Consecrated Life 83 Two Lines of Communication 126 General Auxiliary Presidencies Elder D. Todd Christofferson Elder Dallin H. Oaks 126 Teachings for Our Time 19 Of Things That Matter Most 87 The Divine Gift of Gratitude President Dieter F. Uchtdorf President Thomas S. Monson 127 News of the Church

Saturday Afternoon Session Sunday Afternoon Session 23 The Sustaining of Church Officers 91 The Priesthood of Aaron President Henry B. Eyring Elder L. Tom Perry 24 Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life 94 Receive the Holy Ghost Elder Robert D. Hales Elder David A. Bednar 27 Let There Be Light! 98 Courageous Parenting Elder Quentin L. Cook Elder Larry R. Lawrence 31 Faith—the Choice Is Yours 101 Rest unto Your Souls Bishop Richard C. Edgley Elder Per G. Malm 34 Our Very Survival 103 Avoiding the Trap of Sin Elder Kevin R. Duncan Elder Jairo Mazzagardi 36 Temple Mirrors of Eternity: 105 What Have You Done with A Testimony of Family My Name? Elder Gerrit W. Gong Elder Mervyn B. Arnold 39 Never Leave Him 108 O That Cunning Plan Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Evil One 43 The Transforming Power of Faith Elder M. Russell and Character Ballard Elder Richard G. Scott 111 Till We Meet Again President Thomas S. Priesthood Session Monson 47 Be Thou an Example of the Believers Elder Russell M. Nelson 50 “Come unto Me with Full Purpose of Heart, and I Shall Heal You” Elder Patrick Kearon 53 He Teaches Us to Put Off the Natural Man Elder Juan A. Uceda 55 Pride and the Priesthood President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

November 2010 1 Larice; “The Spirit of God,” Hymns, no. 2, arr. Summary for the 180th Semiannual DeFord, unpublished (flutes: Tia Jaynes and Natalie Hall; vocal soloists: Katherine Dowse, Olivia Dowse, Megan Dowse Broughton, General Conference Jayni Dowse, Sally Dowse Duffin, and Sofia Lee Dowse). Saturday Morning, October 2, 2010, Tabernacle Choir; Mack Wilberg, director; Clay General Session Christiansen and Richard Elliott, organists: Conference Talks Available Presiding: President Thomas S. Monson. “Truth Eternal,” Hymns, no. 4; “Jehovah, Lord To access general conference talks on the Conducting: President Henry B. Eyring. of Heaven and Earth,” Hymns, no. 269; “Dear Internet in many languages, visit conference Invocation: Elder Octaviano Tenorio. to the Heart of the Shepherd,” Hymns, no. .lds.org. Then select a language. Generally Benediction: Elder Eduardo Gavarret. Music by 221, arr. Wilberg, unpublished; “Redeemer of within two months following conference, the Tabernacle Choir; Mack Wilberg and Ryan Israel,” Hymns, no. 6; “Love One Another,” recordings are also available at distribution Murphy, directors; Andrew Unsworth and Clay Hymns, no. 308, arr. Wilberg, unpublished; centers. Recordings for individuals who are Christiansen, organists: “Guide Us, O Thou “Now Let Us Rejoice,” Hymns, no. 3, arr. deaf are available at languages.lds.org (select Great Jehovah,” Hymns, no. 83; “Let Zion in Wilberg, unpublished. ASL) and generally within two months fol- Her Beauty Rise,” Hymns, no. 41; “We Thank lowing conference from distribution centers Thee, O God, for a Prophet,” Hymns, no. 19, Sunday Afternoon, October 3, 2010, (three DVDs with a signing inset). For more arr. Wilberg, unpublished; “Put Your Shoulder General Session information, call 1-800-537-5971 or log on to to the Wheel,” Hymns, no. 252; “Tell Me the Presiding: President Thomas S. Monson. store.lds.org. Stories of Jesus,” Children’s Songbook, 57, arr. Conducting: President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. Murphy, unpublished; “The Morning Breaks,” Invocation: Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge. Home and Visiting Teaching Messages Hymns, no. 1, arr. Wilberg, unpublished. Benediction: Bishop H. David Burton. Music For home and visiting teaching messages, by the Tabernacle Choir; Mack Wilberg and please select an address that best meets the Saturday Afternoon, October 2, 2010, Ryan Murphy, directors; Bonnie Goodliffe, needs of those you visit. General Session organist: “Come, Rejoice,” Hymns, no. 9, arr. Presiding: President Thomas S. Monson. Murphy, unpublished; “Lead, Kindly Light,” On the Cover Conducting: President Henry B. Eyring. Hymns, no. 97, arr. Wilberg, unpublished; “I Front: Photograph by Les Nilsson. Invocation: Elder Claudio D. Zivic. Am a Child of God,” Hymns, no. 301; “Sing Back: Photograph by Welden C. Andersen. Benediction: Elder Jorge F. Zeballos. Music We Now at Parting,” Hymns, no. 156, arr. by a family choir from Sandy and Draper, Wilberg, unpublished. Conference Photography Utah; Timothy Workman, director; Linda Scenes of general conference in Salt Lake Margetts, organist: “Come, Ye Children of Saturday Evening, September 25, 2010, City were taken by Craig Dimond, Welden C. the Lord,” Hymns, no. 58, arr. Lyon, pub. General Relief Society Meeting Andersen, John Luke, Matthew Reier, Christina Jackman; “Beautiful Zion, Built Above,” Presiding: President Thomas S. Monson. Smith, Les Nilsson, Scott Davis, Lindsay Briggs, Hymns, no. 44; “Lord, I Would Follow Conducting: Julie B. Beck. Invocation: Cody Bell, Mark Weinberg, Weston Colton, Thee,” Hymns, no. 220; “Home,” Children’s Sharon L. Eubank. Benediction: Marsha G. Rod Boam, and Sarah Carabine; in Argentina Songbook, 192, arr. Dayley, unpublished. Beck. Music by a Relief Society choir from by Lucio Fleytas; in Brazil by Laureni Fochetto stakes in Kearns, Utah; Cathy Jolley, direc- and Ana Claudia Soli; in Dominican Republic Saturday Evening, October 2, 2010, tor; Linda Margetts, organist: “Count Your by Krista Groll; in Ireland by Farris Gerard; Priesthood Session Blessings,” Hymns, no. 241, arr. Kasen, pub. in Italy by Alessandro Dini Ciacci; in New Presiding: President Thomas S. Monson. Jackman; “Carry On,” Hymns, no. 255, arr. Zealand by Victoria Taupau; in South Africa Conducting: President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. Nielsen and Boothe, unpublished (French by Kevin Cooney; in Sweden by Jens Rydgren; Invocation: Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis. horns: Kristina Orcutt Tollefson, Mary and in Uruguay by Abel Gómez Pereyra. Benediction: Elder James J. Hamula. Music by Lampros, and Claire Grover); “More Holiness Portrait of President Monson by Busath a priesthood choir from the Provo Missionary Give Me,” Hymns, no. 131, arr. Beebe, pub. Photography. Training Center; Douglas Brenchley and Ryan Eggett, directors; Richard Elliott, organist: “Hark, All Ye Nations!” Hymns, no. 264, arr. Ipson, unpublished; “Go, Ye Messengers of Heaven,” Hymns, no. 327; “High on the Mountain Top,” Hymns, no. 5; “Called to Serve,” Hymns, no. 249, arr. Boothe, unpublished.

Sunday Morning, October 3, 2010, General Session Presiding: President Thomas S. Monson. Conducting: President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. Invocation: Elder Gérald Caussé. Benediction: Elder Carlos A. Godoy. Music by the 2 An official magazine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints November 2010 Volume 40 • Number 11 The First Presidency: Thomas S. Monson, Henry B. Eyring, Dieter F. Uchtdorf 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: Paul B. Pieper Advisers: Stanley G. Ellis, Christoffel Golden Jr., Yoshihiko Kikuchi Managing Director: David L. Frischknecht Editorial Director: Vincent A. Vaughn Graphics Director: Allan R. Loyborg Managing Editor: R. Val Johnson Assistant Managing Editor: LaRene Porter Gaunt Senior Editors: Matthew D. Flitton, Speakers in Alphabetical Topic Index Jesus Christ, 31, 39, 87 Larry Hiller, Michael R. Morris, Joshua J. Perkey Order Aaronic Priesthood, 91 Judging, 122 Assistant Editor: Melissa Merrill Allred, Silvia H., 116 Addiction, 108 Learning, 13 Editorial Staff: Susan Barrett, Ryan Carr, Andersen, Neil L., 39 Adversity, 116 Light of Christ, 27 Jenifer L. Greenwood, Adam C. Olson, Laurel Teuscher Arnold, Mervyn B., 105 Agency, 24, 27, 31, 67, 74, Love, 53, 122 Editorial Intern: Janice LeFevre Ballard, M. Russell, 108 103 Loyalty, 39 Senior Secretary: Faith S. Watson Beck, Julie B., 112 Atonement, 36, 108 Ministering of angels, 91 Managing Art Director: J. Scott Knudsen Bednar, David A., 94 Authority, 83 Missionary work, 4, 47 Art Director: Scott Van Kampen Christofferson, D. Todd, 16 Blessings, 87 Morality, 16, 27, 74, 80 Senior Designers: C. Kimball Bott, Thomas S. Cook, Mary N., 80 Book of Mormon, 77 Obedience, 11, 34, 43, 50, Child, Colleen Hinckley, Eric P. Johnsen, Scott M. Mooy Cook, Quentin L., 27 Character, 43 70, 94, 98, 101, 105, 111 Production Staff: Cali R. Arroyo, Costa, Claudio R. M., 11 Charity, 122 Offense, 39 Collette Nebeker Aune, Howard G. Brown, Duncan, Kevin R., 34 Children, 9, 98 Parenting, 98 Julie Burdett, Reginald J. Christensen, Kathleen Peace, 101 Howard, Denise Kirby, Ginny J. Nilson, Edgley, Richard C., 31 Choice, 24, 67 Jane Ann Peters Eyring, Henry B., 23, 59, 70 Christlike attributes, 16, 43, Pioneers, 34 Prepress: Byron Warner Gong, Gerrit W., 36 53, 80, 119, 122 Plan of salvation, 9, 24, 116 Printing Director: Craig K. Sedgwick Hales, Robert D., 24 Commandments, 43, 105 Pornography, 74, 103 Distribution Director: Evan Larsen Holland, Jeffrey R., 6 Commitment, 67 Prayer, 9, 83 © 2010 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. Jensen, Jay E., 77 Compassion, 119 Pride, 55 All rights reserved. The Ensign (ISSN 0884- Kearon, Patrick, 50 Confirmation, 94 Priesthood, 59, 91 1136) is published monthly by The Church of Lawrence, Larry R., 98 Consecration, 16 Prophets, 11, 34, 70 Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 50 E. North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-0024, Malm, Per G., 101 Consequences, 50, 67 Relief Society, 112 USA. Periodicals Postage Paid at Salt Lake City, Mazzagardi, Jairo, 103 Conversion, 39, 53 Repentance, 24, 50, 53, 74, Utah. McConkie, David M., 13 Courage, 98 103 To change address: Send both old and new Monson, Thomas S., 4, 67, Covenants, 36 Responsibility, 67 address information to Distribution Services at the 87, 111, 122 Diligence, 19 Revelation, 11, 77, 83, 94 above address. Please allow 60 days for changes to take effect. Nelson, Russell M., 47 Drug abuse, 108 Righteousness, 43, 53, 80, Oaks, Dallin H., 83 Example, 9, 47, 80 91 Copyright information: Text and visual material in the Ensign may be copied for incidental, Packer, Boyd K., 74 Faith, 6, 31, 34, 43, 80, 111, Sacrifice, 6 noncommercial church or home use. Visual material Perry, L. Tom, 91 116 Scripture study, 9, 13 may not be copied if restrictions are indicated in Scott, Richard G., 43 Family, 19, 36, 53, 98 Service, 6, 16, 55, 59, 91, the credit line with the artwork. Copyright Thompson, Barbara, 119 Family history, 36 112, 119 questions should be addressed to Intellectual Property Office, 50 E. North Temple Street, Uceda, Juan A., 53 Fellowshipping, 47 Simplicity, 19 Salt Lake City, UT 84150-0018, USA; e-mail: Uchtdorf, Dieter F., 19, 55 General conference, 4, 111 Sin, 103 [email protected]. Wixom, Rosemary M., 9 Gospel basics, 19 Standards, 80 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Gratitude, 6, 87 Teaching, 9, 13 Distribution Services, P.O. Box 26368, Salt Lake Healing, 50 Temples, 4, 36 City, UT 84126-0368, USA. Holy Ghost, 13, 59, 77, 94, Testimony, 31, 77, 101 Canada Post Information: Publication 98 Trust, 70 Agreement #40017431. Honesty, 27 Visiting teaching, 119 Humility, 55, 122 Work, 16 Integrity, 16, 27

November 2010 3 Saturday Morning Session | October 2, 2010

By President Thomas S. Monson As We Meet Together Again Missionary service is a priesthood duty—an obligation the Lord expects of us who have been given so very much.

y beloved brothers and sisters, Since April when we last met, the we welcome you to general work of the Church has moved for- Mconference, which is being ward unhindered. It has been my priv- heard and seen by various means ilege to dedicate four new temples. throughout the world. We express Accompanied by my counselors and thanks to all who have to do with other General Authorities, I have the complicated logistics of this great traveled to Gila Valley, Arizona; to undertaking. Vancouver, British Columbia; to Cebu

Stockholm, Sweden

City in the Philippines; and to Kyiv, Ukraine. The temple in each of these locations is magnificently beautiful. Each one is blessing the lives of our members and is an influence for good upon those not of our faith. The evening prior to each temple dedication, we were privileged to view a cultural celebration, participated in by our young people and some of our not-so-young people. These events were generally held in large stadiums, although in Kyiv we met in a beautiful 4 palace. The dancing, singing, musi- We continue to build temples. This in attending the temples, which are cal performances, and displays were morning I am pleased to announce being built closer and closer to our excellent. I express my commendation five additional temples for which sites members. and love to all who were involved. are being acquired and which, in com- Now, before we hear from our Each temple dedication was a spiri- ing months and years, will be built speakers this morning, may I mention tual feast. We felt the Spirit of the Lord in the following locations: Lisbon, a matter close to my heart and which at all of them. Portugal; Indianapolis, Indiana; deserves our serious attention. I speak Next month we will rededicate Urdaneta, Philippines; Hartford, of missionary work. the Laie Hawaii Temple, one of our Connecticut; and Tijuana, Mexico. First, to young men of the Aaronic oldest temples, which has undergone The ordinances performed in our Priesthood and to you young men extensive renovations during many temples are vital to our salvation who are becoming elders: I repeat months. We look forward to that and to the salvation of our deceased what prophets have long taught— sacred occasion. loved ones. May we continue faithful that every worthy, able young man

November 2010 5 should prepare to serve a mission. By Elder Jeffrey R. Holland Missionary service is a priesthood Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles duty—an obligation the Lord expects of us who have been given so very much. Young men, I admonish you to prepare for service as a missionary. Keep yourselves clean and pure and Because of Your Faith worthy to represent the Lord. Maintain your health and strength. Study the My thanks to all you wonderful members of the Church . . . scriptures. Where such is available, participate in seminary or institute. for proving every day of your life that the pure love of Christ Familiarize yourself with the mission- “never faileth.” ary handbook Preach My Gospel. A word to you young sisters: while you do not have the same priesthood responsibility as do the young men resident Monson, the entire world- every member of this church, whoever to serve as full-time missionaries, you wide membership of this church you may be. In whatever country you also make a valuable contribution as Pjoins in that great anthem with this live, however young or inadequate missionaries, and we welcome your wonderful choir, and we say, “We thank you feel, or however aged or limited service. thee, O God, for a prophet.” Thank you you see yourself as being, I testify you And now to you mature brothers for your life, for your example, and for are individually loved of God, you are and sisters: we need many, many that welcoming message to another central to the meaning of His work, more senior couples. To the faithful general conference of the Church. and you are cherished and prayed for couples now serving or who have We love you, we admire you, and we by the presiding officers of His Church. served in the past, we thank you for sustain you. Indeed, in this afternoon’s The personal value, the sacred splen- your faith and devotion to the gospel session we will have a more formal dor of every one of you, is the very of Jesus Christ. You serve willingly and opportunity to raise our hands in a reason there is a plan for salvation and well and accomplish great good. sustaining vote, not only for President exaltation. Contrary to the parlance of To those of you who are not yet Monson but also for all the other the day, this is about you. No, don’t to the season of life when you might general officers of the Church as well. turn and look at your neighbor. I am serve a couples mission, I urge you Because my name will be included on talking to you! to prepare now for the day when you that list, may I be so bold as to speak I have struggled to find an ade- and your spouse might do so. As your for all in thanking you in advance for quate way to tell you how loved of circumstances allow, as you are eligi- those uplifted hands. Not one of us God you are and how grateful we on ble for retirement, and as your health could serve without your prayers and this stand are for you. I am trying to permits, make yourselves available to without your support. Your loyalty and be voice for the very angels of heaven leave home and give full-time mis- your love mean more to us than we in thanking you for every good thing sionary service. There are few times can ever possibly say. you have ever done, for every kind in your lives when you will enjoy the In that spirit my message today is to word you have ever said, for every sweet spirit and satisfaction that come say that we sustain you, that we return sacrifice you have ever made in from giving full-time service together to you those same heartfelt prayers extending to someone—to anyone— in the work of the Master. and that same expression of love. We the beauty and blessings of the gospel Now, my brothers and sisters, may all know there are special keys, cov- of Jesus Christ. you be attuned to the Spirit of the enants, and responsibilities given to the I am grateful for Young Women Lord as we hear from His servants dur- presiding officers of the Church, but leaders who go to girls camp and, ing the next two days. That this may we also know that the Church draws without shampoo, showers, or mas- be the blessing of each, I pray humbly incomparable strength, a truly unique cara, turn smoky, campfire testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ vitality, from the faith and devotion of meetings into some of the most 6 riveting spiritual experiences those have done it unto one of the least of care for a challenged child, sometimes girls—or those leaders—will experi- these . . . , ye have done it unto me.” 2 with more than one challenge and ence in their lifetime. I am grateful And no less the brethren of the sometimes with more than one child. for all the women of the Church who priesthood. I think, for example, of I am grateful for children who close in my life have been as strong as the leaders of our young men who, ranks later in life to give back to ill or Mount Sinai and as compassionate depending on the climate and conti- aging parents. as the Mount of Beatitudes. We smile nent, either take bone-rattling 50-mile And to the near-perfect elderly sometimes about our sisters’ stories— (80 km) hikes or dig—and actually try sister who almost apologetically you know, green Jell-O, quilts, and to sleep in—ice caves for what have whispered recently, “I have never been funeral potatoes. But my family has to be the longest nights of human a leader of anything in the Church. I been the grateful recipient of each of experience. I am grateful for memories guess I’ve only been a helper,” I say, those items at one time or another— of my own high priests group, which “Dear sister, God bless you and all the and in one case, the quilt and the a few years ago took turns for weeks ‘helpers’ in the kingdom.” Some of funeral potatoes on the same day. It sleeping on a small recliner in the us who are leaders hope someday to was just a small quilt—tiny, really— bedroom of a dying quorum member have the standing before God that you to make my deceased baby brother’s so that his aged and equally fragile have already attained. journey back to his heavenly home as wife could get some sleep through Too often I have failed to express warm and comfortable as our Relief those final weeks of her sweetheart’s gratitude for the faith and goodness Society sisters wanted him to be. The life. I am grateful for the Church’s army of such people in my life. President food provided for our family after the of teachers, officers, advisers, and James E. Faust stood at this pulpit service, voluntarily given without a clerks, to say nothing of people who 13 years ago and said, “As a small single word from us, was gratefully are forever setting up tables and taking boy . . . , I remember my grandmother received. Smile, if you will, about our down chairs. I am grateful for ordained . . . cooking our delicious meals on traditions, but somehow the too-often patriarchs, musicians, family historians, a hot woodstove. When the wood unheralded women in this church are and osteoporotic couples who trundle box next to the stove became empty, always there when hands hang down off to the temple at 5:00 in the morning Grandmother would silently . . . go and knees are feeble. 1 They seem with little suitcases now almost bigger out to refill it from the pile of cedar to grasp instinctively the divinity in than they are. I am grateful for selfless wood outside, and bring the heavily Christ’s declaration: “Inasmuch as ye parents who—perhaps for a lifetime— laden box back into the house. I was

November 2010 7 so insensitive . . . [that] I sat there and has ever loved one before or since. home in St. George, so it’s not too late let my beloved grandmother refill Then I returned home just as my to thank her. To you, Mom and Dad, [that] box.” Then, his voice choking parents were called to serve a mission of and to all the moms and dads and with emotion, he said, “I feel ashamed their own. What would I do now? How families and faithful people every- of myself and have regretted my omis- in the world could I pay for a college where, I thank you for sacrificing for sion for all of my life. I hope someday education? How could I possibly pay your children (and for other people’s to ask for her forgiveness.” 3 for board and room? And how could I children!), for wanting so much to If a man as perfect as I felt President realize the great dream of my heart, to give them advantages you never had, Faust was can acknowledge his youth- marry the breathtakingly perfect Patricia for wanting so much to give them the ful oversight, I can do no less than Terry? I don’t mind admitting that I was happiest life you could provide. make a similar admission and pay a discouraged and frightened. My thanks to all you wonderful long-overdue tribute of my own today. Hesitantly I went to the local bank members of the Church—and legions When I was called to serve a mis- and asked the manager, a family of good people not of our faith—for sion back before the dawn of time, friend, how much was in my account. proving every day of your life that the there was no equalization of mission- He looked surprised and said, “Why, pure love of Christ “never faileth.” 4 ary costs. Each had to bear the full Jeff, it’s all in your account. Didn’t No one of you is insignificant, in part expense of the mission to which he they tell you? Your parents wanted to because you make the gospel of Jesus or she was sent. Some missions were do what little they could to help you Christ what it is—a living reminder very expensive, and as it turned out, get started when you got home. They of His grace and mercy, a private but mine was one of those. didn’t withdraw a cent during your powerful manifestation in small villages As we encourage missionaries mission. I supposed that you knew.” and large cities of the good He did and to do, I had saved money and sold Well, I didn’t know. What I do know the life He gave bringing peace and sal- personal belongings to pay my own is that my dad, a self-educated accoun- vation to other people. We are honored way as best I could. I thought I had tant, a “bookkeeper” as they were called beyond expression to be counted one enough money, but I wasn’t sure how in our little town, with very few clients, with you in such a sacred cause. it would be in the final months of my probably never wore a new suit or a As Jesus said to the Nephites, so mission. With that question on my new shirt or a new pair of shoes for two say I today: mind, I nevertheless blissfully left my years so his son could have all of those “Because of your faith . . . , my joy family for the greatest experience any- for his mission. Furthermore, what I did is full. one could hope to have. I loved my not know but then came to know was “And when he had said these mission as I am sure no young man that my mother, who had never worked words, he wept.” 5 out of the home in her married life, Brothers and sisters, seeing your took a job at a local department store example, I pledge anew my determina- so that my mission expenses could be tion to be better, to be more faithful— met. And not one word of that was ever more kind and devoted, more charitable conveyed to me on my mission. Not and true as our Father in Heaven is and a single word was said regarding any as so many of you already are. This I of it. How many fathers in this Church pray in the name of our Great Exemplar have done exactly what my father in all things—even the name of the Lord did? And how many mothers, in these Jesus Christ—amen. ◼ difficult economic times, are still doing Notes what my mother did? 1. See Hebrews 12:12; Doctrine and My father has been gone for 34 Covenants 81:5. 2. Matthew 25:40. years, so like President Faust, I will 3. James E. Faust, “The Weightier Matters have to wait to fully thank him on of the Law: Judgment, Mercy, and Faith,” the other side. But my sweet mother, ­Ensign, Nov. 1997, 59. 4. 1 Corinthians 13:8; see also Moroni who turns 95 next week, is happily 7:46–47. watching this broadcast today at her 5. 3 Nephi 17:20–21. 8 By Rosemary M. Wixom One such family with four young Primary General President children writes: “We decided to start small because of our children’s short attention spans. Our oldest child was not yet reading, but she could repeat our words, so we began reading the Stay on the Path Book of Mormon, just three verses each night. My husband and I would As we hold on to our children and follow the Savior’s lead, read one verse each, and then Sydney would repeat a verse. We progressed we will all return to our heavenly home and be safe in our to four verses and then five verses Heavenly Father’s arms. as the boys began to repeat their own verses. Yes, it was tedious, but we kept going. We tried to focus on consistency instead of speed. It took recently observed the birth of tiny No child needs to walk the path us three-and-a-half years to finish the Kate Elizabeth. After she entered alone so long as we speak freely to Book of Mormon. It was a great feel- I this world and was placed into her our children of the plan of salvation. ing of accomplishment!” mother’s arms, Kate reached out and Understanding the plan will help The mother continues: “Daily caught hold of her mother’s finger. It them hold to the truths that they are family scripture reading is a habit was as if little Kate were saying, “If I children of God and He has a plan for in our family now. Our children are hold on, will you help me stay on the them, that they lived with Him in the comfortable with scriptural language, path back to my Heavenly Father?” premortal existence, that they shouted and my husband and I take opportu- At age seven, Joseph Smith con- for joy to come to this earth, and that nity to bear testimony of truths. Most tracted typhoid fever, and an infection through the Savior’s help, we all can important, the Spirit has increased in settled in his leg. Dr. Nathan Smith return to our Heavenly Father’s pres- our home.” was pioneering a procedure by which ence. If they understand the plan and Do you take from this family’s the infected leg could be saved. who they are, they will not fear. experience what I do? When our Without anesthesia, Dr. Smith would In Alma 24 we read, “He loveth intent is to hold tight to the word of need to cut Joseph’s leg and actually our souls [and] he loveth our children; God, our reading of the scriptures can remove portions of the infected bone. therefore, . . . the plan of salvation be just one verse at a time. It’s never Joseph declined brandy to endure the might be made known unto us as well too late to begin. You can start now. pain and refused to be tied down but as unto future generations.” 2 The world will teach our children if said, “I will have my father sit on the We begin to make the plan known we do not, and children are capable of bed and hold me in his arms, and then to our children when we hold tight to learning all the world will teach them I will do whatever is necessary.” 1 the iron rod ourselves. at a very young age. What we want For children all over the world, we When we are holding tight to the them to know five years from now say: “Take my hand. Hold on tight. We iron rod, we are in a position to place needs to be part of our conversation will stay on the path together back to our hands over theirs and walk the with them today. Teach them in every our Heavenly Father.” strait and narrow path together. Our circumstance; let every dilemma, every Parents, grandparents, neighbors, example is magnified in their eyes. They consequence, every trial that they may friends, Primary leaders—each of us will follow our cadence when they feel face provide an opportunity to teach can reach out to hold on to the children. secure in our actions. We do not need them how to hold on to gospel truths. We can stop, kneel down, and look into to be perfect—just honest and sincere. Shannon, a young mother, did not their eyes and feel of their innate desire Children want to feel as one with us. expect that she would teach her chil- to follow the Savior. Take hold of their When a parent says, “We can do it! We dren the power of prayer when they hands. Walk with them. It is our chance can read the scriptures daily as a family,” piled into their van to drive to their to anchor them on the path of faith. the children will follow! home just 40 minutes away. There was

November 2010 9 no storm when they left their grand- What trials will our children face? path formed by the spectators. Soon mother’s home, but as they began to Like Joseph Smith, our children can the children from the opposing team drive through the canyon, the light find the courage to “do whatever is joined the fun as all the players—the snow turned into a blizzard. The van necessary.” When we are intentional winners and the losers—were cheered began sliding on the surface of the about holding them and teaching on by the adults as they ran the path road. Soon visibility was near zero. The them of Heavenly Father’s plan of the victory tunnel. two youngest children could sense the through prayer and scriptures, they In my mind’s eye, I had another stress of the situation and began to will come to know where they came picture. I had the feeling I was seeing cry. Shannon said to the older chil- from, why they are here, and where children living the plan, the plan dren, Heidi and Thomas, ages 8 and 6, they are going. Heavenly Father has created for each “You need to pray. We need Heavenly Last spring my husband and I individual child. They were running Father’s help to get home safely. Pray attended a soccer game of our four- the strait and narrow path through the that we will not get stuck and that we year-old grandson. You could feel the arms of the spectators who love them, will not slide off the road.” Her hands excitement on the field as the players each one feeling the joy of being on shook as she steered the car, yet she ran in every direction chasing the soc- the path. could hear the whisper of little prayers cer ball. When the final whistle blew, Jacob said, “O how great the plan repeatedly coming from the backseat: the players were unaware of who won of our God!” 3 The Savior has “marked “Heavenly Father, please help us get or who lost. They had simply played the path and led the way.”4 I testify home safely; please help us so we will the game. The coaches directed that as we hold on to our children and not slide off the road.” the players to shake hands with the follow the Savior’s lead, we will all In time the prayers calmed the two opposing team members. Then I return to our heavenly home and be little ones, and they stopped their crying observed something quite remarkable. safe in our Heavenly Father’s arms. In just as they learned that a road clo- The coach called for a victory tunnel. the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ sure prevented them from driving any All the parents, grandparents, and any farther. Cautiously, they turned around spectators who had come to observe Notes 1. See Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph and found a motel for the night. Once in the game stood up and formed two Smith by His Mother, ed. Preston Nibley the motel, they knelt down and thanked lines facing each other, and by raising (1958), 56–57. Heavenly Father for their safety. That their arms they formed an arch. The 2. Alma 24:14. 3. 2 Nephi 9:13. night a mother taught her children the children squealed as they ran through 4. “How Great the Wisdom and the Love,” power of holding true to prayer. the cheering adults and down the Hymns, no. 195. 10 By Elder Claudio R. M. Costa me feel good that I had made the Of the Presidency of the Seventy decision to follow the prophets for the rest of my life when I accepted bap- tism in the Lord’s true Church. I would like to share with you some of the principles that President Obedience Benson taught: “First: The prophet is the only man who speaks for the Lord in everything ” to the Prophets (1980 Devotional Speeches of the Year [1981], 26). In our day the prophet of God has What a great blessing it is to have prophets in our day! told us to keep the commandments, to love our fellowman, to serve, to take care of the rising generation, to rescue the inactive or less active—to do many am a convert to the Church. I am It is a great blessing to receive the things that we call prophetic priorities. so grateful that God answered my word, commandments, and guidance We need to understand that these prior- I prayer and gave me a knowledge of the Lord in these difficult days ities are God’s priorities and the prophet and a strong testimony that Joseph of the earth. The prophet can be is His voice in communicating them to Smith is a prophet of God. inspired to see the future in benefit all of the Church and the world. Before I made the decision to be of mankind. We are counseled to “give heed baptized in The Church of Jesus Christ We are told that “surely the Lord unto all his words and command- of Latter-day Saints, I studied extracts God will do nothing, but he revealeth ments” (D&C 21:4). We also learn: from the history of Joseph Smith. I his secret unto his servants the proph- “For his word ye shall receive, as if prayed after carefully reading each ets” (Amos 3:7). We learn from this from mine own mouth, in all patience paragraph. If you would like to do this scripture that the Lord will reveal to His and faith. yourself, it may take you 14 hours. prophets absolutely anything that He “For by doing these things the gates After I read, pondered, and prayed, feels is necessary to communicate to of hell shall not prevail against you; the Lord gave me the assurance that us. He will reveal His will to us, and He yea, and the Lord God will disperse Joseph Smith was His prophet. I will instruct us through His prophets. the powers of darkness from before testify to you that Joseph Smith is a The Lord promised us that if we you, and cause the heavens to shake prophet, and because I have received believe in the holy prophets, we for your good, and his name’s glory” this answer from the Lord, I know should have eternal life (see D&C (D&C 21:5–6). that all of his successors are prophets 20:26). In the sixth article of faith, we Second fundamental: “The liv- too. What a great blessing it is to have declare that we believe in prophets. ing prophet is more vital to us than prophets in our day! To believe means to have faith and the standard works” (“Fourteen Why is it important to have living confidence in them and to follow and Fundamentals,” 26). prophets to guide the true Church of do what the prophets ask us to do. The living prophet is receiving spe- Jesus Christ and its members? In 1980, when President Ezra Taft cific revelations for us. I can remember In the Guide to the Scriptures, we Benson was serving as President of many times when I have been pres- find the definition of the word prophet: the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, ent to hear one of the servants of the “A person who has been called by and he gave a powerful message about Lord speak about a specific thing for speaks for God. As a messenger of God, obedience to the prophets at a BYU a city or country. I remember at least a prophet receives commandments, devotional in the Marriott Center. three of the living prophets, seers, and prophecies, and revelations from God” His great talk, titled “Fourteen revelators who have spoken about my (“Prophet,” scriptures.lds.org; see also Fundamentals in Following the country, Brazil. One of these servants Bible Dictionary, “Prophet”). Prophet,” touched my heart. It made said that Brazil would become a great

November 2010 11 the children of men astray from the oracles of God and from their duty” (Official Declaration 1). Fifth fundamental: “The prophet is not required to have any particular earthly training or credentials to speak on any subject or act on any matter at any time” (“Fourteen Fundamentals,” 27). The Lord called a young man, Joseph Smith, to restore His Church. Do you think that the young Joseph Smith was a doctor in theology or science? We know that he was a humble and not academ- ically educated young man. But he was chosen by the Lord, and he received from the Lord all that was necessary to honor and magnify the calling of a prophet of the Restoration. President Benson continued: “Sixth: The prophet does not have to say ‘Thus saith the Lord’ to give us scripture. . . . “Seventh: The prophet tells us what we need to know, not always what we want to know ” (“Fourteen Fundamentals,” 27, 28). And then President Benson quoted from 1 Nephi 16:1, 3: “And now it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had made an end of speak- ing to my brethren, behold they said economy in the world and be free of was difficult for them to believe in unto me: Thou hast declared unto us inflation. At the time, we had two-digit Noah. We know that because of their hard things, more than we are able inflation every month. It was difficult incredulity they did not survive the to bear. . . . for many people to believe what the Flood (see Genesis 6–7). “And now my brethren, if ye were prophet said, but I believed. Brazil has Fourth fundamental: “The prophet righteous and were willing to hearken had about 5 percent inflation each year will never lead the Church astray” to the truth, and give heed unto it, that for many consecutive years now. Brazil (“Fourteen Fundamentals,” 27). ye might walk uprightly before God, has become eighth in the world econ- Again we learn from the living then ye would not murmur because of omy, and the country is doing great! prophets. President Wilford Woodruff the truth, and say: Thou speakest hard Third fundamental: “The living said: “The Lord will never permit things against us.” prophet is more important to us me or any other man who stands as Eighth fundamental: “The prophet is than a dead prophet” (“Fourteen President of this Church to lead you not limited by men’s reasoning. . . . Fundamentals,” 27). astray. It is not in the programme. It “. . . Does it seem reasonable to We learn a great lesson about this is not in the mind of God. If I were to cure leprosy by telling a man to wash from the scriptures. In the times of attempt that, the Lord would remove seven times in a particular river? Yet Noah it was easier for the people to me out of my place, and so He will this is precisely what the prophet believe in the dead prophets, but it any other man who attempts to lead Elisha told a leper to do, and he was 12 healed. (See 2 Kings 5.)” (“Fourteen By David M. McConkie Fundamentals,” 28). First Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency And President Benson continued giving other principles about obedi- ence to the prophet. I will read the last six and invite you in your next family home evening to find these principles Gospel Learning in the words and teachings of our living prophets, seers, and revelators during this general conference. and Teaching “Ninth: The prophet can receive revelation on any matter—temporal or spiritual. . . . What matters most is the attitude or spirit by which the “Tenth: The prophet may be teacher teaches. involved in civic matters. . . . “Eleventh: The two groups who have the greatest difficulty in following the prophet are the proud who are learned s a member of the Sunday Think for a moment of a teacher and the proud who are rich. . . . School general presidency, I who really made a difference in your “Twelfth: The prophet will not nec- A feel I should begin my remarks life. What was it about him or her that essarily be popular with the world or this morning by saying, “Good morn- caused you to remember what was the worldly. . . . ing, class.” taught, to want to discover the truth “Thirteenth: The prophet and My message today is to all those for yourself, to exercise your agency his counselors make up the First who have been called to teach, in and act and not just to be acted Presidency—the highest quorum in whatever organization you are serving upon—in other words, to learn? What the Church. . . . and whether you are a recent convert was it about this teacher that set him “Fourteenth: The prophet and the to the Church or a teacher with years or her apart from the rest? presidency—the living prophet and of experience. A successful teacher and author the first presidency—follow them and I am not going to talk about the said: “What matters most in learning is be blessed; reject them and suffer ” “how” of teaching but rather about attitude. The attitude of the teacher.” 1 (“Fourteen Fundamentals,” 29). the “how” of learning. There can be Note that what matters most in We are privileged to have the a significant difference between what learning is not the number of years words of our living prophets, seers, a teacher says and what those in the a teacher has been a member of and revelators during this wonderful class hear or learn. the Church or how much teaching general conference. They will speak the will of the Lord for us, His people. They will transmit the word of God and His counsel to us. Pay attention and follow their instruction and sug- gestions, and I testify to you that your life will be completely blessed. Jesus is the Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Thomas S. Monson is the living prophet of God, and the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are prophets, seers, and revelators. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ can teach the gospel, we must know the gospel. President Thomas S. Monson still treasures the memory of his boyhood Sunday School teacher. He said: “It was my experience as a small boy to come under the influence of a most effective and inspired teacher who listened to us and who loved us. Her name was Lucy Gertsch. In our Sunday School class, she taught us concerning the Creation of the world, the Fall of Adam, the atoning sacrifice of Jesus. She brought to her classroom as honored guests Moses, Joshua, Peter, Thomas, Paul, and, of course, Christ. Though we did not see them, we learned to love, honor, and emulate them.” 4 Lucy Gertsch was able to invite these honored guests into her class- room because she knew them. They were her cherished friends. Because of that, her class also learned to “love, honor, and emulate them.” experience a person has or even the all those limitations, this man reached The Lord said to Hyrum Smith, teacher’s knowledge of the gospel or into the hearts of those rowdy 15-year- “Seek not to declare my word, but first teaching techniques. What matters old kids and changed their lives. And seek to obtain my word.” 5 This admo- most is the attitude or spirit by which Brother Berrett’s testimony was ‘We nition applies to each of us. the teacher teaches. could have warmed our hands by the The Lord has commanded us to In a worldwide leadership training fire of his faith.’” 2 search the scriptures, 6 to feast upon meeting, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland told Successful gospel teachers love the them, 7 and to treasure them up. 8 this story: “For many years, I have gospel. They are excited about it. And As we earnestly search and ponder loved the story that President Packer because they love their students, they the word of the Lord, we will have has told about William E. Berrett’s want them to feel as they feel and to His Spirit with us. We will become boyhood Sunday School teacher. An experience what they have experi- acquainted with His voice. 9 elderly Danish brother was called to enced. To teach the gospel is to share Soon after I was called to be a teach a class of rowdy boys. . . . He your love of the gospel. stake president, our stake presidency didn’t speak the language very well; Brothers and sisters, a teacher’s received training from an Area Seventy. he still had a heavy Danish brogue; he attitude is not taught; it’s caught. 3 During the training, I asked a ques- was much older, with big farm hands. How, then, do we develop the tion to which he responded, “That is a Yet he was to teach these young, ram- attitude necessary to be a successful good question. Let’s turn to the Church bunctious 15-year-olds. For all intents teacher? I would like to discuss four Handbook of Instructions for the and purposes, it would not have basic principles of gospel teaching. answer.” We then went to the hand- seemed like a very good match. But First, immerse yourself in the scrip- book, and there was the answer to my Brother Berrett used to say—and this tures. We cannot love what we do not question. A little later in our training, I is the part President Packer quotes— know. Develop a habit of daily scrip- asked another question. Once again he that this man somehow taught them; ture study, separate and apart from responded, “Good question. Let’s turn that across all those barriers, across your lesson preparation. Before we to the handbook.” I did not venture to 14 ask any more questions. I thought it to help you to know and to meet the thoughts and impressions that the best to read the handbook. needs of each student in your class? Spirit of the Lord puts into your I have thought since that the Lord No class is so large that we cannot heart. You may feel awkward at first, could give a similar response to each pray for inspiration regarding how to but I promise you that the sweet- of us as we go to Him with concerns or reach each student. est and most gratifying experiences questions. He could say, “That’s a good It is natural for teachers to have you will have as a teacher will be question. If you will review Alma chap- feelings of inadequacy. You must when you submit to the will of the ter 5 or Doctrine and Covenants section understand that “age and maturity and Lord and follow the promptings you 76, you’ll remember that I have already intellectual training are not in any way receive from the Holy Ghost. Your spoken to you about this.” or to any degree necessary to commu- experiences will strengthen your Brothers and sisters, it is contrary nion with the Lord and His Spirit.” 14 faith and give you greater courage to to the economy of heaven for the Lord The promises of the Lord are cer- act in the future. to repeat to each of us individually tain. If you earnestly search the scrip- Dear teachers, you are one of the what He has already revealed to us tures and treasure up in your minds great miracles of this Church. You collectively. The scriptures contain the the words of life, if you keep the com- have a sacred trust. We love you and words of Christ. They are the voice of mandments with all of your heart and have confidence in you. I know that the Lord. Studying the scriptures trains pray for each student, you will enjoy if we will search the scriptures and us to hear the Lord’s voice. the companionship of the Holy Ghost live so that we are worthy to have the Second, apply in your life the and you will receive revelation. 15 companionship of the Holy Ghost, the things that you learn. When Hyrum Fourth, brothers and sisters, it is of Lord will magnify us in our callings Smith desired to be a part of this great utmost importance that we exercise and responsibilities so that we may latter-day work, the Lord said to him, our agency and act, without delay, in accomplish our errand from the Lord. “Behold, this is your work, to keep accordance with the spiritual prompt- That we may all do so is my prayer in my commandments, yea, with all ings we receive. the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ your might, mind and strength.” 10 Our President Thomas S. Monson Notes work, first and foremost as teachers, is taught: “We watch. We wait. We listen 1. David McCullough, “Teach Them What to keep the commandments with all of for that still, small voice. When it You Love” (address given in the Salt Lake our might, mind, and strength. speaks, wise men and women obey. Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, Utah, May 9, 2009). Third, seek heaven’s help. Appeal Promptings of the Spirit are not to be 2. Jeffrey R. Holland, “Teaching and Learning unto the Lord for His Spirit with all of postponed.” 16 in the Church,” ­Liahona, June 2007, 72; the energy of your heart. The scrip- You must not be afraid to exer- ­Ensign, June 2007, 104. 3. See McCullough, “Teach Them What You tures state, “If ye receive not the Spirit cise your agency and act upon the Love.” ye shall not teach.” 11 This means that 4. Thomas S. Monson, “Examples of Great even if you use all the right teaching São Paulo, Brazil Teachers,” ­Liahona, June 2007, 76; ­Ensign, June 2007, 108. techniques and what you are teaching 5. Doctrine and Covenants 11:21. is true, without the Spirit real learning 6. See John 5:39. is not going to take place. 7. See 2 Nephi 32:3. 8. See Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:37. The role of the teacher is “to help 9. See Doctrine and Covenants 18:36; 84:52. individuals take responsibility for learn- 10. Doctrine and Covenants 11:20. ing the gospel—to awaken in them the 11. Doctrine and Covenants 42:14. 12. Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource desire to study, understand, and live the Guide for Gospel Teaching (1999), 61. gospel.” 12 This means that as teachers 13. See Teaching, No Greater Call, 60–62. we should not focus so much on our 14. J. Reuben Clark Jr., The Charted Course of the Church in Education (address given performance as on how we help others to seminary and institute leaders at Aspen learn and live the gospel. 13 Grove, Utah, Aug. 8, 1938), 6. When was the last time you knelt 15. See Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 132. in prayer and asked the Lord to help 16. Thomas S. Monson, “The Spirit Giveth you not just with your lesson but also Life,” ­Liahona and ­Ensign, June 1997, 4.

November 2010 15 By Elder D. Todd Christofferson life: purity, work, respect for one’s Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles physical body, service, and integrity. As the Savior demonstrated, the con- secrated life is a pure life. While Jesus is the only one to have led a sinless life, those who come unto Him and take Reflections on a His yoke upon them have claim on His grace, which will make them as He is, guiltless and spotless. With deep love Consecrated Life the Lord encourages us in these words: “Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my True success in this life comes in consecrating our lives— name, that ye may be sanctified by the that is, our time and choices—to God’s purposes. reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day” (3 Nephi 27:20). Consecration therefore means s a youth I visited the 1964 “A prophet of God has said: ‘Men repentance. Stubbornness, rebellion, World’s Fair in New York City. are that they might have joy’—a joy and rationalization must be abandoned, A One of my favorite stops was that includes a fullness of life, a life and in their place submission, a desire the LDS Church pavilion with its dedicated to service, to love and for correction, and acceptance of all impressive replica of the Salt Lake harmony in the home, and the fruits that the Lord may require. This is what Temple spires. There for the first of honest toil—an acceptance of the King Benjamin called putting off the time I saw the film Man’s Search for Gospel of Jesus Christ—of its require- natural man, yielding to the enticings Happiness. The movie’s depiction of ments and commandments. of the Holy Spirit, and becoming “a the plan of salvation, narrated by Elder “Only in these will you find true saint through the atonement of Christ Richard L. Evans, had a significant happiness, the happiness which the Lord” (Mosiah 3:19). Such a one is impact on many visitors, including me. doesn’t fade with the lights and the promised the enduring presence of the Among other things, Elder Evans said: music and the crowds.” 1 Holy Spirit, a promise remembered and “Life offers you two precious These statements express the reality renewed each time a repentant soul gifts—one is time, the other freedom that our life on earth is a stewardship partakes of the sacrament of the Lord’s of choice, the freedom to buy with of time and choices granted by our Supper (see D&C 20:77, 79). your time what you will. You are free Creator. The word stewardship calls to Elder B. H. Roberts once expressed to exchange your allotment of time mind the Lord’s law of consecration the process in these words: “The man for thrills. You may trade it for base (see, for example, D&C 42:32, 53), who so walks in the light and wisdom desires. You may invest it in greed. . . . which has an economic role but, more and power of God, will at the last, by “Yours is the freedom to choose. than that, is an application of celestial the very force of association, make the But these are no bargains, for in them law to life here and now (see D&C light and wisdom and power of God you find no lasting satisfaction. 105:5). To consecrate is to set apart or his own—weaving those bright rays “Every day, every hour, every dedicate something as sacred, devoted into a chain divine, linking himself minute of your span of mortal years to holy purposes. True success in this forever to God and God to him. This must sometime be accounted for. And life comes in consecrating our lives— [is] the sum of Messiah’s mystic words, it is in this life that you walk by faith that is, our time and choices—to God’s ‘Thou, Father, in me, and I in thee’— and prove yourself able to choose purposes (see John 17:1, 4; D&C beyond this human greatness cannot good over evil, right over wrong, 19:19). In so doing, we permit Him to achieve.” 2 enduring happiness over mere amuse- raise us to our highest destiny. A consecrated life is a life of labor. ment. And your eternal reward will be I would like to consider with you Beginning early in His life, Jesus was according to your choosing. five of the elements of a consecrated about His Father’s business (see Luke 16 2:48–49). God Himself is glorified the friend and steadying companion of evolutionary chance will feel no by His work of bringing to pass the of work. Music, literature, art, dance, accountability to God or anyone else immortality and eternal life of His chil- drama, athletics—all can provide for what they do with or to their body. dren (see Moses 1:39). We naturally entertainment to enrich one’s life and We who have a witness of the broader desire to participate with Him in His further consecrate it. At the same time, reality of premortal, mortal, and work, and in so doing, we ought to it hardly needs to be said that much of postmortal eternity, however, must recognize that all honest work is the what passes for entertainment today acknowledge that we have a duty to work of God. In the words of Thomas is coarse, degrading, violent, mind- God with respect to this crowning Carlyle: “All true Work is sacred; in numbing, and time wasting. Ironically, achievement of His physical creation. all true Work, were it but true hand- it sometimes takes hard work to find In Paul’s words: labour, there is something of divine- wholesome leisure. When enter- “What? know ye not that your body ness. Labour, wide as the Earth, has its tainment turns from virtue to vice, it is the temple of the Holy Ghost which summit in Heaven.” 3 becomes a destroyer of the conse- is in you, which ye have of God, and God has designed this mortal exis- crated life. “Wherefore, take heed . . . ye are not your own? tence to require nearly constant exer- that ye do not judge that which is evil “For ye are bought with a price: tion. I recall the Prophet Joseph Smith’s to be of God” (Moroni 7:14). therefore glorify God in your body, simple statement: “By continuous labor A consecrated life respects the and in your spirit, which are God’s” [we] were enabled to get a comfortable incomparable gift of one’s physical (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). maintenance” ( Joseph Smith—History body, a divine creation in the very Acknowledging these truths and 1:55). By work we sustain and enrich image of God. A central purpose of the direction of President Thomas S. life. It enables us to survive the disap- the mortal experience is that each Monson in last April’s general confer- pointments and tragedies of the mortal spirit should receive such a body and ence, we would certainly not deface experience. Hard-earned achievement learn to exercise moral agency in a our body, as with tattoos; or debilitate brings a sense of self-worth. Work tabernacle of flesh. A physical body it, as with drugs; or defile it, as with builds and refines character, creates is also essential for exaltation, which fornication, adultery, or immodesty. 4 beauty, and is the instrument of our comes only in the perfect combination As our body is the instrument of our service to one another and to God. of the physical and the spiritual, as we spirit, it is vital that we care for it as A consecrated life is filled with work, see in our beloved, resurrected Lord. best we can. We should consecrate its sometimes repetitive, sometimes In this fallen world, some lives will be powers to serve and further the work menial, sometimes unappreciated but painfully brief; some bodies will be of Christ. Said Paul, “I beseech you always work that improves, orders, malformed, broken, or barely ade- therefore, brethren, by the mercies of sustains, lifts, ministers, aspires. quate to maintain life; yet life will be God, that ye present your bodies a Having spoken in praise of labor, long enough for each spirit, and each living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto I must also add a kind word for lei- body will qualify for resurrection. God” (Romans 12:1). sure. Just as honest toil gives rest its Those who believe that our bodies Jesus demonstrated that a conse- sweetness, wholesome recreation is are nothing more than the result crated life is a life of service. Hours

November 2010 17 before the agony of His Atonement began, the Lord humbly washed His disciples’ feet, saying to them: “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him” ( John 13:14–16). Those who quietly and thoughtfully go about doing good offer a model of consecration. No one in our time more perfectly incorporates this trait into daily life than President Thomas S. Monson. He has cultivated a listening ear that can discern even the faintest whisper of the Spirit signaling the need of someone he can reach and help. Often it is in simple acts that confirm divine love and awareness, but always, always Thomas Monson responds. I find in the life of my grandfather and grandmother Alexander DeWitt A consecrated life is a life of integ- ways. One of the two original partners and Louise Vickery Christofferson an rity. We see it in the husband and wife devised a stratagem with his lawyers instance of such consecration. Grandpa “who honor marital vows with com- to secure for himself a significant was a strong man and was good at plete fidelity.” 5 We see it in the father financial advantage in the dissolution shearing sheep in the days before and mother whose demonstrated first at the expense of the other partner electric clippers. He got good enough, priority is to nourish their marriage and his sons. In a meeting of the par- he said, that “in one day I sheared 287 and ensure the physical and spiritual ties, one of the sons complained about sheep and could have sheared over welfare of their children. We see it in this unfair treatment and appealed 300, but we ran out of sheep.” During those who are honest. to the honor and Christian beliefs of 1919 he sheared over 12,000 sheep, Years ago I became acquainted the first partner. “You know this is not earning some $2,000. The money with two families in the process of right,” he said. “How could you take would have substantially expanded dissolving a jointly owned commercial advantage of someone this way, espe- his farm and upgraded his home, but enterprise. The principals, two men cially a brother in the same church?” a call to serve in the Southern States who were friends and members of The first partner’s lawyer retorted, “Oh, Mission came from the Brethren, and the same Christian congregation, had grow up! How can you be so naive?” with Louise’s full support, he accepted. formed the company years earlier. Integrity is not naiveté. What is naive He left his wife (then pregnant with They had a generally congenial rela- is to suppose that we are not account- their first son, my father) and their tionship as business partners, but as able to God. The Savior declared: “My three daughters with the sheep- they grew older and the next genera- Father sent me that I might be lifted shearing money. Upon his joyous tion began to take part in the business, up upon the cross; . . . that as I have return two years later, he observed, conflicts emerged. Finally, all parties been lifted up by men even so should “Our savings had lasted us throughout decided it would be best to divide men be lifted up by the Father, to stand the two years, and we had $29 left.” up the assets and go their separate before me, to be judged of their works, 18 whether they be good or whether they By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf be evil” (3 Nephi 27:14). One who lives Second Counselor in the First Presidency a consecrated life does not seek to take advantage of another but, if anything, will turn the other cheek and, if required to deliver a coat, will give the cloak also (see Matthew 5:39–40). The Savior’s Of Things sternest rebukes were to hypocrites. Hypocrisy is terribly destructive, not only to the hypocrite but also to those That Matter Most who observe or know of his or her conduct, especially children. It is faith destroying, whereas honor is the rich If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it soil in which the seed of faith thrives. difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is A consecrated life is a beautiful a good time to refocus on what matters most. thing. Its strength and serenity are “as a very fruitful tree which is planted in a goodly land, by a pure stream, that yieldeth much precious fruit” (D&C 97:9). Of particular significance is the t’s remarkable how much we can What do you suppose pilots do influence of a consecrated man or learn about life by studying nature. when they encounter turbulence? A woman upon others, especially those IFor example, scientists can look at student pilot may think that increas- closest and dearest. The consecration the rings of trees and make educated ing speed is a good strategy because of many who have gone before us and guesses about climate and growing it will get them through the turbu- others who live among us has helped conditions hundreds and even thou- lence faster. But that may be the lay the foundation for our happiness. sands of years ago. One of the things wrong thing to do. Professional pilots In like manner future generations will we learn from studying the growth understand that there is an optimum take courage from your consecrated of trees is that during seasons when turbulence penetration speed that life, acknowledging their debt to you conditions are ideal, trees grow at a will minimize the negative effects of for the possession of all that truly normal rate. However, during seasons turbulence. And most of the time that matters. May we consecrate ourselves when growing conditions are not would mean to reduce your speed. as sons and daughters of God, “that ideal, trees slow down their growth The same principle applies also to when he shall appear we shall be like and devote their energy to the basic speed bumps on a road. him, for we shall see him as he is; elements necessary for survival. Therefore, it is good advice to slow that we may have this hope” (Moroni At this point some of you may be down a little, steady the course, and 7:48; see also 1 John 3:2), I pray in the thinking, “That’s all very fine and good, focus on the essentials when experi- name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ but what does it have to do with flying encing adverse conditions. Notes an airplane?” Well, let me tell you. 1. Man’s Search for Happiness (pamphlet, Have you ever been in an airplane The Pace of Modern Life 1969), 4–5. and experienced turbulence? The most This is a simple but critical lesson 2. B. H. Roberts, “Brigham Young: A Character Sketch,” Improvement Era, June common cause of turbulence is a sud- to learn. It may seem logical when put 1903, 574. den change in air movement causing in terms of trees or turbulence, but it’s 3. Thomas Carlyle, Past and Present (1843), the aircraft to pitch, yaw, and roll. surprising how easy it is to ignore this 251. 4. See Thomas S. Monson, “Preparation While planes are built to withstand lesson when it comes to applying these Brings Blessings,” ­Liahona and ­Ensign, far greater turbulence than anything principles in our own daily lives. When May 2010, 64–67. you would encounter on a regular stress levels rise, when distress appears, 5. “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” ­Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; ­Ensign, flight, it still may be disconcerting to when tragedy strikes, too often we Nov. 1995, 102. passengers. attempt to keep up the same frantic

November 2010 19 The Power of Basics The story is told that the legend- ary football coach Vince Lombardi had a ritual he performed on the first day of training. He would hold up a football, show it to the athletes who had been playing the sport for many pace or even accelerate, thinking some- best because they develop faith in the years, and say, “Gentlemen, . . . this is how that the more rushed our pace, Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our a football!” He talked about its size and the better off we will be. families.” 2 shape, how it can be kicked, carried, One of the characteristics of The search for the best things or passed. He took the team out onto modern life seems to be that we are inevitably leads to the foundational the empty field and said, “This is a moving at an ever-increasing rate, principles of the gospel of Jesus football field.” He walked them around, regardless of turbulence or obstacles. Christ—the simple and beautiful truths describing the dimensions, the shape, Let’s be honest; it’s rather easy to be revealed to us by a caring, eternal, and the rules, and how the game is played. 4 busy. We all can think up a list of tasks all-knowing Father in Heaven. These This coach knew that even these that will overwhelm our schedules. core doctrines and principles, though experienced players, and indeed the Some might even think that their self- simple enough for a child to under- team, could become great only by mas- worth depends on the length of their stand, provide the answers to the most tering the fundamentals. They could to-do list. They flood the open spaces complex questions of life. spend their time practicing intricate in their time with lists of meetings and There is a beauty and clarity that trick plays, but until they mastered the minutia—even during times of stress comes from simplicity that we some- fundamentals of the game, they would and fatigue. Because they unnecessar- times do not appreciate in our thirst never become a championship team. ily complicate their lives, they often for intricate solutions. I think most of us intuitively under- feel increased frustration, diminished For example, it wasn’t long after stand how important the fundamentals joy, and too little sense of meaning in astronauts and cosmonauts orbited are. It is just that we sometimes get their lives. the earth that they realized ballpoint distracted by so many things that seem It is said that any virtue when pens would not work in space. And more enticing. taken to an extreme can become a so some very smart people went to Printed material, wide-ranging vice. Overscheduling our days would work solving the problem. It took media sources, electronic tools and certainly qualify for this. There comes thousands of hours and millions of gadgets—all helpful if used properly— a point where milestones can become dollars, but in the end, they devel- can become hurtful diversions or millstones and ambitions, albatrosses oped a pen that could write any- heartless chambers of isolation. around our necks. where, in any temperature, and on Yet amidst the multitude of nearly any surface. But how did the voices and choices, the humble Man What Is the Solution? astronauts and cosmonauts get along of Galilee stands with hands out- The wise understand and apply the until the problem was solved? They stretched, waiting. His is a simple lessons of tree rings and air turbu- simply used a pencil. message: “Come, follow me.” 5 And He lence. They resist the temptation to Leonardo da Vinci is quoted as does not speak with a powerful mega- get caught up in the frantic rush of saying that “simplicity is the ultimate phone but with a still, small voice. 6 It everyday life. They follow the advice sophistication.” 3 When we look at the is so easy for the basic gospel message “There is more to life than increasing foundational principles of the plan of to get lost amidst the deluge of infor- its speed.” 1 In short, they focus on the happiness, the plan of salvation, we mation that hits us from all sides. things that matter most. can recognize and appreciate in its The holy scriptures and the spo- Elder Dallin H. Oaks, in a recent plainness and simplicity the elegance ken word of the living prophets give general conference, taught, “We have and beauty of our Heavenly Father’s emphasis to the fundamental princi- to forego some good things in order wisdom. Then, turning our ways to His ples and doctrines of the gospel. The to choose others that are better or ways is the beginning of our wisdom. reason we return to these foundational 20 principles, to the pure doctrines, fellowman, and with ourselves. As we repenting of our sins, and by actively is because they are the gateway to evaluate our own lives with a willing following Jesus Christ, for “no man truths of profound meaning. They are mind, we will see where we have cometh unto the Father, but by the door to experiences of sublime drifted from the more excellent way. [Christ].” 10 To strengthen our relation- importance that would otherwise be The eyes of our understanding will ship with God, we need some mean- beyond our capacity to comprehend. be opened, and we will recognize ingful time alone with Him. Quietly These simple, basic principles are the what needs to be done to purify our focusing on daily personal prayer key to living in harmony with God and heart and refocus our life. and scripture study, always aiming man. They are the keys to opening the First, our relationship with God is to be worthy of a current temple windows of heaven. They lead us to most sacred and vital. We are His spirit recommend—these will be some wise the peace, joy, and understanding that children. He is our Father. He desires investments of our time and efforts to Heavenly Father has promised to His our happiness. As we seek Him, as we draw closer to our Heavenly Father. children who hear and obey Him. learn of His Son, Jesus Christ, as we Let us heed the invitation in Psalms: My dear brothers and sisters, we open our hearts to the influence of the “Be still, and know that I am God.” 11 would do well to slow down a little, Holy Spirit, our lives become more sta- Our second key relationship is with proceed at the optimum speed for our ble and secure. We experience greater our families. Since “no other success circumstances, focus on the signifi- peace, joy, and fulfillment as we give can compensate for failure” 12 here, we cant, lift up our eyes, and truly see our best to live according to God’s eter- must place high priority on our fami- the things that matter most. Let us be nal plan and keep His commandments. lies. We build deep and loving family mindful of the foundational precepts We improve our relationship with relationships by doing simple things our Heavenly Father has given to His our Heavenly Father by learning of together, like family dinner and family children that will establish the basis Him, by communing with Him, by home evening and by just having fun of a rich and fruitful mortal life with promises of eternal happiness. They will teach us to do “all these things . . . in wisdom and order; for it is not req- uisite that [we] should run faster than [we have] strength. [But] it is expedi- ent that [we] should be diligent, [and] thereby . . . win the prize.” 7 Brothers and sisters, diligently doing the things that matter most will lead us to the Savior of the world. That is why “we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, . . . that [we] may know to what source [we] may look for a remission of [our] sins.” 8 In the complexity, confu- sion, and rush of modern living, this is the “more excellent way.” 9

So What Are the Basics? As we turn to our Heavenly Father and seek His wisdom regarding the things that matter most, we learn over and over again the importance of four key relationships: with our God, with our families, with our

November 2010 21 together. In family relationships love is really spelled t-i-m-e, time. Taking time for each other is the key for harmony at home. We talk with, rather than about, each other. We learn from each other, and we appreciate our dif- ferences as well as our commonalities. We establish a divine bond with each other as we approach God together through family prayer, gospel study, and Sunday worship. The third key relationship we have is with our fellowman. We build this rela- tionship one person at a time—by being sensitive to the needs of others, serving them, and giving of our time and talents. I was deeply impressed by one sister who was burdened with the challenges of age and illness but decided that although she couldn’t do much, she could listen. And so each week she watched for people who looked trou- bled or discouraged, and she spent time with them, listening. What a blessing she was in the lives of so many people. Dublin, Ireland The fourth key relationship is with ourselves. It may seem odd to think of heavens are open again. The gospel Christian discipleship—the path that having a relationship with ourselves, of Jesus Christ is on earth once more, leads always toward a life of meaning, but we do. Some people can’t get along and its simple truths are a plentiful gladness, and peace. For this I pray, as with themselves. They criticize and source of joy! I leave you my blessing, in the sacred belittle themselves all day long until they Brothers and sisters, indeed we name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ begin to hate themselves. May I suggest have great reason to rejoice. If life and that you reduce the rush and take a little its rushed pace and many stresses have Notes extra time to get to know yourself better. made it difficult for you to feel like 1. Mahatma Gandhi, in Larry Chang, Wisdom for the Soul (2006), 356. Walk in nature, watch a sunrise, enjoy rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good 2. Dallin H. Oaks, “Good, Better, Best,” God’s creations, ponder the truths of time to refocus on what matters most. ­Liahona and ­Ensign, Nov. 2007, 107. the restored gospel, and find out what Strength comes not from frantic 3. Leonardo da Vinci, in John Cook, comp., The Book of Positive Quotations, 2nd ed. they mean for you personally. Learn to activity but from being settled on a (1993), 262. see yourself as Heavenly Father sees firm foundation of truth and light. It 4. Vince Lombardi, in Donald T. Phillips, Run you—as His precious daughter or son comes from placing our attention and to Win: Vince Lombardi on Coaching and Leadership (2001), 92. with divine potential. efforts on the basics of the restored 5. Luke 18:22. gospel of Jesus Christ. It comes from 6. See 1 Kings 19:12. Rejoice in the Pure Gospel paying attention to the divine things 7. Mosiah 4:27. 8. 2 Nephi 25:26. Brothers and sisters, let us be that matter most. 9. 1 Corinthians 12:31; Ether 12:11. wise. Let us turn to the pure doctrinal Let us simplify our lives a little. 10. John 14:6. waters of the restored gospel of Jesus Let us make the changes necessary 11. Psalm 46:10. 12. J. E. McCulloch, Home: The Savior of Christ. Let us joyfully partake of them to refocus our lives on the sublime Civilization (1924), 42; see also Conference in their simplicity and plainness. The beauty of the simple, humble path of Report, Apr. 1935, 116. 22 Saturday Afternoon Session | October 2, 2010

Those in favor, please manifest it. Any opposed may so indicate. Presented by President Henry B. Eyring It is proposed that we sustain the First Counselor in the First Presidency counselors in the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators. All in favor, please manifest it. Contrary, if there be any, by the The Sustaining same sign. It is proposed that we release Elders Spencer J. Condie, Bruce C. of Church Officers Hafen, Kenneth Johnson, Glenn L. Pace, and Lance B. Wickman as members of the First Quorum of the Seventy and designate them as emeri- t is proposed that we sustain Thomas It is proposed that we sustain Boyd tus General Authorities. Spencer Monson as prophet, seer, Kenneth Packer as President of the It is also proposed that we Iand revelator and President of The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and release Elders Spencer V. Jones and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day the following as members of that Wolfgang H. Paul as members of the Saints; Henry Bennion Eyring as First quorum: Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry, Second Quorum of the Seventy. Counselor in the First Presidency; and Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, Those who wish to join us in Dieter Friedrich Uchtdorf as Second M. Russell Ballard, Richard G. Scott, expressing gratitude to these Brethren Counselor in the First Presidency. Robert D. Hales, Jeffrey R. Holland, for their excellent service, please Those in favor may manifest it. David A. Bednar, Quentin L. Cook, manifest it. Those opposed, if any, may mani- D. Todd Christofferson, and Neil L. It is proposed that we release fest it. Andersen. Fernando Maluenda and José L. Torres as Area Seventies. Those who wish to join us in expressing our gratitude for their excellent service, please manifest it. It is proposed that we sustain Wenceslao H. Svec as an Area Seventy. All in favor, please signify. Any opposed. It is proposed that we sustain the other General Authorities, Area Seventies, and general auxiliary presi- dencies as presently constituted. Those in favor, please manifest it. Any opposed may manifest it. President Monson, insofar as I have been able to observe, the voting in the Conference Center has been unanimous. Thank you, brothers and sisters, for your sustaining vote, your faith, devo- tion, and prayers. ◼

November 2010 23 By Elder Robert D. Hales “the plan of mercy, to appease the Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles demands of justice.” 4 After Heavenly Father presented His plan, Lucifer stepped forward, say- ing, “Send me, . . . and I will redeem all mankind, that [not even] one soul Agency: Essential shall . . . be lost . . . ; wherefore give me thine honor.” 5 This plan was rejected by our Father, for it would to the Plan of Life have denied us our agency. Indeed, it was a plan of rebellion. Then Jesus Christ, Heavenly Whenever we choose to come unto Christ, take His name upon Father’s “Beloved and Chosen [Son] us, and follow His servants, we progress along the path to from the beginning,” exercised His eternal life. agency to say, “Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever.” 6 He would be our Savior—the Savior of the world. Because of Lucifer’s rebellion, a ecently I received a letter from a Know this, that ev’ry soul is free great spiritual conflict ensued. Each friend of over 50 years who is not To choose his life and what he’ll be; of Heavenly Father’s children had the a member of our church. I had For this eternal truth is giv’n: opportunity to exercise the agency R 3 sent him some gospel-related reading, That God will force no man to heav’n. Heavenly Father had given him or to which he responded: “Initially it her. We chose to have faith in the was hard for me to follow the mean- To answer my friend’s question Savior Jesus Christ—to come unto ing of typical Mormon jargon, such as and the questions of good men and Him, follow Him, and accept the plan agency. Possibly a short vocabulary women everywhere, let me share with Heavenly Father presented for our page would be helpful.” you more of what we know about this sakes. But a third of Heavenly Father’s I was surprised he did not under- meaning of agency. children did not have faith to follow stand what we mean by the word Before we came to this earth, the Savior and chose to follow Lucifer, agency. I went to an online dictionary. Heavenly Father presented His plan or Satan, instead. 7 Of the 10 definitions and usages of of salvation—a plan to come to earth And God said, “Wherefore, because the word agency, none expressed and receive a body, choose to act that Satan rebelled against me, and the idea of making choices to act. We between good and evil, and progress sought to destroy the agency of man, teach that agency is the ability and to become like Him and live with Him which I, the Lord God, had given him, privilege God gives us to choose and forever. . . . I caused that he should be cast “to act for [ourselves] and not to be Our agency—our ability to choose down.” 8 Those who followed Satan acted upon.” 1 Agency is to act with and act for ourselves—was an essen- lost the opportunity to receive a mor- accountability and responsibility for tial element of this plan. Without tal body, live on earth, and progress. our actions. Our agency is essential agency we would be unable to make Because of the way they used their to the plan of salvation. With it we right choices and progress. Yet with agency, they lost their agency. are “free to choose liberty and eternal agency we could make wrong choices, Today the only power Satan and life, through the great Mediator of all commit sin, and lose the opportunity his followers have is the power to men, or to choose captivity and death, to be with Heavenly Father again. tempt and try us. Their only joy is to according to the captivity and power For this reason a Savior would be make us “miserable like unto [them- of the devil.” 2 provided to suffer for our sins and selves].” 9 Their only happiness comes The words of a familiar hymn teach redeem us if we would repent. By His when we are disobedient to the Lord’s us this principle very clearly: infinite Atonement, He brought about commandments. 24 But think of it: in our premortal was left alone. “[Father,] why hast thou In our mortal journey, it is helpful state we chose to follow the Savior forsaken me?” He asked. 14 At last, He to remember that the opposite is also Jesus Christ! And because we did, exercised His agency to act, enduring true: when we don’t keep the com- we were allowed to come to earth. I to the end, until He could say, “It is mandments or follow the promptings testify that by making the same choice finished.” 15 of the Holy Ghost, our opportunities to follow the Savior now, while we are Though He “was in all points are reduced; our abilities to act and here on earth, we will obtain an even tempted like as we are,” 16 with every progress are diminished. When Cain greater blessing in the eternities. But choice and every action He exercised took his brother’s life because he let it be known: we must continue to the agency to be our Savior—to break loved Satan more than God, his spiri- choose to follow the Savior. Eternity is the chains of sin and death for us. tual progress was stopped. at stake, and our wise use of agency And by His perfect life, He taught us In my youth I learned an important and our actions are essential that we that when we choose to do the will lesson about how our actions may might have eternal life. of our Heavenly Father, our agency is limit our freedom. One day my father Throughout His life our Savior preserved, our opportunities increase, assigned me to varnish a wooden showed us how to use our agency. and we progress. floor. I made the choice to begin at the As a boy in Jerusalem, He deliber- Evidence of this truth is found door and work my way into the room. ately chose to “be about [His] Father’s throughout the scriptures. Job lost When I was almost finished, I realized business.” 10 In His ministry, He obe- everything he had yet chose to remain I had left myself no way to get out. diently chose “to do the will of [His] faithful, and he gained the eternal There was no window or door on Father.” 11 In Gethsemane, He chose blessings of God. Mary and Joseph the other side. I had literally painted to suffer all things, saying, “Not my chose to follow the warning of an myself into a corner. I had no place to will, but thine, be done. And there angel to flee into Egypt, and the life of go. I was stuck. appeared an angel unto him from the Savior was preserved. Joseph Smith Whenever we disobey, we spiritu- heaven, strengthening him.” 12 On the chose to follow the instructions of ally paint ourselves into a corner and cross, He chose to love His enemies, Moroni, and the Restoration unfolded are captive to our choices. Though we praying, “Father, forgive them; for they as prophesied. Whenever we choose to are spiritually stuck, there is always know not what they do.” 13 And then, come unto Christ, take His name upon a way back. Like repentance, turning so that He could finally demonstrate us, and follow His servants, we pro­ around and walking across a newly that He was choosing for Himself, He gress along the path to eternal life. varnished floor means more work—

November 2010 25 a lot of resanding and refinishing! When we follow the prophets’ remove Saul from being king. When Returning to the Lord isn’t easy, but it counsel to hold family home evening, the prophet arrived, Saul said, “I have is worth it. family prayer, and family scripture performed the commandment of the As we understand the challenge of study, our homes become an incuba- Lord.” 22 But the prophet knew other- repenting, we appreciate the blessings tor for our children’s spiritual growth. wise, saying, “What meaneth then of the Holy Ghost to guide our agency There we teach them the gospel, bear this bleating of the sheep in mine and Heavenly Father, who gives us our testimonies, express our love, and ears, and the lowing of the oxen commandments and strengthens and listen as they share their feelings and which I hear?” 23 sustains us in keeping them. We also experiences. By our righteous choices Saul excused himself by blaming understand how obedience to the and actions, we liberate them from others, saying the people had kept the commandments ultimately protects darkness by increasing their ability to animals in order to make sacrifices to our agency. walk in the light. the Lord. The prophet’s answer was For example, when we hearken to The world teaches many falsehoods clear: “Hath the Lord as great delight the Word of Wisdom, we escape the about agency. Many think we should in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in captivity of poor health and addiction “eat, drink, and be merry; . . . and if it obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to substances that literally rob us of so be that we are guilty, God will beat to obey is better than sacrifice, and to our ability to act for ourselves. us with a few stripes, and at last we hearken [to the commandments of the As we obey the counsel to avoid shall be saved.” 17 Others embrace sec- Lord] than the fat of rams.” 24 and get out of debt now, we use our ularism and deny God. They convince Finally, Saul confessed, saying, “I agency and obtain the liberty to use themselves that there is no “opposition have sinned: for I have transgressed our disposable income for helping in all things” 18 and, therefore, “whatso- the commandment of the Lord, and thy and blessing others. ever a man [does is] no crime.” 19 This words: because I feared the people, “destroy[s] the wisdom of God and his and obeyed their voice.” 25 Because eternal purposes.” 20 Saul did not hearken with exactness— Contrary to the world’s secular because he chose to be selectively teaching, the scriptures teach us that obedient—he lost the opportunity and we do have agency, and our righteous the agency to be king. exercise of agency always makes a dif- My brothers and sisters, are we ference in the opportunities we have hearkening with exactness to the voice and our ability to act upon them and of the Lord and His prophets? Or, progress eternally. like Saul, are we practicing selective For example, through the prophet obedience and fearing the judgments Samuel, the Lord gave a clear com- of men? mandment to King Saul: I acknowledge that all of us make “The Lord sent me to anoint thee mistakes. The scriptures teach us, “All to be king . . . : now therefore hearken have sinned, and come short of the thou unto the voice . . . of the glory of God.” 26 For those who find Lord. . . . themselves captive to past unrigh- “. . . Go and smite Amalek, and teous choices, stuck in a dark corner, utterly destroy all that they have.” 21 without all the blessings available by But Saul did not follow the Lord’s the righteous exercise of agency, we commandment. He practiced what I love you. Come back! Come out of the call “selective obedience.” Relying on dark corner and into the light. Even his own wisdom, he spared the life of if you have to walk across a newly King Agag and brought back the best varnished floor, it is worth it. Trust that of the sheep, oxen, and other animals. “through the Atonement of Christ, all The Lord revealed this to the mankind [including you and me] may prophet Samuel and sent him to be saved, by obedience to the laws 26 and ordinances of the Gospel.” 27 By Elder Quentin L. Cook As the hour of the Atonement was Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles upon Him, the Savior offered His great Intercessory Prayer and spoke of each of us, saying: “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may Let There Be Light! behold my glory, which thou hast given me.” 28 “And this is life eternal, In our increasingly unrighteous world, it is essential that that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom values based on religious belief be part of the public discourse. thou hast sent.” 29 I bear my special witness that They live. When we exercise our agency in righteousness, we come to know celebrated a birthday last month. For for the attacking bombers to find a Them, become more like Them, and my birthday present, my wife, Mary, target, blackouts were instituted. prepare ourselves for that day when I gave me a CD containing songs of Lights were turned out, and windows “every knee shall bow, and every hope and faith performed by a famous were draped. tongue confess” that Jesus is our British singer named Vera Lynn, who The song reflected an optimistic Savior. 30 May we continue to follow inspired her listeners during the dark hope that freedom and light would be Him and our Eternal Father, as we did days of the Second World War. restored. For those of us who under- in the beginning, I pray in the name of There is a little history as to why stand the role of the Savior and the Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ my wife would give me this gift. The Light of Christ 3 in the ongoing conflict bombing of London in September between good and evil, the analogy Notes 1940 commenced the day before I between that world war and the moral 1. 2 Nephi 2:26. 1 2. 2 Nephi 2:27. was born. My mother, listening to the conflict today is clear. It is by the Light 3. “Know This, That Every Soul Is Free,” account of the London Blitz on the of Christ that all mankind “may know Hymns, no. 240. radio in her hospital room, decided to good from evil.” 4 4. Alma 42:15. 5. Moses 4:1. name me after the radio announcer, Freedom and light have never 6. Moses 4:2. whose first name was Quentin. been easy to attain or maintain. Since 7. See Doctrine and Covenants 29:36. The vocalist Vera Lynn is now the War in Heaven, the forces of evil 8. Moses 4:3. 9. 2 Nephi 2:27; see also 2 Nephi 9:9. 93 years old. Last year some of her have used every means possible to 10. Luke 2:49. wartime songs were rereleased and destroy agency and extinguish light. 11. 3 Nephi 27:13. immediately climbed to the top of the The assault on moral principles and 12. Luke 22:42–43. 13. Luke 23:34. music charts in Britain. Those of you religious freedom has never been 14. Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34. who are a little older will remember stronger. 15. John 19:30. some of the songs like “The White As Latter-day Saints, we need to do 16. Hebrews 4:15. 17. 2 Nephi 28:8. Cliffs of Dover.” our best to preserve light and protect 18. 2 Nephi 2:11. One song, titled “When the Lights our families and communities from 19. Alma 30:17. Go on Again (All over the World),” this assault on morality and religious 20. 2 Nephi 2:12. 21. 1 Samuel 15:1, 3. deeply touched me. The song brought freedom. 22. 1 Samuel 15:13. two thoughts to my mind—first, the 23. 1 Samuel 15:14. prophetic words by a British states- Protecting Family 24. 1 Samuel 15:22. 25. 1 Samuel 15:24. man: “The lamps are going out all An ever-present danger to the 26. Romans 3:23. over Europe. We shall not see them lit family is the onslaught of evil forces 27. Articles of Faith 1:3. again in our time”; 2 and second, the that seem to come from every 28. John 17:24. 29. John 17:3. bombing raids conducted over British direction. While our primary effort 30. Mosiah 27:31. cities like London. To make it harder must be to seek light and truth, we

November 2010 27 Protecting Community In addition to protecting our own families, we should be a source of light in protecting our communities. The Savior said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” 7 Our day has been described as “a time of plenty and an age of doubt.” 8 Basic belief in the power and author- ity of God is not only questioned but also denigrated. How under these circumstances can we promote values in a way that will resonate with the nonbelievers and the apathetic and help abate the spiraling descent into violence and evil? This question is of monumental importance. Think of the prophet Mormon and his anguish when he declared, “How could ye have rejected that Jesus, who stood with open arms to receive you!” 9 Mormon’s anguish was justified, and his son, Moroni, was left to describe “the sad tale of the destruction of [his] people.” 10 My personal experience of living and interacting with people all over the world has caused me to be optimistic. I believe that light and truth will be pre- served in our time. In all nations there are large numbers who worship God would be wise to black out from righteous living. Our responsibility and feel accountable to Him for their our homes the lethal bombs that is to be in the world but not of the conduct. Some observers believe there destroy spiritual development and world. is actually a global revival of faith. 11 As growth. Pornography, in particular, is In addition, we need to greatly Church leaders, we have met with lead- a weapon of mass moral destruction. increase religious observance in the ers of other faiths and have found that Its impact is at the forefront in erod- home. Weekly family home evening there is a common moral foundation ing moral values. Some TV programs and daily family prayer and scrip- that transcends theological differences and Internet sites are equally lethal. ture study are essential. We need to and unites us in our aspirations for a These evil forces remove light and introduce into our homes content that better society. hope from the world. The level of is “virtuous, lovely, or of good report We also find the majority of people decadence is accelerating. 5 If we do or praiseworthy.” 6 If we make of our are still respectful of basic moral values. not black out evil from our homes homes holy places that shelter us from But make no mistake: there are also and lives, do not be surprised if evil, we will be protected from the people who are determined to both devastating moral explosions shatter adverse consequences that the scrip- destroy faith and reject any religious the peace which is the reward for tures have foretold. influence in society. Other evil people 28 exploit, manipulate, and tear down accorded equal access to the public concept of basic honesty is grounded society with drugs, pornography, sexual square. Under the constitutions of in the life and teachings of the Savior. exploitation, human trafficking, robbery, most countries, a religious conscience Honesty is also a valued attribute and dishonest business practices. The may not be given preference, but nei- in many other faiths and in historic power and influence of these people ther should it be disregarded. 19 literature. The poet Robert Burns said, is very large even if they are relatively Religious faith is a store of light, “An honest man’s the noblest work of small in number. knowledge, and wisdom and benefits God.” 21 In almost every instance, peo- There has always been an ongoing society in a dramatic way when adher- ple of faith feel accountable to God battle between people of faith and ents engage in moral conduct because for being honest. This was the reason those who would purge religion and they feel accountable to God. 20 the man in California was repenting God from public life. 12 Many opinion Two religious principles will illus- from his earlier act of dishonesty. leaders today reject a moral view of the trate this point. In a commencement address last world based on Judeo-Christian values. year, Clayton Christensen, a Harvard In their view there is no objective moral Honest Conduct Motivated by professor and Church leader, shared the order. 13 They believe no preference Accountability to God true account of a professional colleague should be given to moral goals. 14 The thirteenth article of faith begins, from another country who had studied Still, the majority of people aspire “We believe in being honest.” Honesty democracy. This friend was surprised to be good and honorable. The Light is a principle founded in religious at how critically important religion is of Christ, which is distinct from the belief and is one of God’s basic laws. to democracy. He pointed out that in Holy Ghost, informs their conscience. Many years ago when I was prac- societies where the citizens are taught We know from the scriptures that the ticing law in California, a friend and from a young age to feel accountable to Light of Christ is “the Spirit [which] client who was not a member of our God for honesty and integrity, they will giveth light to every man that cometh faith came in to see me and with great abide by rules and practices that, while into the world.” 15 This light is given enthusiasm showed me a letter he unenforceable, promote democratic “for the sake of the whole world.” 16 had received from an LDS bishop of a ideals. In societies where this is not President Boyd K. Packer has taught nearby ward. The bishop wrote that a true, there cannot be enough police- that this is a “source of inspiration, member of his congregation, a former men to enforce honest behavior. 22 which each of us possesses in com- employee of my client, had taken Clearly, moral values with respect mon with all other members of the materials from my client’s work site to honesty can play a significant role human family.” 17 This is why many and had rationalized that they were in establishing light and truth and will accept moral values even when surplus. But after becoming a commit- improving society and should be val- founded on religious convictions ted Latter-day Saint and attempting to ued by those who do not have faith. which they do not personally support. follow Jesus Christ, this employee rec- As we read in Mosiah in the Book of ognized that what he had done was Treating All of God’s Children Mormon, “It is not common that the dishonest. Enclosed in the letter was a as Brothers and Sisters voice of the people desireth anything sum of money from the man to cover A second example of how religious contrary to that which is right; but it is not only the cost of the materials but faith benefits society and contributes common for the lesser part of the peo- also interest. My client was impressed light to the world is the role of religion ple to desire that which is not right.” that the Church through lay leadership in treating all of God’s children as Mosiah then warns, “If the time comes would assist this man in his effort to brothers and sisters. that the voice of the people doth be reconciled to God. Many faith-based institutions in choose iniquity, then is the time that Think about the light and truth that the last two centuries have been at the judgments of God will come.” 18 the shared value of honesty has in the the forefront in reaching out and In our increasingly unrighteous Judeo-Christian world. Think about rescuing those subjected to cruel world, it is essential that values based the impact on society if youth didn’t circumstances because their members on religious belief be part of the pub- cheat in school, if adults were honest believe that all men are made in the lic discourse. Moral positions informed in the workplace and were faithful image and likeness of God. 23 William by a religious conscience must be to their marriage vows. For us the Wilberforce, the great British statesman

November 2010 29 who was instrumental in outlawing any man should be in bondage one in our communities. the slave trade in Great Britain, is to another.” 30 Our commitment to If we both live and proclaim these an excellent example. 24 “Amazing freedom of religion and treating all principles, we will be following Jesus Grace,” the touching hymn, and the people as sons and daughters of God Christ, who is the true Light of the inspiring movie of the same name is central to our doctrine. World. We can be a force for righ- capture the feeling of the early 1800s These are just two examples of teousness in preparing for the Second and describe the account of his heroic how faith-based values undergird Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus effort. Wilberforce’s untiring efforts principles that greatly bless society. Christ. We look forward to that beau- were among the first steps in eliminat- There are many more. We should both tiful day when “free hearts will sing ing this terrible, oppressive, cruel, and participate ourselves and support peo- when the lights go on again all over venal practice. As part of that effort he, ple of character and integrity to help the world.” 31 In the sacred name of together with other leaders, set out to reestablish moral values that will bless Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ reform public morality. He believed the entire community. Notes that education and government had Let me be clear that all voices need 1. See Richard Hough and Denis Richards, to be morally based. 25 “His . . . vision to be heard in the public square. The Battle of Britain: The Greatest Air Battle of World War II (1989), 264. of moral and spiritual enrichment was Neither religious nor secular voices 2. Attributed to Sir Edward Grey. See “When what he lived for, whether in defending should be silenced. Furthermore, we the Lights Go On Again (All over the the institution of marriage, attacking the should not expect that because some World),” wikipedia.org. 3. See Doctrine and Covenants 88:11–13. practices of the slave trade or emphat- of our views emanate from religious The Light of Christ is “the light which is in 26 ically defending the Sabbath day.” principles, they will automatically be all things, which giveth life to all things, With great energy he helped mobilize accepted or given preferential status. which is the law by which all things are governed” (verse 13). For a comprehensive the country’s moral and social leaders But it is also clear such views and understanding of the Light of Christ and 27 in a nationwide struggle against vice. values are entitled to be reviewed on the difference between the Light of Christ In our early Church history, the their merits. and the Holy Ghost, see Boyd K. Packer, vast majority of our members were The moral foundation of our “The Light of Christ,” Liahona­ and ­Ensign, Apr. 2005, 8–14. 28 opposed to slavery. This was a sig- doctrine can be a beacon light to 4. Moroni 7:19. nificant reason, along with their reli- the world and can be a unifying 5. See Jacques Barzun, From Dawn to gious beliefs, for the hostility and mob force for both morality and faith Decadence: 500 Years of Western Cultural Life (2000), 798. violence they experienced, culminat- in Jesus Christ. We need to protect 6. Articles of Faith 1:13. ing in the extermination order issued our families and be at the forefront 7. Matthew 5:16. by Governor Boggs in Missouri. 29 In together with all people of goodwill 8. Roger B. Porter, “Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God” (talk given at Cambridge 1833 Joseph Smith received a rev- in doing everything we can to pre- University Ward, Cambridge Massachusetts elation stating, “It is not right that serve light, hope, and morality Stake, Sept. 13, 2009). 30 9. Mormon 6:17. By Bishop Richard C. Edgley 10. Mormon 8:3. First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric 11. See John Micklethwait and Adrian Wooldridge, God Is Back: How the Global Revival of Faith Is Changing the World (2009). 12. See Diana Butler Bass, “Peace, Love and Understanding” (review of God Is Back, by John Micklethwait and Adrian Wooldridge), Faith—the Choice Washington Post National Weekly Edition, Jul. 27–Aug. 2, 2009, 39. 13. See David D. Kirkpatrick, “The Right Hand of the Fathers,” New York Times Magazine, Is Yours Dec. 20, 2009, 27. 14. See Kirkpatrick, “The Right Hand of the Fathers,” 27. Robert P. George teaches that either we have moral reason and Choose faith over doubt, choose faith over fear, choose faith free choice or we have amorality and over the unknown and the unseen, and choose faith over determinism. 15. Doctrine and Covenants 84:46. pessimism. 16. Doctrine and Covenants 84:48. 17. Boyd K. Packer, ­Liahona and ­Ensign, Apr. 2005, 8. 18. Mosiah 29:26–27. 19. See Margaret Somerville, “Should Religion Influence Policy?” www.themarknews.com/ e live in one of the greatest each attacking the fundamental truths articles/1535-should-religion-influence- dispensations of all times— we believe in, our faith in God, and policy. 20. See Zhao Xiao, “Market Economies Wa time former prophets our hope in the future. with Churches and Market Economies looked forward to, prophesied of, and, This might be the reality of our without Churches,” 2002, www.danwei. I believe, yearned for. However, with world, but we can still choose how we org/business/churches_and_the_ market_econom.php. This Chinese all the heavenly blessings bestowed react to it. When our sacred doctrine government economist argues that a moral upon us, Satan, ever so real, is ever and beliefs are challenged, this is our underpinning is necessary to prevent so active, and conflicting messages opportunity to become acquainted people from lying and injuring others. 21. “The Cotter’s Saturday Night,” in Poems by are continually bombarding all of us. with God in a most private and inti- Robert Burns (1811), 191. The angel Moroni warned the young mate manner. This is our opportunity 22. See Clayton M. Christensen, “The Prophet Joseph Smith that his name to choose. Importance of Asking the Right Questions” (commencement speech, Southern New would be known for good and evil Because of the conflicts and Hampshire University, Manchester, N.H., throughout the world (see Joseph challenges we face in today’s world, May 16, 2009). Smith—History 1:33), and never has I wish to suggest a single choice—a 23. See Genesis 1:26. 24. See William Hague, William Wilberforce: the fulfillment of a prophecy been choice of peace and protection and a The Life of the Great Anti-Slave Trade more evident. The Prophet gave his choice that is appropriate for all. That Campaigner (2007), 352–56. life for his testimony, and the attacks choice is faith. Be aware that faith is 25. See Hague, William Wilberforce, 104–5. 26. Hague, William Wilberforce, 513. continue today against the Church and not a free gift given without thought, 27. See Hague, William Wilberforce, 107–8. even the Savior Himself. The reality of desire, or effort. It does not come as 28. See James B. Allen and Glen M. Leonard, the Savior, His atoning sacrifice, and the dew falls from heaven. The Savior The Story of the Latter-day Saints, 2nd ed. its universal application for all of us is said, “Come unto me” (Matthew 11:28) (1992), 93, 120, 202. 29. See Leonard J. Arrington and Davis Bitton, challenged and often dismissed as a and “Knock, and it shall be [given] The Mormon Experience: A History of the myth or the baseless hope of a weak you” (Matthew 7:7). These are action Latter-day Saints, 2nd ed. (1992), 48–51; and uneducated mind. Furthermore, verbs—come, knock. They are choices. see also Clyde A. Milner and others, The Oxford History of the American West the reality of the Restoration of the So I say, choose faith. Choose faith (1994), 362: “Proslavery settlers and gospel in these latter days continues over doubt, choose faith over fear, politicians persecuted them mercilessly.” to be challenged. The continual bom- choose faith over the unknown and 30. Doctrine and Covenants 101:79. 31. Final line in the song “When the Lights Go bardment of such messages may cause the unseen, and choose faith over On Again (All over the World).” confusion, doubt, and pessimism, pessimism.

November 2010 31 Alma’s classic discussion on faith, Alma teaches, our faith brings us to a contrite spirit is the pathway to as recorded in the 32nd chapter perfect knowledge (see Alma 32:34). truth and the Lord’s way of light, of Alma in the Book of Mormon, By moving forward into the unknown, knowledge, and peace. is a series of choices to ensure the armed only with hope and desire, we • If your testimony is immature, development and the preservation show evidence of our faith and our untested, and insecure, choose to of our faith. Alma gave us a directive devotion to the Lord. “exercise [even] a particle of faith”; to choose. His were words of action And so, following Alma’s formula, choose to “experiment upon [His] initiated by choosing. He used the let us choose. Let us choose faith. words” (Alma 32:27). The Savior words awake, arouse, experiment, explained, “If any man will do his exercise, desire, work, and plant. Then • If confusion and hopelessness will, he shall know of the doctrine, Alma explained that if we make these weigh on your mind, choose to whether it be of God, or whether I choices and do not cast the seed out “awake and arouse your faculties” speak of myself” ( John 7:17). by unbelief, then “it will begin to swell (Alma 32:27). Humbly approaching • When logic, reason, or personal within [our] breasts” (Alma 32:28). the Lord with a broken heart and intellect come into conflict with Yes, faith is a choice, and it must be sought after and developed. Thus, we are responsible for our own faith. We are also responsible for our lack of faith. The choice is yours. There is much that I do not know. I do not know the details of the orga- nization of matter into the beautiful world we live in. I do not understand the intricacies of the Atonement, how the Savior’s sacrifice can cleanse all repentant people, or how the Savior could suffer “the pain of all men” (D&C 18:11). I do not know where the city of Zarahemla was, as referred to in the Book of Mormon. I do not know why my beliefs sometimes conflict with assumed scientific or secular knowledge. Perhaps these are matters our Father in Heaven described as the “mysteries . . . of heaven” (D&C 107:19) that will be revealed at a later date. But while I don’t know every- thing, I know the important. I know the plain and simple gospel truths that lead to salvation and exaltation. I know that the Savior did suffer the pain of all men and that all repentant people can be cleansed from sin. And what I don’t know or don’t completely understand, with the powerful aid of my faith, I bridge the gap and move on, partaking of the promises and blessings of the gospel. And then, as 32 sacred teachings and doctrine, or conflicting messages assault your beliefs as the fiery darts described by the Apostle Paul (see Ephesians 6:16), choose to not cast the seed out of your heart by unbelief. Remember, we receive not a wit- ness until after the trial of our faith (see Ether 12:6). • If your faith is proven and mature, choose to nurture it “with great care” (Alma 32:37). As strong as our faith is, with all the mixed messages attacking it, it can also become very fragile. It needs constant nourish- ment through continued scripture study, prayer, and the application of His word.

When the disciples asked Jesus why they could not cast a devil out as they had just witnessed the Savior do, Jesus answered, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove” (Matthew 17:20). I have never witnessed the removal of an actual mountain. But because of faith, I have seen a moun- tain of doubt and despair removed and replaced with hope and optimism. Because of faith, I have personally • Because of my faith, I have know.” I have personally planted the witnessed a mountain of sin replaced been able to turn questions and seed in my own heart, and throughout with repentance and forgiveness. And even doubts into assurances and my life I have attempted to nurture because of faith, I have personally understanding. that seed to a perfect knowledge. And witnessed a mountain of pain replaced • Because of my faith, I approach today, as I stand behind this pulpit, with peace, hope, and gratitude. Yes, I the unknown, unseen, and unex- I testify that Jesus is the Christ, the have seen mountains removed. plained with unquestioning Redeemer of the world. I further tes- assurance. tify that Joseph Smith was a prophet • Because of my faith, I have acti- • And because of my faith—even in of God and the living instrument vated the power of the priesthood the seemingly worst of times—I the Lord used to bring back to the that I hold and have been a par- recognize with peace and gratitude earth the complete and true gospel taker of the sweetness of the gospel that in reality it is the best of times. of Jesus Christ. I testify that President and have embraced the saving Thomas S. Monson is the Lord’s ordinances. And when we choose faith and prophet today. Likewise, the choice of • Because of my faith, I work through then nurture that faith to a perfect faith is yours, it is mine. Let us choose the struggles and difficulties in life knowledge of the things of the Lord, faith. In the name of Jesus Christ, with peace and assurance. then we use the words “I testify” or “I amen. ◼

November 2010 33 By Elder Kevin R. Duncan we are and here we will stay. God Of the Seventy has shown me that this is the spot to locate His people, and here is where they will prosper; He will temper the elements for the good of His Saints; He will rebuke the frost and the Our Very Survival sterility of the soil, and the land shall become fruitful. Brethren, go, now, May we have the wisdom to trust in and follow the counsel of and plant . . . your . . . seeds.” In addition to promising these the living prophets and apostles. blessings, President Young declared that the Salt Lake Valley would become known as a highway to the nations. Kings and emperors would he winter of 1848 was difficult and dollars for the first bushel of corn visit the land. Best of all, a temple to challenging for the pioneer settlers raised in the Salt Lake Valley because, the Lord would be erected. 3 Tin the Salt Lake Valley. During the he said, it could not be done. 2 These were remarkable promises. summer of 1847 Brigham Young had To complicate matters, gold had Many Church members had faith in declared that the Saints had finally just been discovered in California. Brigham Young’s prophecies, while reached their destination. “This is the Some Church members envisioned others remained skeptical and left for right place,” 1 said Brigham Young, who that life would be simpler and more what they assumed would be a better had been shown in a vision where the abundant if they were to move on to life. Yet history has shown that every Saints were to be established. The early California in search of riches and a prophecy Brigham Young declared has members of the Church had endured better climate. come to pass. The valley did blossom tremendous adversity as the Restoration Under this cloud of discontent, and produce. The Saints prospered. of the gospel unfurled. They had been Brigham Young addressed the mem- The winter of 1848 was a great catalyst driven from their homes, persecuted, bers of the Church. He declared: for the Lord to teach His people a and hounded. They had suffered “[This valley] is the place God has valuable lesson. They learned—as we untold hardships as they crossed the appointed for His people. all must learn—that the only sure and plains. But now they were at last in “We have been kicked out of the secure road to protection in this life “the right place.” frying-pan into the fire, out of the fire comes through trusting in and obeying And yet the winter of 1848 had into the middle of the floor, and here the counsel from the prophets of God. been extremely harsh. The winter had been so cold that some people’s feet had been badly frozen. A spirit of uneasiness began to descend upon the Saints. Some Church members declared that they would not build their homes in the valley. They wanted to remain in their wagons, for they were sure that Church leadership would herald them on to some better location. They had brought seeds and fruit plants, but they dared not waste them by planting in the barren desert wasteland. Jim Bridger, a well-known explorer of the time, told Brigham Young he would give a thousand 34 Surely one of the crowning bless- ings of membership in this Church is the blessing of being led by living prophets of God. The Lord declared, “There is never but one on the earth at a time on whom this power and the keys of this priesthood are con- ferred.” 4 The prophet and President of the Church today, Thomas S. Monson, receives God’s word for the entire membership of the Church and for the world. In addition, we sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators the counselors in the First Presidency and the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. With frozen feet and a barren wasteland, those early Saints surely Stockholm, Sweden needed faith to trust their prophet. Their very survival and lives were at prophets? What has He taught us about of the Presidency of the Seventy so stake. Yet the Lord rewarded their education and provident living through eloquently instructed us on these 14 obedience and blessed and prospered His prophets? What has He taught us fundamentals. Because they are of those who followed His mouthpiece. about personal happiness and fulfill- such great importance to our very And the Lord does the same today ment through His prophets? salvation, I will repeat them again. for you and me. This world is full of What the prophets teach may to “First: The prophet is the only man so many self-help books, so many some seem outdated, unpopular, or who speaks for the Lord in everything. self-proclaimed experts, so many even impossible. But God is a God “Second: The living prophet is theorists, educators, and philosophers of order and has established a sys- more vital to us than the standard who have advice and counsel to give tem whereby we may know His will. works. on any and all subjects. With technol- “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, “Third: The living prophet is more ogy today, information on a myriad but he revealeth his secret unto his important to us than a dead prophet. of subjects is available with the click servants the prophets.” 6 At the open- “Fourth: The prophet will never of a keystroke. It is easy to get caught ing of this, the dispensation of the lead the Church astray. in the trap of looking to the “arm of fulness of times, the Lord reaffirmed “Fifth: The prophet is not required flesh” 5 for advice on everything from that He would communicate with us to have any particular earthly training how to raise children to how to find through His prophets. He stated, “My or credentials to speak on any subject happiness. While some information has word . . . shall all be fulfilled, whether or act on any matter at any time. merit, as members of the Church we by mine own voice or by the voice of “Sixth: The prophet does not have have access to the source of pure truth, my servants, it is the same.” 7 to say ‘Thus saith the Lord’ to give us even God Himself. We would do well Trusting in and following the scripture. to search out answers to our problems prophets is more than a blessing “Seventh: The prophet tells us what and questions by investigating what the and a privilege. President Ezra Taft we need to know, not always what we Lord has revealed through His proph- Benson declared that “our [very] want to know. ets. With that same technology today, salvation hangs on” following the “Eighth: The prophet is not limited we have at our fingertips access to the prophet. He described what he by men’s reasoning. words of the prophets on nearly any called “Fourteen Fundamentals in “Ninth: The prophet can receive subject. What has God taught us about Following the Prophet.” In the session revelation on any matter, temporal or marriage and the family through His this morning, Elder Claudio Costa spiritual.

November 2010 35 “Tenth: The prophet may be By Elder Gerrit W. Gong involved in civic matters. Of the Seventy “Eleventh: The two groups who have the greatest difficulty in following the prophet are the proud who are learned and the proud who are rich. “Twelfth: The prophet will not Temple Mirrors of necessarily be popular with the world or the worldly. “Thirteenth: The prophet and Eternity: A Testimony his counselors make up the First Presidency—the highest quorum in the Church. “Fourteenth: [Follow] . . . the living of Family prophet and the First Presidency . . . and be blessed; reject them and An eternal perspective of gospel conversion and temple suffer.” 8 covenants can help us see rich blessings in each generation Brothers and sisters, like the Saints of 1848, we can choose to follow the of our forever families. prophet, or we can look to the arm of flesh. May we have the wisdom to trust in and follow the counsel of the living prophets and apostles. ear brothers and sisters, when The first convert in our Gong family I am a witness of their goodness. I our son was in the Provo to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- testify that they are called of God. DMissionary Training Center, day Saints is our mother, Jean Gong. I also testify that there is no safer Sister Gong mailed fresh-baked bread As a teenager in Honolulu, Hawaii, she way to approach life, find answers to him and his missionary compan- listened; she knew; she was baptized to our problems, gain peace and ions. Here are some of the missionary and confirmed; she is continuing in happiness in this world, and protect thank-you notes Sister Gong received: faith. Faithful Church members helped our very salvation than by obeying “Sister Gong, that bread was a taste my mother so that she had gospel their words. I bear this witness in the of home.” “Sister Gong, all I can say friends, Church callings, and continued sacred name of the Lord Jesus Christ, is wow. That bread is the best thing nourishment by God’s good word. In amen. ◼ to enter my mouth since my mother’s today’s parlance each new convert, enchiladas.” But this is my favorite: young single adult, those returning to Notes 1. Brigham Young, as quoted by Wilford “Sister Gong, the bread was won- Church activity, and others bless gener- Woodruff, in The Utah Pioneers (1880), 23. derful.” He then jokingly continued, ations when they become fellow Saints 2. See Bryant S. Hinckley, The Faith of Our “Keep me in mind if things don’t work in the household of God. 1 Pioneer Fathers (1956), 9–15; see also Gordon B. Hinckley, “Remarks at Pioneer out between you and Mr. Gong.” One family who nurtured my Day Commemoration Concert,” ­Ensign, We love our missionaries—each mother was that of Gerrit de Jong Jr. Oct. 2001, 70–72. elder, sister, and senior couple. We are A linguist who loved the language of 3. See Hinckley, The Faith of Our Pioneer Fathers, 11–12; see also ­Ensign, Oct. 2001, eternally grateful to that special mis- the heart and Spirit, Grandpa de Jong 71. sionary who first brought the restored tickled my little boy imagination by 4. Doctrine and Covenants 132:7. gospel of Jesus Christ to our family. sayings like “Blackberries when red 5. Doctrine and Covenants 1:19. 6. Amos 3:7. I gratefully testify that an eternal are green.” Today, speaking of elec- 7. Doctrine and Covenants 1:38. perspective of gospel conversion and tronic handheld devices, I tell young 8. Ezra Taft Benson, “Fourteen Fundamentals temple covenants can help us see rich friends, “Blackberries read in Church in Following the Prophet,” in 1980 Devotional Speeches of the Year (1981), blessings in each generation of our make green bishops blue.” 29–30. forever families. My parents, Walter and Jean Gong, 36 were married three times: a Chinese grandson, great-grandson, back to began to understand my wife and ceremony for family, an American First Dragon Gong. In the mirrors in myself as children of our parents and ceremony for friends, and a sacred the other direction, I saw myself as parents to our children, as grand- ceremony in the house of the Lord father, grandfather, great-grandfather. I children of our grandparents and for time and eternity. could see my wife, Susan, as daughter, grandparents to our grandchildren. Our Primary children sing: “I love to granddaughter, great-granddaughter Mortality’s great lessons distill upon see the temple. I’m going there some- and, in the other direction, as mother, our souls as we learn and teach in day.” 2 Our youth pledge to “receive the grandmother, great-grandmother. eternal roles, including child and ordinances of the temple.” 3 In temple mirrors of eternity, I parent, parent and child. I recently stood in a house of the Lord with a worthy couple there to receive blessings by covenant. I invited them to make their first honey- moon last 50 years, then after 50 years to begin their second honeymoon. I found myself looking with this beautiful couple into the temple mirrors—one mirror on this side, one mirror on that side. Together the temple mirrors reflect back and forth images that stretch seemingly into eternity. Temple mirrors of eternity remind us that each human being has “divine nature and destiny”; that “sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally”; 4 and that, growing together in love and faithfulness, we can give children roots and wings. In temple mirrors of eternity, I reflected on First Dragon Gong, born a.d. 837 (late Tang dynasty) in south- ern China and the succeeding Gong family generations to my father, our family’s 32nd recorded generation. My brother, sister, and I are in our family’s 33rd generation; my sons and their cousins, the 34th generation; our grandson, the 35th recorded Gong family generation. In temple mirrors of eternity, I could not see a beginning or end of generations. I then imagined not only a suc- cession of generations but also a succession of family relationships. In one direction I saw myself as son, is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 17 I humbly witness: God lives. He “shall wipe away all tears from [our] eyes” 18—except the tears of joy when we see through temple mirrors of eternity and find ourselves home, pure and clean, our family genera- tions sealed by priesthood authority in love, to shout, “Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna.” In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ Notes 1. See Ephesians 2:19. 2. “I Love to See the Temple,” Children’s Songbook, 95. 3. “Young Women Theme,” Young Women Personal Progress: Standing as a Witness of God (booklet, 2009), 3. 4. “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Scripture describes our Savior as things, and in all places that [we] may ­Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; ­Ensign, Nov. 1995, “the Father and the Son.” 5 Having be in.” 12 His “faithfulness is stronger 102. dwelt in flesh and subjected the flesh than the cords of death.” 13 In drawing 5. See Mosiah 15:2. 6. See Alma 7:11–12. to the will of the Father, our Savior us to Him, our Savior also draws us 7. Doctrine and Covenants 88:6; see also knows how to succor us, His people, to our Father in Heaven. While some Doctrine and Covenants 122:5–8. in our pains, afflictions, temptations, things are imperfect on earth, we can 8. Isaiah 53:5. 6 9. Matthew 10:39. sicknesses, even death. Having trust our Heavenly Father to complete 10. See Alma 34:14. “descended below all things,” 7 our “redemption’s grand design, where 11. See Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79. Savior can bear our griefs and carry justice, love, and mercy meet in har- 12. Mosiah 18:9. 14 13. Doctrine and Covenants 121:44. our sorrows. “He was wounded for mony divine!” 14. “How Great the Wisdom and the Love,” our transgressions, . . . bruised for A miracle of the images we discern Hymns, no. 195. our iniquities . . . ; [with our Savior’s] in temple mirrors of eternity is that 15. See Doctrine and Covenants 45:26; 88:91. 8 16. Doctrine and Covenants 1:30. stripes we are healed.” they—we—can change. When Jean 17. Romans 8:38–39. From the councils in heaven, our and Walter Gong entered the new and 18. Revelation 21:4. Savior sought only to do His Father’s everlasting covenant, they opened will. This pattern of Father and Son the way for ancestors (such as First can help explain the paradox “He that Dragon Gong) to be sealed and for loseth his life for my sake shall find posterity to be born in the covenant. it.” 9 The world pursues enlightened Please remember: as we reach out self-interest. Yet the power is not in to each sister or brother, we bless us to save ourselves. But it is in Him. generations. Infinite and eternal, 10 only our Savior’s The world is in commotion, 15 but Atonement transcends time and space in His “only true and living Church,” 16 to swallow up death, anger, bitterness, there is faith and no fear. In the words unfairness, loneliness, and heartbreak. of the Apostle Paul, I also solemnly Sometimes things go wrong even testify: though we have done our very best. “For I am persuaded, that neither A Lamb innocent and pure, our death, nor life, . . . Savior weeps with and for us. When “Nor height, nor depth, nor any we always remember Him, 11 He can other creature, shall be able to sepa- stand with us “at all times and in all rate us from the love of God, which 38 By Elder Neil L. Andersen How Do We Remain True? Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles How do we remain true to the Savior, His gospel, and the ordi- nances of His priesthood? How do we develop the faith and strength to never leave Him? Never Leave Him Jesus said, “Except ye be con- verted, and become as little children, As you choose not to be offended or ashamed, you will feel His ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” 11 We need the believing love and approval. You will know that you are becoming more heart of a child. like Him. Through the power of His Atonement, we are to become “as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit y beloved brothers and sisters I am here forever!” I know you have to all things which the Lord seeth fit across the world, I express my answered the same way. to inflict upon [us], even as a child deep admiration for the faith But the question “Will ye also go doth submit to his father.” 12 This is the M 13 and courage I see in your lives. We away?” makes us think about our mighty change of heart. live in a most remarkable time—but a own vulnerability. Life is no spiritual We soon see why a change of heart challenging time. picnic. The words of the Apostles from is necessary. Two words signal danger another setting come quietly into our ahead: the words are offended and The Lord Alerts Us to Dangers Ahead mind: “Lord, is it I?” 7 ashamed. The Lord has not left us alone in We enter the waters of baptism our quest to return to Him. Listen to with joy and anticipation. The Savior Choose Not to Be Offended His warning words alerting us to the beckons, “Come unto me,” 8 and we To those troubled by the Savior’s dangers ahead: “Take . . . heed, watch respond, taking His name upon us. Not divinity, Jesus asked, “Doth this offend and pray.” 1 “Beware lest ye . . . be one of us wants this journey to be a you?” 14 In the parable of the sower, deceived.” 2 “Be watchful and careful.” 3 brief flirtation with spirituality or even Jesus warned, “He . . . [endureth] for a “Beware lest ye also . . . fall from your a notable but finite chapter. The road while: [but] when tribulation or perse- own stedfastness.” 4 of discipleship is not for the spiritually cution ariseth because of the word, by No one of us is immune from the faint of heart. Jesus said: “Thou shalt and by he is offended.” 15 influences of the world. The Lord’s love the Lord thy God with all thy Offense comes in many costumes counsel keeps us on guard. heart, and with all thy soul, and with all and continually finds its way onstage. You will remember Jesus’s experi- thy mind.” 9 “Whosoever will come after People we believe in disappoint us. We ence in Capernaum as disciples who me, let him deny himself, and take up have unanticipated difficulties. Our life had followed the Savior would not his cross, and follow me.” 10 doesn’t turn out exactly the way we accept that He was the Son of God. As we follow the Savior, without were expecting. We make mistakes, The scripture reads, “From that time question there will be challenges that feel unworthy, and worry about being many of his disciples . . . walked no confront us. Approached with faith, forgiven. We wonder about a doctrinal more with him.” 5 these refining experiences bring a issue. We learn of something spoken Jesus then turned to the Twelve deeper conversion of the Savior’s from a Church pulpit 150 years ago that and asked, “Will ye also go away?” 6 reality. Approached in a worldly way, bothers us. Our children are treated these same experiences cloud our unfairly. We are ignored or under­ Will Ye Also Go Away? view and weaken our resolve. Some appreciated. It could be a hundred In my own mind I have answered we love and admire slip from the strait things, each very real to us at the time. 16 that question many times: “Absolutely and narrow path and “[walk] no more In our weakened moments, the not! Not me! I will never leave Him! with him.” adversary seeks to steal our spiritual

November 2010 39 courage faltered. The scripture reads, “After they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those [who] were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.” 26 As disciples of Christ, we stand apart from the world. There may be times we feel uncomfortable as the fingers of scorn mock and dismiss promises. If we are not watchful, our in the future. His case was presented what is sacred to us. 27 President injured, childlike spirit will retreat by Hyrum Smith, and he was freely Thomas S. Monson warned, “Unless back into the cold, dark crust of our forgiven. He died a faithful member of the roots of your testimony are firmly former bloated ego, leaving behind the Church. planted, it will be difficult for you to the warm, healing light of the Savior. I recently met the president of the withstand the ridicule of those who When Parley P. Pratt, in 1835, was Recife Brazil Temple, whose name is challenge your faith.” 28 Nephi said, judged unfairly, bringing embarrass- Frederick G. Williams. He recounted “[Heed] them not.” 29 Paul admonished, ment and shame to him and his family, how his great-great-grandfather’s “God hath not given us the spirit of the Prophet Joseph Smith counseled, decision of character had blessed the fear; . . . Be not . . . ashamed of the “Parley, . . . walk such things under family and hundreds of his posterity. testimony of our Lord.” 30 We never your feet . . . [and] God Almighty shall leave Him. be with you.” 17 Choose Not to Be Ashamed While accompanying President Another example: In 1830, Offended has a corrosive compan- Dieter F. Uchtdorf to Eastern Europe Frederick G. Williams, a prominent ion called ashamed. last year, I marveled at the faith and medical doctor, was baptized. He In the Book of Mormon, we learn courage of the Saints. One priesthood immediately gave of his talents and of Lehi’s vision of the tree of life. The leader in Ukraine told us of being prosperity to the Church. He became vision speaks of those noble souls called to the branch presidency in a leader in the Church. He donated who “[pressed] forward through the the spring of 1994, only six months property for the Kirtland Temple. In mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of after his baptism. This would require 1837, caught up in difficulties of the iron,” arriving and “[partaking] of the times, Frederick G. Williams made fruit of the tree.” 20 serious mistakes. The Lord declared in Nephi described the tree as “the a revelation that “in consequence of love of God,” 21 bearing fruit that “filled [his] transgressions [his] former stand- [the] soul with exceedingly great joy.” 22 ing [in the leadership of the Church After tasting of the fruit, Lehi saw “a had] been taken away from [him].” 18 great and spacious building . . . filled The beautiful lesson we learn from with people . . . old and young, . . . Frederick G. Williams is that “whatever male and female; and their . . . dress his personal weaknesses, he had the was exceedingly fine; and they were strength of character to [renew] his . . . mocking and pointing their fingers loyalty to the [Lord,] the Prophet and [of scorn] towards those who . . . were . . . to the Church, when it would have partaking of the fruit.” 23 An angel been so easy to have disintegrated in explained that the mocking, the scoff- bitterness.” 19 In the spring of 1840, he ing, the fingers of scorn represented presented himself at a general confer- the pride and wisdom of the world. 24 ence, humbly asking forgiveness for Nephi declared plainly, “We heeded his past conduct and expressing his them not.” 25 determination to do the will of God Sadly, there were others whose 40 becoming public with his faith and Latter-day Saints, having a witness of Will we be astonished at times to helping to register the Church in the His reality not only from the Bible but see the anger a few feel toward the city of Dnipropetrovs’k. It was at a also from the Book of Mormon; know- Lord’s Church and their efforts to steal time of uncertainty in Ukraine, and ing His priesthood has been restored the struggling faith of the weak? 36 Yes. openly showing faith in Christ and to the earth; having made sacred But this will not deter the growth or in the restored gospel could mean covenants to follow Him and received destiny of the Church, nor need it difficulty, including the possibility of the gift of the Holy Ghost; having impede the spiritual progress of each of losing his job as a pilot. been endowed with power in His holy us as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. The priesthood leader told us, “I temple; and being part of preparing prayed and prayed. I had a testimony, for His glorious return to the earth, we Never Leave Him and I had made a covenant. I knew cannot compare what we are to be I love these words from a favorite what the Lord wanted me to do.” 31 with those who have not yet received hymn: Courageously, he and his wife went these truths. “Unto whom much is forward with faith, unashamed of the given much is required.” 33 The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for gospel of Jesus Christ. The Lord said, “Thou mayest repose choose for thyself.” 34 I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes; Where Much Is Given, Much Is Required I promise you, as you choose not That soul, though all hell should Some ask, “Do I have to be so to be offended or ashamed, you will endeavor to shake, different from others?” “Can’t I be a feel His love and approval. You will I’ll never, no never, I’ll never, no never, disciple of Christ without thinking so know that you are becoming more I’ll never, no never, no never forsake! 37 much about my behavior?” “Can’t I like Him. 35 love Christ without keeping the law Will we understand everything? Of Perfection does not come in this of chastity?” “Can’t I love Him and do course not. We will put some issues life, but we exercise faith in the Lord what I want on Sunday?” Jesus gave on the shelf to be understood at a Jesus Christ and keep our covenants. a simple answer: “If ye love me, keep later time. President Monson has promised, “Your my commandments.” 32 Will everything be fair? It will not. testimony, when constantly nourished, Some ask, “Aren’t there many of We will accept some things we cannot will keep you safe.” 38 We push our other faiths who love Christ?” Of fix and forgive others when it hurts. spiritual roots deep, feasting daily course there are! However, as mem- Will we feel separated on occasion on the words of Christ in the scrip- bers of The Church of Jesus Christ of from those around us? Absolutely. tures. We trust in the words of living

November 2010 41 prophets, placed before us to show us 7. Matthew 26:22. instead of looking over into that spacious the way. We pray and pray and listen 8. 3 Nephi 9:14. building, we are, in effect, living inside of 9. Matthew 22:37. it” (“Finding Ourselves in Lehi’s Dream,” to the quiet voice of the Holy Ghost 10. Mark 8:34. ­Liahona, Aug. 2010, 29; ­Ensign, Aug. that leads us along and speaks peace 11. Matthew 18:3; see also Mark 10:15; Luke 2010, 23). to our soul. Whatever challenges arise, 18:17; 3 Nephi 9:22; 11:37–38. 28. In the same talk, President Thomas S. 12. Mosiah 3:19. Monson said, “The great and spacious we never, never leave Him. 13. See Alma 5:14. building in Lehi’s vision represents The Savior asked His Apostles, 14. John 6:61. those in the world who mock God’s “Will ye also go away?” 39 15. Matthew 13:21. word and who ridicule those who 16. See David A. Bednar, “And Nothing Shall embrace it and who love the Savior Peter answered: Offend Them,” ­Liahona and ­Ensign, Nov. and live the commandments” (“May You “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou 2006, 89–92. Have Courage,” ­Liahona and ­Ensign, hast the words of eternal life. 17. Joseph Smith, in Autobiography of Parley P. May 2009, 126). Pratt, ed. Parley P. Pratt Jr. (1938), 118. 29. 1 Nephi 8:33. “. . . We believe and are sure that 18. In History of the Church, 3:46, footnote. 30. 2 Timothy 1:7–8. thou art that Christ, the Son of the 19. Frederick G. Williams, “Frederick Granger 31. From personal conversation and from a living God.” 40 Williams of the First Presidency of the translated excerpt of an oral history by Church,” BYU Studies, vol. 12, no. 3 Alexander Davydov, recorded July 16, 2010. I too have that witness. I so testify (1972): 261. 32. John 14:15. in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ 20. 1 Nephi 8:24. 33. Doctrine and Covenants 82:3. 21. 1 Nephi 11:25. 34. Moses 3:17. Notes 22. 1 Nephi 8:12. 35. See 1 Nephi 19:9. 1. Mark 13:33. 23. 1 Nephi 8:26–27; see also verse 33. 36. See 2 Nephi 28:20. 2. Doctrine and Covenants 46:8. 24. See 1 Nephi 11:35–36; 12:18–19. 37. “How Firm a Foundation,” Hymns, no. 85. 3. Doctrine and Covenants 42:76. 25. 1 Nephi 8:33. 38. Thomas S. Monson, ­Liahona and ­Ensign, 4. 2 Peter 3:17. 26. 1 Nephi 8:28; emphasis added. May 2009, 126. 5. John 6:66. 27. President Boyd K. Packer said, “Largely 39. John 6:67. 6. John 6:67. because of television [and the Internet], 40. John 6:68–69.

42 By Elder Richard G. Scott to conquer the trials of life is enhanced. Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles The more your character is fortified, the more enabled you are to benefit from exercising the power of faith. You will discover how faith and character interact to strengthen one another. The Transforming Character is woven patiently from threads of applied principle, doctrine, and obedience. Power of Faith President Hugh B. Brown said: “Wherever in life great spiritual values await man’s appropriation, only faith can appropriate them. Man cannot live and Character without faith, because in life’s adven- ture the central problem is character- A consistent, righteous life produces an inner power and building—which is not a product of strength that can be permanently resistant to the eroding logic, but of faith in ideals and sacrifi- cial devotion to them” (in Conference influence of sin and transgression. Report, Oct. 1969, 105). We exercise faith by doing. Joseph Smith said that “faith [is] the principle of action and of power” (Lectures on Faith [1985], 72). hen faith is properly under­ are yet smaller building blocks in the We become what we want to be by stood and used, it has wonder of creation. consistently being what we want to Wdramatically far-reaching Faith in the future is demonstrated become each day. Righteous character effects. Such faith can transform an by a couple sealed in the temple. is a precious manifestation of what individual’s life from maudlin, com- They understand that by obedience you are becoming. Righteous charac- mon everyday activities to a symphony to the teachings of Jesus Christ and ter is more valuable than any material of joy and happiness. The exercise the plan of happiness of our Father object you own, any knowledge you of faith is vital to Father in Heaven’s in Heaven, they can have a joyous life have gained through study, or any plan of happiness. But true faith, faith together. They recognize that when goals you have attained no matter unto salvation, is centered on the Lord the challenges intended to be growth how well lauded by mankind. In the Jesus Christ, faith in His doctrines and opportunities come, they will find next life your righteous character will teachings, faith in the prophetic guid- ways, as prompted by the Holy Ghost, be evaluated to assess how well you ance of the Lord’s anointed, faith in the to overcome them in ways that are used the privilege of mortality. capacity to discover hidden character- productive and character building. Neither Satan nor any other power istics and traits that can transform life. Faith and character are intimately can destroy or undermine your Truly, faith in the Savior is a principle related. Faith in the power of obedience growing character. Only you could do of action and power. to the commandments of God will that through disobedience. A sterling Faith is a foundation building block forge strength of character available character is converted into worth- of creation. I am confident that the to you in times of urgent need. Such less ashes when eroded by deceit or Savior Jesus Christ uses faith in His character is not developed in moments transgression. capacity to act under the direction of of great challenge or temptation. That Strong moral character results Father in Heaven. The Master used is when it is intended to be used. Your from consistent correct choices in the it to create the most remote galaxies exercise of faith in true principles builds trials and testing of life. Such choices as well as to compose quarks, the character; fortified character expands are made with trust in things that are smallest elements of matter we know your capacity to exercise more faith. As believed and when acted upon are of today. Yet I have faith that there a result, your capacity and confidence confirmed.

November 2010 43 to it. Your consistent exercise of faith builds strong character. A secure foundation for your growing character is laid by making Jesus Christ and His teachings the center of your life. Your happiness on earth as well as your eternal salvation require many correct decisions, none of which is difficult to make. Together those decisions forge a character resistant to the eroding influences of sin and transgression. Noble character is like a treasured porcelain made of select raw materials, formed with faith, carefully crafted by consistent righteous acts, and fired in the furnace of uplifting experience. It is an object of great beauty and priceless worth. Yet it can be damaged in a moment through transgression, requiring painful, prolonged effort to be rebuilt. When protected by self-control, righteous character will endure for eternity. Material things do not of them- selves produce happiness and satis- What are some of the empowering faith” (Ether 12:6). Thus, every time faction and the joy of attainment on principles upon which faith is based? you try your faith—that is, act in wor- earth. Nor do they lead us to exalta- thiness on an impression—you will tion. It is nobility of character, that • Trust in God and in His willingness receive the confirming evidence of the fabric of inner strength and convic- to provide help when needed, Spirit. As you walk to the boundary of tion woven from countless righteous no matter how challenging the your understanding into the twilight decisions, that gives life its direction. circumstance. of uncertainty, exercising faith, you A consistent, righteous life produces • Obedience to His commandments will be led to find solutions you would an inner power and strength that can and a life that demonstrates that He not obtain otherwise. With even your be permanently resistant to the erod- can trust you. strongest faith, God will not always ing influence of sin and transgression. • Sensitivity to the quiet promptings reward you immediately according to Your faith in Jesus Christ and obe- of the Holy Spirit. your desires. Rather, God will respond dience to His commandments will • Courageous implementation of that with what in His eternal plan is best strengthen your character. Your char- prompting. for you, when it will yield the greatest acter is a measure of what you are • Patience and understanding when advantage. Be thankful that sometimes becoming. It is the evidence of how God lets you struggle to grow and God lets you struggle for a long time well you are using your time on earth when answers come a piece at a before that answer comes. That causes in this period of mortal probation. time over an extended period. your faith to increase and your charac- An axiom we all understand is that ter to grow. you get what you pay for. That is true “Faith is things which are hoped The bedrock of character is integ- for spiritual matters as well. You get for and not seen; wherefore, dispute rity. Worthy character will strengthen what you pay for in obedience, in faith not because ye see not, for ye receive your capacity to recognize the direc- in Jesus Christ, in diligent application no witness until after the trial of your tion of the Spirit and to be obedient of the truths you learn. What you get 44 is the molding of character, the growth that they are not that bad, that they are This mortal life is a proving ground. in capacity, and the successful com- more socially acceptable and provide How well you meet its challenges pletion of your mortal purpose to be a broader base of friends. A clever determines how strong your character proven and to have joy. individual without foundation princi- will be. Your faith in Jesus Christ and You cannot be passive in life, or ples can at times acquire, temporarily, His teachings fortifies your character. in time the natural man will under- impressive accomplishments. Yet I have personally verified that mine your efforts to live worthily. You that attainment is like a sand castle. concepts like faith, prayer, love, and become what you do and what you When the test of character comes, it humility hold no great significance think about. Lack of character leads crumbles, often taking others with it. and produce no miracles until they one under pressure to satisfy appetite Despite how carefully a transgressor become a living part of us through or seek personal gain. You cannot seeks to keep the violation of com- our own experience, aided by the successfully bolster a weak character mandments hidden, in time they nearly sweet prompting of the Holy Spirit. with the cloak of pretense. always become publicly known. Satan In early life I found that I could learn In time one who makes decisions himself sees to that. He and his min- gospel teachings intellectually and, based upon circumstance is virtually ions are determined to cause the great- through the power of reason and assured to commit serious transgres- est possible harm to each of Father analysis, recognize that they were sions. There is no iron rod of truth in Heaven’s children. One serious act of significant value. But their enor- to keep that person in the right way. of disobedience or violation of trust mous power and ability to stretch me He or she will continually be faced invariably raises questions of whether beyond the limits of my imagination with many subtle temptations to make or not there are others. The faith and and capacity did not become real- deviations from the commandments. confidence of others in that individual’s ity until patient, consistent practice Those choices are justified by arguing character is undermined. allowed the Holy Spirit to distill and expand their meaning in my heart. I found that while I was sincerely serving others, God forged my personal character. He engendered a growing capacity to recognize the direction of the Spirit. The genius of the gospel plan is that by doing those things the Lord counsels us to do, we are given every understanding and every capacity necessary to provide peace and rich fulfillment in this life. Likewise, we gain the preparation necessary for eternal happiness in the presence of the Lord. A testimony is fortified by spir- itual impressions that confirm the validity of a teaching, of a righteous act. Often such guidance is accom- panied by powerful emotions that bring tears to the eyes and make it difficult to speak. But a testimony is not emotion. It is the very essence of character woven from threads born of countless correct decisions. These choices are made with trusting faith in things that are believed and, at

November 2010 45 least initially, are not seen. A strong testimony gives peace, comfort, and assurance. It generates the conviction that as the teachings of the Savior are consistently obeyed, life will be beau- tiful, the future will be secure, and there will be capacity to overcome the challenges that cross our path. A testimony grows from understanding truth distilled from prayer and the pondering of scriptural doctrine. It is nurtured by living those truths with faith anchored in the secure confi- Dublin, Ireland dence that the promised results will be obtained. • Character is the manifestation of together in harmony and reinforce Your testimony will be made strong what you are becoming. one another. When they are applied through willing obedience to the law • Strong character results from con- with diligence and consistency, they of tithing and by giving fast offerings, sistent correct choices. produce strength of character, increas- and the Lord will bless you richly for • The bedrock of character is ing ability to convert the challenges of it. As your testimony is fortified, Satan integrity. life into stepping-stones of happiness will try harder to tempt you. Resist his • The more your character is forti- now and forever. They are: efforts. You will become stronger and fied, the more enabled you are to his influence on you weaker. exercise the power of faith. • Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and Satan’s increasing influence in His program to acquire the power the world is allowed to provide an Humility is that quality that per- to achieve. atmosphere in which to prove our- mits us to be taught from on high • Repentance to rectify the conse- selves. While he causes havoc today, through the Spirit or to be taught from quences of mistakes of omission or Satan’s final destiny was fixed by Jesus sources whose origin was inspiration commission. Christ through His Atonement and from the Lord, such as the scriptures • Obedience to the commandments the Resurrection. The devil will not and the comments of the prophets. of the Lord to provide strength and triumph. Even now he must operate Humility is the precious fertile soil of direction in our lives. within the bounds set by the Lord. righteous character. In it the seeds of • Selfless service to enrich the lives He cannot take away any blessing personal growth germinate. When cul- of others. that has been earned. He cannot alter tivated through the exercise of faith, character that has been woven from pruned by repentance, and fortified If you have determined to live righteous decisions. He has no power by obedience and good works, such righteously, don’t become discouraged. to destroy the eternal bonds forged seeds produce the cherished fruit of Life may seem difficult now, but hold in a holy temple between a husband, spiritual direction. Divine inspiration on tightly to that iron rod of truth. You wife, and children. He cannot quench and power then result—inspiration to are making better progress than you true faith. He cannot take away your know the will of the Lord, power to realize. Your struggles are defining testimony. Yes, these things can be lost provide the ability to accomplish that character, discipline, and confidence in by succumbing to his temptations. But inspired will. the promises of your Father in Heaven he has no power in and of himself to May I share four principles which and the Savior as you consistently obey destroy them. have brought the deepest feelings of Their commandments. May the Holy To summarize: peace and happiness into my own Ghost prompt you to always make life? The Lord has established these decisions that fortify your character and • God uses your faith to mold your cornerstones in His eternal plan, yield much joy and happiness. In the character. and each one is essential. All work name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ 46 Priesthood Session | October 2, 2010

In a letter to one of his most trusted companions, Paul wrote to young By Elder Russell M. Nelson Timothy, “Let no man despise thy Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 4 That counsel is just as valid for us now as it was then. It applies to our full- Be Thou an Example time missionaries; it applies equally to each member of the Church. Whether full-time missionaries or members, we of the Believers should all be good examples of the believers in Jesus Christ.

Whether full-time missionaries or members, we should all Full-Time Missionaries be good examples of the believers in Jesus Christ. Full-time missionaries, some 52,000 and more, serve in 340 mis- sions around the world. They are believers and devoted servants of the Lord. Their purpose is to “invite y beloved brethren, this describes early missionary labors of the others to come unto Christ by help- evening we are assembled in Apostles and other disciples following ing them receive the restored gospel Mmany locations throughout the Lord’s mortal ministry. There we through faith in Jesus Christ and His the world. Wonderful full-time mis- read of the remarkable conversion Atonement, repentance, baptism, sionaries are among us. I would like to and baptism of Saul of Tarsus, 2 who receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, invite all full-time missionaries to stand. had previously been “breathing out and enduring to the end.” 5 Wherever you are, elders and mission threatenings and slaughter against the Like Timothy, most full-time mis- presidencies, please stand. We are disciples of the Lord” 3 and persecuting sionaries are young men. Some are grateful for each one of you! We thank members of the fledgling Church. From sisters; some are senior missionaries. you! We love you! You may be seated. such beginnings, Saul became the con- We love each one! Missionaries serve From time to time we need to verted Paul, one of the Lord’s greatest to make life better for God’s children. remind ourselves why we have mis- missionaries. The final 15 chapters of Heavenly Father loves every one of His sionaries. It is because of a command- the book of Acts report the missionary children. After all, He is their Father. He ment from the Lord, who said: labors of Paul and his companions. wants to bless them with His greatest “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of Auckland, New Zealand the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” 1 This commandment is one of many that have been renewed because the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored in its fulness. Missionaries serve now just as they did in New Testament times. The book of Acts

November 2010 47 gift, that of eternal life. 6 Missionaries so That statement reminds me of a report your friend to attend church with you. teach wherever they serve. They help of a humorous event. On a large Many of our friends do not know they people to develop faith in the Lord, playing field at a missionary training are welcome in our Church buildings. repent, be baptized, receive the Holy center, a sign was posted. It read, “Come and see” was the Savior’s Ghost, receive the ordinances of the “Missionaries only!” People who also invitation to those who desired to temple, and endure faithfully to the wanted to play on that field posted a learn more about Him. 15 An invitation end. God’s work and glory—“to bring new sign of their own. Their sign read, to attend a Sunday meeting with you to pass the immortality and eternal life “Every Member a Missionary!” or to participate in a Church social of man” 7—is also the sacred work and Each member can be an example or service activity will help to dispel glory of each missionary. of the believers. Brethren, as followers mistaken myths and make visitors feel We need more missionaries—more of Jesus Christ, each of you can live in more comfortable among us. worthy missionaries. During His earthly accord with His teachings. You can have As a member of the Church, reach ministry, the Lord told His disciples, “a pure heart and clean hands”; you can out to those you do not know and “The harvest truly is great, but the have “the image of God engraven upon greet them warmly. Each Sunday labourers are few: pray ye therefore the your [countenance].” 10 Your good works extend a hand of fellowship to at least Lord of the harvest, that he would send will be evident to others. 11 The light of one person you did not know before. forth labourers into his harvest.” 8 the Lord can beam from your eyes. 12 Each day of your life, strive to enlarge At this morning’s session of general With that radiance, you had better pre- your own circle of friendship. conference, our beloved President pare for questions. The Apostle Peter so You can invite a friend to read the Thomas S. Monson made an impas- counseled, “Be ready always to give an Book of Mormon. Explain that it is not sioned plea for each young man of this answer to every man that asketh you a a novel or a history book. It is another Church to prepare for missionary ser- reason of the hope that is in you.” 13 testament of Jesus Christ. Its very pur- vice. I hope his entire message will be Let your response be warm and pose is “to the convincing of the Jew heeded in every home of the Church. joyful. And let your response be rele- and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the To President Monson’s wise coun- vant to that individual. Remember, he Eternal God, manifesting himself unto sel, I add my witness. In my family, I or she is also a child of God, that very all nations.” 16 There is a power in this have observed the blessings that come God who dearly wants that person book that can touch the hearts and to each missionary. Thus far, the num- to qualify for eternal life and return lift the lives of honest seekers of truth. ber of our children, grandchildren,­ to Him one day. You may be the very Invite your friend to read the book and their spouses called to serve as one to open the door to his or her prayerfully. full-time missionaries is 49, and that salvation and understanding of the The Prophet Joseph Smith said “that number will continue to increase. In doctrine of Christ. 14 the Book of Mormon was the most each instance, I have seen the growth After your initial response, be ready correct of any book on earth, and the in wisdom, maturity in judgment, and to take the next step. You may invite keystone of our religion, and a man flowering of faith that developed in would get nearer to God by abiding each missionary. They, just as many by its precepts, than by any other generations before them, embarked book.” 17 The Book of Mormon teaches in the service of God to “serve him of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and with all [their] heart, might, mind and is the instrument by which God will strength.” 9 Missionary service has fulfill His ancient promise to gather helped to shape their divine destiny. scattered Israel in these latter days. 18 Many years ago two colleagues Member Missionaries of mine—a nurse and her doctor Paul’s counsel, “Be thou an exam- husband—asked me why I lived the ple of the believers,” applies equally way I did. I answered, “Because I to members. Most have not been and know the Book of Mormon is true.” I may never be full-time missionaries. let them borrow my copy of the book, But all can be member missionaries. inviting them to read it. A week later 48 Dublin, Ireland they returned my book with a polite invite friends and neighbors to visit Many of them are of Israel, now being “thanks a lot.” the new mormon.org Web site. If you gathered as promised. This is all part I responded, “What do you mean, have blogs and online social networks, of the preparation for the Second thanks a lot? That’s a totally inappro- you could link your sites to mormon Coming of the Lord. 22 He wants each priate response for one who has read .org. And there you can create your of us truly to be an example of the this book. You didn’t read it, did you! own personal profile. Each profile believers. Please take it back and read it; then I includes an expression of belief, an I know that God lives. Jesus is the would like my book back.” experience, and a testimony. Because Christ. This is His Church. The Book Admitting that they had only turned this is a new feature, most of these of Mormon is true. Joseph Smith is its pages, they accepted my invita- profiles are available in English. its translator and the prophet of this tion. When they returned, they said Profiles in other languages will follow. last dispensation. President Thomas S. tearfully, “We have read the Book of These profiles can have a profound Monson is God’s prophet today. I so Mormon. We know it is true! We want influence for good. Two months ago testify in the sacred name of Jesus to know more.” They learned more, a young man named Zac—a freshman Christ, amen. ◼ and it was my privilege to baptize in college—saw an ad for mormon Notes both of them. .org on television in Baton Rouge, 1. Matthew 28:19–20. Another way that you can share the Louisiana. He connected with the Web 2. See Acts 9:3–18. 3. Acts 9:1. gospel is to invite friends to meet with site and was intrigued by the profiles 4. 1 Timothy 4:12; emphasis added. full-time missionaries in your home. of Church members. At our Web site 5. Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Those missionaries are called and pre- he found the link that informed him Service (2004), 1. 6. See Doctrine and Covenants 14:7. pared to teach the gospel. Your friends, where he could attend church. The 7. Moses 1:39. in the comfort of your home and with next Sunday, dressed in a white shirt 8. Luke 10:2. your constant reassurance, can begin and tie, he attended church, was intro- 9. Doctrine and Covenants 4:2. 10. Alma 5:19. their journey toward salvation and duced to members of the ward, and 11. See Matthew 5:16; Alma 7:24. exaltation. The Lord said, “Ye are called enjoyed all three hours of meetings. 12. See Doctrine and Covenants 88:11. to bring to pass the gathering of mine He was invited to a member’s home 13. 1 Peter 3:15. 14. See 2 Nephi 31:2, 21. elect; for mine elect hear my voice and for dinner, followed by his first mis- 15. John 1:39. For this pattern, see also harden not their hearts.” 19 sionary lesson. In less than two weeks, Revelation 6:1, 3, 5, 7. Scripture tells us that “there are he was baptized and confirmed as a 16. Title page of the Book of Mormon. 21 17. Introduction to the Book of Mormon. many yet on the earth . . . who are member of the Church. Welcome, 18. See 3 Nephi 21:1–7. Note that these seven only kept from the truth because they Zac! (He is listening.) verses comprise one sentence. know not where to find it.” 20 Isn’t that Each exemplary follower of Jesus 19. Doctrine and Covenants 29:7. 20. Doctrine and Covenants 123:12. your opportunity? You can become Christ can become an effective mem- 21. Personal communication from William G. their own disciple of discovery! ber missionary. Members and full-time Woods, president of the Louisiana Baton Now in this day of the Internet, missionaries may walk arm in arm in Rouge Mission. 22. See Malachi 4:5; 3 Nephi 25:5; Doctrine there are new and exciting ways you bringing the blessings of the gospel and Covenants 2:1; 110:14–16; 128:17; can do missionary work. You can to cherished friends and neighbors. 138:46; Joseph Smith—History 1:38.

November 2010 49 By Elder Patrick Kearon scorpion. He administered an anes- Of the Seventy thetic, which numbed my leg and took away any sensation of pain. Within 24 hours I no longer had any effects from the sting of the scorpion. But I had learned a powerful lesson. “Come unto Me with I had known that when my parents told me to wear shoes, they did not mean flip-flops; I was old Full Purpose of Heart, enough to know that flip-flops did not provide the same protection as a pair of shoes. But that morning in the desert, I disregarded what I knew to and I Shall Heal You” be right. I ignored what my parents had repeatedly taught me. I had been Our Savior is the Prince of Peace, the Great Healer, both lazy and a little rebellious, and I the only One who can truly cleanse us from the sting of sin. paid a price for it. As I address you valiant young men, your fathers, teachers, leaders, and friends, I pay tribute to all who are diligently striving to become onight I would like to share a thorn going into the arch of my foot. I what the Lord needs and wants you message of comfort and healing looked down and saw not a thorn but to be. But I testify from my own Twith any of you who feels alone a scorpion. As my mind registered the experience as a boy and as a man or forsaken, has lost peace of mind or scorpion and I realized what had just that disregarding what we know to heart, or feels that you have thrown happened, the pain of the sting began be right, whether through laziness away your last chance. Complete heal- to rise from my foot and up my leg. I or rebelliousness, always brings ing and peace can be found at the feet grabbed the top of my leg to try and undesirable and spiritually damaging of the Savior. stop the searing pain from moving consequences. No, the scorpion did As a seven-year-old boy living in the farther, and I cried out for help. My not in the end threaten my life, but Arabian Peninsula, I was consistently parents came running from the camp. it caused extreme pain and distress told by my parents to always wear As my father battered the scorpion to both me and my parents. When my shoes, and I understood why. I with a shovel, an adult friend who was it comes to how we live the gospel, knew that shoes would protect my feet camping with us heroically tried to we must not respond with laziness or against the many threats to be found in suck the venom from my foot. At this rebelliousness. the desert, such as snakes, scorpions, moment I thought that I was going to As members of the Church of Jesus and thorns. One morning after a night’s die. I sobbed while my parents loaded Christ and as bearers of the priest- camping in the desert, I wanted to go me into a car and set off across the hood, we know the commandments exploring, but I did not want to bother desert at high speed toward the nearest and standards we have covenanted with putting on my shoes. I rationalized hospital, which was over two hours to uphold. When we choose another that I was only going for a little wander away. The pain all through my leg was path from the one we know to be and I would stay close by the camp. So excruciating, and for that entire jour- right, as taught by our parents and instead of shoes, I wore flip-flops. I told ney, I assumed that I was dying. leaders and as confirmed to our own myself that flip-flops were shoes—of a When we finally reached the hos- hearts by the Holy Ghost, it is like sort. And anyway, what could possibly pital, however, the doctor was able stepping onto the desert sand in happen? to assure us that only small infants flip-flops instead of shoes. We then As I walked along the cool sand—in and the severely malnourished are seek to justify our lazy or rebellious my flip-flops—I felt something like a threatened by the sting of that type of behavior. We tell ourselves we’re not 50 really doing anything that wrong, harden not their hearts, and stiffen undertake to cover our sins, or to grat- that it doesn’t really matter, and that not their necks against me, they shall ify our pride [or] our vain ambition. nothing all that bad will result from be converted, and I will heal them.” 9 . . . The heavens withdraw themselves; letting go just a little from the iron You and I can accept His invitation to the Spirit of the Lord is grieved;” and rod. Perhaps we console ourselves “return and repent, and come unto me we are left alone “to kick against the with the thought that everyone else with full purpose of heart, and I shall pricks . . . and to fight against God.” 11 is doing it—or doing worse—and we heal [you].” 10 Brethren, we find healing and relief won’t be negatively affected anyway. Contrast this miraculous heal- only when we bring ourselves to the We somehow convince ourselves ing with what happens “when we feet of the Great Physician, our Savior, that we are the exception to the rule and therefore immune to the conse- quences of breaking it. We refuse, sometimes willfully, to be “exactly obedient” 1—as it says in Preach My Gospel —and we hold back a portion of our hearts from the Lord. And then we get stung. The scriptures teach us that “the Lord requireth the heart,” 2 and we are commanded to love the Lord and serve Him with “all [our] heart.” 3 The promise is that we “may stand blame- less before God at the last day” and return to His presence. 4 The Anti-Nephi-Lehies in the Book of Mormon laid down their weapons of war and buried them deep in the earth, covenanting never again to take up arms against their brethren. But they did more than that. “They became a righteous people” because “they did lay down the weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God any more.” 5 Their conver- sion was so complete and so pro- found that they “never did fall away.” 6 But before their conversion, remember their state: they were living in what the scriptures call “open rebel- lion against God.” 7 Their rebellious hearts sentenced them to live “in a state contrary to the nature of happi- ness” because they had “gone contrary to the nature of God.” 8 When they laid down their weapons of rebellion, they qualified themselves for the Lord’s healing and peace, and so can we. The Savior assures, “If they

November 2010 51 Jesus Christ. We must lay down our could—and indeed did—prove fatal. is infinite and embraces us all. weapons of rebellion (and we each Our prophets and apostles, leaders The invitation given to the Nephites, know what they are). We must lay down and parents continually point out the when He ministered to them as the our sin, vanity, and pride. We must track we must follow if we would avoid resurrected Christ, is still in force for give up our desires to follow the world a destructive blast to our souls. They you and for me: “Have ye any that are and to be respected and lauded by the know the path that has been safely sick among you? Bring them hither. world. We must cease fighting against cleared of mines (or indeed scorpi- Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or God and instead give our whole hearts ons), and they tirelessly invite us to halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are to Him, holding nothing back. Then He follow behind them. There are so many withered, or that are deaf, or that are can heal us. Then He can cleanse us devastating traps to entice us from afflicted in any manner? Bring them from the venomous sting of sin. the track. Straying into drugs, alcohol, hither and I will heal them.” 14 “For God sent not his Son into the pornography, or immoral behavior Not one of you has thrown away world to condemn the world; but over the Internet or on a video game your last chance. You can change, you that the world through him might be will head us straight toward an explo- can come back, you can claim mercy. saved.” 12 sion. Deviating to the right or the left Come unto the only One who can President James E. Faust taught: of the safe track ahead of us, whether heal, and you will find peace. In the “When obedience becomes our because of laziness or rebelliousness, name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ goal, it is no longer an irritation; can prove fatal to our spiritual lives. Notes instead of a stumbling block, it There are no exceptions to this rule. 1. Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary becomes a building block. . . . If we have strayed from the track, Service (2004), inside back cover. 2. Doctrine and Covenants 64:34; emphasis “. . . Obedience leads to true free- we can change, we can return, and added. dom. The more we obey revealed truth, we can recapture our joy and our 3. Doctrine and Covenants 4:2; 59:5; the more we become liberated.” 13 inner peace. We will discover that emphasis added. 4. Doctrine and Covenants 4:2. Last week I met a 92-year-old man returning to the track from which the 5. Alma 23:7; emphasis added. who had been involved in many of land mines have been removed brings 6. Alma 23:6. the major campaigns of World War II. enormous relief. 7. Mosiah 2:37; Alma 3:18; see also Mormon 2:15. He had survived three injuries, one No one can find peace in a 8. Alma 41:11. of which was a land-mine blast to minefield. 9. Doctrine and Covenants 112:13; emphasis the jeep in which he was traveling, Our Savior is the Prince of Peace, added. 10. 3 Nephi 18:32. which killed the driver. He learned the Great Healer, the only One who 11. Doctrine and Covenants 121:37, 38. that to survive in a minefield, you can truly cleanse us from the sting 12. John 3:17. must follow exactly in the tracks of of sin and the poison of pride and 13. James E. Faust, “Obedience: The Path to Freedom,” ­Liahona, July 1999, 55, 53; the vehicle moving ahead of you. change our rebellious hearts into con- ­Ensign, May 1999, 47, 45. Any deviation to the right or left verted, covenant hearts. His Atonement 14. 3 Nephi 17:7; emphasis added. 52 By Elder Juan A. Uceda and said with a soft and tender voice, Of the Seventy “I’m sorry. I apologize for what I did.” He repeated, “I’m sorry, I love you, and I don’t want to hurt you.” And then from the mouth of a child came the lesson that the Lord wanted to He Teaches Us to Put teach him. She stopped crying, and after a brief silence, she took her scriptures Off the Natural Man into her hands and started to look up some verses. The father watched as those pure and delicate hands turned I bear witness of the reality and power of the Savior’s Atonement the pages of the scriptures, page after to cleanse, purify, and make us and our homes holy. page. She came to the verses she sought and started to read very slowly with a soft voice: “For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will ne morning a family gath- hurt his daughter, and with her scrip- be, forever and ever, unless he yields ered to study the scriptures tures in hand, she left the family circle, to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, Oas usual. As they gathered, ran to her bedroom, and slammed the and putteth off the natural man and the father felt a negative spirit: some door. Thus ended the family scripture becometh a saint through the atone- members of the family did not look study—no harmony and little love ment of Christ the Lord, and becometh very excited to participate. They had being felt at home. as a child, submissive, meek, humble, family prayer, and as they started to The father knew that he had patient, full of love, willing to submit read the scriptures, the father noticed done wrong, so he went to his own to all things which the Lord seeth fit to that one of the children did not have bedroom and knelt down to pray. inflict upon him, even as a child doth her personal set of scriptures with her. He pleaded with the Lord for help, submit to his father.” 1 He invited her to go to her room and knowing that he had offended one of While he was still kneeling next to bring her scriptures. She reluctantly His children, a daughter whom he truly her bed, humility overcame him as he did so, and after a period of time that loved. He implored the Lord to restore thought to himself, “That scripture was seemed like an eternity, she returned, the spirit of love and harmony at home written for me. She has taught me a sat down, and said, “Do we really have and enable them to be able to continue great lesson.” to do this now?” studying the scriptures as a family. As Then she turned her eyes to him The father thought to himself that he was praying, an idea came to his and said, “I am sorry. I am sorry, the enemy of all righteousness wanted mind: “Go and say, ‘I’m sorry.’” He con- Daddy.” to create problems so that they would tinued to pray earnestly, asking for the At that very moment the father not study the scriptures. The father, Spirit of the Lord to come back into his realized she did not read that verse trying to stay calm, said, “Yes, we have home. Once again the idea came: “Go to apply that scripture to him, but to do this now because this is what and say, ‘I’m sorry.’” she read it applying it to herself. He the Lord wants us to do.” He really wanted to be a good opened his arms and embraced her. She responded, “I don’t really want father and do the right thing, so he Love and harmony had been restored to do this now!” stood up and went to his daughter’s in this sweet moment of reconciliation The father then lost his patience, bedroom. He gently knocked on the born of the word of God and the Holy raised his voice, and said, “This is my door several times, and there was no Ghost. That scripture, which his daugh- home, and we will always read the answer. So he slowly opened the door ter remembered from her own per- scriptures in my home!” and found his girl sobbing and crying sonal scripture study, had touched his The tone and volume of his words on her bed. He kneeled next to her heart with the fire of the Holy Ghost.

November 2010 53 My beloved brethren, our homes pure knowledge, which shall greatly He teaches us to be humble, or in have to be places where the Holy Spirit enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, other words, “lowly; modest; meek; may dwell. “Only the home can com- and without guile.” 4 submissive; opposed to proud, pare with the temple in sacredness.” 2 Contention departs our homes haughty, arrogant, or assuming.” 7 There is no place for the natural man in and our lives as we strive to live these “I am sorry. I apologize for what our homes. The natural man is inclined Christlike attributes. “And ye shall also I did.” to “cover [his] sins, or to gratify [his] forgive one another your trespasses; for He teaches us to be patient, or in pride, [his] vain ambition, or to exercise verily I say unto you, he that forgiveth other words, “having the quality of control or dominion or compulsion not his neighbor’s trespasses when he enduring evils without murmuring or upon the souls of the children of men, says that he repents, the same hath fretfulness” or “calm under the suffer- [and when he acts] in any degree of brought himself under condemnation.” 5 ance of injuries or offenses.” 8 unrighteousness, behold, the heavens “I am sorry. I am sorry, Daddy.” He teaches us to be full of love. withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the The Lord Jesus Christ, who is the “I love you, and I don’t want to Lord is grieved; and when it is with- Prince of Peace, teaches us how to hurt you.” drawn, Amen to the priesthood or the establish peace in our homes. Yes, my beloved brethren, He authority of that man.” 3 He teaches us to be submissive, teaches us to put off the natural We who hold the Aaronic or the or in other words, to yield to the will man, like the father in this story, who Melchizedek Priesthood ought to or power of the Lord. “Go and say, ‘I pleaded to the Lord for help. Yes, just always remember that “no power or am sorry.’” as the father embraced his daughter in influence can or ought to be main- He teaches us to be meek, or in the arms of his love, so too does the tained by virtue of the priesthood, other words, to be “mild of temper; Savior extend His arms to embrace us only by persuasion, by long-suffering, soft; gentle; not easily provoked or during our times of true repentance. by gentleness and meekness, and irritated; yielding; given to forbearance He teaches us to become “a saint by love unfeigned; by kindness, and under injuries.” 6 through the atonement of Christ the 54 Lord.” And then we will reconcile By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf ourselves to God, and we will become Second Counselor in the First Presidency friends to God. I bear witness of the reality and power of the Savior’s Atonement to cleanse, purify, and make us and our homes holy as we strive to put off the natural man and Pride and follow Him. He is “the Lamb of God,” 9 He is “the Holy and Righteous One,” 10 “and the Priesthood his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Pride is a switch that turns off priesthood power. Peace.” 11 In the name of the Lord Jesus Humility is a switch that turns it on. Christ, amen. ◼ Notes 1. Mosiah 3:19. 2. Bible Dictionary, “Temple.” y dear brothers, thank you that you talk about things you know 3. Doctrine and Covenants 121:37. 4. Doctrine and Covenants 121:41–42. for assembling all around so much about.” 5. Mosiah 26:31. the world for this priesthood 6. Noah Webster’s First Edition of an M session of general conference. Your Other Meanings of Pride American Dictionary of the English Language, 9th ed. (1996), “meek.” presence shows your commitment to I also remember one interesting 7. Noah Webster’s First Edition, “humble.” stand, wherever you are, with your side effect of President Benson’s 8. Noah Webster’s First Edition, “patient.” brothers who bear the holy priesthood influential talk. For a while it almost 9. John 1:29. 10. Acts 3:14, New International Version. and serve and honor your Lord and became taboo among Church mem- 11. Isaiah 9:6. Redeemer, Jesus Christ. bers to say that they were “proud” of Often we mark the span of our lives their children or their country or that by events that leave imprints on our they took “pride” in their work. The minds and hearts. There are many such very word pride seemed to become an events in my life, one of which hap- outcast in our vocabulary. pened in 1989 when I heard a timeless In the scriptures we find plenty of sermon by President Ezra Taft Benson, examples of good and righteous peo- “Beware of Pride.” In the introduction ple who rejoice in righteousness and it was noted that this topic had been at the same time glory in the goodness weighing heavily on President Benson’s of God. Our Heavenly Father Himself soul for some time. 1 introduced His Beloved Son with the I have felt a similar burden during words “in whom I am well pleased.” 2 the past months. The promptings Alma gloried in the thought that he of the Holy Spirit have urged me to might “be an instrument in the hands of add my voice as another witness to God.” 3 The Apostle Paul gloried in the President Benson’s message delivered faithfulness of members of the Church. 4 21 years ago. The great missionary Ammon gloried Every mortal has at least a casual if in the success he and his brothers had not intimate relationship with the sin experienced as missionaries. 5 of pride. No one has avoided it; few I believe there is a difference overcome it. When I told my wife that between being proud of certain this would be the topic of my talk, things and being prideful. I am proud she smiled and said, “It is so good of many things. I am proud of my

November 2010 55 a sense, pride is the original sin, for any flaw and magnify it. They justify before the foundations of this earth, their hatred with broad generalizations pride felled Lucifer, a son of the and apply them to everyone associated morning “who was in authority in the with the other team. When ill fortune presence of God.” 9 If pride can cor- afflicts their rival, they rejoice. rupt one as capable and promising as Brethren, unfortunately we see this, should we not examine our own today too often the same kind of atti- souls as well? tude and behavior spill over into the public discourse of politics, ethnicity, Pride Has Many Faces and religion. Pride is a deadly cancer. It is a gate- My dear brethren of the priest- way sin that leads to a host of other hood, my beloved fellow disciples of human weaknesses. In fact, it could be the gentle Christ, should we not hold said that every other sin is, in essence, ourselves to a higher standard? As wife. I am proud of our children and a manifestation of pride. priesthood bearers, we must realize grandchildren. This sin has many faces. It leads that all of God’s children wear the I am proud of the youth of the some to revel in their own perceived same jersey. Our team is the brother- Church, and I rejoice in their good- self-worth, accomplishments, talents, hood of man. This mortal life is our ness. I am proud of you, my dear and wealth, or position. They count these playing field. Our goal is to learn to faithful brethren. I am proud to stand blessings as evidence of being “cho- love God and to extend that same love shoulder to shoulder with you as a sen,” “superior,” or “more righteous” toward our fellowman. We are here to bearer of the holy priesthood of God. than others. This is the sin of “Thank live according to His law and establish God I am more special than you.” At the kingdom of God. We are here to Pride Is the Sin of Self-Elevation its core is the desire to be admired or build, uplift, treat fairly, and encourage So what is the difference between envied. It is the sin of self-glorification. all of Heavenly Father’s children. this kind of feeling and the pride that For others, pride turns to envy: they President Benson called “the univer- look bitterly at those who have better We Must Not Inhale sal sin”? 6 Pride is sinful, as President positions, more talents, or greater When I was called as a General Benson so memorably taught, because possessions than they do. They seek to Authority, I was blessed to be tutored it breeds hatred or hostility and places hurt, diminish, and tear down others in by many of the senior Brethren in the us in opposition to God and our a misguided and unworthy attempt at Church. One day I had the opportunity fellowmen. At its core, pride is a sin self-elevation. When those they envy to drive President James E. Faust to a of comparison, for though it usually stumble or suffer, they secretly cheer. stake conference. During the hours we begins with “Look how wonderful spent in the car, President Faust took I am and what great things I have The Laboratory of Sports the time to teach me some important done,” it always seems to end with Perhaps there is no better labora- principles about my assignment. He “Therefore, I am better than you.” tory to observe the sin of pride than explained also how gracious the mem- When our hearts are filled with the world of sports. I have always bers of the Church are, especially to pride, we commit a grave sin, for we loved participating in and attending General Authorities. He said, “They will violate the two great commandments. 7 sporting events. But I confess there treat you very kindly. They will say nice Instead of worshipping God and are times when the lack of civility in things about you.” He laughed a little loving our neighbor, we reveal the real sports is embarrassing. How is it that and then said, “Dieter, be thankful for object of our worship and love—the normally kind and compassionate this. But don’t you ever inhale it.” image we see in the mirror. human beings can be so intolerant That is a good lesson for us all, Pride is the great sin of self- and filled with hatred toward an brethren, in any calling or life situa- elevation. It is for so many a personal opposing team and its fans? tion. We can be grateful for our health, Rameumptom, a holy stand that I have watched sports fans vilify and wealth, possessions, or positions, but justifies envy, greed, and vanity. 8 In demonize their rivals. They look for when we begin to inhale it—when 56 we become obsessed with our status; when we focus on our own impor- tance, power, or reputation; when we dwell upon our public image and believe our own press clippings— that’s when the trouble begins; that’s when pride begins to corrupt. There are plenty of warnings about pride in the scriptures: “Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.” 10 The Apostle Peter warned that “God resisteth the proud, and giv- eth grace to the humble.” 11 Mormon explained, “None is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart.” 12 And by design, the Lord chooses “the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” 13 The Lord does this to show that His hand is in His work, lest we “trust in the arm of flesh.” 14 We are servants of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We are not given the priesthood so that we can take our bows and bask in praise. We are here to roll up our sleeves and go to work. We are enlisted in no ordinary task. We are called to prepare the world for the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We seek not our own honor but give praise and glory to God. We know that the contribution we can make by ourselves is small; nevertheless, as we exercise the power of the priesthood in righteousness, God can cause a great and marvelous work to come forth through our efforts. We must learn, as honor for himself, the Savior said, we must strive to be like the Savior. Moses did, that “man is nothing” 15 by “Father, thy will be done, and the This means that in all things we seek himself but that “with God all things are glory be thine forever.” 17 Despite His to do the will of the Father, just as the possible.” 16 magnificent abilities and accomplish- Savior did. 19 It means that we give all ments, the Savior was always meek glory to the Father, just as the Savior Jesus Christ Is the Perfect Example and humble. did. 20 It means that we lose ourselves of Humility Brethren, we hold “the Holy in the service of others, just as the In this, as in all things, Jesus Priesthood, after the Order of the Son Savior did. Christ is our perfect example. of God.” 18 It is the power God has Pride is a switch that turns off Whereas Lucifer tried to change the granted to men on earth to act for priesthood power. 21 Humility is a Father’s plan of salvation and obtain Him. In order to exercise His power, switch that turns it on.

November 2010 57 “Pride is the great stumbling block to Zion. “We must cleanse the inner vessel by conquering pride. . . . 23 “We must yield ‘to the enticings of the Holy Spirit,’ put off the prideful ‘natural man,’ become ‘a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord,’ and become ‘as a child, submissive, meek, humble.’ . . . 24 “God will have a humble people. . . . ‘Blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble.’ . . . 25 Be Humble and Full of Love many people in need whom we could “Let us choose to be humble. We So how do we conquer this sin be thinking about instead of ourselves. can do it. I know we can.” 26 of pride that is so prevalent and so And please don’t ever forget your own My beloved brethren, let us follow damaging? How do we become more family, your own wife. There are so the example of our Savior and reach humble? many ways we could be serving. We out to serve rather than seeking the It is almost impossible to be lifted have no time to become absorbed in praise and honor of men. It is my up in pride when our hearts are filled ourselves. prayer that we will recognize and with charity. “No one can assist in this I once owned a pen that I loved root out unrighteous pride in our work except he shall be humble and to use during my career as an airline hearts and that we will replace it with full of love.” 22 When we see the world captain. By simply turning the shaft, “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, around us through the lens of the pure I could choose one of four colors. patience, [and] meekness.” 27 In the love of Christ, we begin to understand The pen did not complain when I sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ humility. wanted to use red ink instead of blue. Notes Some suppose that humility is It did not say to me, “I would rather 1. See Ezra Taft Benson, “Beware of Pride,” ­Ensign, May 1989, 4. about beating ourselves up. Humility not write after 10:00 p.m., in heavy 2. 3 Nephi 11:7. does not mean convincing ourselves fog, or at high altitudes.” The pen did 3. Alma 29:9. that we are worthless, meaningless, or not say, “Use me only for important 4. See 2 Thessalonians 1:4. 5. See Alma 26. of little value. Nor does it mean deny- documents, not for the daily mundane 6. Ezra Taft Benson, ­Ensign, May 1989, 6. ing or withholding the talents God has tasks.” With greatest reliability it per- 7. See Matthew 22:36–40. given us. We don’t discover humility formed every task I needed, no matter 8. See Alma 31:21. 9. Doctrine and Covenants 76:25. by thinking less of ourselves; we dis- how important or insignificant. It was 10. Proverbs 13:10. cover humility by thinking less about always ready to serve. 11. 1 Peter 5:5. ourselves. It comes as we go about In a similar way we are tools in 12. Moroni 7:44. 13. 1 Corinthians 1:27. our work with an attitude of serving the hands of God. When our heart is 14. Doctrine and Covenants 1:19. God and our fellowman. in the right place, we do not com- 15. Moses 1:10. Humility directs our attention and plain that our assigned task is unwor- 16. Matthew 19:26. 17. See Moses 4:1–2. love toward others and to Heavenly thy of our abilities. We gladly serve 18. Doctrine and Covenants 107:3. Father’s purposes. Pride does the oppo- wherever we are asked. When we 19. See John 8:28–29. site. Pride draws its energy and strength do this, the Lord can use us in ways 20. See John 17:4. 21. See Doctrine and Covenants 121:34–37. from the deep wells of selfishness. beyond our understanding to accom- 22. Doctrine and Covenants 12:8. The moment we stop obsessing with plish His work. 23. See Alma 6:2–4; Matthew 23:25–26. ourselves and lose ourselves in service, Let me conclude with words from 24. Mosiah 3:19; see also Alma 13:28. 25. Alma 32:16. our pride diminishes and begins to die. President Ezra Taft Benson’s inspired 26. Ezra Taft Benson, ­Ensign, May 1989, 6–7. My dear brethren, there are so message of 21 years ago: 27. 1 Timothy 6:11. 58 By President Henry B. Eyring There will be a common theme in First Counselor in the First Presidency all those stories. It will be the power of the priesthood in a holder whose power to serve was magnified by the Holy Ghost. And so my message for us tonight Serve with the Spirit is this: let us do whatever is required to qualify for the Holy Ghost as Let us do whatever is required to qualify for the Holy Ghost our companion, and then let us go forward fearlessly so that we will be as our companion. given the powers to do whatever the Lord calls us to do. That growth in power to serve may come slowly, it may come in small steps that are diffi- am grateful for this opportunity to the first time on the dusty trail years cult for you to see, but it will come. be one with you, honored by God later, walking hundreds of miles to Tonight I will make a few sugges- I to hold the priesthood. We have the mountains of western America. tions for the qualification of receiving been called to use divine power to They talked as they walked. What they the Holy Ghost as a companion in serve the children of our Heavenly talked about was the miraculous bless- your priesthood service. Then I will Father. How well we meet that obli- ing that in all the world, the servants give a few examples of priesthood gation will have eternal consequences of God had found them and even service in which you can expect to see for those we are called to serve and more miraculous, that they knew their your powers to serve strengthened by for us and for generations yet unborn. message was true. the influence of the Spirit. I hold in sacred memory two They fell in love and were married. Now, we all know that confirmation priesthood bearers who had qualified And because of a testimony of the into the Church gave us the gift of the for the Spirit of God to go with them Spirit, which began as they heard the Holy Ghost. But the companionship of on the errand to which the Lord called words of priesthood holders under the Holy Ghost, the manifestations of them. They had found the restored the influence of the Holy Ghost, they it in our life and service, requires us to gospel themselves in America. They were sealed for eternity by priest- put our lives in order to qualify. were the Lord’s servants who first hood power. I am among the tens of We cultivate spiritual gifts by keep- spoke of that gospel to two of my thousands of descendants of that boy ing the commandments and trying European ancestors. and that girl who bless the names of to live a blameless life. That requires One of those ancestors was a two priesthood holders who brought faith in Jesus Christ to repent and be young girl living on a small farm in the ministrations of the Spirit of God cleansed through His Atonement. So Switzerland. Another was a young with them as they climbed the hill in as priesthood holders we should never man, an orphan and an immigrant to Switzerland and rose to speak in that miss an opportunity to participate with the United States from Germany, living meeting in St. Louis. all our hearts in the promise offered in in St. Louis, Missouri. That happy story and millions more every sacrament meeting for members Both of them heard a priesthood like it are repeated across the world of the restored Church to “take upon holder testify of the restored gospel— and will be over generations. For them the name of [God’s] Son, and for the girl by the fireplace of her little some it will be the story of a young always remember him and keep his home in Switzerland, and for the boy home teacher who said words that commandments which he has given it was sitting in the balcony of a rented sparked a desire in your grandfather them; that they may always have his hall in America. Both of them knew to come back to the Church. For Spirit to be with them.” 1 by the Spirit that the message those some it will be the words of comfort Just as we must be cleansed of sin elders brought to them was true. and blessing from a patriarch that to have the Spirit with us, we must be The boy and the girl chose to be sustained your mother when tragedy humble enough before God to recog- baptized. The two of them met for nearly overwhelmed her. nize our need for it. The disciples of

November 2010 59 and strengthen it to let the light of heaven shine through it to the view of other men. And how does one mag- nify a calling? Simply by performing the service that pertains to it.” 5 I will suggest two services to which we are all called. In carrying them out under the influence of the Spirit, you and others will see your power to Dublin, Ireland serve, strengthen, and magnify. The first is as His agent to teach the resurrected Savior demonstrated But reading, studying, and ponder- and testify to others for Him. The Lord that humility, as recorded in the Book ing are not the same. We read words included the youngest and the least of Mormon. and we may get ideas. We study and experienced of the Aaronic Priesthood The Savior was preparing them we may discover patterns and connec- holders in that call to serve. After for their ministry. They knelt on the tions in scripture. But when we pon- describing the duties of the Aaronic ground to pray. Here is the account: der, we invite revelation by the Spirit. Priesthood holders, He said: “And they did pray for that which they Pondering, to me, is the thinking and “But neither teachers nor deacons most desired; and they desired that the praying I do after reading and have authority to baptize, administer the Holy Ghost should be given unto studying in the scriptures carefully. the sacrament, or lay on hands; them.” 2 They were baptized as you For me, President Joseph F. Smith “They are, however, to warn, have been. And the record says that set an example of how pondering can expound, exhort, and teach, and invite in answer to their pleading, they were invite light from God. It is recorded all to come unto Christ.” 6 filled with the Holy Ghost and with fire. in the 138th section of the Doctrine Somewhere in the world this week The Savior prayed aloud to thank and Covenants. He had been reading there will be a deacon asked by his His Father for giving the Holy Ghost and studying many scriptures, trying quorum president to invite a member to those He had chosen because of to understand how the effects of the of their quorum whom he has never their belief in Him. And then the Savior Savior’s Atonement would reach those seen to a meeting. The 13-year-old prayed for a spiritual blessing for those who had died never having heard president is not likely to use the words they were serving. The Lord pled with His message. Here is his account of “warn, exhort, and teach,” but that is His Father: “I pray thee that thou wilt how revelation came: “As I pondered what the Lord expects of the deacon give the Holy Ghost unto all them that over these things which are written, assigned to go to the rescue. shall believe in their words.” 3 the eyes of my understanding were To the deacon who receives the As the humble servants of the opened, and the Spirit of the Lord call to go to his quorum member, I Savior, we should pray for the mani- rested upon me, and I saw the hosts will make three promises. First, as you festations of the Holy Ghost to come of the dead, both small and great.” 4 pray for help, the Spirit will calm your to us in our service and to those we Repentance, prayer, and ponder- fears. Second, you will be surprised serve. Humble prayer to our Heavenly ing over the scriptures are essential that you know what to say when you Father, in deep faith in Jesus Christ, is parts of our qualifying for the gifts of get to his home and during the walk essential to qualify us for the compan- the Spirit in our priesthood service. with him back to the church. What ionship of the Holy Ghost. Further magnification of our power to you say may seem jumbled to you. But Our humility and our faith that serve will come as we respond with you will feel that words were given to invite spiritual gifts are increased by faith to go forward in our callings with you at the moment you needed them. our reading, studying, and pondering the Holy Ghost to help us. And third, you will feel the approval the scriptures. We have all heard those President Thomas S. Monson put of the Lord, who called you through words. Yet we may read a few lines or it this way for us: “What does it mean your president, whatever the outcome. pages of scripture every day and hope to magnify [your] calling? It means to I cannot promise what success will that will be enough. build it up in dignity . . . , to enlarge come since every person is free to 60 choose how he or she responds to a I urge all of us, young and old, of us will be sent by the Lord to succor servant of God. But the deacon you who are called to speak in a meeting those in need. That is another priest- speak to for the Lord will remember in the name of the Lord to dismiss our hood service in which we will feel you came to him. I know of one boy, feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy. the influence of the Spirit increase our now a man still far away from Church We don’t have to use soaring language power to serve. You will find yourself activity, whom a deacon was sent or convey deep insights. Simple words more able to recognize pain and worry to find, and he told his grandfather of testimony will do. The Spirit will in the faces of people. Names or the of that visit 20 years earlier. And it give you the words for you to speak faces of people in your quorum will seemed to have no effect, and yet he and will carry them down into the come into your mind with the impres- even named the deacon who came. hearts of humble people who look for sion that they are in need. The grandfather asked me to find and truth from God. If we keep trying to Bishops have that feeling come to thank the deacon who was called to speak for the Lord, we will be sur- them during the night and each time invite, to exhort, and to teach. It had prised someday to learn that we have they sit on the stand looking at the been only one day in the life of a warned, exhorted, taught, and invited members of their ward or thinking boy, but a grandfather and the Lord with the help of the Spirit to bless of those who are not there. It can remember the words the boy was lives, with power far beyond our own. happen to them when they find them- inspired to speak and the boy’s name. In addition to the call to teach, all selves near a hospital or a care center.

November 2010 61 opposition, and trials in his years of priesthood service. He also had experience with the Holy Ghost as his companion in difficult times and hard service. This is the assurance to us in our priesthood service, in the Church and in our families. For me the promise has been true when I have felt the Spirit in my priesthood service. “Whenever darkness fills our minds, we may know that we are not pos- sessed of the Spirit of God. . . . When we are filled with the Spirit of God Members in Rome, Italy, translate general conference talks. we are filled with joy, with peace, and with happiness, no matter what our More than once I have heard the I thought I had missed the lesson, circumstances may be; for it is a spirit words when I walked in the door of a but it came later. In a quiet moment of cheerfulness and of happiness. The hospital: “I knew you would come.” with Dad after he recovered enough Lord has given unto us the gift of the We need not worry about knowing to go home, our conversation turned Holy Ghost. It is our privilege to have the right thing to say or do when we to the visit by President Kimball. Dad that Holy Ghost reign within us, so that get there. The love of God and the said quietly, “Of all the visits I had, from morning till night and from night Holy Spirit may be enough. When I that visit I had from him lifted my till morning we shall have the joy, the was a young man I feared that I would spirits the most.” light and the revelation thereof.” 8 not know what to do or to say to peo- President Kimball didn’t speak We can watch for that blessing of ple in great need. many words of comfort, at least that I happiness and joy to come when we Once I was at the hospital bed- could hear, but he went with the Spirit need it during the difficult times in our side of my father as he seemed near of the Lord as his companion to give faithful priesthood service. death. I heard a commotion among the comfort. I realize now that he was I testify that we are called of God the nurses in the hallway. Suddenly, demonstrating the lesson President by prophecy. This is the true Church President Spencer W. Kimball walked Monson taught: “How does one mag- of Jesus Christ, restored through the into the room and sat in a chair on nify a calling? Simply by performing Prophet Joseph Smith. God lives and the opposite side of the bed from the service that pertains to it.” hears our every prayer. Jesus is the me. I thought to myself, “Now here That is true whether we are called resurrected Christ and our Savior. You is my chance to watch and listen to a to teach the gospel by the Spirit or can know these things are true by the master at going to those in pain and go with the Holy Ghost to those with power of the Holy Ghost, which will suffering.” feeble knees and hands that hang come to you in your service. In the President Kimball said a few words down. 7 Our priesthood service will be name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ of greeting, asked my father if he had strengthened, people will be blessed, Notes received a priesthood blessing, and and the light of heaven will be there. 1. Doctrine and Covenants 20:77. then, when Dad said that he had, the The light of heaven will be there for 2. 3 Nephi 19:9. 3. 3 Nephi 19:21. prophet sat back in his chair. us as well as for those we serve. We 4. Doctrine and Covenants 138:11. I waited for a demonstration of the may be tired. Our own and our fami- 5. Thomas S. Monson, “Priesthood Power,” comforting skills I felt I lacked and so ly’s troubles may loom large. But there ­Liahona, Jan. 2000, 60; ­Ensign, Nov. 1999, 51. 6. Doctrine and Covenants 20:58–59. much needed. After perhaps five min- is a blessing of encouragement for 7. See Doctrine and Covenants 81:5. utes of watching the two of them sim- those who serve under the influence 8. George Q. Cannon, in Brian H. Stuy, comp., ply smiling silently at each other, I saw of the Spirit. Collected Discourses Delivered by President Wilford Woodruff, His Two Counselors, President Kimball rise and say, “Henry, President George Q. Cannon had the Twelve Apostles, and Others, 5 vols. I think I’ll go before we tire you.” more than his fair share of sorrow, (1987–92), 4:137. 62

General Authorities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The First Presidency October 2010

Henry B. Eyring Thomas S. Monson Dieter F. Uchtdorf First Counselor President Second Counselor 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

The Presidency of the Seventy

Ronald A. Rasband Claudio R. M. Costa Steven E. Snow Walter F. González L. Whitney Clayton Jay E. Jensen Donald L. Hallstrom

The Firsy y

Stanley G. Ellis Kent D. Watson F. Richards Kent F. Craig A. Cardon Larry R. Lawrence K. Sybrowsky Won Yong Ko Yong Won R. Callister Tad Keith R. Edwards Jairo Mazzagardi Paul (in alphabetical order) Koichi Aoyagi Don R. Clarke Lowell M. Snow W. Gibbons Larry W. James B. Martino Keith B. McMullin Second Counselor Per G. Malm The S econd Quorum o f t he even y Bruce A. Carlson Bradley D. Foster Gregory A. Schwitzer W. Andersen Wilford W. H. David Burton Presiding Bishop Carl B. Pratt C. Scott Grow Octaviano Tenorio W. Kopischke Erich W. Lawrence E. Corbridge The Presiding Bisho p ric First Counselor Richard C. Edgley W. Gong Gerrit W. Bruce D. Porter José A. Teixeira Paul E. Koelliker Gary J. Coleman Rafael E. Pino Yoshihiko Kikuchi Yoshihiko Craig C. Christensen Michael John U. Teh Christoffel Golden Jr.

Paul B. Pieper Patrick Kearon Craig Zwick W. Carlos A. Godoy Hwan Choi Yoon Gary E. Stevenson Gérald Caussé Ulisses Soares Claudio D. Zivic V. Johnson Paul V. Eduardo Gavarret Anthony D. Perkins (in alphabetical order) W. Sitati Joseph W. F. Zeballos Jorge F. W. Pearson Kevin W. Daniel L. Johnson Shayne M. Bowen M. Costa Enrique R. Falabella The Firs t Quorum o f he S even y F. Evans David F. F. Packer Allan F. David S. Baxter Marlin K. Jensen Michael Watson F. Cecil O. Samuelson Jr. G. Robbins Lynn Kevin R. Duncan Brent H. Nielson Mervyn B. Arnold William R. Walker Richard G. Hinckley Keith K. Hilbig Marcus B. Nash John B. Dickson Carlos H. Amado Francisco J. Viñas T. Ringwood Michael T. Juan A. Uceda Dale G. Renlund James J. Hamula Richard J. Maynes Benjamín De Hoyos Marcos A. Aidukaitis Latter-day Saints gather for the 180th Semiannual General Conference of the Church. Pictured clockwise from top left are Church members in São Paulo, Brazil; Auckland, New Zealand; Formosa, Argentina; Cape Town, South Africa; Stockholm, Sweden; Dublin, Ireland; and Montevideo, Uruguay. Next, with the right of choice By President Thomas S. Monson comes the responsibility to choose. We cannot be neutral; there is no middle ground. The Lord knows this; Lucifer knows this. As long as we live upon this earth, Lucifer and his hosts will The Three Rs of Choice never abandon the hope of claiming our souls. Each of us has come to this earth with all the tools necessary Our Heavenly Father did not launch us on our eternal journey to make correct choices. without providing the means whereby we could receive from Him God-given guidance to assist in our safe return at the end of mortal life. I speak of y beloved brethren of the salvation. He insisted that with his plan prayer. I speak too of the whisperings priesthood, my earnest prayer none would be lost, but he seemed not from that still, small voice within each Mtonight is that I might enjoy to recognize—or perhaps not to care— of us, and I do not overlook the holy the help of our Heavenly Father in that in addition, none would be any scriptures, written by mariners who giving utterance to those things which wiser, any stronger, any more compas- successfully sailed the seas we too I feel impressed to share with you. sionate, or any more grateful if his plan must cross. I have been thinking recently about were followed. Each of us has come to this earth choices and their consequences. We who chose the Savior’s plan with all the tools necessary to make Scarcely an hour of the day goes by knew that we would be embarking on correct choices. The prophet Mormon but what we are called upon to make a precarious, difficult journey, for we tells us, “The Spirit of Christ is given choices of one sort or another. Some walk the ways of the world and sin to every man, that he may know good are trivial, some more far-reaching. and stumble, cutting us off from our from evil.” 3 Some will make no difference in the Father. But the Firstborn in the Spirit We are surrounded—even at times eternal scheme of things, and others offered Himself as a sacrifice to atone bombarded—by the messages of the will make all the difference. for the sins of all. Through unspeak- adversary. Listen to some of them; As I’ve contemplated the various able suffering He became the great they are no doubt familiar to you: “Just aspects of choice, I’ve put them into Redeemer, the Savior of all mankind, this once won’t matter.” “Don’t worry; three categories: first, the right of thus making possible our successful no one will know.” “You can stop choice; second, the responsibility of return to our Father. smoking or drinking or taking drugs choice; and third, the results of choice. The prophet Lehi tells us: any time you want.” “Everybody’s I call these the three Rs of choice. “Wherefore, men are free according to doing it, so it can’t be that bad.” The I mention first the right of choice. the flesh; and all things are given them lies are endless. I am so grateful to a loving Heavenly which are expedient unto man. And Although in our journey we will Father for His gift of agency, or the they are free to choose liberty and encounter forks and turnings in the right to choose. President David O. eternal life, through the great Mediator road, we simply cannot afford the McKay, ninth President of the Church, of all men, or to choose captivity and luxury of a detour from which we may said, “Next to the bestowal of life itself, death, according to the captivity and never return. Lucifer, that clever pied the right to direct that life is God’s power of the devil; for he seeketh that piper, plays his lilting melody and greatest gift to man.” 1 all men might be miserable like unto attracts the unsuspecting away from We know that we had our agency himself.” 2 the safety of their chosen pathway, before this world was and that Lucifer Brethren, within the confines of away from the counsel of loving par- attempted to take it from us. He had no whatever circumstances we find our- ents, away from the security of God’s confidence in the principle of agency selves, we will always have the right teachings. He seeks not just the so- or in us and argued for imposed to choose. called refuse of humanity; he seeks all

November 2010 67 Unlike Alice, we all know where we want to go, and it does matter which way we go, for by choosing our path, we choose our destination. Decisions are constantly before us. To make them wisely, courage is needed—the courage to say no, the courage to say yes. Decisions do determine destiny. I plead with you to make a deter- mination right here, right now, not to deviate from the path which will lead to our goal: eternal life with our Father in Heaven. Along that straight and true path there are other goals: missionary service, temple marriage, Church activ- ity, scripture study, prayer, temple work. There are countless worthy goals to reach as we travel through life. Needed is our commitment to reach them. Finally, brethren, I speak of the results of choice. All of our choices have consequences, some of which have little or nothing to do with our eternal salvation and others of which have everything to do with it. Whether you wear a green T-shirt or a blue one makes no difference in the long run. However, whether you decide to push a key on your com- puter which will take you to pornog- raphy can make all the difference of us, including the very elect of God. succumb to the promise of momentary in your life. You will have just taken King David listened, wavered, and pleasure? To our urges and passions? a step off the straight, safe path. If a then followed and fell. So did Cain in To the pressure of our peers? friend pressures you to drink alcohol an earlier era and Judas Iscariot in a Let us not find ourselves as indeci- or to try drugs and you succumb to later one. Lucifer’s methods are cun- sive as is Alice in Lewis Carroll’s clas- the pressure, you are taking a detour ning; his victims, numerous. sic Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. from which you may not return. We read of him in 2 Nephi: “Others You will remember that she comes to Brethren, whether we are 12-year-old will he pacify, and lull them away into a crossroads with two paths before deacons or mature high priests, we are carnal security.” 4 “Others he flattereth her, each stretching onward but in susceptible. May we keep our eyes, away, and telleth them there is no hell opposite directions. She is confronted our hearts, and our determination . . . until he grasps them with his awful by the Cheshire cat, of whom Alice focused on that goal which is eternal chains.” 5 “And thus the devil cheateth asks, “Which path shall I follow?” and worth any price we will have their souls, and leadeth them away The cat answers, “That depends to pay, regardless of the sacrifice we carefully down to hell.” 6 where you want to go. If you do not must make to reach it. When faced with significant know where you want to go, it doesn’t No temptation, no pressure, no choices, how do we decide? Do we matter which path you take.” 7 enticing can overcome us unless we 68 allow such. If we make the wrong choice, we have no one to blame but ourselves. President Brigham Young once expressed this truth by relat- ing it to himself. Said he: “If Brother Brigham shall take a wrong track, and be shut out of the Kingdom of heaven, no person will be to blame but Brother Brigham. I am the only being in heaven, earth, or hell, that can be blamed.” He continued: “This will equally apply to every Latter-day Saint. Salvation is an individual operation.” 8 The Apostle Paul has assured us, The scriptures are clear: to get where they were, and he was “There hath no temptation taken you “Ye shall observe to do . . . as the the starting center. He went to his but such as is common to man: but Lord your God hath commanded you: coach with his dilemma. His coach God is faithful, who will not suffer you ye shall not turn aside to the right was unsympathetic and told Brother to be tempted above that ye are able; hand or to the left. Christensen he expected him to play but will with the temptation also make “Ye shall walk in all the ways which in the game. a way to escape, that ye may be able the Lord your God hath commanded Prior to the final game, however, to bear it.” 9 you.” 12 there was a semifinal game. Unfortu­ We have all made incorrect choices. In closing may I share with you nately, the backup center dislocated his If we have not already corrected such an example of one who determined shoulder, which increased the pressure choices, I assure you that there is a early in life what his goals would on Brother Christensen to play in the way to do so. The process is called be. I speak of Brother Clayton M. final game. He went to his hotel room. repentance. I plead with you to cor- Christensen, a member of the Church He knelt down. He asked his Heavenly rect your mistakes. Our Savior died who is a professor of business admin- Father if it would be all right, just to provide you and me that blessed istration in the business school at this once, if he played that game on gift. Although the path is not easy, the Harvard University. Sunday. He said that before he had fin- promise is real: “Though your sins When he was 16 years old, ished praying, he received the answer: be as scarlet, they shall be as white Brother Christensen decided, among “Clayton, what are you even asking me as snow.” 10 “And I, the Lord, remem- other things, that he would not play for? You know the answer.” ber them no more.” 11 Don’t put your sports on Sunday. Years later, when He went to his coach, telling him eternal life at risk. If you have sinned, he attended Oxford University in how sorry he was that he wouldn’t the sooner you begin to make your England, he played center on the be playing in the final game. Then he way back, the sooner you will find the basketball team. That year they had an went to the Sunday meetings in the sweet peace and joy that come with undefeated season and went through local ward while his team played with- the miracle of forgiveness. to the British equivalent of what in out him. He prayed mightily for their Brethren, you are of a noble birth- the United States would be the NCAA success. They did win. right. Eternal life in the kingdom of basketball tournament. That fateful, difficult decision our Father is your goal. Such a goal is They won their games fairly easily was made more than 30 years ago. not achieved in one glorious attempt in the tournament, making it to the Brother Christensen has said that as but rather is the result of a lifetime final four. It was then that Brother time has passed, he considers it one of righteousness, an accumulation Christensen looked at the schedule of the most important decisions he of wise choices, even a constancy and, to his absolute horror, saw that ever made. It would have been very of purpose. As with anything really the final basketball game was sched- easy to have said, “You know, in gen- worthwhile, the reward of eternal life uled to be played on a Sunday. He eral, keeping the Sabbath day holy is requires effort. and the team had worked so hard the right commandment, but in my

November 2010 69 Sunday Morning Session | October 3, 2010

particular extenuating circumstance, it’s okay, just this once, if I don’t do it.” However, he says his entire life By President Henry B. Eyring has turned out to be an unending First Counselor in the First Presidency stream of extenuating circumstances, and had he crossed the line just that once, then the next time something came up that was so demanding and critical, it would have been so much Trust in God, easier to cross the line again. The lesson he learned is that it is easier to keep the commandments 100 per- Then Go and Do cent of the time than it is 98 percent of the time. 13 My beloved brethren, may we be You show your trust in Him when you listen with the intent to filled with gratitude for the right of learn and repent and then you go and do whatever He asks. choice, accept the responsibility of choice, and ever be conscious of the results of choice. As bearers of the priesthood, all of us united as one y beloved brothers and sisters, “Yea, I would declare unto every can qualify for the guiding influ- it is an honor to address you soul, as with the voice of thunder, ence of our Heavenly Father as we Mon this Sabbath day. I am repentance and the plan of redemp- choose carefully and correctly. We humbled by the assignment to speak tion, that they should repent and are engaged in the work of the Lord to the millions of Latter-day Saints come unto our God, that there might Jesus Christ. We, like those of olden and our friends across the world. In not be more sorrow upon all the face times, have answered His call. We are preparation for this sacred opportu- of the earth. on His errand. We shall succeed in the nity, I prayed and pondered to learn “But behold, I am a man, and solemn charge: “Be ye clean, that bear about your personal needs and what do sin in my wish; for I ought to be the vessels of the Lord.” 14 That this message the Lord wanted me to give. content with the things which the Lord may be so is my solemn and humble Your needs are great and varied. hath allotted unto me.” 1 prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Each of you is a unique child of God. And then I found in Alma’s reflec- Master, amen. ◼ God knows you individually. He sends tion the direction for which I had Notes messages of encouragement, correc- been praying: “For behold, the Lord 1. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: tion, and direction fitted to you and to doth grant unto all nations, of their David O. McKay (2003), 208. 2. 2 Nephi 2:27. your needs. own nation and tongue, to teach his 3. Moroni 7:16. To discover what God would have word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth 4. 2 Nephi 28:21. me add to this conference, I read the fit that they should have; therefore 5. 2 Nephi 28:22. 6. 2 Nephi 28:21. messages of His servants in scripture we see that the Lord doth counsel in 7. Adapted from Lewis Carroll, Alice’s and in past conferences. I received wisdom, according to that which is Adventures in Wonderland (1898), 89. an answer to my prayer as I read the just and true.” 2 8. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young (1997), 294. words of Alma, a great servant of the As I read that message from a 9. 1 Corinthians 10:13. Lord in the Book of Mormon: servant of God, my errand for today 10. Isaiah 1:18. “O that I were an angel, and could became clear. God sends messages 11. Doctrine and Covenants 58:42. 12. Deuteronomy 5:32–33. have the wish of mine heart, that I and authorized messengers to His chil- 13. See Clayton M. Christensen, “Decisions for might go forth and speak with the dren. I am to build trust in God and Which I’ve Been Grateful” (Brigham Young trump of God, with a voice to shake His servants enough that we will go University–Idaho devotional, June 8, 2004), www.byui.edu/presentations. the earth, and cry repentance unto out and obey His counsel. He wants 14. Isaiah 52:11. every people! that because He loves us and wants 70 our happiness. And He knows how a “And Peter answered him and said, all the way to his martyrdom. lack of trust in Him brings sadness. Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto The young Nephi in the Book of That lack of trust has brought thee on the water. Mormon stirs in us a desire to develop sorrow to Heavenly Father’s children “And he said, Come. And when trust in the Lord to obey His command- from before the world was created. We Peter was come down out of the ship, ments, however hard they appear to us. know through the revelations of God he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. Nephi faced danger and possible death to the Prophet Joseph Smith that many “But when he saw the wind boister- when he said these words of trust that of our brothers and sisters in the pre- ous, he was afraid; and beginning to we can and must feel steadily in our mortal world rejected the plan for our sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. hearts: “I will go and do the things mortal life presented by our Heavenly “And immediately Jesus stretched which the Lord hath commanded, for Father and His eldest Son, Jehovah. 3 forth his hand, and caught him, and I know that the Lord giveth no com- We don’t know all the reasons for said unto him, O thou of little faith, mandments unto the children of men, Lucifer’s terrible success in inciting wherefore didst thou doubt?” 4 save he shall prepare a way for them that rebellion. However, one reason is We can take courage from the that they may accomplish the thing clear. Those who lost the blessing of fact that Peter came to trust the Lord which he commandeth them.” 5 coming into mortality lacked sufficient enough to stay faithful in His service That trust comes from knowing trust in God to avoid eternal misery. The sad pattern of lack of trust in God has persisted since the Creation. I will be careful in giving examples from the lives of God’s children since I do not know all the reasons for their lack of faith enough to trust Him. Many of you have studied the moments of crisis in their lives. Jonah, for instance, not only rejected the message from the Lord to go to Nineveh but went the other way. Naaman could not trust the direction of the Lord’s prophet to bathe in a river to allow the Lord to heal his leprosy, feeling the simple task was beneath his dignity. The Savior invited Peter to leave the safety of a boat to walk to Him across water. We ache for him and see our own need for greater trust in God as we hear the account: “And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. “And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were trou- bled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. “But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

November 2010 71 God. More than any other people on earth, we have, through the glori- ous events of the Restoration of the gospel, felt the peace that the Lord offered His people with the words “Be still, and know that I am God.” 6 My heart is filled with gratitude for what God has revealed about Himself that we might trust Him. For me it began in 1820 with a young boy in a grove of trees on a farm in the state of New York. The boy, Joseph Smith Jr., walked among the trees to a secluded spot. He knelt to pray with complete trust that God would answer his pleading to know what he should do to be cleansed and saved through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. 7 Each time I read his account, my trust in God and His servants expands: “I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. “It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name get out of debt and stay out. He men- listed to sell. I had called him a few and said, pointing to the other—This tioned mortgages on houses. He said weeks before, and he had said then, is My Beloved Son. Hear Him! ” 8 that it might not be possible, but it “We haven’t had anyone show interest The Father revealed to us that He would be best if we could pay off in your property for years.” lives, that Jesus Christ is His Beloved all our mortgage debt. 9 But on the Monday after confer- Son, and that He loved us enough to I turned to my wife after the ence, I heard an answer that to this send that Son to save us, who are His meeting and asked, “Do you think day strengthens my trust in God and children. And because I have a testi- there is any way we could do that?” His servants. mony that He called that unlettered At first we couldn’t. And then by eve- The man on the phone said, “I am boy as an apostle and prophet, I trust ning I thought of a property we had surprised by your call. A man came His apostles and prophets today and acquired in another state. For years we in today inquiring whether he could those they call to serve God. had tried to sell it without success. buy your property.” In amazement That trust has blessed my life and But because we trusted God and I asked, “How much did he offer to the lives of my family. Years ago I a few words from the midst of His pay?” It was a few dollars more than heard President Ezra Taft Benson servant’s message, we placed a phone the amount of our mortgage. speak in a conference like this. He call Monday morning to the man in A person might say that was only counseled us to do all we could to San Francisco who had our property a coincidence. But our mortgage was 72 paid off. And our family still listens for of Heavenly Father’s children in need. under covenant to trust God and His any word in a prophet’s message that That same trust in God can bless authorized servants, would become a might be sent to tell what we should nations. I have come to know that we light to his people. do to find the security and peace God can trust God to fulfill the promise of I know the servants of God who wants for us. Alma that “behold, the Lord doth grant will speak to you during this confer- Such trust in God can bless com- unto all nations, of their own nation ence. They are called of God to give munities as well as families. I grew up and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in messages to His children. The Lord has in a small town in New Jersey. Our wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they said of them: “What I the Lord have branch of the Church had fewer than should have.” 10 spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse 20 members who regularly attended. God does not rule in nations, but He not myself; and though the heavens Among them was a woman—an is mindful of them. He can and does and the earth pass away, my word shall older, very humble convert to the place people in positions of influence not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, Church. She was an immigrant who who want what is best for the people whether by mine own voice or by the spoke with a heavy Norwegian accent. and who trust in the Lord. 11 voice of my servants, it is the same.” 12 She was the only member of the I have seen it in my travels across You show your trust in Him when Church in her family and the only the world. In a city of more than 10 you listen with the intent to learn member of the Church in the city in million people, I spoke to the Latter- and repent and then you go and do which she lived. day Saints gathered by the thousands whatever He asks. If you trust God Through my father, who was the in conference. It was held in a large enough to listen for His message in branch president, the Lord called her sports arena. every sermon, song, and prayer in this as the president of the branch Relief Before the meeting began, I noticed conference, you will find it. And if you Society. She had no handbook to tell a handsome young man sitting on the then go and do what He would have her what to do. No other member of the front row. He was surrounded by oth- you do, your power to trust Him will Church lived near her. She only knew ers who, like him, were better dressed grow, and in time you will be over- that the Lord cared for those in need than most of those around them. I whelmed with gratitude to find that and the few words in the motto of the asked the General Authority of the He has come to trust you. Relief Society: “Charity never faileth.” Church near me who the men were. I testify that God speaks today It was in the depths of what we He whispered that it was the mayor through His chosen servants in The now call the Great Depression. of the city and his staff. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Thousands were out of work and As I walked to my car after the Saints. Thomas S. Monson is God’s homeless. So, feeling she had her meeting, I was surprised to see the prophet. Our Heavenly Father and errand from the Lord, she asked her mayor waiting to greet me, flanked His Son, Jesus Christ, live and love neighbors for old clothes. She washed by his staff. He stepped forward, us. I so testify in the name of Jesus the clothes, pressed them, and put extended his hand to me, and said, “I Christ, amen. ◼ them in cardboard boxes on her back thank you for coming to our city and Notes porch. When men without money to our country. We are grateful for 1. Alma 29:1–3. needed clothes and asked her neigh- what you do to build up your people. 2. Alma 29:8. 3. See Doctrine and Covenants 29:36–37; bors for help, they would say, “Go to With such people and such families, Abraham 3:27–28. the house down the street. There is we could create the harmony and the 4. Matthew 14:25–31. a Mormon lady living there who will prosperity we want for our people.” 5. 1 Nephi 3:7. 6. Psalm 46:10. give you what you need.” I saw in that moment that he was 7. See Teachings of Presidents of the Church: The Lord did not run the city, but He one of the honest in heart placed by Joseph Smith (2007), 28. changed a part of it for the better. He God in power among His children. 8. Joseph Smith—History 1:16–17. 9. See, for example, Ezra Taft Benson, called one tiny woman—alone—who We are a tiny minority among the citi- “Prepare for the Days of Tribulation,” trusted Him enough to find out what zens of that great city and nation. The ­Ensign, Nov. 1980, 33. He wanted her to do and then did it. mayor knew little of our doctrine and 10. Alma 29:8. 11. See 2 Chronicles 36:22–23; Ezra 1:1–3; Because of her trust in the Lord, she few of our people. Yet God had sent Isaiah 45:1, 13. was able to help in that city hundreds him the message that Latter-day Saints, 12. Doctrine and Covenants 1:38.

November 2010 73 By President Boyd K. Packer adversary’s will. Agency is precious. We President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles can foolishly, blindly give it away, but it cannot be forcibly taken from us. There is also an age-old excuse: “The devil made me do it.” Not so! He can deceive you and mislead you, but Cleansing he does not have the power to force you or anyone else to transgress or to keep you in transgression. the Inner Vessel To be entrusted with the power to create life carries with it the greatest of joys and dangerous temptations. The Nowhere are the generosity and the kindness and mercy gift of mortal life and the capacity to of God more manifest than in repentance. kindle other lives is a supernal bless- ing. Through the righteous exercise of this power, as in nothing else, we may come close to our Father in Heaven and experience a fulness of joy. This power his general conference was a man and a woman is ordained of is not an incidental part of the plan of convened at a time when there is God and that the family is central to happiness. It is the key—the very key. such confusion and such danger the Creator’s plan for the eternal des- Whether we use this power as the T 2 that our young people hardly know tiny of His children.” eternal laws require or reject its divine which way they can walk. Having “The Gods went down to organize purpose will forever determine what been warned through the revelations man in their own image, in the image we will become. “Know ye not that ye that it would be this way, the prophets of the Gods to form they him, male are the temple of God, and that the and apostles have always been shown and female to form they them. Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” 7 what to do. “And the Gods said: We will bless There is something very liberating The Lord revealed to the Prophet them. And . . . we will cause them to when an individual determines of his Joseph Smith “that every man might be fruitful and multiply, and replenish or her own free will to be obedient to speak in the name of God the Lord, the earth, and subdue it.” 3 our Father and our God and expresses even the Savior of the world.” 1 When This commandment has never been that willingness to Him in prayer. the keys were restored, they provided rescinded. When we obey, we can enjoy these priesthood authority to be present in “And we will prove them here- powers in the covenant of marriage. every home through the grandfathers, with, to see if they will do all things From our fountains of life will spring the fathers, and the sons. whatsoever the Lord their God shall our children, our family. Love between Fifteen years ago, with the world command them.” 4 husband and wife can be constant and in turmoil, the First Presidency and It is intended that we be happy, for bring fulfillment and contentment all the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles “men are, that they might have joy.” 5 the days of our lives. issued “The Family: A Proclamation to Lehi taught that men are free and If one is denied these blessings in the World,” the fifth proclamation in must be “free . . . to act for themselves mortality, the promise is that they will the history of the Church. It is a guide and not to be acted upon, save it be be provided for in the world to come. that members of the Church would do by the punishment of the law at the Pure love presupposes that only well to read and to follow. great and last day.” 6 after a pledge of eternal fidelity, a It states in part: “We, the First The old saying “The Lord is voting legal and a lawful ceremony, and ide- Presidency and the Council of the for me, and Lucifer is voting against ally after the sealing ordinance in the Twelve Apostles of The Church of me, but it is my vote that counts” temple, are those life-giving powers Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sol- describes a doctrinal certainty that released for the full expression of emnly proclaim that marriage between our agency is more powerful than the love. It is to be shared only and solely 74 between man and woman, husband life-giving powers by tempting you frequently through the husband and and wife, with that one who is our into immoral relationships. father. The effect of this plague can companion forever. On this the gospel The Lord used the expression “is be, unfortunately often is, spiritually is very plain. like unto” to create an image His fol- fatal. Lucifer seeks to disrupt “the great We are free to ignore the command- lowers could understand, such as: plan of redemption,” 11 “the great plan ments, but when the revelations speak “The kingdom of heaven is like of happiness.” 12 in such blunt terms, such as “thou shalt unto a merchant man.” 9 Pornography will always repel not,” we had better pay attention. “The kingdom of heaven is like the Spirit of Christ and will interrupt The adversary is jealous toward all unto treasure hid in a field.” 10 the communications between our who have power to beget life. Satan In our day the dreadful influence Heavenly Father and His children cannot beget life; he is impotent. “He of pornography is like unto a plague and disrupt the tender relationship seeketh that all men might be misera- sweeping across the world, infecting between husband and wife. ble like unto himself.” 8 He seeks one here and one there, relentlessly The priesthood holds consummate to degrade the righteous use of the trying to invade every home, most power. It can protect you from the plague of pornography—and it is a plague—if you are succumbing to its influence. If one is obedient, the priesthood can show how to break a habit and even erase an addiction. Holders of the priesthood have that authority and should employ it to combat evil influences. We raise an alarm and warn mem- bers of the Church to wake up and understand what is going on. Parents, be alert, ever watchful that this wicked- ness might threaten your family circle. We teach a standard of moral con- duct that will protect us from Satan’s many substitutes or counterfeits for marriage. We must understand that any persuasion to enter into any relationship that is not in harmony with the principles of the gospel must be wrong. From the Book of Mormon we learn that “wickedness never was happiness.” 13 Some suppose that they were preset and cannot overcome what they feel are inborn temptations toward the impure and unnatural. Not so! Remember, God is our Heavenly Father. Paul promised that “God . . . will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 14 You

November 2010 75 Nowhere are the generosity and the kindness and mercy of God more manifest than in repentance. Do you understand the consummate cleansing power of the Atonement made by the Son of God, our Savior, our Redeemer? He said, “I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent.” 20 In that can, if you will, break the habits and There are both moral and physical supernal act of love, the Savior paid conquer an addiction and come away laws “irrevocably decreed in heaven the penalties for our sins so that we from that which is not worthy of before the foundations of this world” might not have to pay. any member of the Church. As Alma that cannot be changed. 17 History For those who truly desire it, there cautioned, we must “watch and pray demonstrates over and over again that is a way back. Repentance is like unto continually.” 15 moral standards cannot be changed by a detergent. Even ground-in stains of Isaiah warned, “Woe unto them battle and cannot be changed by bal- sin will come out. that call evil good, and good evil; that lot. To legalize that which is basically Priesthood holders carry with them put darkness for light, and light for wrong or evil will not prevent the pain the antidote to remove the terrible darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and and penalties that will follow as surely images of pornography and to wash sweet for bitter!” 16 as night follows day. away guilt. The priesthood has the Years ago I visited a school in Regardless of the opposition, we power to unlock the influence of our Albuquerque. The teacher told me are determined to stay on course. habits, even to unchain from addic- about a youngster who brought a We will hold to the principles and tion, however tight the grip. It can heal kitten to class. As you can imagine, that laws and ordinances of the gospel. If over the scars of past mistakes. disrupted everything. She had him hold they are misunderstood either inno- I know of no more beautiful and the kitten up in front of the children. cently or willfully, so be it. We cannot consoling words in all of revelation It went well until one of the children change; we will not change the moral than these: “Behold, he who has asked, “Is it a boy kitty or a girl kitty?” standard. We quickly lose our way repented of his sins, the same is for- Not wanting to get into that lesson, when we disobey the laws of God. If given, and I, the Lord, remember them the teacher said, “It doesn’t matter. It’s we do not protect and foster the fam- no more.” 21 just a kitty.” ily, civilization and our liberties must Sometimes, even after confession But they persisted. Finally, one boy needs perish. and paying penalties, the most difficult raised his hand and said, “I know how “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do part of repentance is to forgive one’s you can tell.” what I say; but when ye do not what I self. You must come to know that Resigned to face it, the teacher said, say, ye have no promise.” 18 forgiveness means forgiveness. “How can you tell?” Every soul confined in a prison of “As often as my people repent And the student answered, “You sin, guilt, or perversion has a key to the will I forgive them their trespasses can vote on it!” gate. The key is labeled “repentance.” against me.” 22 You may laugh at this story, but if If you know how to use this key, the President Joseph Fielding Smith we are not alert, there are those today adversary cannot hold you. The twin told me of a repentant woman strug- who not only tolerate but advocate principles of repentance and forgive- gling to find her way out of a very voting to change laws that would ness exceed in strength the awesome immoral life. She asked him what she legalize immorality, as if a vote would power of the tempter. If you are bound should do now. somehow alter the designs of God’s by a habit or an addiction that is In turn, he asked her to read to him laws and nature. A law against nature unworthy, you must stop conduct that from the Old Testament the account of would be impossible to enforce. For is harmful. Angels will coach you, 19 Lot’s wife, who was turned to a pillar instance, what good would a vote and priesthood leaders will guide you of salt. 23 Then he asked her, “What against the law of gravity do? through those difficult times. lesson do you gain from those verses?” 76 She answered, “The Lord will By Elder Jay E. Jensen destroy the wicked.” Of the Presidency of the Seventy “Not so!” President Smith said that the lesson for this repentant woman and for you is “Don’t look back!” 24 Strangely enough, it may be that the simplest and most powerful pre- The Holy Ghost and vention and cure for pornography, or any unclean act, is to ignore and avoid it. Delete from the mind any unworthy Revelation thought that tries to take root. Once you have decided to remain clean, you are asserting your God-given The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead, and with agency. And then, as President Smith the Father and the Son, He knows all things. counseled, “Don’t look back.” I promise that ahead of you is peace and happiness for you and your family. The ultimate end of all activity in the s a young elder, I had been in From that experience I witnessed Church is that a man and his wife and the mission field about one the results of Alma’s counsel to their children can be happy at home. A year, and while reading “awake and arouse [my] faculties . . . And I invoke the blessings of the Lord scriptures and words of the latter-day to [conduct] an experiment upon [His] upon you who are struggling against Apostles about revelation and the words” (Alma 32:27). These words or this terrible plague, to find the healing Holy Ghost, I had a stunning awaken- seeds have grown into trees, indeed that is available to us in the priesthood ing. I did not have a testimony of my giant trees of testimony. The process of the Lord. I bear witness of that power own, specifically of the Father and the continues with more experiments in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ Son. I went on my mission living on upon the word, resulting in additional the borrowed light of my wonderful trees of testimony, now a veritable Notes parents. Never doubting their words, forest based on revelation through and 1. Doctrine and Covenants 1:20. 2. “The Family: A Proclamation to the I had not thought about seeking my by the Holy Ghost. World,” ­Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; ­Ensign, own spiritual witness. On a February Nov. 1995, 102. night in San Antonio, Texas, in 1962, The Holy Ghost Is a Desired Gift 3. Abraham 4:27–28. 4. Abraham 3:25. I knew that I had to know for myself. When the Savior visited the 5. 2 Nephi 2:25. In our small apartment I found a place Americas, He called twelve disci- 6. 2 Nephi 2:26. where I could quietly pray out loud, ples. One of His messages to them 7. 1 Corinthians 3:16. 8. 2 Nephi 2:27. pleading, “Heavenly Father, are You and the people was about the Holy 9. Matthew 13:45. there? I must know for myself!” Ghost. After teaching them, the Savior 10. Matthew 13:44. Sometime later that night I came departed and promised to return the 11. Jacob 6:8; Alma 34:31. 12. Alma 42:8. to know for myself for the first time next day. The people worked through 13. Alma 41:10. in my life that God and Jesus are real. the night to gather as many as possi- 14. 1 Corinthians 10:13. I did not hear an audible voice nor ble to hear Him. 15. Alma 13:28. 16. Isaiah 5:20. see a heavenly being. I knew in the The disciples gathered the people 17. Doctrine and Covenants 130:20. same way you too may have come to into 12 groups to teach them what the 18. Doctrine and Covenants 82:10. know—which is “by the unspeakable Savior taught them. Foremost among 19. See 2 Nephi 32:3. 20. Doctrine and Covenants 19:16. gift of the Holy Ghost” (D&C 121:26) their teachings was the importance of 21. Doctrine and Covenants 58:42. and the spirit of revelation (see D&C the Holy Ghost. (See 3 Nephi 11–18.) 22. Mosiah 26:30. 8:1–3) speaking peace to my mind Then the people knelt and prayed. 23. See Genesis 19:26. 24. See Boyd K. Packer, The Things of the Soul (see D&C 6:23) and assurances to my Their heartfelt desire was to be given (1996), 116. heart (see Alma 58:11). the Holy Ghost (see 3 Nephi 19:8–9).

November 2010 77 The Savior appeared to them and come to find solace and direction from passes all understanding and continues reinforced the importance of the Holy the Comforter, another role of the to this day (see Philippians 4:7). We Ghost as He prayed to the Father: Holy Ghost (see D&C 36:2). also witnessed the unspeakable gift of “Father, I thank thee that thou Our grandson Quinton was born the Holy Ghost in the lives of our son hast given the Holy Ghost unto these with multiple birth defects and lived and daughter-in-law and their children, whom I have chosen; . . . three weeks short of a year, during who to this day speak of that time with “Father, I pray thee that thou wilt which time he was in and out of the such faith, peace, and comfort. give the Holy Ghost unto all them that hospital. Sister Jensen and I were liv- shall believe in their words” (3 Nephi ing in Argentina at that time. We truly Revelation and the Book of Mormon 19:20–21). wanted to be there with our children That same gift of revelation has Based on this Book of Mormon to comfort them and be comforted by influenced my testimony of the Book event, I understand better why President them. This was our grandchild whom of Mormon. I have read, studied, Wilford Woodruff said that “the gift of we loved and wanted to be near. searched, and feasted upon it again the Holy Ghost is the greatest gift that We could only pray, and we did so and again. The Holy Ghost has can be bestowed upon man. . . . fervently! revealed to me its truth and divinity. “[It] is not restricted to men, nor Sister Jensen and I were on a President Gordon B. Hinckley called to apostles or prophets; it belongs to mission tour when we received the Book of Mormon one of the four every faithful man and woman, and word Quinton had died. We stood in essential cornerstones of the Church, to every child who is old enough the hallway of a meetinghouse and the others being Joseph Smith’s First to receive the gospel of Christ” hugged and comforted each other. I Vision, the restoration of the priest- (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: witness to you that assurances came to hood, and of course our testimony of Wilford Woodruff [2004], 49). us from the Holy Ghost, a peace which Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone (see

Revelation Provides Answers Full-time missionaries and a sister in Las Caobas, Dominican Republic, prepare in Times of Need for a baptismal service between sessions of general conference. The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead, and with the Father and the Son, He knows all things (see D&C 35:19; 42:17). He has several important roles; foremost among them is to teach and testify of the Father and the Son (see 3 Nephi 28:11). Other roles are that He reveals the truth of all things (see Moroni 10:5) and He leads to do good (see D&C 11:12). President Thomas S. Monson exem- plifies this important role of being led to do good. He follows the example of the Savior, “who went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). He has taught the importance of not ignoring a spiritual prompting from the Holy Ghost to visit someone and to minister to him or her and to rescue the one. But sometimes there is no one like President Monson, no home teacher, no caring sister available to minister in time of need. In those situations I have 78 Ephesians 2:19–21). “These four great • Each prays. (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: God-given gifts,” he explained, “are the • Each has a vision of the Father and Joseph Smith [2007], 196). unshakable cornerstones which anchor the Son. As Latter-day Saints, we have testi- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day • To each is given a book. monies of the Book of Mormon given Saints, as well as the individual testimo- • Both preach. to us by revelation, assuring us that this nies and convictions of its members” • Each receives revelation from religion and its doctrines are true (see (“Four Cornerstones of Faith,” Liahona­ the Holy Ghost and by visions or introduction to the Book of Mormon). and Ensign,­ Feb. 2004, 7). dreams. The things of the Spirit are sacred These four God-given gifts have • Finally, wicked people threaten and hard to express. We, like Ammon, become the anchors to my faith and them. Lehi and his people escape declare, “Behold, I say unto you, I can- testimony, each one confirmed to me and survive. Joseph is martyred. not say the smallest part which I feel” by revelation through the Holy Ghost. (Alma 26:16). However, for a few minutes I would like Is it any wonder that missionaries However, I witness that the Holy to focus on two of these cornerstone invite sincere seekers of truth to begin Ghost is real and He is the testator, gifts—the First Vision and the Book their study of the Book of Mormon in revelator, comforter, guide, and of Mormon. It is significant that each 1 Nephi? This book is saturated with supernal teacher. begins in a family setting where children the Spirit of the Lord. In these early Humbly I bear witness that this true were born of goodly parents and were chapters there is a clear message that and living Church, this religion, rests taught well by them (see 1 Nephi 1:1). revelation and the Holy Ghost are on these four cornerstones. I testify that Events in the lives of Lehi and Joseph given not only to prophets but also to Jesus Christ is in very deed the chief Smith parallel each other (see 1 Nephi 1 fathers and mothers and children. cornerstone (see Ephesians 2:19–21). and Joseph Smith—History 1): The message about revelation and President Thomas S. Monson is the the Holy Ghost continues throughout Lord’s prophet, and these 15 men • Each has a specific need. Lehi’s is the Book of Mormon. These truths seated behind me are prophets, seers, to save himself and his family from are summarized by the Prophet apostles, and revelators. They hold the Jerusalem’s imminent destruction, Joseph Smith: “Take away the Book holy priesthood and keys of the king- and Joseph Smith’s is to know of Mormon and the revelations, and dom. I love, honor, and sustain them. which church is true. where is our religion? We have none” In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼

November 2010 79 By Mary N. Cook scriptures, 6 and Joseph too employed First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency the practice, turning to the Bible for guidance as his mother had. 7 Lucy also solved family problems by privately seeking the Lord’s help through prayer. One day, experienc- Be an Example ing discord in her family regarding the subject of religion, Lucy said she “retired to a grove of handsome wild cherry trees not far distant and prayed of the Believers 8 to the Lord.” Lucy also prayed with great faith I would like to invite you to “be . . . an example of the believers when faced with personal health . . . in faith [and] in purity.” issues, when Joseph nearly lost his leg to osteomyelitis, and when Joseph’s sister Sophronia almost died from typhoid fever. Regarding Sophronia’s short time ago little Ruby Her mother replied, “I am starting illness, Lucy wrote: “I gazed upon my was born into our family. As today.” child. . . . My husband and I clasped A I looked into her sweet face, What will Ruby’s mother do to our hands together and fell upon our I marveled at the knowledge that “start today”? How can we as parents, knees by the bedside and poured before she came to earth, she lived in grandparents, and leaders start and our grief and supplications into his the presence of our Heavenly Father. keep our children—our youth—on ears.” 9 Sophronia lived. I am confident She had accepted His great plan of the path to eternal life? We must “be that Lucy’s children often witnessed happiness and chose to follow Him . . . [examples] of the believers.” 3 her praying with faith and receiving and Jesus Christ, our Savior. 1 Because The prophet Brigham Young said: answers to those prayers. of her decision, she was permitted to “We should never permit ourselves to Lucy prayed in faith for guidance, come to earth to experience mortal- do anything that we are not willing and Joseph too retired to a grove of ity and progress toward eternal life. to see our children do. We should set trees, where he prayed with faith, With her spirit united with her body, them an example that we wish them seeking an answer from the Lord as Ruby has entered a time of learning in to imitate.” 4 Each of us can start today his mother had. which she can prove herself, choose by being that good example. Like Lucy, we must show our chil- to follow Christ, and prepare to be Today I would like to invite you to dren and youth how to strengthen their worthy of eternal life. “be . . . an example of the believers faith and testimony of Jesus Christ by Ruby came to this earth pure, . . . in faith [and] in purity” 5—two prin- strengthening our own through study- but as part of the plan, she will face ciples required for salvation. ing the scriptures and through prayer, trials and temptations and she will Be an example of the believers in personally as well as with them. make mistakes. Through our Savior’s faith. Actively strengthen your own Unlike Lucy, today we are blessed Atonement, however, Ruby can be faith and testimony of Jesus Christ, to have more than the Bible. We have forgiven, receive a fulness of joy, and thus preparing to testify by word and latter-day scriptures and the words of be pure again—ready to live forever in example to your children. our latter-day prophets to “safely guide the presence of our Heavenly Father. Let me tell you of a wonderful us” 10 on the path to eternal life. From A few hours after her birth, I was mother whose life was an example of the Book of Mormon we learn about privileged to hold this precious child faith. When the Prophet Joseph Smith those on the path who were “contin- in my arms. I said to her mother, “Oh, was a very young boy, he watched ually holding fast to the rod of iron,” 11 we have to teach Ruby how to be a and learned about faith in God from likening it to “the word of God.” 12 In virtuous woman, pure and priceless his mother, Lucy Mack Smith. Lucy today’s world replete with temptations, as her name implies.” 2 sought answers by searching the “holding fast” can be challenging, 80 as Satan in his conniving ways tries obligation to honor our commitments choices. We must take care that the to pull us away from God’s ways. If to God. To keep our covenants, we media we invite into our homes does we have one hand on the rod and must give up activities or interests not dull the sensitivity to the Spirit, one hand in the world, we put our that prevent us from honoring those harm relationships with our family and children and youth in danger of losing covenants.” 15 friends, or reveal personal priorities that their way on the path. If our example For the Strength of Youth is a mar- are inconsistent with gospel principles. is confusing, then in Jacob’s words we velous tool to help youth understand By example we can help our children lose “the confidence of [our] children, this sacred obligation of covenant understand that spending long periods because of [our] bad examples.” 13 making and the blessings of purity that of time using the Internet, social media, Parents, grandparents, and leaders, come from covenant keeping. It con- and cell phones; playing video games; your message must be clear. Clarity tains words of latter-day prophets— or watching television keeps us from can only result from having both the iron rod that will safely guide productive activities and valuable inter- hands on the rod and from living by them along the strait and narrow actions with others. the truths found in the scriptures and path, turning them away from Satan’s We also model that which is the words of latter-day prophets. You entrapments that can delay their prog- virtuous and lovely by our dress and may not be raising a prophet as Lucy ress. In this booklet, you will also find appearance. As a covenant people we was, but you are certainly raising the many blessings that come from have the responsibility to care for, pro- tomorrow’s leaders, and your actions obedience and seeking that which is tect, and properly clothe our bodies. are just as tangibly linked to their faith. “virtuous [and] lovely.” 16 We must help our children and youth Next, be an example of the Parents, obtain a personal copy of understand that we respect our bodies believers in purity. The only way for this booklet and read it often. Live the as temples and as gifts from God. 17 us to become pure is through the standards yourself. Have thoughtful We set the example by refusing to Atonement of our Savior. For each gospel conversations with youth that purchase or wear immodest clothing of us, the process of becoming pure will help them develop their own desire that is too tight, too sheer, or revealing begins with faith, repentance, and our to live and discover for themselves the in any other manner. first covenant of baptism. meaning and purpose of the standards. Covenant keepers strive to be To help our children live their bap- The standards found in the sections obedient “at all times . . . and in all tismal covenant, Elder Robert D. Hales “Entertainment and the Media” and places” 18 because of their love of God advised: “We teach that the moment “Dress and Appearance” can be par- and His promised blessings. One eve- they step out of the water, they step ticularly challenging because they are ning, while walking with my husband, out of the world and into the kingdom becoming increasingly at odds with we passed by an outdoor wedding of God. By covenant, they agree to the standards of the world. reception in progress. We didn’t obey His commandments.” 14 We must model that which is virtu- know these people, yet there was “Covenants place us under a strong ous and lovely by our personal media an immediate impression of virtue.

November 2010 81 I wanted to follow her example. Young men and young women, you can start today by being an example of the believers in faith and in purity. Strengthen your faith and testimony daily through scripture study and prayer. Keep your baptismal covenant, which will keep you pure and worthy of the guidance of the Holy Ghost. You can start today to be that example for others to follow. And you never know—you might be the example my little Ruby will need someday. For now, Ruby has a wonderful start on the path to eternal life. Her parents are setting patterns of righteousness in her home, starting each day with a resolve to be examples of the believers. Hopefully, using her agency, Ruby will choose to follow. I am grateful for the plan of hap- piness, and I testify it is the only way that Ruby—and each of us—can be pure again and live forever in the presence of our Father in Heaven. May we each start today. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼

Notes 1. See Abraham 3:22–26. Their choices of music and dress were can use all the supportive help they 2. See Proverbs 31:10. lovely. The radiant bride’s gown was can get from good men [and women] 3. 1 Timothy 4:12. 19 4. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: unquestionably modest, as were her who genuinely care.” Brigham Young (1997), 173. bridal attendants’ dresses. This family Look around in your ward and 5. 1 Timothy 4:12. chose not to mix the ways of the stake for leaders and friends who are 6. See Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith by His Mother, ed. Scot Facer Proctor world with the sanctity of that day. examples of the believers and learn and Maurine Jensen Proctor (1996), 50. Now, may I say a word to the mar- from them. 7. See Joseph Smith—History 1:11–12. velous youth of our Church. Thank When I was a young woman, I 8. Smith, History of Joseph Smith, 58. 9. Smith, History of Joseph Smith, 69. you for your righteous examples to identified examples of the believers. 10. “The Iron Rod,” Hymns, no. 274. your friends, teachers, leaders, and In addition to my parents, one was my 11. 1 Nephi 8:30. families. I recognize that many of you aunt Carma Cutler. I vividly remem- 12. 1 Nephi 11:25. 13. Jacob 2:35. are the only member of the Church ber her speaking at a stake standards 14. Robert D. Hales, Return: Four Phases of in your family. You may even attend night when I was 16. She taught of Our Mortal Journey Home (2010), 60. church alone. I commend you for your the importance of being chaste and 15. Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service (2004), 63. commitment and righteous example. worthy of a temple marriage. I was 16. Articles of Faith 1:13. Be patient and continue to live righ- deeply touched by her testimony. I 17. See 1 Corinthians 3:16. teously. There are many who can help had observed her virtuous life since 18. Mosiah 18:9. 19. Thomas S. Monson, “Examples of you. President Thomas S. Monson I was a very young girl, and I knew it Righteousness,” ­Liahona and ­Ensign, said, “Even an exemplary family . . . was consistent with her teachings. May 2008, 66. 82 By Elder Dallin H. Oaks essential that we are commanded to Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles renew our covenants by partaking of the sacrament each Sabbath day. In this way we qualify for the promise that we may always have His Spirit to be with us, to guide us. Two Lines On this personal line of commu- nication with the Lord, our belief and practice is similar to that of those of Communication Christians who insist that human mediators between God and man are unnecessary because all have direct We must use both the personal line and the priesthood line access to God under the principle in proper balance to achieve the growth that is the purpose Martin Luther espoused that is now of mortal life. known as “the priesthood of all believ- ers.” I will say more of that later. The personal line is of paramount importance in personal decisions and in the governance of the family. ur Heavenly Father has given marvelous gospel plan, which allows Unfortunately, some members of our His children two lines of com- each one of His children to receive a church underestimate the need for this Omunication with Him—what personal witness of its truth. direct, personal line. Responding to we may call the personal line and the The direct, personal channel of the undoubted importance of pro- priesthood line. All should understand communication to our Heavenly phetic leadership—the priesthood and be guided by both of these essen- Father through the Holy Ghost line, which operates principally to tial lines of communication. is based on worthiness and is so govern heavenly communications on Church matters—some seek to have I. The Personal Line their priesthood leaders make per- In the personal line we pray sonal decisions for them, decisions directly to our Heavenly Father, and they should make for themselves by He answers us by the channels He inspiration through their personal line. has established, without any mortal Personal decisions and family gover- intermediary. We pray to our Heavenly nance are principally a matter for the Father in the name of Jesus Christ, and personal line. He answers us through His Holy Spirit I feel to add two other cautions we and in other ways. The mission of the should remember in connection with Holy Ghost is to testify of the Father this precious direct, personal line of and the Son (see John 15:26; 2 Nephi communication with our Heavenly 31:18; 3 Nephi 28:11), to guide us into Father. truth (see John 14:26; 16:13), and to First, in its fulness the personal line show us all things we should do (see does not function independent of the 2 Nephi 32:5). This personal line of priesthood line. The gift of the Holy communication with our Heavenly Ghost—the means of communication Father through His Holy Spirit is the from God to man—is conferred by source of our testimony of truth, of priesthood authority as authorized our knowledge, and of our personal by those holding priesthood keys. It guidance from a loving Heavenly does not come merely by desire or Father. It is an essential feature of His belief. And the right to the continuous

November 2010 83 companionship of this Spirit needs Ghost, the priesthood line of commu­ children through the scriptures in to be affirmed each Sabbath as we nication has the additional and neces­ times past. And it is this line through worthily partake of the sacrament and sary intermediaries of our Savior, Jesus which He currently speaks through renew our baptismal covenants of Christ; His Church; and His appointed the teachings and counsel of living obedience and service. leaders. prophets and apostles and other Similarly, we cannot communicate Because of what He accomplished inspired leaders. This is the way we reliably through the direct, personal by His atoning sacrifice, Jesus Christ receive the required ordinances. line if we are disobedient to or out has the power to prescribe the con­ This is the way we receive calls to of harmony with the priesthood ditions we must fulfill to qualify for service in His Church. His Church line. The Lord has declared that “the the blessings of His Atonement. That is the way and His priesthood is the powers of heaven cannot be con­ is why we have commandments and power through which we are priv­ trolled nor handled only upon the ordinances. That is why we make ileged to participate in those co­ principles of righteousness” (D&C covenants. That is how we qualify for operative activities that are essential 121:36). Unfortunately, it is common the promised blessings. They all come to accomplishing the Lord’s work. for persons who are violating God’s through the mercy and grace of the These include preaching the gospel, commandments or disobedient to the Holy One of Israel, “after all we can building temples and chapels, and counsel of their priesthood leaders to do” (2 Nephi 25:23). helping the poor. declare that God has revealed to them During His earthly ministry, Jesus In respect to this priesthood line, that they are excused from obeying Christ conferred the authority of the our belief and practice is similar to some commandment or from follow­ priesthood that bears His name and the insistence of some Christians that ing some counsel. Such persons may He established a church that also authoritative ordinances (sacraments) be receiving revelation or inspiration, bears His name. In this last dispen­ are essential and must be performed but it is not from the source they sation, His priesthood authority was by one authorized and empowered suppose. The devil is the father of lies, restored and His Church was reestab­ by Jesus Christ (see John 15:16). We and he is ever anxious to frustrate the lished through heavenly ministrations believe the same but of course differ work of God by his clever imitations. to the Prophet Joseph Smith. This with other Christians on how we trace restored priesthood and this reestab­ that authority. II. The Priesthood Line lished Church are at the heart of the Some members or former mem­ Unlike the personal line, in which priesthood line. bers of our church fail to recognize our Heavenly Father communicates The priesthood line is the chan­ the importance of the priesthood line. with us directly through the Holy nel by which God has spoken to His They underestimate the importance 84 of the Church and its leaders and its the voice of the Lord (see D&C 1:38; could not translate a single syllable. programs. Relying entirely on the 21:5; 68:4). He went down stairs, out into the personal line, they go their own way, I feel to add two cautions we orchard and made supplication to the purporting to define doctrine and should remember in connection with Lord; was gone about an hour—came to direct competing organizations reliance on the vital priesthood line. back to the house, asked Emma’s contrary to the teachings of prophet- First, the priesthood line does not forgiveness and then came up stairs leaders. In this they mirror the modern supersede the need for the personal where we were and the translation hostility to what is disparagingly called line. We all need a personal testimony went on all right. He could do nothing “organized religion.” Those who reject of truth. As our faith develops, we save he was humble and faithful.” 1 the need for organized religion reject necessarily rely on the words and faith the work of the Master, who estab- of others, like our parents, teachers, or III. The Need for Both Lines lished His Church and its officers in priesthood leaders (see D&C 46:14). I will conclude with further exam- the meridian of time and who reestab- But if we are solely dependent on one ples of the need for both of the lines lished them in modern times. particular priesthood leader or teacher our Heavenly Father has established for Organized religion, established by for our personal testimony of the communication with His children. Both divine authority, is essential, as the truth instead of getting that testimony lines are essential to His purpose to Apostle Paul taught: through the personal line, we will be bring about the immortality and eternal “For the perfecting of the saints, forever vulnerable to disillusionment life of His children. An early scrip- for the work of the ministry, for the by the action of that person. When tural account of this need is in Father edifying of the body of Christ: it comes to a mature knowledge or Jethro’s counsel that Moses should not “Till we all come in the unity of the testimony of the truth, we should not try to do so much. The people were faith, and of the knowledge of the Son be dependent on a mortal mediator waiting upon their priesthood leader of God, unto a perfect man, unto the between us and our Heavenly Father. from morning till night to “enquire of measure of the stature of the fulness Second, like the personal line, the God” (Exodus 18:15) and also to “judge of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12–13). priesthood line cannot function fully between one and another” (verse 16). We should all remember the Lord’s and properly in our behalf unless we We often note how Jethro counseled declaration in modern revelation that are worthy and obedient. Many scrip- Moses to delegate by appointing the voice of the Lord’s servants is tures teach that if we persist in serious judges to handle the personal conflicts violations of the commandments of (see verses 21–22). But Jethro also God, we are “cut off from his presence” gave Moses counsel that illustrates the (Alma 38:1). When that happens, the importance of the personal line: “Thou Lord and His servants are seriously shalt teach them ordinances and laws, inhibited in giving us spiritual help and and shalt shew them the way wherein we cannot obtain it for ourselves. they must walk, and the work that they History provides us a vivid example must do” (verse 20; emphasis added). of the importance of the Lord’s ser- In other words, Israelites who vants being in tune with the Spirit. The followed Moses should be taught not young Prophet Joseph Smith could not to bring every question to that priest- translate when he was angry or upset. hood leader. They should understand David Whitmer recalled: “One the commandments and seek inspi- morning when he was getting ready ration to work out most problems for to continue the translation, something themselves. went wrong about the house and he Recent events in the nation of Chile was put out about it. Something that illustrate the need for both lines. Chile Emma, his wife, had done. Oliver and suffered a devastating earthquake. I went up stairs, and Joseph came up Many of our members lost homes; soon after to continue the translation, some lost family members. Many lost but he could not do anything. He confidence. Quickly—because our

November 2010 85 church is prepared to respond to such them to pray to know the truth of the the personal line, individualism erases disasters—food, shelter, and other message for themselves through the the importance of divine authority. If material aid was provided. The Saints personal line. personal religious practice relies too of Chile heard the voice of the Lord A final example applies these much on the priesthood line, individ- through His Church and its leaders principles to the subject of priest- ual growth suffers. The children of responding to their material needs. hood authority in the family and the God need both lines to achieve their But however sufficient the priesthood Church. 2 All priesthood authority in eternal destiny. The restored gospel line, it was not enough. Each member the Church functions under the direc- teaches both, and the restored Church needed to seek the Lord in prayer tion of one who holds the appropriate provides both. and receive the direct message of priesthood keys. This is the priesthood I testify of the Lord’s prophet, comfort and guidance that comes line. But the authority that presides in President Thomas S. Monson, who through the Holy Spirit to those who the family—whether father or single- holds the keys that govern the priest- seek and listen. parent mother—functions in family hood line. I testify of the Lord Jesus Our missionary work is another matters without the need to get autho- Christ, whose church this is. And I example of the need for both lines. rization from anyone holding priest- testify of the restored gospel, whose The men and women who are called hood keys. That is like the personal truth can be known by each of us to be missionaries are worthy and line. Both lines must be functioning through the precious personal line to willing because of the teachings they in our family life and in our personal our Heavenly Father. In the name of have received through the priesthood lives if we are to have the growth Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ line and the testimony they have and achieve the destiny identified in received through the personal line. our Heavenly Father’s plan for His Notes They are called through the priest- children. 1. In “Letter from Elder W. H. Kelley,” The Saints’ Herald, Mar. 1, 1882, 68. A similar hood line. Then, as representatives of We must use both the personal report is quoted in B. H. Roberts, A the Lord and under the direction of line and the priesthood line in proper Comprehensive History of the Church, His priesthood line, they teach inves- balance to achieve the growth that is 1:131. 2. See Dallin H. Oaks, “Priesthood Authority tigators. Sincere seekers after truth the purpose of mortal life. If personal in the Family and the Church,” ­Liahona listen, and the missionaries encourage religious practice relies too much on and ­Ensign, Nov. 2005, 24–27. 86 “And one of them, when he saw By President Thomas S. Monson that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, “And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. The Divine Gift “And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? of Gratitude “There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. “And he said unto him, Arise, go thy A grateful heart . . . comes through expressing gratitude to our way: thy faith hath made thee whole.” 2 Heavenly Father for His blessings and to those around us for Through divine intervention those all that they bring into our lives. who were lepers were spared from a cruel, lingering death and given a new lease on life. The expressed gratitude by one merited the Master’s blessing; the ingratitude shown by the nine, His his has been a marvelous session. I held her hand; she called my disappointment. When I was appointed President name. She was wide awake. She My brothers and sisters, do we Tof the Church, I said, “I’ll take pressed my hand to her lips and said, remember to give thanks for the one assignment for myself. I’ll be the “I knew you’d come.” How could I not blessings we receive? Sincerely giving adviser for the Tabernacle Choir.” I’m have come? thanks not only helps us recognize very proud of my choir! Beautiful music touches me that way. our blessings, but it also unlocks the My mother once said of me, My beloved brothers and sisters, we doors of heaven and helps us feel “Tommy, I’m very proud of all that have heard inspired messages of truth, God’s love. you’ve done. But I have one comment of hope, and of love. Our thoughts My beloved friend President to make to you. You should have have turned to Him who atoned for Gordon B. Hinckley said, “When you stayed with the piano.” our sins, who showed us the way walk with gratitude, you do not walk So I went to the piano and played a to live and how to pray, and who with arrogance and conceit and ego- number for her: “Here we go, [here we demonstrated by His own actions the tism, you walk with a spirit of thanks- go] to a birthday party.” 1 Then I gave blessings of service—even our Lord giving that is becoming to you and her a kiss on the forehead, and she and Savior, Jesus Christ. will bless your lives.” 3 embraced me. In the book of Luke, chapter 17, we In the book of Matthew in the I think of her. I think of my father. read of Him: Bible, we have another account of I think of all those General Authorities “And it came to pass, as he went to gratitude, this time as an expression who’ve influenced me, and others, Jerusalem, that he passed through the from the Savior. As He traveled in the including the widows whom I visited— midst of Samaria and Galilee. wilderness for three days, more than 85 of them—with a chicken for the “And as he entered into a certain 4,000 people followed and traveled oven, sometimes a little money for village, there [he met] ten men that with Him. He took compassion on their pocket. were lepers, which stood afar off: them, for they may not have eaten I visited one late one night. It was “And they lifted up their voices, and during the entire three days. His disci- midnight, and I went to the nursing said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. ples, however, questioned, “Whence home, and the receptionist said, “I’m “And when he saw them, he said should we have so much bread in the sure she’s asleep, but she told me to unto them, Go shew yourselves unto wilderness, as to fill so great a multi- be sure to awaken her, for she said, ‘I the priests. And it came to pass, that, tude?” Like many of us, the disciples know he’ll come.’” as they went, they were cleansed. saw only what was lacking.

November 2010 87 in the world today, there are many things that are right and good. There are marriages that make it, parents who love their children and sacrifice for them, friends who care about us and help us, teachers who teach. Our lives are blessed in countless ways. We can lift ourselves and others as well when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and culti- vate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues. Someone has said that “grati- tude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” 8 How can we cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude? President Joseph F. Smith, sixth President of the Church, provided an answer. Said he: “The grateful man sees so much in the world to be thankful for, and with him the good outweighs the evil. Love overpowers jealousy, and light drives darkness out of his life.” He continued: “Pride destroys our gratitude and sets up selfishness in its place. How much hap- “And Jesus saith unto them, How but rejoices for those which he has.” 5 pier we are in the presence of a grateful many loaves have ye? And [the disci- Gratitude is a divine principle. The and loving soul, and how careful we ples] said, Seven, and a few little fishes. Lord declared through a revelation should be to cultivate, through the “And [ Jesus] commanded the multi- given to the Prophet Joseph Smith: medium of a prayerful life, a thankful tude to sit down on the ground. “Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God attitude toward God and man!” 9 “And he took the seven loaves and in all things. . . . President Smith is telling us that a the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake “And in nothing doth man offend prayerful life is the key to possessing them, and gave to his disciples, and God, or against none is his wrath kin- gratitude. the disciples to the multitude.” dled, save those who confess not his Do material possessions make us Notice that the Savior gave thanks hand in all things.” 6 happy and grateful? Perhaps momen- for what they had—and a miracle fol- In the Book of Mormon we are told tarily. However, those things which lowed: “And they did all eat, and were to “live in thanksgiving daily, for the provide deep and lasting happiness filled: and they took up of the broken many mercies and blessings which and gratitude are the things which meat that was left seven baskets full.” 4 [God] doth bestow upon you.” 7 money cannot buy: our families, the We have all experienced times Regardless of our circumstances, gospel, good friends, our health, our when our focus is on what we lack each of us has much for which to be abilities, the love we receive from rather than on our blessings. Said grateful if we will but pause and con- those around us. Unfortunately, these the Greek philosopher Epictetus, “He template our blessings. are some of the things we allow our- is a wise man who does not grieve This is a wonderful time to be on selves to take for granted. for the things which he has not, earth. While there is much that is wrong The English author Aldous Huxley 88 wrote, “Most human beings have an difficult for us to focus on our bless- tons of hay there were and how many almost infinite capacity for taking ings. However, if we reach deep bushels of grain in the granary. They things for granted.” 10 enough and look hard enough, we counted the cows, pigs, chickens, We often take for granted the very will be able to feel and recognize just turkeys, and geese. Their father said people who most deserve our grat- how much we have been given. he wanted to see how they stood, but itude. Let us not wait until it is too I share with you an account of one they knew he really wanted them to late for us to express that gratitude. family which was able to find bless- realize on that feast day how richly Speaking of loved ones he had lost, ings in the midst of serious challenges. God had blessed them and had smiled one man declared his regret this way: This is an account I read many years upon all their hours of work. Finally, “I remember those happy days, and ago and have kept because of the when they sat down to the feast their often wish I could speak into the ears message it conveys. It was written by mother had prepared, the blessings of the dead the gratitude which was Gordon Green and appeared in an were something they felt. due them in life, and so ill returned.” 11 American magazine over 50 years ago. Gordon indicated, however, that the The loss of loved ones almost Gordon tells how he grew up on Thanksgiving he remembered most inevitably brings some regrets to our a farm in Canada, where he and his thankfully was the year they seemed to hearts. Let’s minimize such feelings siblings had to hurry home from school have nothing for which to be grateful. as much as humanly possible by while the other children played ball and The year started off well: they had frequently expressing our love and went swimming. Their father, however, leftover hay, lots of seed, four litters gratitude to them. We never know had the capacity to help them under- of pigs, and their father had a little how soon it will be too late. stand that their work amounted to money set aside so that someday he A grateful heart, then, comes something. This was especially true after could afford to buy a hay loader— through expressing gratitude to our harvesttime when the family celebrated a wonderful machine most farmers Heavenly Father for His blessings and Thanksgiving, for on that day their just dreamed of owning. It was also to those around us for all that they father gave them a great gift. He took the year that electricity came to their bring into our lives. This requires an inventory of everything they had. town—although not to them because conscious effort—at least until we have On Thanksgiving morning he they couldn’t afford it. truly learned and cultivated an attitude would take them to the cellar with One night when Gordon’s mother of gratitude. Often we feel grateful its barrels of apples, bins of beets, was doing her big wash, his father and intend to express our thanks but carrots packed in sand, and mountains stepped in and took his turn over the forget to do so or just don’t get around of sacked potatoes as well as peas, washboard and asked his wife to rest to it. Someone has said that “feeling corn, string beans, jellies, strawberries, and do her knitting. He said, “You gratitude and not expressing it is like and other preserves which filled their spend more time doing the wash than wrapping a present and not giving it.” 12 shelves. He had the children count sleeping. Do you think we should When we encounter challenges everything carefully. Then they went break down and get electricity?” and problems in our lives, it is often out to the barn and figured how many Although elated at the prospect, she

November 2010 89 was finally on the table with some of The Roman soldiers pierced His side. the turnips that had survived, the chil- The angry mob took His life. There yet dren refused to eat. Gordon’s mother rings from Golgotha’s hill His compas- cried, and then his father did a strange sionate words: “Father, forgive them; thing. He went up to the attic, got an for they know not what they do.” 14 oil lamp, took it back to the table, and Who was this “man of sorrows, . . . lighted it. He told the children to turn acquainted with grief”? 15 “Who is this out the electric lights. When there was King of glory,” 16 this Lord of lords? He only the lamp again, they could hardly is our Master. He is our Savior. He is believe that it had been that dark the Son of God. He is the Author of shed a tear or two as she thought of the before. They wondered how they had Our Salvation. He beckons, “Follow hay loader that wouldn’t be bought. ever seen anything without the bright me.” 17 He instructs, “Go, and do thou So the electrical line went up their lights made possible by electricity. likewise.” 18 He pleads, “Keep my lane that year. Although it was noth- The food was blessed, and every- commandments.” 19 ing fancy, they acquired a washing one ate. When dinner was over, they Let us follow Him. Let us emulate machine that worked all day by itself all sat quietly. Wrote Gordon: His example. Let us obey His words. and brilliant lightbulbs that dangled “In the humble dimness of the old By so doing, we give to Him the from each ceiling. There were no more lamp we were beginning to see clearly divine gift of gratitude. lamps to fill with oil, no more wicks to again. . . . My sincere, heartfelt prayer is that cut, no more sooty chimneys to wash. “It [was] a lovely meal. The jack we may in our individual lives reflect The lamps went quietly off to the attic. rabbit tasted like turkey and the that marvelous virtue of gratitude. May The coming of electricity to their turnips were the mildest we could it permeate our very souls, now and farm was almost the last good thing recall. . . . evermore. In the sacred name of Jesus that happened to them that year. Just “. . . [Our] home . . . , for all its Christ, our Savior, amen. ◼ as their crops were starting to come want, was so rich [to] us.” 13 Notes through the ground, the rains started. My brothers and sisters, to express 1. John Thompson, “Birthday Party,” Teaching When the water finally receded, there gratitude is gracious and honorable, to Little Fingers to Play (1936), 8. wasn’t a plant left anywhere. They enact gratitude is generous and noble, 2. Luke 17:11–19. 3. Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley (1997), 250. planted again, but more rains beat but to live with gratitude ever in our 4. See Matthew 15:32–38; emphasis added. the crops into the earth. Their pota- hearts is to touch heaven. 5. The Discourses of Epictetus; with the toes rotted in the mud. They sold a As I close this morning, it is my Encheiridion and Fragments, trans. George Long (1888), 429. couple of cows and all the pigs and prayer that in addition to all else for 6. Doctrine and Covenants 59:7, 21. other livestock they had intended to which we are grateful, we may ever 7. Alma 34:38. keep, getting very low prices for them reflect our gratitude for our Lord and 8. Cicero, in A New Dictionary of Quotations on Historical Principles, sel. H. L. Mencken because everybody else had to do the Savior, Jesus Christ. His glorious gos- (1942), 491. same thing. All they harvested that pel provides answers to life’s greatest 9. Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. year was a patch of turnips which had questions: Where did we come from? (1939), 263. 10. Aldous Huxley, Themes and Variations somehow weathered the storms. Why are we here? Where do our (1954), 66. Then it was Thanksgiving again. spirits go when we die? That gospel 11. William H. Davies, The Autobiography of a Their mother said, “Maybe we’d better brings to those who live in darkness Super-Tramp (1908), 4. 12. William Arthur Ward, in Allen Klein, comp., forget it this year. We haven’t even got the light of divine truth. Change Your Life! (2010), 15. a goose left.” He taught us how to pray. He 13. Adapted from H. Gordon Green, “The On Thanksgiving morning, how- taught us how to live. He taught us Thanksgiving I Don’t Forget,” Reader’s Digest, Nov. 1956, 69–71. ever, Gordon’s father showed up with how to die. His life is a legacy of love. 14. Luke 23:34. a jackrabbit and asked his wife to The sick He healed; the downtrodden 15. Isaiah 53:3. cook it. Grudgingly she started the job, He lifted; the sinner He saved. 16. Psalm 24:8. 17. Matthew 4:19. indicating it would take a long time Ultimately, He stood alone. Some 18. Luke 10:37. to cook that tough old thing. When it Apostles doubted; one betrayed Him. 19. John 14:15. 90 Sunday Afternoon Session | October 3, 2010

temptation in a world filled with it, and (4) trust in the Lord, especially By Elder L. Tom Perry when you need His protection. Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles I closed my counsel to Terry with these words: “These stories in the scriptures will never grow old. They will be just as exciting for you when you are reading them as a deacon, a The Priesthood teacher, a priest, a missionary, a home teacher, an elders quorum president, or whatever the Lord calls on you to of Aaron do. They will teach you to have faith, courage, love for your fellowmen, confidence, and trust in the Lord” The priesthood you bear is a special gift, for the giver is the (­Ensign, Nov. 1985, 48). Lord Himself. Use it, magnify it, and live worthy of it. I am happy to report that Terry has been faithful to the charge I gave him 25 years ago. He later received the Melchizedek Priesthood, served s I spoke in general conference sets. While each has the potential of a faithful mission, currently serves 25 years ago, I introduced a providing wholesome entertainment, as an elders quorum president, and A visual aid who stood beside so much of what has been produced of course is a father of a beautiful me. It was my eldest grandson. He for our listening and watching plea- daughter. had recently received the Aaronic sure is not of the caliber to inspire and A lot has changed in the last Priesthood and been ordained a encourage young men. In fact, most quarter of a century. Another thing deacon. I took the opportunity on of what is produced is degrading. The that has happened is many of my that occasion to address my remarks flip of a switch right in your own home grandchildren have grown up and to him on the importance of receiving has the potential of destroying within had their own children. This summer the Aaronic Priesthood. you a sense of what is right and what I had the opportunity of standing in a I said to my grandson: is wrong” (“I Confer the Priesthood of circle of priesthood holders and laying “I am not overly pleased with Aaron,” Ensign,­ Nov. 1985, 46). my hands on the head of my eldest worldly conditions that you and other The more things change, the more great-grandson as his father conferred young men are inheriting as you they stay the same—except for tech- on him the Aaronic Priesthood. Even assume your role in moving toward nology. I’m tempted to ask the young though my great-grandson is not pres- manhood. While those of us who are men of the Aaronic Priesthood if they ent to stand by my side today, I would older have been of an age and posi- even know what a record player is. like to address my remarks to him and tion to influence the world, I believe For those who don’t, it’s something all you wonderful young men who we’ve greatly failed you in what we we used to go to the family room hold the Aaronic Priesthood. have allowed the conditions in the and play so we could listen to music. It is a very special blessing to world to become. This places you in Imagine that—we had to go to it receive the Aaronic Priesthood. a position where many of those with instead of carrying it around with us History records the glorious day when whom you must associate have not everywhere. the priesthood was restored to the been reared with an understanding of I also taught my grandson Terry earth, giving men the right to again act or respect for traditional values. Thus, four lessons based on the story of as God’s agents as they performed the peer pressure becomes much more Daniel in the Old Testament. I told sacred priesthood ordinances. It was difficult and extreme. him to (1) keep his body healthy on April 5, 1829, that Oliver Cowdery “We have brought into our homes and clean, (2) develop his mind and arrived at the home of Joseph Smith radios, record players, and television become wise, (3) be strong and resist in Harmony, Pennsylvania. Oliver

November 2010 91 inquired of the Prophet about his Placing his hands on their heads, seed, throughout all their generations. work translating an ancient record, he said: “Upon you my fellow ser- “Why it is called the lesser priest- the Book of Mormon. Convinced of vants, in the name of Messiah I confer hood is because it is an appendage the divine nature of the work, Oliver the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds to the greater, or the Melchizedek agreed to act as scribe in completing the keys of the ministering of angels, Priesthood, and has power in adminis- the translation. The work of translation and of the gospel of repentance, tering outward ordinances. . . . progressed rapidly once Oliver com- and of baptism by immersion for the “The power and authority of the mitted to act as scribe. remission of sins; and this shall never lesser, or Aaronic Priesthood, is to By May 15, 1829, Joseph and Oliver be taken again from the earth, until hold the keys of the ministering of had already reached 3 Nephi. The the sons of Levi do offer again an angels, and to administer in outward history of the resurrected Savior visit- offering unto the Lord in righteous- ordinances, the letter of the gospel, ing the Western Hemisphere and His ness” (D&C 13:1). the baptism of repentance for the teachings about baptism thrilled them. Later, Oliver recounted the event remission of sins, agreeable to the As they read in 3 Nephi, their minds in these words: “But . . . think, further covenants and commandments” started to wonder about baptism. think for a moment, what joy filled (D&C 107:13–14, 20). What manner of baptism was correct, our hearts, and with what surprise Not only do young men of the and who had authority to perform this we must have bowed . . . when we Aaronic Priesthood receive the power sacred, saving ordinance? They sought received under his hand the Holy and authority to be agents of the an answer to these fundamental doc- Priesthood” ( Joseph Smith—History Lord in carrying out their priesthood trinal questions. They resolved to seek 1:71, footnote). responsibilities, but they also receive an answer by prayer, and they went After mankind had been waiting the keys of the ministering of angels. to a nearby place on the banks of the for centuries for God’s authority to Young men of the Aaronic Susquehanna River. They poured out be restored, the power and glory of Priesthood, I testify to you that the their hearts, and the heavens were the holy Aaronic Priesthood returned Lord is bound by solemn covenant opened to them. An angel appeared, to the earth. In section 107 of the to bless your lives according to your introducing himself as John the Doctrine and Covenants, we learn faithfulness. If you will heed the voice Baptist, and he told Joseph and Oliver why the lesser priesthood is called of warning of the Holy Ghost and he was acting under the direction of the Aaronic Priesthood: will follow His direction, you will Peter, James, and John, who held the “The second priesthood is called be blessed with the ministering of higher priesthood (see Joseph Smith— the Priesthood of Aaron, because it angels. This blessing will add wisdom, History 1:72). was conferred upon Aaron and his knowledge, power, and glory to your 92 life. This is a sure blessing promised to you by the Lord. A few months ago I had the oppor- tunity of attending a ward fast and testimony meeting. One who stood to bear his testimony was an Aaronic Priesthood adviser. His testimony provided me with a new apprecia- tion of what it means for an Aaronic Priesthood bearer to hold the keys of the ministering of angels. This adviser described some of his experiences with the ward Aaronic Priesthood that morning. As he was walking to church he noticed two young deacons with fast-offering envelopes going to the homes of the members. He was impressed with the way they were dressed in their Sunday best and how they approached their assignment with quiet dignity. He then accompanied two priests to administer the sacrament in a residential home for physically and mentally disabled men. This was the first opportunity for these two young men to visit this home, and their adviser noted the respectful and caring way in which they approached their priesthood assignment. Then the adviser shared a brief experience that deeply touched his man’s face—the expression of some- magnified his priesthood and has heart, because one of the priests one to whom someone else has minis- earned the Duty to God Award and reminded him of what it really means tered. This wonderful young priest then is an Eagle Scout. Give me a young to be a true minister of Jesus Christ— continued his assignment to pass the man who is a seminary graduate and literally, a ministering angel. The young blessed water to the other members of has a burning testimony of the Book priest who was passing the water to the congregation. of Mormon. Give me such a young the congregation came to a man who The adviser expressed in his man, and I will give you a young man appeared to have Down syndrome. testimony the feelings he had at that who can perform miracles for the Lord The man’s condition prevented him tender moment. He said he wept in the mission field and throughout from taking the cup from the tray silently with joy, and he knew the his life” (“To the ‘Youth of the Noble to drink from it. This young priest Church was in good hands with these Birthright,’” Ensign,­ May 1986, 45). immediately assessed the situation. He young, caring, obedient bearers of the Parents of these magnificent young placed his left hand behind the man’s Aaronic Priesthood. men and women, we charge you with head so he would be in a position to President Ezra Taft Benson once the sacred responsibility of teaching drink, and with the right hand he took said: “Give me a young man who has your children the doctrines of the a cup from the tray and gently and kept himself morally clean and has holy priesthood. Your children must slowly lifted it to the man’s lips. An faithfully attended his Church meet- learn at an early age of the blessing of expression of appreciation came to the ings. Give me a young man who has having the Lord’s eternal priesthood

November 2010 93 and what they must do individually to By Elder David A. Bednar qualify for these blessings. Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Bishops, you have the priesthood keys to preside over the young men of the Aaronic Priesthood, to sit in council with them, and to teach them their priesthood duties. Please be Receive the Holy Ghost certain each young man who is wor- thy to receive the Aaronic Priesthood These four words—“Receive the Holy Ghost”—are not a understands the obligations and blessings which come to him as a passive pronouncement; rather, they constitute a priesthood bearer of the priesthood. Help him injunction—an authoritative admonition to act and not learn to magnify the priesthood now simply to be acted upon. by giving him important assignments and by helping him serve and minis- ter to others. Young men, I challenge you to y message focuses on the Revelations from the Father and the build your lives on a foundation of importance of striving in our Son are conveyed through the Holy truth and righteousness. It is the only Mdaily lives to actually receive Ghost. He is the messenger for and foundation that will stand the pres- the Holy Ghost. I pray for and invite the witness of the Father and the Son. sures of this life and endure through the Spirit of the Lord to instruct and The Holy Ghost is manifested to the eternities. The priesthood you bear edify each of us. men and women on the earth both is a special gift, for the giver is the as the power and as the gift of the Lord Himself. Use it, magnify it, and The Gift of the Holy Ghost Holy Ghost. The power can come live worthy of it. I want you to know In December of 1839, while in upon a person before baptism; it is the that I have a special and personal tes- Washington, D.C., to seek redress convincing witness that Jesus Christ timony of its power. It has blessed my for the wrongs done to the Missouri is our Savior and Redeemer. Through life in so many ways. Saints, Joseph Smith and Elias Higbee the power of the Holy Ghost, sincere I also challenge you to deter- wrote to Hyrum Smith: “In our inter- investigators can acquire a convic- mine today that you will honor view with the President [of the United tion of the truthfulness of the Savior’s this great blessing and prepare to States], he interrogated us wherein we gospel, of the Book of Mormon, of the advance in each office of the Aaronic differed in our religion from the other reality of the Restoration, and of the Priesthood—deacon, teacher, and religions of the day. Brother Joseph prophetic calling of Joseph Smith. priest. Prepare yourselves for the great said we differed in mode of baptism, The gift of the Holy Ghost is blessing of receiving the Melchizedek and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the bestowed only after proper and autho- Priesthood, which you will need laying on of hands. We considered rized baptism and by the laying on of to be worthy to receive before you that all other considerations were con- hands by those holding the Melchizedek serve as a full-time missionary. The tained in the gift of the Holy Ghost” Priesthood. The Lord declared: Lord needs you to prepare yourselves (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: “Yea, repent and be baptized, every for His service, especially the great Joseph Smith [2007], 97). one of you, for a remission of your responsibility you will have of declar- The Holy Ghost is the third sins; yea, be baptized even by water, ing His gospel to the world. I promise member of the Godhead; He is a and then cometh the baptism of fire you if you will prepare to receive His personage of spirit and bears witness and of the Holy Ghost. . . . holy priesthood, He will literally pour of all truth. In the scriptures the Holy “And whoso having faith you shall out blessings upon your heads. This Ghost is referred to as the Comforter confirm in my church, by the laying witness I leave with you in the name (see John 14:16–27; Moroni 8:26), a on of the hands, and I will bestow of our Lord and Savior, even Jesus the teacher (see John 14:26; D&C 50:14), the gift of the Holy Ghost upon them” Christ, amen. ◼ and a revelator (see 2 Nephi 32:5). (D&C 33:11, 15). 94 The Apostle Paul made this practice clear to the Ephesians when he asked: “Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. “And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. “Then said Paul, John verily bap- tized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. “When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. “And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them” (Acts 19:2–6). Baptism by immersion is “the introductory ordinance of the gospel, and must be followed by baptism of the Spirit in order to be complete” (Bible Dictionary, “Baptism”). The Prophet Joseph Smith explained that “baptism is a holy ordinance prepar- atory to the reception of the Holy Ghost; it is the channel and key by which the Holy Ghost will be admin- istered. The Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, cannot be The simplicity of this ordinance may is bestowed upon him, and he receive received through the medium of any cause us to overlook its significance. not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in other principle than the principle of These four words—“Receive the Holy that which is given unto him, neither righteousness” (Teachings: Joseph Ghost”—are not a passive pronounce- rejoices in him who is the giver of the Smith, 95–96). ment; rather, they constitute a priest- gift” (D&C 88:33). The ordinance of confirming a new hood injunction—an authoritative What should we do to make this member of the Church and bestowing admonition to act and not simply to authorized admonition to seek for the the gift of the Holy Ghost is both sim- be acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:26). The companionship of the third member ple and profound. Worthy Melchizedek Holy Ghost does not become opera- of the Godhead an ongoing reality? Priesthood holders place their hands tive in our lives merely because hands Let me suggest that we need to upon the head of an individual and are placed upon our heads and those (1) sincerely desire to receive the Holy call him or her by name. Then, by the four important words are spoken. As Ghost, (2) appropriately invite the Holy authority of the holy priesthood and in we receive this ordinance, each of us Ghost into our lives, and (3) faithfully the name of the Savior, the individual accepts a sacred and ongoing responsi- obey God’s commandments. is confirmed a member of The Church bility to desire, to seek, to work, and to of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, so live that we indeed “receive the Holy Sincerely Desire and this important phrase is uttered: Ghost” and its attendant spiritual gifts. We first should desire, yearn for, “Receive the Holy Ghost.” “For what doth it profit a man if a gift and seek the companionship of the

November 2010 95 to be with us (see D&C 20:77). Thus, everything the Savior’s gospel teaches us to do and become is intended to bless us with the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Consider the reasons we pray and study the scriptures. Yes, we yearn to communicate in prayer with Heavenly Father in the name of His Holy Ghost. You and I can learn a sincerely as individuals and families; Son. And yes, we desire to obtain great lesson about righteous desires by searching the scriptures diligently; the light and knowledge available from the faithful disciples of the Master through strengthening appropriate in the standard works. But please described in the Book of Mormon: relationships with family members remember that these holy habits pri- “And the twelve did teach the and friends; by seeking after virtu- marily are ways whereby we always multitude; and behold, they did cause ous thoughts, actions, and language; remember Heavenly Father and His that the multitude should kneel down and by worshipping in our homes, Beloved Son and are prerequisites to upon the face of the earth, and should in the holy temple, and at church. the ongoing companionship of the pray unto the Father in the name of Conversely, casualness about or the Holy Ghost. Jesus. . . . breaking of covenants and commit- Reflect on the reasons we worship “And they did pray for that which ments, failing to pray and study the in the house of the Lord and in our they most desired; and they desired scriptures, and inappropriate thoughts, Sabbath meetings. Yes, we serve our that the Holy Ghost should be given actions, and language cause the Spirit kindred dead in the temple—and our unto them” (3 Nephi 19:6, 9). to withdraw from or to avoid us families and friends in the wards and Do we likewise remember to pray altogether. branches in which we live. And yes, earnestly and consistently for that As King Benjamin taught his peo- we enjoy the righteous sociality we which we should most desire, even ple, “And now, I say unto you, my find among our brothers and sisters. the Holy Ghost? Or do we become brethren, that after ye have known But we primarily gather together in distracted by the cares of the world and have been taught all these things, unity to seek the blessings of and and the routine of daily living and if ye should transgress and go contrary take for granted or even neglect this to that which has been spoken, that ye most valuable of all gifts? Receiving do withdraw yourselves from the Spirit the Holy Ghost starts with our sincere of the Lord, that it may have no place and constant desire for His compan- in you to guide you in wisdom’s paths ionship in our lives. that ye may be blessed, prospered, and preserved” (Mosiah 2:36). Appropriately Invite We more readily receive and recog- Faithfully Obey nize the Spirit of the Lord as we appro- Faithfully obeying God’s com- priately invite Him into our lives. We mandments is essential to receiving cannot compel, coerce, or command the Holy Ghost. We are reminded of the Holy Ghost. Rather, we should this truth each week as we listen to invite Him into our lives with the same the sacrament prayers and worthily gentleness and tenderness by which partake of the bread and water. As we He entreats us (see D&C 42:14). pledge our willingness to take upon Our invitations for the compan- ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, to ionship of the Holy Ghost occur in always remember Him, and to keep many ways: through the making and His commandments, we are promised keeping of covenants; by praying that we may always have His Spirit 96 instruction from the Holy Ghost. Testimony It will whisper peace and joy to their Praying, studying, gathering, The Lord has declared that The souls, and it will take malice, hatred, worshipping, serving, and obeying Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day envying, strife, and all evil from their are not isolated and independent Saints is “the only true and living hearts; and their whole desire will be items on a lengthy gospel checklist church upon the face of the whole to do good, bring forth righteousness, of things to do. Rather, each of these earth” (D&C 1:30). This restored and build up the kingdom of God. righteous practices is an important Church is true because it is the Savior’s Tell the brethren if they will follow the element in an overarching spiritual Church; He is “the way, the truth, and Spirit of the Lord they will go right” quest to fulfill the mandate to receive the life” ( John 14:6). And it is a living (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 98). the Holy Ghost. The commandments church because of the workings and I pray we will sincerely desire from God we obey and the inspired gifts of the Holy Ghost. How blessed and appropriately invite the Holy counsel from Church leaders we we are to live at a time when the Ghost into our daily lives. I also pray follow principally focus upon obtain- priesthood is upon the earth and we each of us will faithfully obey God’s ing the companionship of the Spirit. can receive the Holy Ghost. commandments and in reality receive Fundamentally, all gospel teachings Several years after the Prophet the Holy Ghost. I promise the bless- and activities are centered on coming Joseph Smith was martyred, he ings described by the Prophet Joseph unto Christ by receiving the Holy appeared to President Brigham Young Smith to Brigham Young are applica- Ghost in our lives. and shared this timeless counsel: “Tell ble to and attainable by every individ- You and I should strive to become the people to be humble and faithful ual who hears or reads this message. like the stripling warriors described in and [be] sure to keep the Spirit of the I bear witness of the living reality the Book of Mormon, who did “per- Lord and it will lead them right. Be of the Father and the Son. I testify the form every word of command with careful and not turn away the small Holy Ghost is a revelator, a comforter, exactness; yea, and even according to still voice; it will teach [you what] to and the ultimate teacher from whom their faith it was done unto them. . . . do and where to go; it will yield the we should learn. And I witness that “. . . And they are strict to remem- fruits of the kingdom. Tell the brethren the blessings and gifts of the Spirit ber the Lord their God from day to to keep their hearts open to convic- operate in the restored, in the true, day; yea, they do observe to keep his tion so that when the Holy Ghost and in the living Church of Jesus statutes, and his judgments, and his comes to them, their hearts will be Christ in these latter days. I so testify commandments continually” (Alma ready to receive it. They can tell the in the sacred name of the Lord Jesus 57:21; 58:40). Spirit of the Lord from all other spirits. Christ, amen. ◼

November 2010 97 By Elder Larry R. Lawrence faithfully thereafter (see Alma 42:31; Of the Seventy 43:1–2). Contrast Alma’s example with that of another father from the scriptures, Eli in the Old Testament. Eli served as the high priest in Israel during the Courageous Parenting childhood of Samuel the prophet. The scriptures explain that the Lord What the world really needs is courageous parenting rebuked him severely “because his sons made themselves vile, and he from mothers and fathers who are not afraid to speak restrained them not” (1 Samuel 3:13). up and take a stand. Eli’s sons never did repent, and all of Israel suffered because of their folly. The story of Eli teaches us that parents who love their children cannot afford would like to speak today to the your warning, would you quickly to be intimidated by them. parents of teenagers. Your bright move her to a safe place? Of course Several years ago at general I and energetic youth are the future you would! Your love for your daugh- conference, Elder Joe J. Christensen of the Church, and for that reason ter would override all other consider- reminded us that “parenting is not a they are a prime target of the adver- ations. You would value her life more popularity contest.” 2 In the same spirit, sary. Many of you faithful mothers than her temporary goodwill. Elder Robert D. Hales has observed, and fathers are listening to conference Challenges and temptations are “Sometimes we are afraid of our today, praying for answers to help you coming at our teenagers with the children—afraid to counsel with them guide your children through these speed and power of a freight train. As for fear of offending them.” 3 important years. My oldest grand­ we are reminded in the family proc- Years ago our 17-year-old son children have recently become teens, lamation, parents are responsible for wanted to go on a weekend trip with so the subject is near to my heart. the protection of their children. 1 That his friends, who were all good boys. There are no perfect parents and no means spiritually as well as physically. He asked for permission to go. I easy answers, but there are principles In the Book of Mormon, we read wanted to say yes, but for some rea- of truth that we can rely on. about Alma the Younger counseling son I felt uncomfortable about the trip. The Young Men and Young Women his wayward son. Corianton had made I shared my feelings with my wife, Mutual theme for 2010 was taken from some serious mistakes while serv- who was very supportive. “We need to the book of Joshua. It begins, “Be ing a mission among the Zoramites. listen to that warning voice,” she said. strong and of a good courage; be not Alma loved him enough to speak very Of course, our son was disap- afraid” ( Joshua 1:9). This phrase from directly to the problem. He expressed pointed and asked why we didn’t the scriptures would be a good theme his deep disappointment that his son want him to go. I answered honestly for parents as well. In these last days, had been immoral and explained to that I didn’t know why. “I just don’t what the world really needs is cou- him the serious consequences of sin. feel good about it,” I explained, “and rageous parenting from mothers and I am inspired every time I read I love you too much to ignore these fathers who are not afraid to speak up these courageous words from Alma: feelings inside.” I was quite surprised and take a stand. “And now the Spirit of the Lord doth when he said, “That’s OK, Dad. I Imagine for a moment that your say unto me: Command thy children understand.” daughter was sitting on the railroad to do good . . . ; therefore I command Young people understand more tracks and you heard the train whistle you, my son, in the fear of God, that than we realize because they too have blowing. Would you warn her to get ye refrain from your iniquities” (Alma the gift of the Holy Ghost. They are off the tracks? Or would you hesitate, 39:12). This early intervention by his trying to recognize the Spirit when worried that she might think you were father became a turning point for He speaks, and they are watching our being overprotective? If she ignored Corianton. He repented and served example. From us they learn to pay 98 attention to their promptings—that There were times that I would hide It is vital that parents have the cour- if they “don’t feel good about some- the controllers, and my husband age to speak up and intervene before thing,” it’s best not to pursue it. would give them back. It began to Satan succeeds. President Boyd K. It’s so important for husbands and be easier for me to give in . . . than Packer has taught that “when morality wives to be united when making to fight it. I really feel that gaming is is involved, we have both the right parenting decisions. If either parent just as addictive as drugs. I would do and the obligation to raise a warning doesn’t feel good about something, anything to prevent other parents from voice.” 4 then permission should not be granted. going through this experience.” I have always believed that nothing If either feels uncomfortable about Brothers and sisters, if your spouse really good happens late at night and a movie, a television show, a video doesn’t feel good about something, that young people need to know what game, a party, a dress, a swimsuit, or show respect for those feelings. When time they are expected to come home. an Internet activity, have the courage you take the easy way out by say- There is a great deal of wisdom to support each other and say no. ing and doing nothing, you may be displayed when parents stay up and I would like to share with you a enabling destructive behavior. wait for their children to return home. letter from a heartbroken mother. Her Parents can prevent a lot of heart- Young men and women make far teenage son gradually lost the Spirit ache by teaching their children to post- better choices when they know their and drifted away from Church activity. pone romantic relationships until the parents are waiting up to hear about She explained how this happened: time comes when they are ready for their evening and to kiss them good “All throughout my son’s teenage marriage. Prematurely pairing off with night. years, I worried and tried to stop him a boyfriend or girlfriend is dangerous. May I express my personal warn- from playing violent video games. I Becoming a “couple” creates emo- ing about a practice that is common talked to my husband and showed tional intimacy, which too often leads in many cultures. I am referring to him articles in the Ensign­ and in the to physical intimacy. Satan knows this sleepovers, or spending the night at newspaper­ that cautioned about these sequence and uses it to his advantage. the home of a friend. As a bishop games. But my husband felt it was OK. He will do whatever he can to keep I discovered that too many youth He said that our son wasn’t out using young men from serving missions and violated the Word of Wisdom or the drugs and that I should stop worrying. to prevent temple marriages. law of chastity for the first time as part

November 2010 99 kneel together as a family. It takes courage to turn off the television and the computer and to guide your family through the pages of the scriptures every day. It takes courage to turn down other invitations on Monday night so that you can reserve that eve- ning for your family. It takes courage and willpower to avoid overschedul- ing so that your family can be home for dinner. One of the most effective ways we can influence our sons and daughters is to counsel with them in private interviews. By listening closely, we can discover the desires of their hearts, help them set righteous goals, and also share with them the spiritual impressions that we have received about them. Counseling requires courage. Try to imagine what the rising generation could become if these five righteous patterns were practiced con- sistently in every home. Our young people could be like Helaman’s army: invincible (see Alma 57:25–26). Parenting teenagers in the latter days is a very humbling assignment. Satan and his followers are striving to bring this generation down; the Lord is counting on valiant parents to bring them up. Parents, “be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid” ( Joshua of a sleepover. Too often their first Courageous parenting does not 1:9). I know that God hears and will exposure to pornography and even always involve saying no. Parents also answer your prayers. I testify that the their first encounter with the police need courage to say yes to the counsel Lord supports and blesses courageous occurred when they were spending of modern-day prophets. Our Church parents. In the name of Jesus Christ, the night away from home. leaders have counseled us to estab- amen. ◼ Peer pressure becomes more pow- lish righteous patterns in our homes. Notes erful when our children are away from Consider five fundamental practices 1. See “The Family: A Proclamation to the our influence and when their defenses that have the power to fortify our World,” ­Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; ­Ensign, are weakened late at night. If you have youth: family prayer, family scripture Nov. 1995, 102. 2. Joe J. Christensen, “Rearing Children in a ever felt uneasy about an overnight study, family home evening, family Polluted Environment,” Ensign,­ Nov. 1993, 11. activity, don’t be afraid to respond to dinner together, and regular one-on- 3. Robert D. Hales, “With All the Feeling of that warning voice inside. Always be one interviews with each child. a Tender Parent: A Message of Hope to Families,” Liahona­ and Ensign,­ May 2004, 90. prayerful when it comes to protecting It takes courage to gather children 4. Boyd K. Packer, “Our Moral Environment,” your precious children. from whatever they’re doing and ­Ensign, May 1992, 67. 100 By Elder Per G. Malm the result of learning and following Of the Seventy the doctrine of Christ, and becoming Christ’s extended hands in serving and helping others. Faith in Jesus Christ and following His teachings give us a firm hope, and this hope becomes Rest unto Your Souls a solid anchor to our souls. We can become steadfast and immovable. We To find rest unto our souls includes peace of mind can have lasting inner peace; we can enter into the rest of the Lord. Only if and heart, which is the result of learning and following we turn away from light and truth will the doctrine of Christ. a hollow feeling of emptiness, like the tree’s, occupy the innermost cham- bers of our souls, and we even might attempt to fill that emptiness with n downtown Gothenburg, Sweden, invitation is extended to “all to come things of no lasting value. there is a broad boulevard with unto him and partake of his goodness; In view of our existence as spirit Ibeautiful trees on each side. One and he denieth none that come unto children before we came to earth and day I saw a hole in the trunk of one of him” (2 Nephi 26:33). His promise is: immortality in the life hereafter, this the huge trees, so I curiously looked “Come unto me, all ye that labour earth life is indeed but a very short inside and saw that the tree was com- and are heavy laden, and I will give moment. pletely hollow. Hollow yes, but empty you rest. It is, however, a day of probation, no! It was filled with all sorts of waste. “Take my yoke upon you, and but it is also a day of opportunities I was surprised that the tree could learn of me; for I am meek and lowly when we choose to follow the invi- still stand. So I looked up and saw in heart: and ye shall find rest unto tation to not waste the days of our a wide steel belt mounted around your souls” (Matthew 11:28–29). probation (see 2 Nephi 9:27). The the upper part of the trunk. Attached Of this rest President Joseph F. thoughts that we dwell on inside our to the belt were several steel wires, Smith said: “To my mind, it means minds, the feelings we foster inside and they in turn were fastened and entering into the knowledge and love our hearts, and the actions we choose anchored to nearby buildings. From a of God, having faith in his purpose to take will all have a determining distance it looked like the other trees; and in his plan, to such an extent that impact on our lives, both here and in it was only when looking inside that we know we are right, and that we are the hereafter. one could detect that it was hollow not hunting for something else, we are A helpful habit is to lift our vision instead of having a solid, strong trunk. not disturbed by every wind of doc- daily in order to maintain an eternal Many years earlier something had trine, or by the cunning and craftiness perspective of the things we plan and started the process of weakening the of men who lie in wait to deceive. We do, especially if we detect a tendency trunk a little bit here and a little bit know of the doctrine that it is of God, to wait until a future tomorrow to do there. It did not happen overnight. and we do not ask any questions of what we know we should pursue However, just like a young tree grows anybody about it; they are welcome while we have our present today. bit by bit into a sturdy tree, so we can to their opinions, to their ideas and Along our way we are aided in grow step by step in our capacity to to their vagaries. The man who has our choices through the sustaining be solid and filled from the inside out, reached that degree of faith in God influence of the Spirit. Now, if we in contrast to the hollow tree. that all doubt and fear have been cast choose to act contrary to the light and It is through the healing Atonement from him, he has entered into ‘God’s understanding that we have, we will of Jesus Christ that we may have the rest’” (Teachings of Presidents of the experience a bad conscience, which strength to stand tall and strong and Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 56). of course does not feel good. But a to have our souls be filled—with light, To find rest unto our souls includes bad conscience is a blessing in that we understanding, joy, and love. His peace of mind and heart, which is immediately are reminded that it is time

November 2010 101 joyfully walking home along the road, but most of the eggs were broken when the child arrived home. A friend of the family was there and admon- ished my grandmother to scold the child for behaving so badly. Instead, Grandmother calmly and wisely said, “No, that will not make the eggs whole again. We will simply use what we can and make some pancakes that we can enjoy together.” When we learn to handle the small and simple daily things in a wise and inspired way, the result is a positive influence that will solidify harmony in our souls and build up and strengthen those around us. This is so because everything which invites us to do good “is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore [we] may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God” (Moroni 7:16). Now, the hollow tree that I told you about no longer stands. Some youths put firecrackers into the empty space, which caused the tree to catch on fire. It could not be saved and had to be taken down. Beware of things that will destroy from the inside out, whether big or small! They can have an explo- sive effect and cause spiritual death. Let us instead focus on those things that will sustain a lasting peace of mind and heart. Then our “confidence to repent. When we are humble and the Spirit of God. “Wickedness never [will] wax strong in the presence of desire to do what is right, we will be was happiness” (Alma 41:10). God” (D&C 121:45). The promise anxious to act promptly to change our In our day-to-day actions, it is to enter into the rest of the Lord, to ways, while those who are proud and often the small and simple things receive the gift of peace, is far from a who may seek “to become a law unto that will have a long-lasting impact temporary, worldly satisfaction. It is [themselves]” (D&C 88:35) will allow (see Alma 37:6–7). What we say, how indeed a heavenly gift: “Peace I leave Satan to lead “them by the neck with we act, and how we choose to react with you, my peace I give unto you: a flaxen cord, until he bindeth them will influence not only ourselves but not as the world giveth, give I unto with his strong cords forever” (2 Nephi also those around us. We can build you. Let not your heart be troubled, 26:22) unless the spirit of repentance up, or we can tear down. A simple neither let it be afraid” ( John 14:27). enters their hearts. To follow evil and positive example is a story told He has the power to heal and to influences can never result in a feeling about my grandmother. She sent one strengthen the soul. He is Jesus Christ, of peace simply because peace is a gift of her young children to buy some of whom I testify in the name of Jesus from God and it only comes through eggs. The trusted child was probably Christ, amen. ◼ 102 By Elder Jairo Mazzagardi out from the ground. My little grand- Of the Seventy daughter looked impressed and asked me, “Grandpa, is this the tree of sin?” I then explained to her that it was only a symbol, or an example, of how sin gets us. Avoiding the Trap I don’t know what the effect of our conversation will be on her, but it made me think of the many faces of of Sin sin and of how it sneaks into our lives if we allow it to. We must be alert because small Stay strong and make good choices that will choices can bring great conse- allow you to eat the fruit of the tree of life. quences, just as going to bed early and waking up early have great consequences. Doctrine and Covenants 88:124 teaches us, n a beautiful sunny morning, Continuing down our path, we found “Arise early, that your bodies and I invited my almost eight- by the side of a barbed-wire fence a your minds may be invigorated.” Oyear-old granddaughter, Vicki, stone post of considerable size; it was Those who go to bed early wake to walk with me near a lake, which a heavy structure with flowers, bushes, up rested, with the body and mind is actually a water reservoir for our and little trees growing around it. invigorated and blessed by the Lord beautiful city. Over time these plants would become because of obedience. We walked happily, listening to the bigger than the post itself. What may appear to be of little soft noise of the crystal clear brook I remembered that a little far- importance, such as going to bed running alongside our path. The path ther down the path, we would find late, not praying for a day, skipping was lined with beautiful green trees another post that had already been fasting, or breaking the Sabbath— and sweet-scented flowers. We could taken over little by little, almost un­ such little slips—will make us lose hear birds singing. noticed, by the vegetation that grew sensitivity little by little, allowing us I asked my blue-eyed, cheerful, and around it. I imagine that a post would to do worse things. innocent granddaughter how she was not perceive that, despite its strength, When I was a teenager, my curfew preparing for baptism. it could be encompassed and was 10:00 p.m. Today, that is the time She answered with a question: destroyed by fragile plants. The post some go out in order to have fun. Yet “Grandpa, what is sin?” would have thought, “No problem. we know that it is at night that some I silently prayed for inspiration and I am strong and big, and this small of the worst things happen. It is dur- tried to respond as simply as I could: plant will do me no harm.” ing the dark hours that some youth go “Sin is the intentional disobedience So as a nearby tree grows bigger, to places with inappropriate environ- to God’s commandments. It makes the post does not notice at first; then ments, where music and lyrics do not Heavenly Father sad, and its results the post starts enjoying the shade the allow them to have the companion- are suffering and sadness.” tree provides. But the tree continues ship of the Holy Ghost. Then, under Clearly concerned, she asked me, to grow, and it encircles the post with these circumstances, they become “And how does it get us?” two branches that at first seem fragile easy prey to sin. The question first reveals purity, but but that in time intertwine and sur- Often, becoming prey to sin starts it also reveals a concern for how to round the post. with someone choosing friends avoid involvement with sin. Still the post does not realize what whose standards are not consistent For her to understand more is happening. with the gospel; and in order to be clearly, I used the natural elements Soon, in our walk, we found the popular or to be accepted by peers, we had around us as an illustration. proverbial post. It had been plucked the person then compromises gospel

November 2010 103 principles and laws, going down a • This I will do because it is right, it “By this ye may know if a man path that will bring only pain and comes from the Lord, and it will repenteth of his sins—behold, he will sadness to this person and to his or bring me happiness. confess them and forsake them.” her loved ones. • This I will not do because it will A few months after our walk near We must be alert not to let sin drag me away from truth, from the the lake, my granddaughter was inter- grow around us. Forms of sin are Lord, and from the eternal happi- viewed by her bishop—her father—for everywhere—even, for example, ness He promises to the faithful baptism. After the interview I asked in a computer or cell phone. These and obedient. her how it went. She answered, almost technologies are useful and can bring rebuking me, “Grandpa, an interview is great benefits to us. But their inap- Since the Father knew we would confidential. You know that.” propriate use—such as involvement make wrong choices, He, in His won- Bishops, I hope you take that in time-wasting games, programs that derful plan of love, provided a Savior response seriously. It seems to me would drive you to carnal pleasure, or of the world to atone for the sins of all that my granddaughter grew a lot in much worse things such as pornog- those who repent; who come to Him understanding in a very short time. raphy—is destructive. Pornography looking for help, consolation, and for- Just as the tree I have described destroys character and makes its user giveness; and who are willing to take brought sadness, pain, suffering, and sink in the quicksand of filth, out of upon them His name, Jesus Christ. entrapment, another tree can bring the which the person can escape only If we sin, we must look for help opposite. It is mentioned in 1 Nephi with much help. quickly because alone we cannot 8:10–12: This terrible monster causes pain escape sin’s trap, just as the proverbial “And it came to pass that I beheld and suffering both to the user and fence post cannot free itself. Someone a tree, whose fruit was desirable to to his or her innocent children, must help us get rid of the deadly make one happy. spouse, father, and mother. The embrace. “And it came to pass that I did go fruit of carnal pleasure is bitterness Parents can help, and the bishop is forth and partake of the fruit thereof; and sadness. The fruit of obedience called by God to help us. It is to him and I beheld that it was most sweet, and sacrifice is sweetness and ever- that we must go and open our hearts. above all that I ever before tasted. Yea, lasting joy. Doctrine and Covenants 58:42–43 and I beheld that the fruit thereof was Decisions about standards to follow explains: white, to exceed all the whiteness that must be made in advance, not when “Behold, he who has repented of I had ever seen. temptation appears. Our parameters his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, “And as I partook of the fruit must be: the Lord, remember them no more. thereof it filled my soul with 104 exceedingly great joy.” By Elder Mervyn B. Arnold Dear brethren and sisters, stay Of the Seventy strong and make good choices that will allow you to eat the fruit of the tree of life. If, for any reason, you have erred or left the path, our hand is extended and we say to you, “Come. What Have You Done There is hope. We love you, and we want to help you be happy.” Heavenly Father loves us so much with My Name? that He has given His only Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ loves us so much that Someday each one of us will have to account to our Savior, He gave His life in atonement for our Jesus Christ, for what we have done with His name. sins! What are we willing to give to be clean and receive that joy? Of these truths I bear my testimony hen President George As I pondered these scriptures and in the holy name of Jesus Christ, Albert Smith was young, the importance of having a good name, amen. ◼ Whis deceased grandfather a flood of memories came into my George A. Smith appeared to him in mind about the good name and legacy a dream and asked, “I would like to my parents left my four brothers, my know what you have done with my two sisters, and me. My parents did name.” President Smith responded, not have the riches of the world, nor “I have never done anything with did they have silver or gold. Nine of your name of which you need be us lived in a two-bedroom, one-bath ashamed.” 1 home with an enclosed back porch, Each week as we partake of the where my sisters slept. When my sacrament, we covenant and promise parents passed away, my brothers and that we are willing to take upon us sisters and I gathered to divide their the name of Christ, always remember earthly possessions, which were few in Him, and keep His commandments. If number. My mother left a few dresses, we are willing to do so, we are prom- some used furniture, and a few other ised that most wonderful blessing— personal items. My father left some that His Spirit will always be with us. 2 carpenter tools, some old hunting rifles, Just as President George Albert and little else. The only things of any Smith had to account to his grand- monetary value were a modest home father for what he had done with his and a small savings account. name, someday each one of us will Together we wept openly, giving have to account to our Savior, Jesus thanks, knowing they had left us Christ, for what we have done with something much more precious than His name. silver or gold. They had given us their The importance of having a good love and their time. They had often name is spoken of in Proverbs, where borne testimony of the truthfulness of we read: “A good name is rather to be the gospel, which we can now read in chosen than great riches, and loving their precious journals. Not so much favour rather than silver and gold” 3 and by words but more by their example, “The [name] of the just is blessed.” 4 they had taught us to work hard, to be

November 2010 105 honest, and to pay a full tithing. They how will our names be remembered? “When I was 15 years old, I often also engendered a desire to further Speaking of how we can take upon felt that there were too many rules our education, to serve a mission, us the name of Christ, and thus protect and commandments. I wasn’t sure that and most important, to find an eternal our good name, Moroni taught: a normal, fun-loving teenager could companion, be married in the temple, “And again I would exhort you enjoy life with so many restrictions. and endure to the end. Truly they that ye would come unto Christ, and Furthermore, the many hours spent left us the legacy of a good name, for lay hold upon every good gift, and working on my father’s ranch were which we shall ever be grateful. touch not the evil gift, nor the unclean seriously dipping into my time with When the beloved prophet thing. . . . my friends. Helaman and his wife were blessed “Yea, come unto Christ, and be “This particular summer, one of my with two sons, they named them Lehi perfected in him, and deny yourselves jobs was to ensure that the cows graz- and Nephi. Helaman told his sons of all ungodliness.” 6 ing on the mountain pasture did not why they were named after two of In the inspired pamphlet For the break through the fence and get into their ancestors who had lived upon Strength of Youth, we read that free- the wheat field. A cow grazing on the the earth almost 600 years prior to dom of choice is a God-given, eternal growing wheat can bloat, causing suf- their births. He said: principle that carries with it moral focation and death. One cow in partic- “Behold, my sons, . . . I have given responsibilities for the choices made. ular was always trying to stick her head unto you the names of our first parents “While [we] are free to choose for [our- through the fence. One morning, as I [Lehi and Nephi] . . . ; and this I have selves], [we] are not free to choose the was riding my horse along the fence done that when you remember your consequences of [our] actions. When line checking on the cattle, I found names . . . ye may remember their [we] make a choice, [we] will receive that the cow had broken through the works; and when ye remember their the consequences of that choice.” 7 fence and gotten into the wheat field. works ye may know how that it is said, Shortly after my sweetheart, To my dismay, I realized that she had and also written, that they were good. Devonna, and I were married, she been eating wheat for quite some time “Therefore, my sons, I would that shared with me a story about how she because she was already bloated and ye should do that which is good, that learned in her youth this important looked much like a balloon. I thought, it may be said of you, and also written, doctrine that we are free to choose ‘You stupid cow! That fence was there even as it has been said and written of but that we are not free to choose to protect you, yet you broke through them. the consequences of our actions. it and you have eaten so much wheat “. . . That ye may have that precious With the help of my daughter Shelly, that your life is in danger.’ gift of eternal life.” 5 I would like to relate Sister Arnold’s “I raced back to the farmhouse Brothers and sisters, in 600 years, experience: to get my dad. However, when we returned, I found her lying dead on When she was 15, Sister Arnold (represented here by her daughter), realized the the ground. I was saddened by the protecting power of the commandments while watching over grazing livestock. loss of that cow. We had provided her with a beautiful mountain pasture to graze in and a fence to keep her away from the dangerous wheat, yet she foolishly broke through the fence and caused her own death. “As I thought about the role of the fence, I realized that it was a protec- tion, just as the commandments and my parents’ rules were a protection. The commandments and rules were for my own good. I realized that obe- dience to the commandments could save me from physical and spiritual 106 death. That enlightenment was a pivotal point in my life.” Sister Arnold learned that our kind, wise, and loving Heavenly Father has given us commandments not to restrict us, as the adversary would have us believe, but to bless our lives and to protect our good name and our legacy for future generations— just as they had for Lehi and Nephi. Just like the cow that received the consequences of her choice, each one of us must learn that the grass is never greener on the other side of the fence—nor will it ever be, for “wicked- ness never was happiness.” 8 Each one of us will receive the consequences of our choices when this life is over. The commandments are clear, they are protective—they are not restrictive— and the wonderful blessings of obedi- ence are numberless! Our Heavenly Father knew that we would all make mistakes. I am so grate- ful for the Atonement, which allows each of us to repent, to make necessary adjustments so that once again we can be one with our Savior, and to feel the sweet peace of forgiveness. Our Savior invites us on a daily basis to cleanse our names and return to His presence. His encouragement is full of love and tenderness. Envision with me the Savior’s embrace as I read His words: “Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and often quotes the following verse of He did die that we might live. In the be converted, that I may heal you?” 9 scripture when speaking of our Lord name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ Today I would like to extend the and Savior: “For I will go before your Notes same challenge to each one of you face. I will be on your right hand and 1. Presidents of the Church Student Manual (Church Educational System manual, that my parents, who will be forever on your left, and my Spirit shall be in 2003), 134. remembered because of their good your hearts.” 10 2. See Doctrine and Covenants 20:77. names, extended to me. Before you In that glorious day when we stand 3. Proverbs 22:1. 4. Proverbs 10:7. act, picture the Savior standing at your before our beloved Savior to report 5. Helaman 5:6–8; emphasis added. side and ask yourself, “Would I think it, what we have done with His name, may 6. Moroni 10:30, 32; emphasis added. would I say it, or would I do it know- we be able to declare: “I have fought a 7. For the Strength of Youth (booklet, 2001), 4. ing He is there?” For surely He is there. good fight, I have finished my course, I 8. Alma 41:10. 11 9. 3 Nephi 9:13. Our beloved President Thomas S. have kept the faith.” “I have honored 10. Doctrine and Covenants 84:88. Monson, who I testify is a prophet, Thy name.” I testify Jesus is the Christ. 11. 2 Timothy 4:7.

November 2010 107 By Elder M. Russell Ballard the Lord God, had given him. . . . Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles “And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will” (Moses 4:3–4). The battle over man’s God-given O That Cunning Plan agency continues today. Satan and his minions have their lures all around us, hoping that we will falter and of the Evil One take his flies so he can reel us in with counterfeit means. He uses addiction to steal away agency. According to There is hope for the addicted, and this hope comes through the dictionary, addiction of any kind the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. means to surrender to something, thus relinquishing agency and becoming dependent on some life-destroying substance or behavior. 1 rothers and sisters, the advent of and skill against the noble trout. Researchers tell us there is a mech- the fall season here in the Rocky The use of artificial lures to fool anism in our brain called the pleasure BMountains brings with it the glori- and catch a fish is an example of the center. 2 When activated by certain ous colors of leaves transforming from way Lucifer often tempts, deceives, drugs or behaviors, it overpowers the green to blazing oranges, reds, and and tries to ensnare us. part of our brain that governs our will- yellows. During the fall all nature is in Like the fly fisherman who knows power, judgment, logic, and morality. a state of transition, preparing for the that trout are driven by hunger, Lucifer This leads the addict to abandon what cold, austere beauty of winter. knows our “hunger,” or weaknesses, he or she knows is right. And when Autumn is a particularly exciting and tempts us with counterfeit lures that happens, the hook is set and time for the fly fishermen, for this is which, if taken, can cause us to be Lucifer takes control. the time trout are driven by an almost yanked from the stream of life into his Satan knows how to exploit and insatiable hunger to feast in order to unmerciful influence. And unlike a fly ensnare us with artificial substances fortify their bodies against the scarcity fisherman who catches and releases and behaviors of temporary pleasure. of winter food. the fish unharmed back into the water, I have observed the impact when The goal of the fly fisherman is to Lucifer will not voluntarily let go. His one struggles to win back control, to catch trout through skillful deception. goal is to make his victims as misera- become free from destructive abuse The adept fisherman studies trout ble as he is. and addiction, and to regain self- behavior, weather, the water current, Lehi said, “And because he [Lucifer] esteem and independence. and the types of insects trout eat had fallen from heaven, and had Some of the most addictive drugs and when those insects hatch. He become miserable forever, he sought that, if abused, can hijack the brain will often craft by hand the lures he also the misery of all mankind” and take away one’s agency include uses. He knows these artificial insects (2 Nephi 2:18). nicotine; opiates—heroin, morphine, embedded with tiny hooks need to be I add my voice today to the voices and other painkillers; tranquilizers; a perfect deception because the trout of my Brethren that Lucifer is a clever cocaine; alcohol; marijuana; and will identify even the slightest flaw and cunning intelligence. One of the methamphetamines. and reject the fly. main methods he uses against us is his I am grateful for doctors who are What a thrill it is to watch a trout ability to lie and deceive to convince trained to prescribe proper medica- break the surface of the water, inhale us that evil is good and good is evil. tions to relieve pain and suffering. the fly, and resist until it is finally Right from the very beginning in the Unfortunately, too many in our com- exhausted and reeled in. The test is the great Council in Heaven, Satan “sought munities today, including some of our pitting of the fisherman’s knowledge to destroy the agency of man, which I, own members, become addicted to 108 deal with the physical, emotional, and spiritual pain. She felt trapped with no way out—with no hope. This sister’s problem with pre- scription and other drug abuse is not unique; it is happening all around us. In some places more people die from prescription drug abuse than die from automobile accidents. 3 Brothers and sisters, stay away from any kind of substance that may trap you. Even one sniff of something or one pill or one drink of alcohol can lead to addiction. A recovering alcoholic told me that just one drink is the difference

, I nc . aci f ic P ress Pu b l ishing A ssociation between addiction and sobriety. Satan knows this. Do not let him hook you with his artificial lures that can quickly turn into addiction. Now, brothers and sisters, please don’t misunderstand what I am saying. I’m not questioning prescription med- ications for those suffering with treat- able illness or great physical pain. They are indeed a blessing. What I am saying is that we need to carefully follow the doses prescribed by doctors. And we

A nderson © P N o t My Will, But T hi n e, Be D on by H arry need to keep such medications in a safe place where youngsters or anyone and then abuse prescription medi- thought she needed something more, else cannot gain access to them. cations. Lucifer, the father of all lies, so she forged prescriptions and finally There is also great concern about knows this and uses his influence to resorted to buying heroin. This led to some of the pernicious, addictive steal away one’s agency and capture her arrest and incarceration. Her obses- behaviors like gambling and evil the abuser with his awful chains (see sion with drugs caused her marriage pornography that are so personally 2 Nephi 28:22). to fail. Her husband divorced her and destructive and so rampant in our Recently I talked to a sister who retained custody of the children. She society. Remember, brothers and was in the psychiatric unit of a local told me that besides helping to dull her sisters, any kind of addiction is to sur- hospital. She shared with me her sor- pain, the drugs also provided a short- render to something, thus relinquish- rowful journey from complete mental term but heightened sense of euphoria ing agency and becoming dependent. and physical health, a wonderful mar- and well-being. But each dosage of Thus, video-gaming and texting on riage and family, into mental illness, drugs lasted only a few hours, and with cell phones need to be added to the debilitating health, and the breakup of each use the duration of relief seemed list. Some gamers claim to spend up her family—all of which started with to lessen. She began to take more and to 18 hours a day going through level the abuse of prescription painkillers. more of the drugs and got caught up after level of video games, neglect- Two years prior to our conversation, in the vicious cycle of addiction. Drugs ing all other aspects of their lives. she hurt her back in a car accident. became her life. The night before I Texting on cell phones can become Her doctor prescribed a medication to talked with her, she tried to commit an addiction, causing the important relieve the almost unbearable pain. She suicide. She said she could no longer interpersonal human communication

November 2010 109 prophet Alma in the Book of Mormon (see Alma 5:14). Our love for our Father in Heaven and the Lord Jesus Christ needs to be reflected in our daily choices and actions. They have prom- ised peace, joy, and happiness to those to become lost. Not long ago a bishop testify to us there is hope for the who keep Their commandments. told me two of his youth were stand- addicted, and this hope comes through Brothers and sisters, may we all be ing side by side texting one another the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ aware of the artificial flies being pre- rather than talking to each other. and by humbling oneself before God, sented to us by the counterfeit fisher of Medical research describes addic- pleading to be freed of the bondage of men, Lucifer. May we have the wisdom tion as “a disease of the brain.” 4 This is addiction and offering our whole soul and spiritual insight to discern and true, but I believe that once Satan has to Him in fervent prayer. refuse his many dangerous offerings. someone in his grasp, it also becomes Priesthood leaders can help as And for those of you who have a disease of the spirit. But no matter those with addictions seek counsel fallen prey to any kind of addiction, what addictive cycle one is caught from them. Where necessary, they there is hope because God loves in, there is always hope. The prophet can refer them to qualified licensed all of His children and because the Lehi taught his sons this eternal truth: counselors and LDS Family Services. Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ “Wherefore, men are free according to The addiction recovery program, makes all things possible. the flesh; and all things are given them adapted from the original 12 steps I have seen the marvelous bless- which are expedient unto man. And of Alcoholics Anonymous, is readily ing of recovery that can set one free they are free to choose liberty and available through LDS Family Services. from the chains of addiction. The eternal life, through the great Mediator To those who are dealing with an Lord is our Shepherd, and we shall of all men, or to choose captivity and addiction personally or within your not want as we trust in the power death, according to the captivity and family, I repeat, fervent prayer is key of the Atonement. I know the Lord power of the devil” (2 Nephi 2:27). to gaining the spiritual strength to can and will free the addicted from If anyone who is addicted has a find peace and overcome an addic- their bondage, for as the Apostle desire to overcome, then there is a tive craving. Heavenly Father loves Paul proclaimed, “I can do all things way to spiritual freedom—a way to all of His children, so thank Him and through Christ which strengtheneth escape from bondage—a way that is express sincere faith in Him. Ask me” (Philippians 4:13). I pray, my proven. It begins with prayer—sincere, Him for the strength to overcome the brothers and sisters, that this may be fervent, and constant communication addiction you are experiencing. Set so with those who may be struggling with the Creator of our spirits and aside all pride and turn your life and with this challenge at this time in their bodies, our Heavenly Father. It is the your heart to Him. Ask to be filled lives, and do so humbly in the name same principle in breaking a bad habit with the power of Christ’s pure love. of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ or repenting from sin of any kind. You may have to do this many times, The formula for having our heart, our but I testify to you that your body, Notes 1. As a noun, addiction has three senses, body, our mind, and our spirit trans- mind, and spirit can be transformed, one being “a surrender to a master” formed is found in the scriptures. cleansed, and made whole, and you (audioenglish.net/dictionary/addiction.htm). The prophet Mormon counseled will be freed. Jesus said, “I am the light 2. See National Institute on Drug Abuse, Drugs, Brains, and Behavior—the Science us: “Wherefore, my beloved breth- of the world: he that followeth me of Addiction (2010), 18, drugabuse.gov/ ren, pray unto the Father with all shall not walk in darkness, but shall scienceofaddiction/sciofaddiction.pdf. the energy of heart, that ye may be have the light of life” ( John 8:12). 3. See Erika Potter, “Drug Deaths Overtake Auto Deaths in Utah,” Dec. 2009, universe. filled with this love . . . ; that ye may Because our goal is to become more byu.edu/node/4477. become the sons of God; . . . that we like our Savior and to eventually qualify 4. See National Institute on Drug Abuse, “The may be purified even as he is pure” to live with our Heavenly Father, each Neurobiology of Drug Addiction,” section IV, no. 30, drugabuse.gov/pubs/teaching/ (Moroni 7:48). of us needs to experience the mighty teaching2/teaching5.html; see also This and many other scriptures change in our hearts described by the drugabuse.gov/funding/budget08.html. 110 choirs which participated in the By President Thomas S. Monson sessions have provided truly heavenly music that has enhanced and beau- tified all else which has taken place. I thank you for sharing with us your musical talents and abilities. Till We Meet Again I love and appreciate my faithful counselors, President Henry B. Eyring Endure to the end we must, for our goal is eternal life in the and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. They are truly men of wisdom and under- presence of our Father in Heaven. standing, and their service is invalu- able. I could not do all that I am called upon to do without their support and assistance. I love and admire my y brothers and sisters, my To our Brethren who have been Brethren of the Quorum of the Twelve heart is full as we bring to a released at this conference, may I Apostles and all in the Quorums Mclose this wonderful gen- express the heartfelt gratitude of all of the Seventy and in the Presiding eral conference of the Church. We of us for your many years of devoted Bishopric. They serve selflessly and have been spiritually fed as we have service. Countless are those who have effectively. I similarly express my listened to the counsel and testimo- been blessed by your contributions to appreciation for the women and men nies of those who have participated the work of the Lord. who serve as general auxiliary officers. in each session. I am certain I speak The Tabernacle Choir and other How blessed we are to have the for all members everywhere when I express deep appreciation for the truths we have been taught. We could echo the words, found in the Book of Mormon, of those who heard the ser- mon of the great King Benjamin and “cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent.” 1 I hope that we will take the time to read the conference talks, which will be reprinted in the November issue of the Ensign­ and Liahona­ magazines, for they are deserving of our careful study. What a blessing it is that we have been able to meet here, in this mag- nificent Conference Center, in peace and comfort and safety. We have had unprecedented coverage of the con- ference, reaching across the continents and the oceans to people everywhere. Though we are far removed from many of you, we feel of your spirit and send our love and appreciation to you.

November 2010 111 General Relief Society Meeting | September 25, 2010

restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It pro- vides answers to questions concerning where we came from, why we are By Julie B. Beck here, and where we will go when we Relief Society General President pass from this life. It provides meaning and purpose and hope to our lives. We live in a troubled world, a world of many challenges. We are here on this earth to deal with our individual “Daughters in My challenges to the best of our ability, to learn from them, and to overcome them. Endure to the end we must, for Kingdom”: The History our goal is eternal life in the presence of our Father in Heaven. He loves us and wants nothing more than for us to succeed in this goal. He will help us and Work of Relief and bless us as we call upon Him in our prayers, as we study His words, and as we obey His commandments. Therein is Society found safety; therein is found peace. May God bless you, my broth- ers and sisters. I thank you for your Studying the history of Relief Society gives definition and prayers in my behalf and in behalf expression to who we are as disciples and followers of all of the General Authorities. We of our Savior, Jesus Christ. are deeply grateful for you and for all that you do to further the kingdom of God on earth. May heaven’s blessings be with you. May your homes be filled with his meeting is a gift to all of All of us are in the middle of a very love and courtesy and with the Spirit Heavenly Father’s daughters who personal mortal experience. Two sisters of the Lord. May you constantly nour- Tdesire to learn His mind and will I have met recently represent how to ish your testimonies of the gospel, and understand their responsibilities live faithfully. One sister lives in central that they will be a protection to you in His plan. I have visited many of you Brazil. Her lovely redbrick home, set in against the buffetings of Satan. this past year, and my heart has been a yard of red soil, surrounded by a wall Conference is now over. As we touched as I have looked into your of red blocks, is a haven and refuge return to our homes, may we do so eyes, hugged you, laughed with you, from the world outside. Her bright-eyed safely. May the spirit we have felt here cried with you, and listened to your children know how to sing Primary be and abide with us as we go about grief, joy, and triumph. Each of you songs, and on the walls of her home those things which occupy us each is precious beyond description and hang pictures of the Savior, temples, and day. May we show increased kindness known by our Heavenly Father. As prophets of God cut from the Liahona­ toward one another; may we ever be daughters of God, you are preparing magazine. She and her husband made found doing the work of the Lord. for eternal designations, and each of personal sacrifices to be sealed in the I love you; I pray for you. I bid you has a female identity, nature, and temple so their children could be born you farewell till we meet again in six responsibility. The success of families, in the covenant. She told me that she months’ time. In the name of our Lord communities, this Church, and the prays continually for the Lord to give and Savior, even Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ precious plan of salvation is depen- her strength and inspiration sufficient to Note dent on your faithfulness. Oh, dear bring up her children in the light, truth, 1. Mosiah 5:2. sisters, how we love and pray for you! and strength of the gospel. 112 Another sister lives alone in a tiny shall bring in damnable heresies, even in findings that many are not doing apartment on the 80th floor of a build- denying the Lord that bought them.” 1 essential things such as praying and ing in Hong Kong. She has some phys- The Book of Mormon describes reading scriptures. The Lord Himself ical difficulties, but she is cheerfully what is happening: has said that “this is a day of warning, independent. She is the only member “For behold, at that day shall [Satan] and not a day of many words.” 5 of the Church in her family. On a little rage in the hearts of the children of shelf are her scriptures, her Relief men, and stir them up to anger against Relief Society Was Organized to Be Society manuals, and other Church that which is good. a Defense and a Refuge books. She has created a Spirit-filled “And others will he pacify, and lull In order to watch over, teach, and haven in her home, and she is a light them away into carnal security, that inspire His daughters in these perilous to everyone in her branch. they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, times, God authorized the Prophet Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus Joseph Smith to organize the women Warnings the devil cheateth their souls, and lead- of the Church. This divinely appointed We know that many sisters live eth them away carefully down to hell. and priesthood-directed organization in oppressive or dangerous circum- “And behold, others he flattereth is called Relief Society. stances. Some are constantly hungry, away, and telleth them there is no hell; The purpose of Relief Society and some must summon daily courage and he saith unto them: I am no devil, is to prepare daughters of God for to continue in faith despite disap- for there is none—and thus he whis- the blessings of eternal life as they pointments and being betrayed by pereth in their ears, until he grasps increase in faith and personal righ- others. Because we are living in the last them with his awful chains.” 2 teousness, strengthen families and days of this earth, there are signs of a In the growing climate of entitle- homes, and seek out and help others great struggle everywhere. Myths and ment, excuse, apathy, and enticement, who are in need. misperceptions regarding the strength, daughters of God who are not watch- Relief Society clarifies our work purpose, and position of Latter-day ful, prayerful, and inspired are increas- and unifies us as daughters of God Saint women abound. Prevailing myths ingly at risk of becoming what the in defense of His plan. In this day of imply that we are of lower importance scriptures describe as “silly women” 3 mistaken identities, confusion, and than men, that we are generally sweet who worship a variety of “strange distraction, Relief Society is meant to but uninformed, and that no matter gods.” 4 Sadly, as a result of life’s diffi- be a compass and guide to teach the what we do, we will never be enough culties and the world’s popular here- truth to faithful women. Righteous to be accepted by our Heavenly Father. sies, many sisters believe the myths women today seek an outpouring of As the Apostle Peter said, there are more than the truth. Their misalign- revelation to resist distractions, fight “false teachers among you, who privily ment with God’s plan is demonstrated evil and spiritual destruction, and rise

November 2010 113 above personal disasters by increasing their identity, value, and importance. happy to report that in most wards their faith, strengthening their families, Studying and applying the history and branches throughout the world, and providing relief to others. of Relief Society gives definition and Relief Society presidencies and expression to who we are as disciples sisters have embraced those poli- History and Work of Relief Society and followers of our Savior, Jesus Christ. cies and the spirit behind them. It Our presidency has prayed, fasted, Our faithfulness and service are signs has been a joy to see a rejuvenation pondered, and counseled with proph- of our conversion and commitment to of the historical purpose and work ets, seers, and revelators to learn what remember and follow Him. In July of of Relief Society. We have also seen God would have us do to help His 1830, at the beginning of the Restoration an increase in the dignity, identity, daughters be strong in the face of “the of His Church, the Lord selected His first and relevance of Relief Society as calamity which should come upon the female leader of this dispensation, and all meetings of the sisters are now inhabitants of the earth.” 6 An answer in a revelation to her, He said, “I speak simply named and announced what has come that the sisters of the Church unto you, Emma Smith, my daughter; they are—Relief Society meetings. We should know and learn from the his- for verily I say unto you, all those who are seeing an increase of faith and tory of Relief Society. Understanding receive my gospel are sons and daugh- personal righteousness, a strengthen- the history of Relief Society strength- ters in my kingdom.” 7 ing of families and homes, and more ens the foundational identity and The history of Relief Society relief being offered by Relief Society worth of faithful women. teaches us that our Heavenly Father sisters through the correct use of In consequence of this, a history of knows His daughters. He loves them, Relief Society meetings. All policies Relief Society for the Church is being He has given them specific respon- regarding Relief Society meetings, completed and will be available for sibilities, and He has spoken to and visiting teaching, and other Relief our use next year. In anticipation of guided them during their mortal Society work have their foundation in this, Relief Society history is receiving missions. Additionally, the history of the history of Relief Society and are increased attention, such as on the Relief Society elevates and validates approved by the First Presidency. visiting teaching page of the Liahona­ the standing of women and demon- It has always been a responsibility and the Ensign­ . The preparation of strates how they work in companion- of Relief Society to participate in the the history has been an inspired and ship with faithful priesthood leaders. work of salvation. From the beginning revelatory experience. of the restored Church, the sisters As we have studied the history of History Teaches Us What We Are to Do have been there first, last, and always Relief Society, we have learned that We study our history to learn what in responding to the happenings of the Lord’s vision and purpose for we are to do. Through our history we everyday life. From Relief Society, Relief Society was not of a sleepy learn how to prepare for the blessings sisters go forth to serve in Primary, meeting on Sunday. He had in mind of eternal life. The Relief Society as Young Women, Sunday School, and something much, much bigger than a an organization has always had the other efforts, and they are beacons of women’s club or special-interest enter- responsibility to organize the ener- light and virtue to the rising gener- tainment group. gies of the sisters in the wards and ation. Personal service builds each He intended Relief Society to help branches of Zion. Through Relief individual sister, and the united build His people and prepare them for Society meetings, the ministry of service of millions of faithful women the blessings of the temple. He estab- visiting teachers, and their combined creates a formidable force of faith in lished this organization to align His service, daughters of God are taught, the Lord’s work. History shows that daughters with His work and to enlist watched over, and inspired in their since the beginning of the Restoration, their help in building His kingdom responsibility in the Lord’s work and sisters have been at the forefront in and strengthening the homes of Zion. kingdom. Ward and branch Relief sharing the gospel, and they continue Society presidents are set apart to this effort as they serve missions, History Teaches Us Who We Are direct that work. prepare young men and women to We study our history to learn who One year ago at this meeting, serve missions, and invite their friends, we are. There is a worldwide hun- policies regarding Relief Society neighbors, and family members to ger among good women to know meetings were announced. We are share in the blessings of the gospel. 114 in secret, our Father in Heaven, who sees in secret, will reward us openly. 10 Through the history and work of Relief Society, we are connected to a great worldwide sisterhood of young and old, rich and poor, educated and illiterate, single and married, strong and immovable daughters of God.

Knowledge of History Can Help Us Change We study our history because it helps us change. Ultimately, the value of history is not so much in its dates, times, and places. It is valuable because it teaches us the principles, purposes, and patterns we are to follow, it helps us know who we are and what we are We also learn from history that the History Unites Faithful Women to do, and it unites us in strengthening Prophet Joseph Smith used Relief We study our history because it the homes of Zion and building the Society meetings to instruct the sisters unites faithful women. The history of kingdom of God on the earth. Relief in their preparation for the temple. Relief Society is a Spirit-filled story of Society, when it operates in an inspired Today, family history and temple work strong, faithful, purposeful women. As way, can replace fear, doubt, and self- continue to be some of the primary a part of the Lord’s restored Church, ishness with faith, hope, and charity. As obligations of Relief Society. Relief Society can now be found in we move the Lord’s work forward, the Our understanding of our historical nearly 170 nations. Everywhere in history of Relief Society will continue to purpose helps women learn to prior- the world adult women in the Lord’s be written by faithful sisters throughout itize properly so they will “not spend Church can be given serious and the world. The Lord is strengthening money for that which is of no worth, important responsibilities. Relief Society in the living present and nor [their] labor for that which cannot Young girls and young women preparing a glorious future for His satisfy.” 8 Relief Society has always had in the Church learn to set goals daughters. the responsibility to do as the Apostle through the Faith in God and Personal I bear you my testimony of the Paul taught—to teach young women Progress programs, which focus them reality of our Heavenly Father and His to be sober, discreet, and chaste and toward the temple and their future Son, Jesus Christ. Through the Prophet to teach those who are married to love responsibilities. In Relief Society Joseph Smith, the gospel, the good their husbands, love their children, and they continue to progress toward the news of our identity and purpose, was strengthen their homes. 9 The history of blessings of the temple and eternal life restored to the earth. In the name of Relief Society teaches us to take care of by increasing their faith and personal Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ the essential things which will save and righteousness, strengthening their Notes sanctify us and the things which are families and homes, and seeking out 1. 2 Peter 2:1. necessary to make us personally self- and helping those who are in need. 2. 2 Nephi 28:20–22. reliant and useful in the Lord’s kingdom. Faithful sisters learn to do this with 3. 2 Timothy 3:6. 4. Joshua 24:23. A constant theme through our history very little applause or recognition for 5. Doctrine and Covenants 63:58. is that sisters who utilize the power of the work they do. That is because 6. Doctrine and Covenants 1:17. the Holy Ghost operate with the inspira- Relief Society thrives on the teaching 7. Doctrine and Covenants 25:1. 8. 2 Nephi 9:51. tion of the Lord in their lives and receive of the Lord Jesus Christ, who said that 9. See Titus 2:4–5. revelation for their responsibilities. when we give our alms (or offerings) 10. See Matthew 6:4; 3 Nephi 13:4.

November 2010 115 By Silvia H. Allred I know now that God is a God of First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency love. This is true because we are His children and He desires that all of us have joy and eternal happiness. His work and His glory are that we might have immortality and eternal life. 1 Steadfast and That is why He provided an eternal plan of happiness for us. Our purpose in life is to gain eternal life and exal- Immovable tation for ourselves and to help others do the same. He created this earth for us to obtain a physical body and If we are faithful and endure to the end, we will receive all of be tested in our faith. He gave us the Heavenly Father’s blessings, even eternal life and exaltation. precious gift of agency, through which we can choose the pathway that leads to everlasting happiness. Heavenly Father’s plan of redemption is for you and me. It is for all of His children. am grateful to be part of this gath- blessings promised to the faithful “So God created man in his own ering of faithful women across the will be fulfilled. image, in the image of God created he I world. I have met thousands of you 3. Your knowledge of the plan of him; male and female created he them. in different countries. Your faithfulness redemption. “And God blessed them, and God and devotion have strengthened me. said unto them, Be fruitful, and multi- Your examples of goodness and com- My message today will expand ply, and replenish the earth.” 2 mitment to the gospel have inspired on these affirmations that have come “And he gave unto them command- me. Your quiet acts of selfless service from your hearts. ments, that they should worship the and your words of testimony and con- Romans 8:16 says, “The Spirit itself Lord their God. . . . And Adam was viction have humbled me. beareth witness with our spirit, that obedient unto the commandments of I will ask each of you tonight the we are the children of God.” The first the Lord.” 3 same questions I have asked many of time I remember feeling with all cer- Adam and Eve bore children, and you in our conversations: tainty that Heavenly Father knew me, the plan continued to be carried out. loved me, and cared for me was when I know that each of us has a vital 1. What helps you be steadfast and I entered the waters of baptism at age and essential role as a daughter of immovable as you face the chal- 15. Before then, I knew God existed God. He has bestowed upon His lenges that try your faith? and Jesus Christ was the Savior of the daughters divine attributes for the 2. What sustains you through trials world. I believed in Them and loved purpose of forwarding His work. God and adversity? Them, but I had never felt Their love has entrusted women with the sacred 3. What helps you endure and and care for me, individually, until that work of bearing and rearing children. become a true disciple of Christ? day as I rejoiced in my opportunity to No other work is more important. It is make baptismal covenants. a holy calling. The noblest office for a Some of the answers you have I realized what a great miracle it had woman is the sacred work of building given me include: been to have been found and taught eternal families, ideally in partnership by the missionaries, especially with with her husband. 1. Your knowledge that Heavenly only a handful of missionaries amongst I am aware that some of our sisters Father loves you and cares two million people! I knew then that have not yet received the blessings of for you. Heavenly Father knew me and loved marriage or children. I assure you that 2. Your hope that through Jesus me in such a special way that He in due time you will receive all the Christ’s atoning sacrifice, all the guided the missionaries to my home. blessings promised to the faithful. You 116 must “press forward with a stead- only begotten Son, that whosoever place our faith in Him, repent of our fastness in Christ, having a perfect believeth in him should not perish, sins, and receive the saving ordinances brightness of hope, . . . and endure to but have everlasting life.” required to enter God’s presence. the end” to have eternal life. 4 In the The Savior says, “As the Father hath These saving ordinances are sym- eternal perspective, the missing bless- loved me, so have I loved you.” 7 bols of the covenants we make. The ings “shall be but a small moment.” 5 Jesus Christ’s willingness to be the covenants of obedience to His laws In addition, you don’t have to be sacrificial lamb was an expression and commandments bind us to God married to keep the commandments of His love for the Father and of His and strengthen our faith. Our faith and and to nurture families, friends, and infinite love for each of us. steadfastness in Christ will give us the neighbors. Your gifts, talents, skills, Isaiah describes the Savior’s courage and confidence we need to and spiritual strengths are greatly suffering: face life’s challenges, which are part of needed in building up the kingdom. “He hath borne our griefs, and our mortal experience. The Lord relies on your willingness to carried our sorrows. . . . Soon after my husband was called perform these essential duties. “. . . He was wounded for our to preside over the Paraguay Asunción The Lord says: transgressions, he was bruised for our Mission in 1992, we attended a branch “I [will] not forget thee. iniquities: . . . and with his stripes we conference in an isolated community “Behold, I have graven thee upon are healed.” 8 in the Paraguayan Chaco. 10 We trav- the palms of my hands; thy walls are The Lord Himself declared, “I, God, eled four hours on a paved road and continually before me.” 6 have suffered these things for all, that then seven more hours on a primitive The Lord loves you. He knows your they might not suffer if they would road. The perils and discomfort of the hopes and your disappointments. He repent.” 9 long trip were soon forgotten when will not forget you because your pains He broke the bands of death and we greeted the happy and welcoming and your suffering are continually made it possible for all mankind to members of Mistolar. before Him. be resurrected. He gave us the gift of Julio Yegros was the young The greatest expression of God’s immortality. branch president, and he and his love for us was His willingness to send Jesus Christ took upon Himself our wife, Margarita, were one of the few His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to atone sins, suffered, and died to satisfy the families who had been sealed in the for our sins, to be our Savior and demands of justice that we might not temple. I asked them to share their Redeemer. suffer if we repent. experience of their trip to the temple. In John 3:16 we read, “For God We demonstrate our acceptance At the time, the closest temple was so loved the world, that he gave his of Jesus Christ as our Savior when we the Buenos Aires Temple in Argentina.

November 2010 117 Prayer nurtures our faith and hope in Jesus Prayer is the act of communicating Christ. with Heavenly Father. When we pray, we acknowledge our faith in Him and Service His power to bless us. We have multiple opportunities to In Alma 37:37 we read, “Counsel serve Him. Each sister is asked to seek with the Lord in all thy doings, and out and help the poor and the needy he will direct thee for good; yea, among and around us. The “poor and when thou liest down at night lie the needy” includes those with spiri- down unto the Lord, that he may tual and emotional needs as well. Each Auckland, New Zealand watch over you in your sleep; and one has also been charged to save our when thou risest in the morning let dead, which can be done by working The trip from Mistolar required 27 thy heart be full of thanks unto God; on family history or by doing temple hours one way to reach the temple, and if ye do these things, ye shall be work. We have been commanded to and they had gone with their two small lifted up at the last day.” share the gospel with others, and there children. It was in the middle of a very are many ways to participate in mission- cold winter, but with much sacrifice Scripture Study ary work. All of these things are ways they made it to the temple and were A knowledge and understanding of we can serve the Lord. Our Heavenly sealed together as an eternal family. On Heavenly Father’s plan helps us know Father expects those who are strong to the way back, the two babies got very who we are and what we should strengthen the weak, and your own faith sick and died. They buried them along become. will be strengthened as you strengthen the way and returned home empty- The Lord commanded, “Search the and care for His children. handed. They were sad and lonely but scriptures; for in them ye think ye I know Heavenly Father loves amazingly felt comforted and peace- have eternal life: and they are they each of His children perfectly, ful. They said of the experience: “Our which testify of me.” 11 individually, and constantly. I know children were sealed to us in the house There is a great need for each that, as women, we have an essential of the Lord. We know we will have woman to study the scriptures. As we part in the plan of happiness. Our them back with us for all eternity. This become more familiar with the truths of best effort is all He requires from us, knowledge has given us peace and the scriptures, we will be able to apply and each of us is needed in building comfort. We have to remain worthy them to our lives and have more power up the kingdom. The Atonement is and faithful to the covenants we made to accomplish God’s purposes. Daily real. Jesus Christ is our Savior and in the temple, and then we will be personal prayer and scripture study Redeemer. I testify that if we are faith- reunited with them.” also invite the influence and power of ful and endure to the end, we will How do we increase our faith and the Holy Ghost into our lives. receive all of Heavenly Father’s bless- hope to be like that of these faithful ings, even eternal life and exaltation. members from Paraguay? Obedience In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ How do we strengthen our belief The Lord says, “If ye love me, keep 12 Notes in the affirmations that I have heard my commandments.” Our faithful obe- 1. See Moses 1:39. over and over again from so many of dience will help us develop the attri- 2. Genesis 1:27–28. you, that you believe in God’s love for butes of godliness and change our hearts. 3. Moses 5:5. 4. 2 Nephi 31:20. you, that you trust you will receive His In the Doctrine and Covenants we 5. Doctrine and Covenants 121:7. blessings, and that you understand the are counseled: 6. Isaiah 49:15–16. plan of redemption through the Savior “Cleave unto the covenants which 7. John 15:9. 8. Isaiah 53:4–5. Jesus Christ and your important part in thou hast made. . . . 9. Doctrine and Covenants 19:16. His plan? “Keep my commandments contin- 10. The semiarid, sparsely populated area of I will suggest four things that have ually, and a crown of righteousness western Paraguay. 13 11. John 5:39. helped me: prayer, scripture study, thou shalt receive.” 12. John 14:15. obedience, and service. Our commitment to live the gospel 13. Doctrine and Covenants 25:13, 15. 118 By Barbara Thompson watch over the church always, and Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency [to] be with and strengthen them,” 9 a visiting teacher shows her love by prayerfully considering each woman she is called to serve. Sister Julie B. Beck has reminded And of Some us, “Because we follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ, we value this sacred assignment to love, know, serve, understand, teach, and minister Have Compassion, 10 in His behalf.” Today I want to talk about two things:

Making a Difference • The blessings you bring to others as you serve as a visiting teacher. The beauty of visiting teaching is seeing lives changed, • And the blessings you receive as you serve others. tears wiped away, testimonies growing, people loved, families strengthened. The Blessings You Bring to Others as You Serve as a Visiting Teacher Not long ago I visited with a group of women in Anchorage, Alaska. y dear sisters, what a blessing they were sick and He healed them, There were about 12 women in the it is to be with you, to feel or when they were in need of spiritual room, and 6 more joined by speaker- Myour strength and love for enrichment and He taught them. phone from cities and towns all over the Lord. Thank you for the love and Compassion means to feel love Alaska. Many of these women lived compassion you share with others on and mercy toward another person. It hundreds of miles away from the a daily basis. means to have sympathy and desire Church building. These women taught In the early days of Relief Society in to relieve the suffering of others. It me about visiting teaching. Nauvoo, we know that sisters traveled means to show kindness and tender- To make a personal visit to all of from house to house, ministering ness toward another. the sisters would require an airplane to one another, determining needs, The Savior has asked us to do the ride, travel by boat, or traveling very bringing food, caring for the sick, and things which He has done, 4 to bear long distances by car. Obviously, the showing forth compassion for each one another’s burdens, to comfort time and expense made in-home visits woman and her family. 1 This brings those who need comfort, to mourn impossible. However, these sisters felt to mind the scripture in Jude: “And of with those who mourn, 5 to feed the closely connected because they were some have compassion, making a dif- hungry, visit the sick, 6 to succor the fervently praying for one another and ference.” 2 As I ponder upon this scrip- weak, lift up the hands which hang were seeking the guidance of the ture and its meaning, my thoughts down, 7 and to “teach one another Holy Spirit to know what their sisters turn to the Savior and the many times the doctrine of the kingdom.” 8 To needed, even though they weren’t the scriptures speak of the love and me these words and actions describe there in person very often. They compassion Christ had for everyone. visiting teachers—those who minister managed to stay in contact by phone, In the New Testament we read to others. by Internet, and by mail. They served often that Christ was “moved with Visiting teaching gives women the with love because they had made compassion” 3 upon the people as He opportunity to watch over, strengthen, covenants with the Lord and desired responded to their needs. He had com- and teach one another. Much like a to bless and strengthen their sisters. passion when He saw that they were teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood is Another dedicated pair of visiting hungry and He fed them, or when charged with the responsibility “to teachers in the Democratic Republic

November 2010 119 women each month and then proudly The Blessings You Receive declared with a sigh of relief, “My vis- as You Serve Others iting teaching is done!” Well, the part The blessings you receive as you I report on may be done, but if that is serve others are many. I have some- the only reason I do it, what a shame. times said, “Oh, I’ve got to get my The beauty of visiting teaching is visiting teaching done!” (Those were not to see 100 percent on the monthly the times I forgot I was visiting and report; the beauty of visiting teaching teaching women. Those were the is seeing lives changed, tears wiped times I was looking at it as a burden away, testimonies growing, people rather than a blessing.) I can honestly loved, families strengthened, people say that when I went visiting teach- of Congo walked great distances to cheered, the hungry fed, the sick ing, I always felt better. I was lifted, visit a woman and her baby. These visited, and those who are mourning loved, and blessed, usually much sisters prayerfully prepared a message comforted. Actually, visiting teaching more than the sister I was visiting. and wanted to know how they could is never done because we watch over My love increased. My desire to serve make a difference in the life of the and strengthen always. increased. And I could see what a dear woman they were visiting. The Another blessing of visiting teach- beautiful way Heavenly Father has woman was thrilled with their visit. ing is to increase in unity and love. planned for us to watch over and care For her their visit was a message from The scriptures counsel us on how to for one another. heaven given just to her. As the visit- achieve this: “And he commanded Other blessings of being a visiting ing teachers met in her humble home, them that . . . they should look for- teacher are that we get to know and the sister, her family, and the visiting ward with one eye, having one faith become friends with those we may not teachers were all lifted and blessed. and one baptism, having their hearts have known well otherwise. At times The long walk didn’t seem a sacrifice. knit together in unity and in love one it allows us to be an answer to some- These visiting teachers had compas- towards another.” 11 one’s prayers. Also, personal revelation sion, making a difference for good Many women have reported that and spiritual experiences are closely and blessing the life of this woman. the reason they came back into connected with visiting teaching. Long distances, expense, and safety Church activity was because a faith- I have experienced some of the issues make in-person, monthly con- ful visiting teacher came month after most humbling, joyful, and spiritual tacts impossible in some areas of the month and ministered to them, rescu- experiences of my life as I have sat in Church, but through the power of per- ing them, loving them, blessing them. the homes of women in my own ward sonal revelation, sisters who truly seek Sometimes the message will be the and around the world. We have taught to love one another and are watching most important thing you share on one another the gospel. We have cried over and strengthening one another a particular visit. Some women have together, laughed together, solved find meaningful ways to accomplish little spiritual enrichment in their lives problems together, and I have been this call from the Lord. except for the message you will bring. lifted and blessed. An inspired Relief Society presi- The Visiting Teaching Messages in One evening near the end of the dent counsels with her bishop and the Liahona­ and Ensign­ are gospel month, I was preparing to leave town prayerfully makes visiting teaching messages which help each woman and still hadn’t visited one of my sis- assignments to assist him in watching increase her faith, strengthen her ters. It was later in the evening. I had over and caring for each woman in family, and emphasize charitable relief. no appointment. I didn’t call. I had no the ward. When we understand this At times the most important bless- partner. But I decided it was important process of counseling and revelation, ing about your visit will be to just to visit my friend Julie. Julie’s daughter we better understand our important listen. Listening brings comfort, under- Ashley was born with a brittle-bone responsibility to minister and can standing, and healing. Still another disease. Although Ashley was almost more confidently rely on the Spirit to time you may need to roll up your six years old, she was very small guide our efforts. sleeves and go to work in the home and unable to do much of anything I am one who has visited several or help to calm a crying child. besides move her arms and speak. She 120 lay on a sheepskin rug all day, every families. I can remember one five- work except [she] shall be humble day. Ashley was a happy, cheerful year-old running up to my mother at and full of love, having faith, hope, child, and I loved being around her. church and declaring, “You are my and charity, being temperate in all On this particular night when I got visiting teacher. I love you!” Being part things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to the home, Julie invited me in and of the lives of wonderful women and to [her] care.” 13 Ashley called out that she wanted to their families was a blessing to my The women we visit teach have show me something. I went in and mother. been entrusted to our care. Let us have knelt down on the floor on one side Not all experiences related to visit- love and compassion and thus make of Ashley, and her mother was on the ing teaching are warm and wonderful. a difference in the lives of those who other side. Ashley said, “Look what I Sometimes it is hard, such as visiting a have been entrusted to our care. can do!” Then with a little assistance home where you really aren’t wel- Sisters, I love you. I pray that you from her mother, Ashley was able come or when it is difficult to meet will feel the love of our Heavenly to turn on her side and back again. with a sister with a very busy sched- Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ. I It had taken her almost six years to ule. It may take longer to build a good testify to you that the Savior lives, in accomplish this wonderful goal. As we relationship with some sisters. But the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ clapped and cheered and laughed and when we truly seek to love, care for, cried together on this special occasion, and pray for the sister, the Holy Ghost Notes 1. See Jill Mulvay Derr, Janath Russell I thanked Heavenly Father that I had will help us find a way to watch over Cannon, and Maureen Ursenbach Beecher, gone visiting teaching and had not and strengthen her. Women of Covenant: The Story of Relief missed this great event. Even though President Thomas S. Monson is a Society (1992), 32–33. 2. Jude 1:22. that visit was many years ago and master at ministering as the Savior did. 3. Matthew 9:36; 14:14. sweet Ashley has since passed away, I He is constantly found visiting and 4. See John 13:15. will be forever grateful that I had that helping others. He has said: “We are 5. See Mosiah 18:8–9. 6. See Mosiah 4:26. special experience with her. surrounded by those in need of our 7. See Doctrine and Covenants 81:5. My own dear mother was a won- attention, our encouragement, our 8. Doctrine and Covenants 88:77. derful and dedicated visiting teacher support, our comfort, our kindness. 9. Doctrine and Covenants 20:53. 10. Julie B. Beck, “Relief Society: A Sacred for many years. She was continually . . . We are the Lord’s hands here upon Work,” Liahona­ and Ensign,­ Nov. 2009, 113. thinking of ways she could bless the the earth, with the mandate to serve 11. Mosiah 18:21. families she visited. She paid particular and to lift His children. He is depen- 12. Thomas S. Monson, “What Have I Done 12 for Someone Today?” ­Liahona and ­Ensign, attention to the children of the women dent upon each of us.” Nov. 2009, 86. she visited, hoping to strengthen “And no one can assist in this 13. Doctrine and Covenants 12:8.

November 2010 121 to criticize. Thus the commandment: By President Thomas S. Monson “Judge not.” Forty-seven years ago this gen- eral conference, I was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. At the time, I had been serving on one Charity Never Faileth of the general priesthood commit- tees of the Church, and so before my name was presented, I sat with Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may my fellow members of that priest- we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this hood committee, as was expected journey through life. of me. My wife, however, had no idea where to go and no one with whom she could sit and, in fact, was unable to find a seat anywhere in the Tabernacle. A dear friend of ours, ur souls have rejoiced tonight John replied, “Well, dear, I have the who was a member of one of the and reached toward heaven. answer for you. You’ll be interested to general auxiliary boards and who was OWe have been blessed with know that I got up early this morning sitting in the area designated for the beautiful music and inspired mes- and washed our windows!” board members, asked Sister Monson sages. The Spirit of the Lord is here. I Tonight I’d like to share with you to sit with her. This woman knew pray for His inspiration to be with me a few thoughts concerning how we nothing of my call—which would be now as I share with you some of my view each other. Are we looking announced shortly—but she spotted thoughts and feelings. through a window which needs clean- Sister Monson, recognized her con- I begin with a short anecdote ing? Are we making judgments when sternation, and graciously offered her which illustrates a point I should like we don’t have all the facts? What do a seat. My dear wife was relieved and to make. we see when we look at others? What grateful for this kind gesture. Sitting A young couple, Lisa and John, judgments do we make about them? down, however, she heard loud whis- moved into a new neighborhood. Said the Savior, “Judge not.” 1 He pering behind her as one of the board One morning while they were eating continued, “Why beholdest thou the members expressed her annoyance breakfast, Lisa looked out the window mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but to those around her that one of her and watched her next-door neighbor considerest not the beam that is in fellow board members would have hanging out her wash. thine own eye?” 2 Or, to paraphrase, the audacity to invite an “outsider” “That laundry’s not clean!” Lisa why beholdest thou what you think is to sit in this area reserved only for exclaimed. “Our neighbor doesn’t dirty laundry at your neighbor’s house them. There was no excuse for her know how to get clothes clean!” but considerest not the soiled window unkind behavior, regardless of who John looked on but remained in your own house? might have been invited to sit there. silent. None of us is perfect. I know of no However, I can only imagine how Every time her neighbor would one who would profess to be so. And that woman felt when she learned hang her wash to dry, Lisa would yet for some reason, despite our own that the “intruder” was the wife of make the same comments. imperfections, we have a tendency to the newest Apostle. A few weeks later Lisa was sur- point out those of others. We make Not only are we inclined to judge prised to glance out her window and judgments concerning their actions the actions and words of others, but see a nice, clean wash hanging in or inactions. many of us judge appearances: cloth- her neighbor’s yard. She said to her There is really no way we can ing, hairstyles, size. The list could go husband, “Look, John—she’s finally know the heart, the intentions, or the on and on. learned how to wash correctly! I circumstances of someone who might A classic account of judging by wonder how she did it.” say or do something we find reason appearance was printed in a national 122 magazine many years ago. It is a true linens were neatly folded and he was friend’s flowers, she noticed a beautiful account—one which you may have out on the porch. He refused break- golden chrysanthemum but was puz- heard but which bears repeating. fast, but just before he left for his bus, zled that it was growing in a dented, A woman by the name of Mary he asked if he could return the next old, rusty bucket. Her friend explained, Bartels had a home directly across the time he had a treatment. “I won’t put “I ran short of pots, and knowing how street from the entrance to a hospital you out a bit,” he promised. “I can beautiful this one would be, I thought it clinic. Her family lived on the main sleep fine in a chair.” Mary assured wouldn’t mind starting in this old pail. floor and rented the upstairs rooms to him he was welcome to come again. It’s just for a little while, until I can put outpatients at the clinic. In the several years he went for it out in the garden.” One evening a truly awful-looking treatments and stayed in Mary’s home, Mary smiled as she imagined just old man came to the door asking if the old man, who was a fisherman such a scene in heaven. “Here’s an there was room for him to stay the by trade, always had gifts of seafood especially beautiful one,” God might night. He was stooped and shriv- or vegetables from his garden. Other have said when He came to the soul of eled, and his face was lopsided from times he sent packages in the mail. the little old man. “He won’t mind start- swelling—red and raw. He said he’d When Mary received these thought- ing in this small, misshapen body.” But been hunting for a room since noon ful gifts, she often thought of a com- that was long ago, and in God’s garden but with no success. “I guess it’s my ment her next-door neighbor made how tall this lovely soul must stand! 3 face,” he said. “I know it looks terrible, after the disfigured, stooped old man Appearances can be so deceiving, but my doctor says it could possibly had left Mary’s home that first morn- such a poor measure of a person. improve after more treatments.” He ing. “Did you keep that awful-looking Admonished the Savior, “Judge not indicated he’d be happy to sleep in man last night? I turned him away. according to the appearance.” 4 the rocking chair on the porch. As she You can lose customers by putting up A member of a women’s organiza- talked with him, Mary realized this such people.” tion once complained when a certain little old man had an oversized heart Mary knew that maybe they had woman was selected to represent crowded into that tiny body. Although lost customers once or twice, but she the organization. She had never her rooms were filled, she told him to thought, “Oh, if only they could have met the woman, but she had seen wait in the chair and she’d find him a known him, perhaps their illnesses a photograph of her and didn’t like place to sleep. would have been easier to bear.” what she saw, considering her to be At bedtime Mary’s husband set After the man passed away, Mary overweight. She commented, “Of the up a camp cot for the man. When was visiting with a friend who had thousands of women in this organi- she checked in the morning, the bed a greenhouse. As she looked at her zation, surely a better representative

November 2010 123 of charity, I do not at this moment have in mind the relief of the suffering through the giving of our substance. That, of course, is necessary and proper. Tonight, however, I have in mind the charity that manifests itself when we are tolerant of others and lenient toward their actions, the kind of charity that forgives, the kind of charity that is patient. I have in mind the charity that impels us to be sympathetic, com- passionate, and merciful, not only in could have been chosen.” have college degrees; some of you do times of sickness and affliction and True, the woman who was chosen not. There are those who can afford distress but also in times of weakness was not “model slim.” But those who the latest fashions and those who are or error on the part of others. knew her and knew her qualities saw lucky to have one appropriate Sunday There is a serious need for the in her far more than was reflected in outfit. Such differences are almost charity that gives attention to those the photograph. The photograph did endless. Do these differences tempt us who are unnoticed, hope to those who show that she had a friendly smile to judge one another? are discouraged, aid to those who are and a look of confidence. What the Mother Teresa, a Catholic nun who afflicted. True charity is love in action. photograph didn’t show was that she worked among the poor in India most The need for charity is everywhere. was a loyal and compassionate friend, of her life, spoke this profound truth: Needed is the charity which refuses a woman of intelligence who loved “If you judge people, you have no time to find satisfaction in hearing or in the Lord and who loved and served to love them.” 5 The Savior has admon- repeating the reports of misfortunes His children. It didn’t show that she ished, “This is my commandment, That that come to others, unless by so volunteered in the community and ye love one another, as I have loved doing, the unfortunate one may be was a considerate and concerned you.” 6 I ask: can we love one another, benefited. The American educator and neighbor. In short, the photograph as the Savior has commanded, if we politician Horace Mann once said, “To did not reflect who she really was. judge each other? And I answer—with pity distress is but human; to relieve it I ask: if attitudes, deeds, and Mother Teresa: no, we cannot. is godlike.” 11 spiritual inclinations were reflected in The Apostle James taught, “If any Charity is having patience with physical features, would the counte- . . . among you seem to be religious, someone who has let us down. It nance of the woman who complained and bridleth not his tongue, but is resisting the impulse to become be as lovely as that of the woman she deceiveth his own heart, this man’s offended easily. It is accepting weak- criticized? [or woman’s] religion is vain.” 7 nesses and shortcomings. It is accept- My dear sisters, each of you is I have always loved your Relief ing people as they truly are. It is unique. You are different from each Society motto: “Charity never faileth.” 8 looking beyond physical appearances other in many ways. There are those What is charity? The prophet Mormon to attributes that will not dim through of you who are married. Some of teaches us that “charity is the pure time. It is resisting the impulse to cate- you stay at home with your children, love of Christ.” 9 In his farewell gorize others. while others of you work outside message to the Lamanites, Moroni Charity, that pure love of Christ, your homes. Some of you are empty declared, “Except ye have charity ye is manifest when a group of young nesters. There are those of you who can in nowise be saved in the king- women from a singles ward travels are married but do not have children. dom of God.” 10 hundreds of miles to attend the funeral There are those who are divorced, I consider charity—or “the pure services for the mother of one of their those who are widowed. Many of love of Christ”—to be the opposite Relief Society sisters. Charity is shown you are single women. Some of you of criticism and judging. In speaking when devoted visiting teachers return 124 Conference Story Index The following is a list of selected experiences from general conference addresses for use in personal study, family home evening, and other teaching. The number refers to the first page of the talk. Speaker Story month after month, year after year to Elder Jeffrey R. Holland Jeffrey R. Holland’s parents pay for his mission (6). the same uninterested, somewhat criti- Rosemary M. Wixom Children pray while their mother drives through cal sister. It is evident when an elderly a blizzard (9). widow is remembered and taken to Elder D. Todd D. Todd Christofferson’s grandfather shears sheep ward functions and to Relief Society Christofferson and pays for a mission (16). activities. It is felt when the sister sitting A business partner divides assets unequally (16). alone in Relief Society receives the invitation, “Come—sit by us.” Elder Robert D. Hales Robert D. Hales varnishes a floor until he gets In a hundred small ways, all of you himself stuck in a corner (24). wear the mantle of charity. Life is per- Elder Quentin L. Cook A bishop helps a man repent of dishonesty (27). fect for none of us. Rather than being Elder Russell M. Nelson Russell M. Nelson shares the Book of Mormon with judgmental and critical of each other, friends (47). may we have the pure love of Christ A young man joins the Church after exploring for our fellow travelers in this journey mormon.org (47). through life. May we recognize that Elder Patrick Kearon Patrick Kearon is stung by a scorpion (50). each one is doing her best to deal Elder Juan A. Uceda A father gets angry with his daughter during with the challenges which come her family scripture study (53). way, and may we strive to do our best to help out. President Henry B. Eyring Spencer W. Kimball visits Henry B. Eyring’s father Charity has been defined as “the in the hospital (59). highest, noblest, strongest kind of President Thomas S. Clayton M. Christensen refuses to play basketball love,” 12 the “pure love of Christ . . . ; Monson on Sunday (67). and whoso is found possessed of it at President Henry B. Eyring A Relief Society president collects clothing to give 13 the last day, it shall be well with [her].” to the poor (70). “Charity never faileth.” May this President Boyd K. Packer A repentant woman is urged not to look back (74). long-enduring Relief Society motto, this timeless truth, guide you in every- Elder Jay E. Jensen Jay E. Jensen prays and receives a testimony thing you do. May it permeate your through the Holy Ghost (77). very souls and find expression in all President Thomas S. A family learns to give thanks even during your thoughts and actions. Monson hard times (87). I express my love to you, my sis- Elder L. Tom Perry A young priest helps a man with disabilities ters, and pray that heaven’s blessings take the sacrament (91). may ever be yours. In the name of Elder Larry R. Lawrence Parents ask a son to stay home because they Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ have a bad feeling about an activity (98). Notes Elder Mervyn B. Arnold A cow dies after eating too much wheat (105). 1. Matthew 7:1. 2. Matthew 7:3. Elder M. Russell Ballard A woman begins the descent into addiction 3. Adapted from Mary Bartels, “The Old through prescription drugs (108). Fisherman,” Guideposts, June 1965, 24–25. 4. John 7:24. Silvia H. Allred Tragedy strikes a family as they return from being 5. Mother Teresa, in R. M. Lala, A Touch of sealed in the temple (116). Greatness: Encounters with the Eminent (2001), x. Barbara Thompson Barbara Thompson is blessed through visiting 6. John 15:12. teaching Ashley’s mother (119). 7. James 1:26. 8. 1 Corinthians 13:8. President Thomas S. A couple who run a boarding house allow a 9. Moroni 7:47. Monson disfigured man to stay in their home (122). 10. Moroni 10:21. 11. Horace Mann, Lectures on Education (1845), 297. 12. Bible Dictionary, “Charity.” 13. Moroni 7:47.

November 2010 125 General Auxiliary Presidencies

Relief Society

Teachings for Our Time

Silvia H. Allred Julie B. Beck Barbara Thompson First Counselor President Second Counselor

Young Women elchizedek the lesson using other materi- Priesthood and als, but the conference talks MRelief Society les- are the approved curriculum. sons on fourth Sundays will Your assignment is to help be devoted to “Teachings for others learn and live the Our Time.” Each lesson can gospel as taught in the most be prepared from one or recent general conference of more talks given in the most the Church. Mary N. Cook Elaine S. Dalton Ann M. Dibb First Counselor President Second Counselor recent general conference. Review the talk(s), look- Stake and district presidents ing for principles and doc- Primary may choose which talks trines that meet the needs should be used, or they may of class members. Also look assign this responsibility to for stories, scripture refer- bishops and branch presi- ences, and statements from dents. Leaders should stress the talk(s) that will help you the value of Melchizedek teach these truths. Priesthood brethren and Make an outline of how Relief Society sisters study- to teach the principles and Jean A. Stevens Rosemary M. Wixom Cheryl A. Esplin ing the same talks on the doctrines. Your outline First Counselor President Second Counselor same Sundays. should include questions Those attending fourth- that help class members: Young Men Sunday lessons are encour- aged to study and bring to class the latest general • Look for principles and conference issue of the doctrines in the talk(s). magazine. • Think about their meaning. Suggestions for Preparing a • Share understanding, Lesson from Talks ideas, experiences, and Larry M. Gibson David L. Beck Adrián Ochoa Pray that the Holy Spirit testimonies. First Counselor President Second Counselor will be with you as you study • Apply these principles Sunday School and teach the talk(s). You and doctrines in their may be tempted to prepare lives. ◼

Months Fourth-Sunday Lesson Materials November 2010– Talks published in the November April 2011 2010 Liahona­ and Ensign­ *

May 2011– Talks published in the May David M. McConkie Russell T. Osguthorpe Matthew O. Richardson October 2011 2011 Liahona­ and Ensign­ * First Counselor President Second Counselor * These talks are available (in many languages) at conference.lds.org.

126 News of the Church

Worldwide Leadership Training Set worldwide leadership train- ing broadcast will be held Aon November 13, 2010. This broadcast will provide instruction about the new Church handbooks (Handbook 1: Stake Presidents and Bishops and Handbook 2: Administering the Church). The following members are invited to attend the broadcast: General Authorities; Area Seventies; stake, mis- sion, temple, and district presidencies; President Monson Calls for Missionaries, stake and district clerks; stake and dis- trict executive secretaries; high coun- Announces Five New Temples cilors; stake and district Relief Society, Young Men, Young Women, Primary, resident Thomas S. Monson completed, these 23 temples will bring and Sunday School presidencies; bish- opened the Church’s 180th the Church’s worldwide total to 157. oprics; branch presidencies; ward and PSemiannual General Conference, “We continue to build temples,” branch clerks; ward and branch execu- held on Saturday and Sunday, said President Monson. “. . . May we tive secretaries; high priests group October 2 and 3, 2010, by calling for continue faithful in attending the leaders and assistants; elders quorum more members to serve missions and temples, which are being built closer presidencies; ward and branch Relief announcing five new temples. and closer to our members” (“As We Society, Young Men, Young Women, President Monson repeated the call Meet Together Again,” Liahona­ and Primary, and Sunday School presiden- for “every worthy, able young man” ­Ensign, Nov. 2010, 4). cies; ward mission leaders. to prepare to serve; welcomed young The new temples will be the The training will be broadcast in women who desire to serve; and first for the Church in Portugal, more than 30 languages. See local expressed the Church’s need for “many, Indiana, and Connecticut. The priesthood leaders for more informa- many more senior couples” to serve. Urdaneta Temple will be the Church’s tion on broadcast availability. ◼ “Missionary service is a priesthood third in the Philippines and the duty,” he said, “an obligation the Lord Tijuana Temple will be Mexico’s expects of us who have been given so thirteenth temple. Members Keep very much.” In the six months between April President Monson announced that and October general conferences, Conference Alive five new temples are planned for the Church dedicated four new construction in Hartford, Connecticut, temples: The Gila Valley Arizona, in Everyday Life USA; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Vancouver British Columbia, Cebu ou’ve heard the messages; Lisbon, Portugal; Tijuana, Mexico; and City Philippines, and Kyiv Ukraine you’ve felt the Spirit; you’ve Urdaneta, Philippines. Temples. The Laie Hawaii Temple Ycommitted to follow the coun- The new temples bring to 23 the is scheduled to be rededicated on sel. But now that general conference number of temples that are announced November 21, 2010, after undergoing is over, how will you make it part of or are under construction. Once extensive renovations. ◼ your life for the next six months?

November 2010 127 Church members around the world shared what helps them remember and implement the messages of general conference.

Include General Conference in Your Day-to-Day Life Listen to the addresses while you exercise, drive, do chores, or get ready for the day. —James, Ontario, Canada Read or watch an address and Study by Topic Have family members take turns look for goals you can work on as a Make a list of topics covered in choosing talks to listen to during family. general conference that matches what breakfast. —Tony, Arizona, USA you want to improve in your life. —Ashlee, Washington, USA Study the topics one at a time as you try to improve before the next general Watch parts of general conference Use the Addresses for Scripture Study conference. as a family on Sundays. Alternate between reading scrip- —Rebecca, Texas, USA —Grant, California, USA tures in the morning and reading a general conference address in the Focus on a particular topic during evening. Make the Addresses Part your scripture study for a few days or in —Diane, Washington, USA of Family Home Evening family home evening for a few weeks. Select messages that you want to Read an address to your children —Francis, Nigeria review as a family and assign them each night as a bedtime story. to family members to teach in upcom- —Heather, Utah, USA Share the Messages with Others ing family home evenings. Look up the scripture references in Include general conference quotes —Vern and Jennifer, Utah, USA each address after you have read the on Church bulletins and handouts. address. —Todd, West Virginia, USA —Becky, Utah, USA Host or join a general conference Highlight everything that the speak- book club, either online or in person. ers specifically ask us to do and focus Each week, study one address and on following their counsel. come to the book club prepared to —Helen, Australia share insights. —Stephanie, Utah, USA

Corrections n the inside cover of the May ­Liahona, Temples of The Church 2010 conference issue, the of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, O third sentence in the caption the photograph of the Washington for Harmony, Pennsylvania, by Al D.C. Temple on pages four and five Rounds, should have read: “Here the and the photograph of the Portland Prophet Joseph translated much of the Oregon Temple on the temple book- Book of Mormon.” let’s back cover were taken by In the October 2010 Ensign­ and Robert A. Boyd. ◼ The Family a ProclamaTion To The World The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

e, The FirST PreSidenCy and the Council of the Twelve to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to WApostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, teach them to love and serve one another, observe the com- solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a mandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to they live. husbands and wives—mothers and fathers— the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of his children. will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations. ALL humAn beinGS—male and female—are created in the image of God. each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of The FAmiLy is ordained of God. marriage between man and heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and woman is essential to his eternal plan. Children are entitled destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose. a father and a mother who honor marital vows with com- plete fidelity. happiness in family life is most likely tobe in The PremorTAL reALm, spirit sons and daughters knew achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord and worshipped God as their eternal Father and accepted Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are estab- his plan by which his children could obtain a physical lished and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repen- body and gain earthly experience to progress toward per- tance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and fection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of wholesome recreational activities. by divine design, fathers eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family are to preside over their families in love and righteousness relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it protection for their families. mothers are primarily respon- possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and sible for the nurture of their children. in these sacred re- for families to be united eternally. sponsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one The FirST CommAndmenT that God gave to Adam and eve another as equal partners. disability, death, or other circum- pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and stances may necessitate individual adaptation. extended wife. We declare that God’s commandment for his children families should lend support when needed. to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We We WArn that individuals who violate covenants of further declare that God has commanded that the sacred chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to ful- powers of procreation are to be employed only between fill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife. before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of We deCLAre the means by which mortal life is created to be the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern importance in God’s eternal plan. prophets.

huSbAnd And WiFe have a solemn responsibility to love We CALL uPon responsible citizens and officers of gov- and care for each other and for their children. “Children ernment everywhere to promote those measures designed are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, unit of society.

This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah. “Young men, I admonish you to prepare for service as a missionary. Keep yourselves clean and pure and worthy to represent the Lord. Maintain your health and strength . . . ,” said President Thomas S. Monson during the opening session of the 180th Semiannual General Conference. “A word to you young sisters: while you do not have the same priesthood responsibility as do the young men to serve as full-time missionaries, you also make a valuable contribution as missionaries, and we welcome your service. And now to you mature brothers and sisters: we need many, many more senior couples. . . . There are few times in your lives when you will enjoy the sweet spirit and satisfaction that come from giving full-time service together in the work of the Master.”