THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS • NOVEMBER 2007

General Conference Addresses The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Seated (from left) are President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President; Elder L. Tom Perry; Elder Russell M. Nelson; Elder Dallin H. Oaks; Elder M. Russell Ballard; and Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin. Standing (from left) are Elder Richard G. Scott; Elder Robert D. Hales; Elder Jeffrey R. Holland; Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf; Elder David A. Bednar; and Elder Quentin L. Cook. NOVEMBER 2007 • VOLUME 37 • NUMBER 11

The 177th Semiannual General Conference

SATURDAY MORNING SESSION 53 Today Is the Time 95 The Power of Godliness Is 4 The Sustaining of Church Officers Elder Walter F. González Manifested in the Temples of God President Gordon B. Hinckley 55 God Helps the Faithful Priesthood Elder Octaviano Tenorio 6 The Weak and the Simple Holder 98 After All We Can Do of the Church President Henry B. Eyring Elder Claudio D. Zivic President Boyd K. Packer 59 A Royal Priesthood 100 Knowing That We Know 9 Enduring Together President Thomas S. Monson Elder Douglas L. Callister Bishop Richard C. Edgley 62 Slow to Anger 102 Service 11 Strengthen Home and Family President Gordon B. Hinckley Elder Steven E. Snow Mary N. Cook 104 Good, Better, Best 14 Why Are We Members of the Only SUNDAY MORNING SESSION Elder Dallin H. Oaks True Church? 66 O Remember, Remember 108 Closing Remarks Elder Enrique R. Falabella President Henry B. Eyring President Gordon B. Hinckley 16 Claim the Exceeding Great and 70 Live by Faith and Not by Fear Precious Promises Elder Quentin L. Cook GENERAL RELIEF SOCIETY MEETING Elder Spencer J. Condie 73 Don’t Leave for Tomorrow What 109 What Latter-day Saint Women Do 18 Have We Not Reason to Rejoice? You Can Do Today Best: Stand Strong and Immovable Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf Elder Claudio R. M. Costa Julie B. Beck 21 Mrs. Patton—the Story Continues 76 Mothers Who Know 113 Feed My Sheep President Thomas S. Monson Julie B. Beck Silvia H. Allred 78 Small and Simple Things 115 I Will Strengthen Thee; I Will SATURDAY AFTERNOON SESSION Elder Christoffel Golden Jr. Help Thee 25 Faith, Family, Facts, and Fruits 80 Clean Hands and a Pure Heart Barbara Thompson Elder M. Russell Ballard Elder David A. Bednar 118 Three Goals to Guide You 28 The Great Commandment 83 The Stone Cut Out of the Mountain President Thomas S. Monson Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin President Gordon B. Hinckley 31 A Broken Heart and 64 General Authorities of The Church a Contrite Spirit SUNDAY AFTERNOON SESSION of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Elder Bruce D. Porter 86 Personal Revelation: The Teachings 122 The Power to Change 33 Preach My Gospel—the Unifying and Examples of the Prophets President James E. Faust Tool between Members and Elder Robert D. Hales 125 News of the Church Missionaries 90 Truth: The Foundation 128 General Auxiliary Presidencies Elder Erich W. Kopischke of Correct Decisions 35 Out of Small Things Elder Richard G. Scott Elder Michael J. Teh 93 Nourished by the Good Word of God 37 Quench Not the Spirit Which Daniel K Judd Quickens the Inner Man Elder Keith K. Hilbig 40 The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent Elder Jeffrey R. Holland 43 Scriptural Witnesses Elder Russell M. Nelson

PRIESTHOOD SESSION 46 Raising the Bar Elder L. Tom Perry 49 Do It Now Elder Donald L. Hallstrom 51 Blessed Are All the Pure in Heart Elder L. Whitney Clayton CONFERENCE MUSIC Thee,” Parry, text by Russell M. Nelson, CONFERENCE PHOTOGRAPHS SATURDAY MORNING SESSION arr. Wilberg, unpublished (soloist: Scott Scenes of general conference in Salt Lake “Press Forward, Saints,” Hymns, no. 81; Miller); “We Thank Thee, O God, for a City were taken by Craig Dimond, Welden C. “Faith of our Fathers,” Hymns, no. 84, arr. Prophet,” Hymns, no. 19; “Sing We Now Andersen, John Luke, Matthew Reier, Longhurst, pub. Sonos; “Come unto Him,” at Parting,” Hymns, no. 156, arr. Wilberg, Christina Smith, Les Nilsson, Scott Davis, Rod Hymns, no. 114; “Now Let Us Rejoice,” unpublished. Boam, Emily Leishman, Geoffrey McAllister, Mark Weinberg, Cody Bell, and Camilla Hymns, no. 3; “Where Can I Turn for Peace?” GENERAL RELIEF SOCIETY MEETING Hymns, no. 129, arr. Wilberg, unpublished; Combs; in Brazil by Laureni Fochetto; in “Redeemer of Israel,” Hymns, no. 6; Canada by Laurent Lucuix; in Denmark by “I Believe in Christ,” Hymns, no. 134, arr. “Hark, All Ye Nations!” Hymns, no. 264, Wilberg, unpublished. Lisa Als Klein and Ann-Mari Als Lindberg; arr. Webb, unpublished; “High on the in India by Merinda Cutler; in Mexico by SATURDAY AFTERNOON SESSION Mountain Top,” Hymns, no. 5, descant Reynaldo Martinez; in Peru by Ryan Brown; in “Come, Rejoice,” Hymns, no. 9, arr. arr. Webb, unpublished; “The Lord Is My South Africa by Rob Milne; and in West Indies Unsworth, unpublished; “Joseph Smith’s Light,” Hymns, no. 89, arr. Kasen, pub. by David Hooson. First Prayer,” Hymns, no. 26, arr. Kasen, pub. Jackman. Jackman; “Come, Come, Ye Saints,” Hymns, CONFERENCE RECORDINGS AVAILABLE no. 30; “Oh, May My Soul Commune with Recordings of conference sessions are TEACHING AND LEARNING Thee,” Hymns, no. 123, arr. Dalton, pub. available at www.lds.org. Generally within FROM GENERAL CONFERENCE Plum. two months following conference, record- Teachings for Our Time instructions, ings are also available at distribution cen- Aaronic Priesthood and Young Women PRIESTHOOD SESSION Resource Guides, and topic and story “Redeemer of Israel,” Hymns, no. 6; “Sweet ters. Recordings for individuals who are deaf are available at www.lds.org/asl and indexes from this conference are available Is the Peace the Gospel Brings,” Hymns, no. online at www.lds.org. 14, arr. Staheli, unpublished; “High on the generally within two months following con- Mountain Top,” Hymns, no. 5; “We Ever ference from distribution centers (three Go to www.lds.org and click on “Gospel Pray for Thee,” Hymns, no. 23, arr. Kasen, DVDs with a signing inset). For more infor- Library.” Click on “General Conference” unpublished. mation, call 1-800-537-5971 or log on to and select a language. Then select the most www.ldscatalog.com. recent conference. SUNDAY MORNING SESSION “Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah,” Hymns, CONFERENCE TALKS ON INTERNET TEACHINGS FOR OUR TIME SCHEDULE no. 83; “O Thou Kind and Gracious Father,” To access general conference talks on the Fourth-Sunday Lesson Materials Hymns, no. 150; “A Child’s Prayer,” Children’s Internet in many languages, visit www.lds.org. November 2007–April 2008: Talks Songbook, 12, arr. Perry, pub. Jackman; “I Am Click on “Gospel Library” and “General published in the November 2007 a Child of God,” Hymns, no. 301; “God So Conference.” Then select a language. Liahona and Ensign* May 2008–October 2008: Talks published Loved the World,” The Choirbook, 28, pub. HOME AND VISITING TEACHING MESSAGES in the May 2008 Liahona and Ensign* IRI; “How Firm a Foundation,” Hymns, no. For home and visiting teaching messages, 85, arr. Wilberg, unpublished. please select an address that best meets the *Stake and district presidents may choose needs of those you visit. which talks should be used, or they may SUNDAY AFTERNOON SESSION assign this responsibility to bishops and “Beautiful Zion, Built Above,” Hymns, no. 44, ON THE COVER branch presidents. arr. Wilberg, unpublished; “Our Prayer to Photographs by Craig Dimond.

2 NOVEMBER 2007 VOLUME 37 • NUMBER 11

INDEXES TOPICS Standards, 46 Adversity, 9, 53 Teaching, 73, 76, 93, 104 STORIES Anger, 62 Temples, 11, 14, 37, 95 Letter written by Mary N. Assurance, 55 Temptation, 51 Cook’s brother to the Atonement, 40, 80 Testimony, 14, 78, 83, family, 11 Bible, 43 98, 100 Six-year-old son instructs his AN OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE CHURCH Blessings, 66 Trust, 93 OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS father on what to say at Book of Mormon, 43, 78 Truth, 90 The First Presidency: stake conference, 14 Character, 90 Visiting teaching, 113 Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, General conference talk on Henry B. Eyring Charity, 28 Witnesses, 43, 100 resurrection addressed Children, 76, 115 Work, 55 The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: to a woman not of our Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry, Church growth, 83 Worthiness, 46 Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, faith, 21 Church magazines, 108 Man paints his sick wife’s M. Russell Ballard, Joseph B. Wirthlin, Comfort, 95 SPEAKERS IN Richard G. Scott, Robert D. Hales, fingernails, 28 Commitment, 37 ALPHABETICAL ORDER Jeffrey R. Holland, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Uncle Fred overcomes alco- Compassion, 28, 35, 102 Allred, Silvia H., 113 David A. Bednar, Quentin L. Cook holism and accepts the Conversion, 78, 100 Ballard, M. Russell, 25 Editor: Jay E. Jensen gospel, 35 Beck, Julie B., 76, 109 Advisers: Gary J. Coleman, Yoshihiko Kikuchi, Covenants, 16 Gerald N. Lund, W. Douglas Shumway L. Tom Perry encourages Death, 21 Bednar, David A., 80 his son, a high jumper, Divorce, 62 Callister, Douglas L., 100 Managing Director: David L. Frischknecht to raise the bar, 46 Clayton, L. Whitney, 51 Editorial Director: Victor D. Cave Doctrine, 25 Senior Editor: Larry Hiller Boy procrastinates turning Education, 118 Condie, Spencer J., 16 Graphics Director: Allan R. Loyborg in a family recipe, 49 Endurance, 9, 18, 98 Cook, Mary N., 11 Managing Editor: Don L. Searle Caribbean fish trap, 51 Equality, 6 Cook, Quentin L., 70 Assistant Managing Editor: Henry B. Eyring speaks to Example, 11, 25 Costa, Claudio R. M., 73 LaRene Porter Gaunt Senior Editors: Linda Stahle Cooper, leaders and ministers of Faith, 16, 25, 59, 70, 109 Edgley, Richard C., 9 U.S. churches, 55 Michael R. Morris, Judith M. Paller, Joshua J. Perkey Family, 11, 25, 33, 73, 76, 95, Eyring, Henry B., 55, 66 Assistant Editor: Melissa Merrill Olympic runner loses his 104, 109, 115 Falabella, Enrique R., 14 Editorial Staff: Susan Barrett, Ryan Carr, shoe in a race, 59 Family home evening, 108 Golden, Christoffel, Jr., 78 Jenifer L. Greenwood, R. Val Johnson, Adam C. Olson, Laurel Teuscher People in Tonga find fresh Freedom, 98 González, Walter F., 53 water in the ocean, 70 Editorial Intern: Jennifer Lynn Williams Friendship, 113 Hales, Robert D., 86 Senior Secretary: Christy Banz Home teachers visit and General conference, 108 Hallstrom, Donald L., 49 Publications Assistant: Sally J. Odekirk help activate Stan, 78 Godhead, 40 Hilbig, Keith K., 37 Marketing Manager: Larry Hiller News reporter asks Harold B. Gospel, 18 Hinckley, Gordon B., 4, 62, Lee when he last received Managing Art Director: M. M. Kawasaki Gratitude, 31, 66 83, 108 Art Director: J. Scott Knudsen a revelation, 86 Holy Ghost, 37, 55, 66, 93 Holland, Jeffrey R., 40 Senior Designers: C. Kimball Bott, Calling horses to come Judd, Daniel K, 93 Colleen Hinckley Jesus Christ, 21, 40, 115 Design and Production Staff: Cali R. Arroyo, by rattling a bucket of Journals, 66 Kopischke, Erich W., 33 grain, 93 Collette Nebeker Aune, Thomas S. Child, Joy, 18 Monson, Thomas S., 21, Eric P. Johnsen, Jane Ann Peters, Randall J. Pixton, Grandchildren entreat their Leadership, 6, 55 59, 118 Scott Van Kampen grandfather to attend Love, 9, 28, 70, 73 Nelson, Russell M., 43 Printing Director: Craig K. Sedgwick church, 95 Marriage, 62 Oaks, Dallin H., 104 Distribution Director: Randy J. Benson Octaviano Tenorio loses his Membership, 18 Packer, Boyd K., 6 © 2007 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. first child, 95 Missionary work, 33, 35, Perry, L. Tom, 46 All rights reserved.The Ensign (ISSN 0884-1136) Young Heber J. Grant 46, 70 Porter, Bruce D., 31 is published monthly by The Church of Jesus Christ doesn’t know he has a Scott, Richard G., 90 of Latter-day Saints, 50 E. North Temple Street, Salt Motherhood, 76, 109, 115 Lake City, UT 84150-3220, USA. Periodicals Postage strong testimony, 100 Obedience, 16 Snow, Steven E., 102 Paid at Salt Lake City, Utah. Missionary experiences the Pornography, 51 Teh, Michael J., 35 To subscr be: By phone, call 1-800-537-5971 to “moment of testimony Prayer, 55, 59, 86, 118 Tenorio, Octaviano, 95 order using Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, or realization,” 100 Preach My Gospel, 33 Thompson, Barbara, 115 American Express. Online, go to ldscatalog.com. By mail, send $10 U.S. check or money order to Dying mother wishes she Preparation, 46, 49, 53, 86 Uchtdorf, Dieter F., 18 had served more, 102 Distribution Services, P.O. Box 26368, Salt Lake City, Priesthood, 14, 55, 59 Wirthlin, Joseph B., 28 UT 84126-0368, USA. Boy shares a piece of candy Priorities, 104 Zivic, Claudio D., 98 with his friends, 102 To change address: Send both old and new Procrastination, 49 address information to Distribution Services at the Son says the best part of the Promises, 16 above address. Please allow 60 days for changes summer was looking at Purity, 51, 80 to take effect. stars with his father, 104 Relief Society, 109 Text and visual material in the Ensign may be Sister gains a friend by going copied for incidental, noncommercial church or Repentance, 31, 49, 80, 98 home use. Visual material may not be copied if visiting teaching, 113 Restoration, 40, 83 Woman asks Thomas S. restrictions are indicated in the credit line with the Resurrection, 21 artwork. Copyright questions should be addressed Monson for a blessing for Revelation, 86, 90 to Intellectual Property Office, 50 E. North Temple her daughter, 118 Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3011; e-mail: Righteousness, 53 [email protected]. Woman helps take care Sacrifice, 31 of her neighbor’s Sanctification, 78 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to children, 118 Distribution Services, P.O. Box 26368, Salt Lake City, Scriptures, 43, 118 UT 84126-0368, USA. Service, 6, 9, 35, 53, 102, Canada Post Information: Publication 109, 113, 118 Agreement #40017431

NOVEMBER 2007 3 SATURDAY MORNING SESSION October 6, 2007 The Sustaining of Church Officers PRESIDENT GORDON B. HINCKLEY

Those in favor may manifest it. Any opposed may do so. It is proposed that we sustain Thomas Spencer Monson as Presi- dent of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Boyd Kenneth Packer as Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve; and the following as mem- bers of that quorum: Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry, Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, M. Russell Ballard, Joseph B. Wirthlin, Richard G. Scott, Robert D. Hales, Jeffrey R. Holland, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, David A. Bednar, and Quentin L. Cook. Those in favor, please manifest it. Any who may be opposed. will now present the General It is proposed that we sustain the Authorities, Area Seventies, and counselors in the First Presidency I general auxiliary presidencies and the Twelve Apostles as prophets, of the Church for your sustaining seers, and revelators. vote. Before doing so, I should All in favor, please indicate. like to take note of the recent passing Contrary by the same sign. of President James E. Faust, Second Now we extend a release this Counselor in the First Presidency. He morning to Elders Charles Didier, was an extremely able man, a man of Merrill J. Bateman, Robert C. Oaks, great faith and capacity, who con- and Quentin L. Cook as members tributed much to our meetings. We of the Presidency of the Quorums greatly miss him. We extend our con- of the Seventy. It is also proposed dolences to his beloved companion, that we release Elders Merrill J. Ruth, and their children. Bateman, Monte J. Brough, Gene R. Church Educational System. Now it is proposed that we sus- Cook, Robert K. Dellenbach, and We extend a release to Elders tain Gordon Bitner Hinckley as W. Rolfe Kerr as members of the D. Rex Gerratt, Robert F. Orton, prophet, seer, and revelator and First Quorum of the Seventy and Wayne S. Peterson, R. Conrad President of The Church of Jesus designate them as emeritus General Schultz, and H. Ross Workman as Christ of Latter-day Saints; Thomas Authorities. members of the Second Quorum Spencer Monson as First Counselor All who wish to join in doing so of the Seventy. in the First Presidency; and may please indicate. Those who wish to join with us Henry Bennion Eyring as Second Elder Kerr will continue to in expressing appreciation to these Counselor in the First Presidency. serve as Commissioner of the Brethren may manifest it.

4 Prior to a conference session (left to right) Elder Quentin L. Cook, Elder David A. Bednar, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, President Thomas S. Monson, President Gordon B. Hinckley, and President Henry B. Eyring enjoy a moment of conversation.

It is proposed that we sustain Elders It is proposed that we sustain been unanimous in the affirmative. Claudio R. M. Costa, Steven E. Snow, the other General Authorities, Area Thank you, brothers and sisters, and Walter F. González as members of Seventies, and general auxiliary presi- for your continued sustaining faith the Presidency of the Quorums of the dencies as presently constituted. and prayers. We shall now ask Seventy. Those in favor may manifest it. President Eyring and Elders Cook All in favor, please manifest. And those opposed may so indicate. and González to take their desig- Any opposed. It appears that the sustaining has nated seats. ■

NOVEMBER 2007 5 Christian churches then or now: “Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing The Weak the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and and the Simple gave him commandments; . . . “The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the of the Church mighty and strong ones, . . . “. . . That every man might speak in PRESIDENT BOYD K. PACKER the name of God the Lord, even the Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Savior of the world; “That faith also might increase in the earth; No member of the Church is esteemed by the Lord “That mine everlasting covenant as more or less than any other. might be established; “That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the teachers are called or released from world, and before kings and rulers. office or whenever there is reorgani- “Behold, I am God and have spo- zation in a stake or a ward or a quo- ken it; these commandments are of rum or in the auxiliaries (see D&C me, and were given unto my servants 124:123, 144; see also D&C 20:65–67; in their weakness, after the manner of 26:2). It is unique to The Church of their language, that they might come Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. to understanding” (D&C 1:17, 19–24). We always know who is called to I am deeply grateful for those lead or to teach and have the opportu- scriptures, which explain that the nity to sustain or to oppose the action. Lord will use the “weak things of the It did not come as an invention of world.” man but was set out in the revelations: Each member is responsible to “It shall not be given to any one to go accept the call to serve. forth to preach my gospel, or to build President J. Reuben Clark Jr. said: up my church, except he be ordained “In the service of the Lord, it is not by some one who has authority, and where you serve but how. In the it is known to the church that he has Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day e honor President James E. authority and has been regularly Saints, one takes the place to which Faust. We miss him. His ordained by the heads of the church” one is duly called, which place one Wbeloved wife, Ruth, is with us (D&C 42:11; emphasis added). In this neither seeks nor declines” (in this morning, and we express our love way, the Church is protected from any Conference Report, Apr. 1951, 154). to her. We welcome those who have imposter who would take over a quo- The Church has no professional been named to the positions that rum, a ward, a stake, or the Church. clergy. The call to leadership positions President Hinckley has outlined. There is another principle unique worldwide is drawn from the congre- Speaking for all of us who have to the Lord’s Church. All positions to gation. We have no seminaries for the been sustained today, we pledge to teach and to lead are filled by mem- training of professional leaders. do our very best to be worthy of the bers of the Church. This too has been Everything that is done in the trust placed in us. set forth in the scriptures. One verse Church—the leading, the teaching, the We have sustained the general in the Doctrine and Covenants estab- calling, the ordaining, the praying, the officers of the Church in a solemn, lished the order of leadership in the singing, the preparation of the sacra- sacred procedure. This common pro- Church for all time. It was unprece- ment, the counseling, and everything cedure occurs whenever leaders or dented, certainly not the custom of else—is done by ordinary members,

6 the “weak things of the world.” equality among members. No one of not consider himself to be worth We see in the Christian churches us is to consider himself of more value more than Grandpa Lovelund or any their struggle to fill the need for than the other (see D&C 38:24–25). other worthy member of the Church. clergy. We do not have that problem. “God is no respecter of persons: but in The Lord Himself was very plain: Once the gospel is preached and the every nation he that feareth him, and “And whosoever will be chief among Church is organized, there is an in- worketh righteousness, is accepted you, let him be your servant” (Matthew exhaustible supply of faithful brothers with him” (Acts 10:34–35; see also 20:27). “The same is appointed to and sisters who have that testimony Romans 2:11; D&C 1:35; 38:16). be the greatest, notwithstanding he and are willing to answer the call to When I was a young man, I was a is the least and the servant of all” serve. They commit themselves to the home teacher to a very old sister. She (D&C 50:26). work of the Lord and live the stan- taught me from her life experience. Years ago when I first received an dards required of them. When she was a little girl, President appointment that resulted in my pic- Members have had the Holy Ghost Brigham Young came to Brigham City, ture being in the newspapers, one of conferred upon them after their bap- a great event in the town named after my high school teachers, evidently tism (see D&C 33:15; 35:6). The Holy him. To honor him, the Primary chil- quite astonished, was heard to say, Ghost will teach and comfort them. dren, all dressed in white, were lined “That just proves that you can’t tell by They are then prepared to receive up along the road coming into town, looking at a frog how high he is going guidance, direction, and correction, each with a basket of flowers to to jump!” whatever their position or needs spread before the carriage of the The image of that frog, sitting in require. (See John 14:26; D&C 50:14; President of the Church. the mud instead of jumping, illus- 52:9; 75:10.) Something displeased her. Instead trates how inadequate I have felt This principle sets the Church of throwing her blossoms, she kicked when facing the responsibilities that on a different course from all other a rock in front of the carriage, saying, have come to me. Christian churches in the world. We “He ain’t one bit better than my These feelings fix it so that there- find ourselves in the unusual position Grandpa Lovelund.” That was over- after one can never feel superior to of having an endless supply of teachers heard, and she was severely scolded. anyone, not anyone. and leaders, among every nation and I am very sure that President For a long time, something else kindred and tongue and people, all Brigham Young would be the first to puzzled me. Forty-six years ago I was over the world. There is a unique agree with little Janie Steed. He would a 37-year-old seminary supervisor. My

NOVEMBER 2007 7 a missionary boy in Australia, late one afternoon he had gone to a library to study. When he walked out, it was night. He looked up into the starry sky, and it happened. The Spirit touched him, and a certain witness was born in his soul. He told those mission presidents that he did not know any more surely then as a member of the First Presidency that God the Father lives; Elder Quentin L. Cook (left), Elder David A. Bednar (center), and Elder Dieter F. that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of Uchtdorf share a lighter moment as they wait for a conference session to begin. God, the Only Begotten of the Father; and that the fulness of the Church calling was as an assistant It puzzled me for a long time until gospel had been restored than he teacher in a class in the Lindon Ward. finally I could see that I already had did as a missionary boy 50 years To my great surprise, I was called what was required: an abiding testi- before in Australia. He said that his to meet with President David O. mony in my heart of the Restoration testimony had changed in that it was McKay. He took both of my hands in of the fulness of the gospel through much easier to get an answer from his and called me to be one of the the Prophet Joseph Smith, that we the Lord. The Lord’s presence was General Authorities, an Assistant to have a Heavenly Father, and that nearer, and he knew the Lord much the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Jesus Christ is our Redeemer. I may better than he had 50 years before. A few days later, I came to Salt Lake not have known all about it, but I did There is the natural tendency to City to meet with the First Presidency have a testimony, and I was willing look at those who are sustained to to be set apart as one of the General to learn. presiding positions, to consider Authorities of the Church. This was I was perhaps no different from them to be higher and of more value the first time I had met with the First those spoken of in the Book of in the Church or to their families Presidency—President David O. McKay Mormon: “And whoso cometh unto than an ordinary member. Somehow and his counselors, President Hugh B. me with a broken heart and a contrite we feel they are worth more to the Brown and President Henry D. Moyle. spirit, him will I baptize with fire and Lord than are we. It just does not President McKay explained that one with the Holy Ghost, even as the work that way! of the responsibilities of an Assistant Lamanites, because of their faith in It would be very disappointing to to the Twelve was to stand with the me at the time of their conversion, my wife and to me if we supposed any Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as a were baptized with fire and with the one of our children would think that special witness and to bear testimony Holy Ghost, and they knew it not” we think we are of more worth to the that Jesus is the Christ. What he said (3 Nephi 9:20; emphasis added). family or to the Church than they are, next overwhelmed me: “Before we Over the years, I have come to see or to think that one calling in the proceed to set you apart, I ask you to how powerfully important that simple Church was esteemed over another bear your testimony to us. We want to testimony is. I have come to under- or that any calling would be thought know if you have that witness.” stand that our Heavenly Father is the to be less important. I did the best I could. I bore my Father of our spirits (see Numbers Recently, one of our sons was sus- testimony the same as I might have 16:22; Hebrews 12:9; D&C 93:29). He tained as ward mission leader. His in a fast and testimony meeting in my is a father with all the tender love of a wife told us how thrilled he was with ward. To my surprise, the Brethren father. Jesus said, “For the Father him- the call. It fits the very heavy demands of the Presidency seemed pleased self loveth you, because ye have loved of his work. He has the missionary and proceeded to confer the office me, and have believed that I came out spirit and will find good use for his upon me. from God” (John 16:27). Spanish, which he has kept polished That puzzled me greatly, for I had Some years ago, I was with from his missionary days. We also supposed that someone called to President Marion G. Romney, meet- were very, very pleased at his call. such an office would have an unusual, ing with mission presidents and their What my son and his wife are different, and greatly enlarged testi- wives in Geneva, Switzerland. He doing with their little children tran- mony and spiritual power. told them that 50 years before, as scends anything they could do in the

8 Church or out. No service could be more important to the Lord than the devotion they give to one another Enduring Together and to their little children. And so it is with all our other children. The ulti- BISHOP RICHARD C. EDGLEY mate end of all activity in the Church First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric centers in the home and the family. As General Authorities of the Church, we are just the same as you The ward is organized to minister to the needs of those are, and you are just the same as we who face even the most difficult and heartbreaking trials. are. You have the same access to the powers of revelation for your families and for your work and for your call- ings as we do. that the van belonged to the young It is also true that there is an order couple living across the street from to things in the Church. When you are me in Herriman, Eric and Jeana called to an office, you then receive Quigley. revelation that belongs to that office “Not only do I see the Quigleys in that would not be given to others. church, . . . we ate dinner with them No member of the Church is at a neighborhood party the night esteemed by the Lord as more or less before the crash. Our grandkids than any other. It just does not work played with daughters Bianca and that way! Remember, He is a father— Miranda. . . . our Father. The Lord is “no respecter “Fourteen-month-old Miranda suf- of persons.” fered serious head injuries and died We are not worth more to the three days later at Primary Children’s onrolling of the Lord’s work than were Hospital. Brother and Sister Toutai Paletu’a in “Here’s where all that nosiness . . . Nuku’alofa, Tonga; or Brother and pays off. Although the accident Sister Carlos Cifuentes in Santiago, occurred several miles from home, Chile; or Brother and Sister Peter couple of years ago a humor the dust literally had not settled Dalebout in the Netherlands; or columnist for a local news- before someone from the ward Brother and Sister Tatsui Sato of A paper wrote on a serious and stopped and was pulling through the Japan; or hundreds of others I have thought-provoking subject. I quote wreckage. The rest of the ward knew met while traveling about the world. from this article: “Being a go-to- about it before the cops and para- It just does not work that way. church Mormon in Utah means living medics showed up. And so the Church moves on. It is so close to fellow ward members that “Ward members went to all three carried upon the shoulders of worthy not much happens that the entire hospitals, contacted Eric at work, and members living ordinary lives among congregation doesn’t know about in organized into labor squads. People ordinary families, guided by the Holy five minutes tops.” who didn’t get in on the immediate- Ghost and the Light of Christ, which He continues: “This kind of cheek- need level were frantic for some way is in them. to-jowl living can be intrusive. . . . It to help. I bear witness that the gospel is also happens to be one of our great- “In 48 hours, the Quigley yard was true and that the worth of souls is est strengths.” mowed, home cleaned, laundry done, great in the sight of God—every The author goes on to say: “At refrigerator stocked, relatives fed and soul—and that we are blessed to be work on Tuesday, I caught the noon a trust fund set up at a local bank. We members of the Church. I have the news broadcast on television. A van would have given their dog a bath if witness that would qualify me for the had been obliterated in a traffic crash. they had one.” calling I have. I’ve had it since I met A young mother and two small chil- The author concludes with this the First Presidency those many years dren were being rushed to emer- insightful comment: “There is a posi- ago. I bear it to you in the name of gency rooms by helicopter and tive side to the congregational micro- Jesus Christ, amen. ■ ambulance. . . . Hours later I learned scope my ward lives under. . . . What

NOVEMBER 2007 9 the street and two houses north of us, were killed in a terrible automobile accident. One month later, in August 2006, 32-year-old Eric Gold, who grew up in the house next door to us, suffered a premature death. And others in this neighborhood have also suffered heart-wrenching experiences privately endured and known only to them- selves and God. With the loss of five young people, one might assume that this is an unusual number of trials for one small neighborhood. I choose to think the number only seems large because of a close, caring ward, whose members know when there is a pressing need. It is a ward with members who are fol- lowing the admonition of Alma and the Savior—members who care and love and bear one another’s burdens, members who are willing to mourn with those that mourn, members who are willing to comfort those in need of comfort, members who endure together. happens to a few happens to all” trials. The bishop, often considered In each of these instances we saw (Robert Kirby, “Well-Being of Others the “father” of the ward, is there to an outpouring of love, service, and Is Our Business,” Salt Lake Tribune, provide counsel and resources. But compassion that was inspirational July 30, 2005, p. C1). also close at hand are Melchizedek to all. Bishops arrived, home and visit- The compassion and service ren- and Aaronic Priesthood leaders, ing teachers went into action, and dered by caring ward members as a the Relief Society presidency, home Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthood result of this tragic accident are not teachers, visiting teachers, and the quorums and Relief Societies organ- unique to this particular incident. ward members—always the ward ized to take care of both spiritual and The Book of Mormon prophet Alma members. All are there to administer temporal needs. Refrigerators were explained to prospective followers of comfort and show compassion in stocked, houses cleaned, lawns Christ: “As ye are desirous to come times of need. mowed, shrubs trimmed, fences into the fold of God, and to be called In my own immediate neighbor- painted, blessings given, and soft his people, and are willing to bear hood we have had our share of heart- shoulders were available for crying one another’s burdens, that they wrenching tragedies. In October on. Members were everywhere. may be light; yea, and are willing to 1998, 19-year-old Zac Newton, who In every one of these instances, mourn with those that mourn; yea, lived only three houses east of us, was the families who lost a loved one and comfort those that stand in need killed in a tragic automobile accident. expressed increased faith, increased of comfort,” then, as Alma explained, Less than two years later, in July, love for the Savior, increased gratitude they were prepared for baptism (see 19-year-old Andrea Richards, who lived for the Atonement, and heartfelt Mosiah 18:8–9). This scripture lays directly across from the Newtons, was thankfulness for an organization that the foundation for ministering and killed in an automobile accident. responds to the deepest emotional caring in a most compassionate way. One Saturday afternoon in July and spiritual needs of its members. The ward is organized to minister 2006, Travis Bastian, a 28-year-old These families now speak about how to the needs of those who face even returned missionary, and his 15-year- they got to know the Lord through the most difficult and heartbreaking old sister, Desiree, who lived across their adversity. They relate many sweet

10 experiences that grew out of their pain. They testify that blessings can emerge from heartbreak. They give Strengthen Home praise to the Lord and would echo the words of Job, “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). and Family From bearing one another’s bur- dens as ward members, we have MARY N. COOK learned several lessons: Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency

1. The Lord’s organization is fully The Lord is depending on you to assist in the exaltation adequate to know and care for of your eternal family. those with even the most dire emotional and spiritual needs. 2. Adversity can bring us closer to God, with a renewed and enlight- ened appreciation for prayer and circumstances. I understand, for exam- the Atonement, which covers ple, that many of you may be the only pain and suffering in all their member of the Church in your family. manifestations. For the Strength of Youth reminds 3. Members who suffer tragedy us that “being part of a family is a firsthand often experience an great blessing. . . . Not all families are increased capacity for love, com- the same, but each is important in passion, and understanding. They Heavenly Father’s plan” ([pamphlet, become the first, last, and often 2001], 10). the most effective responders in All families need strengthening, giving comfort and showing com- from the ideal to the most troubled. passion to others. That strengthening can come from 4. A ward, as well as a family, draws you. In fact, in some families you closer together as it endures may be the only source of spiritual together—what happens to one strength. The Lord is depending happens to all. on you to bring the blessings of the 5. And perhaps most important, we gospel to your family. can each be more compassionate ach Sunday, from Mongolia to It is important to establish patterns and caring because we have each Manchester to Mississippi, the of righteousness in your own life, had our own personal trials and Eyoung women of the Church which will enable you to set a good experiences to draw from. We can repeat these inspired words: “We example for your family, whatever endure together. will be prepared to strengthen home form your family may take. and family, make and keep sacred The example of your righteous life I rejoice in belonging to such a covenants, receive the ordinances of will strengthen your family. President loving and caring organization. No the temple, and enjoy the blessings of Hinckley gave the young women “a one knows better how to bear one exaltation” (“Young Women Theme,” simple four-point program” in the another’s burdens, mourn with those Young Women Personal Progress general Young Women meeting last who mourn, and comfort those who [booklet, 2001], 5). spring that will not only “assure your stand in need of comfort. I choose While this is the Young Women happiness” but will bless your family to call it “enduring together.” What theme, it applies to all youth in the as well. He counseled each of us to happens to one happens to all. We Church. I hope I can help you, my “(1) pray, (2) study, (3) pay your endure together. young brothers and sisters, under- tithing, and (4) attend your meetings” May we be an instrument in light- stand how powerful your individual (“Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts ening the burden of others, I pray in actions can be in strengthening your Unceasingly,” Liahona and Ensign, the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■ home and family, no matter what your May 2007, 115).

NOVEMBER 2007 11 faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). The family section in For the Strength of Youth gives some great ways you can be “an example of the believers” in your own home: “Be cheerful, helpful, and consid- erate of others. . . . Concern yourself with the needs of other family members. . . . “Honor your parents by showing love and respect for them and by being obedient. . . . Participate in family activ- ities and traditions, including family prayer, family home evenings, and fam- ily scripture reading. These traditions strengthen and unify families. . . . “Strengthen your relationships with your brothers and sisters. They can become your closest friends” (10–11). Example is often the best teacher. Who in your family could benefit from your example—a brother, a sister, your mom or dad? Let me tell you an experience from my own life and how my brother’s Seeking the help of the Lord daily 117). Are you experiencing the bless- patterns of righteousness and exam- through prayer will bring great bless- ings of paying tithing—with faith? As ple resulted in our family being ings to your family. Ask yourself: you obey this commandment, the blessed eternally. “Who in my family could benefit from Lord will “open . . . the windows of My brother and I were “born of my personal prayers?” “What could I heaven” (Malachi 3:10) to bless you goodly parents” (1 Nephi 1:1), who do to support and encourage family and your family. loved and made great sacrifices for prayer?” How can attending your meetings— the two of us, but our family had not As you personally study the scrip- particularly sacrament meeting—bless been blessed with the sacred ordi- tures, you will come to know the you and your family? Regularly par- nances of the temple. Savior and His teachings. From His taking of the sacrament will help Many years ago on a day in late example you will know how to love, you keep your baptismal covenant. December, we received a letter from serve, and forgive members of your As you live worthily and renew this my brother, who was serving in the family. Consider how you could share covenant weekly, you will qualify for California North Mission. The outside your understanding of the scriptures the guidance of the Spirit. The Holy of the envelope cautioned, “Do not with your family. Ghost will guide you and will teach open until you are all together!!” On several occasions, President you what you should do to bless As my father, mother, and I gath- Hinckley has admonished us to “get your family. ered to open his seven-page typewrit- all of the education you can” (Liahona As you commit to these patterns of ten letter, we read his testimony of and Ensign, May 2007, 116). Your edu- righteousness, you will be blessed prayer. He taught us the doctrine of cation will benefit your family now and throughout your life and will develop eternal families from the scriptures. will surely bless your future family. the spiritual foundation from which We read his experiences of how fast- What can you do now to plan and pre- you can strengthen your family by ing and prayer helped his investigators pare for a good education? example. In 1 Timothy, Paul teaches prepare to receive the ordinance of President Hinckley taught us, us about example: “Let no man baptism. He assured us that our family “While tithing is paid with money, despise thy youth; but be thou an too could be blessed through fasting more importantly it is paid with faith” example of the believers, in word, in and prayer. Then came his challenge: (Liahona and Ensign, May 2007, conversation, in charity, in spirit, in “The bishop of the Stanford Ward

12 spoke on a topic a couple of months ago which really hit home. . . . The bishop’s talk made me stop and real- ize the goals I want to accomplish in life. Uppermost in my mind is the goal I want to achieve with my own family . . . that, of course, being sealed to you, Mom and Dad, for time and all eternity in the house of the Lord. I love you very much and want our fam- ily to be together in the eternities.” Then his closing words: “May the Lord guide you in this important deci- sion and may you pray together as a family is my prayer.” As a teenager, I too had prayed for this blessing to come to my family. This letter now brought hope for my righteous desire. The new year was an opportunity for our family to make some changes. In the many months that followed, we established family patterns of righteousness. We prayed together, studied about the ordinances of the temple, paid tithing, and attended our meetings regularly—as a family. Shortly after my brother returned from his mission, we were prepared to receive the ordinances of the temple. I knew the Lord had heard and answered our prayers as we surrounded the holy altar in the temple and were sealed as a family for time and all eternity. Can you make a difference in your family? Yes, you can! I often wonder about my family’s eternal progres- sion if my brother had not written that powerful letter. His patterns of righteousness and example changed our lives. Elder Robert D. Hales said: “If the example we have received from our parents was not good, it is our respon- the Creator’s plan for the eternal des- example of the believers. The Lord is sibility to break the cycle. . . . Each tiny of His children” (“The Family: A depending on you to assist in the person can learn a better way and in Proclamation to the World,” Liahona, exaltation of your eternal family. so doing bless the lives of family mem- Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995, I know that Jesus Christ lives. He bers now and teach correct traditions 102). Eternal families are made up of knows you and loves you. He has for the generations that follow” (“How individuals. “Do your part to build a blessed me and my family, and I know Will Our Children Remember Us?” happy home” (For the Strength of He will bless you and yours. Of this I Ensign, Nov. 1993, 10). Youth, 10). Establish patterns of righ- humbly testify in the name of Jesus Remember, “the family is central to teousness in your life. And be an Christ, amen. ■

NOVEMBER 2007 13 of that sacrifice. It was a 15-day jour- ney covering 4,800 miles (7,725 Why Are We km)—a journey filled with difficulties and setbacks, highways in poor condi- tion, uncomfortable buses, not even knowing the route, but with great Members of the hope in the ordinances we would participate in. Upon arriving in the city of Mesa, Only True Church? Arizona, we headed down an avenue at the end of which we could see ELDER ENRIQUE R. FALABELLA the house of the Lord, gleaming and Of the Seventy beautiful. I remember the joy which filled our hearts; we all broke out in songs and praising, and tears ran The most valuable power we can possess is the treasure down the cheeks of many Saints. of a personal testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ. Later in the temple, we knelt as a family to hear the beautiful promises about an eternal family, with the cer- tainty that our mother, though absent, had passed away when I was five was now our mother forever, and we years old. My father’s meager income felt the peace which comes from was used to buy our food; the pur- knowing that we are an eternal family. chase of clothing was put off as long The promise of life eternal as possible. thus gave us the riches of eternity! One day, somewhat bothered, I “Behold, he that hath eternal life is came up to my father and said, rich” (D&C 6:7). “Daddy, why don’t you buy me some shoes? Look at these; they’re worn The Restored Priesthood out, and you can see my big toe The Church of Jesus Christ is a through the hole in the shoe.” church of priests, “a royal priesthood, “We’ll fix that up,” he replied and, an holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9). with some black polish, gave a shine The restored Church gives to each to my shoes. Later on he told me, home a priesthood holder with the “Son, it’s fixed up.” power of God to bless. How many “No,” I answered, “you can still see times I have been able to hear the my big toe.” soft, sweet voice of a little child at hy are we members of the “That can also be fixed,” he told home say, “Daddy, could you give me only true Church? Even me. He again took the polish and put a blessing?” and put my hands upon Wthough I cannot answer this some on my toe, and before long it his or her head in moments of pain question for all 13 million members of shined like my shoes. So it was early and difficulty and pronounce bless- the Church, I would like to express on in life I learned that happiness ings of comfort and healing and see from my heart some answers that does not depend on money. the power of the priesthood exercise probably will fit with your own As time went by, a pair of mission- its influence and the next day hear answers. aries taught us the riches of the that little voice say, “Thanks, Daddy, I restored gospel, of the doctrine of the slept just fine last night.” We don’t The Riches of Eternity plan of salvation, and of eternal fami- need to go out looking for someone “Behold, he that hath eternal life is lies. We were baptized, and when my having that power—it is among us! rich” (D&C 6:7). father began his calling as district What a blessing to be able to teach Riches were not a part of my child- president, his first objective was to this principle to our children! This is hood. We were a family of five: my journey to the temple and receive the the only church upon the earth which father and four siblings. My mother blessings which would come because offers such a blessing to families.

14 Through this power, I was able it’s easy, tell me what I can talk to indescribable; Luke only makes men- to ordain each of my sons to the them about.” tion that “his sweat was as it were priesthood and thus give them the “Talk to them about prayer,” he great drops of blood” (Luke 22:44). power of God to administer His told me. Above all else, this is the reason ordinances. “That’s a good subject,” I told for my membership in the Church: So then this is also why I am a him, “but they’ve heard a lot of talk because the Holy Spirit has penetrated member of this Church: because about prayer; what could I tell them my heart and has made it known to the power of the priesthood is again that’s new?” me that Christ lives, that He is my upon the earth and has reached even “That’s easy too, Daddy. First tell Savior, that He paid for my sins, and unto our homes. them, ‘Before you start to talk to that He has prepared the way so that if Heavenly Father, think about the I live according to His precepts, I can Our Personal Testimonies things you want to tell Him.’ ” enjoy all other promised blessings. The most valuable power we can “That sounds like a magnificent A few weeks ago, my father also possess is the treasure of a personal idea,” I replied. “And then?” passed away, and now more than ever testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ “Well, once you’ve thought of it, tell I feel thankfulness to my God for the and His atoning power. it to Him! When you finish, wait and richness and beauty of His doctrine. A testimony comes to us as we live see if He has something to tell you.” Because family life can continue a worthy life and seek it in prayer. So, through our prayers, the Spirit beyond the thresholds of death. “And the Spirit shall be given unto you speaks to our spirit and testifies to us Because the royal priesthood has been by the prayer of faith” (D&C 42:14), of the reality of our Savior. restored upon the earth. And because our Lord counseled through the I am filled with wonder at the the Spirit has spoken to my spirit, giv- Prophet Joseph. love my Savior Jesus Christ showed ing me a testimony that my Savior When my son Daniel was six by descending from the heavenly Jesus Christ lives and that through His years old, he saw that I was worried mansions and coming to a world intercession I shall be able, in accor- because I had to attend a stake con- where the majority rejected His mes- dance to my faithfulness, to live with ference. I was unsure about what to sage, and even though they did not Him. For these reasons and others teach the Saints. He came up to me have the power to take His life, they still, I am a member of the only true and said, “Daddy, that’s really easy.” condemned Him to death. Christ Church upon the face of the earth, and That’s how children see everything. paid for my sins, for my illnesses, I shall be eternally grateful for this. In “Let’s see, Son,” I told him. “Since afflictions, and sorrows. His pain was the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■

NOVEMBER 2007 15 the voice of my servants, it is the same” (D&C 1:38). Claim the In these latter days, the Lord revealed that “when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predi- Exceeding Great cated” (D&C 130:21). The Lord makes generous promises, and He certifies that He will not vary from and Precious these promises, for, said He, “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye Promises have no promise” (D&C 82:10). Exceeding Great and ELDER SPENCER J. CONDIE Precious Promises Of the Seventy The Lord’s countless exceeding great and precious promises include The Lord makes generous promises, and He certifies forgiveness of our sins when we “con- fess them and forsake them” (D&C that He will not vary from these promises. 58:43; see also D&C 1:32). Opening the windows of heaven is a promise claimed by those who pay a faithful tithe (see Malachi 3:10), and finding Christ is the assurance that through “great treasures of knowledge” His atoning sacrifice, though our accrues to those who observe the sins may be as scarlet, they can Word of Wisdom (D&C 89:19). become as white as snow (see Becoming unspotted from the Isaiah 1:18). world is a promise to those who Faith in Christ includes the knowl- keep the Sabbath holy (see D&C edge that following His Crucifixion, 59:9; Exodus 31:13). Divine guidance He arose from the tomb, and His and inspiration are promised to Resurrection made it possible those who “feast upon the words for all mankind to live again (see of Christ” (2 Nephi 32:3) and who 1 Corinthians 15:21–23). Faith in “liken all scriptures” unto themselves Christ is the assurance that He and (1 Nephi 19:23). His Heavenly Father appeared to a The Lord also promised that “what- young man, Joseph Smith, paving the soever ye shall ask the Father in my way for the Restoration of all things name, which is right, believing that ye in the dispensation of the fulness of shall receive, behold it shall be given times. Jesus Christ is the head of the unto you” (3 Nephi 18:20). We are bring you the love and greeting of Church, which bears His holy name. promised that the Holy Ghost will be the faithful Saints in the South Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is our constant companion when we “let I Pacific. evident when we believe His teach- virtue garnish [our] thoughts unceas- The first principle of the gospel is ings and claim His “exceeding great ingly” (see D&C 121:45–46). We can faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This and precious promises” and become claim the spiritually liberating prom- includes faith in His divine birth and “partakers of the divine nature” ise of fasting, which will “loose the heavenly heritage and faith that, (2 Peter 1:4). Innumerable promises bands of wickedness,” undo our under His Father’s direction, He are proclaimed by His prophets, and “heavy burdens,” and “break every created the earth and all things that the Lord assures us, “My word shall yoke” (Isaiah 58:6). dwell therein (see John 1:10; Mosiah not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, Those who are sealed in holy tem- 3:8). At the very heart of our faith in whether by mine own voice or by ples and who faithfully keep their

16 covenants will receive God’s glory, which “shall be a fulness and a contin- uation of the seeds forever and ever” (D&C 132:19). Sometimes, in our earthly impa- tience, we may lose sight of the Lord’s precious promises and disconnect our obedience from the fulfillment of these promises. The Lord has declared: “Who am I, saith the Lord, that have promised and have not fulfilled? “I command and men obey not; I revoke and they receive not the blessing. “Then they say in their hearts: This is not the work of the Lord, for his promises are not fulfilled. But wo unto such, for their reward lurk- eth beneath, and not from above” (D&C 58:31–33).

Seeing the Promises Afar Off Important components of faith are patience, long-suffering, and enduring to the end. The Apostle Paul recounts the faith of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Sara, concluding that “these all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and con- fessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (see Hebrews 11:4–13). These faithful Saints knew that this earth life was a journey, not their final destination. Members in São Paulo, Brazil, walk to a conference broadcast. When Abram was 75 years old, the Lord promised him, “I will make of hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14). and bore twin sons, Esau and Jacob, thee a great nation”—this at a time And “Sarah conceived, and bare when their father was 60 years old. when he and Sarai as yet had no chil- Abraham a son in his old age” (See Genesis 25:20–26.) dren (Genesis 12:2). He was 86 when (Genesis 21:2), and the Lord prom- As Jacob matured and became of Sarai’s handmaiden Hagar “bare ised: “I will multiply thy seed as appropriate age, his parents sent him Ishmael to Abram” (Genesis 16:16). the stars of the heaven, and as the to the household of Laban, where he And the Lord changed Abram’s sand which is upon the sea shore” would meet Laban’s two daughters, name to Abraham and Sarai’s name (Genesis 22:17). Leah and Rachel. Jacob told Laban, to Sarah, and when he was nearly a Young Isaac grew into manhood, “I will serve thee seven years for hundred and she was 90 they were and when he was 40 years old he mar- Rachel thy younger daughter. . . . promised that Sarah would bear a ried Rebekah. “And Isaac intreated the And Jacob served seven years for son to be named Isaac (see Genesis Lord for his wife, because she was Rachel; and they seemed unto him 17:17, 19). Amidst their disbelief barren: and the Lord was intreated of but a few days, for the love he had the Lord asked: “Is any thing too him, and Rebekah his wife conceived” to her” (Genesis 29:18, 20).

NOVEMBER 2007 17 You will recall how Laban beguiled young Jacob into first marrying Leah and then Rachel. “And when the Lord Have We Not saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren” (Genesis 29:31). And Leah bore Reuben, then Simeon, then Levi, and Reason to Rejoice? Judah. Meanwhile, Rachel remained childless (see Genesis 29:32–35). ELDER DIETER F. UCHTDORF With ever-increasing envy and Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles mounting desperation, one day Rachel explosively demanded of This is a joyful religion, one of hope, strength, Jacob, “Give me children, or else I die” and deliverance. (Genesis 30:1). Leah subsequently bore two more sons and a daughter.

The Lord Is Not Slack Concerning His Promise divers places” (Mormon 8:30), when The Apostle Peter testified that “the whole earth shall be in commo- “the Lord is not slack concerning his tion, and men’s hearts shall fail them” promise, as some men count slack- (D&C 45:26). ness; but is longsuffering” toward us But how does this affect us as (2 Peter 3:9). In this age of one-hour members of The Church of Jesus dry cleaning and one-minute fast-food Christ of Latter-day Saints? Are we liv- franchises, it may at times seem to us ing with apprehension, fear, and as though a loving Heavenly Father worry? Or have we, amidst all of our has misplaced our precious promises challenges, not reason to rejoice? or He has put them on hold or filed We all go through different life them under the wrong name. Such experiences. Some are filled with were the feelings of Rachel. joy, and others with sorrow and But with the passage of time, we uncertainty. encounter four of the most beautiful I remember a time when things words in holy writ: “And God remem- didn’t look good for our family when bered Rachel” (Genesis 30:22). And I was a child. It was in the winter of she was blessed with the birth of still rejoice in the wonderful spirit 1944, one of the coldest during World Joseph and later the birth of Benjamin. we felt as we sang together this War II. The war front was approaching There are millions on earth today who I morning: our town, and my mother had to take are descendants of Joseph who have us four children, leave all our posses- embraced the Abrahamic promise that Now let us rejoice in the day of sions behind, and join the millions of through their efforts “shall all the fami- salvation. fleeing refugees in a desperate search lies of the earth be blessed, even with No longer as strangers on earth for a place to survive. Our father was the blessings of the Gospel, which are need we roam. still in the military, but he and Mother the blessings of salvation, even of life Good tidings are sounding to us had agreed that if they were ever sepa- eternal” (Abraham 2:11). and each nation. rated during the war, they would try to When heaven’s promises some- (“Now Let Us Rejoice,” Hymns, no. 3) reunite at the hometown of my grand- times seem afar off, I pray that each parents. They felt this place offered the of us will embrace these exceeding These words by Brother William W. greatest hope for shelter and safety. great and precious promises and Phelps are quite a contrast to the With bombing raids during the never let go. And just as God remem- world’s tendency to focus on bad night and air attacks during the day, it bered Rachel, God will remember news. It is true, we live in a time fore- took us many days to reach my grand- you. I so testify in the name of Jesus told in the scriptures as a day of “wars, parents. My memories of those days Christ, amen. ■ rumors of wars, and earthquakes in are of darkness and coldness.

18 My father returned to us unharmed, but our future looked extremely bleak. We were living in the rubble of postwar Germany with a devastating feeling of hopelessness and darkness about our future. In the middle of this despair, my family learned about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the healing message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. This message made all the difference; it lifted us above our daily misery. Life was still thorny and the circumstances still horrible, but the gospel brought light, hope, and joy into our lives. The plain and simple truths of the gospel warmed our hearts and enlightened our minds. They helped us look at ourselves and the world around us with different eyes and from an ele- vated viewpoint. My dear brothers and sisters, aren’t the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and our membership in His Church great reasons to rejoice? Wherever you live on this earth and whatever your life’s situation may be, I testify to you that the gospel of Jesus His apostles and prophets. It is my name given nor any other way nor Christ has the divine power to lift you firm belief that all truth and light orig- means whereby salvation can come to great heights from what appears at inating with God is embraced in the unto the children of men, only in and times to be an unbearable burden or gospel of Jesus Christ. through the name of Christ” (Mosiah weakness. The Lord knows your cir- God, our loving Father in Heaven, 3:17; see also Acts 4:12). cumstances and your challenges. He has said that it is His work and glory The core elements of the gospel said to Paul and to all of us, “My grace “to bring to pass the immortality and message are found in all the holy is sufficient for thee.” And like Paul we eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). God scriptures but are most clearly given can answer: “My strength is made per- the Father is the author of the gospel; to us in the Book of Mormon and in fect in weakness. Most gladly therefore it is a key part of God’s plan of salva- the revelations to the Prophet Joseph will I rather glory in my infirmities, that tion, or plan of redemption. It is called Smith. Here Jesus Himself plainly the power of Christ may rest upon me” the gospel of Jesus Christ because it is declares His doctrine and His gospel, (2 Corinthians 12:9). the Atonement of Jesus Christ that with which God’s children must com- As members of the Church of Jesus makes redemption and salvation pos- ply to “have eternal life” (D&C 14:7; Christ, we may claim the blessings sible. Through the Atonement all men, see also 3 Nephi 11:31–39; 27:13–21; promised in the covenants and the women, and children are uncondition- D&C 33:11–12). ordinances we received when we ally redeemed from physical death, The gospel is clear and plain. It accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ. and all will be redeemed from their answers the most complex questions own sins on the condition of accept- in life, yet even a young child can What Is the Gospel of Jesus Christ? ing and obeying the gospel of Jesus comprehend and apply it. As Nephi The gospel of Jesus Christ is good Christ (see D&C 20:17–25; 76:40–42, said: “My soul delighteth in plainness; news, glad tidings, and much more. It 50–53; Moses 6:62). for after this manner doth the Lord is the message of salvation as repeat- Christ’s gospel is the only true God work among the children of edly announced by Jesus Christ and gospel, and “there shall be no other men. For the Lord God giveth light

NOVEMBER 2007 19 unto the understanding; for he Saints from many other Christian speaketh unto men according to denominations that teach that salva- their language, unto their under- tion is given to all who simply believe standing” (2 Nephi 31:3). and confess that Jesus is the Christ. The Prophet Joseph Smith fol- The Lord clearly declared, “If you lowed the same pattern of clarity and keep my commandments and endure plainness when he explained to the to the end you shall have eternal life, world in a very concise way “the first which gift is the greatest of all the principles and ordinances of the gifts of God” (D&C 14:7). Gospel” (Articles of Faith 1:4), which Therefore, enduring to the end is we must accept to receive the eternal not just a matter of passively tolerat- blessings of the gospel: ing life’s difficult circumstances or First, faith in the Lord Jesus “hanging in there.” Ours is an active Christ—believing in the Redeemer, religion, helping God’s children along the Son of God, “with unshaken faith the strait and narrow path to develop in him, relying wholly upon the mer- their full potential during this life and its of him who is mighty to save” return to Him one day. Viewed from and then “[pressing] forward with a this perspective, enduring to the end steadfastness in Christ, . . . feasting is exalting and glorious, not grim and upon the word of Christ” (2 Nephi gloomy. This is a joyful religion, one 31:19–20). of hope, strength, and deliverance. Second, repentance, which “Adam fell that men might be; and includes a change of mind, offering men are, that they might have joy” up “a sacrifice . . . [of] a broken heart (2 Nephi 2:25). and a contrite spirit”; giving up sin Enduring to the end is a process and becoming meek and humble “as filling every minute of our life, every a little child” (3 Nephi 9:20, 22). of our days. Isn’t this wonderful! hour, every day, from sunrise to Third, baptism by immersion for Have we not reason to rejoice? sunrise. It is accomplished through the remission of sins and as a covenant personal discipline following the com- to keep the commandments of God What Does It Mean to Endure mandments of God. and take upon us the name of Christ. to the End? The restored gospel of Jesus Christ Fourth, laying on of hands for The scriptures teach us that once is a way of life. It is not for Sunday the gift of the Holy Ghost, also we have received the ordinances only. It is not something we can do known as baptism by fire, which of baptism and confirmation, our only as a habit or a tradition if we sanctifies us and makes us “new crea- task then is to “endure to the end” expect to harvest all of its promised tures,” born of God (Mosiah 27:26; (2 Nephi 31:20). blessings. “Be not deceived; God is see also 1 Peter 1:23). When I was a young boy, “endure not mocked: for whatsoever a man The gift of the Holy Ghost, given to the end” meant to me mainly that soweth, that shall he also reap” to us by our Heavenly Father and I had to try harder to stay awake un- (Galatians 6:7). administered by one having authority, til the end of our Church meetings. Enduring to the end implies includes the merciful promise: “If ye Later as a teenager I progressed only “patient continuance in well doing” will enter in by the way, and receive slightly in my understanding of this (Romans 2:7), striving to keep the the Holy Ghost, it will show unto scriptural phrase. I linked it with commandments (see 2 Nephi 31:10), you all things what ye should do” youthful empathy to the efforts of and doing the works of righteousness (2 Nephi 32:5). Through the constant our dear elderly members to hang (see D&C 59:23). It requires sacrifice companionship of the Holy Ghost, in there until the end of their lives. and hard work. To endure to the end, every member of the Church can Enduring to the end, or remaining we need to trust our Father in Heaven receive “the words of Christ” directly faithful to the laws and ordinances of and make wise choices, including pay- (2 Nephi 32:3), at any time or place. the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout ing our tithes and offerings, honoring This personal divine guidance helps our life, is a fundamental requirement our temple covenants, and serving us to remain valiant in the testimony for salvation in the kingdom of God. the Lord and one another willingly of Jesus Christ and endure to the end This belief distinguishes Latter-day and faithfully in our Church callings

20 and responsibilities. It means strength of character, selflessness, and humil- ity; it means integrity and honesty to Mrs. Patton—the the Lord and our fellowmen. It means making our homes strong places of defense and a refuge against worldly evils; it means loving and honoring Story Continues our spouses and children. By doing our best to endure to the PRESIDENT THOMAS S. MONSON end, a beautiful refinement will come First Counselor in the First Presidency into our lives. We will learn to “do good to them that hate [us], and pray I am certain our Heavenly Father was mindful of her needs for them which despitefully use [us]” and wanted her to hear the comforting truths of the gospel. (Matthew 5:44). The blessings that come to us from enduring to the end in this life are real and very significant, and for the life to come they are beyond our comprehension. had little hope that Mrs. Patton would actually hear my talk, I wanted to Jesus Christ Wants You to Succeed share with all who were within the My dear brothers and sisters, there sound of my voice the glorious gospel will be days and nights when you feel message of hope and love. Recently overwhelmed, when your hearts are I have felt impressed to refer once heavy and your heads hang down. again to Arthur and to relate to you Then, please remember, Jesus Christ, what transpired following my original the Redeemer, is the Head of this message. Church. It is His gospel. He wants you First, may I tell you about Arthur. to succeed. He gave His life for just He had blond, curly hair and a smile this purpose. He is the Son of the liv- as big as all outdoors. He stood taller ing God. He has promised: than any boy in the class. I suppose “Come unto me, all ye that labour this is how, in 1940, as the great con- and are heavy laden, and I will give flict which became World War II was you rest” (Matthew 11:28). overtaking much of Europe, Arthur “For the mountains shall depart was able to fool the recruiting officers and the hills be removed, but my miss my colleague James E. Faust and enlist in the navy at the tender kindness shall not depart from thee” today and express my love to age of 15. To Arthur and most of the (3 Nephi 22:10). “I have mercy on I his dear wife and family and am boys, the war was a great adventure. I thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer” assured he is serving the Lord else- remember how striking he appeared (3 Nephi 22:8). where. I welcome the newly sustained in his navy uniform. How we wished My dear friends, the Savior heals General Authorities, President Eyring, we were older or at least taller so we the broken heart and binds up your Elder Cook, and Elder González, too could enlist. wounds (see Psalm 147:3). Whatever and assure them they have my full Youth is a very special time of life. your challenges may be, wherever support. As Longfellow wrote: you live on this earth, your faithful Thirty-eight years ago, at a general membership in The Church of Jesus conference held in the Tabernacle on How beautiful is youth! how bright Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Temple Square, I spoke of one of my it gleams divine powers of the gospel of Jesus childhood friends, Arthur Patton, who With its illusions, aspirations, Christ will bless you to endure joyfully died at a young age. The talk was dreams! to the end. titled “Mrs. Patton, Arthur Lives.”1 I Book of Beginnings, Story without Of this I bear witness with all my addressed my remarks to Arthur’s End, heart and mind in the sacred name of mother, Mrs. Patton, who was not a Each maid a heroine, and each Jesus Christ, amen. ■ member of the Church. Although I man a friend!2

NOVEMBER 2007 21 Arthur’s mother was so proud of of those on board who was lost at sea. more answer her question “Will the blue star which graced her living The blue star was taken from its Arthur live again?” room window. It represented to every hallowed spot in the front window of I referred to the Savior of the passerby that her son wore the uni- the Patton home. It was replaced by world, who walked the dusty paths form of his country and was actively one of gold, indicating that he whom of villages we now reverently call the serving. When I would pass the the blue star represented had been Holy Land; who caused the blind to house, she often opened the door killed in battle. A light went out in the see, the deaf to hear, the lame to and invited me in to read the latest life of Mrs. Patton. She groped in utter walk, and the dead to live; to Him letter from Arthur. Her eyes would fill darkness and deep despair. who tenderly and lovingly assured us, with tears; I would then be asked to With a prayer in my heart, I “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”3 read aloud. Arthur meant everything approached the familiar walkway to I explained that the plan of life and to his widowed mother. the Patton home, wondering what an explanation of its eternal course I can still picture Mrs. Patton’s words of comfort could come from come to us from the Master of heaven coarse hands as she would carefully the lips of a mere boy. and earth, even Jesus Christ the Lord. replace the letter in its envelope. The door opened, and Mrs. Patton To understand the meaning of death, These were hardworking hands; Mrs. embraced me as she would her own we must appreciate the purpose of life. Patton was a cleaning woman for a son. Home became a chapel as a I indicated that in this dispensa- downtown office building. Each day grief-stricken mother and a less-than- tion, the Lord declared: “And now, of her life except Sundays she could adequate boy knelt in prayer. verily I say unto you, I was in the be seen walking along the sidewalk, Arising from our knees, Mrs. beginning with the Father, and am pail and brush in hand, her gray hair Patton gazed into my eyes and the Firstborn.”4 “Man was also in the pulled back into a tight bob, her spoke: “Tommy, I belong to no beginning with God.”5 shoulders weary from work and church, but you do. Tell me, will Jeremiah the prophet recorded: stooped with age. Arthur live again?” To the best of my “The word of the Lord came unto In March 1944, with the war now ability, I testified to her that Arthur me, saying, raging, Arthur was transferred from would indeed live again. “Before I formed thee . . . I knew the USS Dorsey, a destroyer, to the In general conference those long thee; and before thou camest forth USS White Plains, an aircraft carrier. years ago, as I related this account, I . . . I sanctified thee, and I ordained While at Saipan in the South Pacific, mentioned that I had lost track of thee a prophet unto the nations.”6 the ship was attacked. Arthur was one Mrs. Patton but that I wanted to once From that majestic world of spirits

22 we enter the grand stage of life to precious son. Good-bye—until we prove ourselves obedient to all things meet again.” commanded of God. During mortality I quoted the words of Tennyson, as we grow from helpless infancy to though spoken to her by Arthur: inquiring childhood and then to reflective maturity. We experience joy Sunset and evening star, and sorrow, fulfillment and disap- And one clear call for me! pointment, success and failure. We And may there be no moaning of taste the sweet, yet sample the bitter. the bar, This is mortality. When I put out to sea, ... Then to each life comes the ex- perience known as death. None is Twilight and evening bell, exempt. All must pass its portals. And after that the dark! To most, there is something sinis- And may there be no sadness of ter and mysterious about this unwel- farewell, come visitor called death. Perhaps it is When I embark; a fear of the unknown which causes many to dread its coming. For tho’ from out our bourne of Arthur Patton died quickly. Others Time and Place linger. We know, through the revealed The flood may bear me far, word of God, that “the spirits of all I hope to see my Pilot face to face men, as soon as they are departed from When I have crossed the bar.14 this mortal body, . . . are taken home Paul declared: “As in Adam all die, to that God who gave them life.”7 even so in Christ shall all be made As I concluded my message those I assured Mrs. Patton and all others alive.”11 long years ago, I expressed to Mrs. who were listening that God would I explained that until the glorious Patton my personal testimony as a never forsake them—that He sent His Resurrection morning, we walk by special witness, telling her that God Only Begotten Son into the world to faith. “For now we see through a our Father was mindful of her—that teach us by example the life we should glass, darkly; but then face to face.”12 through sincere prayer she could live. His Son died upon the cross to I reassured Mrs. Patton that Jesus communicate with Him; that He too redeem all mankind. His words to the invited her and all others: had a Son who died, even Jesus Christ grieving Martha and to His disciples “Come unto me, all ye that labour the Lord; that He is our advocate with today bring comfort to us: and are heavy laden, and I will give the Father, the Prince of Peace, our “I am the resurrection, and the life: you rest. Savior and divine Redeemer, and one he that believeth in me, though he “Take my yoke upon you, and learn day we would see Him face-to-face. were dead, yet shall he live: of me; for I am meek and lowly in I hoped that my message to Mrs. “And whosoever liveth and heart: and ye shall find rest unto your Patton would reach and touch others believeth in me shall never die.”8 souls.”13 who had lost a loved one. “In my Father’s house are many As part of my message, I explained And now, my brothers and sisters, mansions: if it were not so, I would to Mrs. Patton that such knowledge I share with you the rest of this have told you. I go to prepare a place would sustain her in her heartache— account. I delivered my message on for you. that she would never be in the tragic April 6, 1969. Again, I had little or no “. . . I will come again, and receive situation of the disbeliever who, hav- hope that Mrs. Patton would actually you unto myself; that where I am, ing lost a son, was heard to say as hear the talk. I had no reason to think there ye may be also.”9 she watched the casket lowered into she would listen to general conference. I reiterated the testimonies of John mother earth: “Good-bye, my boy. As I have mentioned, she was not a the Revelator and Paul the Apostle. Good-bye forever.” Rather, with head member of the Church. And then I John recorded: erect, courage undaunted, and faith learned that something akin to a mira- “I saw the dead, small and great, unwavering, she could lift her eyes cle had taken place. Having no idea stand before God; . . . as she looked beyond the gently whatsoever who would be speaking at “And the sea gave up the dead breaking waves of the blue Pacific conference or what subjects they might which were in it.”10 and whisper, “Good-bye, Arthur, my speak about, Latter-day Saint neighbors

NOVEMBER 2007 23 My brothers and sisters, I do not believe it was a coincidence that I was impressed to give that particular message at the April 1969 general conference. Nor do I believe it was a coincidence that Mrs. Terese Patton was invited by neighbors to join them in their home for that particu- lar session of conference. I am certain our Heavenly Father was mindful of her needs and wanted her to hear the comforting truths of the gospel. Although Mrs. Patton has long since left mortality, I have felt a strong impression to share with you the manner in which our Heavenly Father blessed and provided for her, a widow, in her need. With all the strength of my soul I testify that our Heavenly Father loves each one of us. He hears the prayers of humble hearts; He hears our cries for help, as He heard Mrs. Patton. His Son, our Savior and Redeemer, speaks to each of us today: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him.”16 Will we listen for that knock? Will we hear that voice? Will we open that door to the Lord, that we may receive the help He is so ready to provide? I pray that we will, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■

NOTES of Mrs. Terese Patton in California, that way. I don’t know how to thank 1. In Conference Report, Apr. 1969, 126–29. where she had moved, invited her to you for the comforting talk you gave. 2. “Morituri Salutamus,” in The Complete their home to listen to a session of con- “Arthur was 15 years old when he Poetical Works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1883), 259. ference with them. She accepted their enlisted in the navy. He was killed one 3. John 14:6. invitation and thus was listening to the month before his 19th birthday on 4. D&C 93:21. very session where I directed my July 5, 1944. 5. D&C 93:29. 6. Jeremiah 1:4, 5. remarks to her personally. “It was wonderful of you to think of 7. Alma 40:11. During the first week of May us. I don’t know how to thank you for 8. John 11:25–26. 9. John 14:2–3. 1969, to my astonishment and joy, I your comforting words, both when 10. Revelation 20:12–13. received a letter postmarked Pomona, Arthur died and again in your talk. I 11. 1 Corinthians 15:22. California, and dated April 29, 1969. have had many questions over the 12. 1 Corinthians 13:12. 13. Matthew 11:28–29. It was from Mrs. Terese Patton. I share years, and you have answered them. 14. Alfred Tennyson, “Crossing the Bar,” in with you a part of that letter: I am now at peace concerning Arthur. Poems of the English Race, ed. Raymond “Dear Tommy, . . . God bless and keep you always. Macdonald Alden (1921), 362. 15. Personal correspondence in the possession “I hope you don’t mind my calling “Love, of Thomas S. Monson. you Tommy, as I always think of you “Terese Patton”15 16. Revelation 3:20.

24 SATURDAY AFTERNOON SESSION October 6, 2007

Church are somewhat our own fault for not clearly explaining who we are Faith, Family, and what we believe. The Public Affairs Committee, on which I serve, has learned that there is a great need for clear, simple state- Facts, and Fruits ments that present those who are curi- ous with the basics about the Church ELDER M. RUSSELL BALLARD as it is today. Let me share with you Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles some of the things we have found to be helpful. You may want to prepare The growing prominence of the Church your own list of talking points that and the increasing inquiries from others will assist you in explaining what we believe to your friends and acquain- present us with great opportunities to build bridges, tances of other faiths. It may be helpful make friends, and pass on accurate information. for you, as it is for me, to have on one page a few facts about the Church as it is today to give to them along with a copy of the Articles of Faith. little or nothing about us. Even ques- Here are four subjects that will help tions on one specific aspect can be someone today to gain a basic under- difficult to answer because every standing of the Church. Under each of question seems to be connected to the four headings, there are some sim- other questions. The most common ple statements I have found helpful. request we hear is a fairly simple one Try to imagine them being heard or that goes something like this: “Tell me read by a person who knows virtually a little about your Church.” The key nothing about us. The four main sub- word here is “little.” They are not say- jects deal with facts, faith, families, ing, “Tell me everything you know and fruits of the restored gospel. and then send others to tell me every- thing else.” Facts We, of course, welcome people’s Some facts might include: interest, and many will want to be • First, “Mormon” is a nickname taught more about our doctrines for The Church of Jesus Christ of and beliefs. This is why we have over Latter-day Saints. Members are often 53,000 full-time missionaries serving referred to as “Mormons,” “Latter-day rothers and sisters, since the at their own expense throughout Saints,” or “LDS.” The term “Saint” sesquicentennial anniversary the world. means “member.” Bin 1997, there has been a dra- But we need to remember that • Second, the Church was restored matic increase worldwide in inquiries there is a difference between interest in 1830 in upstate New York with about the Church. This growing inter- and mere curiosity. Sometimes peo- Joseph Smith as its first prophet and est is fueled by our rapid growth, by ple just want to know what the president. Today it is headquartered events like the Winter Olympics here Church is. Those who are curious in in Salt Lake City, with President in Salt Lake City, and by the promi- this general way deserve clear and Gordon B. Hinckley as the present nence in their chosen professions of accurate information that comes prophet. many of our individual members. directly from those of us who are • Third, there are now over 13 mil- I am sure that these questions members so that they do not have to lion members in 176 countries and come not only to the Church but to rely on the incomplete answers, half- territories. About 6 million of these you as individual members. It is not truths, or false statements that may are in the United States, making us easy to explain something as vast as come from the media or other out- the fourth largest Christian denomi- the Church or as wonderful as the side voices. The many misunderstand- nation in America. As one of the restored gospel to people who know ings and false information about the fastest growing Christian faiths in the

NOVEMBER 2007 25 world, we complete a new chapel members of our faith or not, can every working day. Members pay a attend Sunday services in our chapels. tithe, which is 10 percent of their Here we worship together, instructing income, making this and other pro- one another from the scriptures. grams possible. • Latter-day Saint families are • Fourth, local congregations are encouraged to hold family home led by volunteer, unpaid members. evenings weekly, usually on Monday Both men and women serve in nights. This provides a regular and assigned leadership positions. predictable time for parents to teach • And fifth, Mormons are well rep- values to their children and to have resented in politics and government. fun together. We invite those not of (In the United States, for example, our faith to adopt this practice with there are 16 members in Congress, their own families. from both political parties.) Members • The Church has auxiliary pro- also serve in high and trusted posi- grams for women, youth, and chil- tions throughout the world in busi- dren as a support to the family. These ness, medicine, law, education, media, programs provide such things as reli- sports, and entertainment. gious instruction, opportunities for Christian service, sports, drama, Faith apostles and a prophet to lead us, has music, and Scouting. Next, people need to know some- been restored as have all necessary • And there is also much focus on thing of our faith as committed ordinances of salvation. extended family, genealogy, and per- Christians with strong traditional val- • We believe in and we use the sonal family history, providing young ues. Along with the Articles of Faith Holy Bible, both the Old and New and old with a stronger sense of we need to emphasize that: Testaments. roots, identity, and belonging. The • We believe in the eternity of the • And we believe in the Book of highest and most sacred ordinances soul, that God is the Father of our Mormon and other books of scrip- of our faith relate to our families, both spirits, and that we can return to Him ture which support and authenticate living and dead, and some of these after death. the Bible and testify of the ministry ordinances take place in our temples. • We believe that Jesus Christ is our and divinity of Christ and of God’s personal Savior, and we try to model ongoing revelation to man. Indeed, Fruits our lives after Him and His teachings. the Book of Mormon is “Another Now, even as someone begins to We commemorate Christ’s atoning sac- Testament of Jesus Christ.” understand a few facts about us and rifice in our Sunday worship services, comes to know us more accurately similar to taking communion in Family by our faith and the importance of other churches. We accept as fellow The next thing it is good for peo- family, it was the Savior who said “by Christians all who believe Jesus Christ ple to know is how family-centered their fruits ye shall know them” to be the Son of God and the Savior of our theology and our lifestyles are. (Matthew 7:20; emphasis added). A all mankind. Many Christians do not Once again, simple statements are church, or any way of life, should be understand that we have much com- helpful to someone who is unin- judged by the fruits or the results that mon ground with them. Joseph Smith formed but curious about the impor- it generates. Here are a few examples taught that Jesus Christ is the core of tance we place on families. based on United States statistics. But our belief, and everything else is an • Mormons place particularly these would be similar throughout appendage to it (see Elders’ Journal, strong emphasis on family as the basic the world among practicing Mormons July 1838, 44). The name of the unit of the Church and of society. We (by which we mean those who attend Church is The Church of Jesus Christ have a deep commitment to marriage church and the temple regularly): of Latter-day Saints. (defined as a union between one man • One of the fruits is a longer • We believe the original church and one woman). Polygamy, a limited life. Studies show that practicing that Jesus established was lost and has practice in the early pioneer days of Mormons are healthier and therefore been restored again in our day. The the Church, was discontinued in live longer than the national average. priesthood, the authority given to 1890, some 117 years ago. In 1833 the Lord revealed to Joseph man to act in the name of God, with • Families and individuals, whether Smith the Word of Wisdom, which is

26 the way to live in order to enjoy a long and healthy life. • Second, those who are married in and attend the temple regularly have a divorce rate far below the national and world average. • Third, we achieve an educational level that is higher than the national average. • Fourth, over 70,000 members volunteer at their own expense to serve for 18 to 24 months in humani- tarian efforts, Church service assign- ments, and full-time missionary service throughout the world. • And fifth, we place strong emphasis on self-reliance and a solid work ethic. We encourage active involvement in our communities and in providing service to others. The Church continues to donate substan- tial money, goods, and services to humanitarian causes around the globe, including untold hours of labor donated by members to assist in dis- aster cleanup and relief. Brothers and sisters, in today’s busy world, I have found that most people will not read or focus on more know very little about the Church upon to teach them the doctrine from than just a few important facts at one would seek to learn more about us. I chapter 3 in Preach My Gospel. The time. Whatever you choose to use would hope they would get to know missionaries know how to answer to inform your friends and acquain- our members rather than judging us more of their questions and lead tances about the Church, write it by the misinformation given by those them to conversion and baptism. down, check it for accuracy, and keep who do not know and in some cases Now is the time for all of us to it simple and short. by those who would deliberately mis- reach out and tell others who we are. The growing prominence of the lead or defame. Prepare some simple facts such as Church and the increasing inquiries You as members can help this to those I have shared with you today from others present us with great happen by reaching out and sharing and help those who are curious to opportunities to build bridges, make with others the basic information know a little about the Church and friends, and pass on accurate informa- found in the Articles of Faith, along then to want to know more about the tion. But it can also present a greater with such things as the facts, faith, Restoration of the gospel. possibility of misunderstanding and families, and fruits of the gospel. Brothers and sisters, never hesitate sometimes even prejudice if we allow We should also remember that to bear your testimony with sincerity others to define who we are and what sometimes the best way to answer and love. The power of personal testi- we believe rather than presenting it people’s interest can be by how we mony cannot be denied and often ourselves. live, how we radiate the joy of the ignites in others the interest to know Generally, there is no problem with gospel in our lives, how we treat oth- more. I know this to be true and leave those who are personally acquainted ers, and how sincerely we follow the you my absolute witness that I know with our members. But there are mil- teachings of Christ. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- lions upon millions who are not For those who want to learn more day Saints is true, and I bear that testi- acquainted with any members of our than just the few basics I have dis- mony to you in the name of Jesus faith. I would hope that those who cussed, the missionaries can be called Christ, amen. ■

NOVEMBER 2007 27 The Pharisees had debated this question extensively and had identi- The Great fied more than 600 commandments.6 If prioritizing them was such a diffi- cult task for scholars, certainly they thought the question would be Commandment impossible for this son of a carpenter from Galilee. ELDER JOSEPH B. WIRTHLIN But when the Pharisees heard His Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles answer, they must have been trou- bled, for it pointed to their great When we reach out to assist the least of Heavenly Father’s weakness. He replied: children, we do it unto Him. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. “This is the first and great com- mandment. When Paul heard this, feeling a “And the second is like unto it, sense of frustration, he wrote them a Thou shalt love thy neighbour as letter, pleading with them to become thyself. more unified. He answered many of “On these two commandments the questions they had been arguing hang all the law and the prophets.”7 about. Then, toward the end, he told Since that day, this inspired pro- them that he wanted to show them “a nouncement has been repeated more excellent way.”1 through many generations. Now, for Do you remember the words he us, the measure of our love is the wrote next? measure of the greatness of our souls. “Though I speak with the tongues The scriptures tell us that “if any of men and of angels, and have not man love God, the same is known of charity,” he told them, “I am become him.”8 What a wonderful promise— as sounding brass, or a tinkling to be known of Him. It makes the cymbal.”2 spirit soar to think that the Creator of Paul’s message to this new body of heaven and earth could know us and Saints was simple and direct: Nothing love us with a pure, eternal love. rethren and sisters, I would you do makes much of a difference In 1840 the Prophet Joseph sent like to ask one very important if you do not have charity. You can an epistle to the Twelve wherein he Bquestion. What quality defines speak with tongues, have the gift of taught that “love is one of the chief us best as members of The Church prophecy, understand all mysteries, characteristics of Deity, and ought to of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? and possess all knowledge; even if be manifested by those who aspire to Today I would like to speak about you have the faith to move moun- be the sons of God. A man filled with the answer to this question. tains, without charity it won’t profit the love of God, is not content with In the first century A.D., members you at all.3 blessing his family alone, but ranges of the growing Church in Corinth “Charity is the pure love of through the whole world, anxious to were enthusiastic about the gospel. Christ.”4 The Savior exemplified that bless the whole human race.”9 Almost all were recent converts to love and taught it even as He was tor- As we reach out in love to those the Church. Many were attracted to it mented by those who despised and around us, we fulfill the other half of through the preaching of the Apostle hated Him. the great commandment to “love thy Paul and others. On one occasion the Pharisees neighbour as thyself.”10 But the Saints at Corinth were also tried to trap Jesus by asking Him a Both commandments are neces- contentious. They argued amongst seemingly impossible question: sary, for as we bear one another’s bur- themselves. Some felt superior to oth- “Master,” they asked, “which is the dens, we fulfill the law of Christ.11 ers. They took each other to court. great commandment in the law?”5 Love is the beginning, the middle,

28 and the end of the pathway of disci- When the man of the house saw nails for more than five years before pleship. It comforts, counsels, cures, this, he told the young boy to stay for she passed away.”14 and consoles. It leads us through val- a while. He said there would be a That is an example of the pure love leys of darkness and through the veil team coming soon and that he could of Christ. Sometimes the greatest love of death. In the end love leads us to ride back with them. is not found in the dramatic scenes the glory and grandeur of eternal life. When the boy protested, saying that poets and writers immortalize. For me, the Prophet Joseph Smith that he had no money, the man told Often, the greatest manifestations of has always exemplified the pure love him not to worry about that, that they love are the simple acts of kindness of Christ. Many asked why he gained would take care of him. and caring we extend to those we so many followers and retained them. Later the boy learned that the man meet along the path of life. His answer: “It is because I possess of the house was none other than True love lasts forever. It is eter- the principle of love.”12 Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet. nally patient and forgiving. It believes, The story is told of a 14-year-old This boy remembered this act of char- hopes, and endures all things. That is boy who had come to Nauvoo in ity for the rest of his life.13 the love our Heavenly Father bears search of his brother who lived near In a recent message of the Mormon for us. there. The young boy had arrived in Tabernacle Choir’s Music and the We all yearn to experience love like winter with no money and no friends. Spoken Word, a story was told about this. Even when we make mistakes, When he inquired about his brother, an elderly man and woman who had we hope others will love us in spite of the boy was taken to a large house been married for many decades. our shortcomings—even if we don’t that looked like a hotel. There he met Because the wife was slowly losing her deserve it. a man who said, “Come in, son, we’ll sight, she could no longer take care of Oh, it is wonderful to know that take care of you.” herself the way she had done for so our Heavenly Father loves us—even The boy accepted and was brought many years. Without being asked, the with all our flaws! His love is such that into the house, where he was fed, husband began to paint her fingernails even should we give up on ourselves, warmed, and was given a bed to for her. He never will. sleep in. “He knew that she could see her We see ourselves in terms of The next day it was bitter cold, fingernails when she held them close yesterday and today. Our Heavenly but in spite of that, the boy prepared to her eyes, at just the right angle, Father sees us in terms of forever. himself to walk the eight miles to and they made her smile. He liked to Although we might settle for less, where his brother was staying. see her happy, so he kept painting her Heavenly Father won’t, for He sees us

NOVEMBER 2007 29 with a very different attitude. Returning to my original question, What quality defines us best as mem- bers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? I would answer: we are a people who love the Lord with all our hearts, souls, and minds, and we love our neighbors as ourselves. That is our signature as a people. It is like a beacon to the world, signaling whose disciples we are.18 At the final day the Savior will not ask about the nature of our callings. He will not inquire about our material possessions or fame. He will ask if we ministered to the sick, gave food and drink to the hungry, visited those in prison, or gave succor to the weak.19 When we reach out to assist the least In New Delhi, India, two sisters are eager to hear what Church leaders will say of Heavenly Father’s children, we do in conference addresses. it unto Him.20 That is the essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ. as the glorious beings we are capable seek less for things that benefit us and If we wish to learn truly how to of becoming. turn our hearts toward things that will love, all we need to do is reflect on The gospel of Jesus Christ is a bless and uplift others. the life of our Savior. When we par- gospel of transformation. It takes us As our love for the Lord deepens, take of the sacramental emblems, we as men and women of the earth and our minds and hearts become puri- are reminded of the greatest example refines us into men and women for fied. We experience a “mighty change of love in all the world’s history. “For the eternities. in . . . our hearts, that we have no God so loved the world, that he gave The means of this refinement is more disposition to do evil, but to do his only begotten Son.”21 our Christlike love. There is no pain it good continually.”17 The Savior’s love for us was so cannot soften, no bitterness it cannot Brethren and sisters, as you prayer- great that it caused “even God, the remove, no hatred it cannot alter. The fully consider what you can do to greatest of all, to tremble because of Greek playwright Sophocles wrote: increase harmony, spirituality, and pain, and to bleed at every pore.”22 “One word frees us of all the weight build up the kingdom of God, con- Because the Savior laid down His and pain of life: That word is love.”15 sider your sacred duty to teach others life for us,23 we have a brightness of The most cherished and sacred to love the Lord and their fellowman. hope, a confidence and security that moments of our lives are those filled This is the central object of our exis- when we pass from this worldly exis- with the spirit of love. The greater the tence. Without charity—or the pure tence, we will live again with Him. measure of our love, the greater is love of Christ—whatever else we Through the Atonement of Jesus our joy. In the end, the development accomplish matters little. With it, all Christ, we can be cleansed of sin and of such love is the true measure of else becomes vibrant and alive. stand as partakers of the gift of our success in life. When we inspire and teach others Almighty Father. Then we will know Do you love the Lord? to fill their hearts with love, obedi- the glory that God “hath prepared for Spend time with Him. Meditate on ence flows from the inside out in them that love him.”24 His words. Take His yoke upon you. voluntary acts of self-sacrifice and This is the transforming power of Seek to understand and obey, because service. Yes, those who go home charity. “this is the love of God, that we keep teaching out of duty, for example, When Jesus gave His disciples a his commandments.”16 When we love may fulfill their obligation. But those new commandment to “love one the Lord, obedience ceases to be a who home teach out of genuine another; as I have loved you,”25 He burden. Obedience becomes a love for the Lord and for their fellow- gave to them the grand key to happi- delight. When we love the Lord, we man will likely approach that task ness in this life and glory in the next.

30 Love is the greatest of all the com- mandments—all others hang upon it. It is our focus as followers of the A Broken Heart living Christ. It is the one trait that, if developed, will most improve our lives. I bear testimony that God lives. His and a Contrite Spirit love is infinite and eternal. It extends to all of His children. Because He ELDER BRUCE D. PORTER loves us, He has provided prophets Of the Seventy and apostles to guide us in our time. He has given us the Holy Ghost, who Those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit are willing teaches, comforts, and inspires. to do anything and everything that God asks of them. He has given us His scriptures. And I am grateful beyond description that He has given to each of us a heart capable of experiencing the pure love of Christ. a broken and a contrite heart” (v. 17). I pray that our hearts may be David’s words show that even in Old filled with that love and that we may Testament times, the Lord’s people reach out to our Heavenly Father understood that their hearts must be and to others with new vision and given to God, that burnt offerings new faith. I testify that as we do so, alone were not enough. we will discover a greater richness The sacrifices mandated during the in life. In the sacred name of Jesus Mosaic dispensation pointed symboli- Christ, amen. ■ cally to the atoning sacrifice of the NOTES Messiah, who alone could reconcile 1. 1 Corinthians 12:31. sinful man with God. As Amulek 2. 1 Corinthians 13:1. 3. See 1 Corinthians 13:1–2. taught, “Behold, this is the whole 4. Moroni 7:47. meaning of the law, every whit point- 5. Matthew 22:36. ing to that great and last sacrifice; . . . 6. See Frederic W. Farrar, The Life of Christ (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1994), 528–29. the Son of God” (Alma 34:14). 7. Matthew 22:37–40. After His Resurrection, Jesus Christ 8. 1 Corinthians 8:3. 9. History of the Church, 4:227. declared to the people in the New 10. Galatians 5:14. ow I love Elder Joseph B. World: 11. See Galatians 6:2. Wirthlin! The poet Rudyard “Your sacrifices and your burnt 12. History of the Church, 5:498. Kipling wrote the following offerings shall be done away, for I will 13. Mark L. McConkie, Remembering Joseph: H Personal Recollections of Those Who Knew words in 1897, an admonition to the accept none of [them]. . . . the Prophet Joseph Smith (2003), 57. British Empire against pride: “And ye shall offer for a sacrifice 14. “Selflessness,” Sept. 23, 2007, broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word; available unto me a broken heart and a contrite at www.musicandthespokenword.com/ The tumult and the shouting dies; spirit. And whoso cometh unto me messages. The captains and the kings depart. with a broken heart . . . , him will I 15. Oedipus at Colonus, in The Oedipus Cycle, trans. Dudley Fitts and Robert Fitzgerald Still stands thine ancient sacrifice, baptize with fire and with the Holy (New York: Harcourt Brace & Company, An humble and a contrite heart. Ghost” (3 Nephi 9:19–20). 1949), 161–62. (“God of Our Fathers, Known of What are a broken heart and a con- 16. 1 John 5:3. 17. Mosiah 5:2. Old,” Hymns, no. 80) trite spirit? And why are they consid- 18. See John 13:35. ered a sacrifice? 19. See Matthew 25:31–40. 20. See Matthew 25:40. When Kipling spoke of a contrite As in all things, the Savior’s life 21. John 3:16. heart as an “ancient sacrifice,” per- offers us the perfect example: though 22. D&C 19:18. haps he had in mind the words of Jesus of Nazareth was utterly without 23. See John 15:13. 24. 1 Corinthians 2:9; see also Isaiah 64:4. King David in the 51st Psalm: “The sin, He walked through life with a 25. John 13:34. sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: broken heart and a contrite spirit, as

NOVEMBER 2007 31 and learn to do them God’s way instead. In such a condition of sub- missiveness, the Atonement can take effect and true repentance can occur. The penitent will then experience the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost, which will fill them with peace of con- science and the joy of reconciliation with God. In a wondrous union of divine attributes, the same God who teaches us to walk with a broken heart invites us to rejoice and to be of good cheer. When we have received a forgive- ness of sins, a broken heart serves as a divine shield against temptation. Nephi prayed, “May the gates of hell be shut continually before me, because that my heart is broken and my spirit is contrite!” (2 Nephi 4:32). King Benjamin taught his people that if they would walk in the depths of humility, they might ever rejoice, “be filled with the love of God, and always retain a remission of . . . sins” (Mosiah 4:12). When we yield our hearts to manifested by His submission to the shaped in the hands of the Master. the Lord, the attractions of the world will of the Father. “For I came down A broken heart and a contrite spirit simply lose their luster. from heaven, not to do mine own are also preconditions to repentance. There is yet another dimension of will, but the will of him that sent me” Lehi taught: a broken heart—namely, our deep (John 6:38). To His disciples He said, “Wherefore, redemption cometh gratitude for Christ’s suffering on our “Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in and through the Holy Messiah. . . . behalf. In Gethsemane, the Savior in heart” (Matthew 11:29). And when “Behold, he offereth himself a sac- “descended below all things” (D&C the time came to pay the ultimate sac- rifice for sin, to answer the ends of 88:6) as He bore the burden of sin rifice entailed in the Atonement, the law, unto all those who have a for every human being. At Golgotha, Christ shrank not to partake of the broken heart and a contrite spirit; and He “poured out his soul unto death” bitter cup but submitted completely unto none else can the ends of the (Isaiah 53:12), and His great heart lit- to His Father’s will. law be answered” (2 Nephi 2:6–7). erally broke with an all-encompassing The Savior’s perfect submission to When we sin and desire forgive- love for the children of God. When the Eternal Father is the very essence ness, a broken heart and a contrite we remember the Savior and His suf- of a broken heart and a contrite spirit. spirit mean to experience “godly fering, our hearts too will break in Christ’s example teaches us that a sorrow [that] worketh repentance” gratitude for the Anointed One. broken heart is an eternal attribute (2 Corinthians 7:10). This comes As we make the sacrifice to Him of godliness. When our hearts are when our desire to be cleansed from of all that we have and all that we broken, we are completely open to sin is so consuming that our hearts are, the Lord will fill our hearts with the Spirit of God and recognize our ache with sorrow and we yearn to feel peace. He will “bind up the broken- dependence on Him for all that we at peace with our Father in Heaven. hearted” (Isaiah 61:1) and grace our have and all that we are. The sacri- Those who have a broken heart and lives with the love of God, “sweet fice so entailed is a sacrifice of pride a contrite spirit are willing to do any- above all that is sweet, . . . and pure in all its forms. Like malleable clay thing and everything that God asks above all that is pure” (Alma 32:42). in the hands of a skilled potter, the of them, without resistance or resent- Of this I testify in the name of Jesus brokenhearted can be molded and ment. We cease doing things our way Christ, amen. ■

32 words under the guiding influence of the Holy Spirit” (see “Missionary Preach My Service,” Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Jan. 11, 2003, 19). As the missionaries become immersed in Preach My Gospel, they Gospel—the learn and apply important doctrines and principles which make them more capable in their important service. Unifying Tool Despite this, they still need all of our help and support. Only together can we fulfill the great charge given to the ancient and modern Apostles: “Go ye between Members into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). In order to be successful in these and Missionaries efforts, we must be one with the mis- sionaries, and we must understand ELDER ERICH W. KOPISCHKE one another. Do you always under- Of the Seventy stand the missionaries? I do not refer to language but rather to how they do missionary work. We see and observe Missionaries and members must . . . become one them inviting people to listen to their in our efforts to proclaim the gospel. message. They teach gospel princi- ples and invite those who are inter- ested to change their lives and be baptized and confirmed members of the Church. brought a fresh copy of the Book of If we want to understand and help Mormon and a set of colored pencils. our missionaries, we must have faith We accepted the invitation of the mis- as missionaries have faith, we must sionaries. Since then, our daily Book of think as missionaries think, and we Mormon family scripture reading has must feel as missionaries feel. How changed. In every chapter, we mark can we achieve that? with different colors the passages One important way, of course, is related to Jesus Christ as we discover to be with the missionaries and see them. Every time, this little exercise them do what they do. But another reminds us of our missionaries. way for us is to get acquainted with When the missionaries presented Preach My Gospel and learn more this, we immediately recognized it as about missionary work. Ever since a scripture study exercise suggested President McKay said, “Every member in Preach My Gospel. As a family, we a missionary” (in Conference Report, are so thankful for this great and pow- Apr. 1959, 122), members have been erful missionary tool. striving to become more active in For the past three years mission- sharing the gospel. With Preach My ot long ago, we invited two sis- aries have been using Preach My Gospel, we have a marvelous guide to ter missionaries over for lunch. Gospel all around the world. It has better help us act upon this invitation. NAfter we finished eating, we truly revolutionized missionary work. Our own study of Preach My Gospel asked them to leave a spiritual thought The great vision of President Hinckley will not only help us to develop a with us. They were well prepared and is being fulfilled: Missionaries “master greater understanding and apprecia- introduced a scripture reading and the concepts of the lessons.” They tion for our missionaries, but it will marking exercise to us. They had “teach the concepts in their own help us in our own day-to-day life.

NOVEMBER 2007 33 Missionaries in Canada join in conference activities.

Every member of our family owns a to teach and how we as members can kingdom. Frequent study of this man- copy of Preach My Gospel. Studying work hand in hand with the missionar- ual will enable them to fulfill their this guide is a great support in devel- ies to help those who are investigating responsibilities as member missionar- oping a strong testimony. It helps us the Church. We learn to understand ies and will foster unity with the full- understand fundamental gospel prin- why strong invitations to act are help- time missionaries” (xi). ciples and the desire to serve. Allow ful to increase faith in Jesus Christ and Elder Richard G. Scott taught that me for a moment to highlight some of how we can stand with our nonmem- all members should carefully study the headings of Preach My Gospel ber friends who are moving through Preach My Gospel. He said, “Much ([2004], iii), and you will understand. this wonderful, life-changing process good has been accomplished . . . since They read: of conversion. Preach My Gospel was introduced, “How Do I Recognize and Along with studying the scriptures, but the best is yet to come as we all Understand the Spirit?” missionaries study Preach My Gospel become more proficient in the use of “How Do I Study Effectively and every day. They learn principles and this extraordinary missionary tool” Prepare to Teach?” skills, and they apply them. They (“The Power of Preach My Gospel,” “What Do I Study and Teach?” especially learn how to use the guid- Liahona and Ensign, May 2005, 31). “What Is the Role of the Book of ance of the Spirit in their work. If we Our time may seem limited to do Mormon?” want to learn as missionaries do, we this study, so therefore let me give a “How Do I Develop Christlike too must carefully study Preach My few suggestions that may help. Attributes?” Gospel and observe the missionaries Aren’t those the things that all in their daily work. • Youth preparing for a mission of us want to learn? For everyone who In the introduction to Preach My should carefully study Preach My wants to become a better member Gospel, we read: “Preach My Gospel is Gospel along with the scriptures. missionary and who wants to know for the full-time missionaries of the • Invite the missionaries to your how to support the missionaries, Church. However, the principles and home. Ask them to teach you and Preach My Gospel is full of powerful doctrines taught herein are also appli- your family a principle or doctrine ideas and insights. We learn how we cable to ward missionaries and lead- from Preach My Gospel. can help the missionaries find people ers as they seek to build the Lord’s • Every once in a while, use

34 Preach My Gospel for family home evening. Let your teenage children teach your family as missionaries Out of Small Things would do. In our home, we have had some surprisingly great les- ELDER MICHAEL J. TEH sons given by our children. We Of the Seventy have been astonished at how well they taught simple principles. Sometimes we have invited friends As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have a responsibility to those lessons. to care for and serve our brothers and sisters. • Gospel teachers could use the simple but effective principles of gospel teaching as outlined in Preach My Gospel as a support to Christ, we have a responsibility to the prescribed courses of study. care for and serve our brothers and • Preach My Gospel has been trans- sisters. In relating the parable of the lated and published in almost every good Samaritan, Jesus Christ not only language that our members speak. confounded His enemies but also In countries where the Church is taught a great lesson to all who still young, Preach My Gospel may sought to follow Him. We need to be used along with the scriptures enlarge the circle of our influence. as a resource and foundation for all Our service to others should be inde- gospel learning and teaching. pendent of race, color, standing, or • Elder Scott encouraged local relationships. After all, the command- Church leaders “to use these ma- ment to “succor the weak, lift up terials in . . . presidencies, priest- the hands which hang down, and hood executive committee strengthen the feeble knees”3 did meetings, and ward councils” not come with qualifications. (Liahona and Ensign, May 2005, 31). Many believe that for service to be • Use Preach My Gospel as a meaningful it should consist of hav- resource for training, talks, spiri- abuhay from the lovely and ing elaborate plans and forming a tual thoughts, lessons, firesides, wonderful people of the committee. Although many of these and personal study. MPhilippines. worthwhile projects help, much of One of the oldest and more pro- the service needed in the world I bear witness that this missionary found questions uttered in the history today relates to our day-to-day associ- guide is inspired of God. We must of this earth was, most interestingly, ations with each other. Often we find study it more carefully, that we may asked by Cain in response to God’s these opportunities within the con- understand our missionaries and their inquiry soon after Cain slew his fines of our own home, neighbor- work better. Missionaries and mem- brother Abel: “Am I my brother’s hood, and ward. bers must speak one language. We keeper?”1 This question deserves seri- The following advice, given by the must become one in our efforts to ous contemplation by those seeking deceitful Screwtape to his nephew proclaim the gospel. It will better to do the will of the Lord. One of the Wormwood in C. S. Lewis’s The enable us to become tools in the answers is in the teachings of Alma: Screwtape Letters, describes a com- hand of the Lord, for He said, “And “And now, . . . ye are desirous to mon malady afflicting many of us even so will I gather mine elect from come into the fold of God, and to be today: “Do what you will, there is the four quarters of the earth, even called his people, and are willing to going to be some benevolence, as as many as will believe in me, and bear one another’s burdens, that they well as some malice, in your patient’s hearken unto my voice” (D&C 33:6). may be light; soul. The great thing is to direct the As members of His Church, we are “Yea, and are willing to mourn with malice to his immediate neighbours expected to be a part of this glorious those that mourn; yea, and comfort whom he meets every day and to gathering process. Of this truth I testify those that stand in need of comfort.”2 thrust his benevolence out to the in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■ As disciples of the Lord Jesus remote circumference, to people he

NOVEMBER 2007 35 The following are events that I have been privileged to witness that have taught me how simple acts of service can help us and those we are permitted to influence. Our Heavenly Father places loving individuals on important crossroads to help us so that we are not left alone to grope in the dark. These men and women help by example and with patience and love. Such has been my experience. I recall a particularly important crossroad—the decision to go on a full-time mission. I stood on that crossroad for a very, very long time. As I struggled to decide which road to take, my family, friends, and priest- hood leaders came forward to take my hand. They encouraged and chal- lenged me and offered countless prayers on my behalf. My full-time missionary sister wrote to me regu- larly and never gave up. Even today, I am still carried on the shoulders of good men and women. I suspect that we all are. To some degree we all depend on each other to be able to make it back to our heavenly home. Sharing the gospel message is one of the most rewarding ways we can render service to those who are not of our faith. I recall a childhood expe- rience with someone I will simply call Uncle Fred. When I was six years old, Uncle Fred was my worst nightmare. He was our neighbor, and he was always drunk. One of his favorite pastimes was to throw rocks at our home. Because my mother was a great cook, single adult members from our does not know. The malice thus helped on their way? small branch frequented our home. becomes wholly real and the benevo- When they needed my help was I One day when Uncle Fred was sober, lence largely imaginary.”4 there? these members befriended him and The words from a popular hymn Then wake up and do something invited him into our home. This prescribe the perfect remedy: more development terrified me. He was no Than dream of your mansion longer just outside but inside our Has anyone’s burden been lighter above. home. This happened a few more today Doing good is a pleasure, a joy times until, finally, they were able to Because I was willing to share? beyond measure, convince Uncle Fred to listen to the Have the sick and the weary been A blessing of duty and love.5 missionaries. He accepted the gospel

36 and was baptized. He served a full- time mission, returned with honor, pursued further education, and was Quench Not married in the temple. He is now a righteous husband, father, and priest- hood leader. Watching Uncle Fred today, one would find it difficult to the Spirit believe that he once brought night- mares into the life of a six-year-old boy. May we always be perceptive to Which Quickens opportunities to share the gospel. My mother was a great example of helping others by giving them a boost. She taught us many important the Inner Man lessons. The one lesson that has had the most lasting effect on my life was ELDER KEITH K. HILBIG her desire to help anyone in need Of the Seventy who visited our home. It bothered me to see many of them leave with our When we invite the Holy Ghost to fill our minds food, our clothing, and even our money. Because I was young and we with light and knowledge, He “quickens” us, that is to say, were poor, I did not like what I saw. enlightens and enlivens the inner man or woman. How could she give to others when our family did not even have enough? Was it wrong to attend to our needs first? Didn’t we deserve a more com- sought to teach the gospel of Jesus fortable life? Christ to a resistant people. He boldly For years I struggled with these inquired of them as follows: “Will ye questions. Much later in life, I finally reject the words of the prophets; and realized what Mother was teaching. will ye . . . deny the good word of Even as she struggled with the effects Christ, . . . and the gift of the Holy of a crippling disease, she could not Ghost, and quench the Holy Spirit?”1 stop giving to those in need. In our day, so many centuries after “Wherefore, be not weary in well- both Paul and Jacob, we too must be doing, for ye are laying the founda- careful not to hinder, disregard, or tion of a great work. And out of small quench the Spirit in our lives. things proceedeth that which is The beckoning invitations of the great.”6 Serving others need not come world attempt to divert our attention from spectacular events. Often it is from the strait and narrow path. The the simple daily act that gives com- adversary labors to dull our sensitivity fort, uplifts, encourages, sustains, and to the promptings of the Spirit, brings a smile to others. whether we are teenagers, young May we always find opportunities n 1 Thessalonians chapter 5, Paul adults, or mature men and women. to serve is my prayer in the name of admonished the members to act in The role of the Spirit, the Holy Ghost, Jesus Christ, amen. ■ Ia manner as becometh Saints. He is essential in every season of our proceeded to list appropriate attrib- mortal lives. NOTES utes and behaviors. In verse 19 Paul From the beginning the Father has 1. Genesis 4:9; Moses 5:34. 2. Mosiah 18:8–9. counseled with these four simple promised each of His spirit sons and 3. D&C 81:5. words: “Quench not the Spirit.” daughters that through the Atonement 4. The Complete C. S. Lewis Signature Classics Interestingly, some 500 years and Resurrection of His Beloved Son, (2002), 201. 5. “Have I Done Any Good?” Hymns, no. 223. before Paul’s writings, a Book of we all might return to God’s presence 6. D&C 64:33. Mormon prophet named Jacob and inherit the blessings of eternal life

NOVEMBER 2007 37 peace and joy. We possess spiritual energy and enthusiasm, both of which enhance our natural abilities. We can accomplish more than we otherwise could do on our own. We yearn to become a holier person. Do you wish to know the price to be paid for the privileges that are offered after we have received the Holy Ghost? The price is not a predetermined or fixed amount; rather, it is determined by each of us individually. If you set your payment, which is your personal effort, very low, you may not be able to avail yourself of all the Spirit has to offer. You may even quench the Spirit! However, if you set your personal contribution high, you will reap an abundant harvest from the Spirit. The payment I reference is, of course, not money; rather, it is a greater commitment to and involve- ment in personal spiritual endeavors and behaviors. We determine the level of our cur- rent personal contribution by examin- ing our present choices and priorities against questions such as these:

1. Do I spend more time with sports than Church attendance or callings? 2. If I have a free day, do I choose in the highest degree of the celestial essential. We dare not hinder, disre- to attend the temple or to visit kingdom. gard, or quench the promptings of the mall? Each of us knew that the journey the Holy Spirit. Yet when it comes 3. Do I resort to computer games or to exaltation would be long, strenu- to drawing upon the promptings surfing the Internet rather than ous, and sometimes lonely, but we and the blessings which flow from offering meaningful service to oth- also knew that we would not travel the Holy Ghost, we often “live far ers in my home and community? alone. Heavenly Father provides all beneath our privileges.”2 4. Do I read the newspaper reli- who fulfill the prerequisites of faith, In the Pearl of Great Price, Moses giously but find it difficult to read repentance, and baptism with a com- recorded that Adam, having been the scriptures daily? panion and guide, the Holy Ghost. baptized and having received the The path to eternal life is not on a Holy Ghost, “became quickened in There are other questions you plateau. Rather, it is an incline, ever the inner man.”3 might formulate which will reveal the onward and upward. Hence, ever- When we invite the Holy Ghost to appropriateness of your current increasing spiritual understanding fill our minds with light and knowl- choices and priorities. and energy are required to reach edge, He “quickens” us, that is to say, Whatever level of spiritual develop- our destination. Because the perni- enlightens and enlivens the inner ment each of us may presently have, cious opposition by Satan continues, man or woman.4 As a result we notice there always exists a higher level the continuous enlightened guid- a measurable difference in our soul. within our reach. Time is a most ance of the Holy Ghost is absolutely We feel strengthened, filled with precious asset. Would you consider

38 investing more of your time in the promise is recorded in the Doctrine glorious promises and expectations things of eternity in order to merit the and Covenants: pertaining to eternity, we depart with constant companionship of the Holy heightened understanding of our Ghost and to benefit more fully from • “Draw near unto me and I will Heavenly Father’s plan for us. The His influence? draw near unto you.” Holy Ghost extends our vision and If your answer is yes, the initial • “Seek me diligently and ye shall allows that eternal perspective to offering in this pursuit of deeper find me.” influence the decisions we make in spirituality is an intensified desire • “Ask, and ye shall receive.” our daily lives. to receive greater inspiration and • “Knock, and it shall be opened If we undertake this effort and to become more holy. When these unto you.” quench not the Spirit, our inner being desires fill our hearts, we will eagerly • “Whatsoever ye ask the Father in is quickened. As we persevere, eternal increase the price we pay for my name it shall be given unto life awaits us. Thus, we dare not heaven’s help. you, that is expedient for you.”5 quench the Spirit through disobedi- Our next contribution to this effort ence or neglect. Rather, let us “live in will be to immerse ourselves more Note that sequence, brothers and the Spirit,”6 enhancing the sacred and consistently in the words of Christ sisters. We draw nearer to the Savior essential role of the Holy Ghost in our and of the prophets. When our study as we keep His commandments with individual lives. I testify that as we efforts expand, so will the influence of exactness. We earnestly petition the truly seek the Spirit, we shall benefit the Holy Ghost in our lives increase. Father in the name of Christ. Then, more fully from the quiet, but essen- Let us search the scriptures with pen through the promptings of the Holy tial, workings of the Holy Ghost. In in hand, making note of new insights Ghost, we receive divine direction the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■ and recording spiritual promptings. and clear understanding. NOTES Thereafter, let us strive to apply what As we fast, renew our covenants 1. Jacob 6:8. has been learned to our personal during the sacrament, and attend the 2. Brigham Young, Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe (1954), 32. lives. The Spirit will quicken our inner temple, we further access the Spirit. 3. Moses 6:65. selves; new understanding will come In these settings the Holy Ghost may 4. See Parley P. Pratt, Key to the Science of precept upon precept. manifest His influence with great Theology, 9th ed. (1965), 101: “The gift of the Holy Ghost . . . quickens all the intellec- To ensure we quench not the impact. tual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands Spirit, but rather invite His presence, The temple is a marvelous environ- and purifies all the natural passions and there is another step to take. Let us ment to seek personal revelation. affections; and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use.” pray frequently and fervently. The When we attend as often as we can 5. D&C 88:63–64. Savior’s tender and comprehensive and listen thoughtfully, pondering the 6. Galatians 5:25.

NOVEMBER 2007 39 justice and grace, patience, forgive- ness, and redemption. I think it is The Only True God accurate to say we believe They are one in every significant and eternal aspect imaginable except believing Them to be three persons combined and Jesus Christ in one substance, a Trinitarian notion never set forth in the scriptures because it is not true. Whom He Hath Indeed no less a source than the stalwart Harper’s Bible Dictionary records that “the formal doctrine of the Trinity as it was defined by the Sent great church councils of the fourth and fifth centuries is not to be found ELDER JEFFREY R. HOLLAND in the [New Testament].”3 Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles So any criticism that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does We declare it is self-evident from the scriptures not hold the contemporary Christian view of God, Jesus, and the Holy that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost Ghost is not a comment about our are separate persons, three divine beings. commitment to Christ but rather a recognition (accurate, I might add) that our view of the Godhead breaks with post–New Testament Christian there is one thing we would not like history and returns to the doctrine anyone to wonder about—that is taught by Jesus Himself. Now, a word whether or not we are “Christians.” about that post–New Testament his- By and large any controversy in tory might be helpful. this matter has swirled around two In the year A.D. 325 the Roman doctrinal issues—our view of the emperor Constantine convened the Godhead and our belief in the princi- Council of Nicaea to address—among ple of continuing revelation leading to other things—the growing issue of an open scriptural canon. In address- God’s alleged “trinity in unity.” What ing this we do not need to be apolo- emerged from the heated contentions gists for our faith, but we would like of churchmen, philosophers, and not to be misunderstood. So with a ecclesiastical dignitaries came to be desire to increase understanding and known (after another 125 years and unequivocally declare our Christianity, three more major councils)4 as the I speak today on the first of those two Nicene Creed, with later reformula- doctrinal issues just mentioned. tions such as the Athanasian Creed. Our first and foremost article of These various evolutions and itera- s Elder Ballard noted earlier faith in The Church of Jesus Christ tions of creeds—and others to come in this session, various cross- of Latter-day Saints is “We believe in over the centuries—declared the A currents of our times have God, the Eternal Father, and in His Father, Son, and Holy Ghost to be brought increasing public attention to Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy abstract, absolute, transcendent, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Ghost.”2 We believe these three imminent, consubstantial, coeternal, day Saints. The Lord told the ancients divine persons constituting a single and unknowable, without body, parts, this latter-day work would be “a mar- Godhead are united in purpose, in or passions and dwelling outside vellous work and a wonder,”1 and it is. manner, in testimony, in mission. We space and time. In such creeds all But even as we invite one and all to believe Them to be filled with the three members are separate persons, examine closely the marvel of it, same godly sense of mercy and love, but they are a single being, the

40 oft-noted “mystery of the trinity.” we are asking for ours. (That, too, is to do mine own will, but the will of They are three distinct persons, yet an article of our faith.) But if one says him that sent me.”10 Of His antago- not three Gods but one. All three per- we are not Christians because we do nists He said, “[They have] . . . seen sons are incomprehensible, yet it is not hold a fourth- or fifth-century and hated both me and my Father.”11 one God who is incomprehensible. view of the Godhead, then what of And there is, of course, that always We agree with our critics on at least those first Christian Saints, many deferential subordination to His that point—that such a formulation of whom were eyewitnesses of the liv- Father that had Jesus say, “Why callest for divinity is truly incomprehensible. ing Christ, who did not hold such a thou me good? there is none good With such a confusing definition of view either?7 but one, that is, God.”12 “My father is God being imposed upon the church, We declare it is self-evident from greater than I.”13 little wonder that a fourth-century the scriptures that the Father, the To whom was Jesus pleading so monk cried out, “Woe is me! They Son, and the Holy Ghost are separate fervently all those years, including in have taken my God away from me, . . . persons, three divine beings, noting such anguished cries as “O my Father, and I know not whom to adore or to such unequivocal illustrations as the if it be possible, let this cup pass from address.”5 How are we to trust, love, Savior’s great Intercessory Prayer just me”14 and “My God, my God, why hast worship, to say nothing of strive to be mentioned, His baptism at the hands thou forsaken me”?15 To acknowledge like, One who is incomprehensible of John, the experience on the Mount the scriptural evidence that otherwise and unknowable? What of Jesus’s of Transfiguration, and the martyr- perfectly united members of the God- prayer to His Father in Heaven that dom of Stephen—to name just four. head are nevertheless separate and “this is life eternal, that they might With these New Testament sources distinct beings is not to be guilty of know thee the only true God, and and more8 ringing in our ears, it may polytheism; it is, rather, part of the Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent”?6 be redundant to ask what Jesus meant great revelation Jesus came to deliver It is not our purpose to demean when He said, “The Son can do noth- concerning the nature of divine any person’s belief nor the doctrine ing of himself, but what he seeth the beings. Perhaps the Apostle Paul of any religion. We extend to all the Father do.”9 On another occasion He said it best: “Christ Jesus . . . being same respect for their doctrine that said, “I came down from heaven, not in the form of God, thought it not

NOVEMBER 2007 41 robbery to be equal with God.”16 that earnest prayer offered at such a A related reason The Church of tender age, the Father and the Son Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is appeared as embodied, glorified excluded from the Christian category beings to the boy prophet Joseph by some is because we believe, as did Smith. That day marked the begin- the ancient prophets and apostles, in ning of the return of the true, New an embodied—but certainly glorified— Testament gospel of the Lord Jesus God.17 To those who criticize this Christ and the restoration of other scripturally based belief, I ask at least prophetic truths offered from Adam rhetorically: If the idea of an embod- down to the present day. ied God is repugnant, why are the I testify that my witness of these central doctrines and singularly most things is true and that the heavens are distinguishing characteristics of all open to all who seek the same confir- Christianity the Incarnation, the mation. Through the Holy Spirit of Atonement, and the physical Resur- Truth, may we all know “the only true rection of the Lord Jesus Christ? If God, and Jesus Christ, whom [He having a body is not only not needed has] sent.”20 Then may we live Their but not desirable by Deity, why did teachings and be true Christians in the Redeemer of mankind redeem deed, as well as in word, I pray in the His body, redeeming it from the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■ grasp of death and the grave, guaran- Two young girls in Huancayo, Peru, teeing it would never again be sepa- stand outside their house, ready to NOTES 1. Isaiah 29:14. rated from His spirit in time or walk to the Sunday morning broadcast. 2. Articles of Faith 1:1. eternity?18 Any who dismiss the con- 3. Paul F. Achtemeier, ed. (1985), 1099; cept of an embodied God dismiss In doing so He conquered both the emphasis added. 4. Constantinople, A.D. 381; Ephesus, both the mortal and the resurrected grave physically and hell spiritually and A.D. 431; Chalcedon, A.D. 451. Christ. No one claiming to be a true set the human family free. I bear wit- 5. Quoted in Owen Chadwick, Western Christian will want to do that. ness that He was literally resurrected Asceticism (1958), 235. 6. John 17:3; emphasis added. Now, to anyone within the sound of from the tomb and, after ascending 7. For a thorough discussion of this issue, my voice who has wondered regarding to His Father to complete the process see Stephen E. Robinson, Are Mormons our Christianity, I bear this witness. I of that Resurrection, He appeared, Christian? 71–89; see also Robert Millet, Getting at the Truth (2004), 106–22. testify that Jesus Christ is the literal, liv- repeatedly, to hundreds of disciples 8. See, for example, John 12:27–30; John ing Son of our literal, living God. This in the Old World and in the New. I 14:26; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 1:1–3. 9. John 5:19; see also John 14:10. Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer who, know He is the Holy One of Israel, the 10. John 6:38. under the guidance of the Father, was Messiah who will one day come again 11. John 15:24. the Creator of heaven and earth and all in final glory, to reign on earth as Lord 12. Matthew 19:17. 13. John 14:28. things that in them are. I bear witness of lords and King of kings. I know that 14. Matthew 26:39. that He was born of a virgin mother, there is no other name given under 15. Matthew 27:46. that in His lifetime He performed heaven whereby a man can be saved 16. Philippians 2:5–6. 17. See David L. Paulsen, “Early Christian Belief mighty miracles observed by legions and that only by relying wholly upon in a Corporeal Deity: Origen and Augustine of His disciples and by His enemies His merits, mercy, and everlasting as Reluctant Witnesses,” Harvard as well. I testify that He had power grace19 can we gain eternal life. Theological Review, vol. 83, no. 2 (1990): 105–16; David L. Paulsen, “The Doctrine of over death because He was divine but My additional testimony regarding Divine Embodiment: Restoration, Judeo- that He willingly subjected Himself this resplendent doctrine is that in Christian, and Philosophical Perspectives,” BYU Studies, vol. 35, no. 4 (1996): 7–94; to death for our sake because for a preparation for His millennial latter- James L. Kugel, The God of Old: Inside the period of time He was also mortal. I day reign, Jesus has already come, Lost World of the Bible (2003), xi–xii, 5–6, declare that in His willing submission more than once, in embodied majes- 104–6, 134–35; Clark Pinnock, Most Moved Mover: A Theology of God’s Openness to death He took upon Himself the tic glory. In the spring of 1820, a (2001), 33–34. sins of the world, paying an infinite 14-year-old boy, confused by many of 18. See Romans 6:9; Alma 11:45. price for every sorrow and sickness, these very doctrines that still confuse 19. See 1 Nephi 10:6; 2 Nephi 2:8; 31:19; Moroni 6:4; Joseph Smith Translation, every heartache and unhappiness much of Christendom, went into a Romans 3:24. from Adam to the end of the world. grove of trees to pray. In answer to 20. John 17:3.

42 He is the Savior of the world. Scriptural witnesses authenti- Scriptural cate each other. This concept was explained long ago when a prophet wrote that the Book of Mormon was “written for the intent that ye may Witnesses believe [the Bible]; and if ye believe [the Bible] ye will believe [the Book ELDER RUSSELL M. NELSON of Mormon] also.”6 Each book refers Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to the other. Each book stands as evi- dence that God lives and speaks to Scriptures of the Restoration do not compete with the Bible; His children by revelation to His they complement the Bible. prophets.7 Love for the Book of Mormon expands one’s love for the Bible and vice versa. Scriptures of the Restoration do not compete with the concerns me deeply. In addressing Bible; they complement the Bible. that concern, I have titled my remarks We are indebted to martyrs who gave “Scriptural Witnesses.” their lives so that we could have the Bible. It establishes the everlasting Definitions nature of the gospel and of the plan I will define the term scriptural as of happiness. The Book of Mormon pertaining to the Bible and the scrip- restores and underscores biblical doc- tures of the Restoration.2 Members of trines such as tithing,8 the temple,9 the the Church “believe the Bible to be the Sabbath day,10 and the priesthood.11 word of God as far as it is translated An angel proclaimed that the Book correctly; we also believe the Book of of Mormon12 shall establish the truth Mormon to be the word of God.”3 of the Bible.13 He also revealed that Scriptures of the Restoration also writings in the Bible available in our include the Doctrine and Covenants day are not as complete as they were as well as the Pearl of Great Price. when originally written by prophets A dictionary defines the noun and apostles.14 He declared that the witness as an “attestation of a fact Book of Mormon shall restore plain e express love and admira- or event: [a] testimony.”4 The term and precious things taken away from tion for President Henry B. witness bears special significance the Bible.15 WEyring, Elder Quentin L. when applied to the word of God. In A prophecy in the Book of Cook, and Elder Walter F. González the Bible we read this important dec- Mormon warned that some people and pray for the Lord’s blessings to laration: “In the mouth of two or three would object to the notion of addi- attend them in their new callings. witnesses shall every word be estab- tional scriptures. To those who think We extend heartfelt feelings of grati- lished.”5 This assures God’s children they “need no more Bible,”16 consider tude to each of you, brothers and sis- that divine doctrines are confirmed by this God-given counsel: ters. Throughout the world, your more than one scriptural witness. “Know ye not that there are more examples of service and compassion nations than one? Know ye not that I, are receiving a great deal of attention. Scriptures Testify of Jesus Christ the Lord your God, . . . created all At the same time, many people are The Bible and the Book of Mormon men, . . . and that I rule in the heav- wondering about this Church’s history are both witnesses of Jesus Christ. ens above and in the earth beneath; and doctrines. Among those question- They teach that He is the Son of God, and I bring forth my word unto the ers are some who choose to cast that He lived an exemplary life, that children of men, yea, even upon all aspersions at the Book of Mormon.1 He atoned for all mankind, that He the nations of the earth? Disregard for the Book of Mormon died upon the cross and rose again as “. . . Know ye not that the testi- or for any other sacred scripture the resurrected Lord. They teach that mony of two nations is a witness unto

NOVEMBER 2007 43 you that I am God, that I remember much as heard whether there be any one nation like unto another? Holy Ghost.”32 That doctrine is clari- Wherefore, I speak the same words fied by another scriptural witness, unto one nation like unto another. conveyed through the Lord’s prophet And . . . the testimony of the two of the Restoration. He taught us to nations shall run together also.”17 “believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost The scriptural story of Jesus Christ by the laying on of hands.”33 That is indeed a two-hemisphere story.18 precious and powerful gift is again While Mary and Joseph in the East available to children of God. were making preparations for the Paul referred to the three degrees holy child’s birth in Bethlehem,19 of postmortal glory when he taught Nephi in the West was being taught by that “there is one glory of the sun, . . . the premortal Messiah. To Nephi the another glory of the moon, and Lord said, “Be of good cheer; . . . on another glory of the stars.”34 That the morrow come I into the world, glimpse into postmortal glory has to show unto the world that I will ful- been clarified by another scriptural fil all that which I have caused to be witness. The Lord revealed that “the spoken by the mouth of my holy descriptive of the Book of Mormon, glory of the celestial is one, even as prophets.”20 coming as it did “out of the ground” the glory of the sun is one. To doubters of that second wit- to “whisper out of the dust” to people “And the glory of the terrestrial is ness—the Book of Mormon—the of our day?26 one, even as the glory of the moon Lord issued a warning: “Because you But Isaiah was not the only Old is one. have treated lightly the things you Testament prophet who foretold the “And the glory of the telestial is have received . . . [you] shall remain Book of Mormon. Ezekiel wrote: one, even as the glory of the stars under . . . condemnation until [you] “Take thee one stick, and write is one.”35 repent and remember . . . the Book of upon it, For Judah, and for the chil- The highest of these kingdoms, Mormon and the former command- dren of Israel . . . : then take another the celestial, is reserved for those ments which I have given . . . , [the stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, who obey the law of that kingdom: Bible, and] . . . do according to that the stick of Ephraim, and for all the “They who are not sanctified which I have written.”21 house of Israel . . . : through the law . . . of Christ, must The Lord provided other scriptures “And join them one to another into inherit another kingdom, even that of the Restoration22 and declared that one stick; and they shall become one of a terrestrial kingdom, or that of a those words will also be fulfilled.23 in thine hand.”27 telestial kingdom. With these scriptural witnesses, false Today, Saints living in many nations “For he who is not able to abide doctrines will be confounded.24 With of the earth gratefully hold the Bible the law of a celestial kingdom cannot these scriptural witnesses, doctrines (the stick of Judah) and the Book of abide a celestial glory.”36 of the Bible are not only reaffirmed Mormon (the stick of Ephraim) These three degrees of glory but clarified. bound as one in their hands. relate to postmortal life. They relate What about the New Testament? to the immortality of the human Restoration Scriptures The Book of Mormon also stands as soul. That gift of immortality became Clarify the Bible a scriptural witness to its teachings. a reality because of the Atonement How do scriptures of the Examples include the miraculous of Jesus Christ.37 This important Restoration clarify the Bible? Many birth of the babe in Bethlehem,28 word—atonement—in any of its examples exist. I will cite but a few, His Sermon on the Mount,29 and forms, is mentioned only once in beginning with the Old Testament. the intense suffering of the Savior.30 the King James Version of the New Isaiah wrote, “Thou shalt . . . speak The doctrine of the Resurrection is Testament!38 In the Book of Mormon, out of the ground, and thy speech mentioned more frequently in the it appears 39 times!39 shall be low out of the dust, and thy Book of Mormon than in the Bible.31 John, writing in the New Testa- voice shall be, as of one that hath a The need for the Holy Ghost was ment’s book of Revelation, foresaw familiar spirit, out of the ground, and mentioned by Paul. He asked, “Have “another angel fly in the midst of thy speech shall whisper out of the ye received the Holy Ghost . . . ? And heaven, having the everlasting gospel dust.”25 Could any words be more they said unto him, We have not so to preach unto them that dwell on the

44 All 16 French-speaking missionaries serving on the island of Guadeloupe in the West Indies Mission gather to listen to counsel from Church leaders. earth, and to every nation, and kin- “. . . I have come unto the world to 14:6–8), and Paul (see Ephesians 1:10). dred, and tongue, and people.”40 One bring redemption unto the world, to The Prophet Joseph Smith was instructed that, in this last dispensation, there is to be specific angel held keys of responsi- save the world from sin. a “restoration of all things spoken by the bility for the Book of Mormon.41 That “Therefore, whoso repenteth and mouth of all the holy prophets since the was the angel Moroni! These exam- cometh unto me as a little child, him world began” (D&C 27:6). 3. Articles of Faith 1:8. ples are but a few of many biblical doc- will I receive, for of such is the king- 4. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, trines that are clarified by scriptures of dom of God. . . . I have laid down my 11th ed. (2003), “witness,” 1439. 42 5. 2 Corinthians 13:1. Similar statements the Restoration. life, and have taken it up again; there- appear in Matthew 18:16 and Ether 5:4. fore repent, and come unto me . . . 6. Mormon 7:9. The Book of Mormon: Another and be saved.”43 7. To the prophet of this present dispensation, the Lord declared, “This generation shall Testament of Jesus Christ Those declarations of the Lord have my word through you” (D&C 5:10). Willingly we share scriptures of the summarize who He really is and who 8. See Alma 13:15; 3 Nephi 24:8–10. Restoration with people across the He really wants us to be. He wants 9. See 2 Nephi 5:16; Jacob 1:17; 2:2, 11; Mosiah 2:5–7. world. The Book of Mormon records us to come unto Him and, in due 10. See Mosiah 13:16–19; 18:23. the personal ministry of the resur- course, be embraced gloriously in His 11. See 2 Nephi 6:2; Mosiah 18:18; Alma 6:1; rected Lord to people of ancient loving arms. 13:1–3, 6–11; 3 Nephi 18:5; Moroni 3:1–4. 12. The Book of Mormon is to “make known to America. Ponder these everlasting I express my profound gratitude all kindreds, tongues, and people, that the truths that He proclaimed: for scriptural witnesses. I have seen Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal “Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son the mighty change that comes to peo- Father, and the Savior of the world; and that all men must come unto him, or they of God. I created the heavens and ple who apply the Lord’s teachings in cannot be saved” (1 Nephi 13:40). the earth, and all things that in them their lives. Such transformation leads 13. See 1 Nephi 13:40. are. I was with the Father from the to the blessing of eternal life.44 14. See 1 Nephi 13:28–29. 15. See 1 Nephi 13:40. beginning. . . . I know that God lives. Jesus is the 16. 2 Nephi 29:6. “. . . The scriptures concerning my Christ. His gospel has been restored in 17. 2 Nephi 29:7–8. 18. Because He is Creator of “worlds without coming are fulfilled. . . . these latter days. President Gordon B. number” (Moses 1:33), additional scrip- “I am the light and the life of the Hinckley is His prophet at this time. I tures from other locations are a distinct world.” so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, possibility. ■ 19. See Luke 2:4–6. The Savior continued: amen. 20. 3 Nephi 1:13. “Whoso cometh unto me with a NOTES 21. D&C 84:54, 57. broken heart and a contrite spirit, him 1. The full title is the Book of Mormon: 22. See D&C 135:3. Another Testament of Jesus Christ. 23. See Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:31–35. will I baptize with fire and with the 2. The Restoration was foreseen by Peter (see 24. See 2 Nephi 3:12; Ezra Taft Benson, “A New Holy Ghost. . . . Acts 3:19–21), John (see Revelation Witness for Christ,” Ensign, Nov. 1984, 8.

NOVEMBER 2007 45 PRIESTHOOD SESSION October 6, 2007

25. Isaiah 29:4. 26. Isaiah foresaw that God would do “a mar- vellous work and a wonder” in the latter days (Isaiah 29:14). Those words of Isaiah Raising the Bar echoed in the ears of inhabitants of ancient America: “The Lord will set his hand again the second time to restore his ELDER L. TOM PERRY people from their lost and fallen state. Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Wherefore, he will proceed to do a mar- velous work and a wonder among the children of men” (2 Nephi 25:17). That marvelous work would include the coming Be certain that you easily clear the minimum standards forth of the Book of Mormon and the for service as a missionary and that you are continually Restoration of the gospel. Isaiah was quoted frequently in the Book of Mormon. raising the bar. A study of those quotations may be tedious, but it is not repetitious. Of 433 verses of Isaiah in the Book of Mormon, 234 differ from their biblical counterparts. 27. Ezekiel 37:16–17. the bar on qualifications for mission- 28. See 1 Nephi 11:13–20; Alma 7:10. ary service. He reported a decided 29. See 3 Nephi 12–14. 30. See Mosiah 3:7. A firsthand account of improvement in the preparation of His suffering was given to His latter-day the missionaries arriving in the mis- prophet (see D&C 19:16–19). sion field. The conversation led us to 31. The word resurrection appears in 40 verses of the King James Version of the Bible; recall an experience Lee and I had it appears in 56 verses in the Book of while he was attending high school. Mormon. See also Jeffrey R. Holland, Christ and the New Covenant: The Messianic Lee was a member of his high Message of the Book of Mormon (1997), school track team—he both sprinted 238–41. and high-jumped. During the 1968 32. Acts 19:2. See Acts 2:38 for the teaching of Peter regarding the need for the gift of the Summer Olympic Games held in Holy Ghost. Mexico City, the world became enam- 33. History of the Church, 5:499. ored with a little-known high jumper 34. 1 Corinthians 15:41. 35. D&C 76:96–98; see also 131:1. named Dick Fosbury. He had experi- 36. D&C 88:21–22. mented with a new high-jumping 37. See Mosiah 16:10; Alma 42:23; technique that involved sprinting diag- Mormon 6:21. 38. See Romans 5:11. onally toward the bar, then curving 39. Atonement: 28 times; atone or atoning: was privileged last month to be and leaping backward over the bar. It 8 times; atoneth: 3 times. In several verses, assigned to attend a seminar with came to be called the Fosbury flop. the word atonement appears more than once (see 2 Nephi 9:7; Alma 34:9; 42:23). I the mission presidents from the Like many others, Lee was intrigued 40. Revelation 14:6. North America West Area. Among the by this new technique, but until the 41. See D&C 27:5; 128:20. 42. The New Testament refers to “other sheep mission presidents in attendance was new school year started, he didn’t have I have, which are not of this fold: them also my son, Lee. He had been called to a place to practice it. I came home one I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; serve before I had completed my evening to find him practicing the and there shall be one fold, and one shep- herd” (John 10:16). That doctrine is clari- yearlong assignment in the Europe Fosbury flop in our basement. He had fied in the Book of Mormon. It bears Central Area Presidency. It had been set up two makeshift standards by record of the resurrected Lord speaking to three years since I had spent any time stacking chairs, and he was jumping people of ancient America. There the Lord said, “Ye are they of whom I said: Other with my son, other than a few short over a broomstick set on the chairs, sheep I have which are not of this fold; visits while passing through his area using a sofa to cushion his landing. It them also I must bring, and they shall hear on other assignments. was very clear to me that the sofa my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd” (3 Nephi 15:21). After a get-acquainted dinner with would not hold up under such treat- A limited account of Paul’s knowledge all of the mission presidents and their ment, so I called a halt to his indoor of baptism for the dead appears in the wives, Lee and I, with our wives, went high-jumping. Instead, I invited him to New Testament (see 1 Corinthians 15:29). Only in scriptures of the Restoration is to my hotel room for a visit. Our con- go with me to a sporting-goods store, that divine doctrine clarified (see D&C versation, of course, centered on mis- where we purchased some foam 124:29–30, 41; 128:1, 11–12, 16–18; sionary work. Lee explained what had padding to use for landing and high- 138:47–48). 43. 3 Nephi 9:15–16, 18, 20–22. happened to his missionaries since jumping standards so he could move 44. See 3 Nephi 9:14; D&C 30:8. President Hinckley asked us to raise the activity out of doors.

46 After experimenting with the Fosbury flop, Lee decided to return to the western-roll technique that he had used previously. Still, through the end of the summer into the fall, he practiced high-jumping for many hours in our backyard. One evening as I returned home from work, I found Lee practicing his jumping. I asked, “How high is the bar?” He said, “Five feet, eight inches.” “Why that height?” He answered, “You must clear that height to qualify for the state track meet.” “How are you doing?” I asked. “I can clear it every time. I haven’t missed.” My reply: “Let’s raise the bar and see how well you do then.” He replied, “Then I might miss.” I queried, “If you don’t raise the bar, how will you ever know your potential?” So we started moving the bar up to five feet, ten inches; then to six feet; and so on, as he sought to improve. Lee became a better high jumper because he was not content with just clearing the minimum standard. He learned that even if it meant missing, he wanted to keep raising the bar to become the best high jumper he was In Mérida, Mexico, these young boys reflect the growing strength of the capable of becoming. Church worldwide. Remembering this experience with my son brought to mind the message full-time missions. (See “The Greatest Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2002, 57). Elder M. Russell Ballard gave at the Generation of Missionaries,” Liahona Soon afterward, in a letter dated priesthood session of the October and Ensign, Nov. 2002, 46–49.) December 11, 2002, the First Presi- 2002 general conference, in which he In his concluding remarks at that dency instructed Church leaders challenged the young men of the same priesthood session, President about the principles of eligibility for Church to become the greatest gener- Hinckley commented on Elder full-time missionary service. The ation of missionaries. He announced Ballard’s talk. He said: “Elder Ballard instructions stated: “Full-time mis- that the bar for the minimum standard has spoken to you concerning mission- sionary service is a privilege for those of missionary service had been raised. aries. I wish to endorse what he said. who are called through inspiration by He instructed the young men of the I hope that our young men, and our the President of the Church. Bishops Aaronic Priesthood to prepare them- young women, will rise to the chal- and stake presidents have the serious selves more vigorously to reach this lenge he has set forth. We must raise responsibility to identify worthy, quali- new and higher minimum standard. the bar on the worthiness and qualifi- fied members who are spiritually, He also gave instructions to fathers, cations of those who go into the world physically, and emotionally prepared bishops, and stake presidents about as ambassadors of the Lord Jesus for this sacred service and who can be helping young men prepare to serve Christ” (“To Men of the Priesthood,” recommended without reservation.

NOVEMBER 2007 47 Those individuals not able to meet chapter 3. Each time you are asked to the physical, mental, and emotional speak in church or to teach a family demands of full-time missionary work home evening lesson, focus on these are honorably excused and should basic doctrines. not be recommended. They may be In Doctrine and Covenants 11:21, called to serve in other rewarding the Lord tells us, “Seek not to capacities.” declare my word, but first seek to The bar was raised by the leaders obtain my word, and then shall your of the Church, and now the minimum tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, standard for participating in mission- you shall have my Spirit and my ary work is absolute moral worthi- word, yea, the power of God unto ness; physical health and strength; the convincing of men.” The pre- intellectual, social, and emotional missionary age is an ideal time to set development. In every high-jumping the bar higher as you prepare your competition there is a minimum mind by acquiring the light and truth height at which the competition of the gospel of Jesus Christ. starts. The high jumper cannot ask to You must recognize that mission- start at a lower height. In the same Raising the bar to a higher physical ary service is emotionally demanding. way, you should not expect the stan- standard could involve further physi- Your support system is going to be dards to be lowered to allow you to cal conditioning. withdrawn from you as you leave serve a mission. If you want to be a It also could include improving home and go out into the world. missionary, you must be able to clear your physical appearance. A mission- Many of the ways you use now to the minimum standards. ary is expected to dress a certain way, cope with emotional stress—like But once you reach those minimum projecting a clean-cut appearance that hanging out with friends, going off standards, shouldn’t you try to keep includes an appropriate haircut; being by yourself, playing video games, or raising the bar? I ask you the same clean shaven; wearing a clean white listening to music—are not allowed question I asked my son many years shirt, a tie, and a well-pressed suit— by the rules of missionary conduct. ago: “If you don’t raise the bar, how all the way down to a good shoe There will be days of rejection and will you ever know your potential?” My shine. Start now to prepare for a full- disappointment. Learn now about challenge to you is to recognize that a time mission by adopting the appear- your emotional limits, and learn how minimum standard exists—and you ance of a full-time missionary. to control your emotions under the must reach it to serve as a full-time Raise the bar higher in your intel- circumstances you will face as a mis- missionary—but don’t stop there. The lectual preparation. Take your school- sionary. By doing this, you raise the greatest generation of missionaries will ing seriously. It is important to be able bar to greater heights and, in effect, not reach its full potential unless it to read, speak, and write with intelli- fortify yourself against emotional chal- keeps raising the bar. gence. Expand your knowledge of the lenges during your missionary service. Let me offer a few suggestions world around you by reading good While President Hinckley did not about what each of you can do to books. Learn how to study. Then mention this, prospective missionaries raise the bar even higher as you pre- apply your improved study habits to also must be prepared with the social pare for missionary service. learning the gospel of Jesus Christ. skills needed to serve a mission. More The minimum physical standard Consistently and regularly read from and more, young people are isolating for full-time missionary service refers the Book of Mormon. themselves from others by playing to a potential missionary’s physical Don’t neglect the opportunity video games; wearing headphones; health and strength. For example, one of attending seminary and institute and interacting through cell phones, of the questions on the missionary classes. Participate and gain all you e-mail, text messaging, and so on recommendation forms asks if you can from the scriptures taught in instead of in person. Much of mission- “can work 12 to 15 hours per day, these great religious-education set- ary work involves relating face-to-face walk 6 to 8 miles per day, ride a bicy- tings. They will prepare you to present with people, and unless you set the cle 10 to 15 miles per day, and climb the message of the restored gospel to bar higher in the development of your stairs daily.” Missionary work is hard, those you have opportunity to meet. social skills, you will find yourself and full-time missionaries must be in Study from Preach My Gospel, empha- underprepared. Let me offer a simple good physical condition to serve. sizing the basic doctrines taught in suggestion: get a job that involves

48 interacting with people. As an in- creased motivation, set a goal to earn enough money from your part- or full- Do It Now time work to pay for at least a signifi- cant part of your mission. I promise ELDER DONALD L. HALLSTROM great blessings—social, physical, men- Of the Seventy tal, emotional, and spiritual bless- ings—to every young man who pays for a significant part of his mission. Now is the time to reconcile with God through Personal worthiness is the mini- the merciful process of change afforded us by the Redeemer. mum spiritual standard for serving a mission. This means that you are wor- thy in every way to make and to keep sacred temple covenants. Do not dis- with other more enjoyable matters. qualify yourself from the blessings On the appointed Friday morning, bestowed on those who serve in this the teacher directed the students very special calling by committing acts to pass their recipes to the front of of transgression which will make you the class. Brett’s procrastination ineligible to serve. had caused him to forget the assign- Please recognize that while your ment and be completely unprepared. teaching as a missionary may be per- Flustered, he turned to a fellow stu- suasive, only the Spirit converts. dent seated nearby and confessed Preach My Gospel gives a good his problem. Trying to be helpful, description of what missionary work the classmate said, “I brought an is all about. It states, “As an authorized extra recipe. If you want, use one of representative of Jesus Christ, you can mine.” Brett quickly grabbed the teach people with power and author- recipe, wrote his name on it, and ity that ‘redemption cometh in and turned it in, feeling he had escaped through the Holy Messiah,’ and that any consequences related to his lack no one ‘can dwell in the presence of of preparation. God, save it be through the merits, hen our oldest child (who is One evening several weeks later, I and mercy, and grace of the Holy now a father of three and sits arrived home from work to freshen up Messiah’ (2 Nephi 2:6, 8)” ([2004], 2). Win this priesthood congrega- before going to my evening Church We remind you that where much is tion this evening) was 11 years of age, meetings. A few days prior, I had been given, much is required. We issue the he was given an assignment, along called as a stake president after serving call again for all spiritually, physically, with the other sixth graders of his several years as a bishop. We were and emotionally qualified young men school, to submit his favorite family somewhat known in our community as to come forth prepared to become recipe. As its contribution to a large members of the Church who tried to missionaries in the Church of Jesus spring fair, the sixth grade was pro- live the tenets of our religion. “There’s Christ. Be certain that you easily clear ducing a cookbook that would be dis- something you need to see,” my wife, the minimum standards for service as tributed throughout the community. Diane, said as I walked through the a missionary and that you are continu- When the teacher announced the door. She handed me a bound book ally raising the bar. Prepare yourself to project and a deadline of a week from with a page marked. Glancing at be more effective in this great calling. Friday, our son Brett immediately con- the cover, titled Noelani School’s May God bless you that this will be cluded there was plenty of time later Favorites—1985, I turned to the iden- your desire as you leave this priest- to get the job done and dismissed it tified page and read, “Hallstrom Family, hood session of general conference from his mind. Early the next week, Favorite Recipe—Bacardi Rum Cake.” and start now to prepare yourself for when the teacher reminded the stu- Many of us place ourselves in cir- the glorious service which is ahead of dents of the Friday deadline, Brett cumstances far more consequential you as a missionary of the Lord Jesus decided he could easily complete the than embarrassment because of our Christ. In the name of Jesus Christ, required task on Thursday night and procrastination to become fully con- amen. ■ until then he could occupy himself verted to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

NOVEMBER 2007 49 After a period of trying to ignore the noise, I would get up and join my father in my weekly responsibility to help him maintain the yard surround- ing our home. Perhaps after a few mornings of my not arising very quickly or due to other similar events when his repeated encouragement was needed before I acted, one day my father sat with me and showed me a large photograph of a sloth, an animal known for its lazi- ness. Then he opened the Doctrine and Covenants and had me read, “For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; where- fore he receiveth no reward” (D&C 58:26; emphasis added). Since that day, that image and its lesson have We know what is right, but we delay clear statement: “He that receiveth been valuable assets in my life. full spiritual involvement because my law and doeth it, the same is my One of President Spencer W. of laziness, fear, rationalization, or disciple” (D&C 41:5). Kimball’s effective encouragements lack of faith. We convince ourselves Alma, with deep emotion, declared, was the succinct “Do It.” He later that “someday I’m going to do it.” “And now, my brethren, I wish from expanded this to “Do It Now” to point- However, for many “someday” never the inmost part of my heart, yea, with edly teach the need for timeliness. comes, and even for others who even- great anxiety even unto pain, that ye President Kimball also taught the tually do make a change, there is an would hearken unto my words, and profound principle that procrastina- irretrievable loss of progress and cast off your sins, and not procrasti- tion leads to the loss of exaltation. He surely regression. nate the day of your repentance” said: “One of the most serious human As a partial self-appraisal of our (Alma 13:27). defects in all ages is procrastination, spiritual-procrastination standing, what Amulek, Alma’s friend and teach- an unwillingness to accept personal is our attitude when we attend the ing companion, amplified the mes- responsibilities now. . . . Many have meetings of the Church? Is it to learn sage by proclaiming: allowed themselves to be diverted and “by study and also by faith” (D&C “For behold, this life is the time have become . . . addicts to mental 88:118), which seamlessly translates for men to prepare to meet God; yea, and spiritual indolence and to the pur- what we learn into what we do? Or do behold the day of this life is the day suit of worldly pleasure” (Teachings of we have an “I’ve heard it all before” for men to perform their labors. Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. mentality that immediately blocks the “And now, . . . as ye have had so Kimball [2006], 4–5). Spirit’s access to our minds and our many witnesses, therefore, I beseech Many of us want the simple way— hearts and enables procrastination to of you that ye do not procrastinate the process that will not require seri- become a major part of our character? the day of your repentance until the ous work and sacrifice. Well, I once Of a prominent early investigator of end” (Alma 34:32–33). thought I found it. Driving in the back the restored Church, who covenanted When I was the age of a teacher of a verdant valley above the city of that he would obey any command that in the Aaronic Priesthood, it seemed Honolulu, I looked up, and there it the Lord would give him, it was said, every Saturday morning for months was—Easy Street! As I was dreaming “And he received the word with glad- I was awakened to the sound of my of the life-changing benefits of my ness, but straightway Satan tempted father doing yard work outside my discovery, I took out my camera to him; . . . and the cares of the world bedroom window. (It took me a long record the blissful moment. As I caused him to reject the word” (D&C time to figure out why he always looked through the viewfinder, how- 40:2). Contrast that with the Lord’s started his work under my window.) ever, my focus literally and figuratively

50 became clear. A large yellow sign returned me to reality—Easy Street was a dead end! Blessed Are All Procrastination may seem the easy way, as it momentarily removes the effort required to accomplish some- thing of value. Ironically, in time, pro- the Pure in Heart crastination produces a heavy burden laced with guilt and a hollow lack of ELDER L. WHITNEY CLAYTON satisfaction. Temporal and, even more Of the Seventy importantly, spiritual goals will not be achieved by procrastination. May God bless our genuine efforts to be pure of heart and Now is the time to exercise our mind, that “virtue [may] garnish [our] thoughts unceasingly.” faith. Now is the time to commit to righteousness. Now is the time to do whatever is required to resolve our undesired circumstances. Now is the time to reconcile with God trap out to sea and lowered it to the through the merciful process of bottom. When a dinner-sized fish change afforded us by the Redeemer came near the trap and sensed the of mankind. bait, it would find an opening on We appeal: the side of the trap and swim in, just squeezing between the cut wires. • To anyone who has received a wit- Then, when a trapped fish tried to ness of the truthfulness of the swim out, it would discover that it gospel and The Church of Jesus was one thing to squeeze past the cut Christ of Latter-day Saints and has wires to get into the trap, but it was not been baptized and confirmed. an entirely different thing to swim • To any holder of the Aaronic or against those sharp ends to get out— Melchizedek Priesthood who, it was caught. When the fishermen either by transgression or just returned, they hauled the trap out of doing nothing, is living in opposi- the water, and the trapped fish soon tion to a sacred oath and covenant became a fresh seafood dinner. (see D&C 84:33–39). There’s an account in the Old • To any endowed member of the alking down a beach in the Testament about someone who fell Church who does not currently Caribbean one sunny morn- prey to a similar trap. That man was qualify for a temple recommend. Wing some years ago, my wife mighty King David, and what hap- • To any member who has been and I saw several small fishing boats pened is one of the saddest stories in offended by the actions of another that had been pulled up onto the sand. the scriptures. and has in any manner disassoci- When we stopped to look at the boats, “And it came to pass . . . at the time ated him or herself from the I learned something about fishing when kings go forth to battle, that Church. that I have never forgotten. Instead of David sent Joab, and his servants with • To anyone who is living a duplici- using nets, lines, or hooks, the local him, and all Israel; and they [fought tous life and is burdened by unre- fishermen used simple traps made of against Ammon]. But David tarried solved sin. wire mesh. Each trap was shaped like a still at Jerusalem. box. The fishermen cut vertical open- “And it came to pass in an evening- It is my witness that you and all of ings about eight inches long on each tide, that David arose from off his us can change, and it can be now. It side of the trap and then bent the cut bed, and walked upon the roof of may not be easy, but our afflictions wires inward, creating narrow slots the king’s house: and from the roof can be “swallowed up in the joy of through which fish could enter. he saw a woman washing herself; and Christ” (Alma 31:38). I so testify in the You can probably guess how a trap the woman was very beautiful to look name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■ worked. The fishermen took a baited upon” (2 Samuel 11:1–2).

NOVEMBER 2007 51 have been if he had just looked away. Along with losing the Spirit, pornography users also lose perspec- tive and proportion. Like King David, they try to conceal their sin, forget- ting that nothing is hidden from the Lord (see 2 Nephi 27:27). Real conse- quences start to accumulate as self- respect ebbs away, sweet relationships sour, marriages wither, and innocent victims begin to pile up. Finding that what they have been viewing no longer satisfies, they experiment with more extreme images. They slowly grow addicted even if they don’t know it or they deny it, and like David’s, their behavior deteriorates as their moral standards disintegrate. As popular culture across the world degenerates, sleaze increasingly saturates the media, entertainment, advertising, and the Internet. But popularity according to the world’s David learned the woman’s name required that David turn away imme- prevailing norms is a very perilous was Bathsheba. Her husband, Uriah, diately and not watch, but he didn’t scale to use to measure what’s right a soldier, was away fighting the do either thing. Instead, he allowed or even what’s not dangerous. A Ammonites with the rest of the army, his mind to turn to forbidden fan- movie or television show may be well where David, their king, should have tasies, those thoughts led to actions, known and well liked by millions of been. David had Bathsheba brought and things quickly spiraled downward viewers and nevertheless portray to the palace. They committed adul- from bad to worse to fatal. David images and conduct that are porno- tery, she became pregnant, and David was trapped, and for him the conse- graphic. If something in a movie “isn’t began to fear that their adultery would quences were eternal. too bad,” that automatically means be discovered. Hoping to cover his There’s a spiritual snare today that it isn’t too good either. Thus, the sin, David ordered that Uriah be sent called pornography, and many, allured fact that others watch movies or open back to Jerusalem. Uriah returned, by its provocative messages, enter this Web sites that aren’t appropriate is but refused on principle to go to his deadly trap. Like any trap, it is easy to no excuse for us. Priesthood holders’ home to visit Bathsheba. David then enter but difficult to escape. Some lives should emulate the standards of arranged for Uriah to be slain in battle rationalize that they can casually view the Savior and His Church, not the (see 2 Samuel 11:3–17). This series of pornography without suffering its standards of the world. dreadful decisions brought death to adverse effects. They say initially, The Savior taught, “And blessed Uriah and misery to David, Bathsheba, “This isn’t so bad,” or, “Who cares? It are all the pure in heart, for they shall and eventually the entire kingdom. won’t make any difference,” or, “I’m see God” (3 Nephi 12:8). The prom- With rich understatement, the Bible just curious.” But they are mistaken. ises of the gospel are uplifting and says, “The thing that David had done The Lord has warned, “And he that ennobling, even exalting. We receive displeased the Lord” (2 Samuel 11:27). looketh upon a woman to lust after those promises by covenants which Do you see how David got caught her shall deny the faith, and shall not are conditioned on our living lives in this trap? He was on a rooftop have the Spirit; and if he repents not of purity and morality. When we live courtyard of his palace, and looking he shall be cast out” (D&C 42:23). right and seek to purify our hearts, below in a neighboring yard, he saw That’s exactly what happened to we draw closer to God and the Spirit. something he never should have David: he looked at Bathsheba, lusted The condition of our heart deter- seen. That was the adversary’s bait. after her, and lost the Spirit. How dif- mines how much evidence of divinity Modesty, chastity, and good judgment ferent the rest of David’s life might we see in the world now and qualifies

52 us for the eventual realization of the promise that the pure “shall see God.” Ours is a quest for purity. Thus, Today Is the Time the Apostle John wrote: “Beloved, now are we the sons of ELDER WALTER F. GONZÁLEZ God, and it doth not yet appear what Of the Presidency of the Seventy we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. What are we doing today to engraven in our souls “And every man that hath this hope the gospel principles that will uphold us in times of adversity? in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure” (1 John 3:2–3). If you are already caught in the pornography trap, now is the time who were left homeless were shel- to free yourself with the help of the tered in our meetinghouses. Despite Savior. There is a way out, but you will how unexpected the catastrophe was, need His help to escape. Your com- the priesthood organization func- plete recovery will depend upon your tioned very well to bring relief to complete repentance. Go to your those less fortunate. bishop immediately. Seek his inspired Stake and district presidents along guidance. He will help you put in with bishops went out to help their place a plan of repentance that will members only minutes after the earth- restore your self-esteem and bring the quake. The terrible situation in which Spirit back into your life. The healing these priesthood leaders went out is power of the Atonement of the Lord worth highlighting: it was nighttime; Jesus Christ reaches all afflictions, the lights were out; destruction even this one. If you will turn to the abounded; and the earth would not Savior with all of your heart and follow stop shaking. These magnificent priest- the counsel of your bishop, you will hood leaders left their families secured find the healing you need. The Savior and walked out into the darkness, will help you find the strength to resist hen President James E. Faust among people who wept, surrounded temptation and the power to over- informed my wife and me by destroyed houses. Thus our leaders come addiction. As Moroni taught: Wthat we would be transferred went out during the night and the fol- “Come unto Christ, and lay hold to Lima, Peru, we had no clue that on lowing days, facing frequent, strong upon every good gift, and touch not August 15, 2007, only a few days after aftershocks and a tsunami warning. the evil gift, nor the unclean thing. . . . our arrival, we would witness a devas- They searched among the rubble, in “Yea, come unto Christ, and be tating earthquake. More than 52,000 the midst of commotion, risking their perfected in him, and deny yourselves houses were destroyed by its sheer own lives to get to all the members. A of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny strength. Worse yet, it left more than bishop declared, “Without as much as yourselves of all ungodliness, and love 500 dead. Nine of them were mem- a second thought, I ran in search of my God with all your might, mind and bers of the Church. Members in the Church brothers and sisters and lead- strength, then is his grace sufficient Ica and Pisco stakes and the Cañete ers.” He found them. That’s how he for you, that by his grace ye may be and Chincha districts suffered the spent most of the night. perfect in Christ” (Moroni 10:30, 32). brunt of the tremor’s aftermath. What motivated these leaders to May God bless our genuine efforts The Church provided immediate go out and help others, even to the to be pure of heart and mind, that relief to its members and those of risking of their own lives? Certainly it “virtue [may] garnish [our] thoughts other faiths. The morning after the was their great faith in the Savior and unceasingly” (D&C 121:45). I testify quake, our members in the disaster His Church. It was their understand- of the redeeming love of the Savior area were receiving food and clothing, ing of their calling as leaders in the and of the purifying power of His and before noon the Church was priesthood. It was gospel principles Atonement in the name of Jesus donating humanitarian aid to the engraved in their lives before the Christ, amen. ■ nation’s civil defense. Many members earthquake, not during the crisis—

NOVEMBER 2007 53 faced with a commandment from God he was able to answer, “I will go and do, . . . for I know”? (1 Nephi 3:7). What these great leaders did was allow the Spirit to write gospel principles in their souls. This writing doesn’t happen overnight. Pro- foundly exposing our souls to the principles of righteousness will make a difference in our preparation for spiritual quakes. This exposure can be enhanced by pondering and by cutting off bad influences. Eternal principles will take root in us as we take time not only to read the teachings of the prophets and the scriptures but also to ponder them in the spirit of prayer. Nephi, for exam- ple, took time to sit and ponder. By so doing, he was exposed to doctrinal pearls (see 1 Nephi 11:1). Take the time to do what the Lord has directed us to do: “Treasure these things up in your hearts, and let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds” (D&C 43:34). In a world that increasingly demands more of our time, it is essential that we take time to ponder in our homes, so that we may under- stand divine doctrine and its princi- ples. As the Savior said, “Go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon these things . . . that ye may understand, engraved not with ink but with fire by will hit us. They likely won’t be literal and prepare your minds for the mor- the Spirit in the fleshy tablets of their shakings of the earth, as happened in row” (3 Nephi 17:3). hearts (see 2 Corinthians 3:3). Peru, but rather quakes of tempta- By so doing, our exposure to doc- The possibility of an earthquake tions, sin, or trials, such as unemploy- trine and its principles will continue was always there. When or how it ment or serious sickness. Today is the to be enhanced if we also hearken to would hit no one knew. When it time to prepare for when that type of the Lord’s admonition about bad came, it was devastating. But under quake comes. Today is the time to influences. It is very likely that there the direction of the priesthood, the prepare—not during the crisis. What are people who pressure us to act or moment’s challenge was faced. In are we doing today to engraven in our think in a way such that future quakes many cases, when members were souls the gospel principles that will will find us inappropriately prepared. unable, the Lord made up the differ- uphold us in times of adversity? Regarding this, the Savior gave us a ence. Some members tell of seeing For example, what did Joseph who key which will help us better prepare men in white helping to save their was sold into Egypt plant in his soul to today for the coming vicissitudes. He lives. Others heard guiding voices. reply, “How then can I do this great said, “Therefore, if thy hand offend Years of Church service were a wickedness, and sin against God?” thee, cut it off; or if thy brother preparatory school to becoming (Genesis 39:9) when avoiding pressure offend thee and confess not and for- organized and helping one another. from Potiphar’s wife to break the law sake not, he shall be cut off” (Joseph The same happens in our lives. We of chastity? What had Nephi planted Smith Translation, Mark 9:40). don’t know when or how earthquakes previously in his soul so that when Fortunately, the Savior Himself

54 taught the meaning of cutting off our hand. It’s not about self-mutilation but rather about removing from our lives God Helps today those influences that keep us from preparing for tomorrow’s earth- quakes. If I have friends who are bad influences for me, the advice is clear: the Faithful “It is better for thee to enter into life without thy brother, than for thee and thy brother to be cast into hell” Priesthood Holder (Joseph Smith Translation, Mark 9:41). The Lord applied this same principle PRESIDENT HENRY B. EYRING when warning Nephi to depart from Second Counselor in the First Presidency his brethren who became a dangerous influence (see 2 Nephi 5:5). It follows that such cutting off The message may come in words to your mind refers not only to friends but to every or in a feeling or both. But it will . . . give you assurance bad influence, such as inappropriate and guidance in what you must do. television shows, Internet sites, movies, literature, games, or music. Engraving in our souls this principle will help us to resist the temptation to that ward a complicated pattern for yield to any bad influence. passing the sacrament. I felt almost Enhancing our exposure to doc- certain that I would make a mistake trine and its principles will make us when my turn to pass or prepare the priesthood holders with deep-rooted sacrament came. gospel values. We will be better pre- In my fear and desperation, I pared to face the tremors that will remember going outside the chapel come without warning, when least to be alone. I was worried. I prayed expected. As priesthood holders, we for help and for some assurance that will feel the promise made to the I would not fail in serving God in His prophet Jeremiah extended to us: priesthood. “For, behold, I have made thee this It is now many years later. I have day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, held the Melchizedek Priesthood for and brasen walls against the whole more than 50 years. But in the last land” (Jeremiah 1:18). few days I have prayed with that same Then we’ll be able to express pleading for help and assurance that I our gratitude as did Sister Linda will not fail in the call which has come Cruzado in Ica. After spending all onight my thoughts are about to me to serve in the First Presidency. night exposed to the elements, she a boy somewhere in the world. Others seem so much more able to wrote, “At daybreak the next day, our THe is wondering if he can do serve and so much better prepared. Heavenly Father showed His love what being a priesthood holder will But as I prayed this time I think I through a warm sun that came up require of him. I had that worry when could feel an answer that was proba- very early, and at night He comforted I was about 13 or 14. bly sent to me outside the Yalecrest us with a very starry night.” I had grown up in the mission field Ward chapel long ago. It is the same Today is our time to be valiant and where there was only a tiny branch, answer you can expect to get when decide to give our souls a serious, which met in my home. Then my fam- you face a call to serve in the priest- profound exposure to our Savior’s ily moved to where there were stakes hood which seems beyond you. teachings. I know that He lives, and and large wards and chapels and quo- The message may come in words after we do all we can, He will make rums of boys who all seemed to know to your mind or in a feeling or both. up the difference. I so testify in the so much more than I did about what But it will include at least three things name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■ priesthood holders do. They had in to give you assurance and guidance in

NOVEMBER 2007 55 Hinckley. I told him that the meetings were to last three days, that many talks were to be given at the same time, that the crowd could choose which one to attend. I told him that I thought if I told the truth, I feared that no one would come to my sec- ond session and that I might be com- ing home very quickly. I asked him what he thought I should do. He said, “Use your best judgment.” I prayed through the night. Some- where near dawn, I was sure I was to say about the Restoration not, “This is what we believe happened to Joseph Smith and why we believe it happened,” but, “This is what happened to Joseph Smith, and this is why the Lord did it.” In the nighttime I was given no assurance of the outcome, just a clear direction— go forward. To my amazement, after my talk the ministers lined up to speak to me. Every one of them, one after another coming to me, told essentially the same story. Each of them had met a member of the Church somewhere in their lives that they admired. Many of them said that they lived in a commu- nity where the stake president had come to the aid of not just his mem- bers but of the community in a disas- what you must do in this seemingly angry people I was called by the First ter. They asked if I could take back overwhelming calling. Presidency to face who suddenly and their greeting and their thanks to First, the assurance will come from inexplicably were touched by a spirit people I not only didn’t know but a memory of times Heavenly Father of calm and reconciliation. had no hope of ever meeting. has helped you through dangers and Another time, I was sent to speak By the end of the three days of difficulties. That’s happened to me in to leaders of churches in the United meetings, larger and larger crowds the last few days. States and ministers of those churches were coming to hear the message of When I was young and still living who had met in Minneapolis to deal the Restoration of the gospel and the in New Jersey, a large crowd of angry with the problem of competition true Church of Jesus Christ not people gathered in front of our among churches. because they believed the message house. My mother went out to meet When I arrived, I found that I was but because they had seen goodness them, standing alone in this crowd of assigned to be a speaker. My subject in people’s lives—the fruits of that people who looked very dangerous to was to be: Why there was a need for a restoration. me. I couldn’t hear what she said, but restoration of the true Church through As I prayed in these last few nights, after a few minutes they went away Joseph Smith. I was a last-minute sub- those and other memories flooded peacefully. I still remember that I had stitute for Elder Neal A. Maxwell. back with an assurance something seen a miracle. When I arrived in the city the night like this: “Haven’t I always looked From when I was older, I have a before the meetings and looked at after you? Think of the times I have more recent memory of a crowd of the program, I called President led you beside the still waters.

56 Remember the times I have set a table with priesthood power. You will keep before you in the presence of your yourself clean so that you will teach enemies. Remember, and fear no with the Spirit. You will pray for the evil.” (See Psalm 23.) Spirit to tell you when to correct and So to the new deacons: remember. how to correct and how to show an He has always taken care of you from increase of love (see D&C 121:43–44). your childhood. To the new quorum Whatever you do in your priesthood presidents: remember. To you fathers service can be guided and measured with children who are a challenge to by how well it could or did help the you: remember, and have no fear. person take a testimony of the truth What is impossible for you is possible down into his or her life and heart, with God’s help in His service. And enough for the Atonement to work even when you were very small and and keep working. in the years since, He has with His You can get assurance in your power and His Spirit gone before service. You can forget yourself and your face and been on your left hand begin to pray for and love those you and on your right hand when you are to serve. And you can choose went in His service (see D&C 84:88). what to do and measure success by You can receive assurance that God the degree to which it changes the will watch over you if you pray for it hearts of the people you serve. in faith. I know that. can watch for when you pray for help But it is never going to be easy for The second part of the message in a hard priesthood assignment is you or for those you serve. There will you will receive as you pray for help this one—I got this one as well—go always be pain in service and in the in facing a hard assignment came to to work. Priesthood power is given repentance necessary to bring the me very early Friday morning. I had you to bless others. And that always power of the Atonement to change prayed, as you will, about overwhelm- takes moving out and doing some- hearts. That is in the nature of what ing inadequacies. The answer was thing, usually something hard to do. you are called to do. Think of the very clear and very direct and really a So you can expect, in addition to Savior, whose service you are in. At rebuke as I prayed. “Forget yourself— assurance of God’s help and the com- what point in His mortal life can you start praying about the people you mand to forget yourself, the clear see an instance when it was easy for are to serve.” That does wonders, I prompting by the Holy Ghost to go Him? Did He ask easy things of His can testify, to bring the Holy Ghost. and do something which will bless disciples then? Then why should it But be prepared to lose track of someone’s life. That may be as obvi- ever be easy in His service or for His time as you pray. You will feel love for ous as going prayerfully to visit a per- disciples? the people you are to serve. You will son or a family or a quorum member The reason for that is suggested feel their needs, their hopes, their to whom you are assigned to serve. by the phrase “a broken heart,” about hurts, and those of their families. And For a father it may be to correct one which you have been taught so well as you pray, the circle will grow wider of his children. today. The scriptures sometimes than you would imagine, to perhaps Whether what you do is to correct speak of people’s hearts being soft- people not in your quorum or your or to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, ened, but more often the words family but to those they love across you will do it better if you remember describing the state we seek for our- the world. When you forget yourself what success will be. You are to help selves and for those we serve are a to pray for the circle of others, your Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus “broken heart.” This may help us service will be extended in your heart. Christ, make eternal life possible for accept that our call to serve and the It will change not only your service those you serve. To do that, the Spirit need for the repentance we need and but your heart. That is because the must take a testimony down into seek will not be easy. And it helps us Father and His Beloved Son, whom their hearts. And that testimony has understand better why testimony you are called to serve, know and love to lead them to choose to keep the needs to go down into the hearts of so many people your service will commandments of God, whatever our people. Faith that Jesus Christ touch, however limited to a few it storms and temptations may come. atoned for their sins has to go down may seem to be to you. With that in mind, the Spirit will into the heart—a broken heart. The third and final message you guide you in teaching and correcting Now, tonight let us decide together

NOVEMBER 2007 57 what we are going to do. All of us, now so common that everyday life go out to find people and teach them whatever our callings may be, face requires discipline—a conscious under the influence of the Holy tasks that are beyond our own pow- choice not to linger watching what- Ghost. It was very hard. I was only a ers. I do and you do. That’s true from ever might create in us feelings which lieutenant. They were very senior to the simple fact that success is to get would repel the Spirit. me. I had no way of changing their testimony down into the hearts of The same care is required in what language. But I prayed for help. I people. We can’t make that happen. we say. We cannot hope to speak for don’t know how God did it, but in Even God won’t force that on anyone. the Lord unless we are careful with time their language changed. Slowly So success requires people we our speech. Vulgarity and profanity the profanity disappeared and then serve to choose to accept the testi- offend the Spirit. Just as immodesty the vulgarity. Only when they drank mony of the Spirit into their hearts. seems to be more common, so does liquor did it come back, but that was The Spirit is ready. But many people vulgar and profane language. It used in the evenings, so I could excuse aren’t ready to invite the Spirit. Our to be that only in certain places and myself for missionary work. task, which is in our power, is to with certain groups would we hear You can have memories like that to invite the Spirit into our lives so that the name of the Lord taken in vain or sustain your faith when life puts you people we serve will want to have the hear vulgar words and crude humor. in difficult places. God helps the faith- fruits of the Spirit in their lives—the Now it seems to be everywhere and, ful priesthood holder who decides to fruits that they can see in ours. for many, socially acceptable, where see and say no evil, even in a wicked This leads me to some suggestions once it was not. world. It will not be easy. It never is. of what we can choose to do or not to You can decide—and you must— But you can have the promise fulfilled do. Some things we can do invite the to change what you say even when for you as I know that it can be for Spirit. Some force the Spirit to with- you can’t control what others say. But me: “Let virtue garnish thy thoughts draw. You know that from your own I know from my own experience that unceasingly; then shall thy confidence experience. even in such a terrible situation you wax strong in the presence of God; No priesthood holder who wants can count on God’s help. Years ago and the doctrine of the priesthood to succeed will be careless about I was an air force officer serving for shall distil upon thy soul as the dews where his eyes may go. Choosing to two years in an office with a marine from heaven” (D&C 121:45). look at images which incite lust will colonel, an army colonel, and a griz- I testify that I know that you and cause the Spirit to withdraw. You have zled navy commander. They had I hold the priesthood of God and been warned by Elder Clayton as well learned to speak in war and in peace that He will answer our prayers with as you may ever be warned about in a way which offended me, and I sweet assurance and with the help the dangers of the Internet and the know it repelled the Holy Ghost. I to serve Him better. I so promise media in putting pornographic was at the time serving as a district you and testify in the name of Jesus images before us. But immodesty is missionary, trying in the evenings to Christ, amen. ■

58 to a call to serve as a missionary by accepting it and then fulfilling it. How A Royal Priesthood I pray that every boy and every man will have the mark of vision. PRESIDENT THOMAS S. MONSON The second principle I should like First Counselor in the First Presidency to emphasize as a characteristic of a true priesthood holder of God is the mark of effort. It is not enough to Times may change, circumstances may alter, but the marks want to make the effort and to say of a true holder of the priesthood of God remain constant. we’ll make the effort. We must actu- ally make the effort. It’s in the doing, not just the thinking, that we accom- plish our goals. If we constantly put holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye our goals off, we will never see them should shew forth the praises of him fulfilled. Someone put it this way: Live who hath called you out of darkness only for tomorrow, and you will have into his marvellous light.” a lot of empty yesterdays today.1 How might you and I qualify our- In July of 1976, runner Garry selves to be worthy of that designa- Bjorklund was determined to qualify tion, “a royal priesthood”? What are for the U.S. Olympic team’s 10,000- the characteristics of a true son of the meter race which would be run at the living God? Tonight I would like us Montreal Olympics. Halfway through to consider just some of those very the grinding qualifying race, however, characteristics. he lost his left shoe. What would you Times may change, circumstances and I do if that were our experience? I may alter, but the marks of a true suppose he could have given up and holder of the priesthood of God stopped. He could have blamed his remain constant. bad luck and lost the opportunity of May I suggest that first of all every participating in the greatest race of one of us develop the mark of his life, but this champion athlete did rethren, as I gaze from one vision. One writer said that the door not do that. He ran on without his end to the other of this majestic of history turns on small hinges, and shoe. He knew that he would have to Bbuilding, I can only say, you are so do people’s lives. If we were to run faster than he had ever run in his an inspiring sight to behold. It is amaz- apply that maxim to our lives, we life. He knew that his competitors ing to realize that in thousands of could say that we are the result of now had an advantage that they did chapels throughout the world, others many small decisions. In effect, not have at the beginning of the race. of you—holders of the priesthood we are the product of our choices. Over that cinder track he ran, with of God—are receiving this broad- We must develop the capacity to one shoe on and one shoe off, finish- cast by way of satellite transmission. recall the past, to evaluate the pres- ing third and qualifying for the oppor- Nationalities vary and languages are ent, and to look into the future in tunity to participate in the race for many, but a common thread binds us order to accomplish in our lives what the gold medal. His own running time together. We have been entrusted to the Lord would have us do. was the best he had ever recorded. bear the priesthood and to act in the You young men holding the He put forth the effort necessary to name of God. We are the recipients of Aaronic Priesthood should have the achieve his goal. a sacred trust. Much is expected of us. ability to envision the day when you As priesthood holders, we may find We who hold the priesthood of will hold the Melchizedek Priesthood that there are times in our lives when God and honor it are among those and then prepare yourselves as dea- we falter, when we become weary or who have been reserved for this spe- cons, as teachers, as priests to receive fatigued, or when we suffer a disap- cial period in history. The Apostle Peter the holy Melchizedek Priesthood pointment or a heartache. When that described us in the second chapter of of God. You have the responsibility happens, I would hope that we will 1 Peter, the ninth verse: “Ye are a cho- to be ready, when you receive the persevere with even greater effort sen generation, a royal priesthood, an Melchizedek Priesthood, to respond toward our goal.

NOVEMBER 2007 59 At one time or another each of us once comprised the ward. I was sur- the blessing of each of us if we put will be called to fill a position in the prised to observe in my search that of forth in our assignments our very best Church, whether as a deacons quo- all the houses and apartment build- efforts. rum president, a teachers quorum ings where our 1,080 members had The mark of effort is required of secretary, a priesthood adviser, a class lived, only three dwellings were still every priesthood holder. teacher, a bishop. I could name more, standing. At one of those houses, The third principle I would like but you get the picture. I was just 22 the grass was overgrown, the trees to emphasize is the mark of faith. years of age when I was called to be unpruned, and I found no one was We must have faith in ourselves, faith the bishop of the Sixth-Seventh Ward living there. Of the other two houses in the ability of our Heavenly Father in Salt Lake City. With 1,080 members remaining, one was boarded up and to bless us and to guide us in our in the ward, a great deal of effort was unoccupied, and the other housed endeavors. Many years ago the writer required to make certain that every some sort of a modest business office. of a psalm wrote a beautiful truth: “It matter which needed to be handled I parked my car, turned off the is better to trust in the Lord than to was taken care of and every member ignition, and just sat there for a long put confidence in man. It is better to of the ward felt included and watched while. I could picture in my mind trust in the Lord than to put confi- over. Although the assignment was each house, each apartment building, dence in princes.”3 In other words, let monumental in scope, I did not let it each member who lived there. While us put our confidence in the ability of overwhelm me. I went to work, as did the homes and the buildings were the Lord to guide us. Friendships, we others, and did all I could to serve. gone, the memories were still very know, may alter and change, but the Each of us can do the same, regard- vivid concerning the families who Lord is constant. less of the calling or assignment. resided in each dwelling. I thought of Shakespeare, in his play King Just last year I decided to see how the words of the author James Barrie, Henry the Eighth, taught this truth many residential dwellings were still who wrote that God gave us memo- through Cardinal Wolsey—a man who standing from the period between ries that we might have June roses in enjoyed great prestige and pride 1950 and 1955 when I served as the December of our lives.2 How because of his friendship with the bishop of that same area. I drove grateful I was for the opportunity to king. When the friendship ended, slowly around each of the blocks that serve in that assignment. Such can be Cardinal Wolsey was stripped of his

60 authority, resulting in a loss of promi- nence and prestige. He was one who had gained everything and then lost all. In the sorrow of his heart, he spoke a real truth to his servant, Cromwell. He said:

O Cromwell, Cromwell! Had I but served my God with half the zeal I served my king, He would not in mine age Have left me naked to mine enemies.4

I trust we shall have the mark of faith in every heart represented here tonight. I add to my list the mark of virtue. The Lord indicated that we should let virtue garnish our thoughts unceasingly.5 I recall a priesthood meeting held in the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City when I was a holder of the Aaronic Priesthood. The President of the As we offer unto the Lord our fam- The path of prayer thyself hast trod; Church was speaking to the priest- ily and our personal prayers, let us Lord, teach us how to pray.9 hood, and he made a statement I do so with faith and trust in Him. Let have never forgotten. He said, in us remember the injunction of the As we cultivate the mark of essence, that men who commit sexual Apostle Paul to the Hebrews: “For he prayer, we will receive the blessings sin or other sins do not do so in the that cometh to God must believe that our Heavenly Father has for us. twinkling of an eye. He emphasized he is, and that he is a rewarder of In conclusion, may we have vision. that our actions are preceded by our them that diligently seek him.”7 If any May we put forth effort. May we thoughts, and when we commit sin, it of us has been slow to hearken to the exemplify faith and virtue and ever is because we have first thought of counsel to pray always, there is no make prayer a part of our lives. Then committing that particular sin. Then finer hour to begin than now. William we shall indeed be a royal priesthood. the President declared that the way to Cowper declared, “Satan trembles This would be my prayer, my personal avoid sin is to keep our thinking pure. when he sees the weakest saint upon prayer this evening, and I offer it from The scripture tells us that as we think his knees.”8 Those who feel that my heart in the name of Jesus Christ, in our hearts, so are we.6 We must prayer might denote a physical weak- amen. ■ have the mark of virtue. ness should consider that a man If we are to be missionaries in never stands taller than when he is NOTES 1. See Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey, the kingdom of our Heavenly Father, upon his knees. The Music Man (1957). we must be entitled to the compan- May we ever remember: 2. See Laurence J. Peter, comp., Peter’s Quotations: Ideas for Our Time (1977), ionship of His Holy Spirit, and we 335. have been told precisely that His Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire, 3. Psalm 118:8–9. Spirit will not dwell in impure or Uttered or unexpressed, 4. Act 3, scene 2, lines 455–58. 5. See D&C 121:45. unholy tabernacles. The motion of a hidden fire 6. See Proverbs 23:7. Finally, may I add the mark of That trembles in the breast. . . . 7. Hebrews 11:6. prayer. The desire to communicate 8. In William Neil, comp., Concise Dictionary of Religious Quotations (1974), 144. with one’s Heavenly Father is a mark O thou by whom we come to God, 9. “Prayer Is the Soul’s Sincere Desire,” of a true priesthood holder of God. The Life, the Truth, the Way! Hymns, no. 145.

NOVEMBER 2007 61 Do not its emotions smother, But let wisdom’s voice control. Slow to Anger (“School Thy Feelings,” Hymns, no. 336) PRESIDENT GORDON B. HINCKLEY Many years ago I worked for one of our railroads. A switchman was May the Lord bless you and inspire you to walk without anger. aimlessly strolling about the platform one day. I asked him to move a car to another track. He exploded. He threw his cap on the pavement and jumped when they were angry. In their wrath up and down on it, swearing like a they swore, they lost control of them- drunken sailor. I stood there and selves, and terrible things followed, laughed at his childish behavior. even murder. There were moments of Noting my laughter, he began to offense followed by years of regret. laugh at his own foolishness. He then This story is told concerning quietly climbed on the switch engine, Charles W. Penrose. He was a convert drove it over to the empty car, and to the Church and served as a mis- moved it to an empty track. sionary in England for some 11 years. I thought of a verse from When he was released, he sold some Ecclesiastes: “Be not hasty in thy spirit of his belongings to pay for his trip to to be angry: for anger resteth in the Zion. Some of the Saints observing bosom of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9). him said that he was taking Church Anger is the mother of a whole property. brood of evil actions. This angered him so, that he I clipped from the morning news- went upstairs in his residence, sat paper a story that led off with this down, and wrote these verses, statement: “More than half the y beloved brethren, wherever which are familiar to you. (See Americans who might have celebrated you may be, here in the Karen Lynn Davidson, Our Latter- their 25th wedding anniversaries MConference Center or in a day Hymns: The Stories and the since 2000 were divorced, separated Church hall far away across the seas, Messages [1988], 323.) or widowed before reaching that what a remarkable thing it is that we milestone” (Sam Roberts, “Most U.S. can speak in this Conference Center School thy feelings, O my brother; Marriages Don’t Get to Silver,” and that you can hear what we say in Train thy warm, impulsive soul. Deseret Morning News, Sept. 20, a place as far away as Cape Town, Do not its emotions smother, 2007, p. A1). South Africa. But let wisdom’s voice control. Widowhood of course is beyond I have chosen tonight to speak School thy feelings; there is power the control of the parties, but divorce to the subject of anger. I realize that In the cool, collected mind. and separation are not. this is a little unusual, but I think it Passion shatters reason’s tower, Divorce too often is the bitter fruit is timely. Makes the clearest vision blind. . . . of anger. A man and a woman fall in A proverb in the Old Testament love, as they say; each is wonderful states: “He that is slow to anger is School thy feelings; condemnation in the sight of the other; they feel better than the mighty; and he that Never pass on friend or foe, romantic affection for no one else; ruleth his spirit than he that taketh Though the tide of accusation they stretch their finances to buy a a city” (Proverbs 16:32). Like a flood of truth may flow. diamond ring; they marry. All is It is when we become angry that Hear defense before deciding, bliss—that is, for a season. Then little we get into trouble. The road rage And a ray of light may gleam, inconsequential activities lead to criti- that affects our highways is a hateful Showing thee what filth is hiding cism. Little flaws are magnified into expression of anger. I dare say that Underneath the shallow stream. great torrents of faultfinding; they fall most of the inmates of our prisons are School thy feelings, O my brother; apart, they separate, and then with there because they did something Train thy warm, impulsive soul. rancor and bitterness they divorce.

62 It is the cycle which is repeated again and again in thousands of cases. It is tragic, and, as I have said, it is in most cases the bitter fruit of anger. I think of my own marriage. My eternal companion passed away three and a half years ago. But we lived together for 67 years. I have no recol- lection of ever having a quarrel with her. She traveled with me and spoke on every continent, pleading for the exercise of restraint, kindness, and love. A small publication that came to me some years ago carried the following: Once a man who had been slan- dered by a newspaper came to Edward Everett asking what to do about it. Said Everett, “Do nothing! Half the people who bought the paper never saw the article. Half of those who saw it, did not read it. Half of those who read it, did not understand it. Half of those who understood it, did not believe it. Half of those who believed it are of no account anyway” (“Sunny Side of the Street,” Nov. 1989; see also Zig Ziglar, Staying Up, Up, Up in a Down, Down World [2000], 174). So many of us make a great fuss of matters of small consequence. We are so easily offended. Happy is the man who can brush aside the offending remarks of another and go on his way. Grudges, if left to fester, can become serious maladies. Like a painful ailment they can absorb all of our time and attention. Guy de Maupassant has written an interesting chronicle that illustrates this. It concerns Master Hauchecome, who on market day went to town. He was afflicted with rheumatism, and as he stumbled along he noticed a piece A boy and his father in Mérida, Mexico, attend conference together. of string on the ground in front of him. He picked it up and carefully put assumed that what Hauchecome had against him had so troubled him it in his pocket. He was seen doing so picked up was the pocketbook, and that he became obsessed with it. by his enemy, the harness maker. he was accused of taking it. He vehe- Wherever he went he bothered to At the same time it was reported mently denied the charge. A search tell people about it. He became such to the mayor that a pocketbook con- of his clothing disclosed only the a nuisance that they cried out against taining money had been lost. It was piece of string, but the slander him. It sickened him.

NOVEMBER 2007 63 GENERAL AUTHORITIES OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

THE FIRST PRESIDENCY October 2007

Thomas S. Monson Gordon B. Hinckley Henry B. Eyring 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 Joseph B. Wirthlin

Richard G. Scott Robert D. Hales Jeffrey R. Holland Dieter F. Uchtdorf David A. Bednar Quentin L. Cook

THE PRESIDENCY OF THE SEVENTY

Earl C. Tingey D. Todd Christofferson Neil L. Andersen Ronald A. Rasband Claudio R. M. Costa Steven E. Snow Walter F. González THE FIRST QUORUM OF THE SEVENTY THE SECOND QUORUM OF THE SEVENTY (in alphabetical order) (in alphabetical order)

Carlos H. Amado David S. Baxter Shayne M. Bowen Sheldon F. Child L. Whitney Clayton Gary J. Coleman Spencer J. Condie Benjamín De Hoyos Mervyn B. Arnold Douglas L. Callister Craig A. Cardon Craig C. Christensen Shirley D. Christensen

John B. Dickson Charles Didier David F. Evans Enrique R. Falabella Christoffel Golden Jr. C. Scott Grow Bruce C. Hafen Donald L. Hallstrom Don R. Clarke James M. Dunn Keith R. Edwards Stanley G. Ellis Daryl H. Garn

Keith K. Hilbig Richard G. Hinckley Jay E. Jensen Marlin K. Jensen Daniel L. Johnson Kenneth Johnson Paul V. Johnson Yoshihiko Kikuchi Larry W. Gibbons Spencer V. Jones Won Yong Ko Gerald N. Lund Clate W. Mask Jr.

Paul E. Koelliker Erich W. Kopischke John M. Madsen Richard J. Maynes Lynn A. Mickelsen Marcus B. Nash Dennis B. Glenn L. Pace Robert C. Oaks William W. Parmley Wolfgang H. Paul W. Douglas Shumway Lowell M. Snow Neuenschwander

Anthony D. Perkins Paul B. Pieper Bruce D. Porter Carl B. Pratt Lynn G. Robbins Cecil O. Samuelson Jr. Ulisses Soares Michael J. Teh Robert R. Steuer Paul K. Sybrowsky William R. Walker Robert S. Wood

THE PRESIDING BISHOPRIC

Octaviano Tenorio Francisco J. Viñas Lance B. Wickman Claudio D. Zivic W. Craig Zwick

Richard C. Edgley H. David Burton Keith B. McMullin First Counselor Presiding Bishop Second Counselor SUNDAY MORNING SESSION October 7, 2007

“His mind kept growing weaker and about the end of December he took to his bed. O Remember, “He passed away early in January, and, in the ravings of [his] death agony, he protested his innocence, repeating: Remember “ ‘A little [piece] of string—a little [piece] of string. See, here it is, PRESIDENT HENRY B. EYRING [Mister Mayor.]’ ” (See “The Piece of Second Counselor in the First Presidency String,” http://www.online-literature .com/Maupassant/270/.) “O remember, remember,” Book of Mormon prophets often The story is told that reporters implored.1 My point is to urge you to find ways to recognize were interviewing a man on his birth- day. He had reached an advanced age. and remember God’s kindness. They asked him how he had done it. He replied, “When my wife and I were married we determined that if we ever got in a quarrel one of us President Faust. There may still would leave the house. I attribute be time. my longevity to the fact that I have When our children were very breathed good fresh air throughout small, I started to write down a few my married life.” things about what happened every Anger may be justified in some day. Let me tell you how that got circumstances. The scriptures tell started. I came home late from a us that Jesus drove the money- Church assignment. It was after dark. changers from the temple, saying, My father-in-law, who lived near us, “My house shall be called the house surprised me as I walked toward the of prayer; but ye have made it a front door of my house. He was carry- den of thieves” (Matthew 21:13). ing a load of pipes over his shoulder, But even this was spoken more as walking very fast and dressed in his a rebuke than as an outburst of work clothes. I knew that he had uncontrolled anger. been building a system to pump Now, my dear brethren, in closing water from a stream below us up to I plead with you to control your tem- our property. pers, to put a smile upon your faces, was grateful for the choir in their He smiled, spoke softly, and then which will erase anger; speak out with broadcast this morning, which rushed past me into the darkness to words of love and peace, apprecia- I was about the Savior, and grate- go on with his work. I took a few tion, and respect. If you will do this, ful to see that the words of one of steps toward the house, thinking of your lives will be without regret. Your the songs they sang, “This Is the what he was doing for us, and just as I marriages and family relationships will Christ,” were written by President got to the door, I heard in my mind— be preserved. You will be much hap- James E. Faust. As I sat down next to not in my own voice—these words: pier. You will do greater good. You Brother Newell, I leaned over to him “I’m not giving you these experiences will feel a sense of peace that will be and asked, “How are your children?” for yourself. Write them down.” wonderful. He said, “When President Faust sat I went inside. I didn’t go to bed. May the Lord bless you and inspire in that chair, that’s what he always Although I was tired, I took out some you to walk without anger, without asked.” I’m not surprised, because paper and began to write. And as I did, bitterness of any kind, but to reach President Faust was always a perfect I understood the message I had heard out to others with expressions of example of a disciple that was in my mind. I was supposed to record friendship, appreciation, and love. described in Music and the Spoken for my children to read, someday in This is my humble prayer, in the Word today. I always felt that when the future, how I had seen the hand name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■ I grew up, I wanted to be like of God blessing our family. Grandpa

66 didn’t have to do what he was doing for us. He could have had someone else do it or not have done it at all. But he was serving us, his family, in the way covenant disciples of Jesus Christ always do. I knew that was true. And so I wrote it down, so that my children could have the memory someday when they would need it. I wrote down a few lines every day for years. I never missed a day no matter how tired I was or how early I would have to start the next day. Before I would write, I would ponder this question: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” As I kept at it, something began to hap- pen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done. More than gratitude began to grow in my heart. Testimony grew. I became ever more certain that our Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. I felt more gratitude for the softening and refining that come because of the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ. you keep with those you love and That is why forgetting God has And I grew more confident that the serve. But you and they will be been such a persistent problem Holy Ghost can bring all things to our blessed as you remember what the among His children since the world remembrance—even things we did Lord has done. You remember that began. Think of the times of Moses, not notice or pay attention to when song we sometimes sing: “Count your when God provided manna and in they happened. many blessings; name them one by miraculous and visible ways led and The years have gone by. My boys one, And it will surprise you what the protected His children. Still, the are grown men. And now and then Lord has done.”2 prophet warned the people who had one of them will surprise me by say- It won’t be easy to remember. been so blessed, as prophets always ing, “Dad, I was reading in my copy of Living as we do with a veil over our have warned and always will: “Take the journal about when . . .” and then eyes, we cannot remember what it heed to thyself, and keep thy soul dili- he will tell me about how reading of was like to be with our Heavenly gently, lest thou forget the things what happened long ago helped him Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus which thine eyes have seen, and lest notice something God had done in Christ, in the premortal world; nor they depart from thy heart all the days his day. can we see with our physical eyes or of thy life.”3 My point is to urge you to find with reason alone the hand of God in And the challenge to remember has ways to recognize and remember our lives. Seeing such things takes the always been the hardest for those who God’s kindness. It will build our testi- Holy Ghost. And it is not easy to be are blessed abundantly. Those who are monies. You may not keep a journal. worthy of the Holy Ghost’s compan- faithful to God are protected and pros- You may not share whatever record ionship in a wicked world. pered. That comes as the result of

NOVEMBER 2007 67 There is a simple cure for the terri- ble malady of forgetting God, His blessings, and His messages to us. Jesus Christ promised it to His disci- ples when He was about to be cruci- fied, resurrected, and then taken away from them to ascend in glory to His Father. They were concerned to know how they would be able to endure when He was no longer with them. Here is the promise. It was fulfilled for them then. It can be fulfilled for all of us now: “These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”5 The key to the remembering that brings and maintains testimony is receiving the Holy Ghost as a com- serving God and keeping His com- hearts, and do forget the Lord their panion. It is the Holy Ghost who mandments. But with those blessings God, and do trample under their feet helps us see what God has done for comes the temptation to forget their the Holy One—yea, and this because us. It is the Holy Ghost who can help source. It is easy to begin to feel the of their ease, and their exceedingly those we serve to see what God has blessings were granted not by a loving great prosperity.” done for them. God on whom we depend but by And the prophet goes on to Heavenly Father has given a sim- our own powers. The prophets have say: “Yea, how quick to be lifted up ple pattern for us to receive the Holy repeated this lament over and over: in pride; yea, how quick to boast, Ghost not once but continually in “And thus we can behold how and do all manner of that which is the tumult of our daily lives. The pat- false, and also the unsteadiness of the iniquity; and how slow are they to tern is repeated in the sacramental hearts of the children of men; yea, we remember the Lord their God, and to prayer: We promise that we will can see that the Lord in his great infi- give ear unto his counsels, yea, how always remember the Savior. We nite goodness doth bless and prosper slow to walk in wisdom’s paths!”4 promise to take His name upon us. those who put their trust in him. Sadly, prosperity is not the only We promise to keep His command- “Yea, and we may see at the very reason people forget God. It can also ments. And we are promised that if time when he doth prosper his peo- be hard to remember Him when our we do that, we will have His Spirit to ple, yea, in the increase of their fields, lives go badly. When we struggle, as be with us.6 Those promises work their flocks and their herds, and in so many do, in grinding poverty or together in a wonderful way to gold, and in silver, and in all manner when our enemies prevail against us strengthen our testimonies and in of precious things of every kind and or when sickness is not healed, the time, through the Atonement, to art; sparing their lives, and delivering enemy of our souls can send his evil change our natures as we keep our them out of the hands of their ene- message that there is no God or that part of the promise. mies; softening the hearts of their if He exists He does not care about It is the Holy Ghost who testifies enemies that they should not declare us. Then it can be hard for the Holy that Jesus Christ is the Beloved Son wars against them; yea, and in fine, Ghost to bring to our remembrance of a Heavenly Father who loves us doing all things for the welfare and the lifetime of blessings the Lord has and wants us to have eternal life happiness of his people; yea, then is given us from our infancy and in the with Him in families. With even the the time that they do harden their midst of our distress. beginning of that testimony, we feel

68 a desire to serve Him and to keep His commandments. When we persist in doing that, we receive the gifts of the Holy Ghost to give us power in our service. We come to see the hand of God more clearly, so clearly that in time we not only remember Him, but we come to love Him and, through the power of the Atonement, become more like Him. You might ask, “But how does this process get started in someone who knows nothing about God and claims no memory of spiritual experiences at all?” Everyone has had spiritual expe- riences that they may not have recog- nized. Every person, upon entering the world, is given the Spirit of Christ. How that spirit works is described in the book of Moroni: “For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in before baptism, they have spiritual to truth being spoken in this confer- Christ, is sent forth by the power experiences. The Spirit of Christ has ence are from the Holy Ghost. The and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may already, from their childhood, invited Savior, who promised that the Holy know with a perfect knowledge it them to do good and warned them Ghost would come, is the beloved, is of God. against evil. They have memories of glorified Son of our Heavenly Father. “But whatsoever thing persuadeth those experiences even if they have Tonight, and tomorrow night, you men to do evil, and believe not in not recognized their source. That might pray and ponder, asking the Christ, and deny him, and serve not memory will come back to them as questions: Did God send a message God, then ye may know with a perfect missionaries or we teach them the that was just for me? Did I see His knowledge it is of the devil; for after word of God and they hear it. They hand in my life or the lives of my chil- this manner doth the devil work, for will remember the feeling of joy or dren? I will do that. And then I will find he persuadeth no man to do good, sorrow when they are taught the a way to preserve that memory for the no, not one; neither do his angels; truths of the gospel. And that memory day that I, and those that I love, will neither do they who subject them- of the Spirit of Christ will soften their need to remember how much God selves unto him. . . . hearts to allow the Holy Ghost to loves us and how much we need Him. “Wherefore, I beseech of you, testify to them. That will lead them I testify that He loves us and blesses brethren, that ye should search dili- to keep commandments and want us, more than most of us have yet rec- gently in the light of Christ that ye to take the name of the Savior upon ognized. I know that is true, and it may know good from evil; and if ye them. And when they do, in the brings me joy to remember Him. In will lay hold upon every good thing, waters of baptism, and as they hear the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■ and condemn it not, ye certainly will the words in confirmation “Receive be a child of Christ.”7 the Holy Ghost” spoken by an author- NOTES 1. Mosiah 2:41; Alma 37:13; Helaman 5:9. So, even before people receive the ized servant of God, the power to 2. “Count Your Blessings,” Hymns, no. 241. right to the gifts of the Holy Ghost, always remember God will be 3. Deuteronomy 4:9. when they are confirmed as members increased. 4. Helaman 12:1–2, 5. 5. John 14:25–26. of the Church, and even before the I testify to you that the warm feel- 6. See D&C 20:77, 79. Holy Ghost confirms truth to them ings you have had as you have listened 7. Moroni 7:16–17, 19.

NOVEMBER 2007 69 the faith of Timothy’s grandmother Lois and his mother, Eunice. Paul Live by Faith writes: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). and Not by Fear In my own case, I respectfully acknowledge ancestors now on the ELDER QUENTIN L. COOK other side of the veil who gave every- Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles thing asked of them to build the king- dom of God upon the earth. When we choose to follow Christ in faith rather than I am grateful that all my life I have choosing another path out of fear, we are blessed been surrounded by those who love the Savior. My heart is full of apprecia- with a consequence that is consistent with our choice. tion for my family. My wife, Mary, has been the joy of my life. Her spiritual strength, righteous example, sense of humor, and loving support have would be an understatement. When I blessed me throughout my life. Our was called as a General Authority in three children and their spouses have April of 1996, I also felt unequal to the been sources of great personal satis- calling. Elder Neal A. Maxwell reas- faction and, together with our nine sured me then that the most impor- grandchildren, have been such a tant qualification for all of us serving in blessing to us. Their faith and prayers the kingdom is to be comfortable in and the goodness of their lives have bearing witness of the divinity of the been a great comfort to Mary and me. Savior. A peace came over me at that When I think back to my youth in time and has stayed with me since Logan, Utah (Elder Perry’s fabled because I love the Savior and have had Cache Valley), I realize how fortunate spiritual experiences that allow me to I was to be reared in a goodly home— testify of Him. I rejoice in the opportu- to have a righteous mother who was nity to bear witness of Jesus Christ in full of faith, a loving father, an older all the world (see D&C 107:23), brother who has been an extraordi- notwithstanding my inadequacies. nary example to me as well as a friend In Doctrine and Covenants 68, and counselor, and a younger sister ear brothers and sisters, I join verses 5 and 6, we read: who has been loving and supportive. with you in expressing my “Behold, this is the promise of the How fortunate also to have had tal- Dlove and sustaining support Lord unto you, O ye my servants. ented and devoted Church leaders, to President Eyring and his family. “Wherefore, be of good cheer, and teachers, coaches, and friends who President Hinckley extended this call do not fear, for I the Lord am with were wonderful examples to me. to serve in the Quorum of the Twelve you, and will stand by you; and ye As a young man I had the opportu- late Thursday afternoon. I cannot shall bear record of me, even Jesus nity to serve in the British Mission, possibly articulate the kaleidoscope Christ, that I am the Son of the living which was a seminal, defining event of feelings I have experienced since God, that I was, that I am, and that I in my life. The influence of a valiant then. There have been sleepless am to come.” mission president is one of the great nights and much prayer. My spirits I seek the companionship of the miracles of the restored gospel. A have been buoyed, however, by the Holy Ghost as I speak with you this few weeks ago, I received a birthday knowledge that President Hinckley is Sabbath morning. card at Church headquarters from a the prophet and that the membership The overwhelming feeling that I woman I helped teach in Gloucester, of the Church will be praying for me have in receiving this call is that we England, many years ago. I had lost and my family. must live by faith and not by fear. In contact with her. She informed me To say that I feel deeply inadequate 2 Timothy, the Apostle Paul references that she and her husband are both

70 very active members and have 6 chil- prophets, seers, and revelators with in improving their lives. What a bless- dren and 20 grandchildren, all born in all my heart. I’ve tried to serve honor- ing to serve in their midst. the covenant. It may be the best birth- ably and lighten their responsibilities We also served for three years in day card I have ever received. in any way I could. I’m grateful to the the Pacific Islands. It is significant Mary and I left Utah so I could First Presidency and Quorum of the that almost 25 percent of all the attend law school in Palo Alto, Califor- Twelve for their lives of goodness and Polynesians in the world are members nia. We were planning to return to example, their patience, their teach- of the Church. Their faith and spiritual- Utah after graduation, but the Spirit ing, their kindness, their devotion to ity are legendary. Sister Cook and I directed that we stay in California. our Heavenly Father and His Son, were in Vava’u in the Tongan islands We lived in California for 33 years and Jesus Christ, and His restored gospel. on one occasion. I had just spoken raised our family there. We both had I am grateful that God called Joseph about following the prophet in the many opportunities to serve. We loved Smith to be a prophet through whom general session of stake conference. the diversity of the members and their the fulness of the gospel was restored At the luncheon following the confer- commitment to the gospel of Jesus to earth. ence, I sat next to a distinguished Christ. I will be eternally grateful for My experience as a General elderly patriarch. He indicated how the wonderful Latter-day Saints in Authority has filled my heart with grateful he was to hear what the California who have been such a posi- appreciation for the faith and good- prophet was teaching. He gave me the tive influence in my life. ness of the Latter-day Saints all over following account. Vava’u, which is a 1 These last 11 ⁄2 years of service as the world. We served for two years relatively small island, usually has suffi- a Seventy have been truly rewarding in the Philippines. In April of 1961, cient rain, but periodically there are ones. As I leave that quorum, I want President Hinckley, then an Assistant severe droughts. The island has long my fellow Brethren to know of my to the Twelve, sent the first missionar- inlets or bays, almost like sounds, love and appreciation for their dedica- ies to Manila. There was only one which curl into the island below steep tion and loyalty to the kingdom of Filipino priesthood holder in the hills. When drought conditions left the God on the earth—for their faithful- Philippines. Today there are almost village without water, there was only ness and good works. I want them to 600,000 members. Their lives are not one way they could obtain fresh water know of the joy it has been to serve easy, and they lack many material and stay alive. Over the centuries they with them. things, but they love the Savior. The had found that fresh water traveled I love the Brethren we sustain as gospel is having a tremendous impact down through rock formations inside

NOVEMBER 2007 71 the mountains and came up in a few believe. We need much more member spots in the sea. involvement in sharing the message The Tongan men would set off in of the Restoration. Romans 10, verse their small boats with a wise elder 14, puts this into perspective: standing at one end of the boat look- “How then shall they call on him ing for just the right spot. The strong [speaking of the Savior] in whom they young men in the boat stood ready have not believed? and how shall they with containers to dive deep into the believe in him of whom they have not seawater. When they reached the heard? and how shall they hear with- appropriate spot, the wise man would out a preacher?” raise both arms to heaven. That was Verse 15 contains the wonderful the signal. The strong young men message referenced in Isaiah: would dive off the boat as deep as “How beautiful are the feet of they could and fill the containers with them that preach the gospel of fresh springwater. This old patriarch peace, and bring glad tidings” (see likened this lifesaving tradition to the also Isaiah 52:7). living waters of the gospel of Jesus It has been observed that the Christ and the wise man to God’s members are going to have to move prophet here on earth. He noted that their feet and let their voices be heard the water was pure, fresh, and, in if they are to achieve this blessing. their drought condition, lifesaving. 1. Follow the prophet. Preach My Gospel: A Guide to But it was not easy to find. It was not 2. Create the true spirit of the gospel Missionary Service was first intro- visible to the untrained eye. This in our hearts and homes. duced in October 2004. President patriarch wanted to know everything 3. Be a light to those among whom Hinckley commenced this effort the prophet was teaching. we live. when he called for missionaries to We live in a precarious time. The 4. Focus on the ordinances and prin- learn the doctrine and to teach the world is in desperate need of the fresh ciples taught in the temple. (See principles by the Spirit. Every mem- springwater, which is the gospel of D&C 115:5; Harold B. Lee, “Your ber of the First Presidency and Jesus Christ. We should listen intently Light to Be a Standard unto the Quorum of the Twelve participated to to the prophet as we make choices. Nations,” Ensign, Aug. 1973, 3–4.) a significant degree. Elder Ballard and My own informal records indicate that I felt that the windows of heaven were President Hinckley has continually As we followed this counsel, opened and the Lord’s inspiration emphasized faith in the Lord Jesus our faith increased and our fears poured out to bring forth this great Christ. That has been followed by his decreased. I believe we can raise resource. Over 1.5 million copies of emphasis on strengthening families righteous children anywhere in the Preach My Gospel have been and having family religious observance world if they are taught religious acquired by the members of the in the home. Over and over again he principles in the home. Church. It is a wonderful foundation, has told us that if we would live a prin- One area where members can live and the missionaries are powerful, ciple, we would gain a testimony of the by faith and not by fear is in our mis- spiritual teachers. However, if we truthfulness of that principle, which sionary effort. Prior to my call to the are to accomplish what President would in turn increase our faith. Presidency of the Seventy on August 1 Hinckley has requested, the mem- I know that many of you are con- of this year, I had served in the Mis- bers, living by faith and not by fear, cerned about raising your children sionary Department for six years, the need to share the gospel with their during these difficult times and last three years as Executive Director friends and associates. increasing their faith. When my wife under Elder M. Russell Ballard, who In our individual callings we need and I were starting our family in the served as Chairman of the Missionary to have faith and not be fearful. San Francisco Bay Area, we had that Executive Council. Our daughter, Kathryn, is serving as same concern. At a critical point our Some mission presidents informed the Primary president in her ward in stake members were advised by Elder us that many wonderful members are Salt Lake City. My wife and I attended Harold B. Lee, then a member of the in camouflage to their neighbors and her ward last Sunday to observe the Twelve, that we could raise our fami- co-workers. They do not let people Primary sacrament meeting presenta- lies in righteousness if we would: know who they are and what they tion, “I’ll Follow Him in Faith.” I was

72 thrilled to hear the children recite scriptures and stories coupled with songs focused on faith in Christ. Don’t Leave for After the meeting, I asked her about her calling. She said that ini- tially the calling weighed her down. Much time was spent going over Tomorrow What problems. Then the presidency decided to emphasize love, faith, and prayer. Suddenly spiritual impressions You Can Do Today came to mind about a particular child or family. Friction was replaced with ELDER CLAUDIO R. M. COSTA love. She tells me that as they acted Of the Presidency of the Seventy upon promptings from the Spirit, Primary reflected a reverence and peace, and real gospel learning was Now is the time to perform our God-given duties taking place. concerning the family. It is our faith in Jesus Christ that sustains us at the crossroads of life’s journey. It is the first principle of the gospel. Without it we will spin and excessive amounts of work are our wheels at the intersection, spend- curbing parents’ attention from what ing our precious time but getting is most important: to give time, to nowhere. It is Christ who offers the give of oneself to one’s family. invitation to follow Him, to give Him The Lord taught us that every man our burden, and to carry His yoke, has the responsibility to provide for “for [His] yoke is easy, and [His] bur- his family,2 but that does not mean den is light” (Matthew 11:30). solely to store up the house with food There is no other name under and other items which are needed or heaven whereby man can be saved desired. We must also have time to (see Acts 4:12). We must take upon us provide our family with teachings. His name and receive His image in What should we teach? our countenance so that when He Our Father has taught us that par- comes we will be more like Him (see ents are obligated to teach the gospel 1 John 3:2; Alma 5:14). When we to their children.3 The prophet Lehi choose to follow Christ in faith rather understood well his responsibility to than choosing another path out of teach his children. Nephi declared fear, we are blessed with a conse- n September 23, 1995, the that he had been taught “in all the quence that is consistent with our First Presidency and the learning of [his] father.”4 choice (see D&C 6:34–36). OQuorum of the Twelve The Lord instructed us how to take May we all recognize and give Apostles introduced to the Church care of our families when He told us thanks for the incomparable gift of and the world a document called through His prophets in the procla- life we each enjoy and for the breath “The Family: A Proclamation to the mation to the world, “Parents have a that He lends us daily. May we choose World.” I quote from the paragraph sacred duty to rear their children in to have conviction at the crossroads which reads, “Husband and wife have love and righteousness, to provide for of life and exercise faith in Jesus a solemn responsibility to love and their physical and spiritual needs, to Christ. My prayer is that we will live by care for each other and for their chil- teach them to love and serve one faith and not by fear. I bear my wit- dren.”1 We live in a day and age in another, to observe the command- ness of God, who is our Heavenly which this counsel is indeed very ments of God and to be law-abiding Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, who important. Many parents argue they citizens wherever they live.”5 atoned for our sins, in the name of don’t have time for their families. The We know God has taught us for Jesus Christ, amen. ■ fast-paced lifestyle of modern-day life centuries how to protect and take

NOVEMBER 2007 73 member. This will prepare them to make whatever sacrifice is necessary to be able to return to God’s pres- ence and stay together as a family for all eternity. The family proclamation helps us understand much of the love the Savior referred to when He told us we must “love one another.”8 He gave us the supreme example of love when He declared, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”9 He later atoned for all our sins and finally gave His life for all of us. We can lay down our lives for those we love not by physically dying for them but rather by living for them— giving of our time; always being pres- ent in their lives; serving them; being courteous, affectionate, and showing true love for those of our family and to all men—as the Savior taught. We don’t know what could happen to us tomorrow, and that is why today is the time to start showing your love through small acts such as a hug and care of our families. We also know and As we follow President Faust’s wise an “I love you” to your spouse and can see that the adversary has been counsel, we will be protecting family children and those around you. attacking the family. Now is the time members against Satan’s attacks as I recently read a text which to use all those teachings. Now is the well as strengthening their faith and expresses the urgency of not leaving time to perform our God-given duties testimony in the Lord Jesus Christ. for tomorrow what you can do today. concerning the family. In the family proclamation we also In July of this year Brazil witnessed President James E. Faust gave us learn that “by divine design, fathers the most devastating aircraft accident three key things we can do to protect are to preside over their families in in its history. There were 199 people and strengthen our families: love and righteousness and are killed, including passengers, airline responsible to provide the necessities workers, crew members, and others 1. Family prayer. Parents must teach of life and protection for their fami- who were at the site when the acci- their children that they are God’s lies. Mothers are primarily responsible dent happened. The text I mentioned children and therefore need to for the nurture of their children. In was said to have been posted on the pray to Him daily. these sacred responsibilities, fathers airline communication board by the 2. Family home evening. As President and mothers are obligated to help husband of one of the flight atten- Faust taught us, family home one another as equal partners.”7 dants who died in the accident. It is evening is for all of us no matter It is in the home that the family entitled “Tomorrow Never Comes” what stage of life we are in. We learns and applies gospel principles. and is based upon a poem by Norma must have Monday nights free of Great love is necessary in order to Cornett Marek. all other activities that might keep teach and guide a family. Loving us from gathering as a family. fathers and mothers will teach their If I knew this would be the last time 3. Personal and family scripture study. children to worship God in their I would watch you sleep, We need to help our children home. When a worshipping spirit I would hug you tighter. I would strengthen their faith and testi- permeates the home, that spirit is plead with the Lord to protect you. mony through this basic habit.6 extended into the life of each family If I knew this would be the last time

74 I saw you walk out the door, help with anything?” “Forgive me,” I would hug and kiss you and call But in my case, there isn’t one! “Thank you,” you back to hug and kiss you one I don’t have you here with me, and Or even, more time. today is the last day we have— “That was nothing,” If I knew this would be the last time our farewell. “It’s all right,” I would hear your voice in Therefore I would like to say how Because if tomorrow never comes, prayer, much I love you, you will not have to regret today. I would record every gesture, every And I hope you never forget it. The past doesn’t come back, and the look, every smile, every one of Tomorrow is not promised to future might not come!10 your words, anyone, young or old. So that I could listen to it later, day Today might be your last chance to Let us express our love to our after day. hold tight to the hand of the one spouse and children and our brothers If I knew this would be the last time, you love and show all you feel. and sisters today. I know God lives. I I would spend an extra minute or If you are waiting for tomorrow, know Jesus is the Christ, our Savior two to tell you, “I love you,” instead why not do it today? and Redeemer. I know that Joseph of assuming you already knew it. Because if tomorrow never comes, Smith is a prophet of the Lord and If I knew this would be our last you certainly will regret for the that Gordon B. Hinckley is God’s time, our last moment, rest of your life living prophet on this earth. In the I would be by your side, spending Not having spent some extra time name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■ the day with you instead of for a smile, a conversation, a NOTES thinking, hug, a kiss, 1. Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, “Well, I’m sure other opportunities Because you were too busy to give Nov. 1995, 102. 2. See D&C 75:28. will come, so I can let this day that person what ended up being 3. See D&C 68:25. go by.” their last wish. 4. 1 Nephi 1:1. 5. Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Of course there will be a day to Then hug tight today the one you Nov. 1995, 102. revise things, love, your friends, your family, 6. See “Challenges Facing the Family,” And we would have a second and whisper in their ears how Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Jan. 10, 2004, 2–3. chance to do things right. much you love them and want 7. Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Oh, of course there will be another them close to you. Nov. 1995, 102. day for us to say, “I love you.” Use your time to say, 8. John 13:34. 9. John 15:13. And certainly there will be another “I’m sorry,” 10. See www.heartwhispers.net; printed with chance to tell each other, “Can I “Please,” permission.

NOVEMBER 2007 75 be mothers before children were born to them. Some women are not Mothers given the responsibility of bearing children in mortality, but just as Hannah of the Old Testament prayed fervently for her child (see 1 Samuel Who Know 1:11), the value women place on motherhood in this life and the attri- JULIE B. BECK butes of motherhood they attain here Relief Society General President will rise with them in the Resurrection (see D&C 130:18). Women who There is eternal influence and power in motherhood. desire and work toward that blessing in this life are promised they will receive it for all eternity, and eternity is much, much longer than mortality. There is eternal influence and power born into a world where they “wrestle in motherhood. not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, Mothers Who Know Honor against the rulers of the darkness of Sacred Ordinances and Covenants this world, against spiritual wicked- Mothers who know honor sacred ness in high places” (Ephesians ordinances and covenants. I have vis- 6:12).1 However, mothers need not ited sacrament meetings in some of fear. When mothers know who they the poorest places on the earth are and who God is and have made where mothers have dressed with covenants with Him, they will have great care in their Sunday best great power and influence for good despite walking for miles on dusty on their children. streets and using worn-out public transportation. They bring daughters Mothers Who Know Bear Children in clean and ironed dresses with hair Mothers who know desire to bear brushed to perfection; their sons children. Whereas in many cultures in wear white shirts and ties and have the world children are “becoming less missionary haircuts. These mothers n the Book of Mormon we read valued,”2 in the culture of the gospel know they are going to sacrament about 2,000 exemplary young men we still believe in having children. meeting, where covenants are Iwho were exceedingly valiant, Prophets, seers, and revelators who renewed. These mothers have made courageous, and strong. “Yea, they were sustained at this conference have and honor temple covenants. They were men of truth and soberness, for declared that “God’s commandment know that if they are not pointing they had been taught to keep the for His children to multiply and replen- their children to the temple, they are commandments of God and to walk ish the earth remains in force.”3 Presi- not pointing them toward desired uprightly before him” (Alma 53:21). dent Ezra Taft Benson taught that eternal goals. These mothers have These faithful young men paid tribute young couples should not postpone influence and power. to their mothers. They said, “Our having children and that “in the eter- mothers knew it” (Alma 56:48). I nal perspective, children—not posses- Mothers Who Know Are Nurturers would suspect that the mothers of sions, not position, not prestige—are Mothers who know are nurturers. Captain Moroni, Mosiah, Mormon, our greatest jewels.”4 This is their special assignment and and other great leaders also knew. Faithful daughters of God desire role under the plan of happiness.5 To The responsibility mothers have children. In the scriptures we read nurture means to cultivate, care for, today has never required more vigi- of Eve (see Moses 4:26), Sarah (see and make grow. Therefore, mothers lance. More than at any time in the Genesis 17:16), Rebekah (see Genesis who know create a climate for spiri- history of the world, we need moth- 24:60), and Mary (see 1 Nephi tual and temporal growth in their ers who know. Children are being 11:13–20), who were foreordained to homes. Another word for nurturing

76 is homemaking. Homemaking includes cooking, washing clothes and dishes, and keeping an orderly home. Home is where women have the most power and influence; there- fore, Latter-day Saint women should be the best homemakers in the world. Working beside children in home- making tasks creates opportunities to teach and model qualities children should emulate. Nurturing mothers are knowledgeable, but all the educa- tion women attain will avail them nothing if they do not have the skill to make a home that creates a climate for spiritual growth. Growth happens best in a “house of order,” and women should pattern their homes after the Lord’s house (see D&C 109). Nurturing requires organi- zation, patience, love, and work. Helping growth occur through nur- turing is truly a powerful and influen- tial role bestowed on women.

Mothers Who Know Are Leaders Mothers who know are leaders. In equal partnership with their hus- bands, they lead a great and eternal organization. These mothers plan for the future of their organization. They plan for missions, temple marriages, and education. They plan for prayer, scripture study, and family home evening. Mothers who know build children into future leaders and are the primary examples of what leaders look like. They do not abandon their plan by succumbing to social pressure and worldly models of parenting. These wise mothers who know are selective about their own activities not already learned at home. His par- Mothers Who Know Do Less and involvement to conserve their ents used family scripture study, Mothers who know do less. They limited strength in order to maximize prayer, family home evening, meal- permit less of what will not bear their influence where it matters most. times, and other gatherings to teach. good fruit eternally. They allow less Think of the power of our future mis- media in their homes, less distrac- Mothers Who Know Are Teachers sionary force if mothers considered tion, less activity that draws their Mothers who know are always their homes as a pre–missionary train- children away from their home. teachers. Since they are not baby- ing center. Then the doctrines of the Mothers who know are willing to live sitters, they are never off duty. A well- gospel taught in the MTC would be a on less and consume less of the taught friend told me that he did not review and not a revelation. That is world’s goods in order to spend learn anything at church that he had influence; that is power. more time with their children—more

NOVEMBER 2007 77 time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laugh- Small and ing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all. Their goal is to prepare a rising generation of chil- Simple Things dren who will take the gospel of Jesus Christ into the entire world. ELDER CHRISTOFFEL GOLDEN JR. Their goal is to prepare future Of the Seventy fathers and mothers who will be builders of the Lord’s kingdom for May we discover anew the divine power of daily prayer, the next 50 years. That is influence; the convincing influence of the Book of Mormon, that is power. and true devotion when partaking of the sacrament. Mothers Who Know Stand Strong and Immovable Who will prepare this righteous generation of sons and daughters? brother named Stan, who had been Latter-day Saint women will do this— less active for some 45 years. He had women who know and love the Lord lived a good life and supported both and bear testimony of Him, women his wife and son in their activity as who are strong and immovable and faithful members in the Church. Yet who do not give up during difficult for personal reasons he chose to and discouraging times. We are led by remain outside the fellowship of the an inspired prophet of God who has Church. Even so, each month he wel- called upon the women of the Church comed the home teachers. to “stand strong and immovable for During February 2006, Stan that which is correct and proper under received new home teachers. Their the plan of the Lord.”6 He has asked first visit was pleasant enough, us to “begin in [our] own homes”7 although Stan showed no real inter- to teach children the ways of truth. est in the gospel or in any matters Latter-day Saint women should be the remotely associated with spiritual very best in the world at upholding, things. Their next visit did little to nurturing, and protecting families. I alter their initial observations, even have every confidence that our women veryone who will live the gospel though Stan was a little warmer and will do this and will come to be known of Jesus Christ daily and endure friendlier. On their third visit, how- as mothers who “knew” (Alma 56:48). Eto the end will gain eternal ever, there was a visible change in In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■ life—this is the promise of the Lord.1 Stan’s countenance and demeanor. NOTES In its essentials, the gospel is simple To their utmost surprise and even 1. See Gordon B. Hinckley, “Standing Strong and easy to understand and adapted before they were able to present their and Immovable,” Worldwide Leadership to the capacity of the weakest.2 Alma, message, Stan interrupted them with Training Meeting, Jan. 10, 2004, 21. 2. James E. Faust, “Challenges Facing the the Book of Mormon prophet, aptly a number of thoughtful questions. Family,” Worldwide Leadership Training remarked, “Now ye may suppose that In the ensuing discussion he also Meeting, Jan. 10, 2004, 2. 3. “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” this is foolishness in me; but . . . by recounted his experiences during the Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995, small and simple things are great past month, in which he and his wife 102. things brought to pass; . . . and by very had commenced reading one chapter 4. To the Mothers in Zion (pamphlet, 1987), 3. 5. See “The Family: A Proclamation to the small means the Lord doth confound a day from the Book of Mormon. World.” the wise and bringeth about the salva- Elder Bruce R. McConkie elo- 6. Gordon B. Hinckley, Worldwide Leadership tion of many souls.”3 quently described the type of reawak- Training Meeting, Jan. 10, 2004, 20. 7. Gordon B. Hinckley, Worldwide Leadership Quite recently, I was privileged to ening Stan experienced: “Here is a Training Meeting, Jan. 10, 2004, 20. observe this process in the life of a man who gains a copy of this blessed

78 book, begins to read it, and continues . . . until, having read it all, his fam- ished soul is filled with the bread of life. He cannot lay it aside or ignore its teachings. It is as though the waters of life are flowing into the bar- ren deserts of his soul, quenching the arid, empty feeling that theretofore separated him from his God.”4 The home teachers were reminded of the remarkable power of the Book of Mormon and how very real the influence of the Spirit of the Lord is when we turn to its sacred pages. They also more fully understood the Prophet Joseph Smith’s declaration “that the Book of Mormon [is] the most correct of any book on earth, . . . and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.”5 Stan’s thirst for learning and redis- covery of the restored gospel soon expanded his reading beyond one chapter a day, accompanied by deep soul-searching and fervent prayer. To those who sometimes are concerned whether the Lord will actually hear their prayers, the Savior reminds us: “If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? . . . “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give good gifts, through the Holy Spirit, to them that ask him?”6 Our beloved prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley, also counseled: “You can’t do it alone. . . . You need the help of the Lord . . . and the mar- velous thing is that you have the simple sacramental prayers offered by ago, said: “In my judgment the sacra- opportunity to pray, with the expecta- the youthful priests. Feeling unworthy ment meeting is the most sacred, tion that your prayers will be heard and sensing something of the depth the most holy, of all the meetings and answered. . . . He stands ready and the meaning of this most holy of the Church. When I reflect upon to help.”7 ordinance, he reflected deeply and the gathering of the Savior and his During August of 2006, Stan ven- painfully without partaking of the apostles on that memorable night tured alongside his ever-faithful wife bread or the water for a number of when he introduced the sacrament into his ward sacrament meeting—his weeks. . . . my heart is filled with wonder- first in 45 years. There, with a humble President Joseph Fielding Smith, ment and my feelings are touched. and prayerful heart, he listened to the in a tender testimony many years I consider that gathering one of the

NOVEMBER 2007 79 most solemn and wonderful since the beginning of time.”8 Stan continued studying, praying, Clean Hands attending church, and receiving appropriate counsel and encourage- ment from his home teachers. Then the day arrived when, joyfully, he felt and a Pure Heart he was ready to put forth his hand to partake of the precious sacrament. ELDER DAVID A. BEDNAR When we partake worthily, thought- Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles fully, and reverently of the holy sacra- ment, we are enabled to become Our spiritual purpose is to overcome both sin “partakers of the divine nature”9 and the desire to sin, both the taint and the tyranny because of the Atonement of Christ and the power of the Holy Ghost. of sin. As Stan returned to activity in the Church, he received a calling and, some months later, was ordained an Mormon is another testament of Jesus elder. In July 2007, Stan and his wife Christ and contains the fulness of His knelt across the altar in a house of the everlasting gospel (see D&C 27:5). Lord and, by the authority and eternal Today I want to review with you law of God, were married for time one of my favorite Book of Mormon and for all eternity.10 events, the Savior’s appearance in the Brothers and sisters, may we dis- New World, and discuss His instruc- cover anew the divine power of daily tion to the multitude about the sancti- prayer and the convincing influence fying power of the Holy Ghost. I pray of the Book of Mormon and the holy for the guidance of the Spirit for me scriptures. On Sundays, when partak- and for you. ing of the sacrament, may we do so in the spirit of true devotion to Him The Savior’s Ministry who is the giver of all things.11 in the New World In the wake of our best and very During the Lord’s three-day min- limited efforts and because of the istry in the New World, He taught His Lord’s infinite goodness, “great things doctrine, authorized His disciples to [are] brought to pass” by the “small have fond childhood memories perform priesthood ordinances, and simple things.” of my mother reading Book of healed the sick, prayed for the peo- Finally, as to these sacred things, I Mormon stories to me. She had a ple, and lovingly blessed the children. may I add my personal witness and way of making the scriptural episodes As the Savior’s time with the people assurance in the name of Jesus Christ, come alive in my youthful imagina- was drawing to a close, He succinctly amen. ■ tion, and I did not doubt that my summarized the fundamental princi- NOTES mother had a witness of the truthful- ples of His gospel. 1. See 3 Nephi 27:13–18; D&C 14:7. ness of that sacred record. I especially Said He, “Now this is the command- 2. See Matthew 11:28–30; Jacob 4:14; Alma 37:44; D&C 133:57–58. remember her description of the ment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, 3. Alma 37:6–7. Savior’s visit to the American conti- and come unto me and be baptized in 4. A New Witness for the Articles of Faith (1985), 414. nent following His Resurrection and my name, that ye may be sanctified by 5. History of the Church, 4:461. of His teachings to the people in the the reception of the Holy Ghost, that 6. Luke 11:11, 13; see Joseph Smith land of Bountiful. Through the simple ye may stand spotless before me at the Translation in footnote 13a. 7. Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley (1997), consistency of her example and testi- last day” (3 Nephi 27:20). 468. mony, my mother kindled in me the The basic principles outlined by the 8. In Conference Report, Oct. 1929, 60–61. first flames of faith in the Savior and Master in this scripture are essential 9. 2 Peter 1:4; see also 3 Nephi 18:1–14. 10. See Matthew 19:3–6; D&C 131:1–4. in His latter-day Church. I came to for us to understand and apply in our 11. See Moroni 6. know for myself that the Book of lives. First was repentance, “a turning

80 of the heart and will to God, and a renunciation of sin” (Bible Dictionary, “Repentance,” 760). As we appropri- ately seek for and receive the spiritual gift of faith in the Redeemer, we then turn to and rely upon the merits, the mercy, and the grace of the Holy Messiah (see 2 Nephi 2:8). Repentance is the sweet fruit that comes from faith in the Savior and involves turning toward God and away from sin. The risen Lord next explained the importance of coming unto Him. The multitude gathered together at the temple was invited literally to come forth unto the Savior “one by one” (3 Nephi 11:15) to feel the prints of the nails in the Master’s hands and feet and to thrust their hands into His side. Each individual who had this experience “did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he” (v. 15), even Jesus Christ, who had come. The Savior also taught the people to come unto Him through sacred covenants, and He reminded them that they were “the children of the covenant” (3 Nephi 20:26). He empha- sized the eternal importance of the ordinances of baptism (see 3 Nephi 11:19–39) and of receiving the Holy Our Spiritual Journey spirituality. It cleanses, heals, and puri- Ghost (see 3 Nephi 11:35–36; 12:6; The gate of baptism leads to the fies the soul. . . . Faith in the Lord Jesus 18:36–38). In a similar manner, you strait and narrow path and to the desti- Christ, repentance, and water baptism and I are admonished to turn toward nation of putting off the natural man are all preliminary and prerequisite to and learn from Christ and to come and becoming a saint through the it, but [the baptism of fire] is the con- unto Him through the covenants and Atonement of Christ the Lord (see summation. To receive [this baptism of ordinances of His restored gospel. As Mosiah 3:19). The purpose of our mor- fire] is to have one’s garments washed we do so, we will eventually and ulti- tal journey is not merely to see the in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ” mately come to know Him (see John sights on earth or to expend our allot- (Learning for the Eternities, comp. 17:3), “in his own time, and in his own ment of time on self-centered pursuits; George J. Romney [1977], 133; see way, and according to his own will” rather, we are to “walk in newness of also 3 Nephi 27:19–20). (D&C 88:68), as did the people in the life” (Romans 6:4), to become sancti- Hence, as we are born again and land of Bountiful. fied by yielding our hearts unto God strive to always have His Spirit to be Repenting and coming unto Christ (see Helaman 3:35), and to obtain “the with us, the Holy Ghost sanctifies through the covenants and ordinances mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16). and refines our souls as if by fire (see of salvation are prerequisite to and a We are commanded and instructed 2 Nephi 31:13–14, 17). Ultimately, we preparation for being sanctified by the to so live that our fallen nature is are to stand spotless before God. reception of the Holy Ghost and changed through the sanctifying The gospel of Jesus Christ encom- standing spotless before God at the power of the Holy Ghost. President passes much more than avoiding, last day. I now want to focus our atten- Marion G. Romney taught that the overcoming, and being cleansed from tion upon the sanctifying influence baptism of fire by the Holy Ghost sin and the bad influences in our the Holy Ghost can be in our lives. “converts [us] from carnality to lives; it also essentially entails doing

NOVEMBER 2007 81 good, being good, and becoming bet- nature, signifying pure hearts. ter. Repenting of our sins and seeking As King Benjamin concluded his forgiveness are spiritually necessary, instruction, he reiterated the impor- and we must always do so. But remis- tance of these two basic aspects of sion of sin is not the only or even the spiritual development. ultimate purpose of the gospel. To “And now, for the sake of these have our hearts changed by the Holy things which I have spoken unto Spirit such that “we have no more dis- you—that is, for the sake of retaining position to do evil, but to do good a remission of your sins from day to continually” (Mosiah 5:2), as did King day, that ye may walk guiltless before Benjamin’s people, is the covenant God—I would that ye should impart responsibility we have accepted. This of your substance to the poor” mighty change is not simply the result (Mosiah 4:26; emphasis added). of working harder or developing Our sincere desire should be to greater individual discipline. Rather, have both clean hands and a pure it is the consequence of a fundamen- heart—both a remission of sins from tal change in our desires, our mo- day to day and to walk guiltless before tives, and our natures made possible Members in South Africa attend God. Clean hands alone will not be through the Atonement of Christ the a conference session. enough when we stand before Him Lord. Our spiritual purpose is to over- who is pure and who, as “a lamb come both sin and the desire to sin, is the Atonement of Jesus Christ without blemish and without spot” both the taint and the tyranny of sin. that provides both a cleansing and (1 Peter 1:19), freely spilled His Prophets throughout the ages have redeeming power that helps us to precious blood for us. emphasized the dual requirements of overcome sin and a sanctifying and (1) avoiding and overcoming bad and strengthening power that helps us to Line upon Line (2) doing good and becoming better. become better than we ever could by Some who hear or read this mes- Consider the penetrating questions relying only upon our own strength. sage may think the spiritual progress I posed by the Psalmist: The infinite Atonement is for both the am describing is not attainable in their “Who shall ascend into the hill of sinner and for the saint in each of us. lives. We may believe these truths the Lord? or who shall stand in his In the Book of Mormon, we find apply to others but not to us. holy place? the masterful teachings of King We will not attain a state of perfec- “He that hath clean hands, and a Benjamin concerning the mission and tion in this life, but we can and should pure heart; who hath not lifted up his Atonement of Jesus Christ. The simple press forward with faith in Christ along soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceit- doctrine he taught caused the congre- the strait and narrow path and make fully” (Psalm 24:3–4). gation to fall to the earth, for the fear steady progress toward our eternal des- Brothers and sisters, it is possible of the Lord had come upon them. tiny. The Lord’s pattern for spiritual for us to have clean hands but not “And they had viewed themselves in development is “line upon line, pre- have a pure heart. Please notice that their own carnal state, even less than cept upon precept, here a little and both clean hands and a pure heart are the dust of the earth. And they all cried there a little” (2 Nephi 28:30). Small, required to ascend into the hill of the aloud with one voice, saying: O have steady, incremental spiritual improve- Lord and to stand in His holy place. mercy, and apply the atoning blood of ments are the steps the Lord would Let me suggest that hands are Christ that we may receive forgiveness have us take. Preparing to walk guiltless made clean through the process of of our sins, and our hearts may be before God is one of the primary pur- putting off the natural man and by purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, poses of mortality and the pursuit of a overcoming sin and the evil influ- the Son of God, who created heaven lifetime; it does not result from spo- ences in our lives through the Savior’s and earth, and all things; who shall radic spurts of intense spiritual activity. Atonement. Hearts are purified as we come down among the children of I witness that the Savior will receive His strengthening power to men” (Mosiah 4:2; emphasis added). strengthen and assist us to make sus- do good and become better. All of our Again in this verse we find tained, paced progress. The example worthy desires and good works, as the twofold blessing of both forgive- in the Book of Mormon of “many, necessary as they are, can never pro- ness of sin, suggesting clean hands, exceedingly great many” (Alma 13:12) duce clean hands and a pure heart. It and the transformation of our in the ancient Church who were pure

82 and spotless before God is a source of encouragement and comfort to me. I suspect those members of the ancient The Stone Cut Out Church were ordinary men and women just like you and me. These individuals could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence, and of the Mountain they “were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God” PRESIDENT GORDON B. HINCKLEY (v. 12). And these principles and this process of spiritual progress apply to The Lord is fulfilling His promise that His gospel each of us equally and always. shall be as the stone cut out of the mountain

Moroni’s Concluding Invitation without hands. The requirement to put off the nat- ural man and become a saint, to avoid and overcome bad and to do and without hands which would roll forth become good, to have clean hands and fill the whole earth, as Daniel saw and a pure heart, is a recurring theme in vision (see Daniel 2:31–45; D&C throughout the Book of Mormon. In 65:2). A great miracle is taking place fact, Moroni’s concluding invitation at right before our eyes. the end of the book is a summary of I take you back 184 years to this theme. the year 1823. The month was “Yea, come unto Christ, and be September—the night of Septem- perfected in him, and deny yourselves ber 21–22, to be exact. of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny The boy Joseph Smith had prayed yourselves of all ungodliness, and love that night before going to sleep. He God with all your might, mind and asked the Lord for forgiveness of his strength, then is his grace sufficient light-mindedness. A miraculous thing for you, that by his grace ye may be then happened. He says: perfect in Christ. . . . “While I was thus in the act of call- “And again, if ye by the grace of ing upon God, I discovered a light God are perfect in Christ, and deny appearing in my room, which contin- not his power, then are ye sanctified ow, my brothers and sisters, ued to increase until the room was in Christ by the grace of God, through we live with an interesting lighter than at noonday, when imme- the shedding of the blood of Christ, Nphenomenon. A soloist sings diately a personage appeared at my which is in the covenant of the Father the same song again and again. An bedside. . . . unto the remission of your sins, orchestra repeats the same music. “He called me by name, and said that ye become holy, without spot” But a speaker is expected to come up unto me that he was a messenger (Moroni 10:32–33; emphasis added). with something new every time he sent from the presence of God . . . May you and I repent with sincerity speaks. I am going to break that tradi- and that his name was Moroni; that of heart and truly come unto Christ. tion this morning and repeat in a God had a work for me to do; and I pray that we will seek through the measure what I have said on another that my name should be had for good Savior’s Atonement to have both occasion. and evil among all nations, kindreds, clean hands and a pure heart, that we The Church has become one large and tongues, or that it should be may become holy, without spot. I wit- family scattered across the earth. both good and evil spoken of among ness that Jesus Christ is the Son of the There are now more than 13 million all people” (Joseph Smith—History Eternal Father and our Savior. He who of us in 176 nations and territories. 1:30, 33). is without spot redeems us from sin A marvelous and wonderful thing is The boy must have been stunned and strengthens us to do good and coming to pass. The Lord is fulfilling by what he heard. In the eyes of those to become better. I so testify in the His promise that His gospel shall be who knew him, he was simply a poor, sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■ as the stone cut out of the mountain unlearned farm boy. He had no wealth.

NOVEMBER 2007 83 His neighbors were in the same condi- religious doctrine of which I know. Following the Savior’s death, the tion. His parents were struggling farm- When Jesus walked the earth, He Church He had established drifted into ers. The area where they lived was said, “This is life eternal, that they apostasy. Fulfilled were the words of rural and largely unknown. They were might know thee the only true God, Isaiah, who said, “The earth also is simply ordinary people trying to sur- and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast defiled under the inhabitants thereof; vive through hard work. sent” (John 17:3). because they have transgressed the And yet an angel of God said that Joseph, when he was 14 years of laws, changed the ordinance, broken Joseph’s “name should be had for age, had an experience in that glori- the everlasting covenant” (Isaiah 24:5). good and evil among all nations, kin- ous First Vision that was different Realizing the importance of know- dreds, and tongues.” How could it be? from any other recorded experience ing the true nature of God, men That description fits the entire world. of any man. At no other time of which had struggled to find a way to define Now, as we look back 177 years to we have any record have God our Him. Learned clerics argued with one the organization of the Church, we Eternal Father and His Beloved Son, another. When Constantine became marvel at what has already happened. the risen Lord, appeared on earth a Christian in the fourth century, he When the Church was organized in together. called together a great convocation of 1830 there were but six members, At the time of the baptism of Jesus learned men with the hope that they only a handful of believers, all resid- by John in the river Jordan, the voice could reach a conclusion of under- ing in a largely unknown village. To- of God was heard, but He was not standing concerning the true nature day, we have become the fourth or seen. At the Mount of Transfiguration, of Deity. All they reached was a com- fifth largest church in North America, again the voice of God was heard, but promise of various points of view. with congregations in every city of there is no record of His appearance. The result was the Nicene Creed of any consequence. Stakes of Zion Stephen saw the Lord on the right A.D. 325. This and subsequent creeds today flourish in every state of the hand of the Father, but They did not have become the declaration of doc- United States, in every province of address or instruct him. trine concerning the nature of Deity Canada, in every state of Mexico, in Following His Resurrection, Jesus for most of Christianity ever since. every nation of Central America and appeared to the Nephites in the I have read them all a number of throughout South America. Western Hemisphere. The voice of times. I cannot understand them. Congregations are found through- the Almighty was heard three times, I think others cannot understand out the British Isles and Europe, where introducing the risen Christ, but there them. I am sure that the Lord also thousands have joined the Church was no appearance of the Father. knew that many would not under- through the years. This work has How truly remarkable was that stand them. And so in 1820, in that reached out to the Baltic nations and vision in the year 1820 when Joseph incomparable vision, the Father and on down through Bulgaria and Albania prayed in the woods and there the Son appeared to the boy Joseph. and other areas of that part of the appeared before him both the Father They spoke to him with words that world. It reaches across the vast area and the Son. One of these spoke to were audible, and he spoke to Them. of Russia. It reaches up into Mongolia him, calling him by name and, point- They could see. They could speak. and all down through the nations of ing to the other, said, “This is My They could hear. They were per- Asia into the islands of the Pacific, Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (Joseph sonal. They were of substance. They Australia, and New Zealand, and into Smith—History 1:17). were not imaginary beings. They India and Indonesia. It is flourishing in Nothing like it had ever happened were beings tabernacled in flesh. And many of the nations of Africa. before. One is led to wonder why it out of that experience has come our Our general conferences are car- was so important that both the Father unique and true understanding of ried by satellite and other means in 92 and the Son appear. I think it was the nature of Deity. different languages. because They were ushering in the No wonder that when Joseph in And this is only the beginning. This dispensation of the fulness of times, 1842 wrote the Articles of Faith he work will continue to grow and pros- the last and final dispensation of the stated as number one, “We believe per and move across the earth. It gospel, when there would be gath- in God, the Eternal Father, and in must do so if Moroni’s promise to ered together in one the elements of His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Joseph is to be fulfilled. all previous dispensations. This was to Ghost” (Articles of Faith 1:1). This work is unique and won- be the final chapter in the long chron- As all of you well know, there fol- derful. It is fundamentally differ- icle of God’s dealing with men and lowed through the years a veritable ent from every other body of women upon the earth. “cloud of witnesses,” as Paul described

84 prophetically (see Hebrews 12:1). The Bible had stood for centuries. $105,000. But the cheapest paperback First came Moroni with the plates It is a precious and wonderful book. edition is as valuable to the reader from which was translated the Book of Now there was a second witness who loves its language and message. Mormon. What a singular and remark- declaring the divinity of Christ. The Through all of these years critics able thing this was. Joseph’s story of Book of Mormon is the only book ever have tried to explain it. They have the gold plates was fantastic. It was published, of which I know, that car- spoken against it. They have ridiculed hard to believe and easy to challenge. ries in it a promise that one who reads it. But it has outlived them all, and its Could he have written it of his own it prayerfully and asks concerning it in influence today is greater than at any capacity? It is here, my brothers and prayer will have revealed to him by the time in its history. sisters, for everyone to see, to handle, power of the Holy Ghost a knowledge In this series of events came next to read. Every attempt to explain its that it is true (see Moroni 10:4). the restoration of the priesthood, origin, other than that which he gave, Since its first publication in a rural bestowed by resurrected beings who has fallen of its own weight. He was print shop in Palmyra, New York, held it when the Savior walked the largely unschooled; and yet, in a very there have been more than 133 mil- earth. This occurred in 1829, when brief time, he brought forth the trans- lion copies produced. It has been Joseph was only 23. lation which in published form comes translated into 105 languages. Not Following receipt of the priesthood, to more than 500 pages. long ago it was named one of the 20 the Church was organized on the 6th Paul declares that “in the mouth of most influential books ever published of April, 1830, when Joseph was a two or three witnesses shall every word in North America. young man not yet 25. Again, the be established” (2 Corinthians 13:1). Recently a first edition sold for organization is unique and different

NOVEMBER 2007 85 SUNDAY AFTERNOON SESSION October 7, 2007

from that of traditional Christianity. It is largely operated by a lay ministry. Voluntary service is its genius. As it has Personal grown and spread abroad, thousands upon thousands of faithful and able men have directed its efforts. Today I stand in wonder at the Revelation: marvelous things which God revealed to His appointed prophet while he was yet young and largely unknown. The Teachings The very language of these revela- tions is beyond the capacity of even a man of great learning. Scholars not of our faith, who will and Examples not accept our singular doctrines, are puzzled by the great unrolling of this work, which is touching the hearts of of the Prophets people across the earth. We owe it all to Joseph the Prophet, the seer and ELDER ROBERT D. HALES the revelator, the Apostle of the Lord Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Jesus Christ, who was foreordained to come forth in this generation as an instrument in the hands of the Personal revelation is the way we know for ourselves Almighty in restoring to the earth the most important truths of our existence. that which the Savior taught when He walked the roads of Palestine. To you, this day, I affirm my witness of the calling of the Prophet Joseph, González in the seven Presidents of of his works, of the sealing of his testi- the Seventy. I offer them my love and mony with his blood as a martyr to the support and testify that they are eternal truth. Each of you can bear called of God by a living prophet, witness of the same thing. You and I President Gordon B. Hinckley, are faced with the stark question of “according to the spirit of revelation accepting the truth of the First Vision and prophecy.”1 and that which followed it. On the The events of these past two days question of its reality lies the very teach us the need for revelation in the validity of this Church. If it is the truth, Lord’s work and personal revelation and I testify that it is, then the work in our own lives. Personal revelation in which we are engaged is the most is the way we know for ourselves the important work on the earth. most important truths of our exis- I leave with you my testimony of tence: the living reality of God, our the truth of these things, and I invoke Eternal Father, and His Son, Jesus the blessings of heaven upon you. Christ; the truthfulness of the re- May the windows of heaven be stored gospel; and God’s purpose opened and blessings showered upon s we begin the concluding ses- and direction for us. you as the Lord has promised. Never sion of this historic conference, Much of what I know about per- forget that this was His promise and A I join you in expressing grati- sonal revelation I have learned from that He has the power and the capac- tude for the privilege of sustaining the examples of the prophets, both ity to see that it is fulfilled. I so pray as President Henry B. Eyring as a coun- ancient and modern. This afternoon I I leave my blessing and love with you selor in the First Presidency, Elder would like to share a few of these per- in the sacred name of our Redeemer, Quentin L. Cook in the Quorum of sonal examples and pray that they will even the Lord Jesus Christ, amen. ■ the Twelve, and Elder Walter F. inspire each of us to seek the blessings

86 of personal revelation in our own lives. and the Son for ourselves? By personal opportunity to learn from another As a young regional representative, revelation. Personal revelation is the Apostle, Elder Boyd K. Packer. We I was assigned to assist Elder Marion G. way Heavenly Father helps us know were assigned to reorganize a stake Romney in reorganizing a stake. Dur- Him and His Son, learn and live the and began by kneeling in prayer ing the long, quiet ride to the confer- gospel, endure to the end in righ- together. After interviewing priest- ence, our conversation turned to the teousness, and qualify for eternal life— hood leaders and having prayer, Elder spiritual dimensions of our assign- to return back into Their presence. Packer suggested that we walk around ment. Elder Romney taught me about You may ask, “How do we seek the building together. As we walked, how the Lord blesses us with revela- personal revelation?” Paul counseled he demonstrated a vital principle of tion. “Robert,” he said, “I have the Saints to rely on the Spirit rather seeking personal revelation—the prin- learned that when we are on the than the wisdom of the world.3 To ciple the Lord taught Oliver Cowdery: Lord’s errand, we have His blessings obtain that Spirit, we begin with “Behold, . . . you must study it out in to accomplish whatever we are prayer. President Lorenzo Snow had your mind.”5 We pondered our assign- asked to do.” Elder Romney further studied the gospel for several years ment, counseled together, and lis- explained that we would arrive in the before joining the Church. But he did tened to the voice of the Spirit. When distant city, kneel in prayer, interview not receive a witness until two or we went back, we prayed and studied priesthood holders, kneel in prayer three weeks after his baptism when further, and then we were prepared to again, and the Holy Ghost would he retired in secret prayer. “The Spirit receive revelation. reveal to us the person whom the of God descended upon me,” he said. Revelation comes on the Lord’s Lord had chosen to be the new stake “O, the joy and happiness I felt, [for] I timetable, which often means we president. He promised me it would then received a perfect knowledge must move forward in faith, even be one of the great spiritual experi- that God lives, that Jesus Christ is the though we haven’t received all the ences of my life, and it was. Son of God, and of the restoration of answers we desire. As a General Each of us has been sent to earth by the holy Priesthood, and the fulness Authority, I was assigned to help re- our Heavenly Father to merit eternal of the Gospel.”4 organize a stake presidency under life: “And this is life eternal, that they I have learned that prayer provides the direction of Elder Ezra Taft might know thee the only true God, a firm foundation for personal revela- Benson. After praying, interviewing, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast tion. But more is required. While still studying, and praying again, Elder sent.”2 How do we know the Father a regional representative, I had the Benson asked if I knew who the new

NOVEMBER 2007 87 president would be. I said I had not and officers, Area Seventies, and President Hinckley offered a simple, received that inspiration yet. He stake presidents called or given new sincere prayer for spiritual guidance. looked at me for a long time and assignments. More importantly, I am The answer to his heartfelt prayer has replied he hadn’t either. However, strengthened by the personal revela- now been presented to all of us. we were inspired to ask three worthy tions I receive in my role as a son of Do we see the pattern of revelation priesthood holders to speak in the God, a husband, and a father. I am so in the lives of prophets? Are the Saturday evening session of confer- thankful for the guidance and direc- threads of that pattern also woven ence. Moments after the third speaker tion of the Spirit in our home as we through our lives? began, the Spirit prompted me that seek for direction in family matters. We know that the pattern centers he should be the new stake president. For all of us, our personal revela- on the Atonement.14 We receive the I looked over at President Benson and tions reflect the pattern of revelation blessings of the Atonement when we saw tears streaming down his face. received by prophets, as recounted in repent of our sins and keep the com- Revelation had been given to both of the scriptures. Adam and Eve called mandments. This we covenanted to us—but only by continuing to seek upon the name of the Lord and do when we were baptized, and we our Heavenly Father’s will as we received personal revelation, includ- renew that covenant each week as we moved forward in faith. ing knowledge of the Savior.6 Enoch, partake of the sacrament. As we con- Early in my Church service, Elder Abraham, and Moses sought for the tinue in righteousness, we qualify our- Harold B. Lee taught this lesson when welfare of their people and were selves to say with Samuel, “Speak, he came to organize a new stake in given marvelous revelations recorded [Lord]; for thy servant heareth.”15 And the district where we were living. in the Pearl of Great Price.7 Elijah’s the Lord answers, “Blessed are your Elder Lee asked me, as a newly sus- personal revelation came through the eyes, for they see: and your ears, for tained bishop, if I would join him at a still, small voice;8 Daniel’s came in a they hear.”16 press conference. There, an intense dream.9 Peter’s personal revelation We prepare to receive personal young reporter challenged Elder Lee. gave him a testimony that Jesus is the revelation as the prophets do, by He said to him, “You call yourself a Christ.10 Lehi and Nephi received rev- studying the scriptures, fasting, pray- prophet. When was the last time you elations about the Savior and the plan ing, and building faith. Faith is the had revelation, and what was it of salvation, and virtually all of the key. Remember Joseph’s preparation about?” Elder Lee paused, looked Bible and Book of Mormon prophets for the First Vision: directly at him, and responded in a received revelations to warn, teach, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him sweet way, “It was yesterday after- strengthen, and comfort them and ask of God. . . . noon about three o’clock. We were their people.11 After much prayer in “But let him ask in faith, nothing praying about who should be called the temple, President Spencer W. wavering.”17 as the president of the new stake, and Kimball received the revelation on the By unwavering faith, we learn for it was made known to us who that priesthood.12 And after praying about ourselves that “it is by faith that mira- individual should be.” The reporter’s providing temple blessings to more cles are wrought.”18 heart changed. I will never forget the members of the Church, President Generally, those miracles will not Spirit that came into that room as Hinckley received revelation about be physical demonstrations of God’s Elder Lee bore his powerful witness the building of smaller temples.13 power—parting of the Red Sea, rais- of revelation that can be received by Prophets receive personal revela- ing of the dead, breaking down prison those faithfully seeking to do the tions to help them in their own lives walls, or the appearance of heavenly Lord’s will. and in directing the earthly affairs of messengers. By design, most miracles As faithful children, youth, parents, the Church. Our responsibility is to are spiritual demonstrations of God’s teachers, and leaders, we may receive seek personal revelations for our- power—tender mercies gently personal revelation more frequently selves and for the responsibilities the bestowed through impressions, ideas, than we realize. The more we receive Lord has given us. feelings of assurance, solutions to and acknowledge personal revelation, These past weeks President problems, strength to meet chal- the more our testimonies grow. As a Hinckley has been seeking revelation lenges, and comfort to bear disap- bishop, my testimony grew each time about the callings that would be pointments and sorrow. I received revelation to extend call- announced in this conference. About These miracles come to us as we ings to ward members. That testi- a month ago in our Thursday temple endure what the scriptures call a “trial mony has been strengthened each meeting of the First Presidency and of [our] faith.”19 Sometimes that trial time I witness General Authorities Quorum of the Twelve, I listened as is the time it takes before an answer is

88 received. When President David O. McKay was a young man herding cat- tle, he sought a witness, but it did not come until many years later while serving his mission in Scotland. He wrote, “It was a manifestation for which as a doubting youth I had secretly prayed . . . on hillside and in meadow. It was an assurance to me that sincere prayer is answered ‘some- time, somewhere.’ ”20 The answer may be “Not now— be patient and wait.” I testify that on the hillside or the meadow, in the grove or closet, now or in the eternities to come, the Savior’s words to each of us will be fulfilled: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”21 While we are commanded not to seek after signs, we are commanded to “seek . . . earnestly the best gifts.”22 These gifts include the Holy Ghost and personal revelation. That revela- tion will come “line upon line, pre- cept upon precept,” as the Savior said, and “unto him that receiveth [the Lord] will give more.”23 As we go forth from this confer- ence, I call upon each of us to seek more and receive more of the Spirit myself that they are true; for the Lord 10. See Matthew 16:15–17. of God. The Savior prayed that His God hath made them manifest unto 11. See 1 Nephi 2:16; 11:1–2; for additional examples, see Mosiah 3:1–4; Alma 43:23; disciples in the New World would me . . . ; and this is the spirit of revela- Helaman 7–8; 10:2–4; 3 Nephi 1:10–13; receive that Spirit. Then, as an exam- tion which is in me.”25 Mormon 8:34–35; Ether 3:1–6, 13–14, 25. ple to all of us, He departed from His That each of us may receive that 12. See “Letter of the First Presidency Regarding Revelation on the Priesthood,” disciples and in prayer thanked His Spirit, obtain the blessings of personal Tambuli, July 1978, 31; “Revelation on Heavenly Father for bestowing it.24 revelation, and know for ourselves Priesthood Accepted, Church Officers Let us follow His example and pray that these things are true is my heart- Sustained,” Ensign, Nov. 1978, 16. 13. See “Some Thoughts on Temples, for the Spirit of God, giving thanks for felt prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, Retention of Converts, and Missionary its marvelous blessings in our lives. amen. ■ Service,” Ensign, Nov. 1997, 49. 14. See Acts 9; Mosiah 27; Alma 36. I bear my special witness that Jesus NOTES 15. 1 Samuel 3:10. Christ lives and leads His Church 1. Alma 8:24. 16. Matthew 13:16. through a living prophet, President 2. John 17:3. 17. James 1:5–6. 3. See 1 Corinthians 2:11–16. 18. Moroni 7:37. Gordon B. Hinckley. I know—I 4. Quoted in Eliza R. Snow Smith, Biography 19. Ether 12:6. know—that President Hinckley leads and Family Record of Lorenzo Snow 20. Quoted in Francis M. Gibbons, David O. this Church by revelation. In the (1884), 8. McKay: Apostle to the World, Prophet of 5. D&C 9:8. God (1986), 50. words of Alma, “Behold, I say unto 6. See Moses 5:4–11. 21. Matthew 7:7; Luke 11:9; see also 3 Nephi you [these things] are made known 7. See Genesis 18:23–33; Exodus 3:1–3; 14:7. unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. 32:31–33; Moses 1:1–2, 24; 6:26–37; 7:2–4; 22. D&C 46:8. Abraham 1:1–2, 15–19. 23. 2 Nephi 28:30. Behold, I have fasted and prayed 8. See 1 Kings 19:11–12. 24. See 3 Nephi 19:19–23. many days. . . . And now I do know of 9. See Daniel 2:16–20. 25. Alma 5:46.

NOVEMBER 2007 89 The best way of finding truth is simply to go to the origin of all truth Truth: The and ask or respond to inspiration.1 For success, two ingredients are essential: first, unwavering faith in the source of all truth; second, a willing- Foundation of ness to keep God’s commandments to keep open spiritual communica- tion with Him. Elder Robert D. Hales Correct Decisions has just spoken to us about that per- sonal revelation and how to obtain it. ELDER RICHARD G. SCOTT Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Scientific Approach2 What have we learned from the sci- entific approach to discovering truth? A knowledge of truth is of little value unless we apply it An example will illustrate. Try as I in making correct decisions. might, I am not able, even in the small- est degree, to comprehend the extent, depth, and stunning grandeur of what our holy Heavenly Father, Elohim, has delivered, carefully crafted messages permitted to be revealed by the scien- with solutions. But often two of tific method. If we were capable of the solutions can be diametrically moving outward into space, we would opposed. No wonder some are con- first see our earth as did the astro- fused and are not sure how to make nauts. Farther out, we would have a the right decisions. grandstand view of the sun and its To further complicate matters, oth- orbiting planets. They would appear as ers try to persuade us that our deci- a small circle of objects within an enor- sions must be socially acceptable and mous panorama of glittering stars. politically correct. Some pondering of Were we to continue the outward jour- that approach will reveal how wrong ney, we would have a celestial view of it is. Since social and political struc- our Milky Way spiral, with over 100 bil- tures differ widely over the world and lion stars rotating in a circular path, can dramatically change with time, their orbits controlled by gravity the folly of using that method to around a concentrated central region. make choices is apparent. Beyond that, we could look toward a There are two ways to find truth— group of galaxies called the Virgo ince truth is the only meaning- both useful, provided we follow the Cluster, which some feel includes our ful foundation upon which we laws upon which they are predicated. Milky Way, estimated to be about 50 Scan make wise decisions, how The first is the scientific method. It million light years away. Beyond that, then can one establish what is really can require analysis of data to confirm we’d encounter galaxies 10 billion light true? Increasingly more people are a theory or, alternatively, establish a years away that the Hubble telescope finding that making wise decisions is valid principle through experimenta- has photographed. The dizzying enor- becoming more and more difficult tion. The scientific method is a valu- mity of that distance is suggested by because of the ultra-interconnected able way of seeking truth. However, noting that light travels 700 million world in which we live. Constantly it has two limitations. First, we miles an hour. Even from this extraor- forced into our consciousness is an never can be sure we have identified dinary perspective there would not be incessant barrage of counsel, advice, absolute truth, though we often the slightest evidence of approaching and promotions. It is done by a bewil- draw nearer and nearer to it. Second, any limit to God the Father’s creations. dering array of media, Internet, and sometimes, no matter how earnestly As awe inspiring as this incredible other means. On a given subject we apply the method, we can get the view of the heavens would present, we can receive multiple strongly wrong answer. there is another consideration equally

90 In Denmark, part of the fellowshipping that takes place occurs between conference sessions. capable of confirming the unfath- matter might reveal additional funda- Revealed Truth Approach omable capacities of our Father in mental particles. So there are yet What have we learned about truth Heaven. Were we to move in the more of Father in Heaven’s creations through revelation? opposite direction to explore the to be understood by the scientific Centuries ago, God the Father per- structure of matter, we could get a method. mitted some of His prophets to view close-up view of a double helix mole- We can see the scientific method His vast creations perfectly, through cule of DNA. That is the extraordinary, has brought about an extraordinary the eye of the Holy Spirit. He also self-duplicating molecular structure expansion of our understanding as explained why He had created them: that controls the makeup of our phys- the Lord has inspired gifted men who “For behold, this is my work and my ical body. Further exploration would may not understand who created glory—to bring to pass the immortality bring us to the level of an atom, com- these things nor for what purpose. and eternal life of man.”3 Enoch was posed of the protons, neutrons, and Many of these may not even recog- one of those prophets. He observed electrons we’ve heard about. nize such inspiration or give credit to the God of heaven weep as He saw Were we to penetrate further into God for the origin of their contribu- how the power and influence of Satan the mysteries of the most fundamen- tions. I was comforted recently as had turned many on earth to evil. tal makeup of creation, we would President Henry B. Eyring shared an Enoch declared: come to the limit of our current experience that his gifted father had “How is it that thou canst weep, understanding. In the last 70 years in a meeting with other outstanding seeing thou art holy, and from all eter- much has been learned about the scientists. He asked them if their nity to all eternity? structure of matter. A Standard research indicated the existence of a “And were it possible that man Model of Fundamental Particles and superior organizing intelligence. They could number the . . . millions of Interactions has been developed. It all confirmed their conviction that earths like this, it would not be a is based on experimentation that has such an intelligence exists. beginning to the number of thy cre- established the existence of funda- Limited as it is, our understanding ations; and thy curtains are stretched mental particles designated as quarks of our Father’s creations indicates out still; and yet . . . thou art just; and others called leptons. This that it is mostly vacant space. Even thou art merciful and kind forever; model explains the patterns of those things we consider as solid, “. . . And naught but peace, justice, nuclear binding and decay of matter, firm, tangible, when viewed at enor- and truth is the habitation of thy but it does not yet provide a success- mous magnification in the heavens or throne; and mercy shall go before thy ful explanation for the forces of grav- in minute matter, are mostly vacant face and have no end; how is it thou ity. Also, some feel that even more space that God, our Father, perfectly canst weep? powerful tools than those used to controls and uses for His exalted “The Lord said unto Enoch: Behold acquire our current understanding of purposes. these thy brethren; they are the

NOVEMBER 2007 91 making correct decisions is enhanced. And the strengthening cycle contin- ues. The more your character is forti- fied, the more enabled you are to exercise the power of faith for yet stronger character.

Our Father and His Son With the enormity of what we can in just the smallest way begin to understand and certainly in no way fully comprehend, how grateful we must be that this God of unfath- omable capacities is our Father. He is a loving, understanding, compassion- ate, patient Father. He created us as His children. He treats us as a beloved son or daughter. He makes us feel workmanship of mine own hands, almond twists and a couple of those loved, appreciated, valuable, and dear and I gave unto them their knowl- chocolate doughnuts. One more to Him. He has given us His plan of edge, . . . and . . . gave I unto man his time won’t hurt. I’ll do it just once mercy6 and equipped us, when we are agency; more, and this will be the last time.” obedient, to make correct decisions. “And unto thy brethren have I . . . He has provided through His holy given commandment, that they Faith and Character Son a means for us to live, to grow, to should love one another, and that The process of identifying truth develop, and to place ourselves they should choose me, their Father; sometimes necessitates enormous squarely on the path to be eternally but behold, they are without affection, effort coupled with profound faith in under His guidance and influence. and they hate their own blood.”4 our Father and His glorified Son. God I love our Father in Heaven Well did God the Father say unto intended that it be so to forge your beyond my capacity to express. In all Moses: character. Worthy character will humility, I solemnly bear witness that “Worlds without number have I strengthen your capacity to respond this creative Master of unparalleled created; and I also created them for obediently to the direction of the Spirit capacities is our compassionate, holy mine own purpose; and by the Son I as you make vital decisions. Righteous Father. His Beloved Son laid His life created them, which is mine Only character is what you are becoming. It down in absolute obedience to His Begotten. . . . is more important than what you own, Father to break the bonds of death “. . . There are many worlds . . . , what you have learned, or what goals and to become our Master, our and innumerable are they unto man; you have accomplished. It allows you Redeemer, our Savior. While I do not but all things are numbered unto me, to be trusted. Righteous character pro- fully comprehend all Their capacities, for they are mine and I know them.”5 vides the foundation of spiritual I understand something of Their A knowledge of truth is of little strength. It enables you in times of trial power to express intensely Their love. value unless we apply it in making and testing to make difficult, extremely Humbly I bear solemn witness that correct decisions. Consider for a important decisions correctly even They live and love us. In the name of moment a man, heavily overweight, when they seem overpowering. Jesus Christ, amen. ■ approaching a bakery display. In his I testify that neither Satan nor any NOTES mind are these thoughts: The doctor other power can weaken or destroy 1. See Jacob 4:8. told you not to eat any more of that. your growing character. Only you can 2. For further information see McGraw-Hill It’s not good for you. It just gives you do that through disobedience. Concise Encyclopedia of Physics (2005); Philip Morrison and others, Powers of Ten momentary gratification of appetite. Understand and apply this vital (1982); www.particleadventure.org; and You’ll feel uncomfortable the rest of principle to your life: Your exercise of www.atlasoftheuniverse.com. the day after it. You’ve decided not faith builds character. Fortified charac- 3. Moses 1:39. 4. Moses 7:29–33. to have any more. But then he hears ter expands your capacity to exercise 5. Moses 1:33, 35. himself say, “I’ll have two of those greater faith. Thus, your confidence in 6. See Alma 42:31.

92 renewed. They want, in short, to be nourished by the good word of God, Nourished by the to be strengthened by the powers of heaven. Those of us who are called upon to speak or teach or lead have an obligation to help provide that, as Good Word of God best we possibly can.”1 The Savior and His servants have DANIEL K JUDD not only taught us the importance of First Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency helping others be “nourished by the good word of God” (Moroni 6:4); It is vital that we nourish those we teach and lead they have also provided inspired by focusing on the fundamental doctrines, principles, direction concerning how teaching and leading can best be accom- and applications emphasized in the scriptures plished. Section 50 of the Doctrine and the words of our latter-day prophets. and Covenants is one of many refer- ences that provide such valuable counsel. After acknowledging the con- cerns that existed in some of the early On some occasions, when we branches of the Church, the Savior didn’t want to take the time to get instructed a group of leaders concern- the grain from the barn, we would ing the solution to the problems they put dirt in the bucket and shake it, were facing. His instructions began by attempting to trick the horses into asking a vital question: “Wherefore, thinking that we had grain for them I the Lord ask you this question— to eat. When they discovered our unto what were ye ordained?” (D&C deception, some of the horses stayed, 50:13). The Lord’s familiar answer but others would run away and be follows in verse 14: “To preach nearly impossible to catch. It often my gospel by the Spirit, even the took several days to regain their trust. Comforter which was sent forth to We learned that taking the time to teach the truth.” consistently feed our horses grain The answers to the problems the made them much easier to work with Saints were facing in 1831 are the and provided them with increased same for the challenges we are facing nourishment and greater strength. today—we are to teach the gospel Even though many years have of Jesus Christ by the power of the s a young man I worked with passed since my days on the ranch, Holy Ghost. my father and brothers raising the experience I have just described Section 50 includes several vital A cattle and horses on our has helped me as I have considered keys to providing nourishment for ranch in southern Utah and northern the following question: What can we those we teach and those we lead. Arizona. My father taught us that as teachers and leaders in the Church The first key is found in the Savior’s when we wanted to catch one of our do to provide increased doctrinal and admonition to “preach my gospel” horses to ride, all we had to do was to spiritual nourishment for those we (D&C 50:14, emphasis added). put a handful of grain into a bucket serve? The scriptures clearly teach that the and shake it for several seconds. It Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has gospel we are to preach isn’t the didn’t matter if the horses were in a taught: “Most people don’t come “wisdom of the world” (Mosiah 24:7) corral or a large field; they would to church looking merely for a few but the “doctrine of Christ” (2 Nephi come on the run to eat the grain. We new gospel facts or to see old friends, 31:21). While the gospel of Jesus Christ could then gently slip a bridle over though all of that is important. They embraces all truth, not all truths are their heads while they were eating. come seeking a spiritual experi- of equal value.2 The Savior clearly I was always amazed that such a sim- ence. They want peace. They want taught that His gospel, first and fore- ple process worked so well. their faith fortified and their hope most, is His atoning sacrifice. His

NOVEMBER 2007 93 gospel is also an invitation to receive ancient city of Zarahemla in today’s mean that the teacher and those who the blessings of the Atonement geography.As a leader I have learned participate must always desire to through faith in Christ, repentance, that leadership meetings are more bring the Spirit of the Lord into the baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, meaningful if our highest priority is hearts of the members in the room to and enduring faithfully to the end.3 an integrated effort to build faith in produce faith and a determination to Just as I learned as a young man Christ and strengthen families, and repent and to be clean.”4 that grain was more appealing to our not simply a correlated calendar. A second key to ensuring those we horses than a dirt-filled bucket, I also The Lord’s words in section 50 teach and lead are “nourished by the learned that grain was more nourish- contain a warning that if we teach “by good word of God” (Moroni 6:4) is ing than hay, that hay was more nour- some other way” than the way the also found in the Savior’s direction “to ishing than straw, and that it was Lord has directed, “it is not of God” preach my gospel by the Spirit, even possible to feed a horse without (D&C 50:18). The Lord has taught the Comforter which was sent forth to nourishing him. As teachers and lead- those of us who serve in the Church teach the truth” (D&C 50:14; empha- ers, it is vital that we nourish those we to teach “none other things than that sis added). Not only are the Savior’s teach and lead by focusing on the which the prophets and apostles have words directing us to follow the guid- fundamental doctrines, principles, written, and that which is taught them ance of the Spirit as we prepare and as and applications emphasized in the by the Comforter through the prayer we teach; He is also teaching that it is scriptures and the words of our latter- of faith” (D&C 52:9). Does this mean the Spirit that is the most effective day prophets instead of spending pre- that following the Savior’s admonition teacher in any given situation. cious time on subjects and sources of to “preach my gospel” requires that President Joseph Fielding Smith lesser importance. every class we teach or meeting we taught: “The Spirit of God speaking to As a teacher I have learned that lead be limited to teaching faith and the spirit of man has power to impart a class discussion focused on the repentance? truth with greater effect and under- Atonement of Jesus Christ is infinitely President Henry B. Eyring standing than the truth can be more important than discussing top- responded to a similar question by imparted by personal contact even ics such as the precise location of the answering: “Of course not. But it does with heavenly beings.”5

94 Several months ago I attended a training meeting where a number of General Authorities had spoken. The Power After commenting on the excellent in- struction that had been given, Elder David A. Bednar asked the following question: “What are we learning that of Godliness has not been said?” He then explained that in addition to receiving the coun- sel that had been given by those who Is Manifested had spoken or who would yet speak, we should also carefully listen for and record the unspoken impressions given by the Holy Ghost. in the Temples The following statement from our beloved prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley, provides additional counsel of God concerning teaching by the Spirit: “We must . . . get our teachers to speak out ELDER OCTAVIANO TENORIO of their hearts rather than out of their Of the Seventy books, to communicate their love for the Lord and this precious work, and somehow it will catch fire in the hearts The power of godliness is manifested to all people who . . . of those they teach.”6 make sacred covenants with our Heavenly Father. The Lord’s words in section 50 of the Doctrine and Covenants also provide an inspired standard by which each of us can evaluate the effectiveness of our teaching, leading, temples, ordinances are performed and learning. In verse 22 we read, for the living and the dead by the “Wherefore, he that preacheth and power of the priesthood. In 1832 he that receiveth, understand one the Prophet Joseph Smith received another, and both are edified and a revelation about the priesthood: rejoice together.” “And this greater priesthood My dear brothers and sisters, with administereth the gospel and holdeth all of my heart I pray that each of us the key of the mysteries of the king- will take great care to nourish those dom, even the key of the knowledge we teach and those we lead by fortify- of God. ing them with the bread of life and “Therefore, in the ordinances the living water found within the thereof, the power of godliness is restored gospel, in the name of Jesus manifest” (D&C 84:19–20). Christ, amen. ■ I have had wonderful experiences NOTES within the walls of the temple that 1. “A Teacher Come from God,” Ensign, May verify this. 1998, 26. In 1993, after I had served as presi- 2. See Ezra Taft Benson, “A New Witness for Christ,” Ensign, Nov. 1984, 6. y dear brothers and sisters, dent of the Mexico Tuxtla Gutiérrez 3. See 3 Nephi 27:13–22; D&C 33:11–12; one of the things which I Mission, we traveled as a family to see 39:6; 76:40–42. am most grateful to my my parents, who lived in northern 4. “A Priesthood Quorum,” Liahona and M Ensign, Nov. 2006, 43–44. Heavenly Father for is the opportu- Mexico. During the trip we talked 5. Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. nity I had to work for 15 years as about the joy of serving the Lord and McConkie, 3 vols. (1954–56), 1:47–48. 6. Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley (1997), recorder in the Mexico City Mexico seeing the change in people who had 619–20. Temple. In this sacred place, as in all accepted the gospel during the three

NOVEMBER 2007 95 stayed for the services, listened to the testimonies of my children, his heart was softened, and from that Sunday on he never missed church. Months later, at the age of 78, he and my mother were sealed, and we, his chil- dren, were sealed to them. I know that thanks to the power of godliness manifest in the ordinances of the temple, I can now be reunited with my parents for all eternity, even after death. Many times we don’t comprehend the meaning of the ordinances of the temple in their fulness until after we have known affliction or passed through experiences that could have been extremely sad without the knowledge of the plan of salvation. When my wife and I had only been married a year and a half, she was ready to deliver our first baby. We had decided that she would have the baby in the Chihuahua colonies, where she had been born. At that time I was working in Mexico City, and we decided that she would be there a years we were in the mission. We were go with them to church and stay with month ahead of the delivery date. I commenting about those people who them so he could listen to their testi- was planning to join her later. were baptized, confirmed, and had monies. It was the first Sunday of the The delivery date arrived. I was at received the priesthood and the ones month. I also knew my father would work when I received a call from my we knew had entered the temple and give any excuse not to go, so I father-in-law. The news was good: were sealed as families for eternity. planned to enter the room to help “Octaviano, your wife has given birth, My youngest son asked a question my children convince him. and you now have a little daughter that made me reflect: “Dad, are you The time soon came for executing who is beautiful.” So, in my happi- sealed to your parents?” I told him the plan. My daughter, Susana, ness, I began to announce this to my that because my father had been less approached my father and asked him friends and partners at work, who in active for many years, he and my about the favor. Sure enough, my turn asked me for chocolates to cele- mother were not sealed in the tem- father told her he would do anything brate the birth of my little one. ple. To help him become active, I he could for them. Then came the The next day I began to give out thought up a plan. It involved my chil- invitation to go to church, and just chocolates throughout the four floors dren, and I explained to them how we as we had predicted, he used this of our office building. When I reached would do it: Every Sunday my father excuse: “I can’t because I haven’t the second floor, I received another would get up early to take my mother even showered.” That’s when my wife call from my father-in-law. This time and sister to church, only to return and I, who were hiding behind the the news was different: “Octaviano, home, wait for the services to end, door, shouted, “We’ll wait for you!” your wife is fine, but your daughter then go back to pick them up. So I When we realized he was not mak- has passed away. The funeral will be assigned my children to go with him ing a decision, my wife and I entered today, and you don’t have time to and say, “Grandpa, would you do us a the room and, together with our chil- come. What are you going to do?” I favor?” I knew his answer would be, dren, began to insist: “Shower! asked to speak with Rosa, my wife, “Whatever you want, my children.” Shower!” Then what we expected and then asked her if she was OK. She Then they would ask him if he would happened. My father came with us, he replied that she was fine, depending

96 on how I was feeling. Then we talked about the plan of salvation, remem- bering this scripture: “And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven” (D&C 137:10). I asked her, “Do you believe that?” And she said, “Yes, I do.” Then I replied, “We should be happy then. I love you. And if you are OK with that, I’ll take my vacation in two weeks, spend some time with you, and return back together to Mexico.” We knew that one day we would be reunited with our daughter because we were sealed by the power of the priesthood in the temple. We ended the telephone call, and I resumed giv- ing out the chocolates in my office building. Seeing me do this, one of my co- workers was surprised and asked me how I could do this after such terrible news. I answered, “If you have three hours, I can explain to you why I am not feeling too sad and about my knowledge of what happens after death.” He didn’t have three hours at that moment but did later. We ended up talking for four hours. He accepted the gospel and, together with his mother and brother, was bap- tized into the Church after receiving the discussions. I know that thanks to the power of godliness manifested in the ordi- nances of the temple, I will now be This priesthood makes eternal fami- see, in the holiness of the temple, how able to know my daughter. I will lies possible. It allows me, a son, to the power of godliness is manifested embrace her, and we will be with her turn my heart to my father, who to all people who—after exercising for eternity, just as we are now with passed away last year, and to be calm faith in Christ, repenting of their sins, our three surviving children. in my hope through the Savior that I and searching fervently for happi- I rejoice in the words of Malachi: will see him again. This priesthood ness—come to make sacred covenants “Behold, I will send you Elijah the allows me, as a father, to turn my heart with our Heavenly Father and receive prophet before the coming of the to our two children who died as His holy ordinances that bind on earth great and dreadful day of the Lord: infants and to be calm in my hope as well as bind in heaven. “And he shall turn the heart of the through the Savior that I will know I love temple work. I know that fathers to the children, and the heart them, and they will know I was their God lives, that Jesus Christ is my of the children to their fathers, lest I earthly father as I look into their eyes Savior, and that President Gordon B. come and smite the earth with a and tell them I love them. It is this Hinckley is a true prophet. In the curse” (Malachi 4:5–6). priesthood which has allowed me to name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■

NOVEMBER 2007 97 Branch, the first chapel of the Church built in South America. After my bap- After All tism, as I was returning home along with my family, my oldest brother started wrestling with me, as he often did. I exclaimed, “Do not touch me! I We Can Do cannot sin!” As the days passed, I real- ized that it was not possible to remain ELDER CLAUDIO D. ZIVIC sinless for the rest of my life. Of the Seventy It is difficult to bear the sufferings that are inflicted upon us, but the real We, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ, torment in life is to suffer the conse- have chosen not to be ordinary men and women. quences of our own shortcomings and sins which we inflict upon ourselves. There is only one way to rid our- selves of this suffering. It is by means of sincere repentance. I learned that if chosen not to be ordinary men and I could present unto the Lord a bro- women. The last words, “if I am able,” ken heart and a contrite spirit, feeling made me think that it is not enough a godly sorrow for my sins, humbling to go through the motions of being myself, being repentant of my faults, baptized and confirmed, but rather He, through His miraculous atoning we have to fulfill and honor the com- sacrifice, could erase those sins and mitment that we made with the Lord remember them no more. on that memorable day. The Argentine poet José Lehi taught his son Jacob, saying: Hernández, in his famous book “Wherefore, men are free according to Martín Fierro, wrote: the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And A man loses a lot of things they are free to choose liberty and and sometimes finds them again, eternal life, through the great but it’s my duty to inform you, Mediator of all men, or to choose and you’ll do well to remember it, captivity and death, according to the if once your sense of shame gets lost captivity and power of the devil; for he it will never again be found. have heard that no one has ever seeketh that all men might be miser- (La Vuelta de Martín Fierro, part 2 died giving a talk in a general con- able like unto himself” (2 Nephi 2:27). of Martín Fierro [1879], canto 32; I ference. If that is the case today, I Undoubtedly, freedom and eternal bilingual ed., trans. C. E. Ward sincerely apologize. life are what we seek. We tremble at [1967], 493) While serving in the required mili- the very thought of dying and being tary service in Argentina, I read a captives of the devil. If we don’t experience the godly book whose author I do not remem- Nephi taught us clearly what we sorrow that results from our sins or ber. He wrote: “I choose not to be ought to do. He said, “For we know unrighteous actions, it will be impos- an ordinary man; it is my right to that it is by grace that we are saved, sible for us to remain on the way of be someone out of the ordinary, if I after all we can do” (2 Nephi 25:23). outstanding people. am able.” I believe that the first thing we Another important principle to To be someone out of the ordinary have to keep in mind in doing “all we remember in doing “all we can do” is means to be successful, unique, and can” is to repent of our sins. We will to look for and develop the opportu- outstanding. never be able to reach our divine nities that life within the gospel con- That phrase has remained written potential if we remain in our sins. stantly offers us and recognize that in my mind and heart. My feelings I have fond memories of the day the Lord has given us all that we have. were and are that we, as members of my baptism when I was eight years He is responsible for all that is good of the Church of Jesus Christ, have old. It was performed in the Liniers in our lives.

98 Another thing that must be our moment that I began to cry like a with the quality of members and mis- permanent responsibility is to do “all small child. My tears were abundant, sionaries that I met, who moved the we can do” to share the gospel of and I felt happiness like I had never work forward with great ability and happiness with all mankind. before experienced. I was absorbed love, as do many faithful members Some time ago I received a letter in a sphere full of joy and happiness of the Church in other parts of the from Brother Rafael Pérez Cisneros of that penetrated my soul. I under- world. To all of them, I express my Galicia, Spain, telling me about his stood that God was answering my sincere respect and admiration. conversion. Part of his letter said the prayer. The Lord has said that He is following: “All of my family was baptized, and “delight[ed] to honor those who “I had no concept of the purpose we had the blessing of being sealed in serve me in righteousness and in of life or what the family really is. the Swiss Temple, making me the truth unto the end. When I finally allowed the missionar- happiest man in the world.” “Great shall be their reward and ies to come into my home, I told I think this story should motivate eternal shall be their glory” (D&C them, ‘Give me your message, but I us to do “all we can do” to share the 76:5–6). warn you that nothing is going to blessings of joy that come from living May we always have in our minds make me change religions.’ On this the gospel of happiness. and hearts the words of Nephi: first occasion my children and my The final concept I want to share “Awake, my soul! No longer droop wife were listening attentively. I felt is that we should do “all we can do” in sin. . . . separated from the group. I felt until the end of our mortal probation. “. . . My soul will rejoice in thee, my afraid, and without thinking I went to Without question, we have living God, and the rock of my salvation” my bedroom. I closed the door and examples like President Gordon B. (2 Nephi 4:28, 30). began to pray from the depths of my Hinckley and many other men and It is my humble prayer that the soul like I had never prayed before. women who continue to faithfully Lord may bless us to do “all we can ‘Father, if it is true that these young serve at ages that others may consider do” in this “out of the ordinary” path men are Your disciples and have inconvenient. that we have chosen, which I testify to come to help us, please make it When I served as president of the be true, in the name of Jesus Christ, known to me.’ It was in that very Spain Bilbao Mission, I was impressed amen. ■

NOVEMBER 2007 99 preside over a stake who has not a perfect and abiding knowledge of the Knowing divinity of this work.” President Taylor replied, “Joseph, Joseph, Joseph, [Heber] knows it just as well as you do. The only thing that That We Know he does not know is that he does know it.” ELDER DOUGLAS L. CALLISTER Within a few weeks that testimony Of the Seventy was realized, and young Heber J. Grant shed tears of gratitude for the The testimony of others may initiate and nourish the desire perfect, abiding, and absolute testi- for faith and testimony, but eventually every individual mony that came into his life.1 It is a grand thing to know—and to must find out for himself. know that you know and that the light has not been borrowed from another. Years ago I presided over a mission headquartered in the Midwest. One The testimony of others may initiate day, with a handful of our missionar- and nourish the desire for faith and ies, I spoke with an esteemed repre- testimony, but eventually every indi- sentative of another Christian faith. vidual must find out for himself. None This gentle soul spoke of his own can permanently endure on bor- religion’s history and doctrine, even- rowed light. tually repeating the familiar words: The restored gospel is not truer “By grace ye are saved. Every man today than when a solitary boy walked and woman must exercise faith in out of the Sacred Grove in 1820. Truth Christ in order to become a saved has never been dependent on the being.” number who embrace it. When Joseph Among those present was a new left the grove, there was only one man missionary. He was altogether unfa- on earth who knew the truth about miliar with other religions. He had to God the Father and His Son, Jesus ask the question, “But, sir, what hap- Christ. It is necessary, however, that pens to the little baby who dies each find out for himself and carry that before he is old enough to under- burning testimony into the next life. stand and exercise faith in Christ?” ears ago a man was accused of a When the 23-year-old Heber J. The learned man bowed his head, serious crime. The prosecution Grant was installed as president of the looked at the floor, and said, “There Ypresented three witnesses, each Tooele Stake, he told the Saints he ought to be an exception. There of whom saw the man commit the believed the gospel was true. President ought to be a loophole. There ought crime. The defense then presented Joseph F. Smith, a counselor in the to be a way, but there isn’t.” three witnesses, none of whom had First Presidency, inquired, “Heber, you The missionary looked at me and, seen its commission. The simple jury said you believe the gospel with all with tears in his eyes, said, “Goodness, was confused. Based on the number your heart, . . . but you did not bear President, we do have the truth, of witnesses, the evidence seemed to your testimony that you know it is don’t we!” the jury equally divided. The man was true. Don’t you know absolutely that The moment of testimony acquitted. It was irrelevant, of course, this gospel is true?” realization—when you know that that untold millions had never seen Heber answered, “I do not.” you know—is sweet and sublime. the crime. There needed to be only Joseph F. Smith then turned to John That testimony, if nurtured, will rest one witness. Taylor, the President of the Church, upon you as a mantle. When we see In the genius of the gospel plan, and said, “I am in favor of undoing light, we are engulfed by it. Lights there ultimately only has to be one this afternoon what we did this morn- of understanding turn on within. witness, but that witness must be you. ing. I do not think any man should I once conversed with a fine

100 young man who was not of our faith, although he had attended most of our worship services for more than a year. I asked why he had not joined the Church. He replied, “Because I do not know whether it is true. I think it may well be true, but I cannot stand and testify, as you do, ‘I actually know it is true.’ ” I inquired, “Have you read the Book of Mormon?” He answered that he had read in the book. I asked whether he had prayed about the book. He answered, “I have mentioned it in my prayers.” I told my friend that as long as he casually read and prayed, he never would find out, worlds without end. But when he set aside a period for fasting and pleading, the truth would be burned into his heart, and he would know that he knew. He said nothing more to me but told his wife the next morning that he would be fasting. The following Saturday he was revealed, a testimony cannot abide When we are called upon to testify, baptized. except it be expressed. what will we say? There will be spiri- If you want to know that you Brigham Young later said of Orson tual infants and spiritual giants in the know that you know, a price must Pratt, “If Brother Orson [were] next life. Eternity is a long time to be paid. And you alone must pay that chopped up in inch pieces, each live without light, especially if our price. There are proxies for ordi- piece would cry out, ‘Mormonism spouses and our descendants also live nances, but none for the acquisition [is] true.’ ”3 Father Lehi eulogized in darkness because there was no of a testimony. his noble son Nephi in these words: light within us, and others, therefore, Alma spoke of his conversion in “But behold, it was not he, but it was could not light their lamps. these beautiful words: “I have fasted the Spirit of the Lord which was in We should be on our knees every and prayed many days that I might him, which opened his mouth to morning and night pleading with the know these things of myself. And now utterance that he could not shut it” Lord that we never lose our faith, our I do know of myself that they are (2 Nephi 1:27). testimony, or our virtue. There only true; for the Lord God hath made The opportunity and responsibility has to be one witness, but it must be them manifest unto me” (Alma 5:46). for testimony bearing exist first in the yourself. When a testimony has been real- family setting. Our children should be I have a testimony. It urges to be ized, there is a burning urge on the able to remember the light in our eyes, expressed. I bear witness that the part of the possessor to bear that tes- the ring of our testimonies in their power of the living God is in this timony to others. When Brigham ears, and the feeling in their hearts as Church. I know what I know, and my Young left the waters of baptism, he we bear witness to our most precious witness is true. In the name of Jesus said: “The spirit of the Lord was upon audience that Jesus was truly God’s Christ, amen. ■ me, and I felt as though my bones own Son and Joseph was His prophet. NOTES would consume within me unless I Our posterity must know that we 1. See Heber J. Grant, Gospel Standards, spoke to the people. . . . The first dis- know, because we oft tell them. comp. G. Homer Durham (1941), 191–93. 2. In Deseret News, Aug. 3, 1870, 306. course I ever delivered I occupied Early Church leaders paid a great 3. President Brigham Young’s Office Journal, over an hour. I opened my mouth price to establish this dispensation. Oct. 1, 1860, Brigham Young Office Files, 2 Church Archives, The Church of Jesus and the Lord filled it.” As a fire Perhaps we will meet them in the Christ of Latter-day Saints; punctuation and will not burn, except the flame be next life and listen to their witness. capitalization modernized.

NOVEMBER 2007 101 mother’s earthly sacrifice has been accepted by the Lord and that she has Service been welcomed by Him. But why was it foremost in her mind just days ELDER STEVEN E. SNOW before her passing? What is service, Of the Presidency of the Seventy and why is it so important in the gospel of Jesus Christ? First, we are commanded to serve Look for ways to bless the lives of others one another. The first commandment through seemingly simple acts of service. is to love God. “And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”2 We demonstrate our love when we strangely enough, that cancer is a help and serve each other. disease of love. It provides opportu- President Gordon B. Hinckley has nities to mend fences, say good- said: “No man can be a true Latter- byes, and express love. A few weeks day Saint who is unneighborly, who before my mother’s death, we were does not reach out to assist and help visiting in the family room of my others. It is inherent in the very boyhood home. Mom had fine nature of the gospel that we do so. taste and liked nice things. She also My brothers and sisters, we cannot longed to travel, but our family lived live unto ourselves.”3 on a modest budget, and these The Savior taught His disciples this dreams were not quite realized. important principle in Matthew: Knowing this, I asked her if she had “Lord, when saw we thee an any regrets. I fully expected to hear hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, she had always wanted a larger, and gave thee drink? more beautiful home or perhaps an “When saw we thee a stranger, expression of sadness and disap- and took thee in? or naked, and pointment over never having trav- clothed thee? resident David O. McKay once eled. She pondered my question for “Or when saw we thee sick, or in quoted Abraham Lincoln as say- a few moments and replied simply, prison, and came unto thee? Ping, “All that I am or hope to be “I wish I had served more.” “And the King shall answer and say I owe to my angel mother.”1 These I was shocked at her response. My unto them, Verily I say unto you, words well explain my feelings about mother had always accepted Church Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one my own mother. Viola Jean Goates callings. She served as ward Relief of the least of these my brethren, ye Snow, Jeanie to all who knew her, was Society president, Sunday School have done it unto me.”4 born in 1929 and died shortly after teacher, visiting teacher, and in the This service is to be given her 60th birthday in 1989. She taught Primary. As children we were always unselfishly, with no thought of per- me and she encouraged me. She truly delivering casseroles, jam, and bottled sonal gain or reward. It is to be given convinced me I could accomplish fruit to neighbors and members of as needed, not when convenient. anything I wanted. She also disci- the ward. When I reminded her of all Opportunities to serve may not plined me. As my own sons say of this, she was undeterred. “I could always seem obvious, as it is human their mother, “She was the travel have done more” was all she said. My nature to worry about our own wants agent for guilt trips.” Mom was a won- mother had lived an exemplary and and needs. We must resist such ten- derful mother, a great role model, and full life. She was loved by family and dencies and look for opportunities to scarcely a day passes I do not think of friends. She had accomplished much serve. When we visit with those who her and miss her. in a life that was often hard and which are suffering from sickness, loss of A few years before she passed was cut short by disease and sickness. loved ones, or other heartbreak, it is away, she was diagnosed with can- In spite of all of this, her greatest not enough to simply say, “Call if cer, a disease she fought with great regret was she had not given enough there is anything I can do.” Rather, courage. As a family we learned, service. Now, I have no doubt my look for ways to bless the lives of

102 others through seemingly simple President Spencer W. Kimball, a of their political persuasion, work acts of service. It is better to do even great example of service, said: “God within our local, state, and national things of little consequence than to does notice us, and he watches over governments to improve our lives. do nothing at all. us. But it is usually through another Likewise, I commend those who vol- Second, we have an obligation as mortal that he meets our needs. unteer their time and resources to members of the Church to accept call- Therefore, it is vital that we serve support worthy community and ings to serve in building the kingdom each other in the kingdom.”5 The charitable causes, which bless the of God on earth. As we serve in our responsibility of service in the Church, lives of others and make the world various callings, we bless the lives of however, does not relieve us of our a better place. My grandfather others. In missionary work lives are responsibility to serve our families taught me at an early age, “The changed as people learn of the gospel and our neighbors. President Kimball public service we render is the of Jesus Christ and receive a testi- went on to warn, “None of us should rent we pay for our place on earth.” mony of its truth. By the sacred work become so busy in our formal Church Service requires unselfishness, in the temple we bless the lives of assignments that there is no room sharing, and giving. My wife and I those who have gone on before us. In left for quiet Christian service to our learned a valuable lesson during our gospel service we have the privilege neighbors.”6 time of service in Africa. We were to teach others, to strengthen the Finally, we have a responsibility to assigned to a district conference in youth, and to bless the lives of the render service in our communities. Jinja, Uganda. Early Saturday morning little children as they learn the sim- We should work to improve our before our meetings began, we took ple truths of the gospel. In Church neighborhoods, our schools, our the opportunity to tour a new chapel service we learn to give of ourselves cities, and our towns. I commend in the area. As we arrived at the build- and to help others. those in our midst who, regardless ing, we were greeted by a young boy

NOVEMBER 2007 103 of three to four years of age. He had come to the Church grounds to see what was going on. Struck by his Good, Better, Best broad smile, Sister Snow reached in her purse and handed him a wrapped ELDER DALLIN H. OAKS piece of hard butterscotch candy. He Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was delighted. We spent a few minutes touring the chapel before returning outside. We have to forego some good things in order to choose We were met by more than a dozen others that are better or best because they develop faith smiling children, who each wanted in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families. to meet the new neighborhood candy lady. Phyllis was heartbroken, as she had given the boy her last piece of candy. (Luke 10:40), her sister, Mary, “sat at She disappointedly gestured to the Jesus’ feet, and heard his word” (v. 39). children there was no more. The When Martha complained that her sis- small boy who initially greeted us ter had left her to serve alone, Jesus then handed the candy back to Sister commended Martha for what she was Snow, gesturing for her to unwrap it. doing (v. 41) but taught her that “one With a heavy heart, Phyllis did so, fully thing is needful: and Mary hath cho- expecting the boy to pop the butter- sen that good part, which shall not be scotch candy into his mouth in full taken away from her” (v. 42). It was view of his envious friends. praiseworthy for Martha to be “careful Instead, to our great surprise, he and troubled about many things” (v. went to each of his friends, who stuck 41), but learning the gospel from the out their tongues and received one Master Teacher was more “needful.” delicious lick of the butterscotch The scriptures contain other teach- candy. The young boy continued ings that some things are more around the circle, occasionally taking blessed than others (see Acts 20:35; his own lick, until the candy was gone. Alma 32:14–15). Now, one can argue the lack of ost of us have more things A childhood experience introduced sanitation with this gesture of shar- expected of us than we can me to the idea that some choices are ing, but no one can dispute the Mpossibly do. As breadwinners, good but others are better. I lived for example set by this young boy. as parents, as Church workers and two years on a farm. We rarely went to Unselfishness, sharing, and giving members, we face many choices on town. Our Christmas shopping was are essential to service. This child what we will do with our time and done in the Sears, Roebuck catalog. I learned that lesson well. other resources. spent hours poring over its pages. For It is my hope and prayer we can all the rural families of that day, catalog do more in giving service. If we fail to I. pages were like the shopping mall or serve, we fail to receive the fulness of We should begin by recognizing the Internet of our time. the privileges and blessings of the the reality that just because some- Something about some displays restored gospel. In the name of Jesus thing is good is not a sufficient reason of merchandise in the catalog fixed Christ, amen. ■ for doing it. The number of good itself in my mind. There were three

NOTES things we can do far exceeds the time degrees of quality: good, better, and 1. Pathways to Happiness, comp. Llewelyn R. available to accomplish them. Some best. For example, some men’s shoes McKay (1957), 183. things are better than good, and these were labeled good ($1.84), some 2. Matthew 22:39. 1 3. “Latter-day Prophets Speak: Service,” are the things that should command better ($2.98), and some best ($3.45). Ensign, Sept. 2007, 49. priority attention in our lives. As we consider various choices, 4. Matthew 25:37–40. Jesus taught this principle in we should remember that it is not 5. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball (2006), 82. the home of Martha. While she was enough that something is good. Other 6. Teachings: Spencer W. Kimball, 82. “cumbered about much serving” choices are better, and still others are

104 best. Even though a particular choice man who looked back on his working other school and club activities also is more costly, its far greater value may life and said, “I just didn’t spend needs to be carefully regulated. make it the best choice of all. enough time with my job.” Otherwise, children will be over- Consider how we use our time in In choosing how we spend time as scheduled, and parents will be fraz- the choices we make in viewing televi- a family, we should be careful not to zled and frustrated. Parents should sion, playing video games, surfing the exhaust our available time on things act to preserve time for family prayer, Internet, or reading books or maga- that are merely good and leave little family scripture study, family home zines. Of course it is good to view time for that which is better or best. evening, and the other precious wholesome entertainment or to A friend took his young family on a togetherness and individual one-on- obtain interesting information. But series of summer vacation trips, one time that binds a family together not everything of that sort is worth including visits to memorable historic and fixes children’s values on things the portion of our life we give to sites. At the end of the summer he of eternal worth. Parents should teach obtain it. Some things are better, and asked his teenage son which of these gospel priorities through what they others are best. When the Lord told good summer activities he enjoyed do with their children. us to seek learning, He said, “Seek ye most. The father learned from the Family experts have warned against out of the best books words of wis- reply, and so did those he told of it. what they call “the overscheduling of dom” (D&C 88:118; emphasis added). “The thing I liked best this summer,” children.” In the last generation chil- the boy replied, “was the night you dren are far busier and families spend II. and I laid on the lawn and looked at far less time together. Among many Some of our most important the stars and talked.” Super family measures of this disturbing trend are choices concern family activities. activities may be good for children, the reports that structured sports Many breadwinners worry that their but they are not always better than time has doubled, but children’s free occupations leave too little time for one-on-one time with a loving parent. time has declined by 12 hours per their families. There is no easy for- The amount of children-and-parent week, and unstructured outdoor mula for that contest of priorities. time absorbed in the good activities activities have fallen by 50 percent.2 However, I have never known of a of private lessons, team sports, and The number of those who report

NOVEMBER 2007 105 that their “whole family usually eats will be eternal and everlasting.”5 L. Tom Perry taught this principle in dinner together” has declined 33 per- The First Presidency has called on our first worldwide leadership train- cent. This is most concerning because parents “to devote their best efforts to ing meeting in 2003. Counseling the the time a family spends together the teaching and rearing of their chil- same leaders in 2004, Elder Richard G. “eating meals at home [is] the dren in gospel principles. . . . The Scott said: “Adjust your activities to be strongest predictor of children’s aca- home is the basis of a righteous life, consistent with your local conditions demic achievement and psychological and no other instrumentality can take and resources. . . . Make sure that the adjustment.”3 Family mealtimes have its place . . . in . . . this God-given essential needs are met, but do not go also been shown to be a strong bul- responsibility.” The First Presidency overboard in creating so many good wark against children’s smoking, has declared that “however worthy things to do that the essential ones drinking, or using drugs.4 There is and appropriate other demands or are not accomplished. . . . Remember, inspired wisdom in this advice to par- activities may be, they must not be don’t magnify the work to be done— ents: what your children really want permitted to displace the divinely- simplify it.”7 for dinner is you. appointed duties that only parents In general conference last year, President Gordon B. Hinckley has and families can adequately perform.”6 Elder M. Russell Ballard warned against pleaded that we “work at our respon- the deterioration of family relation- sibility as parents as if everything in III. ships that can result when we spend life counted on it, because in fact Church leaders should be aware excess time on ineffective activities everything in life does count on it.” that Church meetings and activities that yield little spiritual sustenance. He He continued: “I ask you men, can become too complex and burden- cautioned against complicating our particularly, to pause and take stock some if a ward or a stake tries to have Church service “with needless frills of yourselves as husbands and the membership do everything that is and embellishments that occupy too fathers and heads of households. good and possible in our numerous much time, cost too much money, and Pray for guidance, for help, for Church programs. Priorities are sap too much energy. . . . The instruc- direction, and then follow the whis- needed there also. tion to magnify our callings is not a perings of the Spirit to guide you Members of the Quorum of the command to embellish and complicate in the most serious of all responsi- Twelve have stressed the importance them. To innovate does not necessarily bilities, for the consequences of of exercising inspired judgment in mean to expand; very often it means your leadership in your home Church programs and activities. Elder to simplify. . . . What is most important

106 in our Church responsibilities,” he said, “is not the statistics that are reported or the meetings that are held but whether or not individual people— ministered to one at a time just as the Savior did—have been lifted and encouraged and ultimately changed.”8 Stake presidencies and bishoprics need to exercise their authority to weed out the excessive and ineffec- tive busyness that is sometimes required of the members of their stakes or wards. Church programs should focus on what is best (most effective) in achieving their assigned purposes without unduly infringing on the time families need for their “divinely appointed duties.” But here is a caution for families. Suppose Church leaders reduce the time required by Church meetings and activities in order to increase the time available for families to be together. This will not achieve its intended purpose unless individual family members—especially parents— vigorously act to increase family togetherness and one-on-one time. Team sports and technology toys like video games and the Internet are already winning away the time of our children and youth. Surfing the Internet is not better than serving the Lord or strengthening the family. Some young men and women are skipping Church youth activities or cutting family time in order to partici- pate in soccer leagues or to pursue various entertainments. Some young It is good to belong to our Father in brief visit in which we teach doctrine people are amusing themselves to Heaven’s true Church and to keep all and principle; and it is best of all to death—spiritual death. of His commandments and fulfill all of make a difference in the lives of some Some uses of individual and family our duties. But if this is to qualify as of those we visit. That same challenge time are better, and others are best. “best,” it should be done with love applies to the many meetings we We have to forego some good things and without arrogance. We should, as hold—good to hold a meeting, better in order to choose others that are we sing in a great hymn, “crown [our] to teach a principle, but best to actu- better or best because they develop good with brotherhood,”9 showing ally improve lives as a result of the faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and love and concern for all whom our meeting. strengthen our families. lives affect. As we approach 2008 and a new To our hundreds of thousands of course of study in our Melchizedek IV. home teachers and visiting teachers, Priesthood quorums and Relief Here are some other illustrations I suggest that it is good to visit our Societies, I renew our caution of good, better, and best: assigned families; it is better to have a about how we use the Teachings of

NOVEMBER 2007 107 Presidents of the Church manuals. Many years of inspired work have produced our 2008 volume of the Closing Remarks teachings of Joseph Smith, the found- ing prophet of this dispensation. This PRESIDENT GORDON B. HINCKLEY is a landmark among Church books. In the past, some teachers have given a chapter of the Teachings manuals We have been inspired and lifted to a higher appreciation no more than a brief mention and of this wonderful gospel. then substituted a lesson of their own choice. It may have been a good les- son, but this is not an acceptable practice. A gospel teacher is called word, and the prayers have all been to teach the subject specified from magnificent. the inspired materials provided. The We now return to our homes. If we best thing a teacher can do with are driving, let us be careful. Let no Teachings: Joseph Smith is to select tragedy mar the experience we have and quote from the words of the enjoyed. Prophet on principles specially suited All of the proceedings of this con- to the needs of class members and ference will appear in a subsequent then direct a class discussion on how issue of the Ensign and Liahona. We to apply those principles in the cir- encourage you again to read the talks cumstances of their lives. in your family home evenings and dis- I testify of our Heavenly Father, cuss them together as families. They whose children we are and whose are the products of much prayer and plan is designed to qualify us for meditation and are well worthy of “eternal life . . . the greatest of all the careful consideration. gifts of God” (D&C 14:7; see also Now the conference is adjourned D&C 76:51–59). I testify of Jesus for six months. We look forward to Christ, whose Atonement makes it y beloved brothers and seeing you again next April. I’m 97, possible. And I testify that we are led sisters, we now conclude but I hope I’m going to make it. May by prophets, our President Gordon B. Ma great conference. We the blessings of heaven attend you Hinckley and his counselors, in the have been edified, uplifted. We have in the meantime is our humble and name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■ been inspired and lifted to a higher sincere prayer in the name of our NOTES appreciation of this wonderful Redeemer, even the Lord Jesus Christ, 1. Sears, Roebuck and Co. catalog, Fall and gospel. The music, the spoken amen. ■ Winter 1944–45, 316E. 2. See Jared R. Anderson and William J. Doherty, “Democratic Community Initiatives: The Case of Overscheduled Children,” Family Relations, vol. 54 (Dec. 2005): 655. 3. Anderson and Doherty, Family Relations, 54:655. 4. See Nancy Gibbs, “The Magic of the Family Meal,” Time, June 12, 2006, 51–52; see also Sarah Jane Weaver, “Family Dinner,” Church News, Sept. 8, 2007, 5. 5. “Each a Better Person,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2002, 100. 6. First Presidency letter, Feb. 11, 1999; printed in Church News, Feb. 27, 1999, 3. 7. “The Doctrinal Foundation of the Auxiliaries,” Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Jan. 10, 2004, 5, 7–8; see also Ensign, Aug. 2005, 62, 67. 8. “O Be Wise,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2006, 18–20. 9. “America the Beautiful,” Hymns, no. 338.

108 GENERAL RELIEF SOCIETY MEETING September 29, 2007

there are specific things Latter-day Saint women must do because they What Latter-day are daughters of God, chosen to come to the earth at a time which has been called “a very difficult season in the history of the world.”2 Saint Women Do In order to do our part as women under the Lord’s plan, we must stand strong and immovable in faith, strong Best: Stand Strong and immovable in family, and strong and immovable in relief. We must excel in these three important areas which set us apart as the Lord’s disci- and Immovable ples. Through Relief Society we prac- tice being disciples of Christ. We learn JULIE B. BECK what He would have us learn, we do Relief Society General President what He would have us do, and we become what He would have us We must stand strong and immovable in faith, strong and become. When we gather with this focus, the work of Relief Society is rele- immovable in family, and strong and immovable in relief. vant whatever your circumstance— whether you are 18 or 88, single or married, have children or not, or whether you live in Bountiful, Utah, and I believe that the women of this or Bangalore, India. Church are the finest, most capable women in the world. Please know of Stand Strong and Immovable my love for you—the magnificent in Faith women of this Church. First, Latter-day Saint women must President Hinckley said in a world- be strong and immovable in their wide leadership training meeting: “I faith. They can and should excel in liv- am convinced there is no other ing and sharing their testimonies of organization anywhere to match the the Lord Jesus Christ and His restored Relief Society of this Church. It has a gospel. We do this as we: membership of more than five million women across the earth. If they will 1. Make and keep covenants be united and speak with one voice, with Him. their strength will be incalculable. . . . 2. Are worthy and worship in His It is so tremendously important that temples. the women of the Church stand 3. Study His doctrine in the scrip- strong and immovable for that which tures and the words of prophets. y dear sisters, I approach this is correct and proper under the plan 4. Qualify for, recognize, and follow awesome responsibility with of the Lord.”1 the Holy Ghost. Ma prayer in my heart. I have a I have pondered and studied this 5. Share and defend His gospel. testimony of the true restored gospel inspiring charge, and I have sought 6. Participate in sincere personal and of Jesus Christ. The Savior is our answers regarding how the women of family prayer. leader and exemplar, our rock, our this Church could fulfill President 7. Have family home evening. strength, and our advocate. Any part Hinckley’s challenge and promise. 8. Live principles of self-reliance and I can play in helping Him and His How can they speak with one voice provident living. ordained prophet is a blessing in my and stand strong and immovable for life. I have always had a great love and those things which are correct and These are essential things which must respect for the sisters of this society, proper? Within the plan of the Lord be done before nonessential things.

NOVEMBER 2007 109 These are simple, indispensable prac- identity and worth. These voices offer tices that almost seem mundane a counterfeit happiness, and as a when we talk about them. However, result, many women are miserable, they are marks of discipleship which lonely, and confused. have always been foundational for The only place Latter-day Saint Relief Society sisters. No one can do women will learn the whole and com- these things for us—these are per- plete truth about their indispensable sonal practices and habits that set us role in the plan of happiness is in this apart as strong and immovable for Church and its doctrine. We know that which is correct. that in the great premortal conflict What a different world and Church we sided with our Savior, Jesus this would be if every Latter-day Saint Christ, to preserve our potential to sister excelled at making, renewing, belong to eternal families. We know and keeping covenants; if every sister we are daughters of God, and we qualified for a temple recommend know what we are to do. Women find and worshipped more often in tem- true happiness when they under- ples; if every sister studied the scrip- stand and delight in their unique role tures and doctrines of Christ and within the plan of salvation. The knew them so well that she could 5. Bear and rear children. things women can and should do teach and defend those doctrines at 6. Express love for and nurture family very best are championed and taught any time or place. Think of our com- members. without apology here. We believe in bined strength if every sister had sin- 7. Accept responsibility to prepare a the formation of eternal families. cere prayer every morning and night righteous rising generation. That means we believe in getting or, better yet, prayed unceasingly as 8. Know, live, and defend the doc- married. We know that the com- the Lord has commanded. If every trine of the family. mandment to multiply and replenish family had family prayer daily and had 9. Search out and perform temple the earth remains in force. That a family home evening once a week, ordinances for extended family means we believe in having children. we would be stronger. If every sister members. We have faith that with the Lord’s was self-reliant enough to be able to help we can be successful in rearing give freely of her knowledge, talents, As a disciple of Jesus Christ, every and teaching children. These are vital and resources and if every sister’s dis- woman in this Church is given the responsibilities in the plan of happi- cipleship was reflected by what she responsibility for upholding, nurturing, ness, and when women embrace said and what she wore, we would be and protecting families. Women have those roles with all their hearts, they immovable in that which is correct. distinct assignments given to them are happy! Knowing and defending from before the foundation of the the truth about families is the privi- Stand Strong and Immovable world. And as a covenant-keeping lege of every sister in this Church. in Family Latter-day Saint woman, you know that Because families are eternal, we Second, Latter-day Saint women raising your voice in defense of the cannot afford to be casual or com- must be strong and immovable in doctrine of the family3 is critical to the placent about those relationships. family. They can and should do fami- strength of families the world over. Much of the great work of this soci- lies better than anyone else. We, as Knowing and defending the divine ety in the past has been centered in disciples of Christ, can and should be roles of women is so important in a helping Latter-day Saint women the very best in the world at uphold- world where women are bombarded strengthen families, with emphasis ing, nourishing, and protecting fami- with false messages about their iden- on improving our nurturing skills— lies. We do this as we: tity. Popular media figures on the homemaking skills, parenting skills, radio and television set themselves up and marriage skills. Families mean 1. Understand and defend the divine as authorities and spokespersons for work, but they are our great work— roles of women. women. While these media messages and we are not afraid of work. This is 2. Embrace the blessings of the may contain elements of truth, most what we do best; no one does fami- priesthood. preach a gospel of individual fulfill- lies better than the sisters of this 3. Form eternal families. ment and self-worship, often mislead- Relief Society. We uphold, nourish, 4. Maintain strong marriages. ing women regarding their true and protect them.

110 In São Paulo, Brazil, members learn the importance of strengthening the family.

Stand Strong and Immovable doubt, relief of ignorance—relief of need to do to start offering relief is in Relief all that hinders the joy and progress get on our knees and ask, “Who Third, Latter-day Saint women of woman.”7 needs my help?” Every sister— must be strong and immovable in Notwithstanding the important married or single, young or old—is relief. We are a Relief Society, and relief efforts of the past, the greatest needed in this relief effort, and it is we should be the best women in the and most important work for the what we should do better than any- world at providing relief. This has women of this Church still lies ahead. one else. been our special province from the The earth must be prepared to re- beginning. The word relief means ceive the Lord Jesus Christ, and we Strong and Immovable Leaders “to lift up, lighten.” It means “a raising must help with this preparation in the Now, some thoughts for you great [up].” “The notion is ‘to raise (some- midst of wars, turmoil, natural calami- Relief Society presidencies, who serve one) out of trouble.’ ”4 Our service ties, and an increase of evil. There has so faithfully. You have an exciting and the relief that we offer are a sign not been a time in the history of the responsibility and hold a sacred trust that we are the Lord’s disciples and world when a full-scale relief effort as you carry out the work of Relief we are members of His true restored was more needed. Because we are Society. Yours is the obligation to help Church. It is a privilege to be part disciples of Jesus Christ and we have Latter-day Saint women excel in faith, of this worldwide organization for made covenants with Him, we are family, and relief. You will help the women, whose name describes what already committed by covenant to gospel become a great and com- we are meant to do: provide relief. participate in that relief effort. pelling interest to the women of the Joseph Smith said that the women You are each unique and precious. Church. You will help the women per- of this Church were organized to pro- Each of you has your own burdens fect homemaking, parenting, and vide for “the relief of the poor, the and challenges, which give you the marriage skills so they can fully live destitute, the widow and the orphan, blessing of turning to the Lord for the gospel in their own homes. and for the exercise of all benevolent help. We also have the opportunity to Every called and set apart Relief purposes”5 and “not only to relieve assist the Lord by providing relief for Society leader has the right and the poor, but to save souls.”6 That others, which is the greatest, fastest authority to be guided in fulfilling relief effort was further defined by solution to loneliness and hopeless- her inspired assignment to best meet Elder John A. Widtsoe as “relief of ness and a sure way to obtain the the needs of those she serves.8 You poverty, relief of illness, relief of companionship of the Spirit. All we will receive the help of the Holy

NOVEMBER 2007 111 conferences, activities, gatherings, and meetings must focus on helping sisters do what they should do best. President Hinckley’s plea to us is: “We have a greater challenge than we realize. . . . “. . . ‘Do the best you can.’ But I want to emphasize that it be the very best. . . . We are capable of doing so much better. . . . “. . . We must get on our knees and plead with the Lord for help and strength and direction. We must then stand on our feet and move forward.”10 My dear sisters, our prophet, whom I sustain with all my heart, has said that there is a better way than the way of the world. He has called upon the women of the Church to stand together for righteousness. He has said that if we are united and speak with one voice, our strength will be incalculable. I have expressed to him my confidence that the women of this Church will stand strong and immovable in our faith in Jesus Christ and His restored gospel; strong and immovable in upholding, nourishing, Spirit as you focus on essentials and self-reliance pamphlets, to get you and protecting our families; and will be given the courage to forego started. This is part of your work. strong and immovable in providing the frivolous. You have the privilege to counsel relief. May the Lord bless us as we Every leader knows that families in unity with priesthood leaders to do this most essential work of women are being hit hard by the storms of plan a defense and refuge against is my prayer in the name of Jesus this world, storms such as addictions, those storms and tailor a relief effort Christ, amen. ■ debt, unfaithfulness, and disobedi- for the specific needs of your people. ence. The Savior saw our day as “the The friendship and sociality that make NOTES 9 1. “Standing Strong and Immovable,” beginning of sorrows,” when many life so much sweeter will be a natural Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, would be deceived. He told of wars by-product of our efforts. Focusing Jan. 10, 2004, 20. and rumors of wars, famines, earth- on relief will always build sociality, 2. Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Jan. 10, 2004, 20. quakes, and pestilences. This whereas focusing on sociality may 3. See “The Family: A Proclamation to the describes the world we live in today, not always bring relief. World,” Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, and it is essential that the women of When we gather for any purpose Nov. 1995, 102. 4. See Online Etymology Dictionary, “relief,” this Church take hold of their respon- under the banner of Relief Society, we “relieve,” www.etymonline.com. sibility to be prepared in all things. must spend our precious time and 5. History of the Church, 4:567. As leaders of Relief Society, you can consecrated funds for the purpose of 6. History of the Church, 5:25. 7. Evidences and Reconciliations, arr. help every sister in every home in helping sisters do what we should do G. Homer Durham, 3 vols. in 1 (1960), 308. every ward and branch become self- best. In our Sunday Relief Society 8. See Richard G. Scott, “The Doctrinal Foundation of the Auxiliaries,” Worldwide reliant. They should be laying up a meetings, openings should be brief Leadership Training Meeting, Jan. 10, store of money, food, and skills, which and invite the Spirit to be with us. We 2004, 8; see also Ensign, Aug. 2005, 67. will sustain them and their families need every possible minute to study 9. Matthew 24:8; see also vv. 3–7; 1 Timothy 4:1–2; 2 Timothy 3:1–5. in perilous times. The Church has the gospel together so we can be best 10. Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, provided you great helps, such as in our responsibilities. All Relief Society Jan. 10, 2004, 21.

112 sisters can feed His sheep is through visiting teaching. “The purposes of Feed My Sheep visiting teaching are to build caring relationships with each sister and to SILVIA H. ALLRED offer support, comfort, and friend- First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency ship.”2 To accomplish those purposes, visiting teachers should:

Through our regular monthly visits to our sisters, 1. Visit each assigned sister regularly we can create bonds of love, friendship, and trust. (where feasible, in her home every month). 2. “Learn of the spiritual and tempo- ral needs of the sister and her responsibility that rests on me at this family.” moment. I have prayed, studied, and 3. “Offer appropriate assistance.” pondered the scriptures seeking for 4. “Give spiritual instruction through inspiration to say what the Lord a monthly message.”3 would want me to say to you on this occasion. The Lord has blessed women with As a Relief Society presidency, we divine attributes of love, compassion, have studied and pondered the his- kindness, and charity. Through our tory and purpose of the Relief monthly visits as visiting teachers, we Society—this unique organization have the power to bless each sister as that was divinely organized by a we extend our arms of love and kind- prophet of God to serve and to bless ness and give the gifts of compassion the women of the Church. This and charity. No matter what our indi- inspired origin came in response to vidual circumstances are, we all have the tender desires of the hearts of the opportunity to edify and nurture women at that time. It was organized others. with two very clear purposes: to I have lived in many countries in am humbled by the opportunity relieve the poor and to save souls.1 Central and South America and in the to stand before you and share the Sister Beck mentioned that one Caribbean and Spain. I have seen visit- I feelings of my heart. I am a very thing women of this Church can and ing teaching done faithfully by walk- ordinary woman, insignificant by the should do well is in providing relief. ing short and long distances or by world’s standards, but the Lord, in His Consider the principle taught in riding buses, subways, or trains. My great mercy, has always blessed me John 21:15–17. The Lord asked Peter, friend Ana was a young mother in with unique opportunities and a very “Lovest thou me . . . ?” Peter answered, Costa Rica who faithfully did her visit- precious gift: I have received the gift “Thou knowest that I love thee.” And ing teaching every month, walking of the truthfulness of this gospel and the Lord replied, “Feed my lambs.” many times in heavy rain. Thirty years of the reality of Jesus Christ and His The Lord asked him the second time, later, now a grandmother, she contin- atoning sacrifice. I have felt the guid- “Lovest thou me?” Peter again an- ues to be a faithful visiting teacher. ing influence of the Holy Ghost from swered, “Yea, Lord; thou knowest She has blessed so many lives. the time when I was only 14 years old, that I love thee.” The Lord said to Peter, Through our regular monthly visits when I first listened to the missionar- “Feed my sheep.” The Lord asked a to our sisters, we can create bonds of ies and read the Book of Mormon. My third time, “Lovest thou me?” Peter love, friendship, and trust. If we listen testimony is always burning in my answered, “Lord, thou knowest all to the promptings of the Spirit, we will heart, and my faith is steadfast. This things; thou knowest that I love thee.” increase our awareness of other peo- gift of faith and testimony has greatly Jesus said unto him, “Feed my sheep.” ple’s needs. If we act according to blessed my life. As disciples of Christ, we too those divine promptings, we can be a Today I stand among the best and declare that we love Him. So how do blessing to those in need. But we have most precious women in the world, we go about feeding His sheep? to be willing to give—of our substance and I feel the weight of the great One of the ways Relief Society and our time. The true measure of our

NOVEMBER 2007 113 with my companion’s schedule. Unfortunately, my companion was unable to make it. I asked a couple of my roommates to join me for those visits, but no one was available. Knowing that doing my visiting teach- ing alone wasn’t ideal, I thought about calling to cancel but decided it was better to make visits by myself than let another month slip by with- out visiting our sisters. “I arrived at Alejandra’s home and nervously approached her door, not knowing if I would recognize her. She had been very friendly on the phone, so I imagined it was a sister I had seen at church. Alejandra greeted me with a warm hug and a big smile. It was a new face! During our conversation, Alejandra shared her desire to start going to church again and said she had been hoping for some kind of visit for the past few months. She stated that this was the first time she had ever received a vis- iting teacher. We talked about some gospel principles and shared our impressions of that month’s Visiting Teaching Message. She committed to Two sisters in Denmark. going to church that week. Sure enough, she did (she even brought life is not how much we get but how babies, in San José, Costa Rica. her boyfriend)! much we give. Visiting teaching pro- President Boyd K. Packer said that “Since then, Alejandra and I have vides opportunities to give as we service in Relief Society “magnifies become good friends. I am no longer attend to the physical, spiritual, and and sanctifies each individual sister,” her visiting teacher, but we visit much emotional needs of each other. and he has counseled us to “give to more than once a month. Alejandra While living in the Dominican Relief Society service precedence over attends church and family home Republic, I went to visit a sister who all social and other clubs and societies evening regularly and is attending had just gotten home from the hospi- of similar kinds.”4 institute. tal after giving birth to her third child. Visiting teaching is also a very “I now have a stronger testimony I was surprised by how well and calm effective tool in retention and reacti- of visiting teaching than ever before. she looked. Her other two children vation efforts. A young single adult I am grateful for the guidance of the were still so young! After a few min- sister shared the following: Holy Ghost and His subtle prompting utes into our conversation, she shared “While reading the First Presidency that would lead me to such a kind with me how peaceful she felt because Message from the Ensign, I was and loving friend like Alejandra. We the Relief Society sisters had signed reminded of my visiting teaching were equally strengthened from this up to come to help her every day for assignment. My companion was a experience, and we both needed it for the next few days. She felt loved. good friend of mine, but we always our spiritual progression.”5 My visiting teachers were seemed to have conflicting schedules. When a shepherd cares, many of always the first to come to see That morning I decided to just make those who have wandered away can me and bring meals after I got the calls to our sisters, schedule a still be reclaimed. They may respond home with each of my newborn time, and hope that it would work to an invitation to return to the fold.

114 In Moroni 6:4 we are admonished to remember and nourish those bap- tized into the Church of Christ. I Will Strengthen The monthly gospel message we share in those visits builds faith and testimony. The giver and the receiver are both edified as they share insights Thee; I Will and personal experiences while dis- cussing gospel principles, scriptures, and teachings of our prophets. Help Thee One additional blessing is the close friendship and edification that take BARBARA THOMPSON place between the two sisters who are Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency companions in this errand. We learn from each other, and we love each other as we serve together. The greatest help we will have in strengthening families We can and should be able to pro- is to know and follow the doctrines of Christ. vide meaningful relief. We have the gospel perspective in our lives. We have divine promptings encouraging us to do good. Let us commit to effec- great challenges. I have seen some tive visiting teaching. We can provide heartbreaking situations where chil- temporal and spiritual nourishment. dren have been badly hurt—both We can and should offer understand- physically and emotionally. I have seen ing and be able to teach doctrine. We children who have been abandoned can relieve spiritual hunger and feed and forgotten due to the substance the sheep. Feeding the sheep might abuse or addictions of their parents. I mean strengthening and nourishing have seen 18-year-olds who have been the new members, the less active, or in foster care and are now out on their even the fully active members. own without any support and backing Our service should be selfless, of a loving family to help them. quiet, and be done willingly, with our Thankfully, most of us don’t have hearts full of the love of God and His abuse or neglect in our families, but children. There must be genuine con- every family will experience some cern to shepherd the flock, to invite type of challenge—illness, death, them unto Christ. disobedience, financial problems, It is my prayer that we will pledge and so forth. an increased commitment to extend everal months ago Sister Beck These problems raise some serious our arms of love and compassion to asked if I would consider speak- questions. What is happening to fami- bless, help, and strengthen each other Sing about families and tell a lies? What is the difference between a as we go about doing our visiting little about my experiences with fami- stable family and one that is dysfunc- teaching with a willing and joyful heart. lies. I am a single woman and do not tional? What are some simple things In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■ have any children of my own. I think that will help families? And who can Sister Beck thought that I was quali- provide relief to families? NOTES 1. See History of the Church, 5:25. fied to talk about families because I Today I want to touch briefly on 2. “Relief Society,” section 3 of the Church have never made a mistake with any these questions and give you several Handbook of Instructions, Book 2: of my own children. Many women observations I have made over the Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders (1998), 202. can’t claim that. years in hopes that they may help. 3. Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2, I am a social worker by profession 203. and have worked with many families What Is Happening to Families? 4. “The Circle of Sisters,” Ensign, Nov. 1980, 110, 111. over the years—mostly with families Satan is working overtime to attack 5. Personal correspondence. who are experiencing troubles or the family. He tells us that marriage is

NOVEMBER 2007 115 not important, that children do not path due to alcohol, drugs, or other personal and family happiness.”1 need a father and a mother, and that addictions that have taken away their Read to your children. Read from strong families are not important. good judgment and their ability to the scriptures. Help them learn that He tells us that moral values are old- make correct decisions. In a stable the scriptures will guide them fashioned and silly. When challenges family, loving parents teach by exam- throughout their entire lives. Have come, Satan tells us to abandon our ple and don’t just tell their children to family home evening with them. Let beliefs and go with the ways of the do something. They do it with them them know that family time together world. He entices us with fame and and show them how things are done. is very important to you. fortune and tells us where to find the Children are generally very accept- easy life. He attacks our faith in God What Are Some Simple Things ing of their parents and the mistakes and tries to discourage even the That Will Help Families? parents make. They often forgive, for- strongest and most loving families. Remember, children are precious. get, and move on much more quickly Satan is delighted when we give in— They are spirit children of God. I have than adults do. Don’t feel guilty. even just a little. seen the resiliency of the human soul Apologize when you have made a mis- shine forth at times when I couldn’t take. Seek the child’s forgiveness. What Is the Difference imagine how a child could survive. Change your ways and move on. between a Stable Family Dear sisters, love and nurture your Remember that it takes a lot of and One That Is Dysfunctional? children. Tell them you love them. Put patience to raise a child. As precious The members of a stable family your arms around them. Appropriate as they are, children can be exasperat- know who they are, where they are physical affection will accomplish mir- ing, frustrating, and sometimes even going, and what they want to achieve. acles. Express kind words. Show them naughty. It takes a tremendous The members of a dysfunctional fam- by example how to work. Teach them amount of patience and restraint in ily do not know who they are; they to pray. President James E. Faust said, order to avoid doing or saying things have no plan, no anchor, and no core “Praying together as a family is a we will later regret. Sometimes par- set of values or standards to set their bonding experience. Younger chil- ents need to put themselves in “time- course. dren can learn how to pray as they out” in order to avoid making serious Some of the parents of dysfunc- hear the prayers of their parents and mistakes. Removing yourself from the tional families were taught good val- older siblings. . . . Individual prayer room for a minute in order to regain ues but have gotten on the wrong and family prayer are indispensable to control is often very helpful.

116 No better advice can be found and are heavy laden, and I will give than that given in “The Family: A you rest.”5 Proclamation to the World.”2 Read it. “Whosoever shall put their trust in Study it. Adopt it as your family stan- God shall be supported in their trials, dard. Make it the topic in several fam- and their troubles, and their afflic- ily home evening lessons so no one in tions, and shall be lifted up at the the family has any misunderstanding last day.”6 about how your family operates. “Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and Who Can Provide Relief to Families? give thee answer to thy prayers.”7 Obviously, the first responsibility “As often as thou hast inquired for teaching children and strengthen- thou hast received instruction of ing the family lies with parents. How- my Spirit.”8 ever, there are many others who can “Be faithful and diligent in keeping help. I have wonderful parents, but the commandments of God, and I will they did not do it alone. encircle thee in the arms of my love.”9 I was in the Tabernacle when President Hinckley said, “It is President Gordon B. Hinckley first imperative that you not neglect your delivered the proclamation on the families. Nothing you have is more family at the general Relief Society precious. . . . When all is said and meeting in September of 1995. That done, it is this family relationship was a great occasion. I felt the signifi- A boy and girl in São Paulo, Brazil. which we will take with us into the cance of the message. I also found life beyond.”10 myself thinking, “This is a great advice and experience to share with Remember the great love of our guide for parents. It is also a big younger mothers. Sometimes a Young Savior. He said in Isaiah 41:10, “Fear responsibility for parents.” I thought Women leader or a Primary teacher thou not; for I am with thee: be not for a moment that it really didn’t per- says or does just the thing that is dismayed; for I am thy God: I will tain too much to me since I wasn’t needed to reinforce what a parent is strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee.” married and didn’t have any children. trying to teach. And obviously we Then in verse 13 He says again, “I will But almost as quickly I thought, “But don’t need any particular calling to help thee.” And once more in verse it does pertain to me. I am a member reach out to a friend or neighbor. 14 He says, “I will help thee.” of a family. I am a daughter, a sister, The greatest help we will have in Believe the Savior. He will help us. an aunt, a cousin, a niece, and a grand- strengthening families is to know and He loves us. He wants us to be happy. daughter. I do have responsibilities— follow the doctrines of Christ and rely I testify that our Lord and Savior and blessings—because I am a mem- on Him to help us. So often as I have lives. I testify that He will help us. ber of a family. Even if I were the worked with families with problems, I He has helped me many times, and only living member of my family, have found myself wishing that these He will help you. This I know. In the I am still a member of God’s family, families knew of the Savior and were name of Jesus Christ, amen. ■ and I have a responsibility to help teaching their children the doctrines NOTES strengthen other families.” of Jesus Christ. 1. “Challenges Facing the Family,” Worldwide Elder Robert D. Hales said, “And lo, he shall suffer tempta- Leadership Training Meeting, Jan. 10, 2004, “Strengthening families is our sacred tions, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, 2. 2. See Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. duty as parents, children, extended and fatigue, even more than man can 1995, 102. family members, leaders, teachers, and suffer, except it be unto death.”4 3. “Strengthening Families: Our Sacred Duty,” individual members of the Church.”3 Christ has suffered everything we Liahona, July 1999, 37; Ensign, May 1999, 32. As Relief Society sisters we can help could possibly imagine. He knows 4. Mosiah 3:7. one another to strengthen families. We how we feel. He understands. He 5. Matthew 11:28. 6. Alma 36:3. are given opportunities to serve in will help. 7. D&C 112:10. many capacities. We constantly come The scriptures are full of examples 8. D&C 6:14. in contact with children and youth of how Christ has helped and will 9. D&C 6:20. 10. “Rejoicing in the Privilege to Serve,” who may need just what we can offer. help. Some of my favorites are: Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, You older sisters have much good “Come unto me, all ye that labour June 21, 2003, 22.

NOVEMBER 2007 117 are, here and now, visits to be made, greetings to be shared, and hungry Three Goals souls to be fed. As I contemplate the Relief Society of today, humbled by my privilege to speak to you, I turn to our Heavenly Father for His divine to Guide You guidance. In this spirit, I have felt to provide PRESIDENT THOMAS S. MONSON each member of the Relief Society First Counselor in the First Presidency throughout the world three goals to meet: Your influence ranges far beyond yourself and your home 1. Study diligently. and touches others all around the globe. 2. Pray earnestly. 3. Serve willingly. Let us consider each of these goals. First, study diligently. The Savior of the world instructed: “Seek ye out of It is a great privilege for me to be the best books words of wisdom; with you. I recognize that beyond you seek learning, even by study and also who are gathered in the Conference by faith.”4 He added: “Search the Center, there are many thousands scriptures; for in them ye think ye watching and listening to the proceed- have eternal life: and they are they ings by way of satellite transmission. which testify of me.”5 As I speak to you, I realize that as A study of the scriptures will help a man I am in the minority and must our testimonies and the testimonies be cautious in my comments. I’m of our family members. Our children reminded of the man who walked today are growing up surrounded by into a bookstore and asked the voices urging them to abandon that clerk—a woman—for help: “Have which is right and to pursue, instead, you got a book titled Man, the Master the pleasures of the world. Unless of Women?” The clerk looked him they have a firm foundation in the straight in the eye and said sarcasti- gospel of Jesus Christ, a testimony of cally, “Try the fiction section!” the truth, and a determination to live I assure you tonight that I honor righteously, they are susceptible to his evening our souls have you, the women of the Church, and these influences. It is our responsibil- reached toward heaven. We am well aware, to quote William R. ity to fortify and protect them. Thave been blessed with beauti- Wallace, that “the hand that rocks To an alarming extent, our children ful music and inspired messages. The the cradle is the hand that rules the today are being educated by the Spirit of the Lord is here. world.”2 media, including the Internet. In the Sisters Julie Beck, Silvia Allred, In 1901 President Lorenzo Snow United States, it is reported that the Barbara Thompson—thank heaven said: “The members of the Relief average child watches approximately for your dear mothers and fathers, Society have . . . ministered to those four hours of television daily, much of your teachers, your youth leaders, in affliction, they have thrown their the programming being filled with and others who recognized in you arms of love around the fatherless violence, alcohol and drug use, and your potential. and the widows, and they have kept sexual content. Watching movies and To paraphrase a thought: themselves unspotted from the playing video games is in addition to world. I can testify that there are no the four hours.6 And the statistics are You never know what a girl is purer and more God-fearing women much the same for other developed worth, in the world than are to be found countries. The messages portrayed You’ll have to wait and see; within the ranks of the Relief on television, in movies, and in But every woman in a noble place, Society.”3 other media are very often in direct A girl once used to be.1 As in President Snow’s time, there opposition to that which we want our

118 children to embrace and hold dear. It of the world. Said President J. Reuben death of a husband or because is our responsibility not only to teach Clark Jr., for many years a member of of economic necessity, you may them to be sound in spirit and doc- the First Presidency: “Not unknown find yourself in the role of financial trine but also to help them stay that are cases where [those] of presumed provider. Some of you already occupy way, regardless of the outside forces faith . . . have felt that, since by affirm- that role. I urge you to pursue your they may encounter. This will require ing their full faith they might call education—if you are not already much time and effort on our part— down upon themselves the ridicule doing so or have not done so—that and in order to help others, we our- of their unbelieving colleagues, they you might be prepared to provide selves need the spiritual and moral must either modify or explain away if circumstances necessitate such. courage to withstand the evil we see their faith or destructively dilute it, Your talents will expand as you on every side. or even pretend to cast it away. Such study and learn. You will be able to We live in the time spoken of in are hypocrites.”8 better assist your families in their 2 Nephi, chapter 9: There comes to mind the powerful learning, and you will have peace of “O the vainness, and the frailties, verses found in 2 Timothy, in the New mind in knowing that you have pre- and the foolishness of men! When Testament, chapter 1, verses 7 and 8: pared yourself for the eventualities they are learned they think they are “For God hath not given us the that you may encounter in life. wise, and they hearken not unto the spirit of fear; but of power, and of I reiterate: Study diligently. counsel of God, for they set it aside, love, and of a sound mind. The second goal I wish to mention: supposing they know of themselves, “Be not thou therefore ashamed of Pray earnestly. The Lord directed, wherefore, their wisdom is foolish- the testimony of our Lord.” “Pray always, and I will pour out my ness and it profiteth them not. And Beyond our study of spiritual mat- Spirit upon you, and great shall be they shall perish. ters, secular learning is also essential. your blessing.”9 “But to be learned is good if they Often the future is unknown; there- Perhaps there has never been a hearken unto the counsels of God.”7 fore, it behooves us to prepare for time when we had greater need to Required is the courage to hold fast uncertainties. Statistics reveal that at pray and to teach our family members to our standards despite the derision some time, because of the illness or to pray. Prayer is a defense against

NOVEMBER 2007 119 temptation. It is through earnest and beautiful child of God. I spoke of heartfelt prayer that we can receive eternal ordinances and family exalta- the needed blessings and the support tion. The Lord prompted me to urge required to make our way in this this family to enter the holy temple sometimes difficult and challenging of God. At the conclusion of the journey we call mortality. blessing, I learned that such a temple We can teach the importance of visit was planned. Questions pertain- prayer to our children and grand- ing to the temple were asked. I heard children both by word and by exam- no heavenly voice, nor did I see a ple. I share with you a lesson in vision. Yet there came clearly into my teaching by example as described mind the words, “Refer to the New in a mother’s letter to me relating Era.” I looked toward the dresser, to prayer. “Dear President Monson: and there were the two extra copies Sometimes I wonder if I make a of the temple issue of the New Era. difference in my children’s lives. One copy was given to the daughter Especially as a single mother working and the other to her parents. We two jobs to make ends meet, I some- reviewed them together. times come home to confusion, but The family said farewell, and once I never give up hope.” distributed the other copies. again the room was still. A prayer of Her letter continues as she On the final day of meetings, I had gratitude came easily and, once more, describes how she and her children no desire to attend the scheduled the resolve to ever provide a place were watching general conference, luncheon but felt compelled to return for prayer. where I was speaking about prayer. to my room. The telephone was ring- My dear sisters, do not pray for Her son made the comment, “Mother, ing as I entered. The caller was a tasks equal to your abilities, but pray you’ve already taught us that.” She member of the Church who had for abilities equal to your tasks. Then asked, “What do you mean?” Her son heard I was in Atlanta. She introduced the performance of your tasks will be replied, “Well, you’ve taught us to pray herself and asked if I could provide a no miracle, but you will be the miracle. and showed us how, but the other blessing for her 10-year-old daughter. Pray earnestly. night I came to your room to ask I agreed readily, and she indicated Finally, serve willingly. You are something and found you on your that she and her husband, their a mighty force for good, one of the knees praying to Heavenly Father. If daughter, and their son would come most powerful in the entire world. He’s important to you, He’ll be impor- immediately to my hotel room. As I Your influence ranges far beyond tant to me.” The letter concluded, waited, I prayed for help. The yourself and your home and touches “I guess you never know what kind applause of the convention was others all around the globe. You have of influence you’ll be until a child replaced by the feelings of peace reached out to your brothers and sis- observes you doing yourself what you which accompanied prayer. ters across streets, across cities, across have tried to teach him to do.” Then came the knock at the door nations, across continents, across Some years ago, just before leav- and the privilege which was mine to oceans. You personify the Relief ing Salt Lake to attend the annual meet a choice family. The 10-year-old Society motto: “Charity never faileth.” meetings of Boy Scouts of America daughter walked with the aid of You are, of course, surrounded by in Atlanta, Georgia, I decided to take crutches. Cancer had required the opportunities for service. No doubt at with me enough copies of the New amputation of her left leg; however, times you recognize so many such Era so that I might share with her countenance was radiant, her trust opportunities that you may feel some- Scouting officials this excellent publi- in God unwavering. A blessing was what overwhelmed. Where do you cation. When I arrived at the hotel provided. Mother and son knelt by the begin? How can you do it all? How do in Atlanta, I opened the package of side of the bed while the father and I you choose, from all the needs you magazines. I found that my secretary, placed our hands on the tiny daugh- observe, where and how to serve? for no accountable reason, had put ter. We were directed by the Spirit of Often small acts of service are all in the package two extra copies of God. We were humbled by its power. that is required to lift and bless the June issue, an issue that featured I felt the tears course down my another: a question concerning a per- temple marriage. I left the two copies cheeks and tumble upon my hands son’s family, quick words of encour- in the hotel room and, as planned, as they rested on the head of that agement, a sincere compliment, a

120 small note of thanks, a brief tele- phone call. If we are observant and aware, and if we act on the prompt- ings which come to us, we can accom- plish much good. Sometimes, of course, more is needed. I learned recently of loving service given to a mother when her children were very young. Frequently she would be up in the middle of the night tending to the needs of her little ones, as mothers do. Often her friend and neighbor across the street would come over the next day and say, “I saw your lights on in the middle of the night and know you were up with the children. I’m going to take them to my house for a couple of hours while you take a nap.” Said this grate- as they so sincerely expressed to peace, in goodness, in virtue, in ful mother: “I was so thankful for her Angela their love and compassion. truth, in love.”10 welcome offer, it wasn’t until this had The three women cried together, and My dear sisters, may our Heavenly happened many times that I realized it was apparent that these two fine vis- Father bless each of you, married or if she had seen my lights on in the iting teachers cared deeply about single, in your homes, in your fami- middle of the night, she was up Angela. As perhaps only women can, lies, in your very lives—that you may with one of her children as well and they gently indicated—without being merit the glorious salutation of the needed a nap just as much as I did. asked—exactly what help they would Savior of the World: “Well done, thou She taught me a great lesson, and I’ve be providing. That they would be good and faithful servant”11 I pray, as since tried to be as observant as she close by as long as Angela needed I bless you and also the dear wife of was in looking for opportunities to them was obvious. The bishop James E. Faust, his beloved Ruth, serve others.” expressed his deep gratitude in know- who is here tonight on the front row, Countless are the acts of service ing they would be a real source of and their family, in the name of Jesus provided by the vast army of Relief comfort to her in the days ahead. Christ, amen. ■ Society visiting teachers. A few years Such acts of love and compassion NOTES 1. See “Nobody Knows What a Boy Is Worth,” ago I heard of two of them who aided are repeated again and again by the in Best-Loved Poems of the LDS People, ed. a grieving widow, Angela, the grand- wonderful visiting teachers of this Jack M. Lyon and others (1996), 19. daughter of a cousin of mine. Angela’s Church—not always in such dramatic 2. “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle Is the Hand That Rules the World,” in The World’s husband and a friend of his had situations but just as genuinely, Best-Loved Poems, comp. James Gilchrist gone snowmobiling and had become nevertheless. Lawson (1955), 242. victims of suffocation through a I extol you who, with loving care 3. The Teachings of Lorenzo Snow, ed. Clyde J. Williams (1984), 143. snowslide. Each of them left a preg- and compassionate concern, feed the 4. D&C 88:118. nant wife—in Angela’s case, their first hungry, clothe the naked, and house 5. John 5:39. child, and in the other case, a wife not the homeless. He who notes the spar- 6. American Academy of Pediatrics, “Television and the Family,” 1, www.aap.org/ only expecting a child but also the row’s fall will not be unmindful of family/tv1.htm. mother of a toddler. In the funeral such service. The desire to lift, the 7. 2 Nephi 9:28–29. 8. “The Charted Course of the Church in held for Angela’s husband, the bishop willingness to help, and the gracious- Education” (address delivered at the reported that upon hearing of the ness to give come from a heart filled Summer Institute of Seminary, Institute, tragic accident, he had gone immedi- with love. Serve willingly. and Church School Teachers at Aspen Grove, Aug. 8, 1938), in James R. Clark, ately to Angela’s home. Almost as Our beloved prophet, even comp., Messages of the First Presidency of soon as he arrived, the doorbell President Gordon B. Hinckley, said The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day sounded. The door was opened, and of you, “God planted within women Saints, 6 vols. (1965–75), 6:52. 9. D&C 19:38. there stood Angela’s two visiting something divine that expresses itself 10. Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley (1997), 387. teachers. The bishop said he watched in quiet strength, in refinement, in 11. Matthew 25:21.

NOVEMBER 2007 121 Change through Conversion Doubtless you have not had such The Power an experience happen to you, and neither have I! Conversion for most of us is much less dramatic but should be as compelling and mean- to Change ingful. New converts to the Church usually experience a spiritual feeling PRESIDENT JAMES E. FAUST (1920–2007) at the time of their baptism. One Second Counselor in the First Presidency described it this way: “I will never for- President Faust prepared this article in the months before his passing on August 10, 2007. get the emotion inside my soul; to be clean, to start fresh as a child of God. The power to change is very real, and it is a great . . . It was such a special feeling!”1 spiritual gift from God. True conversion changes lives. One young woman wrote how unhappy her home life had been when she was a lit- tle girl. She wrote, “I felt it keenly when my mother and younger broth- Saul had been “breathing out threat- ers and sisters suffered from the sav- enings and slaughter against the disci- age temper of a drunken father.” When ples of the Lord” (Acts 9:1). As he was she was 14, someone told her that on his way to Damascus, a light from one of God’s commandments was to heaven shone about him. honor her parents. In pondering how “And he fell to the earth, and heard she could do this, she was impressed a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, to study, to become a good student, why persecutest thou me? and to be the best daughter in town. “And he said, Who art thou, Lord? Nothing much changed in the And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom home, but she still felt to continue thou persecutest” (Acts 9:4–5). with her objectives and at age 18 left Perhaps Saul’s heart had been soft- home to undertake some special ened when the mob cast Stephen studies. Three weeks later she went out of the city and stoned him and home to visit, and she recalled: laid their clothes at Saul’s feet. But “My mother met me crying. I there was no doubt on the road to thought something terrible had hap- Damascus when he heard the voice pened, but she hugged me and said, ach one of us has been given of the Lord, which said, “I am Jesus ‘Since you went away to study, your the power to change his or her whom thou persecutest.” father hasn’t had anything to drink.’ Elife. As part of the Lord’s great “And he trembling and astonished “. . . My mother said that the night plan of happiness, we have individual said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to I left, some Mormon missionaries had agency to make decisions. We can do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, come. . . . decide to do better and to be better. and go into the city, and it shall be “My father became like a little child. In some ways all of us need to change; told thee what thou must do” (Acts I could see repentance and humility in that is, some of us need to be more 9:6). Saul was blind when he arose his eyes. He had changed completely. kind at home, less selfish, better lis- and had to be taken to Damascus, He had given up smoking and drinking teners, and more considerate in the where his sight was restored to him all at once, and tried to keep the com- way we treat others. Some of us have and he was baptized. He immediately mandments the missionaries taught habits that need to be changed, habits began to preach “Christ in the syna- him. He treated me like a queen, and that harm us and others around us. gogues, that he is the Son of God” he treated my mother and my brothers Sometimes we may need a jolt to (Acts 9:20). Saul, who later became and sisters like royalty. propel us into changing. known as Paul, experienced a change “. . . Our whole family was baptized. A dramatic change came to Saul that was total, absolute, complete, . . . My father, at age 40, became the when he was on his way to Damascus. and unwavering until his death. best father in the world.”2

122 The power of the gospel can indeed change our lives and take us from sadness and despair to happi- ness and joy.

Change through Repentance Transgression brings pain and sor- row. But there is a way out of “the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity” (Mosiah 27:29). If we will turn to the Lord and believe on His name, we can change. He will give us the power to change our lives, the power to put away bad thoughts and feelings from our hearts. We can be taken from “the darkest abyss” to “behold the mar- velous light of God” (Mosiah 27:29). We can be forgiven. We can find peace. A few years ago Elder Marion D. Hanks, now an emeritus General Authority, recounted an incident that happened to a man who repented and changed his life overnight: “He had taken his son to the home of a family who was providing a place for him to stay while he participated in a baseball tournament. The young man seemed reluctant to go with his father to the home of his benefactor, and the father began to wonder if the people had mistreated his son. The boy half cowered behind his father as they knocked on the door. Once they were inside, however, his son was that he didn’t want me to look bad.’ I quote from a recently published warmly greeted by the host family, “This father, having resisted a gen- book on debilitating addictions: and it was obvious he loved them eration of earnest people who had “Substance abuse is a leading cause of very much. tried to help him find a better way of preventable illness and death in the “Later after picking up his son, the life, had been touched by the sweet United States. The misuse of drugs puzzled father asked him to explain spirit of his own young son.”3 ruins families, costs billions in lost pro- his strange behavior. . . . His son’s The power to change became ductivity, strains the healthcare system, answer [was]: so strong that this father not only and ends lives.”4 It is a curse on society. “ ‘I was afraid you might forget and returned to Church activity but There are many kinds of addictions, swear at their house, Dad. They don’t became a stake leader. and it is difficult for someone who has swear in their house; they are really one of these serious addictions to nice people. They talk nice to each Change through Recovery change because some of them are other and laugh a lot, and they pray from Addictions mind-altering. A recent article on every time they eat and every morn- Another kind of change I wish to addiction said, “In the brains of ing and night, and they let me pray address is recovery from enslaving addicts, there is reduced activity in the with them.’ habits. They include disorders associ- prefrontal cortex, where rational “Said the father, ‘It wasn’t so ated with alcohol, drugs, tobacco, thought can override impulse behav- much that the boy was ashamed eating, gambling, unworthy sexual ior.”5 Some addictions can control us of his dad; he loved me so much behavior, and viewing pornography. to the point where they take away our

NOVEMBER 2007 123 I got it back. Heavenly Father gave me another chance to start again. I’m new now—brand new all inside and out.”6 Each new day that dawns can be a new day for us to begin to change. We can change our environment. We can change our lives by substituting new habits for old. We can mold our char- acter and future by purer thoughts and nobler actions. As someone once put it, “The possibility of change is always there, with its hidden promise of peace, happiness, and a better way of life.”7 Addictions are offensive to the Spirit. While some addictions require professional clinical help, let us not overlook the spiritual help available to us through priesthood blessings and through prayer. The Lord has prom- God-given agency. One of Satan’s great We must be prepared to renounce ised us, “My grace is sufficient for all tools is to find ways to control us. totally and absolutely our participa- men that humble themselves before Consequently, we should abstain from tion in any of these addictive sub- me; for if they humble themselves anything that would keep us from ful- stances or practices. before me, and have faith in me, then filling the Lord’s purposes for us, Many people have been able to will I make weak things become whereby the blessings of eternity may change their drug habits. A mother of strong unto them” (Ether 12:27). hang in jeopardy. We are in this life for three, Susan used drugs only on the Let us remember that the power to the spirit to gain control over the body weekends in an effort to hide her change is very real, and it is a great rather than the other way around. problem from her children. But the spiritual gift from God. Any kind of addiction inflicts a terri- children found out anyway and I testify that through repentance ble price in pain and suffering, and it begged her to stop. After three years, and subsequent righteousness and by can even affect us spiritually. However, with some special help and the sup- the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, there is hope because most addictions port of her children, particularly her the ultimate change can come to our can over time be overcome. We can seven-year-old son, she did stop. bodies so that they “may be fashioned change, but it will be difficult. Looking back she recognized that like unto his glorious body, according We begin by making a decision to Heavenly Father had pulled her to the working whereby he is able change. It takes courage and humility through this and had prepared her even to subdue all things unto him- to admit that we need help, but few, if for hearing the gospel. She said: self” (Philippians 3:21). ■ any of us, can do it on our own. The “The gospel changed my heart, my NOTES Church has an addiction recovery appearance, my attitude, and my feel- 1. Vivian Ford, “Ask and Ye Shall Receive,” No program that has been adapted from ings. And I learned to pray. Whenever More Strangers, 4 vols., ed. Hartman Rector Jr. the original Twelve Steps of Alcoholics I have a problem, I go to Heavenly and Connie Rector (1971–90), 3:175. 2. Estilla Ayala, “The Change in My Father,” Anonymous into a framework of the Father and say, ‘Help me.’ And he Ensign, Feb. 1975, 42, 43. doctrines and beliefs of the Church. sees me through it. . . . Now when 3. “Fitting into Your Family,” New Era, These 12 steps are found in A Guide I walk, I walk with my head high June 1991, 8. 4. Lynn R. Webster and Beth Dove, Avoiding to Addiction Recovery and Healing, because I know Heavenly Father’s Opioid Abuse While Managing Pain which is available to priesthood lead- beside me every step of the way. . . . (2007), 11. 5. Michael D. Lemonick and Alice Park, ers and other members. “Oh, it’s a new day. I lost a lot of “The Science of Addiction,” Time, July 16, A complete change in lifestyle may things by wanting to be in this drug 2007, 44. be necessary. We must desire with all world—I lost my apartment, my son 6. Quoted in LaRene Gaunt, “Testimonies from the Inner City,” Ensign, Apr. 1992, 40. our hearts, minds, and strength to almost died in a fire, I lost my mar- 7. Joseph Walker, “The Miracle of Change,” overcome these harmful addictions. riage, I lost happiness completely. But Ensign, July 1992, 12.

124 following the announcement pursue careers in science. of his call on October 6, President Eyring completed President Eyring recalled undergraduate work in being invited into President physics, but after serving Faust’s office shortly after two years in the U.S. Air being called to the Quorum Force, he enrolled in the of the Twelve Apostles on Harvard Graduate School of April 1, 1995. Instead of Business, where he earned offering expected encour- advanced degrees in business agement, President Faust administration. pointed heavenward, smiled, While at Harvard during and said, “Don’t talk to me. the summer of 1961, he Talk to Him.” President met Kathleen Johnson, who Eyring explained, “Rather was in Boston attending than trying to solve all my summer school. They dated problems, he sent me to that summer, corresponded God. He had that gift of after she returned to her being very sensitive and home in California, and kind—the dearest friend were married in the Logan and the best mentor you Utah Temple in July 1962. could have.” That same year President Expressing gratitude to Eyring became an assistant the Lord for His trust and to professor at the Stanford President Hinckley for his con- Graduate School of Business, fidence, President Eyring says, where he taught from 1962 “It’s a great . . . opportunity to 1971. to serve with people whom I President Eyring describes love and whom I sustain as his wife as “a person who has prophets, seers, and revelators always made me want to be and as true Apostles of the the very best that I can be.” Lord Jesus Christ.” That trait manifested itself in In acknowledging the the middle of a night in 1971 President Henry B. Eyring Lord’s sustaining Second Counselor in the First Presidency hand, he adds, “President Hinckley hen President Henry death of President James E. is always saying, Bennion Eyring Faust on August 10, 2007. ‘Things will work W reflects upon the While looking forward to out.’ I have that unexpected path his life has increased association with faith as well even as taken, he smiles at the knowl- President Gordon B. Hinckley I face this momen- edge that God can work and President Thomas S. tous responsibility.” miracles in the lives of His Monson, he nevertheless Born on May 31, children despite their fears misses President Faust. 1933, in Princeton, and feelings of inadequacy. “I try not to think about New Jersey, Henry B. He draws strength from filling President Faust’s shoes Eyring was the sec- that knowledge as he con- because that’s impossible,” ond of three sons templates what he calls the he says. “He was a uniquely born to Henry and “momentous responsibility” prepared and accomplished Mildred Bennion that has come with his call- Second Counselor in the Eyring. His father, a ing to the First Presidency. First Presidency. He had world-renowned President Eyring fills the unique gifts.” chemist, encour- vacancy created with the At a press conference aged his sons to

NOVEMBER 2007 125 when she woke her husband He became deputy com- and asked, “Are you sure you missioner of the Church are doing the right thing with Educational System six years your life?” She then asked later and CES Commissioner him whether he shouldn’t three years after that, serving be working with Neal A. until his call in April 1985 Maxwell, then Commissioner as First Counselor in the of the Church Educational Presiding Bishopric. In System. September 1992 he was President Eyring enjoyed renamed CES Commissioner, teaching at Stanford, being simultaneously serving in that near his in-laws, and serving position and as a member of as bishop of the Stanford First the First Quorum of the Ward, but he began praying Seventy, to which he was about his wife’s question. called a month later. The Eyrings did not know President Eyring, known Commissioner Maxwell, but for his heartfelt sermons and within days he called and tender spirit, says his 12 years invited President Eyring to of service in the Quorum of Salt Lake City, where he asked the Twelve Apostles taught him to be president of Ricks him an important lesson College, now BYU–Idaho. about succoring Heavenly President Eyring accepted the Father’s children. offer and soon moved his “Because of my experi- family—which today includes ence in the Twelve, I have 4 sons, 2 daughters, and more confidence that if we 25 grandchildren—to can just align ourselves with Rexburg, Idaho. what Heavenly Father and the Savior want, we can do far better than we’ve done,” he says. “God will touch Elder Quentin L. Cook people’s lives Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles through us more effectively than hough he says the call Savior. They did everything we could ever to serve as a member they could to raise us the expect, and He Tof the Quorum of the right way.” will make more Twelve Apostles was unex- He appreciates his brother of our lives than pected, Elder Quentin La Mar and sister and recalls that it we could ever Cook has been learning to live was at age 15 during a seri- imagine.” as a witness of the Savior ous conversation with his Despite our Jesus Christ from a young age. older brother, Joe, that he fears and inade- “All my life I have been realized that a testimony of quacies, he adds, blessed by those who love the Savior had significant Heavenly Father the Savior,” Elder Cook says. consequences. Joe had to will guide us. “If Born on September 8, decide whether or not to put you move ahead in 1940, in Logan, Utah, to off medical school to serve a faith and if you’re J. Vernon and Bernice Cook, mission. “After that conversa- humble, you will Elder Cook is grateful for a tion, the confirmation that I hear His voice,” loving, involved father and a received of the truthfulness he says. ■ mother who “loved the of the Church and divinity

126 of Jesus Christ was a defining partner of a San Francisco Bay Many of them had a event for me.” Area law firm, then president positive influence His brother ended up serv- and chief executive officer of on me as well. So ing, as did Elder Cook, who California Healthcare System, when I talk about served in the British Mission. and finally vice chairman of associating with His mission presidents, Sutter Health Systems. good people, I’m including Elder Marion D. During that time he served not talking about Hanks, then a member of as a bishop, stake president isolating yourself the First Council of the and counselor, regional repre- from the world.” Seventy, had a profound sentative, and Area Authority. After his call effect on him. While in the stake presidency, to the Second “It’s very important to he had responsibility for not Quorum of the have a testimony of the Savior only English-speaking wards, Seventy on April 6, and associate with people but congregations that spoke 1996, and his sub- who love the Savior,” Elder Spanish, Tongan, Samoan, sequent call to the Cook says. He found another Tagalog, and Mandarin and First Quorum on such person, named Mary Cantonese. April 4, 1998, Elder Gaddie, whom he married in “We loved the diversity of Cook served in the Logan Utah Temple on the members and their com- the Philippines/ November 30, 1962. mitment to the gospel of Micronesia Area After he graduated from Jesus Christ. They have been Presidency and as Utah State University with a such a positive influence in President of the Pacific and Presidency of the Seventy in degree in political science, the my life,” he says. North America Northwest August 2007. couple moved to California However, in his profes- Areas of the Church. In his first conference talk where Elder Cook earned a sional life, Elder Cook worked His service as a General after being sustained an juris doctorate degree at mostly with people who were Authority has reinforced his Apostle on October 6, 2007, Stanford University. As they not members of the Church. belief that “you can find Elder Cook addressed the raised their three children, He learned that “there are a good people who love the problem of members in “cam- Elder Cook worked in busi- great many people outside the Savior wherever you are.” ouflage” and encouraged ness law, became managing Church who love the Savior. Elder Cook believes that them to live “by faith and the way to find them is to not by fear.” live the gospel humbly but “There are many who are unabashedly. ‘kept from the truth because “I think the biggest mis- they know not where to find take that most Latter-day it’ (D&C 123:12),” he says. Saints make is hiding who “And when someone is forth- they are,” he says. “Many right in a tolerant, kind way, members don’t tell friends it’s amazing how many people and associates who they are will respond.” and what they believe and are Elder Cook hopes that dragged into very difficult sit- people will respond this way uations. Those who identify to him in his new calling, themselves as Latter-day knowing that in spite of the Saints and make clear what inadequacy he feels, he must they believe have far fewer live by faith and not by fear as problems.” he lets people know who he He also found that they is and what he believes as a are better member mission- special witness of Christ. aries when he served as “I love the Savior,” he Executive Director of the states. “I rejoice in the oppor- Missionary Department tunity to bear witness of Jesus before being called to the Christ in all the world.” ■

NOVEMBER 2007 127 General Auxiliary Presidencies

SUNDAY SCHOOL Elder Walter F. González Of the Presidency of the Seventy

Dolores Núñez Roda on November 18, 1952, in Montevideo, Uruguay, Elder Daniel K Judd A. Roger Merrill William D. Oswald Sr. González was baptized when First Counselor President Second Counselor he was 18. He married Zulma RELIEF SOCIETY Anahir Núñez in Montevideo on February 28, 1975. They were sealed in the Washington D.C. Temple in 1979 and are the parents of four children. They look forward to the upcoming birth of their first grandchild. Silvia H. Allred Julie B. Beck Barbara Thompson lder Walter Fermín Elder González studied at First Counselor President Second Counselor González has a firm Universidad de la República Etestimony that service in Uruguay and Universidad YOUNG MEN brings blessings. “We are de la Fraternidad in Argentina always in debt with the Lord, and obtained a bachelor’s because the reward is always degree from Indiana larger than any service we University at Bloomington. do,” he says. Elder González was sus- Elder González’s prepara- tained to the Presidency of tion to serve began early in the Seventy on October 6, life, before he was a member 2007. He previously served Dean R. Burgess Charles W. Dahlquist II Michael A. Neider First Counselor President Second Counselor of the Church. After he turned as President of the Brazil nine years old, his mother North and South America YOUNG WOMEN suggested he learn English. West Areas and as a coun- Though his parents weren’t selor in the South America members, he believes his North and Brazil North Area mother was an “instrument Presidencies. He also served in the hands of the Lord” in as an Area Seventy in the preparing him for the callings South America North Area, he would eventually receive. a mission president in “Nobody knew that I Ecuador, a stake president in Elaine S. Dalton Susan W. Tanner Mary N. Cook was going to be a member of Uruguay, and an area public First Counselor President Second Counselor the Church nine years later. affairs director in the South Nobody knew that one day I America North Area. PRIMARY was going to be called to be a He worked with the General Authority and need Church Educational System, to speak English,” he says. including as area director Born to Fermín Gabino for the South America North González Valdez and Victoria Area. ■

Margaret S. Lifferth Cheryl C. Lant Vicki F. Matsumori First Counselor President Second Counselor

128 The Presidency of the Seventy Seated (from left) are Elder Earl C. Tingey, Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Elder Neil L. Andersen, and Elder Ronald A. Rasband. Standing (from left) are Elder Claudio R. M. Costa, Elder Steven E. Snow, and Elder Walter F. González. “This the beginning. This work will continue to grow and is only B. Hinckley prosper and move across the earth,” President Gordon said in his remarks during the 177th Semiannual General Conference. work at this conference of the Lord’s of the moving forward Part Presidency (front cover): included the sustaining of a new First President Hinckley (center); President Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor (left); and President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor. Above: Elder Quentin L. Cook, who was called to the Quorum of President Eyring met the media at a press Apostles, and the Twelve morning of conference. session conference following the Saturday

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