Elder Quentin L. Cook on growing in Christlike humility

Elder Quentin L. Cook (b. September 8, 1940) was called as a Seventy in 1996, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2007.

"Anyone who claims superiority under the Father’s plan because of characteristics like race, sex, nationality, language, or economic circumstances is morally wrong and does not understand the Lord’s true purpose for all of our Father’s children.

"Unfortunately, in our day in almost every segment of society, we see self-importance and arrogance flaunted while humility and accountability to God are denigrated. Much of society has lost its moorings and does not understand why we are on this earth. True humility, which is essential to achieve the Lord’s purpose for us, is seldom evident.

"It is important to understand the magnitude of Christ’s humility, righteousness, character, and intelligence, as exemplified in the scriptures. It is foolish to underestimate the necessity of continuously striving for these Christlike qualities and attributes on a day-by-day basis, particularly humility....

"Humility also includes being grateful for our numerous blessings and divine assistance. Humility isn’t some grand identifiable achievement or even overcoming some major challenge. It is a sign of spiritual strength. It is having the quiet confidence that day by day and hour by hour we can rely on the Lord, serve Him, and achieve His purposes. It is my prayer that in this contentious world we will continuously strive for true humility every day."

- Quentin L. Cook, "The Eternal Everyday," General Conference October 2017
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Cook's talk was wonderfully instructive and pertinent. He analyzed many of the trends and challenges we face in today's world and gave suggestions on keeping proper perspective as we strive to move forward.

"True humility" is a quality that seems to be fading from society in our time, he suggests. The arrogance of superiority leads us away from the characteristics of a Christlike life. By looking to the Savior and seeking to follow His example, we can regain that purity of humility that will bless us as true disciples:

The "quiet confidence" of humility is desperately needed in this "contentious world" to allow us to live with grace and dignity. As we truly strive to follow the Savior and adopt Christlike characteristics, humility will be a natural result.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)