Elder John A. Widtsoe on choices between good options in life

Elder John A. Widtsoe (1872-1952) was born in Norway. He was raised by his widowed mother who immigrated to Utah when John was 11. He was educated at Harvard and in Europe, and had formative roles in programs in several Utah universities including BYU. He served as an apostle from 1921 to his death in 1952.

"In life all must choose at times. Sometimes, two possibilities are good; neither is evil. Usually, however, one is of greater import than the other. When in doubt, each must choose that which concerns the good of others—the greater law—rather than that which chiefly benefits ourselves—the lesser law. The greater must be chosen whether it be law or thing. That was the choice made in Eden."

- John A. Widtsoe, Evidences and Reciliations 2:78

Elder Widtsoe was one of the formative thinkers of his generation; with works like A Rational Theology and Evidences and Reconciliations he provided many thoughtful insights into our doctrine. In this example he considers a fact that has been echoed by many leaders since—the choices that we make between options that aren't always between good and evil:

That last sentence is also very significant. This was, I think, probably the first time Eve's actions in the Garden of Eden were presented in this way, not as a tragic catastrophe but as a choice of a greater good. We can all be grateful for that example!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Henry B. Eyring on blessing others through obedience and example

President Henry B. Eyring (born May 31, 1933) served in the Presiding Bishopric from 1985-1992, as a Seventy from 1992-1995, then was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He has served in the First Presidency since 2007.

"Whoever you are and wherever you may be, you hold in your hands the happiness of more people than you can now imagine. Every day and every hour you can choose to make or keep a covenant with God.

"Wherever you are on the path to inherit the gift of eternal life, you have the opportunity to show many people the way to greater happiness. When you choose whether to make or keep a covenant with God, you choose whether you will leave an inheritance of hope to those who might follow your example."

- Henry B. Eyring, "A Priceless Heritage of Hope," General Conference April 2014
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What are the consequences of our actions? Do we recognize how much of a difference our choices really do make? President Eyring suggests we underestimate the impact of our righteous choices and actions:

As we choose to make and keep those sacred covenants, we become more visible examples of the benefits of the Gospel way of life; and so our ability to show the way of happiness to others increases with every act of obedience. That "inheritance of hope" means more than we can ever anticipate.

I think of the example of the lives of my two grandmothers, who both died many years ago. They were simple women, never prominent in the community or in Church service. But their example of faithful devotion to God impressed deeply on my young mind and has many times influenced my own choices and actions. They were covenant-keepers, and their example has made me a better and a happier man.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Dallin H. Oaks on staying spiritually nourished

President Dallin H. Oaks (born August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"What causes hearers to 'have no root in themselves' (see Mark 4:5-6)? This is the circumstance of new members who are merely converted to the missionaries or to the many attractive characteristics of the Church or to the many great fruits of Church membership. Not being rooted in the word, they can be scorched and wither away when opposition arises. But even those raised in the Church—long-term members—can slip into a condition where they have no root in themselves. I have known some of these—members without firm and lasting conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we are not rooted in the teachings of the gospel and regular in its practices, any one of us can develop a stony heart, which is stony ground for spiritual seeds.

"Spiritual food is necessary for spiritual survival, especially in a world that is moving away from belief in God and the absolutes of right and wrong. In an age dominated by the Internet, which magnifies messages that menace faith, we must increase our exposure to spiritual truth in order to strengthen our faith and stay rooted in the gospel."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "The Parable of the Sower," General Conference April 2015
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Having "root in ourselves" is more and more important in our world. Knowing where to find true nourishment and sustenance becomes critical when the world seeks to distract us from that effort. So as President Oaks encourages, we should make sure that our roots are accessing the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ; and then maintain them through regularly practicing and implementing the teachings. We must learn to continually seek the spiritual food that will keep us strong and healthy:

President Oaks mentions the challenge of the Internet, which can "magnify" the kind of message that distracts and destroys faith. He encourages us to counteract that influence by making careful efforts to "increase our exposure to spiritual truth." We must let in more light to fight against the darkness!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Russell M. Nelson on the magnificence of man

President Russell M. Nelson (born Sept 9, 1924) was an internationally-renowned heart surgeon when he was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became president of that quorum on July 15, 2015. Following the death of President Monson, he was set apart as president of the Church on January 14, 2018.

"Think, if you will, of the most magnificent sight you have ever seen. It could be a meadow in springtime filled with beautiful wildflowers. Or perhaps you have been awestruck, as I have, at the magnificence of a single rose with its special beauty and perfume. I have come to appreciate the magnificence of an orange—each droplet of juice neatly packaged in an edible container, joined with many other packets, grouped in sections, and all neatly wrapped in a disposable, biodegradable peel.

"Some would say the most magnificent sight they have ever beheld is looking heavenward on a summer night, seeing stars beyond number dotting the sky. Those who have traveled in orbit through space say that their view of planet earth was one of the most magnificent sights ever observed by man.

"Some might choose the view of the Grand Canyon at sunrise—others, the beauty of a mountain lake, river, waterfall, or desert.

"Some might select a peacock with its tail in full fan or a handsome horse. Others would nominate the beauty of butterfly wings, or a hummingbird seemingly suspended in midair while feeding.

"These magnificent sights are wondrous beyond measure. They are all 'great deeds' of our divine Creator.

"You may be surprised at what I am going to suggest now. Ponder the magnificence of all you see when you look in the mirror. Ignore the freckles, unruly hair, or blemishes, and look beyond to see the real you—a child of God created by him, in his image....

"The magnificence of man is matchless. Remember, glorious as this physical tabernacle is, the body is designed to support something even more glorious—the eternal spirit that dwells in each of our mortal frames. The great accomplishments of this life are rarely physical. Those attributes by which we shall be judged one day are spiritual. With the blessing of our bodies to assist us, we may develop spiritual qualities of honesty, integrity, compassion, and love. Only with the development of the spirit may we acquire 'faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, [and] diligence' (D&C 4:6).

"Pattern your lives after our great Exemplar, even Jesus the Christ, whose parting words among men included this eternal challenge: 'What manner of men ought ye to be? ... even as I am' (3 Nephi 27:27).

"We are sons and daughters of God. He is our Father; we are his children. Our divine inheritance is the magnificence of man. May we honor it and magnify it."

- Russell M. Nelson, "The Magnificence of Man," BYU devotional, March 29, 1987
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This message was very touching to me. I truly appreciate the magnificent sights of the world; nature's miracles will never cease to amaze me. I have been awestruck, as President Nelson suggests, both by grand vistas and by the intricacy of a fragrant blossom. But all of that pales in comparison to the image of "a child of God created by him, in his image."

As we learn to "pattern [our] lives after our great Exemplar" we become even more magnificent, and begin to claim our divine inheritance.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President James E. Faust on the impact of our personal choices

President James E. Faust (1920-2007) was called as a Seventy in 1976, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve in 1978. He served as a counselor to President Hinckley from 1995 until his death in 2007 at age 87.

"Private choices are not private; they all have public consequences.

"There is a popular notion that doing our own thing or doing what feels good is our own business and affects no one but us. The deadly scourges that are epidemic all over the world have flourished in the context of this popular notion. But this is simply not true.

"All immoral behavior directly impacts society. Even innocent people are affected. Drug and alcohol abuse have public consequences, as do illegitimacy, pornography, and obscenity. The public cost in human life and tax dollars for these so-called private choices is enormous: poverty, crime, a less-educated work force, and mounting demands for government spending to fix problems that cannot be fixed by money. Our society is the sum total of what millions of individuals do in their private lives. That sum total of private behavior has worldwide public consequences of enormous magnitude. There are no completely private choices."

- James E. Faust, "Will I Be Happy?," General Conference April 1987
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This is a prevalent argument in our day: "my private choices don't impact anyone but me." President Faust refutes that claim; every choice has consequences that are "public" in that others are impacted in some way. "All immoral behavior directly impacts society." It's a bold claim, but one I believe can be supported. This tendency to try to isolate ourselves and our actions is, I believe, one more way that Satan "whispereth in their ears" while he "he grasps them with his awful chains" (2 Nephi 28:22).

The corollary of President Faust's remarks, relating to how negative actions impact society, is to consider how positive actions and righteous choices can also make a difference. I think it's just as fair to say that there are no purely private righteous acts, but that every worthy choice has public consequences that bless not only us but those around us. We should seek always to do good and to choose wisely, and know that in God's hands, our efforts are magnified and expanded!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Gordon B. Hinckley on the critical small choices in life

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1961. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency from 1981-1995, then as Church President until his death in 2008.

"In various times, the Lord has chosen boys and trained them for the accomplishment of his marvelous purposes—such boys as Samuel, David, Joseph who was sold into Egypt, Nephi, Mormon, and Joseph Smith.

"I believe that God has likewise chosen each of you for something of consequence in his grand design, perhaps not in the category of those I have named. But he loves you and he has a work for each of you to do.

"How great, then, is your responsibility so to live that the Spirit of the Lord may dwell in you and that the Holy Ghost may speak through you.

"I would that I had the capacity, the gift of the Spirit, to speak with such power that your hearts would burn with a resolution so to live as to grow in favor with both God and man.

"The wonderful thing is that this is not beyond your capacity. The course of our lives is not determined by great, awesome decisions. Our direction is set by the little day-to-day choices which chart the track on which we run."

- Gordon B. Hinckley, "Watch the Switches in Your Life," General Conference October 1972
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

In this memorable talk, President Hinckley addressed young men in a Priesthood session; but the counsel certainly applies to all, young and old, male and female: God "loves you and he has a work for each of you to do."

President Hinckley shared a story from his own work experience in a railroad office. A baggage car on a cross-country train ended up in New Orleans, while the passenger cars were in New Jersey. President Hinckley identified the problem: "a thoughtless switchman had moved a piece of steel just three inches" separating the baggage car from the trail it was supposed to accompany and sending it on the wrong track. President Hinckley likened that situation to the little bad decisions we sometimes make in life that can have a much more dramatic and lasting impact than we expect.

The key is to be guided by the Holy Ghost in our decisions, and to always be worthy to have its influence and presence with us.

In this talk, President Hinckley also gave a series of admonitions that would be adapted and expanded in one of his later talks. He encouraged his listeners to:

• Be smart
• Be clean
• Be obedient
• Be prayerful

President Hinckley concluded with this counsel:

"And so, watch the switches in your life, the small but important day-to-day decisions. Be smart, my dear young friends. Be clean. Be obedient. Be prayerful. To do so will require a measure of discipline, the exercise of which will bring strength and capacity for great and demanding tasks that lie ahead of you in building the kingdom of God and in filling places of useful service in the work of the world."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder Quentin L. Cook on finding peace through the Savior

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.

"Remember, 'God is not the author of confusion, but [the author] of peace' (1 Corinthians 14:33). For those who reject God, there is no peace. We all participated in the councils of heaven that provided for moral agency, knowing that there would be mortal pain and even unspeakable tragedy because of the abuse of agency. We understood that this could leave us angry, bewildered, defenseless, and vulnerable. But we also knew that the Savior’s Atonement would overcome and compensate for all of the unfairness of mortal life and bring us peace. Elder Marion D. Hanks had a framed statement on his wall by Ugo Betti: 'To believe in God is to know that all the rules will be fair, and that there will be wonderful surprises.' (Ensign, Nov. 1992, 63.)

"What are the sources of peace? Many search for peace in worldly ways, which never have and never will succeed. Peace is not found by attaining great wealth, power, or prominence. Peace is not found in the pursuit of pleasure, entertainment, or leisure. None of these can, even when attained in abundance, create any lasting happiness or peace.

"Emma Lou Thayne’s beloved hymn asks the appropriate questions: 'Where can I turn for peace? Where is my solace when other sources cease to make me whole?' (Hymns, no. 129.) The answer is the Savior, who is the source and author of peace. He is the 'Prince of Peace' (Isaiah 9:6)."

- Quentin L. Cook, "Personal Peace: The Reward of Righteousness," General Conference, April 2013
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Cook reminds us of what we know about our premortal existence: we understood what we were getting into in this mortal experience, and knew the challenges it would present. But more important, we knew there was help and strength available through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, not just to enable us to repent of our sins and shortcomings, but to "overcome and compensate for all of the unfairness of mortal life " That's a profound blessing and wonderful resource for us!

So much sadness and suffering occurs because of "the abuse of agency" during this time. We can't find peace through "worldly ways" with all its lures and distractions. There is only one source, by returning to that sacred gift of Jesus Christ:

The source and author, and the Prince of Peace are available to us. We must choose to invite Him into our lives; we must turn to Him when other sources fail. How blessed we are to have this understanding!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder D. Todd Christofferson on our participation in the Lord's work of redemption

Elder D. Todd Christofferson (b. January 24, 1945) was called to the Seventy in 1993, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2008.

"Inasmuch as we follow Christ, we seek to participate in and further His redemptive work. The greatest service we can provide to others in this life, beginning with those of our own family, is to bring them to Christ through faith and repentance so they may experience His Redemption—peace and joy now and immortality and eternal life in the world to come....

"While the most important aspects of redemption have to do with repentance and forgiveness, there is a very significant temporal aspect as well. Jesus is said to have gone about doing good (see Acts 10:38), which included healing the sick and infirm, supplying food to hungry multitudes, and teaching a more excellent way. 'The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many' (Matthew 20:28). So may we, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, go about doing good in the redemptive pattern of the Master.

"This kind of redemptive work means helping people with their problems. It means befriending the poor and the weak, alleviating suffering, righting wrongs, defending truth, strengthening the rising generation, and achieving security and happiness at home. Much of our redemptive work on earth is to help others grow and achieve their just hopes and aspirations."

- D. Todd Christofferson, "Redemption," General Conference April 2013
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

What can we do, individually, as disciples of Christ, to "further His redemptive work"? How can we best assist in that work? Elder Christofferson suggests that first and foremost, we strive to bring those around us to Christ, helping them experience redemption through faith and repentance. That experience will bring them joy now, but more importantly, "eternal life in the world to come."

But there is more. The Savior's work also includes temporal aspects as we strive to assist and encourage one another in our daily lives. We can also assist in that aspect of His work:

It's intriguing to ponder how our efforts to help those around us with temporal problems may contribute to the overall redemptive work. As we "help others grow and achieve their just hopes and aspirations" we are blessing their lives in ways that the Savior did during His earthly ministry, and so we are a part of His ongoing loving service to all of His children.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder David A. Bednar on faith in God's ultimate purposes

Elder David A. Bednar (born June 15, 1952) was serving as the president of BYU–Idaho when he was called and sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2004.

"We recognized a principle that applies to every devoted disciple: strong faith in the Savior is submissively accepting of His will and timing in our lives—even if the outcome is not what we hoped for or wanted. Certainly, John and Heather would desire, yearn, and plead for healing with all of their might, mind, and strength. But more important, they would be 'willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon [them], even as a child doth submit to his father' (Mosiah 3:19). Indeed, they would be willing to 'offer [their] whole souls as an offering unto him' (Omni 1:26) and humbly pray, 'Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done' (Luke 22:42)....

"Righteousness and faith certainly are instrumental in moving mountains—if moving mountains accomplishes God’s purposes and is in accordance with His will. Righteousness and faith certainly are instrumental in healing the sick, deaf, and lame—if such healing accomplishes God’s purposes and is in accordance with His will. Thus, even if we have strong faith, many mountains will not be moved. And not all of the sick and infirm will be healed. If all opposition were curtailed, if all maladies were removed, then the primary purposes of the Father’s plan would be frustrated.

"Many of the lessons we are to learn in mortality can be received only through the things we experience and sometimes suffer. And God expects and trusts us to face temporary mortal adversity with His help so we can learn what we need to learn and ultimately become what we are to become in eternity."

- David A. Bednar, CES devotional March 3, 2013; reprinted as "Accepting the Lord’s Will and Timing," Ensign, August 2016, pp. 16-23
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

In this address, Elder Bednar talks of counseling with a young couple who learned shortly after their marriage that the husband had a serious and likely fatal form of bone cancer. As they talked together, they discussed the possibility that it might not be God's will for the young man to be healed, and Elder Bednar asked if they had faith in God even if that were the outcome. This is a critical principle of faith in God:

As Elder Neal A. Maxwell stated, "Faith in God includes trust in God's timing." ("Lest Ye Be Wearied and Faint in Your Minds," General Conference, April 1991). Elder Bednar teaches powerfully that not all of our prayers are answered the way we hope and desire, but that is a necessary condition of our mortal experience in fulfilling the "primary purposes of the Father's plan" for us. Some lessons are learned only through suffering and hard experience. True and deep faith allows for that to happen in our lives. God's love and His wisdom are always greater than ours, and learning to trust in Him is so critical for us.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder Neal A. Maxwell on knowing and loving God

Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926-2004) served as a Seventy from 1976-1981, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve until his death from cancer in 2004.

"Of course we cannot fully comprehend all [things] right now! Of course we cannot know the meaning of all things right now. But we can know, right now, that God knows us and loves us individually!

"But, brothers and sisters, what keeps us from knowing and loving Him more? Our reluctance to give away all our sins—thinking, instead, a down payment will do. Likewise, our reluctance to let our wills be swallowed up in His will—thinking, instead, that merely acknowledging His will is sufficient! (see Mosiah 15:7).

"The Prophet Joseph Smith declared that God, 'before [the earth] rolled into existence, ... contemplated the whole of the events connected with the earth.... [God] knew ... the depth of iniquity that would be connected with the human family, their weakness and strength, ... the situation of all nations and ... their destiny, ... and [He] has made ample provision [for mankind's] redemption' (TPJS 220).

"Part of God's 'ample provision' consists of imperfect people like you and me, committed to shining and serving in our appointed orbits, knowing all the while that we are encircled 'in the arms of [His] love' (D&C 6:20)."

- Neal A. Maxwell, "Encircled in the Arms of His Love," General Conference, October 2002
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Elder Maxwell's incredible ability to formulate thoughts and express them in words is manifest again in this excerpt. While we don't know the meaning of all things right now, there are things we can know perfectly—such as the love of God for his children. Elder Maxwell's phrasing reflects Nephi's comments on condescension (1 Nephi 11:16-17); Nephi had come to know of that divine love. As we come to have that personal knowledge, our life can be so richly blessed. But how do we get there?

To truly repent, giving up all our sins (not just making the "down payment"), and to allow our will to be "swallowed up in His will," is the only path to fully comprehend and receive the fullness of joy.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf on developing Christlike attributes

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf (born November 6, 1940) served as a Seventy from 1994-2004, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve.  He served as second counselor in the First Presidency from 2008 to January 2018.

"Recall with me how Jesus Christ instructed His Apostles, clearly and directly, at the beginning of His mortal ministry, '[Come,] follow me, and I will make you fishers of men' (Matt. 4:19).... May I suggest that the Savior Himself teaches us here a lesson about core doctrine and priorities in life. Individually, we need to first 'follow Him,' and as we do this, the Savior will bless us beyond our own capacity to become what He wants us to be.

"To follow Christ is to become more like Him. It is to learn from His character. As spirit children of our Heavenly Father, we do have the potential to incorporate Christlike attributes into our life and character. The Savior invites us to learn His gospel by living His teachings. To follow Him is to apply correct principles and then witness for ourselves the blessings that follow. This process is very complex and very simple at the same time. Ancient and modern prophets described it with three words: 'Keep the commandments'—nothing more, nothing less.

"Developing Christlike attributes in our lives is not an easy task, especially when we move away from generalities and abstractions and begin to deal with real life. The test comes in practicing what we proclaim. The reality check comes when Christlike attributes need to become visible in our lives—as husband or wife, as father or mother, as son or daughter, in our friendships, in our employment, in our business, and in our recreation. We can recognize our growth, as can those around us, as we gradually increase our capacity to 'act in all holiness before [Him]' (D&C 43:9)."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Christlike Attributes—the Wind beneath Our Wings," General Conference, October 2005
Click here to read or listen to the full article

What does it mean to follow the Savior? The initial call to His disciples to follow, as recorded in the New Testament, invited them to leave behind their ways of life and join him in His ministry. Today, we don't literally, physically walk where He walked or walks; but we can follow in a more symbolic or representative way aw we follow His examples or teachings, and strive to emulate His character. And then the promise that Elder Uchtdorf emphasis is that we will be blessed beyond our own ability "to become what He wants us to be."

So the great invitation is "to incorporate Christlike attributes into our life and character." As we study His life and identify the qualities He expressed in daily interactions, we will discover those attributes and learn of the challenge and opportunity to become more like Him:

It's one thing to learn of those attributes, and quite another to put them into practice. This is what Elder Uchtdorf calls the "reality check" as we realize those "Christlike attributes need to become visible in our lives," in our interactions with those around us, especially those closest to us. But it's a process, a life's work to gradually become better disciples. The key is to make continual progress; to repent when we fall short; and to know that we truly are promised His help in the process.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on living with kindness and gratitude instead of envy

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (born December 3, 1940) served as Church Commissioner of Education from 1976-1980, as the president of BYU from 1980-1989, as a Seventy from 1989-1994, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1994.

"Brothers and sisters, there are going to be times in our lives when someone else gets an unexpected blessing or receives some special recognition. May I plead with us not to be hurt—and certainly not to feel envious—when good fortune comes to another person? We are not diminished when someone else is added upon. We are not in a race against each other to see who is the wealthiest or the most talented or the most beautiful or even the most blessed. The race we are really in is the race against sin, and surely envy is one of the most universal of those.

"Furthermore, envy is a mistake that just keeps on giving. Obviously we suffer a little when some misfortune befalls us, but envy requires us to suffer all good fortune that befalls everyone we know! What a bright prospect that is—downing another quart of pickle juice every time anyone around you has a happy moment! To say nothing of the chagrin in the end, when we find that God really is both just and merciful, giving to all who stand with Him 'all that he hath' (Luke 12:44), as the scripture says. So lesson number one from the Lord’s vineyard: coveting, pouting, or tearing others down does not elevate your standing, nor does demeaning someone else improve your self-image. So be kind, and be grateful that God is kind. It is a happy way to live."

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Laborers in the Vineyard," General Conference, April 2012
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

How do we think about those around us? How to we treat them? How to we feel, deep inside, when others are successful or have an opportunity we wish to have? Those are challenging situations. Sometimes we feel unjustly treated, by man or by God; and we wonder why we are denied the blessings that seem to come to others.

Elder Holland warns us of the temptation towards envy; certainly it comes from the adversary. We can't do ourselves any good when we allow those emotions to control our thoughts and behavior.

Learning to truly feel joy when others are blessed or successful is a great key to happiness. And the ultimate truth Elder Holland reminds us of is that ultimately, we will realize that "God really is both just and merciful, giving to all who stand with Him 'all that he hath.'" Having that faith and that hope makes all the difference as we struggle through this life.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President M. Russell Ballard on the spiritual divide growing in the world

President M. Russell Ballard (born October 8, 1928) was called as a Seventy in 1976, and has served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1985. He became acting president of the Twelve in January 2018.

"The spiritual divide gets even wider as evil becomes ever more deceptive and subtle and pulls people toward it like a dark magnet—even as the gospel of truth and light attracts the honest in heart and the honorable of the earth, who seek what is moral and good.

"We may be relatively small in number, but as members of this Church we can reach across these widening gaps. We know the power of Christ-centered service that brings together God’s children regardless of their spiritual or their economic status....

"The Church is a mooring in this tempestuous sea, an anchor in the churning waters of change and division, and a beacon to those who value and seek righteousness. The Lord uses this Church as a tool in pulling His children throughout the world toward the protection of His gospel."

- M. Russell Ballard, "That the Lost May Be Found," General Conference April 2012
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

There is a great "spiritual divide" in the world, and President Ballard discusses aspects of that separation in his talk. Evil grows stronger in our time, but so does righteousness. I thought the description of evil as a "dark magnet" was appropriate; it can pull men and women towards the darkness especially as it becomes "more deceptive and subtle." But that is not the only force that pulls at our hearts; those who are honest and seeking will feel the pull of "the gospel of truth and light." Our calling and opportunity is to help spread the light and draw people towards that which is good.

In the midst of the storms of our time, we can always be grateful for the anchor and the beacon provided for us by the Church and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There is protection and safety in the Lord's way!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Henry B. Eyring on staying close to God

President Henry B. Eyring (born May 31, 1933) served in the Presiding Bishopric from 1985-1992, as a Seventy from 1992-1995, then was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He has served in the First Presidency since 2007.

"We need to feel now that God knows us and loves us as individuals. There are times you have felt the closeness of God, your Father, and that you are his child. Those times can come more often. There is a simple way to think about it.

"If you want to stay close to someone who has been dear to you, but from whom you are separated, you know how to do it. You would find a way to speak to them, you would listen to them, and you would discover ways to do things for each other. The more often that happened, the longer it went on, the deeper would be the bond of affection. If much time passed without the speaking, the listening, and the doing, the bond would weaken.

"God is perfect and omnipotent, and you and I are mortal. But he is our Father, he loves us, and he offers the same opportunity to draw closer to him as would a loving friend. And you will do it in much the same way: speaking, listening, and doing."

- Henry B. Eyring, "To Draw Closer to God," General Conference April 1991
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

The opening statement of this excerpt is important: we must know of God's love for us and feel its influence. And the way to feel that more strongly and more frequently is clear. President Eyring shares an analogy that is profound, but simple and obvious: just as we must follow steps to stay close to those we love in this life, we must follow similar steps to create and retain a nurturing relationship with our Heavenly Father.

So we must learn to speak, to listen, and to do as we nurture our relationship with God. President Eyring describes aspects of those activities in the article, and it's a worthwhile review of fundamental counsel. It's always impressive how great the promises and the blessings are when we perform the basic actions of a disciple!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Dallin H. Oaks on sustaining leaders and dealing with differences

President Dallin H. Oaks (born August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"Our Father in Heaven has not compelled us to think the same way on every subject or procedure. As we seek to accomplish our life’s purposes, we will inevitably have differences with those around us—including some of those we sustain as our leaders. The question is not whether we have such differences, but how we manage them. What the Lord has said on another subject is also true of the management of differences with his leaders: 'It must needs be done in mine own way.' (D&C 104:16.) We should conduct ourselves in such a way that our thoughts and actions do not cause us to lose the companionship of the Spirit of the Lord.

"The first principle in the gospel procedure for managing differences is to keep our personal differences private....

"Why aren’t these differences discussed in public? Public debate—the means of resolving differences in a democratic government—is not appropriate in our Church government. We are all subject to the authority of the called and sustained servants of the Lord. They and we are all governed by the direction of the Spirit of the Lord, and that Spirit only functions in an atmosphere of unity. That is why personal differences about Church doctrine or procedure need to be worked out privately. There is nothing inappropriate about private communications concerning such differences, provided they are carried on in a spirit of love."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Criticism," talk to an LDSSA fireside on 4 May 1986; see Ensign, February 1987, p. 68-70
Click here to read the full talk

This interesting talk was shared with a group of youth early in President Oaks' service as an apostle. In his various assignments over the years, he had likely been exposed to his fair share of criticism and disagreement, and the advice he offers is very valuable. He provides a very thorough analysis of situations when we might disagree with another, either a peer or a leader, and describes the inappropriate and appropriate ways to do that. He describes principles that apply not just to our response to Church leaders, but also to public figures and government leaders as well.

This acknowledgement of differences that will occur, as natural and expected events in life, is a good foundation:

Our modern tools of communication make it possible at times to be very public in our criticisms. But Preisdent Oaks suggests how inappropriate that is, and the kind of damage it can do. Instead, he gives five suggestions in his article about the ways we might react when we disagree with a leader or a Church position:

• Overlook the difference, recognizing that God is in charge and men are not always perfect
• Delay acting, reserving our judgement, since we may not have all the facts or the individual may be able to clarify or correct
• Confront the difference privately and directly with the individual
• Communicate with the individual's presiding authority to discuss the situation
• Pray for resolution, leaving things in God's hands

President Oaks discusses these points in detail, along with other important aspects of the topic. I think it's a wonderful and valuable talk to review and learn from as we strive to support and sustain one another in our various roles, both in the Church and in society.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Russell M. Nelson on divine calls and apostolic doctrine

President Russell M. Nelson (born Sept 9, 1924) was an internationally-renowned heart surgeon when he was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became president of that quorum on July 15, 2015. Following the death of President Monson, he was set apart as president of the Church on January 14, 2018.

"I have implicit faith in the Lord and in His prophets. I have learned not to put question marks but to use exclamation points when calls are issued through inspired channels of priesthood government....

"While nominally I come to you from the science of surgery and its mother of medicine, in a truer sense, I have been forged from the stern discipline of law—not the laws of men, as mastered by our brethren of the legal profession, but the eternal and unchanging laws of our Divine Creator. The surgeon soon learns the incontrovertibility of divine law. He knows that hopes and wishes are sometimes simply powerless sham. Desired blessings come only by obedience to divine law, and in no other way. My lifetime thus far has been focused on learning those laws. Only as the laws are known, and then obeyed, can the blessings we desire be earned. To this extent, there will be little difference for me in the activities of the past and those of the future. The endless laws of the Lord are the doctrines taught by His Apostles."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Call to the Holy Apostleship," General Conference, April 1984
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

It seems appropriate today to review the first remarks offered by a then 59-year-old Elder Russell M. Nelson as he was sustained by the Church to the office of the apostleship. He expressed natural feelings of inadequacy, but shared this remarkable statement of his faith in prophetic leadership and calls that come through Priesthood channels:

Throughout his life, President Nelson has expressed this same faith and confidence not just in callings but in any teaching or instruction from inspired channels: he has responded with exclamation points!

The second paragraph of the excerpt quoted above demonstrates the solid foundation on which President Nelson built his life and service, and his confidence in "the eternal and unchanging laws of our Divine Creator." He sees eternal law and truth expressed in all kinds of settings, and knew innately that "Only as the laws are known, and then obeyed, can the blessings we desire be earned." His life has been dedicated to learning, and to obeying. What a marvelous example!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Henry B. Eyring on finding joy in life

President Henry B. Eyring (born May 31, 1933) served in the Presiding Bishopric from 1985-1992, as a Seventy from 1992-1995, then was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He has served in the First Presidency since 2007.

"I experienced the joy of coming closer to the Savior and of His coming closer to me most often through simple acts of obedience to the commandments....

"We are under covenant both to lift up those in need and to be witnesses of the Savior as long as we live.

"We will be able to do it without fail only as we feel love for the Savior and His love for us. As we are faithful to the promises we have made, we will feel our love for Him. It will increase because we will feel His power and His drawing near to us in His service....

"By His words and His example, Christ has shown us how to draw closer to Him. Every child of Heavenly Father who has chosen to enter through the gate of baptism into His Church will have the opportunity in this life to be taught His gospel and to hear from His called servants His invitation, 'Come unto me' (Matthew 11:28).

"Every covenant servant of His within His kingdom on earth and in the spirit world will receive His guidance by the Spirit as they bless and serve others for Him. And they will feel His love and find joy in being drawn closer to Him."

- Henry B. Eyring, "Come unto Me," General Conference, April 2013
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

There are lots of paths in life that we might choose in pursuit of joy; most of them may find temporary happiness but not the pure, lasting joy that truly matters. President Eyring points out the "secret" to establishing a closeness with the Savior, through "simple acts of obedience to the commandments":

The Savior's invitation "Come unto me" still provides the greatest source of peace and joy available to us. President Eyring testifies of this truth through his own experiences; and he challenges us to have the same opportunities to learn for ourselves.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)