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.
"Focusing on the Lord and everlasting life can help us... through all the challenges of mortality. Imperfect people share planet earth with other imperfect people. Ours is a fallen world marred by excessive debt, wars, natural disasters, disease, and death.
"Personal challenges come. A father may have lost his job. A young mother may have learned of a grave illness. A son or a daughter may have gone astray. Whatever may cause the worry, each of us yearns to find inner peace.
"My message tonight pertains to the only source of true and lasting peace, Jesus the Christ—our Prince of Peace. (See Isaiah 9:6; 2 Nephi 19:6.) ...
"Peace can come to all who choose to walk in the ways of the Master. His invitation is expressed in three loving words: 'Come, follow me.' (Luke 18:22)"
- Russell M. Nelson, "Jesus the Christ—Our Prince of Peace," Christmas Devotional December 2013
Click here to read or listen to the full talk
It's good to remember that we live in "a fallen world marred by excessive debt, wars, natural disasters, disease, and death." The nature of our mortal experience requires an environment in which those kinds of things can exist, and even flourish. As men and women choose to use their agency in negative ways, we all face a multitude of challenges. President Nelson offers counsel on finding personal peace in a world that is very troubled:
While our personal efforts in finding, and maintaining, peace in our lives are critical, President Nelson reminds us there is only one source of "true and lasting peace"—and that is in and through the Prince of Peace. As we follow Him and walk in His ways, we will know of that truth.
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)
No comments:
Post a Comment