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.
"As we invest time in learning about the Savior and His atoning sacrifice, we are drawn to participate in another key element to accessing His power: we choose to have faith in Him and follow Him.
"True disciples of Jesus Christ are willing to stand out, speak up, and be different from the people of the world. They are undaunted, devoted, and courageous. I learned of such disciples during a recent assignment in Mexico, where I met with government officials as well as leaders of other religious denominations. Each thanked me for our members’ heroic and successful efforts to protect and preserve strong marriages and families in their country.
"There is nothing easy or automatic about becoming such powerful disciples. Our focus must be riveted on the Savior and His gospel. It is mentally rigorous to strive to look unto Him in every thought (see Helaman 8:15). But when we do, our doubts and fears flee (see D&C 6:36)....
"Faith in Jesus Christ propels us to do things we otherwise would not do. Faith that motivates us to action gives us more access to His power."
- Russell M. Nelson, "Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives," General Conference, April 2017
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President Nelson suggests that once we learn about the Savior, we are drawn to have faith in Him, and to follow Him. Those are wonderful consequences that begin with our personal study and pondering; we must "invest time" in order to see them happen. And then we become "true disciples" and see the changes in our lives:
Such beautiful promises! But it's not "easy or automatic"—we certainly must choose to have that happen in our lives as our focus is "riveted on the Savior and His gospel." A true disciple finds himself able "to do things we otherwise would not do" as we find power in Jesus Christ. That should be the quest of every humble seeker for truth!
(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)
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