Elder Quentin L. Cook on the call to righteousness

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.

"With respect to righteousness, this life is the time for all of us to prepare to meet God. (See Alma 34:32.)The Book of Mormon provides multiple examples of the tragic consequences when individuals or groups fail to keep the commandments of God.

"During my lifetime, worldly issues and concerns have moved from one extreme to another—from frivolous and trivial pursuits to serious immorality. It is commendable that nonconsensual immorality has been exposed and denounced. (This has occurred in the #MeToo movement.) Such nonconsensual immorality is against the laws of God and of society. Those who understand God’s plan should also oppose consensual immorality, which is also a sin. The family proclamation to the world warns 'that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring [or, for that matter, anyone else] ... will one day stand accountable before God.' (Family Proclamation, Ensign, May 2017, 145)

"As we look around, we see the devastation of wickedness and addiction at every turn. If, as individuals, we are really concerned about the Savior’s ultimate judgment of us, we should seek repentance. I am afraid many people no longer feel accountable to God and do not turn to the scriptures or the prophets for guidance. If we, as a society, would contemplate the consequences of sin, there would be massive public opposition to pornography and the objectification of women. As Alma told his son Corianton in the Book of Mormon, 'Wickedness never was happiness' (Alma 41:10)."

- Quentin L. Cook, "Prepare to Meet God," General Conference April 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Cook's address was an interesting review of some of the significant events of the Restoration, particularly the return of priesthood keys that facilitate the important work of the last days. The purpose of all those things is to bring men and women to Christ, to enable and inspire them to live righteous lives in ways that will bring them happiness and peace.

It's interesting to review the ebb and flow of history—as Elder Cook describes, "from one extreme to another—from frivolous and trivial pursuits to serious immorality." There are always many opportunities in the world to choose paths that do not lead to peace and safety. That is why we must be so careful in choosing the proper path:

It's very true that we can look around our world and see that there are "many people no longer feel accountable to God and do not turn to the scriptures or the prophets for guidance." We must be so careful in our own lives to emphasize the things that truly matter; and when we do that, we will be guided and inspired on how to combat the opposition in ways that might make that choice more available to others around us!

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