President Spencer W. Kimball on serving one another

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985) was ordained an apostle in 1943 and served as President of the Church from 1973 to 1985.

"God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other in the kingdom. The people of the Church need each other’s strength, support, and leadership in a community of believers as an enclave of disciples. In the Doctrine and Covenants we read about how important it is to '… succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees' (D&C 81:5). So often, our acts of service consist of simple encouragement or of giving mundane help with mundane tasks, but what glorious consequences can flow from mundane acts and from small but deliberate deeds!

"As the contrasts between the ways of the world and the ways of God become sharpened by circumstance, the faith of the members of the Church will be tried even more severely. One of the most vital things we can do is to express our testimonies through service, which will, in turn, produce spiritual growth, greater commitment, and a greater capacity to keep the commandments."

- Spencer W. Kimball, "Small Acts of Service," Ensign, December 1974
Click here to read the full message

This is a classic quote from President Kimball's writings. It has been frequently quoted by other leaders. It's helpful to ponder the quote both as a receiver and a giver. There are times when we are all in need of help, and we may pray to God for divine intervention; but so often, God's help comes in the form of one of His children who is sensitive to spiritual promptings and will come to our aid. We need to be willing to receive that assistance, knowing that it represents God's watching over us in a very real way.

And as individuals who have the capacity to give and help, we should always be open to those opportunities to provide the help that others are seeking; we then become instruments in God's hands in doing good, even in answering prayers.

I also loved the reminder that most of our acts of service are not grand and glorious sacrifices or complicated extended efforts, but "consist of simple encouragement or of giving mundane help with mundane tasks." Sometimes those small, simple things can make a remarkable difference in the life of another!

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

President Thomas S. Monson on the blessings of temple service and worship

President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1963. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency with Presidents Benson, Hunter, and Hinckley and then became Church president in 2008. He led the Church for almost a decade until his passing in January 2018.
President Thomas S. Monson on the blessings of temples

"Now, my young friends who are in your teenage years, always have the temple in your sights. Do nothing which will keep you from entering its doors and partaking of the sacred and eternal blessings there. I commend those of you who already go to the temple regularly to perform baptisms for the dead, arising in the very early hours of the morning so you can participate in such baptisms before school begins. I can think of no better way to start a day.

"To you parents of young children, may I share with you some sage advice from President Spencer W. Kimball. Said he: 'It would be a fine thing if … parents would have in every bedroom in their house a picture of the temple so [their children] from the time [they are] infant[s] could look at the picture every day [until] it becomes a part of [their lives]. When [they reach] the age that [they need] to make [the] very important decision [concerning going to the temple], it will have already been made.' (TSWK 301)

"Our children sing in Primary:
I love to see the temple.
I’ll go inside someday.
I’ll cov’nant with my Father;
I’ll promise to obey. (Children’s Songbook, 95.)

"I plead with you to teach your children of the temple’s importance.

"The world can be a challenging and difficult place in which to live. We are often surrounded by that which would drag us down. As you and I go to the holy houses of God, as we remember the covenants we make within, we will be more able to bear every trial and to overcome each temptation. In this sacred sanctuary we will find peace; we will be renewed and fortified."

- Thomas S. Monson, "The Holy Temple—a Beacon to the World," General Conference April 2011
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Children and youth can begin to appreciate temple blessings as they anticipate, and then participate in, their own temple service and worship. President Monson commends good efforts that have been made and encourages us to continue to share that blessing with the rising generation. And then he offers this counsel to adults:

Temple attendance truly can bless our lives by helping us remember our covenants, giving perspective in dealing with challenges, and helping us become "renewed and fortified" with the peace that we find there. It's no surprise that all of our recent prophets have been encouraging more frequent temple attendance as we deal with the challenges of our modern world.

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

Elder Neal A. Maxwell on leadership and followership

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.

"But there are disadvantages to directive leadership: it can create very dependent followers who rely too much of the time for too many things in too many circumstances on the leader. No doubt Brigham Young spoke from this kind of concern when he lamented:

"'I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their leaders that they will not inquire for themselves of God whether they are led by him. I am fearful they will settle down in a state of blind self-security, trusting their destiny in the hands of their leaders with a reckless confidence that in itself would thwart the purposes of God in their salvation, and weaken that influence they could give to their leaders did they know for themselves, by the revelations of Jesus, that they are led in the right way.' (JD 9:150)

"President Young was striking at an essential principle of followership and leadership in this particular instance. It is not only important for the growth of the members involved to exercise their own claims on God for assurance about the direction of the kingdom, but it is also important for followers to prepare themselves to follow in such a way that their influence could be much more helpful to the leaders in reaching shared goals. Not only do followers who proceed, as Brigham Young said, 'with a reckless confidence' fail to develop themselves in their own power and resources, but also they deprive the leaders of the kind of support they deserve and need at times from followers who are themselves developing the skills required. The 58th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants indicates that the Lord expects members of the Church to accomplish much on their own without incessant institutional insistence or prodding. It is neither realistic nor wise to expect leaders to provide all of the answers all of the time, to provide solutions to all of the problems that will arise. This would require leaders to be omniscient; further, it would require of them the kind of sustained energy and time which is simply not humanly possible to give over protracted periods of time.

"The counsel by Brigham Young is just as appropriate for today as it was when he gave it. It is particularly needed in a Church that is growing in its size, scope, and strategic situation in the world today."

- Neal A. Maxwell, A More Excellent Way [Deseret 1967], pp. 20-21

This excerpt comes from a collection of Elder Maxwell's essays, published when he was serving as a Regional Representative, before his call as a general authority. He wrote an insightful chapter on leadership in the Church that includes these comments about the relationship between leaders and followers. There is a great danger when leadership is too "directive" that we can become "very dependent followers who rely too much of the time for too many things in too many circumstances on the leader." Elder Maxwell argues for a more involved, active role that followers should take, based on this wonderful quote from Brigham Young:

It's not wise to blindly trust every aspect of leadership; that only weakens the whole organization. Instead, we should always seek to know, through personal revelation, that revelations are from God and that we are being "led in the right way." Elder Maxwell argues that when we become that kind of careful follower, we are more developing "influence could be much more helpful to the leaders in reaching shared goals." We become more useful to God because we are developing skills that will enhance and bless His work. The Lord clearly wants us to "accomplish much on their own without incessant institutional insistence or prodding."

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

President Henry B. Eyring on taking the Savior's name upon us

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.

"As I have pondered the covenant words and corresponding blessings promised, I have wondered what it means to be willing to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ....

"The statement that we are 'willing to take upon [us]' His name tells us that while we first took the Savior’s name when we were baptized, taking His name is not finished at baptism. We must work continually to take His name throughout our lives, including when we renew covenants at the sacrament table and make covenants in the Lord’s holy temples.

"So two crucial questions for each of us become 'What must I be doing to take His name upon me?' and 'How will I know when I am making progress?'

"The statement of President Nelson suggests one helpful answer. He said that we could take the name of the Savior upon us and that we could speak for Him. When we speak for Him, we serve Him. 'For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?' (Mosiah 5:13.)

"Speaking for Him requires a prayer of faith. It takes a fervent prayer to Heavenly Father to learn what words we could speak to help the Savior in His work. We must qualify for the promise: 'Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.' (D&C 1:38)

"Yet it takes more than speaking for Him to take His name upon us. There are feelings in our hearts we must have to qualify as His servants.

"The prophet Mormon described the feelings that qualify us and enable us to take His name upon us. These feelings include faith, hope, and charity, which is the pure love of Christ. (Moroni 7:39-44, 47-48) ...

"My testimony is that the Savior is putting His name in your hearts. For many of you, your faith in Him is increasing. You are feeling more hope and optimism. And you are feeling the pure love of Christ for others and for yourself."

- Henry B. Eyring, "Try, Try, Try," General Conference October 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

One of the greatest invitations of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is to take the Savior's name upon ourselves, individually, one by one. And it is our willingness to do that, that is so crucial in our covenants and in our daily efforts. One who has a willing heart will be continually striving to do better, to understand the process, and to more faithfully comply with the guidelines that will lead to that blessing. President Eyring teaches that the sacrament and the temple are crucial parts of our efforts:

As we strive to live up to those covenants, we will strive to serve as He served, to live the kind of unselfish and giving life that He lived. Our hearts, and our lives, will be filled with charity, and our actions will demonstrate that.

I loved President Eyring's testimony that "the Savior is putting His name in your hearts." The Savior does all that He can to bless us, as we are willing to allow Him to and as we whole-heartedly participate in the process.

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

President Dallin H. Oaks on seeking spiritual knowledge

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.

"We live in a time of greatly expanded and disseminated information. But not all of this information is true. We need to be cautious as we seek truth and choose sources for that search. We should not consider secular prominence or authority as qualified sources of truth. We should be cautious about relying on information or advice offered by entertainment stars, prominent athletes, or anonymous internet sources. Expertise in one field should not be taken as expertise on truth in other subjects.

"We should also be cautious about the motivation of the one who provides information. That is why the scriptures warn us against priestcraft (see 2 Nephi 26:29). If the source is anonymous or unknown, the information may also be suspect.

"Our personal decisions should be based on information from sources that are qualified on the subject and free from selfish motivations.

"When we seek the truth about religion, we should use spiritual methods appropriate for that search: prayer, the witness of the Holy Ghost, and study of the scriptures and the words of modern prophets. I am always sad when I hear of one who reports a loss of religious faith because of secular teachings. Those who once had spiritual vision can suffer from self-inflicted spiritual blindness."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Truth and the Plan," General Conference October 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Oaks counsels us about choosing and evaluating the sources for information in our lives. In our modern world, we are bombarded by advice and recommendations through media and other methods that can sometimes be quite forceful and persuasive. It's so important that we learn to evaluate and distinguish what are valid, trustworthy sources and what might be less reliable, or worse, outright deceptive and damaging.

President Oaks warns specifically about information that might come from a source trying to manipulate in order to get personal gain (priestcraft), as well as hidden or anonymous sources that are seemingly afraid to disclose who they are.

For seeking truth on spiritual matters, it is so important to learn to trust the best and most reliable sources: personal inspiration from the Holy Ghost that comes as we pray; and the inspired words of scriptures and prophetic teachings. A solid foundation built from those sources will give us a firm platform on which to build and a clear standard by which to evaluate all other information.

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

President Russell M. Nelson on our personal responsibilities for spiritual growth

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.

"The long-standing objective of the Church is to assist all members to increase their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and in His Atonement, to assist them in making and keeping their covenants with God, and to strengthen and seal their families. In this complex world today, this is not easy. The adversary is increasing his attacks on faith and upon us and our families at an exponential rate. To survive spiritually, we need counterstrategies and proactive plans. Accordingly, we now want to put in place organizational adjustments that will further fortify our members and their families.

"For many years, Church leaders have been working on an integrated curriculum to strengthen families and individuals through a home-centered and Church-supported plan to learn doctrine, strengthen faith, and foster greater personal worship. Our efforts over these recent years to hallow the Sabbath—to make it a delight and a personal sign to God of our love for Him—will be augmented by the adjustments we will now introduce.

"This morning we will announce a new balance and connection between gospel instruction in the home and in the Church. We are each responsible for our individual spiritual growth. And scriptures make it clear that parents have the primary responsibility to teach the doctrine to their children. (See Doctrine and Covenants 93:40; Moses 6:58–62.) It is the responsibility of the Church to assist each member in the divinely defined goal of increasing his or her gospel knowledge."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Opening Remarks," General Conference October 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

There was much eager anticipation as President Nelson opened the most recent general conference. His remarks were brief, as has become the pattern; but he introduced the topic that would dominate the rest of the conference and be explained and elaborated upon by those who followed him.

Key to the conference was this opening doctrinal reminder of the Church's purpose and objectives, and the key responsibility of families and individuals. "We are each responsible for our individual spiritual growth" is a concept we must never forget. The Church is here to help and encourage, but so much depends on our individual efforts and priorities.

Well might we ask, "How am I doing in my pursuit of that 'divinely defined goal of increasing [my] gospel knowledge'?" That knowledge comes from both study and application. We should be making clear and steady progress! As we eagerly anticipate the beginning of this new phase of Church curriculum, we can be preparing now by ensuring we are doing all we can with the resources we currently have.

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

President Hugh B. Brown on having a wholesome sense of humor

Elder Hugh B. Brown (1883–1975) was called as an Assistant to the Twelve in 1953, then as an apostle in 1958.  He served as a counselor to President David O. McKay from 1961 until President McKay's death in 1970, then for five more years as a member of the Quorum of Twelve until he passed away.

"We have often urged our young people to carry their laughter over into their mature years. A wholesome sense of humor will be a safety valve that will enable you to apply the lighter touch to heavy problems and to learn some lessons in problem solving that 'sweat and tears' often fail to dissolve. A line from Proverbs advises us that 'a merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones' (Prov 17:22)."

- Hugh B. Brown, Conference Report, April 1968, p. 100

Sometimes we see Church leaders as solemn, rarely-smiling men behind pulpits. In reality, they are normal people with very pleasant personalities and often very keen senses of humor. I love this counsel from President Brown about the importance of laughter and a "merry heart":

In modern revelation the Lord counsels us to do things "with cheerful hearts and countenances, not with much laughter, for this is sin, but with a glad heart and a cheerful countenance" (D&C 59:15). We can have a "cheerful heart and countenance" without being frivolous or excessively flippant.

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

Elder Ulisses Soares on our covenants to nurture and help one another

Elder Ulisses Soares (born October 2, 1958 in Brazil) has served as a Seventy since April 2005, and as a member of the Presidency of the Seventy since January 2013. He was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles on April 1, 2018.

"In a similar way that the Solimões and Negro Rivers flow together to make the great Amazon River, the children of God come together in the restored Church of Jesus Christ from different social backgrounds, traditions, and cultures, forming this wonderful community of Saints in Christ. Eventually, as we encourage, support, and love each other, we combine to form a mighty force for good in the world. As followers of Jesus Christ, flowing as one in this river of goodness, we will be able to provide the 'fresh water' of the gospel to a thirsty world.

"The Lord has inspired His prophets to teach us how we can support and love each other so we can become united in faith and purpose in following Jesus Christ. Paul, the New Testament Apostle, taught that those who 'have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ...: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus' (Galatians 3:27–28; emphasis added).

"When we promise at baptism to follow the Savior, we witness before the Father that we are willing to take upon us the name of Christ. (See Doctrine and Covenants 20:37.) As we strive to acquire His divine attributes in our lives, we become different than we were, through the Atonement of Christ the Lord, and our love for all people increases naturally. (See Mosiah 3:19.) We feel a sincere concern for everyone’s welfare and happiness. We see each other as brothers and sisters, as children of God with divine origin, attributes, and potential. We desire to care for each other and bear one another’s burdens. (See Mosiah 18:8.)

"This is what Paul described as charity. (See 1 Corinthians 13.) Mormon, a prophet of the Book of Mormon, described it as 'the pure love of Christ' (Moroni 7:47), which is the most sublime, noblest, and strongest form of love."

- Ulisses Soares, "One in Christ," General Conference October 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Soares, the newest of the apostles who is from Brazil, used the analogy of smaller rivers merging to form the Amazon to describe the process of how we merge together in our church communities of faith. Bringing diverse backgrounds and compositions together can take some time as we learn to accommodate and cooperate; but the result is an even stronger combined presence including the best of all the contributing components. But the process of joining in unity is not always easy, especially for the smaller, newer components—the new members joining the Church. So Elder Soares counseled on things we can do to be aware of them and their challenges.

Some of the most important aspects of nurturing newer members are the inherent covenants and obligations that come with the covenants we make at baptism:

I appreciated Elder Soares' reminder; it's always beneficial to ponder covenants we have made, and consider if there are things we can do better as we strive to live up to our spiritual commitments. And strive is the key word; we should "strive to acquire His divine attributes in our lives." We're not perfect yet, but we're striving!

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

Elder Gerrit W. Gong on the power of patterns of righteousness

Elder Gerrit W. Gong (born December 23, 1953) was called as a Seventy in April 2010, then to the Presidency of the Seventy in October 2015. He was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in April 2018.

"Our campfire of faith encourages us to establish regular patterns of righteous living that deepen faith and spirituality.

"These holy habits, righteous routines, or prayerful patterns may include prayer; scripture study; fasting; remembering our Savior and covenants through the ordinance of the sacrament; sharing gospel blessings through missionary, temple and family history, and other service; keeping a thoughtful personal journal; and so on.

"When righteous patterns and spiritual yearnings join, time and eternity come together. Spiritual light and life come when regular religious observance draws us closer to our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ. When we love the spirit and letter of the law, the things of eternity can distill upon our souls like the dews from heaven. (See D&C 121:45–46.) With daily obedience and refreshing living water, we find answers, faith, and strength to meet everyday challenges and opportunities with gospel patience, perspective, and joy."

- Gerrit W. Gong, "Our Campfire of Faith," General Conference October 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Gong talked about spiritual patterns of righteous living and the impact it will have on our lives as we faithfully and consistently follow the counsel we are given to focus on the supposed little things. As we develop those "holy habits" in our lives, we will "deepen faith and spirituality."

It's so important that we not forget those fundamental behaviors that change the very nature of our lives and bring us close to our Heavenly Father and our Savior!

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

Elder Dale G. Renlund on God's goals in parenting

Elder Dale G. Renlund (born November 13, 1952) served in the First Quorum of Seventy starting in 2009, until his call to the Quorum of Twelve in October 2015.

"Our Heavenly Father’s goal in parenting is not to have His children do what is right; it is to have His children choose to do what is right and ultimately become like Him. If He simply wanted us to be obedient, He would use immediate rewards and punishments to influence our behaviors.

"But God is not interested in His children just becoming trained and obedient 'pets' who will not chew on His slippers in the celestial living room. No, God wants His children to grow up spiritually and join Him in the family business.

"God established a plan whereby we can become heirs in His kingdom, a covenant path that leads us to become like Him, have the kind of life He has, and live forever as families in His presence. Personal choice was—and is—vital to this plan, which we learned about in our premortal existence. We accepted the plan and chose to come to earth."

- Dale G. Renlund, "Choose You This Day," General Conference October 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

There is an important distinction between just doing what is right, and willingly choosing to do what is right. Elder Renlund taught in his talk that our Heavenly Father is most interested in having us become wise and willing agents, recognizing the meaning behind our actions so that we can use our agency appropriately to choose to follow Him.

It's interesting to consider how that principle applies to our actions as parents, or as teachers and leaders of youth in particular. Sometimes we become so concerned with behavior, to the point that we forget there is something more than the external performance. We should be more concerned with what motivates the behavior. And focusing on rewards and punishments is generally not going to lead to the right results.

The real goal of our Father in Heaven is having His children "become heirs in His kingdom, a covenant path that leads us to become like Him, have the kind of life He has, and live forever as families in His presence." That requires a change of heart more than a change of behavior; but the change of heart leads to the change in behavior.

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

Elder Gary E. Stevenson on the sacred privilege of being a shepherd

Elder Gary E. Stevenson (b. August 5, 1955) was called as a Seventy in 2008, then as Presiding Bishop in 2012. He was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015.

"As children of a loving Heavenly Father and as sheep in His flock, we enjoy the blessing of being individually ministered to by Jesus Christ. Simultaneously, we have a responsibility to provide ministering assistance to others around us as shepherds ourselves. We heed the words of the Lord to 'serve me and go forth in my name, and … gather together my sheep' (Mosiah 26:20).

"Who is a shepherd? Every man, woman, and child in the kingdom of God is a shepherd. No calling is required. From the moment we emerge from the waters of baptism, we are commissioned to this work. We reach out in love to others because it is what our Savior commanded us to do. Alma emphasized: 'For what shepherd … having many sheep doth not watch over them, that the wolves enter not and devour his flock? … Doth he not drive him out?' (Alma 5:59.) Whenever our neighbors are in distress temporally or spiritually, we run to their aid. We bear one another’s burdens that they may be light. We mourn with those who mourn. We comfort those who stand in need of comfort. (See Mosiah 18:8–9.) The Lord lovingly expects this of us. And the day will come when we will be held accountable for the care we take in ministering to His flock. (See Matthew 25:31–46.)"

- Gary E. Stevenson, "Shepherding Souls," General Conference October 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

It's a wonderful thing to feel the power and blessing of being "individually ministered to by Jesus Christ" as one of His sheep. Our spiritual life and our temporal life are both so enriched as we are strengthened and sustained by His loving care. It's a sacred obligation to then pass on that loving kindness to those around us, as we also serve and minister as shepherds to those placed in our path:

I've always loved the way President Spencer W. Kimball taught this important point:

"God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other in the kingdom. The people of the Church need each other’s strength, support, and leadership in a community of believers as an enclave of disciples. In the Doctrine and Covenants we read about how important it is to '… succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees' (D&C 81:5)."
- Spencer W. Kimball, "Small Acts of Service," Ensign, December 1974

There is so much good we can do as we "run to [the] aid" of our neighbors. If we are willing and available, and if we are sensitive to promptings that will guide us, we will find countless opportunities to carry out this sacred duty.

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

Elder Ronald A. Rasband on standing in holy places to overcome fear

Elder Ronald A. Rasband (b. February 6, 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 2000.  He was the senior president of the Seventy when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015.

"When we stand in holy places—our righteous homes, our dedicated chapels, the consecrated temples—we feel the Spirit of the Lord with us. We find answers to questions that trouble us or the peace to simply set them aside. That is the Spirit in action. These sacred places in the kingdom of God on earth call for our reverence, our respect for others, our best selves in living the gospel, and our hopes to lay aside our fears and seek the healing power of Jesus Christ through His Atonement.

"There is no room for fear in these holy places of God or in the hearts of His children. Why? Because of love. God loves us—always—and we love Him. Our love of God counters all fears, and His love abounds in holy places. Think about it. When we are tentative in our commitments to the Lord, when we stray from His path leading to life eternal, when we question or doubt our significance in His divine design, when we allow fear to open the door to all its companions—discouragement, anger, frustration, disappointment—the Spirit leaves us, and we are without the Lord. If you know what that is like, you know it is not a good place to be. In contrast, when we stand in holy places, we can feel God’s love, and 'perfect love casteth out all fear' (Moroni 8:16)."

- Ronald A. Rasband, "Be Not Troubled," General Conference October 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Rasband's message responded to the challenges and uncertainties we sometimes face in our lives that cause fear. We all have them from time to time, in different degrees and for varied reasons; but there are ways to compensate and overcome as we strive to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. His first suggestion was to learn to find comfort and hope as we recognize and "stand" in the places in our lives that are holy—temples, chapels, homes.

Perhaps we would do well to evaluate whether our homes, in particular, provide the kind of sacred environment Elder Rasband is describing, where reverence, respect, and gospel living are the normal condition.

Holy places are filled with God's love, Elder Rasband teaches; and that love drives fears away. "Our love of God counters all fears, and His love abounds in holy places." But Elder Rasband warns of things that might cause the Lord's spirit to depart, leaving us with the fears of the world:

• when we are tentative in our commitments to the Lord
• when we stray from His path leading to life eternal
• when we question or doubt our significance in His divine design
• when we allow fear to open the door to all its companions—discouragement, anger, frustration, disappointment

A good warning for us all, to do the things that will enable us all to "stand in holy places and be not moved."

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

Elder Neil L. Andersen on the Savior's power to heal our wounds

Elder Neil L. Andersen (born August 9, 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 1993, and was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2009.

"We each understand that difficulties are part of life, but when they come to us personally, they can take our breath away. Without being alarmed, we need to be ready.... Along with the bright colors of happiness and joy, the darker-colored threads of trial and tragedy are woven deeply into the fabric of our Father’s plan. These struggles, although difficult, often become our greatest teachers....

"Never give up—however deep the wounds of your soul, whatever their source, wherever or whenever they happen, and however short or long they persist, you are not meant to perish spiritually. You are meant to survive spiritually and blossom in your faith and trust in God.

"God did not create our spirits to be independent of Him. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through the incalculable gift of His Atonement, not only saves us from death and offers us, through repentance, forgiveness for our sins, but He also stands ready to save us from the sorrows and pains of our wounded souls.

"The Savior is our Good Samaritan (see Luke 10:30–35), sent 'to heal the brokenhearted' (Luke 4:18; see also Isaiah 61:1). He comes to us when others pass us by. With compassion, He places His healing balm on our wounds and binds them up. He carries us. He cares for us. He bids us, 'Come unto me ... and I shall heal [you]' (3 Nephi 18:32)."

- Neil L. Andersen, "Wounded," General Conference October 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Andersen joined with others in the recent conference who discussed the challenges that come to us in life. Using the example of the missionaries who were critically injured in the airport bombing in Belgium, he emphasized that these trials and tests come to the righteous who are doing all they can to be faithful and obedient. But yet, when the trials come, "they can take our breath away" with their suddenness and severity.

But with the proper understanding of God's plan for our mortal experience, we can retain the perspective and hope that will allow us to endure through such challenges with faith and with Divine help. Elder Andersen teaches that we are "not meant to perish spiritually" and will not only survive but "blossom in your faith and trust in God" as we move forward, trusting in Him and drawing on the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

That's a beautiful reminder; the Savior will come to bind our wounds and carry us to safety as we trust in Him.

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

Elder D. Todd Christofferson on having the gospel as our defining focus

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

"To persevere firm and steadfast in the faith of Christ requires that the gospel of Jesus Christ penetrate one’s heart and soul, meaning that the gospel becomes not just one of many influences in a person’s life but the defining focus of his or her life and character....

"Most of us find ourselves at this moment on a continuum between a socially motivated participation in gospel rituals on the one hand and a fully developed, Christlike commitment to the will of God on the other. Somewhere along that continuum, the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ enters into our heart and takes possession of our soul. It may not happen in an instant, but we should all be moving toward that blessed state.

"It is challenging but vital to remain firm and steadfast when we find ourselves being refined 'in the furnace of affliction' (1 Nephi 20:10; see also Isaiah 48:10), something that comes soon or late to all of us in mortality. Without God, these dark experiences tend to despondency, despair, and even bitterness. With God, comfort replaces pain, peace replaces turmoil, and hope replaces sorrow. Remaining firm in the faith of Christ will bring His sustaining grace and support. He will convert trial into blessing and, in Isaiah’s words, 'give … beauty for ashes' (Isaiah 61:3)."

- D. Todd Christofferson, "Firm and Steadfast in the Faith of Christ," General Conference October 2018
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This was one of several talks from the recent conference that taught about the importance of focusing our efforts and attention on Jesus Christ, our Savior. Elder Christofferson explained powerfully the difference between having the gospel as one of many influences in our life, versus having it be the "defining focus" of all we do as it penetrates our very heart and soul. I felt the truth of his warning about the "continuum" of conversion that we are on:

Clearly, many of us are on that "socially motivated participation" end of the spectrum. It's interesting for each of us to honestly and seriously consider where we might be along that path towards a "fully developed, Christlike commitment to the will of God." That's what Elder Quentin L. Cook referred to as a "deep and lasting conversion"; it happens when the gospel "takes possession of our soul."

The blessings from this whole-souled conversion become apparent to us when we take our turn "in the furnace of affliction." The one who is truly converted will find comfort, peace, and hope, and feel God's "sustaining grace and support." Those are the critical times in life when our previous preparation is so crucial to our survival. How important for us to be moving steadily towards that state of whole-hearted conversion!

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

Elder Quentin L. Cook on nurturing deep and lasting conversion at home

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

"The Church’s traditional curriculum has emphasized the Sunday Church experience. We know that when we have better teaching and more spiritually prepared class members, we have a better Sunday Church experience. We are blessed that often the Spirit increases and strengthens conversion in the Church setting.

"The new home-centered and Church-supported curriculum needs to influence more powerfully family religious observance and behavior and personal religious observance and behavior. We know the spiritual impact and the deep and lasting conversion that can be achieved in the home setting. Years ago, a study established that for young men and women the influence of the Holy Ghost most often accompanies individual scripture study and prayer in the home. Our purpose is to balance the Church and the home experiences in a way that will greatly increase faith and spirituality and deepen conversion to Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

"In the home-centered, Church-supported portion of this adjustment, there is flexibility for each individual and family to determine prayerfully how and when it will be implemented."

- Quentin L. Cook, "Deep and Lasting Conversion to Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ," General Conference October 2018
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President Nelson spoke briefly at the beginning of general conference, introducing what would become an important theme and focus:

"For many years, Church leaders have been working on an integrated curriculum to strengthen families and individuals through a home-centered and Church-supported plan to learn doctrine, strengthen faith, and foster greater personal worship."
- Russell M. Nelson, "Opening Remarks," General Conference October 2018, emphasis added

Elder Cook had the assignment to then expand and explain the new focus. After introducing the concept of the adjusted Sunday meeting block and the various manuals and resources that will be provided to support it both in meetings and at home, he expanded on the vision of what these changes are intended to accomplish:

While resources including manuals and guidelines are provided for individuals and families, so much will depend on our individual willingness to seek inspiration as we begin to implement these programs in a few months. Elder Cook explained that "there is flexibility for each individual and family to determine prayerfully how and when it will be implemented." But the vision of the changes is to enable each of us to find "a deep and lasting conversion" as disciples of Jesus Christ.

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

Elder David A. Bednar on gathering together all things in Christ

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.

"Sometimes as members of the Church we segment, separate, and apply the gospel in our lives by creating lengthy checklists of individual topics to study and tasks to accomplish. But such an approach potentially can constrain our understanding and vision. We must be careful because pharisaical focus upon checklists can divert us from drawing closer to the Lord.

"The purpose and purification, the happiness and joy, and the continuing conversion and protection that come from 'yielding [our] hearts unto God' (Helaman 3:35) and '[receiving] his image in [our] countenances' (Alma 5:14) cannot be obtained merely by performing and checking off all the spiritual things we are supposed to do. Rather, the power of the Savior’s gospel to transform and bless us flows from discerning and applying the interrelatedness of its doctrine, principles, and practices. Only as we gather together in one all things in Christ, with firm focus upon Him, can gospel truths synergistically enable us to become what God desires us to become (see Matthew 5:48; 3 Nephi 12:48) and endure valiantly to the end. (see D&C 121:29.)"

- David A. Bednar, "Gather Together in One All Things in Christ," General Conference October 2018
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Elder Bednar's theme in his message was to help us understand the critical importance of focusing on the Savior, based on Paul's letter to the Ephesians in which he prophesied of our day:

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: (Ephesians 1:10)

While Paul was speaking of the Lord doing the gathering, Elder Bednar extended the principle as an admonition for us to participate in those gathering efforts by understanding how critical it is for us to have Him as the center of our focus, permeating all things we do and experience.

I appreciated the discussion of "spiritual checklists." We don't become the kind of person He wants us to be "merely by performing and checking off all the spiritual things we are supposed to do." Beyond that, we must comprehend the power of the gospel and the Atonement of Jesus Christ to transform us as we focus on Christ:

This whole-life approach to discipleship is necessary to eventually achieve "the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13) and be perfected in Him.

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

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf on overcoming the sadness and misery of the world

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 2018.

"There is a word in German, Weltschmerz. Loosely defined, it means a sadness that comes from brooding about how the world is inferior to how we think it ought to be.

"Perhaps there is a little Weltschmerz in all of us.

"When silent sorrows creep into the corners of our lives. When sadness saturates our days and casts deep shadows over our nights. When tragedy and injustice enter the world around us, including in the lives of those we love. When we journey through our own personal and lonely path of misfortune, and pain darkens our stillness and breaches our tranquility—we might be tempted to agree with Solomon that life is vain and devoid of meaning.

"The good news is, there is hope. There is a solution to the emptiness, vanity, and Weltschmerz of life. There is a solution to even the deepest hopelessness and discouragement you might feel.

"This hope is found in the transformative power of the gospel of Jesus Christ and in the Savior’s redemptive power to heal us of our soul-sickness.

"'I am come,' Jesus declared, 'that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.' (John 10:10.)

"We achieve that abundant life not by focusing on our own needs or on our own achievements but by becoming true disciples of Jesus Christ—by following in His ways and engaging in His work. We find the abundant life by forgetting ourselves and engaging in the great cause of Christ.

"And what is the cause of Christ? It is to believe in Him, love as He loved, and do as He did."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Believe, Love, Do," General Conference October 2018
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Elder Uchtdorf is the Great Optimist; his messages always present visions of hope and encouragement in spite of the challenges and troubles we frequently confront in mortality. His introduction of the German word Weltschmerz in this message helps to present the contrast between the gloomy, discouraged view of the world, and the hopeful view offered to the faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.

Another apt and descriptive word Elder Uchtdorf uses to describe the challenges we face is soul-sickness. When we become too much influenced with the world's negativity, our soul can feel the burden of misery and we can be weighed down by the grief it brings.

But how blessed we are to know of "the transformative power of the gospel of Jesus Christ and ... the Savior’s redemptive power to heal us." Truly, we will find the "abundant life" through following the gospel plan for happiness and becoming "true disciples of Jesus Christ."

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