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)