Wednesday, November 14, 2018

President Howard W. Hunter on commitment to a Christian life

President Howard W. Hunter (1907-1995) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1959.  He served as Church President from June 5, 1994 to his death on March 3, 1995.
"A successful life, the good life, the righteous Christian life requires something more than a contribution, though every contribution is valuable. Ultimately it requires commitment—whole souled, deeply held, eternally cherished commitment to the principles we know to be true in the commandments God has given. We need such loyalty to the Church, but that must immediately be interpreted as a loyalty in our personal habits and behavior, integrity in the wider community and marketplace, and—for the future’s sake—devotion and character in our marriages and homes and families.
"If we will be true and faithful to our principles, committed to a life of honesty and integrity, then no king or contest or fiery furnace will be able to compromise us. For the success of the kingdom of God on earth, may we stand as witnesses for him 'at all times and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in, even until death.' (Mosiah 18:9.)"
- Howard W. Hunter, "Standing As Witnesses of God," General Conference April 1990
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

What does it mean to be a Christian? What kind of effort is involved? President Hunter suggests that it's more than a casual or occasional contribution; it requires "whole souled, deeply held, eternally cherished commitment" to the commandments and principles we have been given:


One who has that level of commitment will be noticed not just in Church settings, but "in the wider community" as we stand up for the principles of truth and defend virtue. We truly should be "witnesses of God" in all situations of our lives and let our light shine in the world around us.

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

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