Elder Dale G. Renlund on blessings that come as we draw closer to God

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

"The closer we are to Jesus Christ in the thoughts and intents of our hearts, the more we appreciate His innocent suffering, the more grateful we are for grace and forgiveness, and the more we want to repent and become like Him. Our absolute distance from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is important, but the direction we are heading is even more crucial. God is more pleased with repentant sinners who are trying to draw closer to Him than with self-righteous, faultfinding individuals who, like the Pharisees and scribes of old, do not realize how badly they need to repent (see Luke 15:2; see also Joseph Smith, in History of the Church, 5:260–62)....

"Whatever our current direction or distance to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, we can choose to turn toward Them and draw closer to Them....

"To draw closer to the Savior, we must increase our faith in Him, make and keep covenants, and have the Holy Ghost with us. We must also act in faith, responding to the spiritual direction we receive. All of these elements come together in the sacrament. Indeed, the best way I know of to draw closer to God is to prepare conscientiously and partake worthily of the sacrament each week....

"No matter where you stand in your relationship to God, I invite you to draw nearer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, the Ultimate Benefactors and Givers of all that is good. I invite you to attend sacrament meeting each week and partake of the holy emblems of the Savior’s body and blood. I invite you to feel God’s nearness as He is made known to you, as He was to the disciples of old, in the 'breaking of [the] bread.'

"As you do, I promise that you will feel nearer to God. Natural tendencies to childish whining, disgruntled entitlement, and derisive skepticism will dissipate. Those sentiments will be replaced by feelings of greater love and gratitude for Heavenly Father’s gift of His Son. As we draw closer to God, the enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ will come into our lives. And, as with the disciples on the way to Emmaus, we will find that the Savior has been nearby all along."

- Dale G. Renlund, "That I Might Draw All Men unto Me," General Conference, April 2016, Saturday morning session
Click here to read the full talk

I thought this talk by Elder Renlund was masterful. He introduced his thoughts with the classic insight once shared by an associate: "The greater the distance between the giver and the receiver, the more the receiver develops a sense of entitlement." That was applied first to the giving of charity, and a review of Church welfare principles. But then it was applied to our relationship with Deity, and the insights were wonderfully beneficial.

This was an invitation to all to "draw near unto" the Savior and our Father in Heaven, and a promise of the blessings that would follow. Some of the specific things Elder Renlund suggested we might do include:

• increase our faith in Him
• make and keep covenants
• have the Holy Ghost with us
• act in faith, responding to the spiritual direction we receive

He suggested that these items share a focal point in the sacrament, which provides a tool to draw us closer to God as we "prepare conscientiously and partake worthily of the sacrament each week."

I love a challenge with a promise—an invitation to be blessed as we accept inspired counsel. The promises listed here are some I very much desire.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
April 22, 2016

Elder Neal A. Maxwell on patient growth and progress in life as we trust God

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.

"In life, the sandpaper of circumstances often smooths our crustiness and patiently polishes our rough edges. There is nothing pleasant about it, however. And the Lord will go to great lengths in order to teach us a particular lesson and to help us to overcome a particular weakness, especially if there is no other way.

"In such circumstances, it is quite useless for us mortals to try to do our own sums when it comes to suffering. We can't make it all add up because clearly we do not have all the numbers. Furthermore, none of us knows much about the algebra of affliction.

"The challenges that come are shaped to our needs and circumstances, sometimes in order to help our weaknesses become strengths. Job noted how tailored his challenges were, saying, 'For the thing which I greatly feared has come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.' (Job 3:25.) Yet he prevailed—so much so that he was held up as a model to the great latter-day prophet, Joseph Smith. (D&C 121.) ...

"Thus, when we are patiently growing and keeping the commandments of God and doing our duties, we are to that extent succeeding, a fact from which we should derive some quiet, inner reassurance.  Knowing that we are in the process of succeeding, even though we have much to do and much to improve upon, can help us to move forward while, at the same time, being 'of good cheer.'"

- Neal A. Maxwell, Notwithstanding My Weakness [Deseret 19981], pp. 67-68

Elder Maxwell's poetic prose and vivid analogies never fail to inspire me. This suggestion of a "divine sandpaper" being used to help smooth our rough edges is a great one. There is someone who identifies the need, and is willing to employ the remedy, even though it may not be gentle.

Are we willing recipients of that "sanding" that occasionally comes in our lives? Do we learn to recognize it for what it is, to rejoice when it comes, and to know that once the process is over we will be "more fit for the kingdom"?

I also appreciated the next analogy.  As mortals, we often "try to do our own sums when it comes to suffering." We want everything to add up, to make sense. But we can't always "do the math" because we don't understand God's perspective. We don't have all the information needed to make sense of the circumstances. We have to learn to trust Him. As we do, "patiently growing" in the process, we can find not only inner peace but much "good cheer" in knowing that God is in charge.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
December 9, 2015

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin on demonstrating love for the Lord

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917-2008) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1986, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles from 1986 until his passing in 2008 at age 91.

"Do you love the Lord?

"Spend time with Him. Meditate on His words. Take His yoke upon you. Seek to understand and obey, because 'this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments' (1 John 5:3). When we love the Lord, obedience ceases to be a burden. Obedience becomes a delight. When we love the Lord, we seek less for things that benefit us and turn our hearts toward things that will bless and uplift others.

"As our love for the Lord deepens, our minds and hearts become purified. We experience a 'mighty change in ... our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually' (Mosiah 5:2).

"Brethren and sisters, as you prayerfully consider what you can do to increase harmony, spirituality, and build up the kingdom of God, consider your sacred duty to teach others to love the Lord and their fellowman. This is the central object of our existence. Without charity—or the pure love of Christ—whatever else we accomplish matters little. With it, all else becomes vibrant and alive."

- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The Great Commandment," Ensign, Nov. 2007, pp. 28-31
Click here to read the full talk

What does it really mean to love the Lord? How is that kind of emotion expressed or manifest in our lives? Elder Wirthlin gives some thought-provoking suggestions.

• "Spend time with Him." If we love someone, we naturally want to do this, We should spend time conversing, listening, feeling.
• "Meditate on His words." Studying and pondering the scriptures and modern inspired teachings should be a natural and pleasant activity.
• "Take His yoke upon you." Try to live, act, and serve as He did and does.
• "Seek to understand and obey." The natural outgrowth of study is the change of behavior as we attempt to conform in our lives to the things He teaches.

Elder Wirthlin's promise is inviting: "As our love for the Lord deepens, our minds and hearts become purified." We become changed people; our hearts and desires are purified. And this second promise is even more glorious: "Without charity—or the pure love of Christ—whatever else we accomplish matters little. With it, all else becomes vibrant and alive."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
May 28, 2016

Elder D. Todd Christofferson on love for God as a motivation for righteousness

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

"There are many places in the scriptures that counsel mankind to fear God. In our day we generally interpret the word fear as 'respect' or 'reverence' or 'love'; that is, the fear of God means the love of God or respect for Him and His law. That may often be a correct reading, but I wonder if sometimes fear doesn't really mean fear, as when the prophets speak of fearing to offend God by breaking His commandments....

"I submit that fear of the Lord, or what Paul calls 'godly fear' (Hebrews 12:28), should be part of our reverence for Him. We should so love and reverence Him that we fear doing anything wrong in His sight, whatever may be the opinions of or pressure from others. Moroni urges us, 'Begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him' (Mormon 9:27).

"Because the world around us generally ignores God, it is easy for us at times to forget that our responsibility to know and do His will is constant. Most do not realize, or do not believe, that in a future day each of us must account to the Lord for his or her life: thoughts, words, and actions. Working out our own salvation with fear and trembling means striving in the decisions and activities of life day by day to prepare what will be a good accounting.

"Having been blessed to receive what we have received, we can advance spiritually as no other people, but we are also at greater risk than any others. We cannot commit the sins they do without coming under a greater condemnation, for if we sin, we sin against a greater light. We cannot trifle with the sacred things committed to our care and be considered innocent as those who know not God.

"God is feeling after us to see if we will prove faithful, and if we have the integrity and sensitivity to honor sacred things, we will receive even more. But if not, our blessings will turn to our condemnation."

- D. Todd Christofferson, "A Sense of the Sacred," CES Fireside, 7 November 2004
Click here to read the full article

Coming to understand our relationship to God is a crucial task for this life. Elder Christofferson mentions feelings we might have for Him, including respect, reverence, and love. But he also discusses the concept of fear — particularly the idea of "fearing to offend God by breaking His commandments." This kind of "godly fear" is really expanded reverence, and is very different from the concept of "fear" that is most common in the world.

All we do should truly, ultimately be motivated by love for God and love for one another. What a powerful concept!

And to those who have greater light and understanding, there is greater responsibility and accountability. Elder Christofferson reminds us that "our responsibility to know and do His will is constant." I appreciate the challenge he offers: "God is feeling after us to see if we will prove faithful, and if we have the integrity and sensitivity to honor sacred things, we will receive even more."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
December 2, 2015

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on God's love for each of us

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (born December 3, 1940) served as Church Commissioner of Education from 1976-1980, as the president of BYU from 1980-1989, as a Seventy from 1989-1994, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1994.

"Jesus did not come to improve God's view of man nearly so much as He came to improve man's view of God and to plead with them to love their Heavenly Father as He has always and will always love them. The plan of God, the power of God, the holiness of God, yes, even the anger and the judgment of God they had occasion to understand. But the love of God, the profound depth of His devotion to His children, they still did not fully know—until Christ came.

"So feeding the hungry, healing the sick, rebuking hypocrisy, pleading for faith—this was Christ showing us the way of the Father, He who is 'merciful and gracious, slow to anger, long-suffering and full of goodness' (Lectures on Faith, 42). In His life and especially in His death, Christ was declaring, 'This is God's compassion I am showing you, as well as that of my own.' In the perfect Son's manifestation of the perfect Father's care, in Their mutual suffering and shared sorrow for the sins and heartaches of the rest of us, we see ultimate meaning in the declaration: 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved' (John 3:16-17).

"I bear personal witness this day of a personal, living God, who knows our names, hears and answers prayers, and cherishes us eternally as children of His spirit. I testify that amidst the wondrously complex tasks inherent in the universe, He seeks our individual happiness and safety above all other godly concerns. We are created in His very image and likeness (see Gen. 1:26-27; Moses 2:26-27), and Jesus of Nazareth, His Only Begotten Son in the flesh, came to earth as the perfect mortal manifestation of His grandeur."

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Grandeur of God," General Conference October 2003
Click here to read the full talk

Elder Holland is a master of hope and encouragement. In this message, he helps us understand our relationship with God, and His enduring love for us.

The key is understanding how the Jesus' mortal experience demonstrated the "profound depth" of God's devotion to His children. Every aspect of the Savior's life showed us "the way of the Father"—"In His life and especially in His death, Christ was declaring, 'This is God's compassion I am showing you, as well as that of my own.'" What a beautiful witness.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
December 3, 2015

President Henry B. Eyring on coping with busy lives by putting God first

President Henry B. Eyring (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. These remarks were part of a CES fireside presented in Moscow, Idaho, on May 6, 2001:

"I realize that there are some, perhaps many, for whom my urging to capture leisure time cuts like a knife. You feel overwhelmed by the lack of time. You have left unfinished tasks in your Church calling. You've carried your scriptures all day but still have not found a moment to open them. There is someone in your family who would be blessed by your thoughtful attention, but you haven't gotten to them yet. You will go to a job tomorrow that barely pays enough to keep food on your table and pay your bills. Rather than finding ways to capture leisure time for learning, you are trying to decide what to leave undone.

"There is another way to look at your problem of crowded time. You can see it as an opportunity to test your faith. The Lord loves you and watches over you. He is all-powerful, and He promised you this: 'But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you' (Matt. 6:33).

"That is a true promise. When we put God's purposes first, He will give us miracles. If we pray to know what He would have us do next, He will multiply the effects of what we do in such a way that time seems to be expanded. He may do it in different ways for each individual, but I know from long experience that He is faithful to His word."

- Henry B. Eyring, "Education for Real Life," CES fireside in Moscow, Idaho, on 6 May 2001; see Ensign, Oct 2002, pp. 14-21
Click here to read the full talk

President Eyring had been encouraging wise use of leisure time in this talk. I love his acknowledgement that "some, perhaps many" feel so overwhelmed by life's challenges that the thought of wise use of free time is far from their minds. I've certainly felt that way, with the "To Do List" growing out of control!

It's so easy to think of those busy periods as our own shortcoming, evidence of poor planning, or even a manifestation of incompetence. Gentle President Eyring asks that we consider them as a trial of faith: will I be willing to turn to God for help? Will I claim the promises of assistance, of magnification, of deliverance?

President Eyring summarizes God's promises to us in a powerful way:

This is a hopeful promise: we truly can pray to receive help, guidance, inspiration, and even miracles in our life. I find especially fascinating the thought that "time seems to be expanded" when we see God intervene in the things we do.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)

April 14, 2015

Elder Richard L. Evans on the role of our loving Father

Elder Richard L. Evans (1906-1971) served as a Seventy from 1938-1953, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  He died in 1971 at age 65.  He was known as "the voice of the Tabernacle Choir" from the beginning of its broadcasts in 1929 until his passing.

"Our Father in heaven is not an umpire who is trying to count us out. He is not a competitor who is trying to outsmart us. He is not a prosecutor who is trying to convict us. He is a Loving Father who wants our happiness and eternal progress and everlasting opportunity and glorious accomplishment, and who will help us all he can if we will but give him, in our lives, the opportunity to do so with obedience and humility and faith and patience.

"God help us to live to have his help, that these things which he has in store for his children, all of whom we are, may be ours."

- Richard L. Evans, General Conference, October 1956; CR pp. 99-101

This is a classic testimony from Elder Evans, given near the conclusion of one of his talks. I love the analogies he provides, first about what Heavenly Father is NOT — a judge, adversary, competitor. We might sometimes view him in that kind of role. But the real power of the quote comes in the description of what our Father truly IS — "He is a Loving Father who wants our happiness and eternal progress and everlasting opportunity and glorious accomplishment." What a beautiful contrast to the worldly view of God!

And then the sweet conditional: God "will help us all he can if we will but give him, in our lives, the opportunity to do so with obedience and humility and faith and patience." In other words, WE have to set the stage through our actions and attitudes; then God, as an eternal, perfectly-loving Father, will step in to bless, sustain, and protect.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
March 23, 2015

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf on qualifying for God's grace

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.

"If Jesus spent His mortal life ministering to 'the least of these' (Matt 25:40), would He not love them today? Is there not a place in His Church for all of God’s children? Even for those who feel unworthy, forgotten, or alone?

"There is no threshold of perfection you must attain in order to qualify for God’s grace. Your prayers do not have to be loud or eloquent or grammatically correct in order to reach heaven.

"In truth, God does not show favoritism (Acts 10:34)—the things the world values mean nothing to Him. He knows your heart, and He loves you regardless of your title, financial net worth, or number of Instagram followers.

"As we incline our hearts to our Heavenly Father and draw near to Him, we will feel Him draw near to us. (See D&C 88:63.)

"We are His beloved children."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Come and Belong," General Conference April 2020, Sunday afternoon

Click here to read or listen to the full talk

In this message, Elder Uchtdorf offered an invitation to all of his listeners, in our varied positions of life, to come to the Savior's church and to come to Him. There are changes each of us could make to grow and improve. Elder Uchtdorf made it clear that the invitation is open to us all—regardless of our worldly qualifications or preparations. 

We do not "qualify for God's grace" by our own achievements. But God truly knows the heart within each of us, and as that heart "inclines" to Him, we will feel Him near to us.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2020)

President Dallin H. Oaks on God's loving kindness to His children

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.

"I am sure you are familiar with our great hymn 'Dearest Children, God Is Near You.' Here is the first verse we all have sung and believed:

"Dearest children, God is near you,
Watching o’er you day and night,
And delights to own and bless you,
If you strive to do what’s right. (Hymns, no. 96.)

"There are two teachings in that verse: First, our Heavenly Father is near us and watches over us day and night. Think of it! God loves us, He is near to us, and He watches over us. Second, He delights to bless us as we 'strive to do what’s right.' What comfort in the midst of our anxieties and difficulties!

"Yes, young women, you are blessed and you are wonderful, but you are like all of Heavenly Father’s children in your need to 'strive to do what’s right.'"

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

President Oaks addressed a good portion of his talk in the women's session of general conference to the young girls in the audience. In this excerpt he encouraged them to be faithful and trust in a loving Heavenly Father, who would in return care for them:

I have always loved the tender message of that hymn "Dearest Children, God Is Near You." It expresses a level of faith and belief that often is more common in the dear children than in the more "seasoned" adults. There is certainly much to ponder in the Savior's admonition that we must "become as little children" (Matthew 18:3) in order to receive His blessings.

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

Elder Ronald A. Rasband on remembering God's love for each of us

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.

"I begin by reminding you that you are a son or daughter of a loving Father in Heaven and that His love remains constant. I know that such reassuring feelings of love are difficult to recall when you are in the midst of personal struggles or trials, disappointments, or broken dreams.

"Jesus Christ knows about fierce struggles and trials. He gave His life for us. His final hours were brutal, beyond anything we can even comprehend, but His sacrifice for each one of us was the ultimate expression of His pure love.

"No mistake, sin, or choice will change God’s love for us. That does not mean sinful conduct is condoned, nor does it remove our obligation to repent when sins are committed. But do not forget, Heavenly Father knows and loves each of you, and He is always ready to help."

- Ronald A. Rasband, "Lest Thou Forget," General Conference October 2016
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

It's a wonderful thing in this life to occasionally have a powerful experience in which we feel God's love for us, personally and directly. Elder Rasband reminds us that His love is constant and consistent, but acknowledges how difficult it may be to feel that love when one is "in the midst of personal struggles or trials, disappointments, or broken dreams." Learning to draw upon stored memories and resources of light and love is a critical skill to develop during our mortal journey.

This is a powerful testimony of hope and encouragement. As we remember this counsel and draw upon the unending love of God for each of us, personally, we will be blessed in all times of our lives, but particularly in those more difficult ones.

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

Elder Orson Pratt on God's eternal role as King

Elder Orson Pratt (1811-1881) was one of the members of the original Quorum of Twelve ordained in 1835.

"God is the King. In him exists all legal authority. He alone has the right of originating a system of government on the earth. He claims this right by virtue of his having made man and the earth he inhabits. Man, therefore, is indebted to God for his own formation and for the formation of the planet on which he dwells. He also claims the right of establishing his government among men, by virtue of his superior wisdom and power.

"If God had sufficient wisdom and power to construct such a beautiful world as this, with all the infinite varieties of vegetables and animals appended to it; if he could form such an intricate and complicated piece of machinery as the human tabernacle as a dwelling place for the human spirit, then we must admit that his wisdom and power are immeasurably greater than that of man, and hence he is qualified to reign as king.

"An order of government, established by such an all-wise, powerful being, must be good and perfect, and must be calculated to promote the permanent peace, happiness, and well-being of all his subjects.

"The great King is a very amiable being, full of benevolence and goodness, and never turns any person away empty, that comes requesting a favor which he sees would be for his benefit."

- Orson Pratt, "The Kingdom of God. Part I" (Liverpool: R. James, Printer, 1848); see "The Essential Orson Pratt" pp. 49-50
Click here to read the full article

Orson Pratt wrote many philosophical and intellectual investigations of the Gospel in the early part of this dispensation. Much of the understanding of the doctrines of the Restoration was still in its infancy, and these kinds of writings helped to expand the understanding of the early Saints as they built upon the foundation established by the revelations and teachings of Joseph Smith. This particular excerpt, which I believe comes from a pamphlet written while Pratt was serving as a missionary in England, explores the theocracy of God's kingdom and what it means for God to be King.

The concluding paragraph is also very insightful: because of God's friendly and benevolent nature (a true Good King), He "never turns any person away empty, that comes requesting a favor which he sees would be for his benefit." Many can testify of the truth of that statement!

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

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf on God's unending love for His children

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.

"As a child, when I would look at the little forget-me-nots, I sometimes felt a little like that flower—small and insignificant. I wondered if I would be forgotten by my family or by my Heavenly Father.

"Years later I can look back on that young boy with tenderness and compassion. And I do know now—I was never forgotten.

"And I know something else: as an Apostle of our Master, Jesus Christ, I proclaim with all the certainty and conviction of my heart—neither are you!

"You are not forgotten.

"Sisters, wherever you are, whatever your circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love.

"Just think of it: You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious Being in the universe! You are loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting time!

"He who created and knows the stars knows you and your name....

"God loves you because you are His child. He loves you even though at times you may feel lonely or make mistakes.

"The love of God and the power of the restored gospel are redemptive and saving. If you will only allow His divine love into your life, it can dress any wound, heal any hurt, and soften any sorrow."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Forget Me Not," General Conference October 2011
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This is one of President Uchtdorf's talks that is worth reviewing regularly. He spoke his words of encouragement and counsel to the sisters of the Church, but the counsel applies equally to brethren; we all need to remember that God has not forgotten nor forsaken us, and never will.

President Uchtdorf testified that God loves us, and will always love us, because we are His creation and His children. Even when we feel lonely or when we know we have made mistakes—perhaps especially at those times—we can be assured that He remembers us, cares for us, and is eager to help and sustain us. We need only allow His divine love into our life!

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

President Howard W. Hunter on the divine sacred gift of agency

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.

"To fully understand this gift of agency and its inestimable worth, it is imperative that we understand that God’s chief way of acting is by persuasion and patience and long-suffering, not by coercion and stark confrontation. He acts by gentle solicitation and by sweet enticement. He always acts with unfailing respect for the freedom and independence that we possess. He wants to help us and pleads for the chance to assist us, but he will not do so in violation of our agency. He loves us too much to do that, and doing so would run counter to his divine character....

"To countermand and ultimately forbid our choices was Satan’s way, not God’s, and the Father of us all simply never will do that. He will, however, stand by us forever to help us see the right path, find the right choice, respond to the true voice, and feel the influence of his undeniable Spirit. His gentle, peaceful, powerful persuasion to do right and find joy will be with us 'so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved.' (Moro. 7:36.)

"Given the freedom to choose, we may, in fact, make wrong choices, bad choices, hurtful choices. And sometimes we do just that, but that is where the mission and mercy of Jesus Christ comes into full force and glory. He has taken upon himself the burden of all the world’s risk. He has provided a mediating atonement for the wrong choices we make. He is our advocate with the Father and has paid, in advance, for the faults and foolishness we often see in the exercise of our freedom. We must accept his gift, repent of those mistakes, and follow his commandments in order to take full advantage of this redemption. The offer is always there; the way is always open. We can always, even in our darkest hour and most disastrous errors, look to the Son of God and live."

- Howard W. Hunter, "The Golden Thread of Choice," General Conference October 1989
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This is a beautiful description by President Hunter of how he envisions the relationship between God and man. This understanding is key to our comprehension of the precious gift of agency:

President Hunter's continuing emphasis on God's love is so beautiful. He loves us completely and will "stand by us forever to help us see the right path, find the right choice, respond to the true voice, and feel the influence of his undeniable Spirit. His gentle, peaceful, powerful persuasion to do right."

But yet, we often falter and make wrong choices. The great plan of agency accounts for our human frailties, offering "a mediating atonement for the wrong choices we make." President Hunter's testimony of that gift is reassuring and inspiring!

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

Elder Neal A. Maxwell on the life process of trusting God

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.

"The object is for our wills to be finally 'swallowed up in the will of the Father' (Mosiah 15:7), eventually bringing to us the joys gladly given by the Father and constituting 'all that He hath' (Genesis 24:36). In a very real sense, therefore, what we can take now foretells what He can give later! This reality should be kept firmly in mind as we understandably pray for relief from short-term stress or long-term trauma. We would, if we could, put periods, if not exclamation points, where God is content to put commas in the process.

"Either way, the 'process of time' is needed to facilitate our incremental improvement (Moses 7:21). Therein, individual increments of personal improvement are often scarcely discernable by themselves, yet the cumulative process moves us ever closer to Home.

"Successfully traversed, the individual Sinais of stretching can facilitate our developing and better emulating Christlike attributes. Along with receiving His ordinances and keeping our covenants with Him, each of these attributes also certifies our eventual admissibility to the celestial kingdom.

"Hence, the stretching trek requires deep faith in God's existence, deep faith in God's purposes, and also deep faith in His timing. The latter is sometimes most difficult to develop, yet 'the cross comes before the crown.'"

- Neal A. Maxwell. The Promise of Discipleship [Deseret 2001], p. 36

Perhaps among the great purposes of this mortal experience is the need for us to learn to trust God completely and perfectly. The beautiful phrase used in Abinadi's description and witness, "the will of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the Father," helps us understand that process. Eventually, as we come to truly trust Him, we'll understand that it's not about what I want, but it's about what He wants for me.

We must learn to use "the process of time" to gradually draw nearer to that perfect understanding. Those small and steady "increments of personal improvement" are the essence of eternal progress. They are the steps in developing the "Christlike attributes" that prepare us to return to Him as we learn to have faith in His timing.

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

Elder D. Todd Christofferson on knowledge of God's existence

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

"Misunderstanding God’s justice and mercy is one thing; denying God’s existence or supremacy is another, but either will result in our achieving less—sometimes far less—than our full, divine potential. A God who makes no demands is the functional equivalent of a God who does not exist. A world without God, the living God who establishes moral laws to govern and perfect His children, is also a world without ultimate truth or justice. It is a world where moral relativism reigns supreme."

- D. Todd Christofferson, "Free Forever, to Act for Themselves," General Conference, October 2014
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This was a classic talk by Elder Christofferson on the nature and importance of agency in God's eternal plan for us. In this section, he is commenting on the trend in the world today of denying God's existence or involvement in man's affairs; there is danger in failing to acknowledge "God's existence or supremacy." Furthermore, we must recognize that God gives instructions and commandments for a reason:

Not only do we need the idea of God's existence in our world to function well, we need a correct understanding of His role and involvement in our lives. He is eager to give instructions and guidance to help us live happily and successfully!

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

Elder Robert D. Hales on the importance of knowing God

Elder Robert D. Hales (August 24, 1932-October 1, 2017) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1985, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

"As prophesied, we live in a time when the darkness of secularism is deepening around us. Belief in God is widely questioned and even attacked in the name of political, social, and even religious causes. Atheism, or the doctrine that there is no God, is fast spreading across the world.

"Even so, as members of the restored Church of Jesus Christ, we declare that 'we believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.' (Articles of Faith 1:1)

"Some wonder, why is belief in God so important? Why did the Savior say, 'And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent'? (John 17:3; emphasis added.)

"Without God, life would end at the grave and our mortal experiences would have no purpose. Growth and progress would be temporary, accomplishment without value, challenges without meaning. There would be no ultimate right and wrong and no moral responsibility to care for one another as fellow children of God. Indeed, without God, there would be no mortal or eternal life."

- Robert D. Hales, "Seeking to Know God, Our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ," General Conference October 2009
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Do you believe in God? Does it matter in today's world? Elder Hales warns that we live in a world that is increasingly dark and secular, where belief in God is widely questioned. So why does it matter? He testifies:

To understand why belief in God matters, Elder Hales suggests we consider the implications of not believing in Him, or of God not existing. We may live a life of blissful ignorance; but in reality, that life exists only because God exists, and the chance for true happiness depends on accepting and trusting Him.

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

President Henry B. Eyring on staying close to God

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.

"We need to feel now that God knows us and loves us as individuals. There are times you have felt the closeness of God, your Father, and that you are his child. Those times can come more often. There is a simple way to think about it.

"If you want to stay close to someone who has been dear to you, but from whom you are separated, you know how to do it. You would find a way to speak to them, you would listen to them, and you would discover ways to do things for each other. The more often that happened, the longer it went on, the deeper would be the bond of affection. If much time passed without the speaking, the listening, and the doing, the bond would weaken.

"God is perfect and omnipotent, and you and I are mortal. But he is our Father, he loves us, and he offers the same opportunity to draw closer to him as would a loving friend. And you will do it in much the same way: speaking, listening, and doing."

- Henry B. Eyring, "To Draw Closer to God," General Conference April 1991
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

The opening statement of this excerpt is important: we must know of God's love for us and feel its influence. And the way to feel that more strongly and more frequently is clear. President Eyring shares an analogy that is profound, but simple and obvious: just as we must follow steps to stay close to those we love in this life, we must follow similar steps to create and retain a nurturing relationship with our Heavenly Father.

So we must learn to speak, to listen, and to do as we nurture our relationship with God. President Eyring describes aspects of those activities in the article, and it's a worthwhile review of fundamental counsel. It's always impressive how great the promises and the blessings are when we perform the basic actions of a disciple!

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