Elder John A. Widtsoe on finding peace in a troubled world

Elder John A. Widtsoe (1872-1952) was born in Norway. He was raised by his widowed mother who immigrated to Utah when John was 11. He was educated at Harvard and in Europe, and had formative roles in programs in several Utah universities including BYU. He served as an apostle from 1921 to his death in 1952.

"Peace upon earth is not to be established by Congress or Parliament, or by a group of international representatives. Peace is not a thing that can be taken on, then taken off again, as we do a piece of clothing. Peace is quite different from that. Peace cannot be legislated into existence. It is not the way to lasting peace upon earth. That, every man here understands.

"Remember, the Savior Himself tried to point that out to us, for when he spoke to his disciples and said, 'Peace I give unto you, peace I leave with you,' He added, 'Not as the world giveth, give I unto you' (John 14:27).

"Peace comes from within; peace is myself, if I am a truly peaceful man. The very essence of me must be the spirit of peace. Individuals make up the community, and the nation—an old enough doctrine, which we often overlook—and the only way to build a peaceful community is to build men and women who are lovers and makers of peace. Each individual, by that doctrine of Christ and His Church, holds in his own hands the peace of the world.

"That makes me responsible for the peace of the world, and makes you individually responsible for the peace of the world. The responsibility cannot be shifted to someone else. It cannot be placed upon the shoulders of Congress or Parliament, or any other organization of men with governing authority.

"I wonder if the Lord did not have that in mind when he said: '...the kingdom of God is within you' (Luke 17:21), or perhaps we should re-emphasize it and say: 'The kingdom of God is within you.' ...

"If a man but conform to, if he be in harmony with, eternal law, peace will be his. That is a simple formula which refers to body, mind, and spirit, and to our neighbors. If I obey the physical laws of the body, physical peace will be mine. If I obey the laws of mental health, I shall be mentally at peace. If I obey the spiritual laws which God has given, I shall likewise find peace, the highest peace. If I love my neighbors, even as I love myself and my God, and all men do the same, there will be complete social peace. Such obedience can be yielded; such harmony can be won. It has been done by men; it can be done again. Such harmony with law lies at the foundation of the problem of our searching and reaching out for peace in our troubled world."

- John A. Widtsoe, "The Nature of Peace," Conference Report, October 1943, pp. 112-116
Click here to read the full talk

What is peace? Where does it come from? Elder Widtsoe gave this address in 1943, as the world was in the midst of World War II. He spoke of the hope for resolution of the conflict, and how it might be obtained through diplomacy or negotiations. But he believed such a peace would never last; you can't legislate lasting peace. True peace comes as men turn to the doctrine of Christ, and can only come about as we individually create peace in our own life:

I appreciated Elder Widtsoe's further analysis of the process, describing actions that lead to desired results:

• Obedience of the body's physical laws 🡲 physical peace
• Obedience to laws of mental health 🡲 mental peace
• Obedience to God's spiritual laws 🡲 the highest peace
• Loving neighbors as self and God 🡲 social peace

Different aspects of peace come to us in different ways, but they come when we choose to invite them into our life through our actions and agency.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
January 31, 2017

Elder John A. Widtsoe the sacred work of temples and divine help that will come

Elder John A. Widtsoe (1872-1952) was born in Norway. He was raised by his widowed mother who immigrated to Utah when John was 11. He was educated at Harvard and in Europe, and had formative roles in programs in several Utah universities including BYU. He served as an apostle from 1921 to his death in 1952.

"Sometimes we forget the greatness of this work. It is a glorious thought that you and I, ordinary men, may do work upon earth that will be, is, recognized in heaven; that we may be as saviors to those who have gone before us into the unseen world. The Lord came upon earth and, in our behalf, in behalf of the whole race of God's children, did work which will bring us eternal life and joy and blessings. So, in a humbler manner may we, each one of us, do work for the dead that will bless them eternally, if they accept our service. We, also, may become saviors — 'saviors on Mount Zion.' That is a glorious thought that should remain in the minds of Latter-day Saints. It certifies to the claim that mankind are equally the children of God. It extends the doctrine of brotherhood to the whole human race.

"The Savior gave of Himself, gave His very life that we might live. To sacrifice that others might be blessed was His word, His work, His life. Sacrifice is the evidence of true love. Without sacrifice love is not manifest. Without sacrifice there is no real love, or kindness.... We love no one unless we sacrifice for him. We can measure the degree of love that we possess for any man or cause, by the sacrifice we make for him or it.

"As the Lord gave His life to prove His love for His brethren and sisters, the human race, we may show the spirit of love more vigorously than we have done if we will make the small sacrifices necessary to seek out our genealogies, to spend time and money for the work, to take time to go to the temple ourselves for the dead. All such service may entail sacrifice, but sacrifice lifts us toward the likeness of God, the likeness of our Elder Brother Jesus Christ. If we Latter-day Saints have any great ideal, it is that of our Elder Brother. All that we strive for, and all that we have fought for, and all that we pray for, is to become more and more like Him as our days and years increase. As He gave His life, unselfishly for us, so each of us, extending the open door of salvation to the dead, most of whom are but names to us, may then by our unselfishness, claim in very deed to be followers of Christ.

"Temple work, in form and substance, reflects the fundamental principles and thoughts belonging to the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. We must dig deeply to taste the sweetness of the gospel. We cannot merely move about on the surface to secure the full gift of the Lord's plan of salvation. Deep down in the eternal realities, of which temple work is one, lies the real meaning, message, and blessing of the gospel.

"These are trying days, in which Satan rages, at home and abroad, hard days, evil and ugly days. We stand helpless as it seems before them. We need help. We need strength. Perhaps if we would do our work in behalf of those of the unseen world who hunger and pray for the work we can do for them, the unseen world would in return give us help in the day of our urgent need. There are more in that other world than there are here. There is more power and strength there than we have here upon this earth. We have but a trifle, and that trifle is taken from the immeasurable power of God. We shall make no mistake in become collaborators in the Lord's mighty work for human redemption."

- John A. Widtsoe, in Conference Report, Apr. 1943, p. 39; see "The Way of Salvation," Improvement Era, May 1943, 277-79
Click here to read the full talk (search for "fellow-workers")

Elder Widtsoe gave us some of our most helpful and inspiring insights into temple worship and service—it was a cause he was deeply supportive of and spoke about frequently. This is a marvelous address with many insights, worth reviewing in careful detail. Some insights that touched me:

• The Savior's work on earth was born from His love and sacrifice on our behalf. We join in His work of salvation, becoming "saviors on Mount Zion," as we participate in genealogical and temple work
• Sacrifice is a divine principle that brings blessings, and is the way love for others is manifest. If we truly love others, we will sacrifice on their behalf.
• We can make small sacrifices of time and money for research, and then for temple service, to help bring to pass great things
• As we sacrifice and serve, we become more like the Savior; "sacrifice lifts us toward the likeness of God."
• When we are serving in this way, we will find ourselves deep down in the essence of the gospel, and not skimming the surface

And then this thought was particularly inspiring:

When Elder Widtsoe spoke these words, the world was in the midst of a global war; certainly they were "trying days" fill of "evil and ugly" things.  But our times are no less trying, and our need for help from the eternal world is no less critical. This is a beautiful promise. It doesn't just mean that we will have help in doing our genealogical research or temple service, but that help can come in all areas of our lives. Why would we not rush to claim that blessing?

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder John A. Widtsoe on personal resolutions for life

Elder John A. Widtsoe (1872-1952) was born in Norway. He was raised by his widowed mother who immigrated to Utah when John was 11. He was educated at Harvard and in Europe, and had formative roles in programs in several Utah universities including BYU. He served as an apostle from 1921 to his death in 1952.

On January 2, 1891, as a 19-year-old emigrant from Norway, a young John Widtsoe pondered his life to that point and then penned these words that would set the standard for the rest of his life:

"As I have come to fully realize; that, I am as weak as all other mortals—perhaps weaker than many; and realizing that happiness in life is only obtained by having a pure heart, a clear conscience; and fearing the Lord and keeping his commandments; also as I realize that happiness in old age consists of reviewing a life devoid from great sins; the gratification of noble desires manfully carried out; and finding that my life up to this time has not been as I should like it to have been: I lay down the following regulations by which I shall try to conduct my life hereafter; to which end may the Lord Almighty, my Creator, help me.

"Resolved:
"1st. That religion, the science of sciences, be made my chief concernment throughout life.
"2nd. That I will daily pray to God in secret.
"3rd. That I will daily reflect upon God and his attributes and try to become like him.
"4th. That I will receive Light, Wisdom or Knowledge, wherever or however it may be offered.
"5th. That I never be ashamed to acknowledge my principles, beliefs and religion when I once become fully convinced of their correctness.
"6th. That I never lose one moment of time but improve it.
"7th. That I maintain strict temperance in eating and drinking.
"8th. That I never do anything that I would not do were it the last hour of my life.
"9th. That I daily read the word of God, that I may learn his will and that I may be comforted, strengthened and encouraged by so doing.
"10th. That in any narrations I speak nothing but the pure and simple verity.
"11th. That I always do that which I think is my duty and for the best good for my fellow beings.
"12th. That I live with all my might while I do live, that I may not die a living death.
"13th. That I never by word or manner try to force my opinions on others but that I simply state them and offer my arguments against others!
"14th. That I seek to overcome the habit of being quick tempered, loud speaking, impatient motions and whatever might offend my fellowmen and hurt me.
"15th. That I never for a moment forget my duty towards my mother, she who has made me who I am and who will make what I will become, she who has spent the better portion of her life in my behalf and to whom I owe all the honor, respect, and affection that I can give; also that I always remember my duties toward my brother and all my friends and relations.
"16th. That I complete every task which I begin; also that I carefully consider my purpose and its results before taking upon me any duty.
"17th. That I always remember that the men and women I meet are my brothers and sisters and that I look to the beam in my own eye before attempting to remove the mote in my fellow’s eye."

- John A. Widtsoe, recorded January 2, 1891; quoted in G. Homer Durham, "Faith, The Greater Knowledge," New Era, August 1978, pp. 4-6

It is remarkable to consider that these resolutions came from a relatively immature 19-year-old young man. But even more remarkable is to consider how his commitment to these principles led to a life of significant achievement in many ways—intellectually and spiritually. He begins by recognizing the source of true happiness in life:

Many of the items in this list of resolutions contain "normal" or expected items, such as establishing habits of regular prayer and meditation, studying God's word, faithfulness in obedience, and service to others. Beyond that, several of the less-common phrases used by Elder Widtsoe impressed me:

• "8th. That I never do anything that I would not do were it the last hour of my life." This is an interesting way to establish priority and value, and to maintain focus on things that matter most.
• "12th. That I live with all my might while I do live, that I may not die a living death." Live with enthusiasm and eagerness for your whole life; don't ever "die a living death" by fading slowly away.
• "15th. That I never for a moment forget my duty towards my mother." This was the longest item of the list, but showed the loving dedication this young man felt for his widowed mother who had sacrificed much for him. He fulfilled this commitment.

It's fascinating to consider this list. It's even more fascinating to try to write one for ourselves, regardless of our position in life (young and eager with a whole life ahead, or older and more experienced).

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

Elder John A. Widtsoe on giving gifts to the Lord and others

Elder John A. Widtsoe (1872-1952) was born in Norway. He was raised by his widowed mother who immigrated to Utah when John was 11. He was educated at Harvard and in Europe, and had formative roles in programs in several Utah universities including BYU. He served as an apostle from 1921 to his death in 1952.

"How can we give to the Lord? What shall we give to him? Every kind word to our own, every help given them, is as a gift to God, whose chief concern is the welfare of his children. Every gentle deed to our neighbor, every kindness to the poor and suffering, is a gift to the Lord, before whom all mankind are equal. Every conformity to the Lord’s plan of salvation—and this is of first importance—is a direct gift to God, for thereby we fit ourselves more nearly for our divinely planned destiny.

"The desire and the effort to give to the Lord, born of the surrender of man to the plan of salvation, stamp every Christmas gift with genuine value. They who identify themselves with the plan, who do not resist it, who earnestly seek to tread the path of the plan, are true givers to the Lord, and their gifts to men come with the flavor of heaven. The Lord and his plan must have place in our Christmas celebration....

"Would it not be well this Christmas to give first to the Lord, directly through obedience, sacrifice, and love, and then to give to him indirectly through gifts to friends and those in need as well as to our own? Should we do this, perhaps many of us would discover a new Christmas joy."

- John A. Widtsoe, "The Gifts of Christmas," The Improvement Era, vol. 38 [1935], p. 752; reprinted in Ensign, December 1972, p. 4
Click here to read the full talk

This is a fascinating short talk by Elder Widtsoe—I recommend following the link and reading the full article. He encourages us to ponder the act of gift-giving, and particularly to think about how our gifts to one another can demonstrate our love for the Lord. Since He cares so deeply for each of His children, any act of kindness or service we render to others is also an act of kindness towards Him. More importantly, every act of obedience to God is a "direct gift to God" as we thereby grow and prepare to serve more completely.

This final paragraph is a beautiful summary of Elder Widtsoe's philosophy. First, we give directly to God as we show love, sacrifice, and obedience; then we give indirectly to Him as we offer our loving contributions to one another. Through this process, we truly "discover a new Christmas joy."

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

Elder John A. Widtsoe on choices between good options in life

Elder John A. Widtsoe (1872-1952) was born in Norway. He was raised by his widowed mother who immigrated to Utah when John was 11. He was educated at Harvard and in Europe, and had formative roles in programs in several Utah universities including BYU. He served as an apostle from 1921 to his death in 1952.

"In life all must choose at times. Sometimes, two possibilities are good; neither is evil. Usually, however, one is of greater import than the other. When in doubt, each must choose that which concerns the good of others—the greater law—rather than that which chiefly benefits ourselves—the lesser law. The greater must be chosen whether it be law or thing. That was the choice made in Eden."

- John A. Widtsoe, Evidences and Reciliations 2:78

Elder Widtsoe was one of the formative thinkers of his generation; with works like A Rational Theology and Evidences and Reconciliations he provided many thoughtful insights into our doctrine. In this example he considers a fact that has been echoed by many leaders since—the choices that we make between options that aren't always between good and evil:

That last sentence is also very significant. This was, I think, probably the first time Eve's actions in the Garden of Eden were presented in this way, not as a tragic catastrophe but as a choice of a greater good. We can all be grateful for that example!

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

Elder John A. Widtsoe on our sacred partnership with the Lord

Elder John A. Widtsoe (1872-1952) was born in Norway. He was raised by his widowed mother who immigrated to Utah when John was 11. He was educated at Harvard and in Europe, and had formative roles in programs in several Utah universities including BYU. He served as an apostle from 1921 to his death in 1952.

"In our preexistent state, in the day of the great council, we made a certain agreement with the Almighty. The Lord proposed a plan, conceived by him. We accepted it. Since the plan is intended for all men, we become parties to the salvation of every person under that plan. We agreed, right then and there, to be not only saviors for ourselves, but measurably, saviors for the whole human family. We went into a partnership with the Lord. The working out of the plan became then not merely the Father’s work, and the Savior’s work, but also our work. The least of us, the humblest, is in partnership with the Almighty in achieving the purpose of the eternal plan of salvation.

"That places us in a very responsible attitude towards the human race. By that doctrine, with the Lord at the head, we become saviors on Mount Zion, all committed to the great plan of offering salvation to the untold numbers of spirits. To do this is the Lord’s self-imposed duty, this great labor his highest glory. Likewise, it is man’s duty, self-imposed, his pleasure and joy, his labor, and ultimately his glory."

- John A. Widtsoe, “The Worth of Souls,” Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, Oct. 1934, 189; or Millennial Star, March 1, 1934, 9:96:181
Click here to read the full article

Elder Widtsoe spoke and wrote insightfully about temple worship (see "John A. Widtsoe on the sacred blessings of the temple"). The current excerpt gives further insight to the work of the temples and the efforts we can make to provide saving ordinances for those who have passed on. Elder Widtsoe teaches us that we have a sacred obligation to work, in "partnership with the Lord," on behalf of our kindred dead:

I love the thought that we have a role as saviors for ourselves, but also "saviors for the whole human family." Through that great plan of salvation, the Father's work, the Savior's work, became our work. As we research our ancestors and then perform vicarious ordinances on their behalf, we truly do become saviors on Mount Zion on their behalf. And when a man or woman grasps the eternal significance of that work, it becomes, not just a duty, but "his pleasure and joy, his labor, and ultimately his glory."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

Elder John A. Widtsoe on finding peace in a troubled world

Elder John A. Widtsoe (1872-1952) was born in Norway. He was raised by his widowed mother who immigrated to Utah when John was 11. He was educated at Harvard and in Europe, and had formative roles in programs in several Utah universities including BYU. He served as an apostle from 1921 to his death in 1952.

"Peace upon earth is not to be established by Congress or Parliament, or by a group of international representatives. Peace is not a thing that can be taken on, then taken off again, as we do a piece of clothing. Peace is quite different from that. Peace cannot be legislated into existence. It is not the way to lasting peace upon earth. That, every man here understands.

"Remember, the Savior Himself tried to point that out to us, for when he spoke to his disciples and said, 'Peace I give unto you, peace I leave with you,' He added, 'Not as the world giveth, give I unto you' (John 14:27).

"Peace comes from within; peace is myself, if I am a truly peaceful man. The very essence of me must be the spirit of peace. Individuals make up the community, and the nation—an old enough doctrine, which we often overlook—and the only way to build a peaceful community is to build men and women who are lovers and makers of peace. Each individual, by that doctrine of Christ and His Church, holds in his own hands the peace of the world.

"That makes me responsible for the peace of the world, and makes you individually responsible for the peace of the world. The responsibility cannot be shifted to someone else. It cannot be placed upon the shoulders of Congress or Parliament, or any other organization of men with governing authority.

"I wonder if the Lord did not have that in mind when he said: '...the kingdom of God is within you' (Luke 17:21), or perhaps we should re-emphasize it and say: 'The kingdom of God is within you.' ...

"If a man but conform to, if he be in harmony with, eternal law, peace will be his. That is a simple formula which refers to body, mind, and spirit, and to our neighbors. If I obey the physical laws of the body, physical peace will be mine. If I obey the laws of mental health, I shall be mentally at peace. If I obey the spiritual laws which God has given, I shall likewise find peace, the highest peace. If I love my neighbors, even as I love myself and my God, and all men do the same, there will be complete social peace. Such obedience can be yielded; such harmony can be won. It has been done by men; it can be done again. Such harmony with law lies at the foundation of the problem of our searching and reaching out for peace in our troubled world."

- John A. Widtsoe, "The Nature of Peace," Conference Report, October 1943, pp. 112-116
Click here to read the full talk

What is peace? Where does it come from? Elder Widtsoe gave this address in 1943, as the world was in the midst of World War II. He spoke of the hope for resolution of the conflict, and how it might be obtained through diplomacy or negotiations. But he believed such a peace would never last; you can't legislate lasting peace. True peace comes as men turn to the doctrine of Christ, and can only come about as we individually create peace in our own life:

I appreciated Elder Widtsoe's further analysis of the process, describing actions that lead to desired results:

• Obedience of the body's physical laws 🡲 physical peace
• Obedience to laws of mental health 🡲 mental peace
• Obedience to God's spiritual laws 🡲 the highest peace
• Loving neighbors as self and God 🡲 social peace

Different aspects of peace come to us in different ways, but they come when we choose to invite them into our life through our actions and agency.

Elder John A. Widtsoe on perspective in giving of Christmas gifts

Elder John A. Widtsoe (1872-1952) was born in Norway. He was raised by his widowed mother who immigrated to Utah when John was 11. He was educated at Harvard and in Europe, and had formative roles in programs in several Utah universities including BYU. He served as an apostle from 1921 to his death in 1952.

"Christmas gifts should be in memory of the divine gift, the life of Jesus Christ. His gift gave us eternal life: our gifts should enliven with joy those who receive. His gift was the sacrifice of his earthly life: our gifts should represent personal sacrifices on our part.

"It is easy to give to our own, those whom we love. Their gladness becomes our joy. We are not quite so ready to give to others, even if they are in need, for their happiness does not seem so necessary to our happiness. It appears yet more difficult to give to the Lord, for we are prone to believe that he must give and ask nothing in return.

"We have foolishly reversed the proper order. Our first gift at Christmas should be to the Lord; next to the friend or stranger by our gate; then, surcharged with the effulgence from such giving, we would enhance the value of our gifts to our very own. A selfish gift leaves a scar upon the soul, and it is but half a gift."

- John A. Widtsoe, "The Gifts of Christmas," Ensign, December 1972, p. 4
Click here to read the full talk

This was a beautiful article written by an apostle not many of us remember today. I love how Elder Widtsoe invites us to ponder our motivation in gift-giving; in reality, we are emulating the eternal gift of the Savior as He gave His life for us. So in the process of gift-giving, we might think about those who need the gifts most, and what our "personal sacrifices" might mean to them.

As we share gifts with others and consider our motives for doing so, Elder Widtsoe teaches that we can find increasing "effulgence" (brightness or intensity) as we discover the proper motivation. We might remember the warning written by Mormon many centuries ago: "For behold, if a man being evil giveth a gift, he doeth it grudgingly; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God." (Moroni 7:8)

John A. Widtsoe on the sacred blessings of the temple

Elder John A. Widtsoe (January 31, 1872-November 29, 1952) was born in Norway. He was raised by his widowed mother who immigrated to Utah when John was 11. He was educated at Harvard and in Europe, and had formative roles in programs in several Utah universities including BYU. He served as an apostle from 1921 to his death in 1952.

"The temple is a place of instruction. Here the principles of the gospel are reviewed, and profound truths of the kingdom of God are unfolded. If we enter the temple in the right spirit and are attentive, we go out enriched in gospel knowledge and wisdom.

"The temple is a place of peace. Here we may lay aside the cares and worries of the outside, turbulent world. Here our minds should be centered upon spiritual realities, since here we are concerned only with things of the spirit.

"The temple is a place of covenants, which will help us live righteously. Here we declare that we will obey the laws of God and promise to use the precious knowledge of the gospel for our own blessing and the good of man. The simple ceremonies help us to go out from the temple with the high resolve to lead lives worthy of the gifts of the gospel.

"The temple is a place of blessing. Promises are made to us, conditioned only upon our faithfulness, which extend from time to eternity. They will help us to understand the nearness of our heavenly parents. The power of the priesthood is thus given us in new and large measures....

"The temple is a place of revelation. The Lord may here give revelation, and every person may receive revelation to assist him in life. All knowledge, all help come from the Lord, directly or indirectly. Though He may not be there in person, He is there by His Holy Spirit and by earthly men holding the priesthood. By that Spirit they direct the Lord's work here on earth. Every person who enters this sacred place in faith and prayer will find help in the solution of life's problems.

"It is good to be in the temple, the house of the Lord, a place of priesthood instruction, of peace, of covenants, of blessings, and of revelation. Gratitude for this privilege and an eager desire to possess the spirit of the occasion should overflow in our hearts."

- John A. Widtsoe, "Looking toward the Temple," Improvement Era, October 1962; see Ensign, Feb. 2010, pp. 36-38
Click here to read the full article

Elder Widtsoe loved the temples and understood their potential to bless; he wrote several profound articles about their significance and power in the lives of saints. I love the purposes and blessings of the temples he lays out in this excerpt; he truly had personal insight into the benefits that come from devoted temple worship.

It's good to note the stated and implied conditions to receiving all the blessings of the temple:

• we must go in the right spirit and be attentive
• we should focus our minds on "spiritual realities" and leave the world behind
• we are invited to live lives in accordance with covenants made
• we receive blessings "conditioned only upon our faithfulness"
• revelation will come to those who are open and worthy

That's a good list for self-evaluation in our personal temple experiences.