President Russell M. Nelson on the power of temple worship

President Russell M. Nelson (b. 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, and was serving in that quorum when he shared this message. He was set apart as president of the Quorum of Twelve on July 15, 2015, and then as president of the Church on January 14, 2018.

"The adversary never sleeps. There will always be opposition to the truth. I repeat my urging from this morning to do those things that will increase your positive spiritual momentum, that lift Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf was talking about, that will keep you moving forward through whatever challenges and opportunities come.

"Positive spiritual momentum increases as we worship in the temple and grow in our understanding of the magnificent breadth and depth of the blessings we receive there. I plead with you to counter worldly ways by focusing on the eternal blessings of the temple. Your time there brings blessings for eternity."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Now is the Time," General Conference April 2022 Sunday afternoon

Click here to read or listen to the full discourse

President Nelson's closing remarks for the April 2022 General Conference included a challenge to act now on the things that will make a difference in our "positive spiritual momentum." In our complicated and challenging world, ensuring that we truly do have positive momentum is critical! Before the traditional announcement of new temples to be built, President Nelson spoke about how temple worship can bless our lives:

We can "counter worldly ways" when we focus more of our time and attention on the Lord's temples. Serving and worshipping in the temple not only aids our daily lives, but "brings blessings for eternity." If we truly listen to the words of the Lord through the prophet, we will think carefully about our dedication to temple worship!

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

Elder D. Todd Christofferson on God's promises to us

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

"It truly is folly for us with our mortal myopia to presume to judge God, to think, for example, 'I’m not happy, so God must be doing something wrong.' To us, His mortal children in a fallen world, who know so little of past, present, and future, He declares, 'All things are present with me, for I know them all' (Moses 1:6). Jacob wisely cautions: 'Seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works' (Jacob 4:10).

"Some misunderstand the promises of God to mean that obedience to Him yields specific outcomes on a fixed schedule. They might think, 'If I diligently serve a full-time mission, God will bless me with a happy marriage and children' or 'If I refrain from doing schoolwork on the Sabbath, God will bless me with good grades' or 'If I pay tithing, God will bless me with that job I’ve been wanting.' If life doesn’t fall out precisely this way or according to an expected timetable, they may feel betrayed by God. But things are not so mechanical in the divine economy. We ought not to think of God’s plan as a cosmic vending machine where we (1) select a desired blessing, (2) insert the required sum of good works, and (3) the order is promptly delivered.

"God will indeed honor His covenants and promises to each of us. We need not worry about that. The atoning power of Jesus Christ—who descended below all things and then ascended on high and who possesses all power in heaven and in earth—ensures that God can and will fulfill His promises. It is essential that we honor and obey His laws, but not every blessing predicated on obedience to law is shaped, designed, and timed according to our expectations. We do our best but must leave to Him the management of blessings, both temporal and spiritual."

- D. Todd Christofferson, "Our Relationship with God," General Conference April 2022, Saturday morning

Click here to read or listen to the full discourse

It's easy to fall into the trap that we can claim blessings by defining our level of obedience. We are sometimes tempted to set conditions for God - if I do "x" then I expect "y" - and when it doesn't happen quite as we plan, we can question God. But we should really question ourselves in that scenario! It's a pretty low quality of motivation when we will only obey if we get a blessing in return.

Elder Christofferson clarifies the principle. Obedience does bring blessings; but not according to our conditions, nor our timetable:

I appreciated his description of "a cosmic vending machine" of blessings that sometimes seems to be our mental model. Instead, we just need to learn to trust God - both His wisdom and His timetable. All will be well in the end.

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

President M. Russell Ballard on the blessings of missionary service

President M. Russell Ballard (born October 8, 1928) was called as a Seventy in 1976, and has served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1985. He became acting president of the Twelve in January 2018.

"The Lord knows you. When you are serving your mission, you will have experiences that will help you come to know Him better. You will grow spiritually in serving Him. In His name, you will be sent on errands to serve others. He will give you experiences with promptings from the Holy Ghost. The Lord will authorize you to teach in His name. You can show Him that He can trust you and can rely on you....

"As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, I now call upon you young men—and those young women who desire to serve a mission—to begin right now to talk with your parents about serving a mission. I also invite you to talk with your friends about serving a mission, and if one of your friends is not sure about serving, encourage them to talk with their bishop.

"Commit to yourselves and to your Heavenly Father that you will serve a mission and that from this time forward you will strive to keep your hearts, hands, and minds clean and worthy. I invite you to gain a solid testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ."

- M. Russell Ballard, "Missionary Service Blessed My Life Forever," General Conference April 2022, Saturday morning

Click here to read or listen to the full article

President Ballard spoke fondly and personally about missionary service, including his own personal experiences. He reminded us of some of the dramatic changes of the past, including the lowering of the minimum age for service ten years ago. Even during the pandemic, dramatic advances were made in the use of technology.

But the real power of the message for me was in discussing the powerful personal blessings that come to those who serve:

I believe those blessings apply to youth missionaries; but also to seniors who take advantage of the opportunity to serve!

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

Elder Marvin J. Ashton on perspective and sensitivity in our accomplishments

Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915-1994) served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles from 1971 until his death in 1994 at age 78.

"How easy it is for man to believe that temporal success has been achieved by his own skills and labor. Everything good comes from the Lord.

"Consideration for the feelings of others should always be important to worthy Latter-day Saints. Rightfully we may be happy about the number of children with which we have been blessed, the missionaries who have served, the temple marriages of our offspring, and the accomplishments of family members; but others who are not so fortunate may have feelings of guilt or inadequacy. They may have been praying long and hard for the same blessings about which we are boasting. These people may feel that they are out of favor with God.

"For this reason our appreciation should be sincerely felt and gratitude expressed frequently to our Father in Heaven—but not too vocally to the world.

"May we all be gratefully aware of the source of our blessings and strengths and refrain from taking undue credit for personal accomplishments.

"Oftentimes when we dwell on where we have been and where we are now, and what we have now spiritually or financially, we can create resentment rather than respect.

"Boasting, whether it be done innocently or otherwise, is not good. Too frequently it creates an impression of more interest in self than in others."

- Marvin J. Ashton, "Neither Boast of Faith Nor of Mighty Works," Ensign, May 1990, p. 65
Click here to read the full article

Many years ago, not long before this conference talk was given, I attended a stake conference in Colorado at which Elder Ashton presided. One of the speakers in the meeting was a woman who was obviously very proud of her accomplished husband and her large family, and their many wonderful achievements; she spoke at some length about the joy of her family's successes.

When it was Elder Ashton's turn to speak, he gave a gentle but firm rebuke in much the same spirit of this quote—his decision to speak on this topic in conference was likely a result of this experience, and others like it. In our stake, he pointed out that as fortunate and blessed as the sister was, there were others in the room who, through no fault of their own and no lack of worthiness and effort, didn't have the same blessings; and did she recognize how truly fortunate and blessed she was, far beyond anything she had done to earn or merit the blessings? He went on to reassure all present that God loved them equally as much, and would bless them appropriately (in His own time and way) for their faithfulness.

Elder Ashton was a master teacher, and presented that message in a way that was not in any way hurtful or critical, but only offering loving counsel to all of us that we should be much more aware of those around us and sensitive to their feelings. I am one who has occasionally felt "feelings of guilt or inadequacy" when some of these kinds of things have been expressed, wondering why I was not deserving of the blessings that someone else was receiving. And I have likely been one who has made others uncomfortable as I have unwittingly expressed gratitude that came across as boasting.

This is the tender suggestion from Elder Ashton: "our appreciation should be sincerely felt and gratitude expressed frequently to our Father in Heaven—but not too vocally to the world." And this results naturally from remembering that God is the source of our blessings, and we should never take "undue credit for personal accomplishments."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
November 25, 2016

President Ezra Taft Benson on the eternal blessings of turning our lives over to God

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1943, and served as the 13th President of the Church from 1985 until his death in 1994 at age 94.

"Christ's great gift to us was his life and sacrifice—should that not then be our small gift to him—our lives and sacrifices, not only now, but in the future? ...

"Yes, men and women who turn their lives over to God will find out that he can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace. Whoever will lose his life to God will find he has eternal life....

"God loves us, he's watching us, he wants us to succeed, and we'll know someday that he has not left one thing undone for the eternal welfare of each of us. If we only knew that there are heavenly hosts pulling for us—friends in heaven, whom we can't remember now, who yearn for our victory. This is our day to show what we can do—what life and sacrifice we can daily, hourly, instantly bring to God. If we give our all, we will get his all from the greatest of all."

- Ezra Taft Benson, "Jesus Christ—Gifts and Expectations," BYU devotional, 10 December 1974; see also Ensign, December 1988, pp. 2-6
Click here to read the full talk at the BYU siteClick here to read the full talk from the Ensign

I think this was one of President Benson's most remarkable and insightful addresses, given originally at a BYU devotional. As Christmas approached in 1974, he spoke tenderly of his love for the Savior and of the gifts He gave us (and continues to give us), as well as gifts we might give in return and the blessings that would follow. One of the most significant gifts we can give is to "turn [our] lives over to God," and then discover what He can give in return:

That's quite an impressive list of blessings and benefits to come to us!

I love the witness of this final testimony; we will some day realize "He has not left one thing undone for the eternal welfare of each of us." He truly will do everything He can to help us succeed eternally, if we will allow Him into our lives.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
July 9, 2016

President David O. McKay on the power of little things

President David O. McKay (1873-1970) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1906.  He served as a counselor in the First Presidency to Heber J. Grant and George Albert Smith beginning in 1945, then then as the president of the Church from 1951 to his death in 1970 at age 96.

"Little things are but parts of the great. The grass does not spring up full grown by eruption. It rises up and increases as noiselessly and gently as not to disturb an angel's ear, perhaps is invisible to an angel's eye. The rain does not fall in masses but in drops; the planets do not leap in their orbits, but inch by inch and line by line they circle the orbits. Intellect, feeling, habit, character, all become what they are through the influence of little things, and in morals and religion, it is by little things, by little actions, that every one of us is going—not by leaps, yet surely by inches—either to life or death eternal.

"The great lesson to be learned in the world today is to apply in the little acts and duties of life the glorious principles of the Gospel. Let us not think that, because some of the things may seem small and trivial, they are unimportant. Life, after all, is made up of little things. Our life, our being, physically, is made up of little heart beats. Let that little heart stop beating, and life in this world ceases. The great sun is a mighty force in the universe, but we receive the blessings of his rays because they come to us as little beams, which, taken in the aggregate, fill the whole world with sunlight. The dark night is made pleasant by the glimmer of what seem to be little stars; and so the true Christian life is made up of little Christ-like acts performed this hour, this minute—in the home, in the quorum, in the organization, in the town, wherever our life and acts may be cast."

- David O. McKay, "True to the Faith," p. 153

This is a beautiful thought from President McKay. We sometimes expect grand and glorious events, dramatic progress, spectacular achievements, leaps in understanding. But in almost every case, it's the "little things" that really indicate progress, now and eternally.

All of life is "made up of little things," from the physical beats of each individual's heart, to the rays of sunlight that provide life sustenance, to the Christ-like acts that make life meaningful. What a valuable reminder!

Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise. (Alma 37:6)

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
September 7, 2015

Elder Bruce R. McConkie on the power and blessings from prayer

Elder Bruce R. McConkie (July 29, 1915 - April 19, 1985) served as a Seventy from 1946-1972 when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve.  He served in that assignment until his death from cancer at age 69.

"It is pleasing to that God whose we are when we fast and pray and seek his blessings; when we plead with all the energy of our souls for those things we so much desire; when, as Paul says, we 'come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.' (Heb. 4:16.)

"Prayer is the way and means, given us by our Creator, whereby we can counsel and communicate with him. It is one of the chief cornerstones of pure and perfect worship.

"In prayer we speak to the Lord, and he speaks to us. It is our privilege to have our voices heard in the courts above and to hear the answering voice of the Lord conveyed by the power of his Spirit.

"Prayer changes our lives. Through it we draw near to the Lord, and he reaches out his finger and touches us, so we never again are the same.

"Prayer is a great tower of strength, a pillar of unending righteousness, a mighty force that moves mountains and saves souls. Through it the sick are healed, the dead are raised, and the Holy Spirit is poured out without measure upon the faithful.

"In prayer we bind ourselves by solemn covenants to love and serve the Lord all our days. In it we pay our devotions and offer our sacraments to the Most High."

- Bruce R. McConkie, "Patterns of Prayer," Ensign, May 1984, pp. 32-34
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

In my youth, I loved listening to Elder McConkie. His words were always so sure, his voice so bold and clear in expounding doctrine and testifying of truth.

This explanation of the power of prayer and the role it can play in our lives is insightful and inspiring. Once we begin to grasp the blessings available through this heavenly gift, we truly will be willing to "come boldly unto the throne of grace."

Two more thoughts from Elder McConkie's quote impressed me. First, prayer provides the means through which "the Holy Spirit is poured out without measure upon the faithful." That is a gift to be sought after and prized as we deal with the challenges of mortality. The price to pay for the gift is small in comparison to that which is returned.

And then, "In prayer we bind ourselves by solemn covenants to love and serve the Lord all our days." What a beautiful expression of the sacred relationship we develop with our Father through sincere and regular communication. How deeply fortunate is the man or woman who establishes this habit and begins to receive the blessings that follow!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
March 26, 2017

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf on the treasured blessing of obedience

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 we increase in faith, we also must increase in faithfulness....

"You and I may speak most eloquently of spiritual things. We may impress people with our keen intellectual interpretation of religious topics. We may rhapsodize about religion and 'dream of [our] mansion above' (Hymns, no. 223). But if our faith does not change the way we live—if our beliefs do not influence our daily decisions—our religion is vain, and our faith, if not dead, is certainly not well and is in danger of eventually flatlining. (See James 2:26.)

"Obedience is the lifeblood of faith. It is by obedience that we gather light into our souls.

"But sometimes I think we misunderstand obedience. We may see obedience as an end in itself, rather than a means to an end. Or we may pound the metaphorical hammer of obedience against the iron anvil of the commandments in an effort to shape those we love, through constant heating and repeated battering, into holier, heavenly matter.

"No doubt about it, there are times when we need a stern call to repentance. Certainly, there are some who may be reached only in this manner.

"But perhaps there is a different metaphor that can explain why we obey the commandments of God. Maybe obedience is not so much the process of bending, twisting, and pounding our souls into something we are not. Instead, it is the process by which we discover what we truly are made of....

"The fundamental divinity of our nature remains. And the moment we choose to incline our hearts to our beloved Savior and set foot upon the path of discipleship, something miraculous happens. The love of God fills our hearts, the light of truth fills our minds, we start to lose the desire to sin, and we do not want to walk any longer in darkness. (See John 8:12.)

"We come to see obedience not as a punishment but as a liberating path to our divine destiny. And gradually, the corruption, dust, and limitations of this earth begin to fall away. Eventually, the priceless, eternal spirit of the heavenly being within us is revealed, and a radiance of goodness becomes our nature."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "He Will Place You on His Shoulders and Carry You Home," General Conference, April 2016, Sunday morning session
Click here to read the full talk

There is a profound difference between "faith" and "faithfulness." But to me, it's hard to understand that one could truly possess faith in Jesus Christ but not have a deep commitment to faithfulness in following the principles He taught. President Uchtdorf warns about outward signs of faith, including eloquence and articulateness in religious topics, in a life that has not shown evidence in how its conducted, and in the way daily decisions are made. If faith is alive and vibrant, there will be correlation in the principle of obedience.

This is a beautiful and profound statement: "Obedience is the lifeblood of faith. It is by obedience that we gather light into our souls." So it is in obedience that faith finds its "lifeblood" or the force of existence and thriving; and it is obedience that brings greater light and power to a soul.

President Uchtdorf clarifies that how we think about obedience can make a great difference. We can't just view it as an imposed burden, as constricting burdens to oppress our journey, as a tedious process of forcing us into the proper form. Rather, it's a wonderful process of self-discovery as we learn about our true natures and uncover the blessedness of a life aligned with God.

I love the thought that "the moment we choose to incline our hearts to our beloved Savior" and choose the path of discipleship, "something miraculous happens." It doesn't require a long and arduous process to see things change; it happens in the moment that we truly commit to Him. Then we feel the change and the blessing as His love and His light come into our lives in wonderful ways. Soon "a radiance of goodness becomes our nature." What a beautiful promise!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
April 10, 2016

Elder Neal A. Maxwell on feeling and expressing gratitude to 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.

"'Where are the nine?' inquired Jesus concerning the healed lepers who did not return with thanksgiving. (Luke 17:17) How often are we like the nine? To receive God's blessings without acknowledging their Source is to be unrealistic as well as ungrateful.

"We offend God not only by our ingratitude, brothers and sisters, but also by not confessing His competent hand in bringing to pass His transcending purposes on the earth. (See D&C 59:21.) Too many actually doubt God's plans will finally prevail. Not only in the years ahead, but even now, mortal self-sufficiency will be confounded. Profound fear will eventually pervade this perplexed planet. (See D&C 63:33; D&C 88:91.) Would that mankind could live in faith, not fear—and with gratitude, not forgetfulness.

"Besides, we are all beggars anyway (see Mosiah 4:19), beggars rescued by the Creator of the universe who lived humbly as a person 'of no reputation.' (Philip. 2:7.) In contrast, we are sometimes so anxious about our personal images, when it is His image we should have in our countenances. (See Alma 5:14.)"

- Neal A. Maxwell, "Answer Me," Ensign, November 1988, p. 32
Click here to read the full talk

One of the great dangers of mortality is to forget to acknowledge the source of so much in our lives that comes as gifts from God. Like the nine lepers of Jesus' parable, we are so joyful in a blessing that we move on blithely, sometimes with a perfunctory prayer or expression of thanks. And sometimes we don't even do that—never acknowledging the source. We may even think we've "earned" the blessings that come.

I appreciated Elder Maxwell's reminder that remembering to thank God for direct blessings to us is just the beginning. We also should recognize the great blessing of His plan for the happiness of all His children. Faith and gratitude are as linked as are fear and forgetfulness.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
November 21, 2015

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin on dealing with adversity

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.  This excerpt is from one of his most memorable talks.

"Every life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the birds don't sing and bells don't ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result.

"There may be some who think that General Authorities rarely experience pain, suffering, or distress. If only that were true. While every man and woman on this stand today has experienced an abundant measure of joy, each also has drunk deeply from the cup of disappointment, sorrow, and loss. The Lord in His wisdom does not shield anyone from grief or sadness.

"For me, the Lord has opened the windows of heaven and showered blessings upon my family beyond my ability to express. Yet like everyone else, I have had times in my life when it seemed that the heaviness of my heart might be greater than I could bear. During those times I think back to those tender days of my youth when great sorrows came at the losing end of a football game.

"How little I knew then of what awaited me in later years. But whenever my steps led through seasons of sadness and sorrow, my mother's words often came back to me: 'Come what may, and love it.'

"How can we love days that are filled with sorrow? We can't—at least not in the moment. I don't think my mother was suggesting that we suppress discouragement or deny the reality of pain. I don't think she was suggesting that we smother unpleasant truths beneath a cloak of pretended happiness. But I do believe that the way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life.

"If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness."

- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Come What May, and Love It," Ensign, Nov. 2008, pp. 26-28
Click here to read the full talk

I always appreciate wise, personal counsel more than abstract encouragement. Elder Wirthlin speaks from the heart of his own times when "the heaviness of my heart might be greater than I could bear." Like so many others, he passed through times of challenge in his life; and so did the other Church leaders whom we often think are immune to the normal problems of life.

And then he addresses how we confront those "shadows" amid the journeys of our lives, the times when "the birds don't sing and bells don't ring." Having had my share of those as well, I'm grateful for this reminder about approaching adversity wisely, and "learning from difficult times" in order to become "stronger, wiser, and happier."

The talk is a modern classic; the phrase "come what may, and love it" is such a memorable one. We will be happiest when we learn to appreciate any situation and make the best of it.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
June 11, 2015

President James E. Faust on making choices in life

President James E. Faust (1920 - 2007) was called as a Seventy in 1976, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve in 1978. He served as a counselor to President Hinckley from 1995 until his death in 2007 at age 87.

"In this life we have to make many choices. Some are very important choices. Some are not. Many of our choices are between good and evil. The choices we make, however, determine to a large extent our happiness or our unhappiness, because we have to live with the consequences of our choices. Making perfect choices all of the time is not possible. It just doesn't happen. But it is possible to make good choices we can live with and grow from. When God's children live worthy of divine guidance they can become 'free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon' (2 Ne. 2:26)....

"Some of our important choices have a time line. If we delay a decision, the opportunity is gone forever. Sometimes our doubts keep us from making a choice that involves change. Thus an opportunity may be missed. As someone once said, 'When you have to make a choice and don't make it, that in itself is a choice' (William James)....

"How do we make correct choices? A choice involves making a conscious decision. To make an intelligent decision we need to evaluate all available facts on both sides of an issue. But that isn't enough. Making correct decisions involves prayer and inspiration....

"As we look into the future, we are going to need to be stronger and more responsible for our choices in a world where people 'call evil good, and good evil' (2 Ne. 15:20). We do not choose wisely if we use our agency in opposition to God's will or to priesthood counsel. Tomorrow's blessings and opportunities depend on the choices we make today."

- James E. Faust, "Choices," General Conference April 2004
Click here to read the full talk

It's a good reminder to note that not one of us always makes only perfect choices. We do the best we can; and we always do better when we're worthy of "divine guidance" in those choices.

I liked this thought, of the importance of timely choices:

So then, learning to make correct choices, and make them in a prompt and timely way, is the challenge. "To make an intelligent decision we need to evaluate all available facts on both sides of an issue." That's hard to do; it's rare that we have the discipline to investigate so thoroughly. We are prone to rush to a decision. President Faust encourages more careful and deliberate consideration, followed by "prayer and inspiration."

King Benjamin taught that when we obey God, "he doth immediately bless you" (Mosi 2:24). Our blessings depend on our choices!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
August 25, 2015

President Ezra Taft Benson on the timing of rewards and consequences

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1943, and served as the 13th President of the Church from 1985 until his death in 1994 at age 94.

"Daily, constantly, we choose by our desires, our thoughts, and our actions whether we want to be blessed or cursed, happy or miserable. One of the trials of life is that we do not usually receive immediately the full blessing for righteousness or the full cursing for wickedness. That it will come is certain, but ofttimes there is a waiting period that occurs, as was the case with Job and Joseph. 

"In the meantime the wicked think they are getting away with something. The Book of Mormon teaches that the wicked 'have joy in their works for a season, [but] by and by the end cometh, and they are hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence there is no return' (3 Ne. 27:11). 

"During this testing time the righteous must continue to love God, trust in His promises, be patient, and be assured... 

"I testify to you that God's pay is the best pay that this world or any other world knows anything about. And it comes in full abundance only to those who love the Lord and put Him first. 

"The great test of life is obedience to God. 

"The great task of life is to learn the will of the Lord and then do it. 

"The great commandment of life is, 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength' (Mark 12:30). 

"May God bless us to put the first commandment first and, as a result, reap peace in this life and eternal life with a fulness of joy in the life to come." 

- Ezra Taft Benson, "The Great Commandment — Love the Lord," General Conference April 1988
Click here to read or watch the full talk

In my experience, both personally and in counseling with others, it's so easy and so common to blame our troubles or challenges on other people, on fate, on circumstances.  And occasionally, that is valid; but so often, our state in life is a result of our own choices and actions. President Benson makes this point very forcefully, also reminding us that though God is deeply aware of us, he often postpones the consequences so that we can learn and grow in faith.

Knowing that the "waiting period" is there for a purpose, but is truly temporary, can make all the difference in how we endure. And doesn't this final statement from President Benson encapsulate so much in a few beautiful words?

The great test, great task, and great commandment of our mortal life are all closely related: will we follow God, with willing hearts, with all our hearts? That is the way to find peace in life, and eternal life in the worlds to come.

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

February 24, 2015

Elder D. Todd Christofferson on our love for the Father and Son

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

"Our Heavenly Father loves us profoundly and perfectly. In His love, He created a plan, a plan of redemption and happiness to open to us all the opportunities and joys we are willing to receive, up to and including all that He has and is. To achieve this, He was even willing to offer His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, as our Redeemer. '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.' (John 3:16.) His is a Father’s pure love—universal to all yet personal to each.

"Jesus Christ shares with the Father this same perfect love. When the Father first elaborated His great plan of happiness, He called for one to act as a Savior to redeem us—an essential part of that plan. Jesus volunteered, 'Here am I, send me.' (Abr 3:27.) ...

"The love of the Father and the Son is freely given but also includes hopes and expectations. Again, quoting President Nelson, 'God’s laws are motivated entirely by His infinite love for us and His desire for us to become all we can become.' ("The Love and Laws of God," 3.)

"Because They love you, They do not want to leave you 'just as you are.' Because They love you, They want you to have joy and success. Because They love you, They want you to repent because that is the path to happiness. But it is your choice—They honor your agency. You must choose to love Them, to serve Them, to keep Their commandments. Then They can more abundantly bless you as well as love you.

"Their principal expectation of us is that we also love. 'He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.' (1 John 4:8.) As John wrote, 'Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.' (1 John 4:11.)"

- D. Todd Christofferson, "The Love of God," General Conference October 2021, Sunday morning

Click here to read or watch the full talk

What an important thing to recognize and remember: we are deeply and profoundly loved by our Heavenly Father and His Son! They love with a "perfect love" because their love is pure, infinite, and complete, and will bless us as much as we allow it to. They love us so much, that the greatest motivation is to help us be better, to grow and progress, to become more like Them.

The wishes for us include joy and success, repentance and happiess. Receiving those gifts is a choice we make; we must exercise our agency by choosing to love in return, then to serve and obey with a pure heart. Then we will experience even greater influence of Their love, and feel abundant blessings. What a beautiful and wonderful plan of happiness!

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

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin on following prophetic counsel

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.

"The Lord has given us prophets to guide us and keep us from evil if we will accept and follow their instruction. The Lord would say to us today as he said to the ancient Israelites: 'Be not afraid nor dismayed... for the battle is not yours, but God's.... The Lord will be with you.... Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe the prophets, so shall ye prosper.' (2 Chronicles 20:15, 17, 20; emphasis added)

"In our conferences, we sustain the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators. The Lord has appointed them as watchmen to warn the people....

"The statements of the prophets are not given to compel, coerce, dictate, control, or infringe on any person's right to choose. Church leaders are guided by the Lord's injunction in the Doctrine and Covenants: 'No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; by kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile.' (D&C 121:41-42.)

"The prophets and other Church leaders have never misled the Latter-day Saints on a principle of righteousness. Every principle is for our benefit. However, if we choose to ignore the prophets, we choose the consequences that follow. We have the God-given agency to either follow the prophets or not, but we cannot choose the consequences of exercising that agency. They will follow with absolute certainty. If we ignore the prophets, we become like the people the Savior chastised when he said, 'Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?' (Luke 6:46.)"

- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The Lord's Side," address given at a Brigham Young University nineteen-stake fireside, 2 August 1992; see Ensign March 1993, p. 69
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In the setting of General Conference, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are given the privilege to sustain leaders. This is not a "vote" on whether we like the selections that are made; it's a chance for us to commit our hearts and deed to listen and follow counsel. Elder Wirthlin points out that the divine call comes from the Lord; these prophets will "guide us and keep us from evil if we will accept and follow their instruction." Quite a promise — but that "if" provides the all-important conditional to claim the promise! And "if" we choose to ignore their counsel, we also claim the consequences.

I love that message.  We choose whether or not to sustain — as demonstrated not only by raising our hand, but also by our discipleship that will follow.  But we can not choose the consequences of our commitment to sustain or not sustain. If we raise our hand but then ignore their counsel, we receive no blessing.

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

Elder D. Todd Christofferson on covenants and Christians

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

"We need strong Christians who can persevere against hardship, who can sustain hope through tragedy, who can lift others by their example and their compassion, and who can consistently overcome temptations. We need strong Christians who can make important things happen by their faith and who can defend the truth of Jesus Christ against moral relativism and militant atheism. 

"What is the source of such moral and spiritual power, and how do we obtain it? The source is God. Our access to that power is through our covenants with Him. A covenant is an agreement between God and man, an accord whose terms are set by God (see Bible Dictionary, 'Covenant,' 651). In these divine agreements, God binds Himself to sustain, sanctify, and exalt us in return for our commitment to serve Him and keep His commandments.... 

"Divine covenants make strong Christians. I urge each one to qualify for and receive all the priesthood ordinances you can and then faithfully keep the promises you have made by covenant. In times of distress, let your covenants be paramount and let your obedience be exact. Then you can ask in faith, nothing wavering, according to your need, and God will answer. He will sustain you as you work and watch. In His own time and way He will stretch forth his hand to you, saying, 'Here am I.'" 

- D. Todd Christofferson, "The Power of Covenants," General Conference April 2009
Click here to read the full talk

It's one thing to be a Christian, and another to be a "strong Christian." According to Elder Christofferson, characteristics of the latter include:

• Persevere against hardship
• Sustain hope through tragedy
• Lift others by their example and their compassion
• Consistently overcome temptation
• Make important things happen by their faith
• Defend the truth of Jesus Christ against moral relativism and militant atheism

That's a great list to ponder in self-introspection. How am I doing? What areas should I work on strengthening?

But the real power in growth comes through making and keeping sacred covenants. "Divine covenants make strong Christians" as God "binds Himself to sustain, sanctify, and exalt us in return for our commitment to serve Him and keep His commandments." And as always, the promises are sure:

That awareness of God's presence, of His willingness to help and His current involvement in one's life, is truly a treasure to seek and retain.

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

March 21, 2015

President Gordon B. Hinckley on temple attendance

President Hinckley (1910-2008) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1961. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency from 1981-1995, then as Church President until his death in 2008.

"I hope that everyone gets to the temple on a regular basis. I hope your children over 12 years of age have the opportunity of going to the temple to be baptized for the dead. If we are a temple-going people, we will be a better people, we will be better fathers and husbands, we will be better wives and mothers. I know your lives are busy. I know that you have much to do. But I make you a promise that if you will go to the house of the Lord, you will be blessed, life will be better for you. Now, please, please, my beloved brethren and sisters, avail yourselves of the great opportunity to go to the Lord's house and thereby partake of all of the marvelous blessings that are yours to be received there." 

- Gordon B. Hinckley, Lima Peru fireside, Nov. 9, 1996; see TGBH 624

President Hinckley loved the temple and had a great vision of its importance. One of the great efforts of his ministry and leadership was to build temples all around the world, bringing them close to the people. This quote reflects the parallel desire to bring the people to the temple. The service that is rendered is so eternally important; but the blessings that come are also a focus of the message, as we are promised that our abilities to function in our God-given roles will be enhanced. But in order to claim those blessings, we must attend the temple! President Hinckley urges us to be there in order to claim the blessings that will surely follow.

I love the quiet assurance in President Hinckley's message, and have felt it confirmed in my own life.

When a prophet pleads with the people—"please, please, my beloved brethren and sisters, avail yourselves of the great opportunity to go to the Lord's house"—we should not hesitate!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
February 5, 2015