President Spencer W. Kimball on the blessing of ongoing revelation

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985) was ordained an apostle in 1943 and served as President of the Church from 1973 to 1985.

"In our day, as in times past, many people expect that if there be revelation it will come with awe-inspiring, earth-shaking display. For many it is hard to accept as revelation those numerous ones in Moses' time, in Joseph's time, and in our own year—those revelations which come to prophets as deep, unassailable impressions settling down on the prophet's mind and heart as dew from heaven or as the dawn dissipates the darkness of night.

"Expecting the spectacular, one may not be fully alerted to the constant flow of revealed communication. I say, in the deepest of humility, but also by the power and force of a burning testimony in my soul, that from the prophet of the Restoration to the prophet of our own year, the communication line is unbroken, the authority is continuous, and light, brilliant and penetrating, continues to shine. The sound of the voice of the Lord is a continuous melody and a thunderous appeal. For nearly a century and a half there has been no interruption."

- Spencer W. Kimball, "Revelation: The Word of the Lord to His Prophets," Ensign, May 1977, p. 78
Click here to read the full talk

I love President Kimball's expressive use of language almost as much as I love his deep and reassuring testimony! Revelation comes as "deep, unassailable impressions settling down on the prophet's mind and heart as dew from heaven or as the dawn dissipates the darkness of night." His voice is clearly the voice of experience in this area; and he is teaching us about a process that we can all follow as well.

President Kimball bears a powerful witness of his own experience in Church leadership, and the divine involvement in its ongoing administration and direction:

We sometimes find ourselves "expecting the spectacular" as well in our personal searching, and forget that there is a "constant flow of revealed communication" in our own lives as we learn to listen and heed.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
August 3, 2013

President Spencer W. Kimball on living the gospel in the home

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985) was ordained an apostle in 1943 and served as President of the Church from 1973 to 1985.

"The mission of the Church to its members is to make available the principles, programs, and priesthood by which they can prepare themselves for exaltation. Our success, individually and as a Church, will largely be determined by how faithfully we focus on living the gospel in the home. Only as we see clearly the responsibilities of each individual and the role of families and homes can we properly understand that priesthood quorums and auxiliary organizations, even wards and stakes, exist primarily to help members live the gospel in the home. Then we can understand that people are more important than programs, and that Church programs should always support and never detract from gospel-centered family activities....

"All should work together to make home a place where we love to be, a place of listening and learning, a place where each member can find mutual love, support, appreciation, and encouragement.

"I repeat that our success, individually and as a Church, will largely be determined by how faithfully we focus on living the gospel in the home."

- Spencer W. Kimball, "Living the Gospel in the Home," address to the Regional Representatives Senimar, 3/31/78; see Ensign, May 1978, pp 100-101
Click here to read the full talk

I think this address by President Kimball was a landmark sermon in helping clarify in the minds of many the relative roles of the Church and its organizations, compared to the home and family. At times we still struggle with that. We need to recognize that the whole purpose of the Church, all its organizations and programs, is to support and strengthen the family; they "exist primarily to help members live the gospel in the home."

The simple phrase "people are more important than programs" is a good summary. We do occasionally forget that, getting caught up in the need to over-program our lives.  "Church programs should always support and never detract from gospel-centered family activities."

In more recent years, the emphasis on "home-centered, Church-supported" Gospel learning corresponds to this establishment of priorities.  

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
August 14, 2015

Elder D. Todd Christofferson on the blessings of the Lord's Church

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

"How does His Church accomplish the Lord's purposes? It is important to recognize that God's ultimate purpose is our progress. His desire is that we continue 'from grace to grace, until [we receive] a fulness' (D&C 93:13) of all He can give. That requires more than simply being nice or feeling spiritual. It requires faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism of water and of the Spirit, and enduring in faith to the end (see 2 Nephi 31:17–20). One cannot fully achieve this in isolation, so a major reason the Lord has a church is to create a community of Saints that will sustain one another in the 'strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life' (2 Nephi 31:18) ....

"In the Church we not only learn divine doctrine; we also experience its application. As the body of Christ, the members of the Church minister to one another in the reality of day-to-day life. All of us are imperfect; we may offend and be offended. We often test one another with our personal idiosyncrasies. In the body of Christ, we have to go beyond concepts and exalted words and have a real 'hands-on' experience as we learn to 'live together in love' (D&C 42:45).

"This religion is not concerned only with self; rather, we are all called to serve. We are the eyes, hands, head, feet, and other members of the body of Christ, and even 'those members... which seem to be more feeble, are necessary' (1 Corinthians 12:22). We need these callings, and we need to serve."

- D. Todd Christofferson, "Why the Church," General Conference, October 2015, Sunday afternoon session
Click here to read the full talk

Elder Christofferson's message responds to many in our time who question the necessity of a formal, organized church. They claim they can follow Christ's teachings (or other moral or ethical values) and live good and worthwhile lives without the structure of a formal organization. While that is true to some extent, it neglects an important aspect of religion: the application of the teachings, some of which are facilitated and enabled in the formalized setting of the church organization.

It's not just about "self" — it's about "serve." And that kind of service, Elder Christofferson teaches, is facilitated by the Church in ways that don't exist outside of it. What a blessing to be able to take advantage of that privilege!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
October 19, 2015

Elder Quentin L. Cook on overcoming doubts and concerns through the Atonement

Elder Quentin L. Cook (b. 1940) was called as a Seventy in 1996, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2007.

"We recognize that some members have questions and concerns as they seek to strengthen their faith and testimonies. We should be careful not to be critical or judgmental of those with concerns—great or small. At the same time, those with concerns should do everything they can to build their own faith and testimony. Patiently and humbly studying, pondering, praying, living gospel principles, and counseling with appropriate leaders are the best ways to resolve questions or concerns.

"Some have asserted that more members are leaving the Church today and that there is more doubt and unbelief than in the past. This is simply not true. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has never been stronger. The number of members removing their names from the records of the Church has always been very small and is significantly less in recent years than in the past. The increase in demonstrably measurable areas, such as endowed members with a current temple recommend, adult full-tithe payers, and those serving missions, has been dramatic. Let me say again, the Church has never been stronger. But, 'remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God' (D&C 18:10). We reach out to everyone.

"If the grim realities you are facing at this time seem dark and heavy and almost unbearable, remember that in the soul-wrenching darkness of Gethsemane and the incomprehensible torture and pain of Calvary, the Savior accomplished the Atonement, which resolves the most terrible burdens that can occur in this life. He did it for you, and He did it for me. He did it because He loves us and because He obeys and loves His Father."

- Quentin L. Cook, "The Lord Is My Light," General Conference April 2015, pp. 62-66
Click here to read the full article

I appreciated Elder Cook's timely address. He speaks to those who might have questions or concerns as they learn about the Church and develop their testimonies. He encouraged proper inquiry and open honesty in resolving the concerns, while reassuring his listeners that the Church is strong and growing, not suffering from massive departures as some have claimed.

As he spoke of the "grim realities" being faced by members that might feel "dark and heavy," it was interesting to note that he was talking in the context of those "questions and concerns" and not the myriad other challenges we might face in mortality. Some who struggle with their testimonies feel more of the weight of that doubt than many of us realize. Yet Elder Cook presents the Atonement of Christ as the source of strength and hope in this situation too:

"He did it for you, and He did it for me. He did it because He loves us and because He obeys and loves His Father." How beautiful, how true, how glorious!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
January 22, 2016

Elder Neil L. Andersen on following counsel willingly

Elder Neil L. Andersen (1951- ) served as a Seventy beginning in 1993, and was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2009.

"The doctrine of Christ is unchanging and everlasting. Yet specific and important steps of the Savior’s work are revealed at their appropriate time. This morning President Nelson said, 'The Restoration is a process, not an event.' And the Lord has said, 'All things must come to pass in their time.' (D&C 64:32.) Now is our time, and we are reestablishing the revealed name of the Church.

"The identity and destiny of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints require that we be called by His name....

"'The name of the Church is not negotiable.' Let us go forward in faith. When we willingly follow the counsel of the Lord as revealed through His living prophet, especially if it runs counter to our initial thinking, requiring humility and sacrifice, the Lord blesses us with additional spiritual power and sends His angels to support us and stand by us. (See D&C 84:88.) We receive the Lord’s affirmation and His approval."

- Neil L. Andersen, "The Name of the Church Is Not Negotiable," General Conference October 2021, Sunday afternoon

Click here to read or watch the full talk

Elder Andersen used his talk to re-emphasize counsel given by President Nelson three years ago, about the use of the proper name of the Church. That is sometimes challenging, especially in conversation, since the name is long; but there is doctrinal importance in the name that we must not forget, and that will bless us as we use it properly. After giving several examples of the blessings of doing that, Elder Andersen summarized the principle of following counsels in this way:

The key is to learn to willingly follow the counsel of prophets. When that is hard to do, we are even more blessed by our actions because God will recognize and acknowledge the sacrifice of our efforts.

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

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin on progress and growth

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 Church is not a place where perfect people gather to say perfect things, or have perfect thoughts, or have perfect feelings. The Church is a place where imperfect people gather to provide encouragement, support, and service to each other as we press on in our journey to return to our Heavenly Father. 

"Each one of us will travel a different road during this life. Each progresses at a different rate. Temptations that trouble your brother may not challenge you at all. Strengths that you possess may seem impossible to another. 

"Never look down on those who are less perfect than you. Don't be upset because someone can't sew as well as you, can't throw as well as you, can't row or hoe as well as you. 

"We are all children of our Heavenly Father. And we are here with the same purpose: to learn to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. (Mark 12:30-31.)" 

- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The Virtue of Kindness", General Conference April 2005
Click here to read the full talk

This is such an important principle, one that is occasionally forgotten, perhaps sub-consciously, by Church members. We're all falling short, striving to improve and grow.

I love Elder Wirthlin's description of how we each progress differently in life, and develop different abilities and skills. How critically important it is for each of us to seek our own personal strengths and gifts, to acknowledge our abilities and advances, and allow others their different strengths!

And how could we possibly decide that someone is "less perfect" than we ourselves are? There are so many facets to making that determination, most of which are not visible to us with our limited understanding of one another. To have the attitude that another is more imperfect or inadequate is absurd. We should treat one another as holding divine potential, as remarkable beings joining us on the pathway to perfection!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
February 26, 2015

President Russell M. Nelson on living with faith in Jesus Christ

President Russell M. Nelson (born 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. He became president of that quorum on July 15, 2015. Following the death of President Monson, he was set apart as president of the Church on January 14, 2018.

"When we remove the Lord’s name from the name of His Church, we inadvertently remove Him as the central focus of our worship and our lives. When we take the Savior’s name upon us at baptism, we commit to witness, by our words, thoughts, and actions, that Jesus is the Christ.

"Previously, I promised that if we would 'do our best to restore the correct name of the Lord’s Church,' He would 'pour down His power and blessings upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints, the likes of which we have never seen.' I renew that promise today....

"As followers of Jesus Christ, living in a day when the COVID-19 pandemic has put the whole world in commotion, let us not just talk of Christ or preach of Christ or employ a symbol representing Christ.

"Let us put our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ into action!"

- Russell M. Nelson, "Opening the Heavens for Help," General Conference April 2020, Saturday evening

Click here to read or listen to the full talk

In his talk during the Saturday evening "general session" of general conference, President Nelson reminded the members of the Church about the importance of respecting and using the name of the Savior, and trying to use the full name of the Church instead of nicknames and abbreviations. He promised blessings that would follow as we do so.

And he introduced the new "logo" that would be used to represent the Church in media and publications, again focusing on the Savior as portrayed in the familiar Christus statue.

Particularly in this time of commotion and comfusion due the COVID-19 pandemic and other problems in 2020, we must turn to the Savior. But talking of Him, preaching, employing proper symbols—those are only steps leading to the things that matter most, as we strive to put our faith into action. Our actions and deeds, the testimony of our lives—those are the things that will make the most difference.

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

Elder Neal A. Maxwell on being high-yield, low-maintenance members

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.

"To understand and have faith, therefore, in the character and the purposes of God means that instead of complaining, we accept (more than we do) the menu of life and what is allotted to us. Sometimes with particular individuals that may seem to be the equivalent of 'Eat your spinach' and 'Clean your plate.'

"Part of discipleship should be to become high-yield, low-maintenance members of the Church. These members are not high profile; they won't be on the six o'clock evening news when they die. But they have done what Heavenly Father has wanted them to do meekly and humbly....

"For you and me, to be part of this work amid these kinds of people is a precious thing. Since the Holy Ghost glorifies Christ as indicated, so should we. One of the ways you and I can glorify Christ is by improving and repenting, showing that we take seriously the proffered discipleship that comes from Him. We should care enough about it that it lies at the very center of our lives."

- Neal A. Maxwell, "The Holy Ghost: Glorifying Christ", satellite broadcast address to CES educators, February 2, 2001; see Ensign, July 2002, 56-61
Click here to read the full article

Faith in God implies that we accept His plan and actions for our life—the "menu of life" that is allotted to us, even if it is challenging or unpleasant. We must strive to contribute to His work in every way possible:

Meek and humble disciples of Christ throughout the world will recognize this principle. The work of God moves ahead largely on the shoulders of the quiet, diligent, low-profile disciples who carry forward in their duties with diligence and commitment, in spite of a lack of recognition or prominence. They give so much more than they take from the process.

The essence of discipleship is to "glorify Christ" instead of oneself. Once He truly lies at the very center of our lives, our desires to serve, and to repent and progress, will be foremost in our lives.

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

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on accepting human frailty

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.

"Brothers and sisters, this is a divine work in process, with the manifestations and blessings of it abounding in every direction, so please don’t hyperventilate if from time to time issues arise that need to be examined, understood, and resolved. They do and they will. In this Church, what we know will always trump what we do not know. And remember, in this world, everyone is to walk by faith.

"So be kind regarding human frailty—your own as well as that of those who serve with you in a Church led by volunteer, mortal men and women. Except in the case of His only perfect Begotten Son, imperfect people are all God has ever had to work with. That must be terribly frustrating to Him, but He deals with it. So should we. And when you see imperfection, remember that the limitation is not in the divinity of the work. As one gifted writer has suggested, when the infinite fulness is poured forth, it is not the oil’s fault if there is some loss because finite vessels can’t quite contain it all. (Alfred Edersheim, The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, 2:108.) Those finite vessels include you and me, so be patient and kind and forgiving."

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "Lord, I Believe," General Conference April 2013
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

It's sometimes easy to criticize others who are in positions of leadership or responsibility. They may have different styles or approaches than we do, and may look at needs, challenges, or solutions in ways we don't agree with. Of course it's natural for each of us to consider that our approach must be the best one, and to be frustrated when others don't share our insights.

Elder Holland reminds us that we are all imperfect in this mortal experience. Mistakes are occasionally made; changes are often necessary. But when the issues arise, we need not be shaken in faith; if anything, we can feel confirmation of faith as we see inspired corrections and adjustments.

We are all "volunteers" in Church service, and we should be forgiving and sustaining as we learn and grow together. Our imperfection is under the direction of God's perfection, and the work will move forward based on the best efforts we all contribute.

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

Elder Ronald A. Rasband on standing in holy places to overcome fear

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.

"When we stand in holy places—our righteous homes, our dedicated chapels, the consecrated temples—we feel the Spirit of the Lord with us. We find answers to questions that trouble us or the peace to simply set them aside. That is the Spirit in action. These sacred places in the kingdom of God on earth call for our reverence, our respect for others, our best selves in living the gospel, and our hopes to lay aside our fears and seek the healing power of Jesus Christ through His Atonement.

"There is no room for fear in these holy places of God or in the hearts of His children. Why? Because of love. God loves us—always—and we love Him. Our love of God counters all fears, and His love abounds in holy places. Think about it. When we are tentative in our commitments to the Lord, when we stray from His path leading to life eternal, when we question or doubt our significance in His divine design, when we allow fear to open the door to all its companions—discouragement, anger, frustration, disappointment—the Spirit leaves us, and we are without the Lord. If you know what that is like, you know it is not a good place to be. In contrast, when we stand in holy places, we can feel God’s love, and 'perfect love casteth out all fear' (Moroni 8:16)."

- Ronald A. Rasband, "Be Not Troubled," General Conference October 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Rasband's message responded to the challenges and uncertainties we sometimes face in our lives that cause fear. We all have them from time to time, in different degrees and for varied reasons; but there are ways to compensate and overcome as we strive to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. His first suggestion was to learn to find comfort and hope as we recognize and "stand" in the places in our lives that are holy—temples, chapels, homes.

Perhaps we would do well to evaluate whether our homes, in particular, provide the kind of sacred environment Elder Rasband is describing, where reverence, respect, and gospel living are the normal condition.

Holy places are filled with God's love, Elder Rasband teaches; and that love drives fears away. "Our love of God counters all fears, and His love abounds in holy places." But Elder Rasband warns of things that might cause the Lord's spirit to depart, leaving us with the fears of the world:

• when we are tentative in our commitments to the Lord
• when we stray from His path leading to life eternal
• when we question or doubt our significance in His divine design
• when we allow fear to open the door to all its companions—discouragement, anger, frustration, disappointment

A good warning for us all, to do the things that will enable us all to "stand in holy places and be not moved."

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

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on the Church as a hospital and not a monastery

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.

"Mercy, with its sister virtue forgiveness, is at the very heart of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the eternal plan of salvation. Everything in the gospel teaches us that we can change if we need to, that we can be helped if we truly want it, that we can be made whole, whatever the problems of the past.

"Now, if you feel too spiritually maimed to come to the feast, please realize that the Church is not a monastery for perfect people, though all of us ought to be striving on the road to godliness. No, at least one aspect of the Church is more like a hospital or an aid station, provided for those who are ill and want to get well, where one can get an infusion of spiritual nutrition and a supply of sustaining water in order to keep on climbing.

"In spite of life’s tribulations and as fearful as some of our prospects are, I testify that there is help for the journey. There is the Bread of Eternal Life and the Well of Living Water. Christ has overcome the world—our world—and His gift to us is peace now and exaltation in the world to come. (See D&C 59:23.) Our fundamental requirement is to have faith in Him and follow Him—always."

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "He Hath Filled the Hungry with Good Things," General Conference October 1997
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

The idea of describing the Church as a place of healing, and not merely a place to display or honor the healthy and perfect, has a long history. It was employed in a 1964 article by advice columnist Abigail Van Buren ("Dear Abby"). A variation is attributed to the early Christian theologian St. Augustine. And it may even have its roots in the words of the Savior Himself: "They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick..." (Mark 2:17).

However, we still seem to struggle with that idea, and hence Elder Holland's reminder. We come to Church to be "made whole" and to "get well" from whatever ailment is holding us down, holding us back.

"Spiritual nutrition" and "sustaining water" are wonderful symbolic promises. Elder Holland emphasizes in his talk the blessing of both the "Bread of Eternal Life and the Well of Living Water" that are offered to us, as we turn to God in faith.

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

President M. Russell Ballard on the spiritual divide growing in the world

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 spiritual divide gets even wider as evil becomes ever more deceptive and subtle and pulls people toward it like a dark magnet—even as the gospel of truth and light attracts the honest in heart and the honorable of the earth, who seek what is moral and good.

"We may be relatively small in number, but as members of this Church we can reach across these widening gaps. We know the power of Christ-centered service that brings together God’s children regardless of their spiritual or their economic status....

"The Church is a mooring in this tempestuous sea, an anchor in the churning waters of change and division, and a beacon to those who value and seek righteousness. The Lord uses this Church as a tool in pulling His children throughout the world toward the protection of His gospel."

- M. Russell Ballard, "That the Lost May Be Found," General Conference April 2012
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

There is a great "spiritual divide" in the world, and President Ballard discusses aspects of that separation in his talk. Evil grows stronger in our time, but so does righteousness. I thought the description of evil as a "dark magnet" was appropriate; it can pull men and women towards the darkness especially as it becomes "more deceptive and subtle." But that is not the only force that pulls at our hearts; those who are honest and seeking will feel the pull of "the gospel of truth and light." Our calling and opportunity is to help spread the light and draw people towards that which is good.

In the midst of the storms of our time, we can always be grateful for the anchor and the beacon provided for us by the Church and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There is protection and safety in the Lord's way!

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

Elder Bruce R. McConkie on the great caravan of the latter-day church

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.

"Now,  I have what every true disciple has. It is called the testimony of Jesus. In our day it includes the revealed knowledge that the earthly kingdom—The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—will triumph. In this connection may I set before you this illustration:

The Church is like a great caravan—organized, prepared, following an appointed course, with its captains of tens and captains of hundreds all in place.

"What does it matter if a few barking dogs snap at the heels of the weary travellers? Or that predators claim those few who fall by the way? The caravan moves on.

"Is there a ravine to cross, a miry mud hole to pull through, a steep grade to climb? So be it. The oxen are strong and the teamsters wise. The caravan moves on.

"Are there storms that rage along the way, floods that wash away the bridges, deserts to cross, and rivers to ford? Such is life in this fallen sphere. The caravan moves on.

"Ahead is the celestial city, the eternal Zion of our God, where all who maintain their position in the caravan shall find food and drink and rest. Thank God that the caravan moves on!"

- Bruce R. McConkie, "The Caravan Moves On," General Conference October 1984
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This is classic Elder McConkie. In my mind I can still hear his bold, clear voice declaring this testimony of the Church and its strength and power in our lives. He was certain of the promises that God's kingdom on earth would eventually triumph over all its foes, and this imagery helped to put our responsibility in perspective:

The grand key is the statement, "all who maintain their position in the caravan shall find food and drink and rest." While it's easy to abandon the caravan under threats of "predators" or to fall by the wayside in discouragement when the way is difficult, this reassurance is clear: there is only one way to reach the eventual promised land. "Thank God that the caravan moves on!"

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

President Henry B. Eyring on sustaining one another in service

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.

"For a leader to succeed in the Lord’s work, the people’s trust that he is called of God must override their view of his infirmities and mortal weaknesses...

"Your leader in the Lord’s Church may seem to you weak and human or may appear to you strong and inspired. The fact is that every leader is a mixture of those traits and more. What helps servants of the Lord who are called to lead us is when we can see them as the Lord did when He called them.

"The Lord sees His servants perfectly. He sees their potential and their future. And He knows how their very nature can be changed. He also knows how they can be changed by their experiences with the people they will lead....

"There is a thread that binds us to the Lord in our service. It runs from wherever we are called to serve in the kingdom, up through those called to preside over us in the priesthood, and to the prophet, who is bound to the Lord. It takes faith and humility to serve in the place to which we are called, to trust that the Lord called us and those who preside over us, and to sustain them with full faith."

- Henry B. Eyring, "The Lord Leads His Church," General Conference, October 2017
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

We've all had the experience in the Church at being surprised when a certain person was called to a certain assignment, wondering if they would be able to fulfill the responsibilities. Or, perhaps we've been the one called, and we've felt overwhelmed and inadequate to the task. President Eyring points out that we often see each other, or ourselves, and focus on the shortcomings; but the Lord sees us and focuses on the potential to grow and to do good. And He sees the growth that is needed to help us progress, that could come through that very calling.

The conclusion is that we must learn to trust in the process of callings, and know that regardless of the situation, there is much good that can come as we allow the Lord's hand to work through the established lines of authority.

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

Elder Dallin H. Oaks on motivations and blessings for participating in the Church

Elder Dallin H. Oaks (b. 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.

"[On one occasion I was led] to ponder what people expect to receive from Jesus Christ, from His gospel, and from participating in His Church. I thought of some others who said they stopped going to Church because the Church was 'not meeting their needs.' Which needs could they be expecting the Church to meet? If persons are simply seeking a satisfying social experience, they might be disappointed in a particular ward or branch and seek other associations. There are satisfying social experiences in many organizations. If they are simply seeking help to learn the gospel, they could pursue that goal through available literature. But are these the principal purposes of the Church? Is this all we are to receive from the gospel of Jesus Christ?

"Someone has said that what we get depends on what we seek. Persons who attend Church solely in order to get something of a temporal nature may be disappointed.... Persons who attend Church in order to give to their fellowmen and serve the Lord will rarely be disappointed....

"The Church gives us opportunities to serve the Lord and our fellowmen. If given in the right way and for the right reasons, that service will reward us beyond anything we have given. Millions serve unselfishly and effectively as officers or teachers in Church organizations, and those who do experience the conversion described by the prophet who pleaded with us to 'come unto Christ, and be perfected in him' (Moro. 10:32).

"Throughout my life I have been blessed by my membership and participation in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is impossible to describe all the ways the Church has blessed my life and the lives of those I love."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "The Gospel in our Lives," Ensign, May 2002, pp. 33-35
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Why do we attend church meetings? Most of us do expect to "get something out of it." We usually go to be instructed and edified, to worship, to interact with others who can support and inspire us, Elder Oaks points out that if social benefits are the main goal, we're often going to be disappointed in the people we encounter. If our main purpose is to learn more about the gospel, there are other ways to accomplish that. He points out that a primary reason we should attend meetings is not to receive, but to give—to serve others as part of the congregation.

Elder Oaks promises that great benefits come from our unselfish service in the Church. And one of the greatest benefits is the personal conversion that results from giving to others in humility and faithfulness. How blessed we are to have that opportunity!

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

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf on the blessing and power of serving in Church callings

President 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 has served as second counselor in the First Presidency since 2008.

"As Saints of the Most High God, we are to 'remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple' (D&C 52:40). Opportunities to go about doing good and to serve others are limitless. We can find them in our communities, in our wards and branches, and certainly in our homes.

"In addition, every member of the Church is given specific formal opportunities to serve. We refer to these opportunities as 'callings'—a term that should remind us of who it is that calls us to serve. If we approach our callings as opportunities to serve God and minister to others with faith and humility, every act of service will be a step on the path of discipleship. In this way, God not only builds up His Church but also builds up His servants. The Church is designed to help us become true and faithful disciples of Christ, good and noble sons and daughters of God. This happens not just when we go to meetings and listen to talks but also when we get outside ourselves and serve. This is how we become 'great' in the kingdom of God.

"We accept callings with grace, humility, and gratitude. When we are released from these callings, we accept the change with the same grace, humility, and gratitude.

"In the eyes of God, there is no calling in the kingdom that is more important than another. Our service—whether great or small—refines our spirits, opens the windows of heaven, and releases God’s blessings not only upon those we serve but upon us as well. When we reach out to others, we can know with humble confidence that God acknowledges our service with approval and approbation. He smiles upon us as we offer these heartfelt acts of compassion, especially acts that are unseen and unnoticed by others. (See Matthew 6:1-2.)

"Each time we give of ourselves to others, we take a step closer to becoming good and true disciples of the One who gave His all for us: our Savior."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Greatest among You," General Conference, April 2017
Click here to watch or read the full talk

In his address to the Priesthood session of the recent general conference, President Uchtdorf gave some wonderful reminders of the importance of service to others, including Priesthood service but also more broadly, the blessings that come as we serve in a variety of ways. Noting that there are so many ways for us "to go about doing good" in our lives, he encouraged us to seek for them more actively.

This section on callings in the Church was insightful. President Eyring promises that "every act of service will be a step on the path of discipleship." As we are invited to serve in specific assignments, God not only builds up the kingdom, but also His servants, helping us each to "become true and faithful disciples of Christ, good and noble sons and daughters of God" as we follow the Savior's example of humble service to others.

The scriptural injunction to "magnify" our callings in the Priesthood (D&C 84:33) applies in all cases. To magnify is to enlarge or increase. As we are invited to participate and contribute, blessings come to others when we seek to increase the good we do at any level of service; and in the process, we become better disciples as God's favor is given to the humble servant.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on an invitation for all to participate in the blessings of the Gospel

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.

"Brothers and sisters, we live in a mortal world with many songs we cannot or do not yet sing. But I plead with each one of us to stay permanently and faithfully in the choir, where we will be able to savor forever that most precious anthem of all—'the song of redeeming love' (Alma 5:26; see also Alma 26:13).

"Fortunately, the seats for this particular number are limitless. There is room for those who speak different languages, celebrate diverse cultures, and live in a host of locations. There is room for the single, for the married, for large families, and for the childless. There is room for those who once had questions regarding their faith and room for those who still do. There is room for those with differing sexual attractions. In short, there is a place for everyone who loves God and honors His commandments as the inviolable measuring rod for personal behavior, for if love of God is the melody of our shared song, surely our common quest to obey Him is the indispensable harmony in it.

"With divine imperatives of love and faith, repentance and compassion, honesty and forgiveness, there is room in this choir for all who wish to be there. (See 2 Nephi 26:33.) 'Come as you are,' a loving Father says to each of us, but He adds, 'Don’t plan to stay as you are.' We smile and remember that God is determined to make of us more than we thought we could be.

"In this great oratorio that is His plan for our exaltation, may we humbly follow His baton and keep working on the songs we cannot sing, until we can offer those 'carol[s] to [our] King.' (Hymns, no. 227.)"

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "Songs Sung and Unsung," General Conference, April 2017
Click here to watch or read the full talk

In this sermon, Elder Holland spoke beautifully based on the lyrics of the hymn "There is Sunshine in my Soul Today" (Hymns, no. 227). He drew a number of comparisons and analogies that were helpful in thinking about how we confront the challenges of this life.

I thought this section, near the end of his talk, was particularly interesting. He points out the importance for "each one of us to stay permanently and faithfully in the choir" (the symbolic description of faithful discipleship) as we deal with our various situations. And he points out that diversity of needs and backgrounds, of personal situations, is not only acceptable in that "choir," but also very desirable in the formation of the choir. "There is a place for everyone who loves God and honors His commandments as the inviolable measuring rod for personal behavior."

So all who love God and desire to follow Him are invited and welcome:

I hope all members of the Church can feel the power of this message, knowing that not only are we personally needed and wanted in that choir, but also we should be open, welcoming, and loving to all those who likewise come to receive the blessings and benefits of singing together with us.