Elder D. Todd Christofferson on finding power in our relationship with God

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

"Of all your associations, it is your relationship with God, your Heavenly Father, who is the source of your moral power, that you must always put first in your life. Remember that Jesus’s power came through His single-minded devotion to the will of the Father. He never varied from that which pleased His Father. (See John 8:29.) Strive to be that kind of disciple of the Father and the Son, and your influence will never fade.

"And do not be afraid to apply that influence without fear or apology. 'Be ready always to give an answer to every [man, woman, and child] that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.' (1 Peter 3:15.) 'Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.' (2 Timothy 4:2.) 'Bring up your children in light and truth.' (D&C 93:40.) 'Teach [them] to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord.' (D&C 68:28.)"

- D. Todd Christofferson, "The Moral Force of Women," General Converence October 2013
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

In this conference talk, Elder Christofferson emphasized the unique contribution of women in the history of society, describing their "innate moral power" and encouraging them to further cultivate that gift, while also reminding the brethren that they have similar obligations to seek for goodness in their lives.

One of the keys to strengthening our "moral power" and influence in society is to focus on our relationship with God. As our discipleship and devotion to Him increase, so will our moral power and influence for good in society.

But then the key is to let that influence be felt. Elder Christofferson encourages us, through several scriptural exhortations, to speak up and let our voices be heard.

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

President James E. Faust on the power of the Savior's influence in our lives

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.

"We should earnestly seek not just to know about the Master, but to strive, as He invited, to be one with Him (see John 17:21), to 'be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man' (Eph. 3:16). We may not feel a closeness with Him because we think of Him as being far away, or our relationship may not be sanctifying because we do not think of Him as a real person.

"How can we receive the personal blessing of the Master’s divine and exalting influence in our own lives? Since our own feelings are sacred to us and cannot be disputed by others, let us begin with those quiet assurances which occasionally can come to all of us and which we know are true. We cannot always prove these verities to others, yet they come as a form of knowledge. Is this part of the divine which ferments within us, reaching to its source? Is it not like a personal witness of truth flowing through the thin curtain which separates this world from another?

"Is there not a yearning to understand in your mind what is in your heart, a feeling which you cannot give utterance to because it is so unspeakably personal? The Master said that this quiet reality can 'speak peace to your mind concerning the matter.' (D&C 6:23.) ...

"It is my testimony that we are facing difficult times. We must be courageously obedient. My witness is that we will be called upon to prove our spiritual stamina, for the days ahead will be filled with affliction and difficulty. But with the assuring comfort of a personal relationship with the Savior, we will be given a calming courage."

- James E. Faust, "A Personal Relationship with the Savior," General Conference, October 1976
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

What can we do in our lives to feel more "connected" to the Savior? How can we feel more of His influence in our lives, His strength and love? President Faust suggests we start by examining our most inner, personal feelings and notice His influence that is already there::

We can indeed bridge the "thin curtain which separates this world from another" as we feel more of His love and influence. President Faust goes on to suggest five specific things we should strive to do:

1. A daily communion involving prayer.
2. A daily selfless service to another.
3. A daily striving for an increased obedience and perfection in our lives.
4. A daily acknowledgment of His divinity.
5. A daily study of the scriptures.

As we are "courageously obedient" in our lives, we will feel His love and closeness, and be strengthened in a greater measure.

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

Elder Neal A. Maxwell on the eternal impact of mothers

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.

"When the real history of mankind is fully disclosed, will it feature the echoes of gunfire or the shaping sound of lullabies? The great armistices made by military men or the peacemaking of women in homes and in neighborhoods? Will what happened in cradles and kitchens prove to be more controlling than what happened in congresses? When the surf of the centuries has made the great pyramids so much sand, the everlasting family will still be standing, because it is a celestial institution, formed outside telestial time. The women of God know this.

"No wonder the men of God support and sustain you sisters in your unique roles, for the act of deserting home in order to shape society is like thoughtlessly removing crucial fingers from an imperiled dike in order to teach people to swim.

"We men love you for meeting inconsiderateness with consideration and selfishness with selflessness. We are touched by the eloquence of your example. We are deeply grateful for your enduring us as men when we are not at our best because—like God—you love us not only for what we are, but for what we have the power to become.

"We have special admiration for the unsung but unsullied single women among whom are some of the noblest daughters of God. These sisters know that God loves them, individually and distinctly. They make wise career choices even though they cannot now have the most choice career. Though in their second estate they do not have their first desire, they still overcome the world. These sisters who cannot now enrich the institution of their own marriage so often enrich other institutions in society. They do not withhold their blessings simply because some blessings are now withheld from them. Their trust in God is like that of the wives who are childless, but not by choice, but who in the justice of God will receive special blessings one day."

- Neal A. Maxwell, "The Women of God," General Conference April 1978
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This is a beautiful, classic talk from Elder Maxwell, shared when he was a member of the Seventy. He shares an important perspective about what really, ultimately matters in this life; it is not the achievements of men and women in the world, but the quiet, powerful things that happen in home and family:

How grateful we should all be for the women who have given so much to contribute to the building of individual lives and character!

Elder Maxwell also acknowledges the faithful contribution of the women who don't have the privilege of serving currently as mothers, noting they "are some of the noblest daughters of God." I know many of those, and am grateful for their examples of faith and patience, trusting in God and in God's timing.

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

President David O. McKay on the profound influence of mothers

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.

"Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother's image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child's mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss, the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness, the first assurance that there is love in the world. True, there comes a time when Father takes his place as exemplar and hero of the growing boy; and in the latter's budding ambition to develop manly traits, he outwardly seems to turn from the more gentle and tender virtues engendered by his mother. Yet that ever-directing and restraining influence implanted during the first years of his childhood linger with him and permeate his thoughts and memory as distinctively as perfume clings to each particular flower."

- David O. McKay, Gospel Ideals, p. 452; True to the Faith, pp. 167–68

President McKay spoke on various occasions about this theme. He felt profoundly the blessing of a mother in his own life, and watched his beloved Emma care for their children. He had some of the best examples possible.

It's hard to quantify how important early impressions are on a child, and how deeply formative they must be. To have an image of kindness and gentleness "stamped" on the developing mind truly must make a difference:

President McKay suggests that in many cases, the father's influence is not felt as profoundly in the beginning but comes into play later. But yet the foundation set by a mother's love is something that influences the rest of life. How fortunate a child is to feel that sacred gift!

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

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf on the influence of women in the lives of youth and children

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf (born November 6, 1940) served as a Seventy from 1994-2004, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve.  He served as second counselor in the First Presidency from 2008 to 2018.

"As we look at the history of this earth and at the history of the restored Church of Jesus Christ, it becomes obvious that women hold a special place in our Father’s plan for the eternal happiness and well-being of His children.

"I hope that my dear sisters throughout the world—grandmothers, mothers, aunts, and friends—never underestimate the power of their influence for good, especially in the lives of our precious children and youth!...

"There is a saying that big gates move on small hinges. Sisters, your example in seemingly small things will make a big difference in the lives of our young people. The way you dress and groom yourselves, the way you talk, the way you pray, the way you testify, the way you live every day will make the difference. This includes which TV shows you watch, which music you prefer, and how you use the Internet. If you love to go to the temple, the young people who value your example will also love to go. If you adapt your wardrobe to the temple garment and not the other way around, they will know what you consider important, and they will learn from you.

"You are marvelous sisters and great examples. Our youth are blessed by you, and the Lord loves you for that."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Influence of Righeous Women," Ensign, Sept 2009, pp. 2-7
Click here to read the full article

This article, written as a monthly First Presidency Message when President Uchtdorf was serving as a counselor to President Monson, shares doctrine and encouragement about the sacred role of righteous women in God's plan of happiness. President Uchtdorf expressed a vision of the potential for good that they have in so many ways:

The description of the example of righteous women and the influence that small things can have is a powerful reminder. Those "seemingly small things" that include appearance, speech, choices of priorities, and dress truly can "make a big difference in the lives of our young people." How important for all of us, women and men alike, to consider carefully the messages we are sharing!

The rest of the article contains personal stories of President Uchtdorf's family, and additional counsel that is well worth reviewing particularly for women, but also for men as we consider how we esteem and treat the women in our lives.

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

Elder Quentin L. Cook on religious principles in public discourse

Elder Quentin L. Cook (b. September 8, 1940) was called as a Seventy in 1996, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2007.

"In addition to protecting our own families, we should be a source of light in protecting our communities. The Savior said, 'Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven' (Matthew 5:16).

"Our day has been described as 'a time of plenty and an age of doubt' (Roger B. Porter). Basic belief in the power and authority of God is not only questioned but also denigrated. How under these circumstances can we promote values in a way that will resonate with the nonbelievers and the apathetic and help abate the spiraling descent into violence and evil?

"This question is of monumental importance....

"My personal experience of living and interacting with people all over the world has caused me to be optimistic. I believe that light and truth will be preserved in our time. In all nations there are large numbers who worship God and feel accountable to Him for their conduct. Some observers believe there is actually a global revival of faith. As Church leaders, we have met with leaders of other faiths and have found that there is a common moral foundation that transcends theological differences and unites us in our aspirations for a better society.

"We also find the majority of people are still respectful of basic moral values. But make no mistake: there are also people who are determined to both destroy faith and reject any religious influence in society. Other evil people exploit, manipulate, and tear down society with drugs, pornography, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, robbery, and dishonest business practices. The power and influence of these people is very large even if they are relatively small in number.

"There has always been an ongoing battle between people of faith and those who would purge religion and God from public life.... Still, the majority of people aspire to be good and honorable. The Light of Christ, which is distinct from the Holy Ghost, informs their conscience.... This is why many will accept moral values even when founded on religious convictions which they do not personally support....

"In our increasingly unrighteous world, it is essential that values based on religious belief be part of the public discourse. Moral positions informed by a religious conscience must be accorded equal access to the public square. Under the constitutions of most countries, a religious conscience may not be given preference, but neither should it be disregarded.

"Religious faith is a store of light, knowledge, and wisdom and benefits society in a dramatic way when adherents engage in moral conduct because they feel accountable to God."

- Quentin L. Cook, "Let There Be Light!," General Conference Oct 2010; see also Ensign, Nov. 2010, p. 27-30
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This is a thought-provoking passage from Elder Cook. What is the role of religious principles, or even moral principles, in public discussions and settings? How can we have a positive influence in ways that let our "light so shine"? Elder Cook teaches that many people are able and eager to respond to these suggestions and discussions because of the influence of the Light of Christ that rests with every man. It is our duty to see that the discussions are held—that the principles of truth and eternal values are part of the discourse.

Society will be benefited "in a dramatic way" as individuals, like each of us, are willing to be spokesmen and representatives for the teachings and values contained in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through the religious faith of a few, many will be benefited in profound ways.

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