Elder David A. Bednar on restored Gospel light

Elder David A. Bednar (born June 15, 1952) was serving as the president of BYU–Idaho when he was called and sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2004.

"Spiritually dangerous ideas and actions frequently can appear to be attractive, desirable, or pleasurable. Thus, in our contemporary world, each of us needs to be aware of beguiling bad that pretends to be good. As Isaiah warned, 'Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!' (Isa 5:20.)

"In a paradoxical period when violating the sanctity of human life is heralded as a right and chaos is described as liberty, how blessed we are to live in this latter-day dispensation when restored gospel light can shine brightly in our lives and help us to discern the adversary’s dark deceptions and distractions.

"'For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day' (D&C 45:57, emphasis added)."

- David A. Bednar, "Watchful unto Prayer Continually," General Conference October 2019, Saturday afternoon

Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Bednar remembered Elder Boyd K. Packer's classic talk Spiritual Crocodiles. He expanded it with his own experiences in watching cheetahs hunting in Africa. Their techniques and behaviors can provide lessons about the forces that seek to destroy us in these latter days. Elder Bednar warns us to be cautious and wary, in order to survive the attacks that surely will come.

Our modern era of chaos and confict is only escalating; the situation today is much worse than it was a year ago when Elder Bednar shared this message. We can only assume it will continue to worsen. So it becomes that much more important to cling to "restored gospel light" and allow it to "shine brightly in our lives."

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

President Boyd K. Packer on the opportunities of youth

President Boyd K. Packer (1924-2015) served as an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve (a position that no longer exists) from 1961 to 1970, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  He served as president of that Quorum from 1994 until his death in 2015 at age 90.

"Teenagers also sometimes think, 'What’s the use? The world will soon be blown all apart and come to an end.' That feeling comes from fear, not from faith. No one knows the hour or the day (see D&C 49:7), but the end cannot come until all of the purposes of the Lord are fulfilled. Everything that I have learned from the revelations and from life convinces me that there is time and to spare for you to carefully prepare for a long life....

"There may be more justice in who we are and what we have or do not have than we ever suppose.

"You are a child of God!

"What a wonderful time to be young. You will see events in your lifetime that will test your courage and extend your faith. If you will face the sunlight of truth, the shadows of discouragement and sin and error will fall behind you. You must never give up! It is never too late! There is no knight in black armor with such power as you may have if you live righteously."

- Boyd K. Packer, "To Young Women and Men," General Conference April 1989
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It's been 30 years since President Packer addressed these remarks to the youth of the Church in his conference address. He spoke to the youth at that time who were worried about the conditions of the world and what they viewed as a potential end of the world. But he reassured them that based on his knowledge of the Gospel plan, there was much still to be accomplished in the Lord's purposes and they would have adequate time to prepare.

We might ask ourselves how we believe the world's situation, and the state of completeness of the Lord's work, stand today, after 30 years have passed? Regardless, a great key to peace and happiness for each of us is to never forget that we each are a child of God, and He will care for us as we turn to Him.

This is a declaration of faith and hope. Though events will come during life that "test our courage and extend our faith," as long as we face the light of truth, we know the "shadows of discouragement and sin" will never block our view but will fall behind.

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

President Joseph Smith on living lives of holiness

Joseph Smith (December 23, 1805-June 27, 1844) was given the apostolic authority when the Church of Jesus Christ was organized on April 6, 1830 and he was designated the first president of the church at age 24. He was martyred in 1844 at age 38.

“When I contemplate the rapidity with which the great and glorious day of the coming of the Son of Man advances, when He shall come to receive His Saints unto Himself, where they shall dwell in His presence, and be crowned with glory and immortality; when I consider that soon the heavens are to be shaken, and the earth tremble and reel to and fro; and that the heavens are to be unfolded as a scroll when it is rolled up; and that every mountain and island are to flee away, I cry out in my heart, What manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness! [See 2 Peter 3:11.]”

- Joseph Smith, from a letter from Joseph Smith to Moses Nickerson, Nov. 19, 1833, Kirtland, Ohio; see History of the Church 1:442

In order to act as the agent of God in the modern restoration of truth, Joseph Smith was given many visions, tutored from on high, and helped to understand the work and purposes of God on a scale that perhaps few in the world's history have been granted. It is perhaps out of that understanding that this statement comes. While we assume that not even Joseph knew the specific details of when the Savior would come again (see Matthew 24:36), he certainly knew enough about the scope and seriousness of the events of the last days to recognize the need for our urgent preparation:

Perhaps the need for us to be actively prepared, to focus on "all holy conversation and godliness," is less a matter of timing than it is of urgency to participate actively and boldly in the events of our mortal experience. In the midst of a world filled with confusion and calamity, we must become islands of holiness. His disciples should be beacons of lights to the world. Our faith will give us the courage to persevere in spite of whatever comes to us.

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

President Spencer W. Kimball on the need for faithful devotion in today's world

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

"It seems that at no time in world history has there been a greater need for understanding and blending the wholesome and divine teachings of the Master into our lives and into all our dealings with our fellowmen. I say to everyone within the sound of my voice, 'Do not fail the Lord.' We must accept the truth that the gospel principles are not on trial but that we are. The teachings of Jesus as revealed through the ancient and modern prophets are constant and unchanging.

"The history of man evidences that these teachings are true. The rise and fall of civilizations according to the alternating righteousness and wickedness of the peoples proclaim the need to hear and to heed the Savior’s divine messages. We must prepare ourselves, both individually and as a church, to defend the gospel truths against a world steeped in atheism and godlessness. We must oppose the so-called intellectuals who reason that they have all the answers, and we must contend mightily with those whose lust for power and worldly gain destroy their sense of right and wrong.

"As members of Christ’s true church we must stand firm today and always for human rights and the dignity of man who is the literal offspring of God in the spirit. We cannot condone a separation of our religious beliefs from our daily living. Righteousness must prevail in our lives and in our homes."

- Spencer W. Kimball, "Fortify Your Homes Against Evil," General Conference April 1979
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President Kimball's voice was weak, ravaged by cancer and age; but his message was always clear and strong. I particularly enjoyed this talk, as he shared with Church members a sense of his vision for their duties and opportunities in the face of a challenging world. Never has there been a greater need for living the teachings of the Master:

In this talk, President Kimball used the phrase "we must" a total of 16 times as the tried to convey the need of faithfulness and obedience to his audience. Even in this short excerpt, notice the urgency of his invitations:

• we must recognize that we are being tried on how we can live gospel truths
• we must be intellectually prepared to stand up for our beliefs
• we must be ready to contend against intellectualism
• we must oppose those who lose a moral sense in their desire for power and profit
• we must stand firm in defense of the rights and dignities of men

This message, of how much the Lord depends on us and is counting on our efforts in His work, should inspire us to greater efforts and faithfulness in the things that matter most.

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

President Henry B. Eyring on having strength and faith for latter-day challenges

President Henry B. Eyring (born May 31, 1933) served in the Presiding Bishopric from 1985-1992, as a Seventy from 1992-1995, then was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He has served in the First Presidency since 2007.

"We cannot foresee the details, but we know the larger picture. We know that in the last days, the world will be in commotion. We know that in the midst of whatever trouble comes, the Lord will lead faithful Latter-day Saints to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. And we know that the Lord’s true disciples will be worthy and prepared to receive Him when He comes again. We need not fear.

"So, as much as we have already built faith and courage in our hearts, the Lord expects more from us—and from the generations after us. They will need to be stronger and braver because they will do even greater and harder things than we have done. And they will face increasing opposition from the enemy of our souls.

"The way to optimism as we go forward was given by the Lord: 'Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not' (D&C 6:36). President Monson told us how to do that. We are to ponder and apply the Book of Mormon and the words of prophets. Pray always. Be believing. Serve the Lord with all our heart, might, mind, and strength. We are to pray with all the energy of our hearts for the gift of charity, the pure love of Christ (see Moroni 7:47–48). And above all, we are to be consistent and persistent in following prophetic counsel.

"When the way is difficult, we can rely on the Lord’s promise—the promise President Monson has reminded us of when he has often quoted these words of the Savior: 'Whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up' (D&C 84:88).

"I testify that the Lord goes before your face whenever you are on His errand. Sometimes you will be the angel the Lord sends to bear others up. Sometimes you will be the one surrounded by angels who bear you up. But always you will have His Spirit to be in your heart, as you have been promised in every sacrament service. You have only to keep His commandments.

"The best days are ahead for the kingdom of God on the earth. Opposition will strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ, as it has since the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Faith always defeats fear. Standing together produces unity. And your prayers for those in need are heard and answered by a loving God. He neither slumbers nor does He sleep."

- Henry B. Eyring, "Fear Not to Do Good," General Conference, October 2017
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This was a beautiful, hopeful message from President Eyring. He recalled President Monson's counsel from the last general conference to study the Book of Mormon daily, and testified of the power in his own life of following that counsel. Then he bore witness to the power and blessing of being faithful and obedient in the last days, in the midst of the challenges that will come.

I have always loved the promise of the Lord to those in His service, of angels surrounding to bear them up. It's a wonderful reassurance, and as President Eyring testifies, we "have only to keep His commandments."

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

President Wilford Woodruff on the urgency of latter-day work

Wilford Woodruff (1807-1898) was called as an apostle in 1839 by Joseph Smith, and sustained as the 4th president of the Church in 1889.  He served until his death in 1898 at age 91.

"Joseph Smith visited me a great deal after his death, and taught me many important principles. The last time he visited me was while I was... going on my last mission to preside in England....

"Joseph Smith continued visiting myself and others up to a certain time, and then it stopped. The last time I saw him was in heaven. In the night vision I saw him at the door of the temple in heaven. He came and spoke to me. He said he could not stop to talk with me because he was in a hurry. The next man I met was Father Smith; he could not talk with me because he was in a hurry. I met half a dozen brethren who had held high positions on earth, and none of them could stop to talk with me because they were in a hurry. I was much astonished.

'By and by I saw the Prophet again, and I got the privilege to ask him a question. 'Now,' said I, 'I want to know why you are in a hurry. I have been in a hurry all through my life; but I expected my hurry would be over when I got into the kingdom of heaven, if I ever did.' Joseph said: 'I will tell you, Brother Woodruff. Every dispensation that has had the priesthood on the earth and has gone into the celestial kingdom, has had a certain amount of work to do to prepare to go to the earth with the Savior when He goes to reign on the earth. Each dispensation has had ample time to do this work. We have not. We are the last dispensation, and so much work has to be done, and we need to be in a hurry in order to accomplish it.' Of course, that was satisfactory to me, but it was new doctrine to me."

- Wilford Woodruff, discourse delivered October 19, 1896, recorded in Stuy, Collected Discourses, 5:237–38; see also Wilford Woodruff’s Journal, 3:578–79, October 20, 1850

President Woodruff had a remarkable gift for spiritual experiences, and this excerpt discusses some of the manifestations he had in his life. He had quite a few visions and encounters with heavenly messengers. He talks quite matter-of-factly about his visits with Joseph Smith. With the post-mortal perspective, the Prophet conveyed the urgency of the latter-day work, given all that remains to be done in this dispensation:

Each of us might ask ourselves about our own sense of urgency. As we age and recognize how quickly time passes in our personal life, we start to understand how little time we probably have to accomplish our personal goals and desires—not to mention contribute to the work of salvation on behalf of our Father's plan for His children!

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

Joseph B. Wirthlin on the living water of the Gospel

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.

"By living the gospel of Jesus Christ, we develop within ourselves a living spring that will quench eternally our thirst for happiness, peace, and everlasting life. The Lord explains clearly in the Doctrine and Covenants that only faithful obedience can tap the well of living water that refreshes and enlivens our souls: 'But unto him that keepeth my commandments I will give the mysteries of my kingdom, and the same shall be in him a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life' (D&C 63:23) ....

"These latter days are a time of great spiritual thirst. Many in the world are searching, often intensely, for a source of refreshment that will quench their yearning for meaning and direction in their lives. They crave a cool, satisfying drink of insight and knowledge that will soothe their parched souls. Their spirits cry out for life-sustaining experiences of peace and calm to nourish and enliven their withering hearts....

"As at Jacob's well, so today the Lord Jesus Christ is the only source of living water. It will quench the thirst of those suffering from the drought of divine truth that so afflicts the world."

- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Living Water to Quench Spiritual Thirst," Ensign, May 1995, p. 18
Click here to read the full talk

I like the concept of learning to "develop within ourselves a living spring that will quench eternally our thirst for happiness," What a glorious promise! And it comes from "faithful obedience," from truly living gospel principles.

I love this summary of how this principle is particularly pertinent to our day: