President Dallin H. Oaks on God's love as motivation for the Church's actions

President Dallin H. Oaks (born 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. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"The teachings and policies of the Lord’s restored Church apply these eternal truths in a way that can be fully understood only in the context of our Heavenly Father’s loving plan for all of His children.

"Thus, we honor individual agency. Most are aware of this Church’s great efforts to promote religious freedom. These efforts are in furtherance of our Heavenly Father’s plan. We seek to help all of His children—not just our own members—enjoy the precious freedom to choose.

"Similarly, we are sometimes asked why we send missionaries to so many nations, even among Christian populations. We are also asked why we give enormous humanitarian aid to persons who are not members of our Church without linking this to our missionary efforts. We do this because the Lord has taught us to esteem all of His children as our brothers and sisters, and we want to share our spiritual and temporal abundance with everyone."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Divine Love in the Father's Plan," General Conference April 2022, Sunday afternoon

Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Oaks spoke in his conference address about the eternal love of God that is behind the doctrine and policies of the Church. Our lack of understanding of that love often causes us to misunderstand or question the doctrines and policies. When we ever feel confusion or uncertainty, we should remember that our view is likely incomplete; faith can fill in the missing parts temporarily until understanding comes.

The actions and decisions of the Church are based on God's love for all of His children. We need never doubt or question that. President Oaks points out specific examples of some policies that illustrate the point, including missionary effort and humanitarian contributions:

 My experience as a full-time missionary in the humanitarian services program program confirmed that principle. We were carefully instructed and trained that we were NOT proselytizing in our efforts; we were representatives of the Church, sharing humanitarian donations without restriction or expectation. It was a beautiful experience!

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

President Russell M. Nelson on becoming the right person

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.

"The end for which each of you should strive is to be the person that you can become—the person who God wants you to be. The day will come when your professional career will end. The career that you will have labored so hard to achieve—the work that will have supported you and your family—will one day be behind you.

"Then you will have learned this great lesson: much more important than what you do for a living is what kind of person you become. When you leave this frail existence, what you have become will matter most. Attributes such as 'faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, [and] diligence' (D&C 4:6) will all be weighed in the Lord's balance.

"From time to time, ask yourself these questions: 'Am I ready to meet my Maker?' 'Am I worthy of all the blessings He has in store for His faithful children?' 'Have I received my endowment and sealing ordinances of the temple?' 'Have I remained faithful to my covenants?' 'Have I qualified for the greatest of all God's blessings—the blessing of eternal life?' (see D&C 14:7)."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Neither Trust in the Arm of Flesh," BYU commencement address, April 23, 2009; see Ensign, March 2010, pp. 24-25
Click here to read the full talk

We spend a lot of time and energy "striving" for various things in our lives each day. Careers and professional activities consume significant portions as we work to sustain ourselves. Sometimes we lose the perspective on what matters most, and President Nelson reminds us that it's far more important to worry about the kind of person we become than what we do for a living. "The end for which each of you should strive is to be the person that you can become—the person who God wants you to be."

He provides this practical suggestion to help evaluate our progress in the things that matter most—a short personal interview of sorts:

Those questions truly help to identify "the things that matter most." We would be wise to ponder them carefully!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
July 23, 2015

Elder Quentin L. Cook on goals, self-discipline, and humor

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.

"I encourage everyone, young and old, to review goals and objectives and strive to exercise greater discipline. Our daily conduct and choices should be consistent with our goals. We need to rise above rationalizations and distractions. It is especially important to make choices consistent with our covenants to serve Jesus Christ in righteousness (see D&C 76:5). We must not take our eyes off or drop that ball for any reason.

"This life is the time to prepare to meet God (see Alma 34:32). We are a happy, joyous people. We appreciate a good sense of humor and treasure unstructured time with friends and family. But we need to recognize that there is a seriousness of purpose that must undergird our approach to life and all our choices. Distractions and rationalizations that limit progress are harmful enough, but when they diminish faith in Jesus Christ and His Church, they are tragic."

- Quentin L. Cook, "Choose Wisely," Ensign, November 2014, pp. 46-49
Click here to read or listen to the full article

It's interesting to consider the relationship between goals and covenants, as suggested by Elder Cook. There is power in having goals to set targets for our long-term achievement, and to make sure we are focusing appropriately on those worthy objectives with the discipline reflected in our daily conduct and choices. But covenants are a type of goal; they also set standards for ongoing behavior and choices that help us stay on an established course.

In consideration of desires for long-term success in spiritual matters, Elder Cook suggests that there should be a balance between good humor and "seriousness of purpose" to define the focus of our lives:

I hope we never forget to be "a happy, joyous people." With the right eternal perspective, that can always be possible.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
December 29, 2016

Elder Richard G. Scott on the purpose of life

Elder Richard G. Scott (1928-2015) served as a Seventy from 1977-1988, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  He passed away in September 2015 at the age of 86.

"You are here on earth for a divine purpose. It is not to be endlessly entertained or to be constantly in full pursuit of pleasure. You are here to be tried, to prove yourself so that you can receive the additional blessings God has for you (see Abr. 3:25).  The tempering effect of patience is required (see Mosiah 3:19).  Some blessings will be delivered here in this life; others will come beyond the veil. The Lord is intent on your personal growth and development. That progress is accelerated when you willingly allow Him to lead you through every growth experience you encounter, whether initially it be to your individual liking or not. When you trust in the Lord, when you are willing to let your heart and your mind be centered in His will, when you ask to be led by the Spirit to do His will, you are assured of the greatest happiness along the way and the most fulfilling attainment from this mortal experience. If you question everything you are asked to do, or dig in your heels at every unpleasant challenge, you make it harder for the Lord to bless you (see 1 Ne. 3:7). 

"Your agency, the right to make choices, is not given so that you can get what you want.  This divine gift is provided so that you will choose what your Father in Heaven wants for you.  That way He can lead you to become all that He intends you to be (see D&C 58:26–32).  That path leads to glorious joy and happiness." 

- Richard G. Scott, "Finding Joy in Life," Genneral Conference April 1996
Click to read the full talk

It's easy to lose sight of the purpose of life, in the midst of demands that are often urgent and options that may seen endless. When challenges come, some people naturally to turn to God; but there is a tendency for many to question or tire in the midst of endurance. How crucial it is for us to learn to trust, to seek the good and the growth!

A true disciple learns to view "every unpleasant challenge" as a sign of God's love, not as a sign of his absence; and as an opportunity to grow closer to Him and become more like Him.

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

January 10, 2015

President M. Russell Ballard on finding joy in faith and faithfulness

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 prophet Lehi taught, 'Men [and women] are, that they might have joy.' (2 Ne 2:25) There are many reasons why peace, joy, and happiness may elude us in this life, including poverty, war, natural disasters, and unexpected setbacks in employment, health, and family relationships.

"But even though we cannot control those external forces that impact our lives here on earth, as we strive to become faithful disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we can find peace, joy, and happiness despite the worldly troubles that swirl around us.

"...Do the best you can do day after day, and  you know it, you will come to realize that your Heavenly Father knows you and that He loves you. And when you know that—really know it—your life will have real purpose and meaning and you will be filled with joy and peace."

- M. Russell Ballard, "The True, Pure, and Simple Gospel of Jesus Christ," General Conference April 2019
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

For at least portions of our lives, most of us have felt what President Ballard describes, as "peace, joy, and happiness may elude us in this life" because of challenges that include, among other things, "poverty, war, natural disasters, and unexpected setbacks in employment, health, and family relationships." At those times, we learn to endure, knowing that there is always hope for a better future. But crucial to our mortal probation is to learn that we can overcome those challenges "as we strive to become faithful disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ."

We can never do more than this: "the best you can do day after day." Through that level of commitment and faithfulness, we come to feel the love of God and His awareness of our struggles, and find the source of true strength, peace, and joy.

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

President Gordon B. Hinckley on the eternal purpose of each day

President Gordon B. 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.

"We are not chance creations in a universe of disorder. We lived before we were born. We were God’s sons and daughters who shouted for joy. (See Job 38:7.) We knew our Father; He planned our future. We graduated from that life and matriculated in this. The statement is simple; the implications are profound. Life is a mission, not just the sputtering of a candle between a chance lighting and a gust of wind that blows it out forever....

"While here, we have learning to gain, work to do, service to give. We are here with a marvelous inheritance, a divine endowment. How different this world would be if every person realized that all of his actions have eternal consequences. How much more satisfying our years may be if in our accumulation of knowledge, in our relationships with others, in our business affairs, in our courtship and marriage, and in our family rearing, we recognize that we form each day the stuff of which eternity is made. Brothers and sisters, life is forever. Live each day as if you were going to live eternally, for you surely shall."

- Gordon B. Hinckley, "Pillars of Truth," First Presidency Message, Ensign, January 1994, pp. 2-5
Click here to read the full article

I love President Hinckley's powerful and ringing testimony: "Life is a mission, not just the sputtering of a candle between a chance lighting and a gust of wind that blows it out forever." He believed with all his heart that there is meaning and purpose to our mortal existence, directed by a divine power, a loving Father. So we need to fill our life with learning, work, and service.

Each day of our mortal life points us towards eternity. The actions and decisions we make have profound significance. "Live each day as if you were going to live eternally, for you surely shall."

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

Elder Richard G. Scott on focusing our life on the things of greatest importance

Elder Richard G. Scott (1928-2015) served as a Seventy from 1977-1988, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  He passed away in September 2015 at the age of 86.

"God’s purpose is 'to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man' (Moses 1:39). That is fundamental to all we do. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in things that we find fascinating or become so consumed by mundane responsibilities that we lose sight of God’s objectives. As you consistently focus your life on the most basic principles, you will gain an understanding of what you are to do, and you will produce more fruit for the Lord and more happiness for yourself.

"When you focus your life on the basic principles of the plan of salvation, you will better concentrate on sharing what you know because you understand the eternal importance of the ordinances of the gospel. You will share what you know in a way that encourages your friends to want to be strengthened spiritually. You will help your loved ones want to commit to obey all of His commandments and take upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ."

- Richard G. Scott, "I Have Given You an Example," General Conference April 2014
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

One of the great challenges of mortality is to develop and then and maintain appropriate focus on the things that truly matter most.  Elder Scott identifies some of the problems we confront, as we "get so wrapped up" in either our "mundane responsibilities" or in the other, less important, "things that we find fascinating."

The challenge then is to focus on "basic principles" in order to preserve appropriate priorities in our lives. It's easy to think that more advanced or sophisticated activities might be more valuable or beneficial; that's a trap that can lead us directly to the dangers Elder Scott is warning of.

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

President James E. Faust on God working miracles through willing servants

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.

"The Lord has a great work for each of us to do. You may wonder how this can be. You may feel that there is nothing special or superior about you or your ability. Perhaps you feel, or have been told, that you are stupid. Many of us have felt that and some of us have been told that. Gideon felt this when the Lord asked him to save Israel from the Midianites. Gideon said, 'My family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house' (Judges 6:15). He had only three hundred men, but with the help of the Lord, Gideon defeated the armies of the Midianites (see Judges 7).

"The Lord can do remarkable miracles with a person of ordinary ability who is humble, faithful, and diligent in serving the Lord and seeks to improve himself. This is because God is the ultimate source of power."

- James E. Faust, "Acting for Ourselves and Not Being Acted Upon," Ensign, Nov. 1995, 47
Click here to read or listen to the complete talk

There are times in life when each of us probably has the experience of feeling surrounded by super-achievers, by remarkable people with gifts that lift and bless so many, by individuals who seem to "have it all together" while we are struggling just to hang on. Or worse, as President Faust notes, some have the chronic feeling that they are "stupid" or don't measure up in critical ways.

What a sense of bright encouragement to know that in spite of our perceived shortcomings, if we are humble and faithful, "The Lord can do remarkable miracles" with each of us:

Not only can the Lord do great things with and through each of us, but He will do them. As President Faust points out, "The Lord has a great work for each of us to do." It should be a major quest for each of us to discover that mission as we seek His help in our lives, strive to be humble and faithful, and offer ourselves as willing servants in His work.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf on simplifying our gospel understanding

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (b. 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.

"We human beings have a strange tendency to complicate simple things. We set up rules, laws, bylaws, processes, and subprocesses. Eventually, we pile up load after load until we end up under a huge weight of expectations that are so complicated it is difficult to keep track of them, let alone meet them.

"This is one of the reasons Paul said, 'The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life' (2 Corinthians 3:6).

"Too often, we complicate the beauty and simplicity of the gospel of Jesus Christ with endless lists of meticulous expectations. However, when we focus on the 'why' of the gospel, much of the confusion fades away. Why are we here? Why are we asked to obey the commandments? Why is the Atonement of Jesus Christ of such value to us?

"The proper 'why' questions will lead us to the proper 'who,' 'what,' 'when,' 'where,' and 'how' decisions."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Acting on the Truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ," Worldwide Leadership Training, February 2012
Click here to read the full article

President Uchtdorf has spoken on several occasions about the importance and blessing of simplifying our approach to life or to the Gospel; for example, here and here.

In this excerpt, he warns not only about the ways we complicate our lives at times, but also how we can make "the beauty and simplicity of the gospel of Jesus Christ" unnecessarily complicated. The key to avoiding this trap is to carefully consider the purposes and motivations of our beliefs and expectations—the "why" questions that lead to greater understanding.

Asking the right questions leads to the right actions and decisions. That is because the right questions create a foundation of understanding on which appropriate actions can be built. I love this reminder, and will be asking myself more appropriately-probing "why" questions about my own life!

Elder Neal A. Maxwell on living life with patience

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.

"Patience is not indifference. Actually, it is caring very much, but being willing, nevertheless, to submit both to the Lord and to what the scriptures call the 'process of time.'

"Patience is tied very closely to faith in our Heavenly Father. Actually, when we are unduly impatient, we are suggesting that we know what is best—better than does God. Or, at least, we are asserting that our timetable is better than his. Either way we are questioning the reality of God's omniscience....

"There is also a dimension of patience which links it to a special reverence for life. Patience is a willingness, in a sense, to watch the unfolding purposes of God with a sense of wonder and awe—rather than pacing up and down within the cell of our circumstance.

"Too much anxious opening of the oven door and the cake falls instead of rising! So it is with us. If we are always selfishly taking our temperature to see if we are happy, we won't be....

"Patience is, therefore, clearly not fatalistic, shoulder-shrugging resignation; it is accepting a divine rhythm to life; it is obedience prolonged."

- Neal A. Maxwell, "Patience," BYU Devotional address, November 27, 1979; see Ensign, October 1980, p. 28
Click here to read the full Ensign article
Click here to read or listen to the BYU devotional

In his wonderfully articulate way, Elder Maxwell shares his very personal thoughts about what he calls the "pedestrian principle" of patience, a quality he himself desired to develop more in a greater measure. He points out the connection between our personal faith in God and the ability to be patient; as we truly trust in Him, we will also trust in His timing and know that things will work out in due time. Our impatience to have things our way, in our timing, suggests we unwisely think we know better than He does. I love the suggestion that we should eagerly watch God's unfolding purposes in our life "with a sense of wonder and awe":

Another very thoughtful description is to liken patience to "obedience prolonged." We are willing to continue to trust God and follow His path for us because of the love, faith, and patience we feel for His purposes. It's that willingness to "endure to the end" that shows our true commitment.

Elder Quentin L. Cook on goals, self-discipline, and humor

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.

"I encourage everyone, young and old, to review goals and objectives and strive to exercise greater discipline. Our daily conduct and choices should be consistent with our goals. We need to rise above rationalizations and distractions. It is especially important to make choices consistent with our covenants to serve Jesus Christ in righteousness (see D&C 76:5). We must not take our eyes off or drop that ball for any reason.

"This life is the time to prepare to meet God (see Alma 34:32). We are a happy, joyous people. We appreciate a good sense of humor and treasure unstructured time with friends and family. But we need to recognize that there is a seriousness of purpose that must undergird our approach to life and all our choices. Distractions and rationalizations that limit progress are harmful enough, but when they diminish faith in Jesus Christ and His Church, they are tragic."

- Quentin L. Cook, "Choose Wisely," Ensign, November 2014, pp. 46-49
Click here to read or listen to the full article

It's interesting to consider the relationship between goals and covenants, as suggested by Elder Cook. There is power in having goals to set targets for our long-term achievement, and to make sure we are focusing appropriately on those worthy objectives with the discipline reflected in our daily conduct and choices. But covenants are a type of goal; they also set standards for ongoing behavior and choices that help us stay on an established course.

In consideration of desires for long-term success in spiritual matters, Elder Cook suggests that there should be a balance between good humor and "seriousness of purpose" to define the focus of our lives:

Russell M. Nelson on becoming the right person

President Russell M. Nelson (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 was set apart as president of the Quorum of Twelve on July 15, 2015.

"The end for which each of you should strive is to be the person that you can become—the person who God wants you to be. The day will come when your professional career will end. The career that you will have labored so hard to achieve—the work that will have supported you and your family—will one day be behind you.

"Then you will have learned this great lesson: much more important than what you do for a living is what kind of person you become. When you leave this frail existence, what you have become will matter most. Attributes such as 'faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, [and] diligence' (D&C 4:6) will all be weighed in the Lord's balance.

"From time to time, ask yourself these questions: 'Am I ready to meet my Maker?' 'Am I worthy of all the blessings He has in store for His faithful children?' 'Have I received my endowment and sealing ordinances of the temple?' 'Have I remained faithful to my covenants?' 'Have I qualified for the greatest of all God's blessings—the blessing of eternal life?' (see D&C 14:7)."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Neither Trust in the Arm of Flesh," BYU commencement address, April 23, 2009; see Ensign, March 2010, pp. 24-25
Click here to read the full talk

We spend a lot of time and energy "striving" for various things in our lives each day. Careers and professional activities consume significant portions as we work to sustain ourselves. Sometimes we lose the perspective on what matters most, and President Nelson reminds us that it's far more important to worry about the kind of person we become than what we do for a living. "The end for which each of you should strive is to be the person that you can become—the person who God wants you to be."

He provides this practical suggestion to help evaluate our progress in the things that matter most—a short personal interview of sorts:

Thomas S. Monson on divine guidance in life's journey

President Thomas S. Monson (1927- ) was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1963.  He served as a counselor in the First Presidency with Presidents Benson, Hunter, and Hinckley until becoming Church president in 2008.

"Like the vital rudder of a ship, brethren, we have been provided a way to determine the direction we travel. The lighthouse of the Lord beckons to all as we sail the seas of life. Our purpose is to steer an undeviating course toward our desired goal—even the celestial kingdom of God. A man without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder, never likely to reach home port. To us comes the signal: chart your course, set your sail, position your rudder, and proceed....

"Our Father provided the sun, the moon, and the stars—heavenly galaxies to guide mariners who sail the lanes of the sea. To us, as we walk the pathway of life, He provides a clear map and points the way toward our desired destination. He cautions: beware the detours, the pitfalls, the traps. We cannot be deceived by those who would lead us astray, those clever pied pipers of sin beckoning here or there. Instead, we pause to pray; we listen to that still, small voice which speaks to the depths of our souls the Master's gentle invitation, 'Come, follow me.' (Luke 18:22.)"

- Thomas S. Monson, "Guided Safely Home," Ensign, November 2014, pp. 67-69
Click here to read the full talk

President Monson loves the imagery of lighthouses, the sea, and navigation. In this recent example, he links the ability to direct our lives with the image of a rudder; lacking a rudder is like having no purpose in life, and thus no ability to navigate.

There are some key words in this quote, such as "vital" and "undeviating" —  a reminder of the need for constancy and faithfulness.

He goes on to remind us that a loving Heavenly Father provided his children with a variety of "navigation aids" that can help us make good choices in life and stay on the proper path, avoiding "the detours, the pitfalls, the traps." The key for us is to choose to heed them by following the Savior in every way.

Richard G. Scott on the purpose of life

Elder Scott (1928- ) served as a Seventy from 1977-1988, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

"You are here on earth for a divine purpose. It is not to be endlessly entertained or to be constantly in full pursuit of pleasure. You are here to be tried, to prove yourself so that you can receive the additional blessings God has for you (see Abr. 3:25).  The tempering effect of patience is required (see Mosiah 3:19).  Some blessings will be delivered here in this life; others will come beyond the veil. The Lord is intent on your personal growth and development. That progress is accelerated when you willingly allow Him to lead you through every growth experience you encounter, whether initially it be to your individual liking or not. When you trust in the Lord, when you are willing to let your heart and your mind be centered in His will, when you ask to be led by the Spirit to do His will, you are assured of the greatest happiness along the way and the most fulfilling attainment from this mortal experience. If you question everything you are asked to do, or dig in your heels at every unpleasant challenge, you make it harder for the Lord to bless you (see 1 Ne. 3:7).
"Your agency, the right to make choices, is not given so that you can get what you want.  This divine gift is provided so that you will choose what your Father in Heaven wants for you.  That way He can lead you to become all that He intends you to be (see D&C 58:26–32).  That path leads to glorious joy and happiness."
- Richard G. Scott, "Finding Joy in Life," Ensign, May 1996, p. 24; click to read the full talk

It's easy to lose sight of the purpose of life, in the midst of demands that are often urgent and options that may seen endless. When challenges come, it's sometimes natural to turn to God; but there is also a tendency to question or tire in the midst of endurance. How crucial it is for us to learn to trust, to seek the good and the growth! A true disciple learns to view "every unpleasant challenge" as a sign of God's love, not as a sign of his absence; and as an opportunity to grow closer to Him and become more like Him.