Elder David A. Bednar on inviting the Holy Ghost into our lives

Elder David A. Bednar (1952- ) was sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2004.

"We more readily receive and recognize the Spirit of the Lord as we appropriately invite Him into our lives. We cannot compel, coerce, or command the Holy Ghost. Rather, we should invite Him into our lives with the same gentleness and tenderness by which He entreats us (see D&C 42:14).

"Our invitations for the companionship of the Holy Ghost occur in many ways: through the making and keeping of covenants; by praying sincerely as individuals and families; by searching the scriptures diligently; through strengthening appropriate relationships with family members and friends; by seeking after virtuous thoughts, actions, and language; and by worshipping in our homes, in the holy temple, and at church. Conversely, casualness about or the breaking of covenants and commitments, failing to pray and study the scriptures, and inappropriate thoughts, actions, and language cause the Spirit to withdraw from or to avoid us altogether."

- David A. Bednar, "Receive the Holy Ghost", Ensign, November 2010, pp. 94-97
Click here to read the full talk

The words "Receive the Holy Ghost" are spoken to each newly-baptized member of the Church in the ordinance on confirmation, of conferring the Holy Ghost. But we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost at that time; actually receiving the Holy Ghost is a life-long process, as Elder Bednar points out. We need to receive Him daily, continually. And we do that by inviting Him into our lives.

Not only must we invite by the appropriate actions and activities, but we must also avoid the things that might prevent companionship: "casualness about or the breaking of covenants and commitments, failing to pray and study the scriptures, and inappropriate thoughts, actions, and language." This is a wise message to invite introspection in each of us.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
August 22, 2015

Elder Neal A. Maxwell on the process of petitioning in prayer

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.

"Petitioning in prayer has taught me that the vault of heaven, with all its blessings, is to be opened only by a combination lock: one tumbler falls when there is faith, a second when there is personal righteousness, and the third, and final tumbler falls only when what is sought is (in God's judgment, not ours) 'right' for us.

"Sometimes we pound on the vault door for something we want very much, in faith, in reasonable righteousness, and wonder why the door does not open. We would be very spoiled children if that vault door opened any more easily than it does now.

"I can tell, looking back, that God truly loves me by the petitions that, in his perfect wisdom and love, he has refused to grant me. Our rejected petitions tell us not only much about ourselves, but also much about our flawless Father."

- Neal A. Maxwell, "Insights from My Life," BYU devotional address October 26, 1976; see also New Era, April 1978
Click here to read the full address

This is a wonderful insight. There are requirements for successful petitions we offer up to our Father in Heaven.  We often remember the first two but forget the third:

It's interesting to note that prayer requires effort on our part, "a form of work" as the Bible Dictionary tell us. If prayers were answered too easily, "we would be very spoiled children." The delays that result often work to develop the first two qualities Elder Maxwell lists: faith and personal righteousness.

The other remarkable insight is that as we consider petitions that are have not been granted in our lives, we learn about God's love for us. He often teaches us much about ourselves and about Himself as He considers our requests. It's that third tumbler of the vault lock that often comes into play; and in reviewing past petitions, a later perspective gives clarity and understanding that often is lacking in the midst of a trial or perceived need. A true disciple will learn to be grateful for denied petitions, knowing they represent a sign of divine love and tutoring.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
February 2, 2016

Elder James E. Talmage on being purified to feel the powers of God

Elder James E. Talmage (1862-1933) was born in England. He was a brilliant scholar, trained as a geologist and mathematician. But he's perhaps best known today among Church members for his classic writings, including "Jesus the Christ," "The Articles of Faith," and "The Holy Temple." He was called as an apostle in 1911 and served until his death in 1933 at age 70.

"Subtler, mightier, and more mysterious than any or all of the physical forces of nature are the powers that operate upon conscious organisms, the means by which the mind, the heart, the soul of man may be energized by spiritual forces. In our ignorance of the true nature of electricity we may speak of it as a fluid; and so by analogy the forces through which the mind is governed have been called spiritual fluids. The true nature of these manifestations of energy is unknown to us, for the elements of comparison and analogy, so necessary to our human reasoning, are wanting; nevertheless the effects are experienced by all.

"As the conducting medium in an electric circuit is capable of conveying but a limited current, the maximum capacity depending upon the resistance offered by the conductor, and, as separate circuits of different degrees of conductivity may carry currents of widely varying intensity, so human souls are of varied capacity with respect to the higher powers. But as the medium is purified, as obstructions are removed, so resistance to the energy decreases, and the forces manifest themselves with greater intensity. By analogous processes of purification our spirits may be made more susceptible to the forces of life, which are emanations from the Holy Spirit. Therefore are we taught to pray by word and action for a constantly increasing portion of the Spirit, that is, the power of the Spirit, which is a measure of this gift of God unto us."

- James E. Talmage, "Personality and Powers of the Holy Ghost," Articles of Faith, pp. 142-154
Click here to read the full chapter

Elder Talmage's scientific training and background are evident in this excerpt. In discussing the flower of electric current through a conductor, he recognizes that the "purity" of the conducting material can enhance the electrical flow. When there are impurities or filled with "obstructions" the resistance increases and the flow of current declines. But for maximum efficiency and optimized current flow, the more pure the conveying substance, the better; and the analogy of the flow of the Spirit through a purified human being makes sense:

An how do we make the "conducting substance" of our beings more pure? I like Moroni's description:  "Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness..." (Moroni 10:32). The process of purifying ourselves to maximize our ability to be conductors of the spirit, so that the spiritual forces might "manifest themselves with greater intensity," involves removing all the "ungodly" impurities from our lives. This is the process of repentance.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
September 21, 2017

President Boyd K. Packer on desires for righteousness

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 on July 3, 2015 at age 90.

"I will not consent to any influence from the adversary. I have come to know what power he has. I know all about that. But I also have come to know the power of truth and of righteousness and of good, and I want to be good. I'm not ashamed to say that—I want to be good. And I've found in my life that it has been critically important that this was established between me and the Lord so that I knew that He knew which way I committed my agency. I went before Him and in essence said, 'I'm not neutral, and You can do with me what You want. If You need my vote, it's there. I don't care what You do with me, and You don't have to take anything from me because I give it to you—everything, all I own, all I am.' And that makes the difference."

- Boyd K. Packer, "To Those Who Teach in Troubled Times", seminary and institute conference, Summer 1970; see 'That All May Be Edified' p. 272

I was barely a teenager when Elder Packer was called as an apostle in 1970; he spent decades of his life devoted to the service of the Lord. This address was given shortly after that call came, and helps to explain that lifetime of service. President Packer had already given his life to God's service. What a powerful lesson these words are, that the life that demonstrated their truthfulness.

We should all learn this message deeply and profoundly. We can never be neutral. We must give ourselves fully to God. This is the essence of pure discipleship—to devote everything to Him.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
July 4, 2015

President Ezra Taft Benson on finding happiness in the Savior

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

"The Lord wants us to be happy. He will do His part if we will do our part. The Christlike life is the life that brings true happiness. There is no true happiness without God. Sin brings sorrow, disappointment, and heartaches. Only the good life brings a happy new year. It pays to live the gospel of Jesus Christ. It pays to accept the teachings of the Master, to apply them in our lives, to be true to the standards of the Church, to be true to our covenants—to live the gospel. And if we do this we will be bigger and can be bigger than anything that can possibly happen to us. I am sure that is the desire of all of us because those who have this faith, and have a testimony of the divinity of this work, can endure anything and keep their spirits sweet."

- Ezra Taft Benson, "New Year 1961," Washington D.C. Ward, 31 December 1960; see Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p. 339

That eternal "search for happiness"! President Benson's testimony is simple: Happiness comes from righteousness. It comes from "the Christlike life." It follows obedience and striving to live Gospel principles. It will be the result of keeping covenants.

The person who is truly striving to live that kind of Christlike life "can endure anything and keep their spirits sweet"—what a beautiful phrase! It's not just a positive outward attitude; it's an inner conviction to the goodness and knowledge that "all is well" and God is in charge. While some allow their spirits to turn bitter, angry, or resentful in the midst of the challenges of life, the true disciple's spirit stays sweet.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
May 3, 2016

President Howard W. Hunter on the magic of thought in determining our lives

President Howard W. Hunter (1907-1995) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1959.  He served as Church President from June 5, 1994 to his death on March 3, 1995.

"As a being of power, intelligence, and the master of his own thoughts, a man holds the key to every situation, to make his life what he chooses it to be. When he discovers the divine power within his soul, he can lead his life to a God-like nature. If one dreams lofty dreams, so shall he become. There is magic in the way one thinks. If we expect the worst, we will get the worst. If we expect the best, we will receive the best. If we train our minds to have faith in God and ourselves, we are using one of the great laws of life. If we think and live righteously, happiness will find its place in our lives. It is amazing when we expect the best how forces are set in motion which cause the best to materialize....

"Outward circumstances do not determine the course of our lives as much as the thoughts that habitually occupy our minds. These thoughts carve their impression on our faces, in our hearts, and on the tablet of our eternal souls."

- Howard W. Hunter, "Thoughts Make Us What We Are," Beneficial Life Insurance Company Convention, Victoria, British Columbia, 7 July 1983; see THWH 74

President Hunter believed in the "magic" of how a person thinks about life—that a man can "make his life what he chooses it to be" and in particular, "lead his life to a God-like nature."

"If we life righteously, happiness will find its place in our lives." What a beautiful promise. President Hunter always seemed very calm and serene. I think these thoughts reflect how he lived his life.

"The tablets of our eternal souls"—what a beautiful description. Our thoughts carve their impression on those tablets, as well as our faces and hearts. How eternally critical it is to care for our thoughts!

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

Quentin L. Cook on striving for righteousness and unity

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

"In this dispensation, although we live in a special time, the world has not been blessed with the righteousness and unity described in 4 Nephi. Indeed, we live in a moment of particularly strong divisions. However, the millions who have accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ have committed themselves to achieving both righteousness and unity. We are all aware that we can do better, and that is our challenge in this day. We can be a force to lift and bless society as a whole. At this 200-year hinge point in our Church history, let us commit ourselves as members of the Lord’s Church to live righteously and be united as never before. President Russell M. Nelson has asked us 'to demonstrate greater civility, racial and ethnic harmony and mutual respect.' This means loving each other and God and accepting everyone as brothers and sisters and truly being a Zion people.

"With our all-inclusive doctrine, we can be an oasis of unity and celebrate diversity. Unity and diversity are not opposites. We can achieve greater unity as we foster an atmosphere of inclusion and respect for diversity."

- Quentin L. Cook, "Hearts Knit in Righteousness and Unity," General Conference October 2020, Saturday morning

Click here to read or listen to the full talk

There are examples in the world's history of remarkably unified civilizations, when whole groups of people lived in peace and perfect unity, often in spite of the world's evil or challenging circumstances surrounding them. We do not live in such a time. Elder Cook points out that our day is a time of very strong contention and division. But that does not relieve us of the obligation of trying.

We have the challenge and opportunity to do better. As disciples of Christ, we should e "a force to lift and bless." We should all consider our own efforts to both seek personal righteousness and to foster unity.

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

President M. Russell Ballard on standing as witnesses of God

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.

"When we covenant in the waters of baptism to 'stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places' (Mosiah 18:9), we’re not talking solely about fast and testimony meetings. It may not always be easy, convenient, or politically correct to stand for truth and right, but it is always the right thing to do. Always. ...

"Standing for truth and right is not solely a Sunday thing. Every day our neighborhoods and communities are in desperate need of our support and our commitment to safety and law and order. Crime, in all its pervasive manifestations, is a serious worldwide evil and a moral problem about which Church leaders have great concern. The social, economic, and moral costs of crime are incalculable. It is no respecter of race, religion, nationality, age, culture, or socioeconomic status."

- M. Russell Ballard, "Standing for Truth and Right," General Conference October 1997
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

What does it mean to "stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places"? President Ballard challenges us, in this address shared with a Priesthood session of conference, to be more involved in our communities in defending the truth and being voices for righteousness.

Wickedness continues to grow in society; the modern analogs to Book of Mormon concerns about "secret combinations" are rampant. It becomes more and more critical for faithful disciples of Christ to be willing to be visible and vocal in our efforts to combat the adversary.

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

Elder Quentin L. Cook on living in the world

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

"Be involved in the world in a positive way. As you embark on your various occupations, you can be a powerful force for good. A very significant challenge will be to adhere to the scriptural injunction to live in the world but not of the world. Joseph Fielding Smith taught that while we are in the world, 'We are not of the world in the sense that we are under any necessity to partake of evil customs, fashions, follies, false doctrines and theories.' (Conference Report, October, 1916.) In addition, your contribution to the place where you live in a positive sense is part of your challenge if you are to be an example, share the gospel, and live in accordance with the teachings you have received at this great university.

"To accomplish this, you graduates will want and need to be involved in the world in a very positive way. We must be tried and tested and found worthy of a greater kingdom. As President Monson has taught, 'decisions determine destiny.' ('Invitation to Exaltation,' Ensign, June, 1993)

"This is not an easy life; it was not meant to be. Nevertheless, we know that the Lord will cause our trials to bless us and be for our good. He will give us the strength to stand firm despite opposition. Righteousness is its own reward, and the scriptures promise us the reward for righteousness is peace in this world and eternal life in the world to come. (See D&C 59:3.) I counsel you to be involved in the world in a positive way."

- Quentin L. Cook, "Pursue the True Path to Happiness," commencement address given at BYU-Hawaii, April 10, 2010
Click here to read the full talk

Graduation speeches at universities are interesting times to give counsel, appropriate for students who have made a significant achievement and have a wide range of opportunities in the years ahead of them. Elder Cook's counsel was that they find ways to be a "powerful force for good" in the world they were entering. That would require being a part of the world around them, with all its blessings and challenges; but taking care not to partake of the negative aspects of that world:

Living the gospel in an active, positive way is a good way to avoid many of the challenges that confront us. As we are committed to positive standards, and as we endeavor to let the light of the gospel shine in our lives, we are less inclined to turn towards the darker aspects of life. It's not always an easy task; but the blessings of heaven will sustain us. I love the thought that "righteousness is its own reward"—we will find joy and peace through the Lord's path, as well as "peace in this world and eternal life in the world to come."

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

Elder D. Todd Christofferson on striving for holiness in our daily lives

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.

"If we yearn to dwell in Christ and have Him dwell in us (see John 6:56), then holiness is what we seek, in both body and spirit. (See Romans 12:1.) We seek it in the temple, whereon is inscribed 'Holiness to the Lord.' We seek it in our marriages, families, and homes. We seek it each week as we delight in the Lord’s holy day. (See Isaiah 58:13.) We seek it even in the details of daily living: our speech, our dress, our thoughts. As President Thomas S. Monson has stated, 'We are the product of all we read, all we view, all we hear and all we think.' (TTSM 267) We seek holiness as we take up our cross daily (see JST, Matthew 16:25–26, in Matthew 16:24, footnote e)....

"Zechariah prophesied that in the day of the Lord’s millennial reign, even the bells of the horses would bear the inscription 'Holiness unto the Lord' (Zechariah 14:20). In that spirit, the pioneer Saints in these valleys affixed that reminder, 'Holiness to the Lord,' on seemingly common or mundane things as well as those more directly associated with religious practice.... These references to holiness in seemingly unusual or unexpected places may seem incongruous, but they suggest just how pervasive and constant our focus on holiness needs to be.

"Partaking of the Savior’s flesh and drinking His blood means to put out of our lives anything inconsistent with a Christlike character and to make His attributes our own. This is the larger meaning of repentance: not only a turning away from past sin but also 'a turning of the heart and will to God' (Bible Dictionary, 'Repentance') going forward. As happened with my friend in his revelatory dream, God will show us our flaws and failings, but He will also help us turn weakness into strength. (See Ether 12:27.) If we sincerely ask, 'What lack I yet?' (Matthew 19:20) He will not leave us to guess, but in love He will answer for the sake of our happiness. And He will give us hope.

"It is a consuming endeavor, and it would be terribly daunting if in our striving for holiness we were alone. The glorious truth is we are not alone. We have the love of God, the grace of Christ, the comfort and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the fellowship and encouragement of fellow Saints in the body of Christ. Let us not be content with where we are, but neither let us be discouraged."

- D. Todd Christofferson, "The Living Bread Which Came Down from Heaven," General Conference October 2017
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

The opening phrase of this excerpt introduces a wonderful concept: "If we yearn to dwell in Christ and have Him dwell in us...." I love that expression of the longing to be close to the Savior in our lives. Elder Christofferson goes on to express how we can fulfill that kind of yearning, in the quest for holiness in our lives:

Holiness can be a part of everything we do and experience in life, if we learn to bring God's spirit and influence into each aspect! The early pioneer settlers of Utah who adopted the expression "Holiness to the Lord" as a motto in both spiritual and temporal settings convey that message, and is one we could profit from.

But that's where we should return to the opening phrase. As we seek greater holiness in our daily lives, as we yearn to be closer to Christ, it is in and through Him and His promised help that we can access that power and influence. I have always felt that one of the most important prayers we can offer is the one Elder Christofferson suggests as well: "What lack I yet?" And the testimony that God "will answer for the sake of our happiness" is a blessing to us. We need to be willing to heed and act, but hope and help from Heaven are always with the soul who seeks with honesty and willingness.

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

Elder Neal A. Maxwell on keeping perspective in the ironies and hardships of life

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.

"In coping with irony, as in all things, we have an Exemplary Teacher in Jesus. Dramatic irony assaulted Jesus’ divinity almost constantly.

"For Jesus, in fact, irony began at His birth. Truly, He suffered the will of the Father 'in all things from the beginning.' (3 Ne. 11:11.) This whole earth became Jesus’ footstool (see Acts 7:49), but at Bethlehem there was 'no room... in the inn' (Luke 2:7) and 'no crib for his bed' (Hymns, 1985, no. 206.)

"At the end, meek and lowly Jesus partook of the most bitter cup without becoming the least bitter. (See 3 Ne. 11:11; D&C 19:18–19.) The Most Innocent suffered the most. Yet the King of Kings did not break, even when some of His subjects did unto Him 'as they listed.' (D&C 49:6.) Christ’s capacity to endure such irony was truly remarkable.

"You and I are so much more brittle. For instance, we forget that, by their very nature, tests are unfair.

"In heaven, Christ’s lofty name was determined to be the only name on earth offering salvation to all mankind. (See Acts 4:12; 2 Ne. 25:20; see also Abr. 3:27.) Yet the Mortal Messiah willingly lived so modestly, even, wrote Paul, as a person 'of no reputation.' (Philip. 2:7.)

"What a contrast to our maneuverings over relative recognition and comparative status. How different, too, from the ways in which some among us mistakenly see the size and response of their audiences as the sole verification of their worth. Yet those fickle galleries we sometimes play to have a way of being constantly emptied. They will surely be empty at the Judgment Day, when everyone will be somewhere else, on their knees."

- Neal A. Maxwell, "Irony: The Crust on the Bread of Adversity," General Conference April 1989
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

In this typically fascinating discourse, Elder Maxwell discusses the "irony" that often fills our lives. We obey but don't always see immediate blessings; we live righteously but still suffer difficulties, disappointments, and trials. It's part of the challenge of living in the school of mortality. But we can profit much by observing the example of the Savior in his mortal experience. Truly, "The Most Innocent suffered the most" of any who experience this realm.

We forget what really matters when we become so concerned about status and recognition in our lives. We think our worth is defined by the size of our audience. Elder Maxwell refutes this notion and challenges us to remember what really matters in the eyes of God.

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

President Brigham Young on growing in blessings from God

President Brigham Young (1801-1877) was part of the first Quorum of Twelve Apostles of this dispensation, called and ordained in 1835. He served as the second Church president, succeeding Joseph Smith, from 1847 until his death in 1877.

"Those who humble themselves before the Lord, and wait upon Him with a perfect heart and willing mind, will receive little by little, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little, 'Now and again,' as brother John Taylor says, until they receive a certain amount. Then they have to nourish and cherish what they receive, and make it their constant companion, encouraging every good thought, doctrine and principle and doing every good work they can perform, until by and by the Lord is in them a well of water, springing up unto everlasting life."

- Brigham Young, discourse in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, March 15, 1857; see Journal of Discourses 4:286–87
Click here to read the complete talk

President Young seemed to love the imagery of the "well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life" (D&C 63:23; see also John 4:14). He spoke of it on a number of occasions. In this instance, he describes the process of growing in our spiritual sensitivity. We start by being humble, trusting in God's timing and wisdom. As we do that, we will begin to receive gifts and blessings, endowments of understanding and power. We must cherish and nourish those gifts as they grow stronger and stronger within us:

We sometimes neglect the "follow-up work" that we should do after we receive inspiration or blessings; we should focus our personal efforts in "encouraging every good thought, doctrine and principle and doing every good work." That is what brings the greatest growth and progress, allowing the Lord's well of living water to spring forth in our hearts.

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

Elder Quentin L. Cook on the call to righteousness

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.

"With respect to righteousness, this life is the time for all of us to prepare to meet God. (See Alma 34:32.)The Book of Mormon provides multiple examples of the tragic consequences when individuals or groups fail to keep the commandments of God.

"During my lifetime, worldly issues and concerns have moved from one extreme to another—from frivolous and trivial pursuits to serious immorality. It is commendable that nonconsensual immorality has been exposed and denounced. (This has occurred in the #MeToo movement.) Such nonconsensual immorality is against the laws of God and of society. Those who understand God’s plan should also oppose consensual immorality, which is also a sin. The family proclamation to the world warns 'that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring [or, for that matter, anyone else] ... will one day stand accountable before God.' (Family Proclamation, Ensign, May 2017, 145)

"As we look around, we see the devastation of wickedness and addiction at every turn. If, as individuals, we are really concerned about the Savior’s ultimate judgment of us, we should seek repentance. I am afraid many people no longer feel accountable to God and do not turn to the scriptures or the prophets for guidance. If we, as a society, would contemplate the consequences of sin, there would be massive public opposition to pornography and the objectification of women. As Alma told his son Corianton in the Book of Mormon, 'Wickedness never was happiness' (Alma 41:10)."

- Quentin L. Cook, "Prepare to Meet God," General Conference April 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Cook's address was an interesting review of some of the significant events of the Restoration, particularly the return of priesthood keys that facilitate the important work of the last days. The purpose of all those things is to bring men and women to Christ, to enable and inspire them to live righteous lives in ways that will bring them happiness and peace.

It's interesting to review the ebb and flow of history—as Elder Cook describes, "from one extreme to another—from frivolous and trivial pursuits to serious immorality." There are always many opportunities in the world to choose paths that do not lead to peace and safety. That is why we must be so careful in choosing the proper path:

It's very true that we can look around our world and see that there are "many people no longer feel accountable to God and do not turn to the scriptures or the prophets for guidance." We must be so careful in our own lives to emphasize the things that truly matter; and when we do that, we will be guided and inspired on how to combat the opposition in ways that might make that choice more available to others around us!

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

President Spencer W. Kimball on keys to finding peace

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

"Peace is the fruit of righteousness. It cannot be bought with money, and cannot be traded nor bartered. It must be earned. The wealthy often spend much of their gains in a bid for peace, only to find that it is not for sale. But the poorest as well as the richest may have it in abundance if the total price is paid. Those who abide the laws and live the Christ-like life may have peace and other kindred blessings, principal among which are exaltation and eternal life. They include also blessings for this life."

- Spencer W. Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1969], 363-64

One of our hymns asks, "Where can I turn for peace?" (Hymns #129) The hymn suggests that it can be found only in our "Savior and Friend" who brings solace and comfort to those who petition: "Gentle the peace he finds for my beseeching." President Kimball's message is similar; we can find peace in obedience and in "the Christ-like life":

This is not a gift that can be purchases with money; the wealthy often find they are the furthest away from its blessing. True blessings and deep, lasting peace come through humble discipleship.

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

Elder James E. Talmage on being purified to feel the powers of God

Elder James E. Talmage (1862-1933) was born in England. He was a brilliant scholar, trained as a geologist and mathematician. But he's perhaps best known today among Church members for his classic writings, including "Jesus the Christ," "The Articles of Faith," and "The Holy Temple." He was called as an apostle in 1911 and served until his death in 1933 at age 70.

"Subtler, mightier, and more mysterious than any or all of the physical forces of nature are the powers that operate upon conscious organisms, the means by which the mind, the heart, the soul of man may be energized by spiritual forces. In our ignorance of the true nature of electricity we may speak of it as a fluid; and so by analogy the forces through which the mind is governed have been called spiritual fluids. The true nature of these manifestations of energy is unknown to us, for the elements of comparison and analogy, so necessary to our human reasoning, are wanting; nevertheless the effects are experienced by all.

"As the conducting medium in an electric circuit is capable of conveying but a limited current, the maximum capacity depending upon the resistance offered by the conductor, and, as separate circuits of different degrees of conductivity may carry currents of widely varying intensity, so human souls are of varied capacity with respect to the higher powers. But as the medium is purified, as obstructions are removed, so resistance to the energy decreases, and the forces manifest themselves with greater intensity. By analogous processes of purification our spirits may be made more susceptible to the forces of life, which are emanations from the Holy Spirit. Therefore are we taught to pray by word and action for a constantly increasing portion of the Spirit, that is, the power of the Spirit, which is a measure of this gift of God unto us."

- James E. Talmage, "Personality and Powers of the Holy Ghost," Articles of Faith, pp. 142-154
Click here to read the full chapter

Elder Talmage's scientific training and background are evident in this excerpt. In discussing the flower of electric current through a conductor, he recognizes that the "purity" of the conducting material can enhance the electrical flow. When there are impurities or filled with "obstructions" the resistance increases and the flow of current declines. But for maximum efficiency and optimized current flow, the more pure the conveying substance, the better; and the analogy of the flow of the Spirit through a purified human being makes sense:

An how do we make the "conducting substance" of our beings more pure? I like Moroni's description:  "Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness..." (Moroni 10:32). The process of purifying ourselves to maximize our ability to be conductors of the spirit, so that the spiritual forces might "manifest themselves with greater intensity," involves removing all the "ungodly" impurities from our lives. This is the process of repentance.

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

President Gordon B. Hinckley on contributing good to the world

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.

"You are good. But it is not enough just to be good. You must be good for something. You must contribute good to the world. The world must be a better place for your presence. And the good that is in you must be spread to others.

"I do not suppose that any of us here this day will be remembered a thousand years from now. I do not suppose that we will be remembered a century from now.

"But in this world so filled with problems, so constantly threatened by dark and evil challenges, you can and must rise above mediocrity, above indifference. You can become involved and speak with a strong voice for that which is right."

- Gordon B. Hinckley, "Stand Up for Truth," BYU devotional, Sep. 17, 1996
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President Hinckley challenges us to ponder the difference between being good and being good for something. The reason, the motivation, the purpose and results of our goodness are the key. Are we good "in isolation" or are we attempting to have our goodness make a difference in the world? Are we reaching out to bless others?

In a world "so filled with problems, so constantly threatened by dark and evil challenges" what difference do I make? What difference do you make? President Hinckley encourages us to "become involved and speak with a strong voice for that which is right." One of the most important differences we can make in the world, then, is to stand up for true principles and defend what we know to be truth. In that way, we truly can establish a legacy that will outlive us, even long after our names are forgotten in the march of time.

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

Elder Dallin H. Oaks on finding true happiness

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.

"Do not seek happiness in the glittering but shallow things of the world. We cannot achieve lasting happiness by pursuing the wrong things. Someone once said, 'You can never get enough of what you don’t need, because what you don’t need won’t satisfy you.'

"Young and old, turn your eyes and your hearts away from the deceptive messages of the media. There is no happiness in alcohol or drugs, only enslavement. There is no happiness in violence, only pain and sorrow. There is no happiness in sexual relations and physical familiarities outside the bonds of marriage, only degradation and increased momentum along the way to spiritual death.

"There is no lasting happiness in what we possess. Happiness and joy come from what a person is, not from what he or she possesses or appears to be. Youth, hold fast to your standards. Study and use that saving pamphlet, For the Strength of Youth.

"Righteousness fosters righteousness. The effects of righteous examples are felt for generations to come. Good parenting produces youth who make good parents. Just as many of us have been strengthened by the noble examples of our pioneering ancestors in many lands, so the righteous choices and sacrifices of our day can bless our families and our friends and our nations for all the years to come."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Joy and Mercy," General Conference, October 1991; see also Ensign, Nov. 1991, p. 73
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The quest for happiness is one of the great challenges of the world. There are many places that claim to offer that result for us; but as Elder Oaks warns, often the sources of happiness in the world offer false promises of providing it for us.

In addition to warning us about the temptations of the world to stray from the path of truth and obedience, Elder Oaks warns about the desire for physical possessions that can also distract from the proper focus. Happiness comes not from what we possess, but from who we are and who we are becoming. The world would have us believe that possessions are far more important than the Lord teaches.

I think we often forget how "the righteous choices and sacrifices of our day can bless our families and our friends and our nations for all the years to come." The impact of one person on his family and neighbors as he strives to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ is much more profound than we realize.

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