President Howard W. Hunter on following Christ in simplicity

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

"In this world of confusion and rushing, temporal progress, we need to return to the simplicity of Christ. We need to love, honor, and worship him. To acquire spirituality and have its influence in our lives, we cannot become confused and misdirected by the twisted teachings of the modernist. We need to study the simple fundamentals of the truths taught by the Master and eliminate the controversial. Our faith in God needs to be real and not speculative. The restored gospel of Jesus Christ can be a dynamic, moving influence, and true acceptance gives us a meaningful, religious experience. One of the great strengths of the Mormon religion is this translation of belief into daily thinking and conduct. This replaces turmoil and confusion with peace and tranquility."

- Howard W. Hunter, "Where, Then, is Hope?", Conference Report, October 1970, pp. 129-132; see also Improvement Era Dec. 1970, p. 117
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Some of President Hunter's most moving and inspiring messages were simple reminders of the power and blessing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and of discipleship in following Him. This is a wonderful example. While we sometimes are tempted to complicate our lives and our faith, President Hunter invites us "to return to the simplicity of Christ."

The message of the Gospel "can be a dynamic, moving influence"—can be, but only if we are committed in every way to allow it to be, as we fulfill the conditions to make it so. The great key to the process lies in the "translation of belief into daily thinking and conduct." The teachings of the Church are empty and meaningless if they do not result in changes in behavior. True disciples not only believe differently, they behave differently!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
March 6, 2016

Elder Dale G. Renlund on blessings that come as we draw closer to God

Elder Dale G. Renlund (b. November 13, 1952) served in the First Quorum of Seventy starting in 2009, until his call to the Quorum of Twelve in October 2015.

"The closer we are to Jesus Christ in the thoughts and intents of our hearts, the more we appreciate His innocent suffering, the more grateful we are for grace and forgiveness, and the more we want to repent and become like Him. Our absolute distance from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is important, but the direction we are heading is even more crucial. God is more pleased with repentant sinners who are trying to draw closer to Him than with self-righteous, faultfinding individuals who, like the Pharisees and scribes of old, do not realize how badly they need to repent (see Luke 15:2; see also Joseph Smith, in History of the Church, 5:260–62)....

"Whatever our current direction or distance to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, we can choose to turn toward Them and draw closer to Them....

"To draw closer to the Savior, we must increase our faith in Him, make and keep covenants, and have the Holy Ghost with us. We must also act in faith, responding to the spiritual direction we receive. All of these elements come together in the sacrament. Indeed, the best way I know of to draw closer to God is to prepare conscientiously and partake worthily of the sacrament each week....

"No matter where you stand in your relationship to God, I invite you to draw nearer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, the Ultimate Benefactors and Givers of all that is good. I invite you to attend sacrament meeting each week and partake of the holy emblems of the Savior’s body and blood. I invite you to feel God’s nearness as He is made known to you, as He was to the disciples of old, in the 'breaking of [the] bread.'

"As you do, I promise that you will feel nearer to God. Natural tendencies to childish whining, disgruntled entitlement, and derisive skepticism will dissipate. Those sentiments will be replaced by feelings of greater love and gratitude for Heavenly Father’s gift of His Son. As we draw closer to God, the enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ will come into our lives. And, as with the disciples on the way to Emmaus, we will find that the Savior has been nearby all along."

- Dale G. Renlund, "That I Might Draw All Men unto Me," General Conference, April 2016, Saturday morning session
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I thought this talk by Elder Renlund was masterful. He introduced his thoughts with the classic insight once shared by an associate: "The greater the distance between the giver and the receiver, the more the receiver develops a sense of entitlement." That was applied first to the giving of charity, and a review of Church welfare principles. But then it was applied to our relationship with Deity, and the insights were wonderfully beneficial.

This was an invitation to all to "draw near unto" the Savior and our Father in Heaven, and a promise of the blessings that would follow. Some of the specific things Elder Renlund suggested we might do include:

• increase our faith in Him
• make and keep covenants
• have the Holy Ghost with us
• act in faith, responding to the spiritual direction we receive

He suggested that these items share a focal point in the sacrament, which provides a tool to draw us closer to God as we "prepare conscientiously and partake worthily of the sacrament each week."

I love a challenge with a promise—an invitation to be blessed as we accept inspired counsel. The promises listed here are some I very much desire.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
April 22, 2016

Elder David A. Bednar on gradual personal revelation

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

"The gradual increase of light radiating from the rising sun is like receiving a message from God 'line upon line, precept upon precept' (2 Nephi 28:30). Most frequently, revelation comes in small increments over time and is granted according to our desire, worthiness, and preparation. Such communications from Heavenly Father gradually and gently 'distil upon [our souls] as the dews from heaven' (D&C 121:45). This pattern of revelation tends to be more common than rare...

"Both the history of the Church and our personal lives are replete with examples of the Lord's pattern for receiving revelation 'line upon line, precept upon precept.' For example, the fundamental truths of the restored gospel were not delivered to the Prophet Joseph Smith all at once in the Sacred Grove. These priceless treasures were revealed as circumstances warranted and as the timing was right....

"We as members of the Church tend to emphasize marvelous and dramatic spiritual manifestations so much that we may fail to appreciate and may even overlook the customary pattern by which the Holy Ghost accomplishes His work. The very 'simpleness of the way' (1 Nephi 17:41) of receiving small and incremental spiritual impressions that over time and in totality constitute a desired answer or the direction we need may cause us to look 'beyond the mark' (Jacob 4:14).

 "I have talked with many individuals who question the strength of their personal testimony and underestimate their spiritual capacity because they do not receive frequent, miraculous, or strong impressions. Perhaps as we consider the experiences of Joseph in the Sacred Grove, of Saul on the road to Damascus, and of Alma the Younger, we come to believe something is wrong with or lacking in us if we fall short in our lives of these well-known and spiritually striking examples. If you have had similar thoughts or doubts, please know that you are quite normal. Just keep pressing forward obediently and with faith in the Savior. As you do so, you 'cannot go amiss' (D&C 80:3)."

- David A. Bednar, "The Spirit of Revelation," Ensign, May 2011, pp. 87-90
Click here to read the full talk

Most of us appreciate quick solutions to problems, neat and complete answers, concerns relieved soon after they are identified. But Elder Bednar points out that more often, our communications with God or our spiritual learning happen more gradually and incrementally.

We have to learn to be patient! We have to trust that the sun will indeed rise. We know from experience in seeing the first early glow of morning light that full daylight is not far away; and just so, we should know from experience in feeling the first spiritual promptings that more complete understanding will eventually follow. It's not often that the dramatic, soul-wrenching, life-changing manifestations occur; more often, it's just a gradual, continual building over time. Remembering that should encourage us to look for the small steps as eagerly as we would the big jumps, and be grateful as we note their accumulation.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
July 30, 2015

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin on maintaining spiritual clarity and sharpness

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.

"Windows must be washed regularly to clean away dust and dirt. If left to accumulate without regular cleaning, thickening grime can block out light and darken the window. Just as earthly windows need consistent, thorough cleaning, so do the windows of our spirituality.

"Weekly sacrament meeting attendance helps us strengthen our resolve to keep our personal windows of heaven free from the obscuring haze of earthly distractions and temptations. By partaking of the sacrament worthily to renew our baptismal covenants, we clarify our view of life's eternal purpose and divine priorities. The sacrament prayers invite personal introspection, repentance, and rededication as we pledge our willingness to remember our Savior, Jesus the Christ. This commitment to become like Christ, repeated weekly, defines the supreme aspiration of Latter-day Saint life.

"Frequent temple attendance, as our circumstances allow, is another way to keep our spiritual windows clean. Worship in the house of the Lord will keep our view of what matters most clear and sharp, focused crisply, and free from the dust of the world."

- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Windows of Light and Truth," Ensign, November 1995, pp. 75-78
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"Keeping things clean" seems to take work in this life! Elder Wirthlin applies this principle to both temporal and spiritual aspects:

Elder Wirthlin gives specific suggestions on how to "keep our personal windows of heaven free from the obscuring haze of earthly distractions and temptations." This suggestions include:

• partaking of the sacrament worthily
• attending the temple frequently

These kinds of activities help keep our attention focused on the things that matter most, clarifying our eternal views, increasing commitment to proper choices and actions, and avoiding the "dust" and distractions of the world. Excellent advice!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
March 18, 2016

Elder Ronald A. Rasband on the spiritual experiences of our lives

Elder Ronald A. Rasband (b. 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 2000.  He was the senior president of the Seventy when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015. This talk was given when he served in the presidency of the Seventy.

"Our personal journey through life provides us with many special experiences that become building blocks of faith and testimony. These experiences come to us in vastly different ways and at unpredictable times. They can be powerful spiritual events or small enlightening moments. Some experiences will come as serious challenges and heavy trials that test our ability to cope with them. No matter what the experience may be, each gives us a chance for personal growth, greater wisdom, and, in many cases, service to others with more empathy and love. As the Lord stated to the Prophet Joseph Smith in a reassuring way during one of his most significant trials at Liberty Jail, 'All these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good' (D&C 122:7).

"As experiences accumulate in our lives, they add strength and support to each other. Just as the building blocks of our homes support the rest of the structure, so too do our personal life experiences become building blocks for our testimonies and add to our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ....

"In these days of worldly intrusions into our lives, when trials and difficulties may seem to engulf us, let us remember our own special spiritual experiences. These building blocks of faith will bring us conviction and reassurance of a caring, loving Father in Heaven, of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and of Their restored true and living Church."

- Ronald A. Rasband, "Special Experiences," General Conference April 2008
Click here to read the full talk

Elder Rasband's message was to acknowledge the events that help us to progress in life. They can be positive "spiritual events," both powerful and dramatic as well as "small enlightening moments." Certainly we should seek more of both of those events, large and small, and recognize their impact. But we are also blessed by "serious challenges and heavy trials" that bring growth in ways we don't expect, if we respond appropriately.

As these experiences accumulate in our lives, we establish the foundation upon which real discipleship can be built:

Elder Rasband encourages us to remember the "special spiritual experiences" when we are engulfed by the "worldly intrusions into our lives." The strength that will follow will bless us with God's help and ever-growing faith.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
December 5, 2015

Elder M. Russell Ballard on spiritual nourishment

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.

"Far too many people in the world are starving spiritually. Sadly, most of them have no idea where to find real spiritual nourishment. They wander to and fro—another form of pathetic refugees. Those who yearn for true spiritual light and knowledge can only find it through the power of the Holy Ghost. The Spirit enlightens and gives understanding of the eternal purposes of life. By the Spirit, Church members know the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is true. We should, therefore, feel compelled to share our spiritual knowledge with all of our Father's children by inviting them to pull a chair up to the Lord's table and feast on the words of Christ.

"'Come unto the Holy One of Israel,' wrote the great Book of Mormon prophet Jacob, 'and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness' (2 Ne. 9:51). Later Nephi urged his followers to 'feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do' (2 Ne. 32:3)."

- M. Russell Ballard, "Feasting at the Lord's Table," General Conference April 1996
Click here to read the full talk

People in our world are "starving spiritually" because "most of them have no idea where to find real spiritual nourishment." When we think what it really means to starve, in the physical sense — the literal suffering and misery that comes from a lack of nourishment — it's a pretty graphic image of what a spiritual counterpart might represent. But those suffering from the spiritual version are often blissfully unaware of their plight.

Elder Ballard encourages us to be sensitive to those around us, "inviting them to pull a chair up to the Lord's table and feast on the words of Christ." We should do all in our power to help those around us who are spiritually starving. And of course, we must make sure we're well-nourished in order to be strong to help others!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
August 18, 2015

President George Q. Cannon on having a living testimony of the truth

President George Q. Cannon (1827-1901) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1860. He served as counselor in the First Presidency to Brigham Young beginning in 1873, and then to the next three presidents, until his death in 1901.

"The only way to maintain our position in the Kingdom of God is to so conduct ourselves that we may have a living testimony of the truth continually dwelling in our bosoms, to live so that the Spirit of the Lord may be a constant and abiding guest with us, whether in the privacy of our chamber, in the domestic circle or in the midst of the crowded thoroughfares, the busy scenes and anxious cares of life. He who will pursue this course will never lack for knowledge; he will never be in doubt or in darkness, nor will his mind ever be clouded by the gloomy pall of unbelief; on the contrary his hopes will be bright; his faith will be strong; his joy will be full; he will be able each succeeding day to comprehend the unfolding purposes of Jehovah and to rejoice in the glorious liberty and happiness which all the faithful children of God enjoy.

"It is not enough that we knew the truth of this work yesterday or the day before or a week or a month or a year ago; we ought to and must, in order to be happy, know it to be true today.... We can only retain the testimony of the truth in our heart by living near unto God. If we call upon Him in faith to bless us and seek to enjoy the companionship of the Holy Spirit, so ordering our lives that God can, consistently, bless us and the Spirit of the Lord can abide with us, we receive strength to overcome every evil and our minds instinctively recoil from the commission of any act which might grieve that Spirit or bring a stain upon our own character or upon the divine cause in which we are engaged."

- George Q. Cannon, April 5, 1863; MS 25:275-6; see Gospel Truth, 1:343-44

There's something critical about a "living testimony"—one that is being replenished and strengthened constantly, that is growing and alive, and now just a "snapshot" of some past experiences or period of life:

The way to accomplish this is to "live so that the Spirit of the Lord may be a constant and abiding guest with us." We must live "near to God" and pray in faith regularly, as well as order our lives in order to be worthy of His greatest blessings. The promises of what results when we do this are beautiful and reassuring:

The final promise in this excerpt is also a glorious one—that we receive "strength to overcome every evil" because "our minds instinctively recoil from the commission of any act which might grieve that Spirit." I love that promise; what a wonderful, rich, fulfilling, joyful way to live!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
May 3, 2015

Elder Robert D. Hales on claiming the blessings of the spirit

Elder Robert D. Hales (August 24, 1932-October 1, 2017) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1985, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

"Throughout our lives, whether in times of darkness, challenge, sorrow, or sin, we may feel the Holy Ghost reminding us that we are truly sons and daughters of a caring Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we may hunger for the sacred blessings that only He can provide. At these times we should strive to come to ourselves and come back into the light of our Savior's love.

"These blessings rightfully belong to all of Heavenly Father's children. Desiring these blessings, including a life of joy and happiness, is an essential part of Heavenly Father's plan for each one of us. The prophet Alma taught, 'Even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you' (Alma 32:27).

"As our spiritual desires increase, we become spiritually self-reliant.... We become converted and spiritually self-reliant as we prayerfully live our covenants--through worthily partaking of the sacrament, being worthy of a temple recommend, and sacrificing to serve others."

- Robert D. Hales, "Coming to Ourselves: The Sacrament, the Temple, and Sacrifice in Service," General Conference April 2012
Click here to read the full talk

Elder Hales describes a process that is typical for our mortal experience:

1. We encounter "times of darkness, challenge, sorrow, or sin"
2. We "feel the Holy Ghost reminding us that we are truly sons and daughters of a caring Heavenly Father, who loves us"
3. We "hunger for the sacred blessings that only He can provide"

Those are the moments when, if we are wise, we will "strive to come to ourselves" — an interesting phrase, borrowed from the story of the "prodigal son" in Luke 15:17 — and "come back into the light of our Savior's love." This implies that we have left the light of the Savior's love; but fortunately, not so far that the Holy Ghost can't still reach out to us.  What a blessing that is.

And what is the process to return?  It lies in simple, basic, ongoing faithfulness:

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
April 12, 2015

President Howard W. Hunter on preserving the greatness of America

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.

"Now is the time for America to decree that no longer shall this terrible waste of our inner strength be allowed to blight our greatness as a nation. We should silently, powerfully, and purposefully determine that no silent hammers of decay shall beat our civilization into dust.  We should, with promptness and firmness, decide that the termites of juvenile delinquency and crime shall not eat into the material and spiritual foundations of our country. To continue to permit forces of disintegration to sap our material and spiritual culture of its strength is to stand idly by and watch our civilization become one with Nineveh and Tyre.

"To save even our material prosperity, we must show more interest in moral and spiritual values. When civilizations have a decline in moral and spiritual values, material greatness begins to disintegrate.

"If we want to conserve our economic security, we must focus an increased amount of time and interest on strengthening our human values. A nation is not made great by its fruitful acres, its great forests, and its rich mineral deposits, but by the men who cultivate the farms, fell the trees, and operate the mines. That nation is greatest which produces the largest number of men dedicated to the loftiest ideals of the human race."

- Howard W. Hunter, "Education With Spirituality," BYU-Hawaii Graduation Exercises, Laie, Hawaii, 22 June 1985; see THWH p. 168

It's always interesting to read the warning and counsel offered by leaders in the past and compare to current conditions and challenges. President Hunter worried more than 35 years ago about the decline in moral and spiritual values of our country. Since then, in many ways, things are continuing to worsen. This inspired caution is more needed than ever.

The suggested solution to maintaining stability and economic security is not in national policy, political maneuvering, or exploitation of resources. Rather, it's in "strengthening our human values." This brings to mind the observation of Alexis de Tocqueville, the 19th-century French politician and historian, who said, "America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."

What does this mean to me, as an individual? How can I influence and help my country? Only by influencing and helping myself and those close to me. If each individual in every family would strive to strengthen his own values and commitment, his work ethic, his dedication "to the loftiest ideals of the human race" — then goodness would spread and counteract the forces of decay and destruction. We must not give up!

 

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
July 5, 2015

Elder Dallin H. Oaks on the eternal perspective of our lives

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 pure in heart have a distinctive way of looking at life. Their attitudes and desires cause them to view their experiences in terms of eternity. This eternal perspective affects their choices and priorities. As they draw farther from worldliness they feel closer to our Father in Heaven and more able to be guided by his Spirit. We call this state of mind, this quality of life, spirituality. 

"Spirituality is a lens through which we view life and a gauge by which we evaluate it.... To be spiritually minded is to view and evaluate experiences in terms of the enlarged perspective of eternity." 

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Pure in Heart" (Deseret 1991), pp. 111-112; see also Dallin H. Oaks, "Spirituality," Ensign, November 1985, pp. 61-63
Click here to read the full talk

Somehow, it seems to be a challenge for many of us to view our more challenging experiences "in terms of eternity." Instead, our tendency is to forget eternity in the midst of trials and difficulties. But Elder Oaks points out that the "pure in heart" find that perspective easy to maintain. The more we are able to separate ourselves from worldliness, the more we can be guided by God's influence and can see things in eternal perspective.

As we become more "pure in heart" wewill see that our way of looking at life changes, and the eternal perspective is much more natural. Spirituality allows us to view everything that occurs to us "in terms of theenlarged perspective of eternity." What a blessing, and what an advantage! That should truly be our quest.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
March 9, 2015

President David O. McKay on mortality and spirituality

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.

"Man's earthly existence is but a test, whether he will concentrate his efforts, his mind, his soul upon things which contribute to his comfort and gratification of his physical instincts and passions, or whether he will make as his life's purpose and aim the acquisition of spiritual qualities. 

"The spiritual road has Christ as its ideal, not the gratification of the physical, for he that would save his life, yielding to that present gratification of a seeming need, will lose his life. 

"If he would seek the real purpose of life, the individual must live for some thing higher than self. He hears the Savior's voice saying: 'I am the way, the truth, and the life' (John 14:6). Following that voice, he soon learns that there is no one great thing which he can do to attain happiness or eternal life. He learns that 'life is made up not of great sacrifices or duties, but of little things in which smiles and kindness and small obligations given habitually are what win and preserve the heart and secure comfort.' 

"Spirituality, our true aim, is the consciousness of victory over self and of communion with the Infinite. Spirituality impels one to conquer difficulties and acquire more and more strength. To feel one's faculties unfolding and truth expanding the soul is one of life's sublimest experiences. Would that all might so live as to experience that ecstasy!" 

- David O. McKay, "Spirituality, the Goal in Life," Conference Report, October 1956, pp. 4-8
Click here to read the full talk

"Spirituality" was a favorite theme for President McKay, one he addressed on a number of occasions. We might well ask how we are doing in the fundamental test of earthly existence; where are our efforts and soul, our purpose and aim, really concentrated?

What a beautiful summary. When we know that we have overcome the temptations of our mortal self and are truly in contact with God, we have achieved something very important and sacred. But it's the beginning of the road to growth and progress, not the end. Then we begin to "feel [our] faculties unfolding and truth expanding" in beautiful ways - and President McKay calls it "ecstasy"!

There is a vast difference between what Pres. McKay calls a physical focus to life, and a spiritual one. In the spiritual path, we work on the little things, including "smiles and kindness and small obligations given habitually" — along with the more serious ones such as self-discipline and our relationship with Divinity. These steps all lead to the acquisition of true spirituality, "one of life's sublimest experiences."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
March 24, 2015

President Howard W. Hunter on growth and progress

President 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.

"Part of our difficulty as we strive to acquire spirituality is the feeling that there is much to do and that we are falling far short. Perfection is something yet ahead for every one of us; but we can capitalize on our strengths, begin where we are, and seek after the happiness that can be found in pursuing the things of God. We should remember the Lord’s counsel:

Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.

Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days. (D&C 64:33–34.)

"It has always been encouraging to me that the Lord said it is the 'willing and obedient [who] shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days.' All of us can be willing and obedient. If the Lord had said the perfect shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days, I suppose some of us would be discouraged and give up.... 

"The place to begin is here. The time to start is now. The length of our stride need be but one step at a time. God, who has, 'designed our happiness,' will lead us along even as little children, and we will by that process approach perfection." 

- Howard W. Hunter, "Developing Spirituality," General Conference April 1979
Click here to read the full talk

It's easy to get discouraged when we find ourselves "falling far short" of the goal of perfection. It's very common to wish we were doing better, achieving more, being more faithful and obedient. In the midst of feelings of inadequacy, this reminder about perspective is helpful. We don't need to be perfect—yet.  We just need to be "willing and obedient."

The key is to be willing to start now, to make consistent progress toward the goal. The progress can be slow and gradual; that is less important than the fact that we are progressing. What a hopeful message!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
January 8, 2015

President Ezra Taft Benson on the blessings of the Holy Ghost

President 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.

"We hear the words of the Lord most often by a feeling. If we are humble and sensitive, the Lord will prompt us through our feelings. That is why spiritual promptings move us on occasion to great joy, sometimes to tears. Many times my emotions have been made tender and my feelings very sensitive when touched by the Spirit. 

"The Holy Ghost causes our feelings to be more tender. We feel more charitable and compassionate with each other. We are more calm in our relationships. We have a greater capacity to love each other. People want to be around us because our very countenances radiate the influence of the Spirit. We are more godly in our character. As a result, we become increasingly more sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and thus able to comprehend spiritual things more clearly." 

- Ezra Taft Benson, "Seek the Spirit of the Lord," Ensign, Apr. 1988, p. 4
Click here to read the full talk

This is a tender witness about the blessings that come to faithful disciples. Joy and tears are often linked in spiritual matters, as the Lord touches our feelings and emotions. And President Benson helps us understand why; it's because of how the Holy Ghost works in our lives, and influences our receptiveness and personality.

This is an inspiring list of attributes - tenderness, charity, compassion, calmness, love. I have known people in whom I believe these promises are realized. If we focus on learning to "hear the words of the Lord" and feel His promptings in our life.

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

January 28, 1915

President Boyd K. Packer on balancing reason and revelation

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.

"The ties between universities and the churches that founded them have been severed because of constantly recurring contention between the spiritual and the temporal; the never-ending controversy between a narrow view of science and religion; the ancient conflict between reason and revelation.

"There are two opposing convictions in the university environment. On the one hand, 'seeing is believing.' On the other, 'believing is seeing.' Both are true! Each in its place. The combining of the two individually or institutionally is the challenge of life. Neither influence will easily surrender to the other. They may function for a time under some sort of a truce, but the subtle discord is ever present.

"They mix the way oil and water mix—only with constant shaking or stirring. When the stirring stops, they separate again. It takes a catalytic process to blend them. This requires the introduction of a third ingredient, a catalyst, which itself remains unchanged in the blending process.

"Each of us must accommodate the mixture of reason and revelation in our lives. The gospel not only permits but requires it. An individual who concentrates on either side solely and alone will lose both balance and perspective. History confirms that the university environment always favors reason, and the workings of the Spirit are made to feel uncomfortable. I know of no examples to the contrary.

"Spirituality, while consummately strong, reacts to very delicate changes in its environment. To have it present at all and to keep it in some degree of purity requires a commitment and a watch-care that can admit to no embarrassment when compared with what the scholarly world is about."

- Boyd K. Packer, "I Say unto You, Be One," Brigham Young University Devotional, February 12, 1991
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Packer shared these remarks with a university audience, discussing the particular challenges of that learning environment where historically reason and revelation, or science and religion, once coexisted, but then separated, and now sometimes compete. He reminds us that in our personal lives, both are important; we must learn to have them coexist and interact in our minds and thoughts. However, in the so-called "scholarly world," reason often pushes revelation to the side and even dismisses it as inferior and inadequate.

I found this to be a profound concept. Spirituality is strong, but "reacts to very delicate changes in its environment." We must take caution to preserve and maintain our spirituality in the face of many forces that threaten it. Truly it "requires a commitment and a watch-care" to give spiritual things the prominence and influence in our lives they deserve.

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

Elder Ronald A. Rasband on Satan's latter-day tactics

Elder Ronald A. Rasband (born February 6, 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 2000.  He was the senior president of the Seventy when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015.

"Brothers and sisters, we are at war with Satan for the souls of men. The battle lines were drawn in our pre-earth life. Satan and a third of our Father in Heaven’s children turned away from His promises of exaltation. Since that time, the adversary’s minions have been fighting the faithful who choose the Father’s plan.

"Satan knows his days are numbered and that time is growing shorter. As crafty and cunning as he is, he will not win. However, his battle for each one of our souls rages on.

"For our safety, we must build a fortress of spirituality and protection for our very souls, a fortress that will not be penetrated by the evil one.

"Satan is a subtle snake, sneaking into our minds and hearts when we have let our guard down, faced a disappointment, or lost hope. He entices us with flattery, a promise of ease, comfort, or a temporary high when we are low. He justifies pride, unkindness, dishonesty, discontent, and immorality, and in time we can be 'past feeling' (1 Nephi 17:45). The Spirit can leave us. 'And thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell' (2 Nephi 28:21).....

"When we build a fortress of spiritual strength, we can shun the advances of the adversary, turn our backs on him, and feel the peace of the Spirit. We can follow the example of our Lord and Savior, who, when tempted in the wilderness, said, 'Get thee behind me, Satan' (Luke 4:8). We each have to learn by the experiences of life how to do that."

- Ronald A. Rasband, "Build a Fortress of Spirituality and Protection," General Conference April 2019
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It's not exaggerating to describe the present conflict between good and evil in the world as "war." The struggle is real, and prophets frequently warn us that Satan's "battle for each one of our souls rages on" and remind us of our need to be prepared and strong.

Elder Rasband described an experience of his great-grandfather who, as one of the early pioneer settlers in the Heber Valley in Utah, helped build a protective wall of cottonwood logs around their homes. He likened that to the need we each have to "build a fortress of spirituality and protection for our very souls," enabling us to better ward off the attacks of the adversary:

The description of Satan as a "subtle snake" who can "[sneak] into our minds and hearts when we have let our guard down, faced a disappointment, or lost hope" is one that we should ponder. At the times when we are most vulnerable, we need to be the most cautious and the most committed to our spiritual fortifications.

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

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf on being close to Heavenly Father

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.

"First, draw close to God. The first great commandment is to love God. It is a primary reason why we are on this earth. Ask yourself, 'Do I really believe in Heavenly Father?'

"'Do I love and trust Him?'

"The closer you draw to our Heavenly Father, the more His light and joy will shine from within you. Others will notice that there is something unique and special about you. And they will ask about it."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Missionary Work: Sharing What Is in Your Heart," General Conference April 2019
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Elder Uchtdorf's message offered suggestions on how to effectively share the gospel message with those around us. This first point was especially appropriate. As we draw close to God and follow the Savior's example and His commandments in our life, there will be visible evidence of the changes that occur in our character and our appearance. The light of the Spirit shines from the countenance of a true disciple!

As our love and trust for God become deeper and more sincere, we become more like Him, and the evidence of His work becomes obvious to those around us who are honest in heart. That is the easiest and best way to share the message of the gospel: in the example of our lives!

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