Elder Robert D. Hales on the continuing benefits of general conference

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. He served for 32 years before passing away in 2017.

"The greatest blessings of general conference come to us after the conference is over. Remember the pattern recorded frequently in scripture: we gather to hear the words of the Lord, and we return to our homes to live them....

"We accept the Savior's invitation when we ponder and pray to understand what we have been taught and then go forward and do His will. Remember President Spencer W. Kimball's words: 'I have made up my mind that when I go home from this [general] conference ... there are many, many areas in my life that I can perfect. I have made a mental list of them, and I expect to go to work as soon as we get through.' President Monson recently said: 'I encourage you to read the talks... and to ponder the messages contained therein. I have found in my own life that I gain even more from these inspired sermons when I study them in greater depth.'

"In addition to inviting us to hold personal and family scripture study, Heavenly Father wants us to regularly study and apply what we have learned in conference. I testify that those who put their trust in the Lord and heed this counsel in faith will gain great strength to bless themselves and their families for generations to come."

- Robert D. Hales, "Strengthening Faith and Testimony," General Conference October 2013
Click here to read the full talk

This is a crucial message.  It's wonderful to enjoy General Conference messages and feel the blessing of inspired leaders giving counsel and direction. But the power comes in the application. The crucial question is, will it make a difference? Will my life be changed in any way? Have I listened carefully (both to spoken words and silent impressions) to find areas where the Lord invites me to grow and improve? And do I have a plan on how to make sure I don't forget those impressions and resolves?

At least part of the key comes in the encouragement we are frequently given to read the talks (they are available online almost immediately, and in print very soon) and ponder the messages. There is more to be gained as we continue to "regularly study and apply what we have learned in conference"!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
October 4, 2015

Elder Bruce R. McConkie on the importance of gospel scholarship

Elder Bruce R. McConkie (July 29, 1915 - April 19, 1985) served as a Seventy from 1946-1972 when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve.  He served in that assignment until his death from cancer at age 69.

"Our revelation says, 'The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth' (D&C 93:36). Joseph Smith taught that 'a man is saved no faster than he gets knowledge' of God and his saving truths (Teachings, p. 217) and that 'it is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance' of Jesus Christ and the laws of his gospel (D&C 131:6).

"We believe in gospel scholarship. We think that devout men everywhere, in and out of the Church, should seek spiritual truth, should come to know God, should learn his laws, and should strive to live in harmony with them. There are no truths as important as those that pertain to God and his gospel, to the pure religion that he has revealed, to the terms and conditions whereby we may gain an inheritance with him in his kingdom....

"Christ is the great exemplar, the prototype of perfection and salvation: 'He said unto the children of men: Follow thou me' (2 Ne. 31:10). Also: 'What manner of men ought yet to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am.' (3 Ne. 27:27.) I know of no better way to respond to Jesus' invitation, 'Learn of me' (Matt. 10:28), than to study the scriptures with a prayerful heart."

- Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrines of the Restoration (Bookcraft 1989), pp. 221-222

Elder McConkie was known for his bold, authoritarian presentation and his exposition of the scriptures and Church doctrine. This quote summarizes his personal standard, as well as presenting an exhortation to Church members and "devout men everywhere" — we need to be scholars of the Lord's gospel.

And in the final paragraph, Elder McConkie explains the main reason gospel scholarship is important. It enables us to become more like the Lord when we understand more about Him. We learn in order to live.

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

Elder Richard G. Scott offers an Easter invitation

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.

"I energetically encourage you to establish a personal study plan to better understand and appreciate the incomparable, eternal, infinite consequences of Jesus Christ's perfect fulfillment of His divinely appointed calling as our Savior and Redeemer. Profound personal pondering of the scriptures accompanied by searching, heartfelt prayer will fortify your understanding of and appreciation for His priceless Atonement. Another powerful way to learn of Jesus Christ and His Atonement is through consistent temple attendance....

"This Easter, resolve to make the Lord Jesus Christ the living center of your home. Be sure that every decision you make, whether it be of a spiritual or physical nature, be guided by the thought 'What would the Lord Jesus Christ have me do?' When the Savior is the center of your home, it is filled with peace and serenity. There is a spirit of calm assurance that pervades the home."

- Richard G. Scott, "He Lives! All Glory to His Name!", General Conference April 2010
Click here to read the full talk

Even when it is not Easter, this challenge is still applicable and significant for us. Any day is a wonderful time to reflect on the Savior's love for us and on our relationship to Him.

I loved Elder Scott's "energetic encouragement." He gave a worthwhile suggestion to start a "personal study plan," including "profound personal pondering" and "searching, heartfelt prayer," to deepen our understanding and appreciation of the "priceless Atonement."  We would certainly be blessed in any season to accept that invitation.

Is the Savior "at the center" of my home? How can I make Him more a part of my life?

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
March 30, 2015

President Spencer W. Kimball on the importance of continued study after general conference

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

"Sunday night... the great Tabernacle was closed, the lights turned out, the record[ing] machines stopped, the doors locked, and another historic conference became history. It will have been lost motion—a waste of time, energy, and money—if its messages are not heeded. In the [several] two-hour sessions… , truths were taught, doctrines expounded, exhortations given, enough to save the whole world from all its ills—and I mean from ALL its ills. A rather complete education in eternal verities was given to millions with a great hope that there were ‘ears a’hearing and eyes a’seeing and hearts a’throbing,’ convinced of truth. …

“I hope you young people all heard the messages of the ages delivered. There will be other conferences every six months. I hope you will get your copy of the [Ensign] and underline the pertinent thoughts and keep it with you for continual reference. No text or volume outside the standard works of the Church should have such a prominent place on your personal library shelves—not for their rhetorical excellence or eloquence of delivery, but for the concepts which point the way to eternal life.”

- Spencer W. Kimball, "In the World but Not of It," BYU Devotional, May 14, 1968, pp. 2–3

President Kimball spoke in general conference meetings for over four decades, and must have pondered the impact of his efforts through the years. These observations at a BYU devotional are thought-provoking. Of what benefit is all of the cost and effort to present a conference, if we don't heed the messages? Great truths are taught, doctrines are expounded, and guidance provided "enough to save the whole world from all its ills—and I mean from ALL its ills" if the counsel is only heeded. That is a powerful claim!

I loved President Kimball's longing that there would be "ears a'hearing and eyes a'seeing and hearts a'throbing" in response to conference.

We are remarkably blessed now, that with modern technology, we can almost instantly access conference talks right after the conference occurs. We can view the transcripts online, listen to the audio or watch video, download to personal devices, etc. It's easier than ever to have access to the talks; but will we truly study, ponder, and heed? Will we choose to accept the guidance that points the way to eternal life?

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

President Howard W. Hunter on claiming the blessings of inspired leaders

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.

"As I have pondered the messages of the conference, I have asked myself this question: How can I help others partake of the goodness and blessings of our Heavenly Father?  The answer lies in following the direction received from those we sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators, and others of the General Authorities.  Let us study their words, spoken under the Spirit of inspiration, and refer to them often.  The Lord has revealed his will to the Saints in this conference.

"I bear solemn and grateful witness that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of the world. Certainly he is the center of our worship and the key to our happiness. Let us follow the Son of God in all ways and all walks of life. Let us make him our exemplar and our guide."

- Howard W. Hunter, "Follow the Son of God," General Conference October 1994; see Ensign, Nov. 1994, p. 87
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

We are very blessed in our time to have ready access to the messages of general conference. In past years, it would often take many weeks before a printed copy of the talks would be available; today, we can listen to the talks again almost immediately after conference ends at the Church website; and within a few days the transcripts are also available to study. President Hunter urges us to take advantage of the opportunity to review the messages, so that we can be blessed as we apply them in our lives and share the blessings with others:

If we truly believe that "The Lord has revealed his will to the Saints in this conference" then we should be eager to feast on the words that were shared, and "refer to them often" in our lives in the coming weeks and months!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)
October 3, 2017

President Harold B. Lee on holding on to testimony

President Harold B. Lee (1899-1973) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1941. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency from 1970-1972, then as Church president from July 1972 until his passing less than 18 months later in December 1973.

"Testimony is as elusive as a moonbeam; it's as fragile as an orchid; you have to recapture it every morning of your life. You have to hold on by study, and by faith, and by prayer. If you allow yourself to be angry, if you allow yourself to get into the wrong kind of company, you listen to the wrong kind of stories, you are studying the wrong kind of subjects, you are engaging in sinful practices, there is nothing that will be more deadening as to take away the Spirit of the Lord from you until it will be as though you had walked from a lighted room when you go out of this building, as though you had gone out into a darkness."

- Harold B. Lee, address to LDS Student Association and Young Adults, 4 November 1972; see The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, p. 139

This is another truly classic excerpt from the teachings of President Lee. The imagery he chooses to describe how fragile testimonies are is memorable and compelling:

It takes all three activities to "hold on" to testimony: study, faith, and prayer. If we neglect either of those things, our testimony will struggle. The word "recapture" is very descriptive; the testimony will flee and fade if we don't take the action to recapture and retain it—"every morning of your life."

Then President Lee warns of "deadening" activities that will actively diminish the light of testimony:

• If you allow yourself to be angry
• If you allow yourself to get into the wrong kind of company
• You listen to the wrong kind of stories
• You are studying the wrong kind of subjects
• You are engaging in sinful practices

We might consider things in our own day, almost 50 years after President Lee spoke, that would fall into the same category.

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

March 29, 2015

President Henry B. Eyring on continuing education

President Eyring (1933- ) served in the Presiding Bishopric from 1985-1992, as a Seventy from 1992-1995, then was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He has served in the First Presidency since 2007. These remarks were shared during a CES fireside address in 2001.

"No service that matters can be given over a lifetime by those who stop learning. A great teacher is always studying. A nurse never stops facing the challenge of dealing with something new, be it equipment or procedure. And the workplace in every industry is changing so rapidly that what we know today will not be enough for tomorrow. 

"Our education must never stop. If it ends at the door of the classroom on graduation day, we will fail. And since what we will need to know is hard to discern, we need the help of heaven to know which of the myriad things we could study we would most wisely learn. It also means that we cannot waste time entertaining ourselves when we have the chance to read or to listen to whatever will help us learn what is true and useful. Insatiable curiosity will be our hallmark. 

"For many of us, the feeling bears down on us that we must choose between spiritual and secular learning. That is a false conflict for most of us, particularly for the young. Before we have families, there is leisure time even in what is our busiest day. Too often we use many hours for fun and pleasure, clothed in the euphemism 'I'm recharging my batteries.' Those hours could be spent reading and studying to gain knowledge, skills, and culture." 

- Henry B. Eyring, "Education for Real Life," CES fireside in Moscow, Idaho, on 6 May 2001; see Ensign, Oct 2002, p. 14.
Click here to read the full article

The ancient apostle Paul worried about those in the last days who would be "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (2 Timothy 3:7).  President Eyring worries first that we don't even get that far—that instead, we stop learning altogether. So the first challenge is to be ongoing students, to be committed to learning, to be cautious and wise in how we use our free time in the midst of so many opportunities.

In modern revelation, the Lord has continued to issued this challenge: "...study and learn, and become acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues, and people" (D&C 90:15).  Clearly He intends for that to be an ongoing, continual process.

In addition, President Eyring assures us that we need not be overly concerned about the perceived choices of "spiritual" and "secular" learning, since both can lead to good ends. I love pondering D&C 88:77-80 where we are encouraged to study and teach not only the "doctrines of the kingdom," but also a list of topics that seems to include such diverse fields as astronomy, geology, history, current events, social issues, international relations, geography—quite a diverse list! But we should choose wisely where we devote our energies. The key, the second challenge from President Eyring, and the solution to Paul's concern, lies in invoking "the help of heaven" to guide us in what we should study.

 

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

Jan 18, 2015

Elder Ulisses Soares on learning and teaching the gospel

Elder Ulisses Soares (born October 2, 1958 in Brazil) has served as a Seventy since April 2005, and as a member of the Presidency of the Seventy since January 2013. He was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles on April 1, 2018.

"As recorded in the book of Acts, Philip the evangelist taught the gospel to a certain Ethiopian who was a eunuch in charge of all the treasures belonging to the queen of Ethiopia. (See Acts 8:27.) While returning from worshipping in Jerusalem, he read the book of Isaiah. Compelled by the Spirit, Philip came closer to him and said, 'Understandest thou what thou readest?

"'And [the eunuch] said, How can I, except some man should guide me? …

"'Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.' (Acts 8:30–31, 35.)

"The question asked by this Ethiopian man is a reminder of the divine mandate we all have to seek to learn and to teach one another the gospel of Jesus Christ. (D&C 88:77–78, 118; 130:18–19; 131:6.) In fact, in the context of learning and teaching the gospel, we are sometimes like the Ethiopian—we need the help of a faithful and inspired teacher; and we are sometimes like Philip—we need to teach and strengthen others in their conversion.

"Our purpose as we seek to learn and to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ must be to increase faith in God and in His divine plan of happiness and in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice and to achieve lasting conversion. Such increased faith and conversion will help us make and keep covenants with God, thus strengthening our desire to follow Jesus and producing a genuine spiritual transformation in us—in other words, transforming us into a new creature, as taught by the Apostle Paul in his epistle to the Corinthians. (See 2 Corinthians 5:17.) This transformation will bring us a more happy, productive, and healthy life and help us to maintain an eternal perspective. Isn’t this exactly what happened to the Ethiopian eunuch after he learned about the Savior and was converted to His gospel? The scripture says that 'he went on his way rejoicing.' (Acts 8:39.)"

- Ulisses Soares, "How Can I Understand?," General Conference April 2019
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Soares speaks of a two-fold "divine mandate" given to each of us: "to seek to learn and to teach one another the gospel of Jesus Christ." Learning must precede teaching, and so our quest should be continually to study, ponder, ad build on our understanding and testimony. Truly in this quest "we need the help of a faithful and inspired teacher." We should seek them out and be eager for their influence. Then, we are preparing to accept our opportunities to pass on what we have learned.

Our quest for divine knowledge brings many benefits: lasting personal conversion, increased faith, growing resolve to follow Jesus, spiritual transformation. And ultimately, the changes we experience "will bring us a more happy, productive, and healthy life."

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

Elder Ulisses Soares on following Jesus Christ

Elder Ulisses Soares (born October 2, 1958 in Brazil) has served as a Seventy since April 2005, and as a member of the Presidency of the Seventy since January 2013. He was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles on April 1, 2018.

"You may recall that two disciples of John the Baptist followed Jesus Christ after hearing John witness that Jesus was the Lamb of God, the Messiah. These good men accepted Jesus’s invitation to 'come and see' (see John 1:38–39) and abode with Him that day. They came to know that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God, and followed Him for the rest of their lives.

"Likewise, when we accept the Savior’s invitation to 'come and see,' we need to abide in Him, immersing ourselves in the scriptures, rejoicing in them, learning His doctrine, and striving to live the way He lived. Only then will we come to know Him, Jesus Christ, and recognize His voice, knowing that as we come unto Him and believe in Him, we shall never hunger nor thirst. (See John 6:35.) We will be able to discern the truth at all times, as occurred to those two disciples who abode with Jesus that day.

"Brothers and sisters, that doesn’t happen by chance. Attuning ourselves to the highest influences of godliness is not a simple matter; it requires calling upon God and learning how to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the center of our lives. If we do so, I promise that the influence of the Holy Ghost will bring truth to our heart and mind and will bear witness of it (see John 16:13), teaching all things (see John 14:26)."

- Ulisses Soares, "How Can I Understand?," General Conference April 2019
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Soares gave the opening talk in the recent general conference. It's appropriate that he discussed how we learn and understand the Gospel, and particularly how to find and follow truth.

I love the example from those early disciples, who were invited to "come and see" so they could further understand the message of the Savior. We need to take actions in our lives to come to Him, to see what His message is about, to follow His example and live His teachings. Then we will truly "see" the eternal importance and significance of the powerful life He invites us to live. Note that Elder Soares counsels that the important step is "immersing ourselves in the scriptures, rejoicing in them, learning His doctrine, and striving to live the way He lived." It's the "immersing" part that we sometimes fall short on.

Once we have immersed in the scriptures, we must call on God to find His counsel on "how to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the center of our lives." Through the Holy Ghost, we will receive teaching and testimony from on high to guide and inspire us.

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

Elder David A. Bednar on our individual responsibility to learn and grow

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

"Each member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has an individual responsibility to learn and live the Lord’s teachings and to receive by proper authority the ordinances of salvation and exaltation. We should not expect the Church as an organization to teach or tell us everything we need to know and do to become devoted disciples and endure valiantly to the end. (See D&C 121:29.) Rather, our personal responsibility is to learn what we should learn, to live as we know we should live, and to become who the Master would have us become. And our homes are the ultimate setting for learning, living, and becoming....

"The overarching purpose of Heavenly Father’s plan is for His children to become more like Him. Accordingly, He provides us with essential opportunities to grow and progress. Our commitment to learn and live according to truth is increasingly important in a world that is 'in commotion' (D&C 45:26) and is ever more confused and wicked. We cannot expect simply to attend Church meetings and participate in programs and thereby receive all of the spiritual edification and protection that will enable us 'to withstand in the evil day.' (Ephesians 6:13.)

"'Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness.' ('The Family: A Proclamation to the World,' Ensign, May 2017, 145.) Inspired Church leaders, teachers, and activities help individual and family efforts to grow spiritually. And though we all need help pressing forward on the covenant path, the ultimate responsibility for developing spiritual strength and stamina rests upon each one of us....

"If all you or I know about Jesus Christ and His restored gospel is what other people teach or tell us, then the foundation of our testimony of Him and His glorious latter-day work is built upon sand. We cannot rely exclusively upon or borrow gospel light and knowledge from other people—even those whom we love and trust."

- David A. Bednar, "Prepared to Obtain Every Needful Thing," General Conference April 2019
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

A critical question for life is how we can learn and comprehend "everything we need to know and do to become devoted disciples and endure valiantly to the end." Elder Bednar seems to be responding to a misconception that the Church provides that; instead, the major responsibility lies with each one of us.  While the church provides assistance and support, ultimately each of us must "work out or own salvation."

So the call is for us to "rise up" and be more faithful in learning, following, repenting, serving, and truly striving to follow the path of discipleship. 

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

Elder David A. Bednar on acting as agents in our own progress

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

“Worldly influences would hinder use of our agency afforded through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  But we are agents who can act, and that affects everything in terms of how we live the gospel in our daily lives. It affects how we pray, how we study the scriptures, how we worship at church. There is a difference when one goes to a sacrament meeting essentially as an object waiting to be acted upon—‘Feed me, give me something’—as opposed to worshiping in sacrament meeting as an agent where you are acting—asking, seeking, and knocking."

- David A. Bednar, training shared with Church members in Europe, September 2011
Click here to read more information about this event

Elder Bednar provides an interesting insight into the world's influence on our lives and actions: the world strives to hinder or limit our agency. As we are "caught up" in the philosophies and activities of the world, we gradually lose ability to act as agents to ourselves. We must always resist that limiting influence and strive to retain our agency to the fullest possible, as we act according to God's plan for us:

So much depends on how we approach the opportunities and settings in our lives! Specifically, Elder Bednar suggests that we will be blessed as we actively seek to take control of our own growth and learning, "asking, seeking, and knocking" as we attend meetings or in any other setting. Good reminder!

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

President Dallin H. Oaks on seeking spiritual knowledge

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.

"We live in a time of greatly expanded and disseminated information. But not all of this information is true. We need to be cautious as we seek truth and choose sources for that search. We should not consider secular prominence or authority as qualified sources of truth. We should be cautious about relying on information or advice offered by entertainment stars, prominent athletes, or anonymous internet sources. Expertise in one field should not be taken as expertise on truth in other subjects.

"We should also be cautious about the motivation of the one who provides information. That is why the scriptures warn us against priestcraft (see 2 Nephi 26:29). If the source is anonymous or unknown, the information may also be suspect.

"Our personal decisions should be based on information from sources that are qualified on the subject and free from selfish motivations.

"When we seek the truth about religion, we should use spiritual methods appropriate for that search: prayer, the witness of the Holy Ghost, and study of the scriptures and the words of modern prophets. I am always sad when I hear of one who reports a loss of religious faith because of secular teachings. Those who once had spiritual vision can suffer from self-inflicted spiritual blindness."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Truth and the Plan," General Conference October 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Oaks counsels us about choosing and evaluating the sources for information in our lives. In our modern world, we are bombarded by advice and recommendations through media and other methods that can sometimes be quite forceful and persuasive. It's so important that we learn to evaluate and distinguish what are valid, trustworthy sources and what might be less reliable, or worse, outright deceptive and damaging.

President Oaks warns specifically about information that might come from a source trying to manipulate in order to get personal gain (priestcraft), as well as hidden or anonymous sources that are seemingly afraid to disclose who they are.

For seeking truth on spiritual matters, it is so important to learn to trust the best and most reliable sources: personal inspiration from the Holy Ghost that comes as we pray; and the inspired words of scriptures and prophetic teachings. A solid foundation built from those sources will give us a firm platform on which to build and a clear standard by which to evaluate all other information.

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

President Russell M. Nelson on our personal responsibilities for spiritual growth

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 long-standing objective of the Church is to assist all members to increase their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and in His Atonement, to assist them in making and keeping their covenants with God, and to strengthen and seal their families. In this complex world today, this is not easy. The adversary is increasing his attacks on faith and upon us and our families at an exponential rate. To survive spiritually, we need counterstrategies and proactive plans. Accordingly, we now want to put in place organizational adjustments that will further fortify our members and their families.

"For many years, Church leaders have been working on an integrated curriculum to strengthen families and individuals through a home-centered and Church-supported plan to learn doctrine, strengthen faith, and foster greater personal worship. Our efforts over these recent years to hallow the Sabbath—to make it a delight and a personal sign to God of our love for Him—will be augmented by the adjustments we will now introduce.

"This morning we will announce a new balance and connection between gospel instruction in the home and in the Church. We are each responsible for our individual spiritual growth. And scriptures make it clear that parents have the primary responsibility to teach the doctrine to their children. (See Doctrine and Covenants 93:40; Moses 6:58–62.) It is the responsibility of the Church to assist each member in the divinely defined goal of increasing his or her gospel knowledge."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Opening Remarks," General Conference October 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

There was much eager anticipation as President Nelson opened the most recent general conference. His remarks were brief, as has become the pattern; but he introduced the topic that would dominate the rest of the conference and be explained and elaborated upon by those who followed him.

Key to the conference was this opening doctrinal reminder of the Church's purpose and objectives, and the key responsibility of families and individuals. "We are each responsible for our individual spiritual growth" is a concept we must never forget. The Church is here to help and encourage, but so much depends on our individual efforts and priorities.

Well might we ask, "How am I doing in my pursuit of that 'divinely defined goal of increasing [my] gospel knowledge'?" That knowledge comes from both study and application. We should be making clear and steady progress! As we eagerly anticipate the beginning of this new phase of Church curriculum, we can be preparing now by ensuring we are doing all we can with the resources we currently have.

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

President Russell M. Nelson on the messages and invitations from conference

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.

"This has been an inspirational and historic conference. We look to the future with enthusiasm. We have been motivated to do better and to be better. The marvelous messages delivered from this pulpit by our General Authorities and General Officers and the music have been sublime! I urge you to study these messages, commencing this week. They express the mind and the will of the Lord for His people, today.

"The new home-centered, Church-supported integrated curriculum has the potential to unleash the power of families, as each family follows through conscientiously and carefully to transform their home into a sanctuary of faith. I promise that as you diligently work to remodel your home into a center of gospel learning, over time your Sabbath days will truly be a delight. Your children will be excited to learn and to live the Savior’s teachings, and the influence of the adversary in your life and in your home will decrease. Changes in your family will be dramatic and sustaining.

"During this conference we have strengthened our resolve to execute the essential effort to honor the Lord Jesus Christ every time we refer to His Church. I promise you that our rigorous attention to use the correct name of the Savior’s Church and its members will lead to increased faith and access to greater spiritual power for members of His Church."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints," General Conference October 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

What a blessing our modern technology can be, when it is used for God's purposes! Within a matter of a few days after the conclusion of General Conference, we are now able to study the transcripts of the messages online and listen to audio recordings of the talks. President Nelson's concluding message from the recent conference included this invitation for us, to begin to study the messages this week:

In addition to the blessings that will result from studying and following the counsel of Church leaders, President Nelson expressed some additional promises:

1. During the conference, we were introduced to coming changes that will put emphasis on home study of the gospel, including a shortened Sunday meeting time and materials to facilitate our individual and family study. President Nelson promised us that as we begin to implement those changes and "remodel" our homes into "a center of gospel learning," we will see blessings:
1. "Over time your Sabbath days will truly be a delight".
2. "Your children will be excited to learn and to live the Savior’s teachings"
3. "The influence of the adversary in your life and in your home will decrease."
4. "Changes in your family will be dramatic and sustaining."
Those are remarkable promises!


2. As we remember the counsel to use with "rigorous attention" the proper name of the Lord's Church in every opportunity, we will see blessings:
1. "Increased faith"
2. "Access to greater spiritual power for members of His Church."

We are truly blessed to be led by inspired leaders. Now it is up to us to claim the blessings that are promised to us!

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

President Ezra Taft Benson on the importance of General Conference talks

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.

"My dear brethren and sisters, this has been a wonderful general conference of the Church. We have felt a marvelous spirit in all of our meetings.

"I commend my Brethren of the General Authorities for the excellent addresses they have given. My humble prayer is that all of us will follow the counsel and instruction we have received.

"As we have felt the Spirit and made new and sacred resolves, may we now have the courage and fortitude to carry out those resolves.

"For the next six months, your conference edition of the Ensign should stand next to your standard works and be referred to frequently. As my dear friend and brother Harold B. Lee said, we should let these conference addresses 'be the guide to [our] walk and talk during the next six months. These are the important matters the Lord sees fit to reveal to this people in this day' (in Conference Report, Apr. 1946, p. 68)."

- Ezra Taft Benson, "Come unto Christ, and Be Perfected in Him," General Conference April 1988
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This is a classic reminder from President Benson, echoing remarks from President Lee much earlier—and a challenge that has been repeated a number of times since. The general conference messages should have significant and lasting impact with us, as we have a chance to review and study them in the coming months:

President Benson spoke in a day before the Internet, when we would eagerly wait a month for the printed talks to be available in the Church magazines. In our day, the audio tracks of the talks are available almost immediately following the conference for listening on our personal devices; and then within days, we can read the transcripts of the talks online. We are very blessed by that technology to be able to review the material while the spirit of conference weekend is still fresh and strong in our minds and hearts!

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

Elder Orson F. Whitney on the importance of spiritual learning

Elder Orson F. Whitney (1855-1931), a journalist, teacher, poet, and historian, was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1906 and served until his death in 1931 at age 75.

"This people are the friends, not the foes, of education; that they are seekers after wisdom, lovers of light and truth, universal Truth, which, like the waters of earth, or the sunbeams of heaven, has but one Source, let its earthly origin be what it may.
     'Truth is truth, wher'er 'tis found,
     On Christian or on heathen ground,'
and worthy of our love and admiration, whether far or near, high or low, whether blazing as a star in the blue vault of heaven, or springing like a floweret from the soil.

"'Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning even by study, and also by faith.' (D&C 88:118)

"Why did the Lord so instruct his Prophet? Why did the Prophet so teach his people? It was because God had designed, and his prophet had foreseen, a great and glorious future for that people....

"Literature means learning, and it is from the 'best books' we are told to seek it. This does not merely mean the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the book of Doctrine and Covenants, Church works and religious writings—though these indeed are 'the best books,' and will ever be included in and lie at the very basis of our literature. But it also means history, poetry, philosophy, art and science, languages, government—all truth in fact, wherever found, either local or general, and relating to times past, present or to come.

"Yes, the Prophet even meant revelation, inspiration. immediate and direct; for does he not say, 'seek learning by study and also by faith'? Faith points to futurity, to things that will be; study pertains more to the past, to things that have been. History is temporal; prophecy is spiritual. The past is great, but the future will be greater. The dead letter may be precious, but the living oracle is beyond all price."

- Orson F. Whitney, "Home Literature," speech at the YMMIA Conference, June 3, 1888, and subsequently published July 1888 in The ContributorClick here to read the full article

This is a fascinating article by Elder Whitney, in which he encouraged the Saints to focus on personal education in a variety of opportunities and settings; but especially to be advocates of "home literature" and to take every advantage of learning from personal efforts to read and study. Truth can be found in many sources, and we truly should "seek learning" by our study of "the best books" and by our faith. Well we might ask ourselves how we are doing in our pursuit of understanding in "history, poetry, philosophy, art and science, languages, government"—a wide variety of endeavors!

As we seek learning by revelation, this explanation of the relationship between faith and study is especially interesting. It helps to give some perspective to our efforts, and to make sure that all we do is grounded on a spiritual foundation.

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

President Dallin H. Oaks on seeking learning through study and faith

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.

"In modern revelation the Lord has told us to 'seek learning … by study and also by faith.' (D&C 109:7.)

"We seek learning by studying the accumulated wisdom of various disciplines and by using the powers of reasoning placed in us by our Creator.

"We should also seek learning by faith in God, the giver of revelation. I believe that many of the great discoveries and achievements in science and the arts have resulted from a God-given revelation. Seekers who have paid the price in perspiration have been magnified by inspiration.

"The acquisition of knowledge by revelation is an extra bonus to seekers in the sciences and the arts, but it is the fundamental method for those who seek to know God and the doctrines of his gospel. In this area of knowledge, scholarship and reason are insufficient.

"A seeker of truth about God must rely on revelation. I believe this is what the Book of Mormon prophet meant when he said, 'To be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God.' (2 Ne. 9:29.) It is surely what the Savior taught when he said, 'Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.' (Matt. 16:17.)

"The way to revelation is righteousness."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Alternate Voices," General Conference April 1989
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

The admonition from the Lord to "seek learning … by study and also by faith" is an important one to remember. We apply ourselves to the first half of the process, though perhaps not enough—there is much we could study and learn if we made greater efforts to focus our personal study efforts. But we also often neglect the second part of the guideline, that of using faith to gain knowledge.

President Oaks points out that even our "secular" learning can benefit from spiritual assistance, as we find that those "who have paid the price in perspiration have been magnified by inspiration." But then, in the realm of matters of the spirit, we must apply both our study and our faith in order to truly benefit:

President Oaks gives wise counsel in this address about the process of learning through faith. We are blessed as we make those efforts to grow and expand in our learning, both temporally and spiritually!

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