Elder M. Russell Ballard offers a challenge to today's young adults

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.

This address was offered in the Priesthood session of the April 2015 conference; Elder Ballard recalled the challenge he made in 2002 to "raise the bar" of missionary standards, and reflected on today's needs and challenges.

"What we need now is the greatest generation of young adults in the history of the Church. We need your whole heart and soul. We need vibrant, thinking, passionate young adults who know how to listen and respond to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit as you make your way through the daily trials and temptations of being a young, contemporary Latter-day Saint.

"In other words, it's time to raise the bar not only for missionaries but also for returned missionaries and for your entire generation. To that end, please ponder in your heart your answers to these questions:

"1. Do you search the scriptures regularly?

"2. Do you kneel in prayer to talk with your Heavenly Father each morning and each night?

"3. Do you fast and donate a fast offering each month—even if you are a poor, struggling student who can't afford to donate much?

"4. Do you think deeply about the Savior and His atoning sacrifice for you when you are asked to prepare, bless, pass, or partake of the sacrament?

"5. Do you attend your meetings and strive to keep the Sabbath day holy?

"6. Are you honest at home, school, church, and work?

"7. Are you mentally and spiritually clean? Do you avoid viewing pornography or looking at websites, magazines, movies, or apps, including Tinder and Snapchat photos, that would embarrass you if your parents, Church leaders, or the Savior Himself saw you?

"8. Are you careful with your time—avoiding inappropriate technology and social media, including video games, which can dull your spiritual sensitivity?

"9. Is there anything in your life you need to change and fix, beginning tonight?"

- M. Russell Ballard, "The Greatest Generation of Young Adults," General Conference, April 2015
Click here to read the full talk

Elder Ballard addressed his remarks to the young adults of the Church, focusing on the opportunity and need they have collectively and individually to "raise the bar" and continue faithful in the light of the challenges of today's world. He shares a wonderful vision of what that generation can become:

Elder Ballard then offers a thoughtful "virtual interview" that he hopes each youth will consider to help indicate the state of their current spiritual progress. Each of us, regardless of age, would benefit from carefully considering and pondering that list of standards!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
April 23, 2015

Elder L. Tom Perry on choosing activities of value in life

Elder L. Tom Perry (1922-2015) was called as an Assistant to the Twelve in 1972, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1974. At the time of his passing at age 92, he was the oldest living general authority and the third in seniority among the leading quorum.

"We are in the midst of an information revolution, the so-called information age, with all of its new challenges and opportunities. Now we are being flooded with information. For many, television is robbing them of valuable family time. The Internet is a new source of information that offers tremendous opportunities as well as another potential—becoming addicted. Unfortunately, with the blessings of the new information age also come challenges, as evil influences have a new medium of transmission and new ways of infiltrating our minds. Worldly influences enter our homes in new shapes and forms to challenge our resolve to use our time wisely and for the Lord's purposes.

"Perhaps we could take a page out of the law of ancient Israel and call 'time-out.' Let us make a list of those basic activities that add value to eternal man and woman and determine... that we will discontinue those activities that are of little value and worth that might even jeopardize our eternal welfare. Let us place higher priority on family prayer, family scripture study, and family home evenings and eliminate those activities that fill our lives with worldliness and evil."

- L. Tom Perry, "A Year of Jubilee," General Conference October 1999
Click here to read the full article

Welcome to "The Information Age" — did you know you were part of a world-wide revolution? Elder Perry recognizes the many blessings these new technologies and the accessibility of information can bring, but also warns of the challenges.

Elder Perry's suggestion to take time to consider our activities is a very wise one. Which of the things we devote our time to are those that "add value to eternal man and woman" and which "are of little value and worth that might even jeopardize our eternal welfare." It's clear that there are some activities that we MUST NOT allow to be pushed aside by those of lesser value! This kind of self-evaluation would be a wise exercise for each individual and family to undertake periodically.

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

April 7, 2015

President Thomas S. Monson on the blessings and challenges of technology

President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1963. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency with Presidents Benson, Hunter, and Hinckley and then became Church president in 2008. He led the Church for almost a decade until his passing in January 2018.

"You have come to this earth at a glorious time. The opportunities before you are nearly limitless. Almost all of you live in comfortable homes, with loving families, adequate food, and sufficient clothing. In addition, most of you have access to amazing technological advances. You communicate through cell phones, text messaging, instant messaging, e-mailing, blogging, Facebook, and other such means. You listen to music on your iPods and MP3 players. This list, of course, represents but a few of the technologies which are available to you.

"All of this is a little daunting to someone such as I, who grew up when radios were generally large floor models and when there were no televisions to speak of, let alone computers or cell phones....

"Although this is a remarkable period when opportunities abound, you also face challenges which are unique to this time. For instance, the very technological tools I have mentioned provide opportunities for the adversary to tempt you and to ensnare you in his web of deceit, thereby hoping to take possession of your destiny.

"As I contemplate all that you face in the world today, one word comes to my mind. It describes an attribute needed by all of us but one which you—at this time of your life and in this world—will need particularly. That attribute is courage."

- Thomas S. Monson, "May You Have Courage," address to Young Women; General Conference April 2009
Click here to read the full address

President Monson addressed these remarks to a general Young Women meeting, but the concepts apply to men and women, young and older. We live in a blessed time with almost unimaginable developments and opportunities. He noted some of the technological miracles that we take for granted in our lives.

But the blessings bring challenges that are also unique to our time. How important for us to "press forward" with steadfastness and commitment, knowing what is right, with whole-hearted commitment to choose well! It certainly does take courage to live righteously and faithfully.

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

Elder David A. Bednar on flooding the earth with truth

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.

"My beloved brothers and sisters, what has been accomplished thus far in this dispensation communicating gospel messages through social media channels is a good beginning—but only a small trickle. I now extend to you the invitation to help transform the trickle into a flood. Beginning at this place on this day, I exhort you to sweep the earth with messages filled with righteousness and truth—messages that are authentic, edifying, and praiseworthy—and literally to sweep the earth as with a flood.

"I pray we will not simply participate in a flash flood that rises swiftly and then recedes just as rapidly. I am not suggesting a one-time glitzy initiative from which we quickly move on to the next task on our lengthy list of gospel things to do. We need not become social media experts or fanatics. And we do not need to spend inordinate amounts of time creating and disseminating elaborate messages....

"According to our desires and circumstances, each of us can contribute consistently to the growing flood of truth and righteousness. We should press forward using the Lord’s pattern of 'line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little' (2 Nephi 28:30).

"Imagine the impact we can have as hundreds of thousands and millions of members of the Lord’s restored Church contribute in seemingly small ways to the rising floodwaters. May our many small, individual efforts produce a steady rainfall of righteousness and truth that gradually swells a multitude of streams and rivers—and ultimately becomes a flood that sweeps the earth. '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' (D&C 64:33)."

- David A. Bednar, "To Sweep the Earth as with a Flood," BYU Education Week, Aug 19, 2014
Click here to read the full talk

I worked for the IT department of the Church in the years (late 1990s) when email communication was still the primary means of outreach and webpages were just becoming a significant force. It was fascinating to get a sense of the vision of Church leaders at that time, in knowing how important these new platforms were in helping establish the public image of the Church and sharing positive and accurate information about our beliefs.

Elder Bednar carries on that legacy of vision with this invitation, for Church members everywhere to participate appropriately and positively in social media channels:

By the time Elder Bednar shared these remarks 5 years ago, the interactive platforms known collectively as "social media" had exploded and were almost ubiquitous in usage and awareness. Again the Church faced the opportunity of using these opportunities in positive ways, and Elder Bednar joined with other leaders in inviting us to find the best ways to "flood the earth" with uplifting and accurate information.

I like the imagery Elder Bednar chooses in his invitation:

• We don't want a mere "flash flood" that is just "a one-time glitzy initiative" of publicity. We need a steady, ongoing presence
• The collective small efforts of millions of members can perhaps have a more profound effect than a more organized top-down campaign
• We should each seek in our personal efforts to contribute to the "steady rainfall of righteousness and truth" that will accumulate into a profoundly positive influence for good

Sometimes, our willingness to stand for truth in public discussions is critical. But doing it in a way that is sensitive and kind is also critical to how it is received. We should never be combative or harsh; we should be examples of the Savior's gentle, loving approach. But clearly, we should all be looking for ways to contribute to this grand effort!

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

President M. Russell Ballard on sharing the gospel online

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.

"There are conversations going on about the Church constantly. Those conversations will continue whether or not we choose to participate in them. But we cannot stand on the sidelines while others, including our critics, attempt to define what the Church teaches. While some conversations have audiences in the thousands or even millions, most are much, much smaller. But all conversations have an impact on those who participate in them. Perceptions of the Church are established one conversation at a time....

"Now, may I ask that you join the conversation by participating on the Internet to share the gospel and to explain in simple and clear terms the message of the Restoration. Most of you already know that if you have access to the Internet you can start a blog in minutes and begin sharing what you know to be true. You can download videos from Church and other appropriate sites, including newsroom.lds.org, and send them to your friends. You can write to media sites on the Internet that report on the Church and voice your views as to the accuracy of the reports. This, of course, requires that you understand the basic principles of the gospel. It is essential that you are able to offer a clear and correct witness of gospel truths. It is also important that you and the people to whom you testify understand that you do not speak for the Church as a whole. You speak as one member—but you testify of the truths you have come to know."

- M. Russell Ballard, "Sharing the Gospel Using the Internet," commencement address given at BYU–Hawaii on December 15, 2007; reprinted in Ensign, July 2008, pp. 58–63
Click here to read the full talk

One of the final instructions of the Savior to his disciples in the meridian of time was "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). We have often been told that we are under that same mandate. We have been given something precious, and our opportunity and obligation is to share the good news with all the people we can.

President Ballard suggests that we should be using modern technology to facilitate that effort. We should be eager to engage in conversations, to share the truth of the gospel message, and to stand up for the Church's beliefs and positions whenever we can.

President Ballard reminds us that in order to speak out for the Gospel and the Church, we must have a solid foundation of understanding. "It is essential that you are able to offer a clear and correct witness of gospel truths." All the more important for us to study sincerely and carefully, to ponder and pray for strong understanding and firm testimonies, and to be practicing the precepts of the restored Gospel in our lives!

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

President Thomas S. Monson on changes, goals, and success

President Thomas S. Monson (born August 21, 1927) was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1963. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency with Presidents Benson, Hunter, and Hinckley until becoming Church president in 2008.

"We live in a changing world. Technology has altered nearly every aspect of our lives. We must cope with these advances—even these cataclysmic changes—in a world of which our forebears never dreamed.

"Remember the promise of the Lord: 'If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.' (D&C 38:30.) Fear is a deadly enemy of progress.

"It is necessary to prepare and to plan so that we don't fritter away our lives. Without a goal, there can be no real success. One of the best definitions of success I have ever heard goes something like this: Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal. Someone has said the trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life running up and down the field and never crossing the goal line."

- Thomas S. Monson, "In Search of Treasure," General Conference, April 2003
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Any of us who are in "middle age" or beyond have witnessed first-hand the "cataclysmic changes" in technology that President Monson refers to, altering "nearly every aspect of our lives." But President Monson reminds us that we have nothing to fear from change, or from anything else, as long as we are prepared. We may not know what we are preparing for; but the preparation involves continuing progress and growth

I like the imagery of "fritter away our lives" with its implication of a gradual wasting over time. One definition given is "To occupy oneself idly or without clear purpose, to tinker with an unimportant part of a project, to dally, sometimes as a form of procrastination." President Monson suggests that we can "fritter away our lives" by being unclear in our purpose or destination; as we engage in meaningless tasks or activities that distract from worthy goals, we are gradually missing out on the progress we might be making. In the context of the technological advances mentioned in the earlier paragraph, it's easy to see how our technology can contribute to that frittering.

On the other hand, the beautiful definition of success gives us much to ponder. "Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal." Just as frittering away happens gradually and piecemeal, so does the achievement of success. As we hold our goals clearly in our mind and work progressively to attain them, the end result is assured! But we must be progressing. That's the benefit of establishing our goals in ways that are clear and well-defined. They can keep us moving forward in positive ways.

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

Elder L. Tom Perry on overcoming the tares in our wheat

Elder L. Tom Perry (1922-2015) was called as an Assistant to the Twelve in 1972, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1974. At the time of his passing at age 92, he was the oldest living general authority and the third in seniority among the leading quorum.

"That old enemy of all mankind has found as many devices as he can think of to scatter tares far and wide. He has found ways to have them penetrate even the sanctity of our own homes. The wicked and worldly ways have become so widespread there seems to be no real way of weeding them out. They come by wire and through the air into the very devices we have developed to educate and entertain us. The wheat and the tares have grown close together. A steward managing the field must, with all his or her power, nourish that which is good and make it so strong and beautiful the tares will have no appeal either to the eye or the ear. How blessed are we as members of the Lord’s Church to have the precious gospel of our Lord and Savior as a foundation on which we can build our lives.

"From the Book of Mormon in 2 Nephi we read: 'For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do' (2 Nephi 32:5).

"We must never let the noise of the world overpower and overwhelm that still, small voice."

- L. Tom Perry, "Finding Lasting Peace and Building Eternal Families," General Conference, October 2014; see also Ensign, November 2014, pp. 43-45
Click here to read or listen to the full article

Elder Perry applied the parable of wheat and tares to the challenges we face today. In his application, the tares are Satan's counterfeits and misuses of technology and other good things that exist in our time. I appreciate how he describes the proliferation of tares: "The wheat and the tares have grown close together" and it becomes difficult to weed out the tares.

It's an important principle, however, to recognize that one of the best ways to "weed out" the tares is to overwhelm them with good wheat. As we "nourish that which is good and make it so strong and beautiful" then whatever tares appear "will have no appeal either to the eye or the ear." So the truly positive thing we can do is to build up the very best in our lives.

The Holy Ghost will provide us guidance and counsel, comfort and peace—as long as we allow it to. Elder Perry's reminder of preserving that part of the wheat field above all else is a very timely one!

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

Elder Gary E. Stevenson offers cautions about the risks of modern technology

Elder Gary E. Stevenson (b. August 5, 1955) was called as a Seventy in 2008, then as Presiding Bishop in 2012. He was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015.

"Now, having just espoused all the virtues of these new technologies [Internet, social media, etc.] and demonstrated their appropriate use, I think it is also useful to discuss some of the risks associated with them.

"We should all be very aware of the time that can be consumed on social media or in the use of mobile apps.

"The use of social media also carries a risk of reducing face-to-face interaction, which may be stifling the development of the social skills of many young people.

"The hazards associated with inappropriate content cannot be understated. There is an increasing epidemic of pornography addiction in society, which is negatively affecting and victimizing even Church members and families.

"Finally, I offer two additional merging risks, which net is cast over virtually everyone, including young women and millennial mothers and wives. I label these two risks as 'idealized reality' and 'debilitating comparisons.' ...

"Generally speaking, pictures that get posted on social media tend to portray life in the very best and often in an unrealistic, way. They are often filled with beautiful images of home decor, wonderful vacation spots, and elaborate food preparation. The danger, of course, is that many become discouraged that they seemingly don't measure up to this 'idealized virtual reality.' ...

"Hopefully, we can learn to find more humor and less discouragement when confronted with images which may portray idealized reality and which too often lead to debilitating comparisons.

"This apparently is not just a sign of our times, but, measuring these words from Paul, was in times past as well: 'But they measuring themselves ... and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise' (2 Corinthians 10:12)."

- Gary E. Stevenson, “The Knowledge of a Savior,” BYU Women’s Conference on May 5, 2017
Click here to read the full talk

This was a very timely message by Elder Stevenson, delivered to a Women's Conference at BYU earlier this year. The first half of the talk reviewed wonderful and powerful aspects of modern technology development, examining prophecies of how the tools would emerge to bless the Lord's work, and showing how the Church is taking advantage of them.

But then Elder Stevenson turned to some cautions about how these developments can impact our lives in less positive ways. It's very worthwhile to be aware of these risks and to ponder our lives as we consider the "pros and cons" of technological innovations.

His thoughts on those last two points were particularly interesting. It's so easy to assume, based on the images or descriptions we view via today's technology, that other people live nearly perfect lives while we ourselves struggle with so many challenges and shortcomings. Elder Stevenson shared some personal experiences and insights to help warn us of this tendency. In reality, we all tend to share with each other images and descriptions of only the very best of what's going on; but we can be assured that all of us have struggles in various ways, and face the challenges and imperfections of mortality in our lives. This article is very worth reviewing as individuals and families.

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

James E. Faust on sustaining faith in today's challenging world

President James E. Faust (1920 - 2007) was called as a Seventy in 1976, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve in 1978. He served as a counselor to President Hinckley from 1995 until his death in 2007 at age 87.

"Never before in the history of the world has the need for faith in God been greater. Although science and technology open up boundless opportunities, they also present great perils because Satan employs these marvelous discoveries to his great advantage. The communication highway that spans the globe is overloaded with information for which no one bears responsibility for its truth or its source. Crime has become much more sophisticated and life more perilous. In war, killing has become far more efficient. Great challenges lie ahead unless the power of faith, judgment, honesty, decency, self-control, and character increases proportionately to compensate for this expansion of secular knowledge. Without moral progress, stimulated by faith in God, immorality in all its forms will proliferate and strangle goodness and human decency. Mankind will not be able to fully express the potential nobility of the human soul unless faith in God is strengthened....

"To sustain faith, each of us must be humble and compassionate, kind and generous to the poor and the needy. Faith is further sustained by daily doses of spirituality that come to us as we kneel in prayer. It begins with us as individuals and extends to our families, who need to be solidified in righteousness. Honesty, decency, integrity, and morality are all necessary ingredients of our faith and will provide sanctuary for our souls."

- James E. Faust, "The Shield of Faith," Ensign, May 2000, pp. 17-19
Click here to read the full talk

The need for "faith in God" continues to grow in our world. President Faust said it was one of the great needs of the world, and now 16 more years have passed. We are challenged by our technology and the modern developments that bring new challenges and decisions to our lives. President Faust pleads for "the power of faith, judgment, honesty, decency, self-control, and character" to grow in proportion to the immorality and wickedness around us.

That has to begin as an individual effort.  Each one of us fights that battle alone, in our personal life and in our home, family, and environment. We find strength in good brothers and sisters who fight alongside us. And we find strength in God who desires for us to win each battle and come out triumphant.

President Faust described some of the steps we should be taking to strengthen our faith and be better equipped to deal with our challenges:

That's a good summary for a personal evaluation. Am I doing all I can to sustain and enhance my personal faith and strength?

Quentin L. Cook on the blessings and duties of temple service

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

"Despite the lack of righteousness in the world today, we live in a sacred, holy time. Prophets, with loving and longing hearts, have described our day for centuries. (See Isaiah 2:2.)

"The Prophet Joseph Smith, citing both Obadiah (see Obadiah 1:21) in the Old Testament and 1 Peter (see 1 Peter 4:6) in the New Testament, acknowledged the great purpose of God in providing baptism for the dead and allowing us to be saviors on Mount Zion. (See Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 409.)

"The Lord has prospered our people and provided the resources and prophetic guidance so we can be valiant in attending to our temple responsibilities for both the living and the dead.

"Because of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, we understand the purpose of life, the Father’s plan of salvation for His children, the Savior’s redemptive sacrifice, and the central role of families in the organization of heaven. (See Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff (2004), 177, 192–93.)

"The combination of increased numbers of temples and advanced technology to fulfill our sacred family history responsibilities for our ancestors makes this the most blessed time in all history. I rejoice in the extraordinary faithfulness of our youth in indexing and finding their ancestors and then doing the baptism and confirmation work in the temple. You are literally among the prophesied saviors on Mount Zion."

- Quentin L. Cook, "See Yourself in the Temple," General Conference, April 2016, Sunday morning session
Click here to read the full talk

I love the opening sentence of this excerpt.  "Despite the lack of righteousness in the world today, we live in a sacred, holy time." What a wonderful concept! The world is complicated, and evil abounds in so many ways; but yet, it's a time and era of earth's history that is truly sacred—filled with blessings, opportunities, miracles, and righteousness. Elder Cook teaches that part of the holiness of our time focuses on the ability and privilege we have to be "saviors on Mount Zion" through the work of holy temples.

If this is truly "the most blessed time in all history" because of the proximity of temples and the advanced technology to help prepare the work to be done in the temples, then how great is our duty to take advantage of those temples and that technology in order to do our part in the work! It's up to us to choose to claim the blessings offered to "saviors on Mount Zion."

M. Russell Ballard offers a challenge to today's young adults

Elder M. Russell Ballard (1928- ) was called as a Seventy in 1976, and has served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1985. This address was offered in the Priesthood session of the recent conference; Elder Ballard recalled the challenge he made in 2002 to "raise the bar" of missionary standards, and reflected on today's needs and challenges.

"What we need now is the greatest generation of young adults in the history of the Church. We need your whole heart and soul. We need vibrant, thinking, passionate young adults who know how to listen and respond to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit as you make your way through the daily trials and temptations of being a young, contemporary Latter-day Saint.

"In other words, it's time to raise the bar not only for missionaries but also for returned missionaries and for your entire generation. To that end, please ponder in your heart your answers to these questions:

"1. Do you search the scriptures regularly?

"2. Do you kneel in prayer to talk with your Heavenly Father each morning and each night?

"3. Do you fast and donate a fast offering each month—even if you are a poor, struggling student who can't afford to donate much?

"4. Do you think deeply about the Savior and His atoning sacrifice for you when you are asked to prepare, bless, pass, or partake of the sacrament?

"5. Do you attend your meetings and strive to keep the Sabbath day holy?

"6. Are you honest at home, school, church, and work?

"7. Are you mentally and spiritually clean? Do you avoid viewing pornography or looking at websites, magazines, movies, or apps, including Tinder and Snapchat photos, that would embarrass you if your parents, Church leaders, or the Savior Himself saw you?

"8. Are you careful with your time—avoiding inappropriate technology and social media, including video games, which can dull your spiritual sensitivity?

"9. Is there anything in your life you need to change and fix, beginning tonight?"

- M. Russell Ballard, "The Greatest Generation of Young Adults," General Conference, April 2015
Click here to read the full talk

Elder Ballard addressed his remarks to the young adults of the Church, focusing on the opportunity and need they have collectively and individually to "raise the bar" and continue faithful in the light of the challenges of today's world. He shares a wonderful vision of what that generation can become:

Elder Ballard then offers a thoughtful "virtual interview" that he hopes each youth will consider to help indicate the state of their current spiritual progress. Each of us, regardless of age, would benefit from carefully considering and pondering that list of standards!

L. Tom Perry on choosing activities of value in life

Elder L. Tom Perry (1922- ) has served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1974.

"We are in the midst of an information revolution, the so-called information age, with all of its new challenges and opportunities. Now we are being flooded with information. For many, television is robbing them of valuable family time. The Internet is a new source of information that offers tremendous opportunities as well as another potential—becoming addicted. Unfortunately, with the blessings of the new information age also come challenges, as evil influences have a new medium of transmission and new ways of infiltrating our minds. Worldly influences enter our homes in new shapes and forms to challenge our resolve to use our time wisely and for the Lord's purposes.

"Perhaps we could take a page out of the law of ancient Israel and call 'time-out.' Let us make a list of those basic activities that add value to eternal man and woman and determine... that we will discontinue those activities that are of little value and worth that might even jeopardize our eternal welfare. Let us place higher priority on family prayer, family scripture study, and family home evenings and eliminate those activities that fill our lives with worldliness and evil."

- L. Tom Perry, "A Year of Jubilee," Ensign, November 1999, pp. 75-77
Click here to read the full article

Welcome to "The Information Age" — did you know you were part of a world-wide revolution? Elder Perry recognizes the many blessings these new technologies and the accessibility of information can bring, but also warns of the challenges.

Elder Perry's suggestion to take time to consider our activities is a very wise one. Which of the things we devote our time to are those that "add value to eternal man and woman" and which "are of little value and worth that might even jeopardize our eternal welfare." It's clear that there are some activities that we MUST NOT allow to be pushed aside by those of lesser value! This kind of self-evaluation would be a wise exercise for each individual and family to undertake periodically.

Thomas S. Monson on the blessings and challenges of technology

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

"You have come to this earth at a glorious time. The opportunities before you are nearly limitless. Almost all of you live in comfortable homes, with loving families, adequate food, and sufficient clothing. In addition, most of you have access to amazing technological advances. You communicate through cell phones, text messaging, instant messaging, e-mailing, blogging, Facebook, and other such means. You listen to music on your iPods and MP3 players. This list, of course, represents but a few of the technologies which are available to you.
"All of this is a little daunting to someone such as I, who grew up when radios were generally large floor models and when there were no televisions to speak of, let alone computers or cell phones....
"Although this is a remarkable period when opportunities abound, you also face challenges which are unique to this time. For instance, the very technological tools I have mentioned provide opportunities for the adversary to tempt you and to ensnare you in his web of deceit, thereby hoping to take possession of your destiny.
"As I contemplate all that you face in the world today, one word comes to my mind. It describes an attribute needed by all of us but one which you--at this time of your life and in this world--will need particularly. That attribute is courage."
- Thomas S. Monson, "May You Have Courage," address to Young Women; see Ensign, May 2009, pp. 123-127; click here to read the full address

President Monson addressed these remarks to a general Young Women meeting, but the concepts apply to men and women, young and older. We live in a blessed time with almost unimaginable developments and opportunities. But the blessings bring challenges that are also unique to our time. How important for us to "press forward" with steadfastness and commitment, knowing what is right, with whole-hearted commitment to choose well! It certainly does take courage to live righteously and faithfully.