Elder David A. Bednar on heeding not the world's distractions

Elder David A. Bednar (b. 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.

"The word heed suggests taking notice of or paying attention to someone or something. Thus, the lyrics of the hymn 'Let Us All Press On' admonish us to make an affirmative decision to pay no attention to 'what the wicked may say.' And Lehi and the people with him who were partaking of the fruit of the tree provide a strong example of not paying attention to the mocking and scorn that so frequently come from the great and spacious building.

"The doctrine of Christ written 'with the Spirit of the living God … in fleshy tables of [our hearts]' (2 Cor 3:3) increases our capacity to 'heed not' the many distractions, taunts, and diversions in our fallen world. For example, faith focused in and on the Lord Jesus Christ fortifies us with spiritual strength. Faith in the Redeemer is a principle of action and of power. As we act in accordance with the truths of His gospel, we are blessed with the spiritual capacity to press forward through the challenges of mortality while focusing on the joys the Savior offers to us. Truly, 'if we do what’s right we have no need to fear, for the Lord, our helper, will ever be near' (Hymns 243)."

- David A. Bednar, "But We Heeded Them Not," General Conference April 2022, Saturday morning

Click here to read or listen to the full discourse

Elder Bednar used the phrase from "Let Us All Press On" to set the theme for his talk: "We will heed not what the wicked may say, but the Lord alone we will obey." Learning not to heed the world when it mocks from the "great and spacious building," or when it tempts from the depths of darkness, is the key to staying on the path that leads to our source of happiness.

The great key to this message, for me, was the thought that to fully be able to "heed not" one thing, we have to have a clear focus on what we do heed. The best way to take our focus away from the world is to have some other thing that we focus it on. If we are not heeding what the world says, it is because "the Lord alone we will obey." Our focus has to be on Him. As we do that, it becomes easy to ignore the negative aspects of the world around us.

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

Elder Quentin L. Cook on being a saint in a world of evil

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

"The word saint in Greek denotes 'set apart, separate, [and] holy' (Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 3:1249). If we are to be Saints in our day, we need to separate ourselves from evil conduct and destructive pursuits that are prevalent in the world.

"We are bombarded with visual images of violence and immorality. Inappropriate music and pornography are increasingly tolerated. The use of drugs and alcohol is rampant. There is less emphasis on honesty and character. Individual rights are demanded, but duties, responsibilities, and obligations are neglected. There has been a coarsening of dialogue and increased exposure to that which is base and vulgar. The adversary has been relentless in his efforts to undermine the plan of happiness. If we separate ourselves from this worldly conduct, we will have the Spirit in our lives and experience the joy of being worthy Latter-day Saints.

"As Saints, we also need to avoid the worship of worldly gods. President Hinckley has expressed the desire that 'everyone might have some of the good things of life' but has cautioned, 'It is the obsession with riches that cankers and destroys' (Ensign, Mar. 1990, 4-5)....

"If we are to be worthy Saints, we should minister to others and adhere to the Savior's admonition to love God and our fellowmen.

"Separation from the evils of the world needs to be accompanied by holiness. A Saint loves the Savior and follows Him in holiness and devotion. Evidence of this kind of holiness and devotion is exemplified by consecration and sacrifice....

"Saints who respond to the Savior's message will not be led astray by distracting and destructive pursuits and will be prepared to make appropriate sacrifices."

- Quentin L. Cook, "Are You a Saint?", Ensign, Nov. 2003, pp. 95-96
Click here to read the full talk

Striving to be a "saint" in a world that is full of evil is not an easy task. Elder Cook clarifies the meaning and explains the process.

He goes on to enumerate some of the challenges we face in today's world:

• Bombardment by visual images of violence and immorality
• Increasing tolerance for inappropriate music and pornography
• Rampant use of drugs and alcohol
• Declining emphasis on honesty and character
• Sense of entitlement for personal rights, without corresponding attention to responsibilities and duties
• Coarsening of dialogue, more expression of things base and vulgar

Elder Cook believes that it is only when "we separate ourselves from this worldly conduct" that "we will have the Spirit in our lives and experience the joy of being worthy Latter-day Saints."  That is quite a challenge.

Of course, there is more involved than just avoiding evil.  There are many positive things we must do to accomplish this.

• We must worship God and not worldly gods.
• We must minister and serve, showing love for God and our fellowmen.
• We must develop lives of holiness as we show our love for the Savior by our devotion to His cause.
• We must demonstrate consecration and sacrifice

Then the promise is sure: "Saints who respond to the Savior's message will not be led astray by distracting and destructive pursuits and will be prepared to make appropriate sacrifices."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
September 8, 2015

President Henry B. Eyring on seeking the companionship of the Holy Ghost

President Henry B. 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.

"My purpose today is to increase your desire and your determination to claim the gift promised to each of us after we were baptized. During our confirmation we heard these words: 'Receive the Holy Ghost.' From that moment, our lives changed forever.

"We can, if we live worthy of it, have the blessing of the Spirit to be with us, not only now and then, ... but always....

"To always have the Spirit with us is to have the guidance and direction of the Holy Ghost in our daily lives. We can, for instance, be warned by the Spirit to resist the temptation to do evil.

"For that reason alone, it is easy to see why the Lord’s servants have tried to increase our desire to worship God in our sacrament meetings. If we partake of the sacrament in faith, the Holy Ghost will then be able to protect us and those we love from the temptations that come with increasing intensity and frequency.

"The companionship of the Holy Ghost makes what is good more attractive and temptation less compelling. That alone should be enough to make us determined to qualify for the Spirit to be with us always.

"Just as the Holy Ghost strengthens us against evil, He also gives us the power to discern truth from falsehood. The truth that matters most is verified only by revelation from God. Our human reason and the use of our physical senses will not be enough. We live in a time when even the wisest will be hard-pressed to distinguish truth from clever deception."

- Henry B. Eyring, "The Holy Ghost as Your Companion," Ensign, November 2015, pp.
Click here to read the full article

President Eyring's talk in the October 2015 general conference was very personal and tender. He shared family experiences and intimate feelings about the influence of the Holy Ghost. He spoke from his heart, and know whereof he spoke, regarding the blessing of "the blessing of the Spirit to be with us, not only now and then, ... but always." I was moved by these descriptions of some of the blessings of that gift.

So among the blessings are:

• increased guidance in our lives
• warning in times of temptation
• making good more attractive and temptation less
• power to discern truth from falsehood

Marvelous things to consider.  Any of those things, as President Eyring states about one of them, "should be enough to make us determined to qualify for the Spirit to be with us always." What a gift to be treasured — to be earned, and then guarded carefully!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
January 13, 2016

President Henry B. Eyring on the companionship and inspiration of the Holy Ghost

President Henry B. 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.

This excerpt is from his address in the Priesthood session of the most recent general conference:

"As a priesthood holder, you are to be part of the warning voice of the Lord. But you need to heed the warning yourself. You will not survive spiritually without the protection of the companionship of the Holy Ghost in your daily life.

"You must pray for it and work to have it. Only with that guide will you be able to find your way along the strait and narrow path through the mists of evil. The Holy Ghost will be your guide as He reveals truth when you study the words of prophets.

"Getting that guidance will take more than casual listening and reading. You will need to pray and work in faith to put the words of truth down into your heart. You must pray that God will bless you with His Spirit, that He will lead you into all truth and show you the right way. That is how He will warn and guide you into the right path in your life."

- Henry B. Eyring, "Priesthood and Personal Prayer," General Conference, April 2015; see Ensign, May 2015, pp. 84-87
Click here to read the full talk

Many of the recent messages of Church leaders include encouragement to greater devotion and faithfulness. President Eyring spoke to Priesthood holders about that topic, linking their ability to serve effectively in the Priesthood with their personal prayers and other acts of devotion. The principles apply all members as we strive to draw on the powers of heaven for strength, guidance, and protection:

This final reminder that there is effort required to claim the blessing and reward should get our attention and lead us to evaluate our personal lives:

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
May 15, 2015

President Thomas S. Monson on the blessings of the temple

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.

"As I think of temples, my thoughts turn to the many blessings we receive therein. As we enter through the doors of the temple, we leave behind us the distractions and confusion of the world. Inside this sacred sanctuary, we find beauty and order. There is rest for our souls and a respite from the cares of our lives.

"As we attend the temple, there can come to us a dimension of spirituality and a feeling of peace which will transcend any other feeling which could come into the human heart....

"Such peace can permeate any heart—hearts that are troubled, hearts that are burdened down with grief, hearts that feel confusion, hearts that plead for help....

"In our lives we will have temptations; we will have trials and challenges. As we go to the temple, as we remember the covenants we make there, we will be better able to overcome those temptations and to bear our trials. In the temple we can find peace."

- Thomas S. Monson, "Blessings of the Temple," General Conference, April 2015, Sunday morning session
Click here to read the full talk

President Monson is continuing the great work of building temples and teaching about their importance, established by his predecessor, President Gordon B. Hinckley. In the most recent general conference, he shared these beautiful thoughts as part of a talk about the blessings that come from service and worship in the temples.

Among the promised blessings of temple service and worship is the peace that comes to our hearts. President Monson described his own peace after the passing of his lifelong companion Frances. And he invites us to feel that strength and help in our own lives:

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
April 17, 2015

Elder Gary E. Stevenson on developing a personal playbook

Elder Gary E. Stevenson (born 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.

"Great coaches know the strengths and weaknesses of their team as well as those of the opposition. They create a game plan that will give them the best chance for victory. What about you?

"You know what temptations you are most vulnerable to, and you can predict how the adversary will try to derail and dishearten you. Have you created a personal game plan and playbook so that you will know how to respond when faced with opposition?

"As you confront various moral temptations—whether in the company of others or when you are alone staring at a screen—you know your game plan. If a friend suggests you drink alcohol or try drugs, you know the play. You have practiced and know how to react in advance.

"With a game plan, a playbook, and a firm commitment to execute your role, you will find that temptation has less control over you. You will have already made the decision of how you will react and what you will do. You won’t need to decide every time you are confronted with temptation."

- Gary E. Stevenson, "Your Priesthood Playbook," General Conference April 2019
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Stevenson used a familiar analogy to teach a concept that has been shared in a number of ways: the importance of establishing, in advance, how we will react to challenging situations, even practicing the reaction, and committing to that plan when the challenge arises. The idea of having a "game plan" for life, with a specific "play book" describing the actions and scenarios, will ring true to many youth and to adults as well. The more explicit and detailed we are able to anticipate in those scenarios and our response, the more successful we will be in carrying out our plan.

I liked the point that we each know what are greatest vulnerabilities are and where we need to focus our greatest efforts in anticipation. Those temptations will come, and the better our preparation, the more likely we will be to succeed.

Decisions and commitments made in advance have great power if our commitment to them is strong and whole-hearted. In effect, Satan is bound (D&C 45:55), since we allow him no access to our hearts.

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

President Thomas S. Monson on resisting the calls of the world

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.

"The unsatisfied yearnings of the soul will not be met by a never-ending quest for joy midst the thrills of sensation and vice. Vice never leads to virtue. Hate never points to love. Cowardice never reflects courage. Doubt never inspires faith.

"It is not difficult to withstand the mockings and unsavory remarks of foolish ones who would ridicule chastity, honesty, and obedience to God's commands. The world has ever belittled adherence to principle. Times change. Practices persist. When Noah was instructed to build an ark, the foolish populace looked at the cloudless sky, then scoffed and jeered—until the rain came.

"In the Western Hemisphere, those long centuries ago, people doubted, disputed, and disobeyed until the fire consumed Zarahemla, the earth covered Moronihah (3 Ne. 8:8-10) and water engulfed the land of Moroni. Jeering, mocking, ribaldry, and sin were no more. They had been replaced by sullen silence, dense darkness. The patience of God had expired, his timetable fulfilled.

"Must we learn such costly lessons over and over again? When we fail to profit from the experiences of the past, we are doomed to repeat them with all their heartache, suffering, and anguish. Haven't we the wisdom to obey him who designed the plan of salvation—rather than that serpent who despised its beauty?"

- Thomas S. Monson, "Come, Follow Me," General Conference April 1967
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

It's interesting to consider how the world has changed in the 50 years since President Monson offered these remarks. The world's standards continue to drift further away from the Lord's eternal principles; and the disciples of Christ must occasionally deal with the things President Monson describes. He witnesses that the "thrills and sensation and vice" that the world offers will never satisfy the "yearnings of the soul," though they appeal to short-term satisfaction. Those who are wise see through that temporary pleasure to understand the lasting joy that comes from obedience to God's commands.

And when the pressure of the world increases, when there are occasional taunts and jests, or pressures to succumb—how do we respond? President Monson reminds us that this problem is as old as the world:

If we are wise, we will learn from the examples of the past, and truly develop in ourselves "the wisdom to obey him who designed the plan of salvation—rather than that serpent who despised its beauty."

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

President Dallin H. Oaks on the impact of consistent small decisions

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.

"President Brigham Young was reported as saying: 'Our lives are made up of little, simple circumstances that amount to a great deal when they are brought together, and sum up the whole life of the man or woman.' (Deseret News, Oct. 17, 1877, 578. 

"We are surrounded by media influences and cultural deteriorations that will carry us downstream in our values if we are not continually resisting. To move upstream toward our eternal goal, we must constantly keep paddling. It helps if we are part of a team that is paddling together, like a rowing crew in action. To extend that example even further, the cultural currents are so strong that if we ever stop paddling, we will be carried downstream toward a destination we do not seek but which becomes inevitable if we do not constantly try to move forward."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Small and Simple Things," General Conference, April 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Oaks discussed the concept of small and simple things in this talk, acknowledging it is a concept that has been discussed various times in the past but feeling it was worth another review. The quote from Brigham Young is a good summation: "the whole life of the man or woman" is a product of the "simple circumstances" that combine to produce the result, and so we must take care how we create and respond to those circumstances. We have many choices:

So the message is that we must take control of our own destiny, carefully and deliberately choosing which "currents" we will follow and which we must resist. It's interesting to ponder the "cultural deteriorations" that threaten to carry us away. As we come to recognize and identify them, we will find inspiration to know how best to paddle against the currents that would take us to destinations we don't desire.

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

President Boyd K. Packer on help to confront the world's challenges

President Boyd K. Packer (1924-2015) served as an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve (a position that no longer exists) from 1961 to 1970, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  He served as president of that Quorum from 1994 until his death on July 3, 2015 at age 90.

"The gift of the Holy Ghost, if you consent, will guide and protect you and even correct your actions. It is a spiritual voice that comes into the mind as a thought or a feeling put into your heart. The prophet Enos said, 'The voice of the Lord came into my mind' (Enos 1:10). And the Lord told Oliver Cowdery, 'Behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you' (D&C 8:2).

"It is not expected that you go through life without making mistakes, but you will not make a major mistake without first being warned by the promptings of the Spirit. This promise applies to all members of the Church....

"Youth today are being raised in enemy territory with a declining standard of morality. But as a servant of the Lord, I promise that you will be protected and shielded from the attacks of the adversary if you will heed the promptings that come from the Holy Spirit.

"Dress modestly; talk reverently; listen to uplifting music. Avoid all immorality and personally degrading practices. Take hold of your life and order yourself to be valiant. Because we depend so much on you, you will be remarkably blessed. You are never far from the sight of your loving Heavenly Father."

- Boyd K. Packer, "Counsel to Youth," General Conference, October 2011
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

As the title of the talk indicates, President Packer was addressing his remarks primarily to youth, encouraging them to deal with the challenges of their lives in the best ways. It is a great key to learn to listen to the voice of the Holy Ghost, particularly when challenges and temptations come; President Packer reminds us all that the Spirit will always warn us before we make critical mistakes as long as we are worthy and willing to listen.

Our modern times present a setting where we are in "enemy territory" and facing "a declining standard of morality." But President Packer promises protection to those who heed spiritual promptings. In order to be worthy of such support, he counsels:

It's interesting to ponder how our choices influence the ability of the Holy Ghost to bless us. How we look, how we speak, what kind of music fills our minds—these things influence us more than we realize.

This was counsel of bold action: "Take hold of your life and order yourself to be valiant." We must be determined and firm in deciding to control our own destiny.  But President Packer's promise is clear: our "loving Heavenly Father" will never be far from us.

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

Elder Dallin H. Oaks on the consequences of our choices

Elder 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.

"From your position on the road of life, you young men have many miles to go and many choices to make as you seek to return to our Heavenly Father. Along the road there are many signs that beckon. Satan is the author of some of these invitations. He seeks to confuse and deceive us, to get us on a low road that leads away from our eternal destination....

"Here are some ways the devil will try to deceive us. God’s commandments and the teachings of His prophets warn against each of them....

"Satan also seeks to deceive us about right and wrong and persuade us that there is no such thing as sin. This detour typically starts off with what seems to be only a small departure: 'Just try it once. One beer or one cigarette or one porno movie won’t hurt.' What all of these departures have in common is that each of them is addictive. Addiction is a condition in which we surrender part of our power of choice. When we do that we give the devil power over us. The prophet Nephi described where this leads: the devil says, 'There is no hell,' and, 'I am no devil, for there is none—and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance' (2 Ne. 28:22).

"If we choose the wrong road, we choose the wrong destination."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Be Not Deceived," General Conference, October 2004
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This is a classic "warning" message, in which Elder Oaks identifies some of the dangers of our time and points out the traps and pitfalls that could befall us if we are not aware and wary. This section of the talk focuses on the temptation to experiment with inappropriate actions. As the Master Deceiver confuses us about what is truly right and wrong, we can fall into his trap:

Satan can deceive us into thinking that trying out something just once can't be that bad. But a single step onto the wrong road begins to take us away from our correct and proper destination, and is can become much harder than we ever realize to return to the proper path. We must learn to constantly be on guard of this deception, and do all we can to "obey... with exactness" (Alma 57:21).

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

Elder David B. Haight on avoiding the spiritual crevasses of our time

Elder David B. Haight (born Sept 2, 1906, died 2004 July 31, 2004) was sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve in 1976. He passed away at age 97, four days after attending the funeral of his colleague Neal A. Maxwell.  He was the oldest person to have served as an apostle in this dispensation.

"When Satan was cast down to earth with his innumerable hosts, he became 'the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive..., even as many as would not hearken unto my voice' (Moses 4:4).

"One of Satan’s methods is to distract and entice us so that we will take our eyes off the dangerous crevasses. He has succeeded to such an extent that many no longer recognize sin as sin. Movies, television, and magazines have glorified sin into what they think is an acceptable life-style: '[fornication], adultery, incest, ... serial marriages, drug abuse, violence and double-dealing of every imaginable variety, [that is] often portrayed as [normal] behavior; where people who do good are not...  rewarded and those who do evil are not punished.' So stated a Los Angeles Times writer (see Salt Lake Tribune, 9 Aug. 1986, p. C7).

"Assuredly we live in a time spoken of by Isaiah when men 'call evil good, and good evil' (Isa. 5:20).

"If any of you are walking in ice fields near open crevasses, do you see the warning signs? 'Danger—don’t go near the edge'? Don’t trifle with evil. You will lose. We pray that you will not display the somewhat arrogant attitude of some who say, 'I can handle it!' or 'Everyone else does it!' ...

"To help each of us avoid the pitfalls and crevasses in life, the Lord has provided the lifeline of the precious truths in the scriptures, which, if held on to, will allow us to escape both physical and spiritual danger."

- David B. Haight, "Spiritual Crevasses," General Conference, October 1986; see also Ensign Nov 1986 p. 36
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

In this talk, Elder Haight discusses the danger of crevasses to those who hike across glaciers. He tells the story of an 11-year-old LDS boy who fell into one in Canada, and was rescued in a dramatic fashion. Having hiked in similar conditions myself earlier this year (on Mt. Rainier in Washington), I am especially sensitive to the dangers that these obstacles can present. Sometimes they are hidden from view; other times they are visible but don't look especially threatening and invite casualness.

Elder Haight likens the physical danger of glacier crevasses to the spiritual traps we can encounter in life, and warns us in particular of the risk of downplaying the danger, or becoming casual or over-confident about our abilities to bypass them:

The spiritual traps and dangers in our world are all around us. How important to be vigilant and watchful, and never over-confident! In particular, we should watch for warning signs, head the advice of others who know, and cling to the scriptures as a source of preparation and readiness.

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

President Spencer W. Kimball on the deceptive attractiveness of sin

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

"Whoever said that sin was not fun? Whoever claimed that Lucifer was not handsome, persuasive, easy, friendly? Whoever said that sin was unattractive, undesirable, or nauseating in its acceptance?

"Transgression wears elegant gowns and sparkling apparel. It is highly perfumed, has attractive features, a soft voice. It is found in educated circles and sophisticated groups. It provides sweet and comfortable luxuries. Sin is easy and has a big company of bed fellows. It promises immunity from restrictions, temporary freedoms. It can momentarily satisfy hunger, thirst, desire, urges, passions, wants, without immediately paying the price. But, it begins tiny and grows to monumental proportions. It grows drop by drop, inch by inch."

- Spencer W. Kimball, "The Mistletoe," Conference Report, April 1967, pp. 64-67

Click here to read the full talk

I was 16 years old when President Kimball became the president of the Church. As a youth, I was always eager to hear him speak because of talks like this one (though it was given a few years earlier than that). He often shared very practical counsel, but with a way of expressing that was beautiful and inspiring. I learned to listen beyond the soft, raspy voice that was a result of throat cancer, and hear the power of his expression even when the delivery was not so powerful. It was a good lesson.

In this talk, President Kimball spoke of the mistletoe plant, that grows as a parasite on other trees. It starts as a small, attractive plant, but can eventually take over and destroy the whole host tree, sucking all the nutrition and energy from it. His analogy was to the way sin can overtake our lives—at first small and subtle, but then overpowering in impact.

In our time, 50 years after these words were first shared, the lures of Lucifer and his distractions are even more subtle and dangerous, and perhaps even more powerful in destroying life and hope. How carefully we must heed the prophetic warnings as they help us see the dangers that lie ahead from the "elegant gowns and sparkling apparel" of the world's ways!

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

President James E. Faust on resisting the adversary's influence

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

"The Prophet Joseph Smith related from his own experience, 'The nearer a person approaches the Lord, a greater power will be manifested by the adversary to prevent the accomplishment of His purposes' (in Orson F. Whitney, Life of Heber C. Kimball, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1967, p. 132).

"However, we need not become paralyzed with fear of Satan's power. He can have no power over us unless we permit it. He is really a coward, and if we stand firm, he will retreat. The Apostle James counseled: 'Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you' (James 4:7). He cannot know our thoughts unless we speak them. And Nephi states that 'he hath no power over the hearts' of people who are righteous (see 1 Ne. 22:26).

"We have heard comedians and others justify or explain their misdeeds by saying, 'The devil made me do it.' I do not really think the devil can make us do anything. Certainly he can tempt and he can deceive, but he has no authority over us which we do not give him."

- James E. Faust, "The Great Imitator," Ensign, Nov 1987, pp. 33-36
Click here to read the full article

Joseph Smith's statement is thought-provoking. As a person gets closer to God, "the adversary" focuses more efforts and attention on him. One would expect as much; those are the people who are the greatest threat to his plans, or the greatest evidence of his failure. It's reminiscent of Brigham Young's observation, "We never began to build a temple without the bells of hell beginning to ring" (JD 8:355). It's clear that Satan knows how and where to focus his efforts. But that should not be a cause of undue fear for us:

So while there may be adversity, and efforts to counteract or disrupt or righteous desires, we need not fear. God's power is always greater, and as we turn to Him, we will be strengthened against any conflict. President Faust reassures us that Satan will retreat as we stand firm. This final phrase is a wonderful summary: "Certainly he can tempt and he can deceive, but he has no authority over us which we do not give him."

Elder Eldred G. Smith on our personal ability to bind Satan

Eldred G. Smith (1907-2013) served as "Patriarch to the Church" from 1947 to 1979, during which time he was sustained as a prophet, seer, and revelator along with the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve. He was then released and designated an emeritus general authority; he was not replaced as presiding patriarch. Elder Smith passed away on April 4, 2013 at age 106.

"Many other scriptures refer to the thousand years of wonderful, glorious conditions on the earth, because Lucifer, Satan, the devil, will be bound.

"The scriptures say he will be 'bound with a chain' and 'put into a bottomless pit.' To me, these are symbolical terms. I cannot quite conceive of steel chains or pits that could hold Satan. The only power I know of that will bind Satan, or render him powerless, is righteous living.

"The war that started in heaven has not ended yet and shall not end until everyone has proved the extent of his ability to resist Satan. Even Jesus Christ had to bind Satan when he was tempted in the wilderness. Satan had no power over him, because Jesus resisted his temptations. Then the record says, '...he departed from him for a season.' (Luke 4:13)

"When you have resisted a temptation until it no longer becomes a temptation, then to that extent, Satan has lost his power over you, and as long as you do not yield to him, to that degree he is bound.

"For instance, if you have learned to pay tithing until it is no burden or no real temptation anymore, then to that extent you have bound Satan. The same is true in keeping the Word of Wisdom or living the laws of chastity, or the other laws of the gospel. Satan becomes powerless to you in that field.

"Then step by step, you may bind Satan now; you don't have to wait for the millennial reign.

"This has to start first on an individual basis, each person individually; then a group, then several groups, and so on until the whole earth is full of righteousness.

"This is how I believe the conditions described during the millennial reign will be developed.

"Today is the time to prepare for the ushering in of that glorious time on the earth. This is why the gospel has been restored, with the plan, the keys, and the authority to administer therein.

"Then by each individual binding Satan through his righteous living, we can bring about the glorious conditions like those spoken of which will exist during the millennial reign."

- Eldred G. Smith, "Choose Ye This Day," Conference Report, April 1970, pp. 142-143
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When the scriptures talk of Satan being bound during the Millenium, to what are they referring? Elder Smith gives a wonderful interpretation. Satan isn't bound by external force or physical restraint; he is bound when those he tries to influence refuse to allow him any power. It's "righteous living" that binds him. And we can begin that now, in our daily lives and challenges:

I also appreciate the insight that any "binding" happens first individually, then in groups, and then throughout the earth. Our individual efforts to bind Satan from our personal lives, through righteous living, are the first steps to "bring about the glorious conditions like those spoken of which will exist during the millennial reign."

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

Ezra Taft Benson on the crucial battles of our time

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.

"All through the ages the prophets have looked down through the corridors of time to our day. Billions of the deceased and those yet to be born have their eyes on us. Make no mistake about it—you are a marked generation. There has never been more expected of the faithful in such a short period of time as there is of us. Never before on the face of this earth have the forces of evil and the forces of good been as well organized. Now is the great day of the devil's power, with the greatest mass murderers of all time living among us. But now is also the great day of the Lord's power, with the greatest number ever of priesthood holders on the earth. And the showdown is fast approaching.

"Each day the forces of evil and the forces of good pick up new recruits. Each day we personally make many decisions that show where our support will go. The final outcome is certain—the forces of righteousness will finally win. What remains to be seen is where each of us personally, now and in the future, will stand in this fight—and how tall we will stand. Will we be true to our last-days, foreordained mission?

"Great battles can make great heroes, but heroes will make great battle. You will never have a better opportunity to be a greater hero in a more crucial battle than in the battle you will face today and in the immediate future. Be warned that some of the greatest battles you will face will be fought within the silent chambers of your own soul. David's battles in the field against the foe were not as critical as David's battles in the palace against a lustful eye. We will each find our own battlefield. The tactics that the enemy will use against us will vary from time to time; he will feel after our weak spots. We must be alert to the devil's devious designs, to the subtle sins and clever compromises as well as the obvious offenses."

- Ezra Taft Benson, "In His Steps," BYU Fireside, March 4, 1979
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It's interesting to ponder President Benson's claim that the eyes of billions, both "of the deceased and those yet to be born," are focused on our time, when so much is expected of us in a short time.

The conflict between good and evil is escalating, and we are daily making "many decisions that show where our support will go." We have confidence in what the final outcome of that conflict will be; good and God will prevail. The only uncertainty is "where each of us personally, now and in the future, will stand in this fight—and how tall we will stand." That's another great thing to consider; am I doing what is expected of me in my "last-days, foreordained mission"?

Robert D. Hales on the adversary and challenges of life

Elder Robert D. Hales (b. August 24, 1932- 84 years ago today!) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1985, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

"Our challenges, including those we create by our own decisions, are part of our test in mortality. Let me assure you that your situation is not beyond the reach of our Savior. Through Him, every struggle can be for our experience and our good (see D&C 122:7). Each temptation we overcome is to strengthen us, not destroy us. The Lord will never allow us to suffer beyond what we can endure (see 1 Corinthians 10:13).

"We must remember that the adversary knows us extremely well. He knows where, when, and how to tempt us. If we are obedient to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we can learn to recognize the adversary's enticements. Before we yield to temptation, we must learn to say with unflinching resolve, 'Get thee behind me, Satan' (Matthew 16:23).

"Our success is never measured by how strongly we are tempted but by how faithfully we respond. We must ask for help from our Heavenly Father and seek strength through the Atonement of His Son, Jesus Christ."

- Robert D. Hales, "Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually," Ensign, May 2009, pp. 7-10
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This is a reassuring testimony from Elder Hales. There is no trial of mortality, no difficulty or frustration, no challenge we face that is beyond the reach of the Savior. He stands willing and eager to protect, strengthen, and bless us at all times.

It's an interesting warning when Elder Hales notes that "the adversary knows us extremely well." He is aware of the best ways to present temptations for each one of us. And so our responsibility is to learn to quickly recognize those situations and respond to them confidently and faithfully, asking for the promised help from the Savior.