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 Gary E. Stevenson on preparing for future challenges

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.

"What about you? Do you recognize your higher and holier identity as a son of God, a bearer of His holy priesthood? With this eternal identity in mind, create your game plan and priesthood playbook that will guide you during times of temptation and adversity. Consider both offensive and defensive strategies.

"Offensive strategies help strengthen testimonies and increase resolve to stay on the strait and narrow path. Examples include regular prayer, scripture study, church and temple attendance, paying tithing, and following the counsel found in the For the Strength of Youth booklet.

"Defensive strategies include planning ahead how you will face temptation. When tempted to compromise your personal standards, you know beforehand what you will do.

"You need a playbook for that.

"Don’t feel like praying today? Time to execute the play you already game-planned.

"Do you feel your testimony waning? You have a play for that. You know what to do."

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

Elder Stevenson addressed his remarks to the young men of the Church, encouraging them to anticipate challenges ahead in their lives and prepare to confront them. These are principles that all of us, at any age, should consider.

Every one of us has a sacred identity as a child of God, and should do all in our power to live up to that inheritance! I particularly appreciate the idea of "offensive strategies," ways to build strength and prepare in advance by increasing faith and testimony; and "defensive strategies" that help us anticipate ways we might confront challenges and temptations.

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

Elder Ronald A. Rasband on the challenges of the rising generation

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

"In an early Book of Mormon time, the members of the Church also gathered near a temple to receive instruction from their prophet and leader. Late in his life, King Benjamin called upon fathers to bring their families together, to give them counsel and admonitions....

"As recorded in Mosiah, families received the word of the Lord through their prophet with enthusiasm and commitment. The people were so moved by King Benjamin’s teachings that they entered into a new covenant to follow the Lord Jesus Christ.

"However, there is a sad epilogue to this story. We learn later in Mosiah concerning those who were but little children in the tents at the time of King Benjamin’s sermon:

"'Now it came to pass that there were many of the rising generation that could not understand the words of king Benjamin, being little children at the time he spake unto his people; and they did not believe the tradition of their fathers' (Mosiah 26:1).

"What happened to that rising generation, brethren? Why didn’t the young children accept the righteous traditions of their fathers? More importantly, here we are centuries later, in a day of many temples and constant prophetic direction, and what of our rising generation? Do we have reason to be concerned? Certainly we do! ...

"Our rising generation is worthy of our best efforts to support and strengthen them in their journey to adulthood."

- Ronald A. Rasband, "Our Rising Generation," General Conference April 2006
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Spiritual manifestations and deep conversions are profound events, and the experience of the people as they were taught by King Benjamin is a wonderful example of the life-changing impact of such an event (see Mosiah 2). However, the rapid loss of the impact of that conversion is a sad sequel. In only a single generation, the "rising generation" who were too young to fully experience the spirit of the event drift away from the teachings of their fathers. Elder Rasband warns us to be vigilant in our care of that next generation:

We must never neglect any opportunity to bless lives or make a difference for each individual.

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

President Henry B. Eyring on encouraging youth to be their best

President Henry B. Eyring (born May 31, 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.

"As a young father I prayed to know what contributions my children might make in the Lord’s kingdom. For the boys, I knew they could have priesthood opportunities. For the girls, I knew they would give service representing the Lord. All would be doing His work. I knew each was an individual, and therefore the Lord would have given them specific gifts for each to use in His service.

"Now, I cannot tell every father and every leader of youth the details of what is best for you to do. But I can promise you that you will bless them to help them recognize the spiritual gifts with which they were born. Every person is different and has a different contribution to make. No one is destined to fail. As you seek revelation to see gifts God sees in those you lead in the priesthood—particularly the young—you will be blessed to lift their sights to the service they can perform. With your guidance, those you lead will be able to see, want, and believe they can achieve their full potential for service in God’s kingdom."

- Henry B. Eyring, "Help Them Aim High," Priesthood Session, General Conference October 2012
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

These remarks were addressed to a gathering of men and boys at a General Priesthood session of conference. President Eyring was talking specifically about the role of fathers and Church leaders in working with youth, encouraging them to discover their gifts and become their best selves. The same counsel clearly applies to mothers and leaders of young women.

I love the counsel to pray about each individual child, seeking to better understand their gifts and what the Lord has in store for them. A parent or leader could then tailor his efforts to helping that young person grow in the best ways, and to recognize their own spiritual gifts. President Eyring's testimony about their individual potential is clear:

Sometimes we all need to be reminded that "No one is destined to fail." We all, youth and adults, have divine potential that can be realized as we focus on the gifts we have been given and strive to serve with faithfulness and unselfishness.

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

Elder Robert D. Hales on the influence of parents on youth

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.

"It is impossible to overestimate the influence of parents who understand the hearts of their children. Research shows that during the most important transitions of life—including those periods when youth are most likely to drift away from the Church—the greatest influence does not come from an interview with the bishop or some other leader but from the regular, warm, friendly, caring interaction with parents....

"For our interactions with youth to truly touch their hearts, we have to pay attention to them just as we would pay attention to a trusted adult colleague or close friend. Most important is asking them questions, letting them talk, and then being willing to listen—yes, listen and listen some more—even hearken with spiritual ears!"

- Robert D. Hales, "Our Duty to God: The Mission of Parents and Leaders to the Rising Generation," General Conference April 2010
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This message from Elder Hales is filled with warm, personal examples and stories that illustrate his counsel. Parents and church leaders have separate but very critical roles in the guidance and encouragement of young people. But the role of the parent is so critical:

It becomes so critical that parents cultivate a relationship with their children that is loving and trusting. A child needs to know that his or her parent truly cares. That is often demonstrated by the time a parent is able or willing to devote in personal interaction with the child, and by the respect we show for their thoughts and challenges. Sometimes parents need to be creative in finding that time; Elder Hales suggests we take better advantage of times such as driving in the car or meal times. But clearly, all parents should be sure they have set this as a very high priority in their life!

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

President Boyd K. Packer on the opportunities of youth

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

"Teenagers also sometimes think, 'What’s the use? The world will soon be blown all apart and come to an end.' That feeling comes from fear, not from faith. No one knows the hour or the day (see D&C 49:7), but the end cannot come until all of the purposes of the Lord are fulfilled. Everything that I have learned from the revelations and from life convinces me that there is time and to spare for you to carefully prepare for a long life....

"There may be more justice in who we are and what we have or do not have than we ever suppose.

"You are a child of God!

"What a wonderful time to be young. You will see events in your lifetime that will test your courage and extend your faith. If you will face the sunlight of truth, the shadows of discouragement and sin and error will fall behind you. You must never give up! It is never too late! There is no knight in black armor with such power as you may have if you live righteously."

- Boyd K. Packer, "To Young Women and Men," General Conference April 1989
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

It's been 30 years since President Packer addressed these remarks to the youth of the Church in his conference address. He spoke to the youth at that time who were worried about the conditions of the world and what they viewed as a potential end of the world. But he reassured them that based on his knowledge of the Gospel plan, there was much still to be accomplished in the Lord's purposes and they would have adequate time to prepare.

We might ask ourselves how we believe the world's situation, and the state of completeness of the Lord's work, stand today, after 30 years have passed? Regardless, a great key to peace and happiness for each of us is to never forget that we each are a child of God, and He will care for us as we turn to Him.

This is a declaration of faith and hope. Though events will come during life that "test our courage and extend our faith," as long as we face the light of truth, we know the "shadows of discouragement and sin" will never block our view but will fall behind.

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

President Thomas S. Monson on the blessings of temple service and worship

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.
President Thomas S. Monson on the blessings of temples

"Now, my young friends who are in your teenage years, always have the temple in your sights. Do nothing which will keep you from entering its doors and partaking of the sacred and eternal blessings there. I commend those of you who already go to the temple regularly to perform baptisms for the dead, arising in the very early hours of the morning so you can participate in such baptisms before school begins. I can think of no better way to start a day.

"To you parents of young children, may I share with you some sage advice from President Spencer W. Kimball. Said he: 'It would be a fine thing if … parents would have in every bedroom in their house a picture of the temple so [their children] from the time [they are] infant[s] could look at the picture every day [until] it becomes a part of [their lives]. When [they reach] the age that [they need] to make [the] very important decision [concerning going to the temple], it will have already been made.' (TSWK 301)

"Our children sing in Primary:
I love to see the temple.
I’ll go inside someday.
I’ll cov’nant with my Father;
I’ll promise to obey. (Children’s Songbook, 95.)

"I plead with you to teach your children of the temple’s importance.

"The world can be a challenging and difficult place in which to live. We are often surrounded by that which would drag us down. As you and I go to the holy houses of God, as we remember the covenants we make within, we will be more able to bear every trial and to overcome each temptation. In this sacred sanctuary we will find peace; we will be renewed and fortified."

- Thomas S. Monson, "The Holy Temple—a Beacon to the World," General Conference April 2011
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Children and youth can begin to appreciate temple blessings as they anticipate, and then participate in, their own temple service and worship. President Monson commends good efforts that have been made and encourages us to continue to share that blessing with the rising generation. And then he offers this counsel to adults:

Temple attendance truly can bless our lives by helping us remember our covenants, giving perspective in dealing with challenges, and helping us become "renewed and fortified" with the peace that we find there. It's no surprise that all of our recent prophets have been encouraging more frequent temple attendance as we deal with the challenges of our modern world.

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

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf on the influence of women in the lives of youth and children

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf (born November 6, 1940) served as a Seventy from 1994-2004, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve.  He served as second counselor in the First Presidency from 2008 to 2018.

"As we look at the history of this earth and at the history of the restored Church of Jesus Christ, it becomes obvious that women hold a special place in our Father’s plan for the eternal happiness and well-being of His children.

"I hope that my dear sisters throughout the world—grandmothers, mothers, aunts, and friends—never underestimate the power of their influence for good, especially in the lives of our precious children and youth!...

"There is a saying that big gates move on small hinges. Sisters, your example in seemingly small things will make a big difference in the lives of our young people. The way you dress and groom yourselves, the way you talk, the way you pray, the way you testify, the way you live every day will make the difference. This includes which TV shows you watch, which music you prefer, and how you use the Internet. If you love to go to the temple, the young people who value your example will also love to go. If you adapt your wardrobe to the temple garment and not the other way around, they will know what you consider important, and they will learn from you.

"You are marvelous sisters and great examples. Our youth are blessed by you, and the Lord loves you for that."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Influence of Righeous Women," Ensign, Sept 2009, pp. 2-7
Click here to read the full article

This article, written as a monthly First Presidency Message when President Uchtdorf was serving as a counselor to President Monson, shares doctrine and encouragement about the sacred role of righteous women in God's plan of happiness. President Uchtdorf expressed a vision of the potential for good that they have in so many ways:

The description of the example of righteous women and the influence that small things can have is a powerful reminder. Those "seemingly small things" that include appearance, speech, choices of priorities, and dress truly can "make a big difference in the lives of our young people." How important for all of us, women and men alike, to consider carefully the messages we are sharing!

The rest of the article contains personal stories of President Uchtdorf's family, and additional counsel that is well worth reviewing particularly for women, but also for men as we consider how we esteem and treat the women in our lives.

(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 Quentin L. Cook on the role of youth in family history work

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.

"What a great time to be alive. This is the last dispensation, and we can feel the hastening of the work of salvation in every area where a saving ordinance is involved. We now have temples across much of the world to provide these saving ordinances. Attending the temple for spiritual renewal, peace, safety, and direction in our lives is also a great blessing....

"The question is, what do we need to do? The Prophet Joseph's counsel was to present in the temple 'the records of our dead, which shall be worthy of all acceptation' (D&C 128:24).

"The leadership of the Church has issued a clarion call to the rising generation to lead the way in the use of technology to experience the spirit of Elijah, to search out their ancestors, and to perform temple ordinances for them. Much of the heavy lifting in hastening the work of salvation for both the living and the dead will be done by you young people.

"If the youth in each ward will not only go to the temple and do baptisms for their dead but also work with their families and other ward members to provide the family names for the ordinance work they perform, both they and the Church will be greatly blessed. Don't underestimate the influence of the deceased in assisting your efforts and the joy of ultimately meeting those you serve. The eternally significant blessing of uniting our own families is almost beyond comprehension."

- Quentin L. Cook, "Roots and Branches," Ensign, May 2014, pp. 44-48
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

"The hastening of the work of salvation" is a fascinating theme. In general, work can be hastened for a number of reasons: running out of time for completion, increased awareness of the importance of the work, improved tools to perform the work, etc. Perhaps all of those apply to the "work of salvation" that Elder Cook is discussing. Certainly, we are blessed to have increased access to temples as one of the great tools to facilitate that work. And the additional benefit of worshiping in temples "for spiritual renewal, peace, safety, and direction in our lives" is a profound blessing.

But the interesting aspect of this quote is the focus on youth. I love the "clarion call" that has been issued to today's youth to step up and do "much of the heavy lifting" of this work:

I am thrilled as I serve as a temple worker to see the youth coming early in the mornings in great numbers to participate in baptisms. It's inspiring to see their faithfulness and eagerness to serve in that sacred setting. So many are taking the "clarion call" seriously in helping to hasten the work!

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

Ronald A. Rasband on having a positive influence on youth

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

"In these perilous times, as our youth are faced with this increased adversity, we can learn from others. In the armed forces, particularly in all the navies throughout the world, every seaman understands one phrase that is a clarion call for immediate help, no matter what he is doing or where he is on the ship. The call is 'All hands on deck.' Many a battle at sea has been won or lost by the response to this call.

"We—as members of the Church, leaders of youth, anxious fathers, and concerned grandfathers—all need to respond to the call for 'all hands on deck' as it pertains to our youth and young single adults. We must all look for opportunities to bless the youth whether or not we are currently closely associated with them. We must continue to teach and fortify fathers and mothers in their divinely declared roles with their children in the home. We must ask ourselves constantly if that extra sporting event, that extra activity or errand outside of the home is more important than families being together at home.

"Now is the time, brethren [and sisters], when in every action we take, in every place we go, with every Latter-day Saint young person we meet, we need to have an increased awareness of the need for strengthening, nurturing, and being an influence for good in their lives."

- Ronald A. Rasband, "Our Rising Generation," Ensign, May 2006, pp. 46-47
Click here to read the full talk

This was an interesting "call to action" from Elder Rasband. Knowing the "perilous times" in which we live and the challenges faced by youth and young single adults, he invited his listeners in a Priesthood session of conference to focus more attention on the needs of the young people—whether or not a formal calling is involved. He invites all members (brothers and sisters alike) to seek out opportunities to bless youth in positive ways in any interaction.

It's interesting that he doesn't want to hear the excuse, "But I don't have a calling to work with youth right now." He's inviting all members to seek for ways to have a positive influence in the lives of our young people. This won't happen just by coincidence (although at times that may be one of the ways!); but we should each ponder things we might do to share testimony, encourage, teach, show good examples, or influence in any good way.

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!