President David O. McKay on the power of little things

President David O. McKay (1873-1970) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1906.  He served as a counselor in the First Presidency to Heber J. Grant and George Albert Smith beginning in 1945, then then as the president of the Church from 1951 to his death in 1970 at age 96.

"Little things are but parts of the great. The grass does not spring up full grown by eruption. It rises up and increases as noiselessly and gently as not to disturb an angel's ear, perhaps is invisible to an angel's eye. The rain does not fall in masses but in drops; the planets do not leap in their orbits, but inch by inch and line by line they circle the orbits. Intellect, feeling, habit, character, all become what they are through the influence of little things, and in morals and religion, it is by little things, by little actions, that every one of us is going—not by leaps, yet surely by inches—either to life or death eternal.

"The great lesson to be learned in the world today is to apply in the little acts and duties of life the glorious principles of the Gospel. Let us not think that, because some of the things may seem small and trivial, they are unimportant. Life, after all, is made up of little things. Our life, our being, physically, is made up of little heart beats. Let that little heart stop beating, and life in this world ceases. The great sun is a mighty force in the universe, but we receive the blessings of his rays because they come to us as little beams, which, taken in the aggregate, fill the whole world with sunlight. The dark night is made pleasant by the glimmer of what seem to be little stars; and so the true Christian life is made up of little Christ-like acts performed this hour, this minute—in the home, in the quorum, in the organization, in the town, wherever our life and acts may be cast."

- David O. McKay, "True to the Faith," p. 153

This is a beautiful thought from President McKay. We sometimes expect grand and glorious events, dramatic progress, spectacular achievements, leaps in understanding. But in almost every case, it's the "little things" that really indicate progress, now and eternally.

All of life is "made up of little things," from the physical beats of each individual's heart, to the rays of sunlight that provide life sustenance, to the Christ-like acts that make life meaningful. What a valuable reminder!

Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise. (Alma 37:6)

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
September 7, 2015

President David O. McKay on the blessing of friendship

President David O. McKay (1873-1970) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1906.  He served as a counselor in the First Presidency to Heber J. Grant and George Albert Smith beginning in 1945, then then as the president of the Church from 1951 to his death in 1970 at age 96.

"Among life's sweetest blessings is fellowship with men and women whose ideals and aspirations are high and noble. Next to a sense of kinship with God comes the helpfulness, encouragement, and inspiration of friends. Friendship is a sacred possession. As air, water and sunshine to flowers, trees, and verdure, so smiles, sympathy and love of friends to the daily life of man. 'To live, laugh, love one's friends, and be loved by them is to bask in the sunshine of life.'

"One of the principal reasons which the Lord had for establishing His Church is to give all persons high and low, rich and poor, strong and feeble an opportunity to associate with their fellow men in an atmosphere of uplifting, religious fellowship. This may be found in Priesthood quorums, Auxiliaries, Sacrament meetings. He who neglects these opportunities, who fails to take advantage of them, to that extent starves his own soul."

- David O. McKay, Conference Report, Apr. 1940, p. 116; see also Gospel Ideals p. 253

Time often helps us recognize how rare a gift and treasure true friendship is. Sometimes what we thought was a close friendship turns out not to be as enduring as we expected. On the other hand, occasionally we discover a deeper friendship than anticipated in a relationship.

But at whatever level of contact we interact with others, we're particularly blessed "to associate with [our] fellow men in an atmosphere of uplifting, religious fellowship" — one of the true blessings of Church membership. We should treasure those opportunities to interact with others who share our "ideals and aspirations."

President McKay challenges us: "He who neglects these opportunities, who fails to take advantage of them, to that extent starves his own soul." We should never make that choice!

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

President David O. McKay on finding happiness in life

President David O. McKay (1873-1970) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1906.  He served as a counselor in the First Presidency to Heber J. Grant and George Albert Smith beginning in 1945, then then as the president of the Church from 1951 to his death in 1970 at age 96.

"All mankind desire happiness. Many also strive sincerely to make the most and best of themselves. Surprisingly few, however, realize that a sure guide to such achievement may be found in the following declaration by Jesus of Nazareth: 'Whosoever will save his life shall lose it: And whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.' [Matthew 16:25.] This significant passage contains a secret more worthy of possession than fame or dominion, something more valuable than all the wealth of the world.

"It is a principle the application of which promises to supplant discouragement and gloom with hope and gladness; to fill life with contentment and peace everlasting. This being true its acceptance would indeed be a boon today to this distracted, depression-ridden world. Why, then, do men and nations ignore a thing so precious? ...

"Specifically stated, this law is, 'We live our lives most completely when we strive to make the world better and happier.' The law of pure nature, survival of the fittest, is self-preservation at the sacrifice of all else; but in contrast to this the law of true spiritual life is, deny self for the good of others."
- David O. McKay, Conference Report, Apr. 1936, 45-46

The "search for happiness" has been one of the continual quests of mankind. President McKay finds a simple solution to the search in the invitation of the Savior to commit to Him and His work — to "lose his life for my sake." And he sees a stark contrast between the world's frequent priority and the "law of true spiritual life":

Given the promise that this course of action "promises to supplant discouragement and gloom with hope and gladness; to fill life with contentment and peace everlasting" — the searching question is, "Why, then, do men and nations ignore a thing so precious?"

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
May 22, 2015

President David O. McKay on finding peace through Christ

President David O. McKay (1873-1970) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1906.  He served as a counselor in the First Presidency to Heber J. Grant and George Albert Smith beginning in 1945, then then as the president of the Church from 1951 to his death in 1970 at age 96.

"The rising sun can dispel the darkness of night, but it cannot banish the blackness of malice, hatred, bigotry, and selfishness from the hearts of humanity. Happiness and peace will come to earth only as the light of love and human compassion enter the souls of men.

"It was for this purpose that Christ, the Son of righteousness, 'with healing in his wings' (Mal. 4:2), came in the Meridian of Time. Through him wickedness shall be overcome, hatred, enmity, strife, poverty, and war abolished. This will be accomplished only by a slow but never-failing process of changing men's mental and spiritual attitude. The ways and habits of the world depend upon the thoughts and soul-convictions of men and women. If, therefore, we would change the world, we must first change people's thoughts. Only to the extent that men desire peace and brotherhood can the world be made better. No peace, even though temporarily obtained, will be permanent, whether to individuals or nations, unless it is built upon the solid foundation of eternal principles.

"Men may yearn for peace, cry for peace, and work for peace, but there will be no peace until they follow the path pointed out by the Living Christ. He is the true light of men's lives."

- David O. McKay, General Conference October 1964; Improvement Era 67:1041-42
Click here to read the full talk

It's been almost 60 years since President McKay warned about "the blackness of malice, hatred, bigotry, and selfishness" that plague our society. Those times seem so simple in comparison to today's world—how much more do we see those plagues in our time! But the remedy hasn't changed, and never will.

The quest for peace, in society and in individual lives, is as old as history. President McKay is clear to point out that there is only one source of true peace. It starts as we individually yearn, cry, and work towards the goal  by diligently following the path shown to us by the Savior.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
May 4, 2015

President David O. McKay on the blessings of the sacrament

President McKay (1873-1970) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1906.  He served as a counselor in the First Presidency to Heber J. Grant and George Albert Smith beginning in 1945, then then as the president of the Church from 1951 to his death in 1970 at age 96.

"I believe in meetings. I desire to say this morning that I feel impressed to emphasize what the Lord has designated as the most important meeting in the Church, and that is the sacrament meeting.... 

"We meet in the brotherhood of Christ, all on the same level, each expressing confidence in the other and all in one another. Oh, the strength of brotherhood! Sin divides us. Righteousness unites. 

"The partaking of the sacrament indicates also how communion with Christ may be secured. It cannot be obtained by Sunday righteousness and weekday indulgence. It implies that we will remember Christ always. 'If we show the Lord's death at communion we must show the Lord's life in the world.' 

"And [a final] great significance is the promise that it is a means of receiving divine guidance. If a friend is one who summons us to our best, then is not Jesus Christ our best friend and should we not think of the communion as one of the chief appeals to us to be our best? The Lord's Supper looks not back to our past with a critical eye, but to our future with a helpful one." 

- David O. McKay, Conference Report, October 1929, pp. 11-13; see TDOM p. 262

President McKay, who was such a gentle, wise man, shares a wonderful vision of the importance of Sabbath-day meetings, and in particular of the sacred sacrament.

There is indeed a great power in feeling the "unity of the Saints" as we assemble with our brothers and sisters. What a blessing even that simple act of coming together can be, when viewed in the proper spirit, and when supported and reinforced during the week by lives of Christian service and unity.

But that's just the beginning.  The real power in the meeting is in the partaking of the sacrament, teaching us "how communion with Christ may be secured" by remembering Him and following His teachings throughout the week. I love the unattributed quotation President McKay uses: 'If we show the Lord's death at communion we must show the Lord's life in the world.'

And so we don't just review our past; we look ahead to the invitation of a blessed future with Divine assistance. What a wonderful vision for true Sabbath worship!

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

January 25, 2015

President David O. McKay on mortality and spirituality

President David O. McKay (1873-1970) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1906.  He served as a counselor in the First Presidency to Heber J. Grant and George Albert Smith beginning in 1945, then then as the president of the Church from 1951 to his death in 1970 at age 96.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

President David O. McKay on the personal nature of prayer

President David O. McKay (1873-1970) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1906.  He served as a counselor in the First Presidency to Heber J. Grant and George Albert Smith beginning in 1945, then then as the president of the Church from 1951 to his death in 1970 at age 96.

"I have cherished from childhood the truth that God is a personal being, and is, indeed, our Father whom we can approach in prayer and receive answers thereto. I cherish as one of the dearest experiences of life the knowledge that God hears the prayer of faith. It is true that the answers to our prayers may not always come as direct and at the time, nor in the manner, we anticipate; but they do come, and at a time and in a manner best for the interests of him who offers the supplication.

"There have been occasions, however, when I have received direct and immediate assurance that my petition was granted. At one time, particularly, the answer came as distinctly as though my Heavenly Father stood by my side and spoke the words. These experiences are part of my very being and must remain so long as memory and intelligence last. Just as real and just as close to me seems the Savior of the world.

"I feel as I have never felt before that God is my Father. He is not just an intangible power, a moral force in the world, but a personal God with creative power, the governor of the world, the director of our souls. I would have all men, and especially the young people of the Church, feel so close to our Father in heaven that they will approach Him daily—not in public alone, but in private. If our people will have this faith, great blessings will come to them. Their souls will be filled with thanksgiving for what God has done for them; they will find themselves rich in favors bestowed. It is not imagination that we can approach God and receive light and guidance from him, and that our minds will be enlightened and our souls thrilled by his Spirit."

- David O. McKay, Conference Report, Apr. 1969, 152–53

What a wonderful thing it is to have learned and experienced, from early childhood, that God is real and that our communication with Him can bless our lives! President McKay shared his own personal faith in the power and blessing of that communication, and in the need we have to develop the faith and trust in God and in His timing as we wait for, and prepare for, responses to our needs. Those answers always come "at a time and in a manner best" for our interests.

I loved President McKay's testimony of the reality of his experiences, and the sense of divine love that permeated his very being! To truly understand, through personal knowledge, that our God is a "personal God" whom we can approach frequently and with confidence and gratitude, is a powerful aspect of our moral existence.

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

President David O. McKay on safeguarding and strengthening house and home

President David O. McKay (1873-1970) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1906.  He served as a counselor in the First Presidency to Heber J. Grant and George Albert Smith beginning in 1945, then then as the president of the Church from 1951 to his death in 1970 at age 96.

"If, upon examination, you were to find that termites were undermining the foundation of your house, you would lose no time to have experts make thorough examination and have the destructive insects exterminated. You would have the weakened materials removed and the foundation strengthened and, if necessary, rebuilt.

"More important than the building of your house is the rebuilding and purifying of your home....

"But there are destructive termites of homes, as well as of houses, and some of these are backbiting, evil-speaking, and faultfinding on the part either of parents or of children. Slander is poison to the soul. In the ideal home, there is no slanderous gossip about schoolteachers, about public officials, or about Church officials. I am more grateful now, as years have come and gone, to my father, who with hands lifted said, 'Now, no faultfinding about your teacher or anybody else.'

"Quarreling and swearing also are evils that lower the standards of the ideal home. I cannot imagine a father or mother swearing in the presence of children or even letting it pass their lips....

"With the high ideal of marriage as revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith, members of the Church should have but one goal, and that is to keep in mind the fact that marriage, the foundation of society, is ordained of God for the building of permanent homes in which children may be properly reared and taught the principles of the gospel....

"We appeal to all members of the Church to set their homes in order and to enjoy the true happiness of harmonious family life."

- David O. McKay, "Our Greatest Obligation," General Conference, April 4, 1953
Click here to read the full talk

The imagery of termites eating away at the foundation and structure of a building is a vivid one. They can do much damage before there is any recognition of their presence, and the longer there is delay in dealing with the issue, the harder it will be to resolve the problem. President McKay suggests the same thing that can happen to a house, can also happen to a home. Destructive forces can eat away at the structure and strength of a home or family; and the longer the problem is allowed to continue, the greater the damage and the more difficult the recovery. It becomes critical for us to identify and eliminate those destructive forces in our homes.

In particular when there are children in the home, parents must be vigilant in teaching gospel principles and creating an environment of wholesomeness and happiness.

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

President David O. McKay on the blessings of the sacrament

President David O. McKay (1873-1970) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1906.  He served as a counselor in the First Presidency to Heber J. Grant and George Albert Smith beginning in 1945, then then as the president of the Church from 1951 to his death in 1970 at age 96.

"The greatest comfort in this life is the assurance of having close relationship with God. I am speaking to men who know what that experience is. The sacrament period should be a factor in awakening this sense of relationship....

"No more sacred ordinance is administered in the Church of Christ than the administration of the sacrament....

"There are three things fundamentally important associated with the administration of the sacrament. The first is self-discernment. It is introspection. 'This do in remembrance of me' (Luke 22:19), but we should partake worthily, each one examining himself with respect to his worthiness.

"Secondly, there is a covenant made; a covenant even more than a promise.... A covenant, a promise, should be as sacred as life. That principle is involved every Sunday when we partake of the sacrament.

"Thirdly, there is another blessing, and that is a sense of close relationship with the Lord. There is an opportunity to commune with oneself and to commune with the Lord. We meet in the house that is dedicated to him; we have turned it over to him; we call it his house. Well, you may rest assured that he will be there to inspire us if we come in proper attune to meet him. We are not prepared to meet him if we bring into that room our thoughts regarding our business affairs, and especially if we bring into the house of worship feelings of hatred toward our neighbor, or enmity and jealousy towards the Authorities of the Church. Most certainly no individual can hope to come into communion with the Father if that individual entertain any such feelings. They are so foreign to worship, and so foreign, particularly, to the partaking of the sacrament.

"I think we pay too little attention to the value of meditation, a principle of devotion....

"I believe the short period of administering the sacrament is one of the best opportunities we have for such meditation, and there should be nothing during that sacred period to distract our attention from the purpose of that ordinance."

- David O. McKay, "The Lord's Sacrament," Conference Report, April 1946, pp. 111-117
Click here to read the full talk

President McKay teaches us that amidst the concerns and complications of our lives, the "greatest comfort" we can find "is the assurance of having close relationship with God." To recognize we are not alone, and that there is a plan and purpose for our struggles, brings a profound peace and perspective to us. Then he suggests that partaking of the sacrament, and the time during the service that we can ponder and reflect, can be a great key to awakening our understanding of our relationship with God.

Even considering the temple ordinances, President McKay suggests "no more sacred ordinance us administered in the Church of Christ than the... sacrament." That's powerful! It should make us wonder if we sometimes take the ordinance for granted. During those few minutes of the administration, we have a profound opportunity to meditate about our relationship to Deity, to carefully consider our covenants, and to feel His presence cleansing and blessing our soul.

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

President David O. McKay on the sermons we preach by actions

President David O. McKay (1873-1970) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1906.  He served as a counselor in the First Presidency to Heber J. Grant and George Albert Smith beginning in 1945, then then as the president of the Church from 1951 to his death in 1970 at age 96.

"Remember, fellow parents, that children are quick to detect insincerity, and they resent in their feelings false pretension. Parents, of all people on earth, should be honest with their children. Keep your promises to them and speak the truth always. Children are more influenced by sermons you act than by sermons you preach. It is the consistent parent who gains the trust of his child. When children feel that you reciprocate their trust, they will not violate your confidence nor bring dishonor to your name."

- David O. McKay, "Righteousness Key to World Peace," Conference Report, Apr. 1955, 26

I loved President McKay's approach to teaching and his focus on strengthening family relationships. In this excerpt, he counsels parents to live sincere and authentic lives; it's not possible to effectively teach principles to children unless our lives reflect those principles. I think the same concept applies to any interaction with others; it's impossible to understate how important "the sermons [we] act" are.

Consistency in our lives is the key President McKay emphasizes. I suppose that is part of the concept we call enduring to the end; it means that we are faithful and obedient, filled with honor and integrity, under any conditions.

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

President Harold B. Lee on the importance of meditation in our busy lives

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

"Don’t get so busy that you don’t have time to meditate. Take the time. The most important testimony does not come by sight, but by the inner witness. Christ may be nearer than we have knowledge. 'I am in your midst, but you do not see me. The Holy Ghost bears the sure witness. Mine eyes are upon you. The day cometh when ye shall know that I am.' (D&C 38:7–8.)"

- Harold B. Lee, Address to meeting of Provo Temple workers, 9 July 1972; quoted in Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee, p. 183

Most of us have very busy lives. There are so many things that compete for our time and attention. President Lee's caution is very wise; time we spend meditating is so valuable for our peace of mind, our ability to choose and prioritize, and our spiritual stability.

I like this thought: "Christ may be nearer than we have knowledge." Another way to think of it is that He is always near, but only when we slow down to meditate and reach out are we able to find Him!

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

President David O. McKay on the profound influence of mothers

President David O. McKay (1873-1970) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1906.  He served as a counselor in the First Presidency to Heber J. Grant and George Albert Smith beginning in 1945, then then as the president of the Church from 1951 to his death in 1970 at age 96.

"Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother's image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child's mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss, the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness, the first assurance that there is love in the world. True, there comes a time when Father takes his place as exemplar and hero of the growing boy; and in the latter's budding ambition to develop manly traits, he outwardly seems to turn from the more gentle and tender virtues engendered by his mother. Yet that ever-directing and restraining influence implanted during the first years of his childhood linger with him and permeate his thoughts and memory as distinctively as perfume clings to each particular flower."

- David O. McKay, Gospel Ideals, p. 452; True to the Faith, pp. 167–68

President McKay spoke on various occasions about this theme. He felt profoundly the blessing of a mother in his own life, and watched his beloved Emma care for their children. He had some of the best examples possible.

It's hard to quantify how important early impressions are on a child, and how deeply formative they must be. To have an image of kindness and gentleness "stamped" on the developing mind truly must make a difference:

President McKay suggests that in many cases, the father's influence is not felt as profoundly in the beginning but comes into play later. But yet the foundation set by a mother's love is something that influences the rest of life. How fortunate a child is to feel that sacred gift!

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

President David O. McKay on the importance of work, individually and in the Church

President David O. McKay (1873-1970) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1906.  He served as a counselor in the First Presidency to Heber J. Grant and George Albert Smith beginning in 1945, then then as the president of the Church from 1951 to his death in 1970 at age 96.

"I remember visiting, recently, the sugar factory, in Sugar City, Idaho. Brother Austin took me through it when every wheel was quiet; the engine was cold; the chimneys stood like specters; the wheels were dry and covered with dust; the sparrows were building their nests in wheels that a few months before hummed with industry. Men had to be hired to keep the dust off the machinery, to make repairs, to keep the factory from going into decay. I thought, that is always the result of inactivity. No sugar was manufactured in that inactivity. There were no laborers employed, except those hired to keep the factory from going into absolute decay. But when the power was turned on, then raw products were changed to useful articles, which are carried into the homes, throughout the world. Sometimes part of the machinery is shut up, closed down, and only one part—that of refining—used.

"I sometimes think that in our Church we are using just part of the machinery that God has placed in our hands. So many of these quorums are lying in inactivity; dust is accumulating. Shall we not work and get them into prominence, bring them into operation? As presidents of quorums, let us meet in council; let us think over what men in our quorums are neglecting their duty....

"My brethren and sisters, the quorums and organizations are means put into our hands whereby we may bring our children back to Christ. 'Suffer [them] to come.' God help us in guiding them, and may He keep us true; that we may increase our own testimonies in this work; that we may know of its eternal application to our needs; that we may know what happiness comes through living virtuous, pure lives. Let us take up our children and carry them with us, along this road of life. No other purpose of life is more worthy, more admirable. Let us teach them to work, and to realize that the privilege to work is a gift, that power to work is a blessing, that love of work is success."

- David O. McKay, General Conference, October 5, 1909, 88–94
Click here to read the full talk

President McKay was the first prophet I personally remember; he passed away when I was almost 13 years old. I loved his voice, his manner, his tall erect appearance, and that beautiful white hair—he always looked so prophetic to me! It's hard to believe that his apostolic ministry began in 1906; these remarks came only a few years later.

But yet how timely they are! We have new challenges today that invite us to inactivity as we are tempted by activities that are not productive. Each of us, personally, would be blessed to carefully heed President McKay's warning and instruction:

When we understand the blessing that the chance to work provides, we will act differently.

The other important and timely aspect of President McKay's remarks is the need to get the priesthood quorums and Church organizations functioning more actively. He suggested that there was too much inactivity going on in this arena as well, and that chances were being missed to change lives. Our recent modifications to Melchizedek Priesthood quorums and to activities of ministering are exactly the kinds of things that President McKay would have been pleased with.

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

President David O. McKay on the glorious blessing of a clear conscience

President David O. McKay (1873-1970) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1906.  He served as a counselor in the First Presidency to Heber J. Grant and George Albert Smith beginning in 1945, then then as the president of the Church from 1951 to his death in 1970 at age 96.

"It is glorious when you can lie down at night with a clear conscience that you have done your best not to offend anyone and have injured no one. You have tried to cleanse your heart of all unrighteousness, and if you put forth precious effort you can sense as you pray to God to keep you that night that He accepts your effort. You have a sense that you are God's child, a person whose soul God wants to save. You have the strength to resist evil. You also have the realization that you have made the world better for having been in it. These and countless other virtues and conditions are all wrapped up in the Gospel of Jesus Christ."

- David O. McKay, Man May Know for Himself, p. 458

What a blessing a truly clear conscience is! President McKay calls it "glorious" to get to the end of a day and know that you have done your best in every way, and to have the sense that God accepts the effort of that day:

Joseph Smith once described three things we must have in order to properly exercise faith in God. First, we must start with the belief in His existence. Then we must correctly understand His "character, perfections, and attributes." Finally, we can have faith only when we possess "an actual knowledge that the course of life which he is pursuing is according to His will." (Lectures on Faith 3:2-5). That confidence that we are doing what is right, that we are striving to do the very best we can given our current understanding—what a precious gift it is!

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

President David O. McKay on the principles of America's founding

President David O. McKay (1873-1970) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1906.  He served as a counselor in the First Presidency to Heber J. Grant and George Albert Smith beginning in 1945, then then as the president of the Church from 1951 to his death in 1970 at age 96.

"As we celebrate the birthday of the Declaration of Independence on July 4... let us catch the spirit of that morning and awaken appreciation for the blessings and privileges that are ours if we but remain loyal and true to the Constitution of the United States as established by our Founding Fathers....

"After the Revolutionary War was over and nine years after the Declaration of Independence was signed, the Founding Fathers met in that same Old State Hall to frame the Constitution of the United States.

"The French historian, Francois Pierre Guillaume Guizot, while visiting in the United States, asked James Russell Lowell, 'How long will the American Republic endure?' Lowell’s answer was: 'As long as the ideas of the men who founded it continue dominant.'...

"Actuated by these two fundamental and eternal principles—the free agency of the individual and faith in an overruling Providence—those 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence, those who drew up the Constitution of the United States nine years later, gave to the world a concept of government which, if applied, will strike from the arms of downtrodden humanity the shackles of tyranny, and give hope, ambition, and freedom to the teeming millions throughout the world."

- David O. McKay, “The Founding of an American Republic” pp. 249–51
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In most of our holiday celebrations, packed with family fun, community celebrations, and many personal traditions, it's easy to forget the origins of the holiday and its significance. President McKay reminds us of the significance of July 4 and the principles of independence and agency represented by that day. He quotes Lowell to point out how critical it is for us to preserve the memory of those principles today in order to help preserve the integrity of the American Republic.

The foundational principles of agency and faith were profoundly present in the founding of the United States of America, and must be preserved today. The Constitution's principles must be protected and defended in order to "give hope, ambition, and freedom to the teeming millions throughout the world."

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

The First Presidency on the holy calling of motherhood

During the opening session of the October 1942 general conference, a message from the First Presidency (President Heber J. Grant, 1st Counselor J. Reuben Clark Jr., and 2nd Counselor David O. McKay) was read by President Clark.

"Motherhood thus becomes a holy calling, a sacred dedication for carrying out the Lord's plans, a consecration of devotion to the uprearing and fostering, the nurturing in body, mind, and spirit, of those who kept their first estate and who come to this earth for their second estate 'to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them' (Abr. 3:25). To lead them to keep their second estate is the work of motherhood and 'they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever' (Abr. 3:26).

"This divine service of motherhood can be rendered only by mothers. It may not be passed to others. Nurses cannot do it; public nurseries cannot do it; hired help cannot do it—only mother, aided as much as may be by the loving hands of father, brothers, and sisters, can give the full needed measure of watchful care.

"The mother who entrusts her child to the care of others, that she may do non-motherly work, whether for gold, for fame, or for civic service, should remember that 'a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame' (Prov. 29:15). In our day the Lord has said that unless parents teach their children the doctrines of the Church 'the sin be upon the heads of the parents' (D&C 68:25).

"Motherhood is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels. To you mothers in Israel we say God bless and protect you, and give you the strength and courage, the faith and knowledge, the holy love and consecration to duty, that shall enable you to fill to the fullest measure the sacred calling which is yours. To you mothers and mothers-to-be we say: Be chaste, keep pure, live righteously, that your posterity to the last generation may call you blessed."

- Message of the First Presidency (Heber J. Grant, J. Reuben Clark Jr., David O. McKay), General Conference, October 1942; see Conference Report, October 1942, pp. 12-13; see Clark, Messages of the First Presidency 6:170-185
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This remarkable statement, coming in a sad and troubled time as a World War raged on, gives us an amazing vision and understanding of the sacred role of motherhood in the Lord's plan. These phrases indicate a little of that vision, that seems hardly to be understood in the world of our day:

• holy calling
• sacred devotion
• consecration of devotion
• nurturing in body, mind, and spirit
• divine service
• watchful care
• near to divinity
• highest, holiest service

What an amazing, sacred, precious gift this is! What an eternal responsibility and duty! How fortunate we are, in contrast to the world at large, to see so many around us who grasp that concept and magnify the holy calling with faith and personal sacrifice. Surely, God will "bless and protect" those who demonstrate "the strength and courage, the faith and knowledge, the holy love and consecration to duty" of motherhood.

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