Quentin L. Cook on sunflowers and following the Son

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

"One of the remarkable characteristics of young wild sunflowers, in addition to growing in soil that is not hospitable, is how the young flower bud follows the sun across the sky. In doing so, it receives life-sustaining energy before bursting forth in its glorious yellow color.

"Like the young sunflower, when we follow the Savior of the world, the Son of God, we flourish and become glorious despite the many terrible circumstances that surround us. He truly is our light and life....

"Our protections in this life and for eternity will be in individual and family righteousness, Church ordinances, and following the Savior. This is our refuge from the storm. For those who feel they are alone, you can stand resolutely in righteousness knowing that the Atonement will protect and bless you beyond your ability to fully understand.

"We should remember the Savior, keep our covenants, and follow the Son of God as the young sunflower follows the sunshine. Following His light and example will bring us joy, happiness, and peace."

- Quentin L. Cook, "The Lord is my Light," General Conference, April 2015
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This is not a new analogy, but it's a useful one. We need to make sure we are focused on the Son. And the more we keep turned toward Him, facing Him fully, the more light and strength we receive.

Following the sun brings growth and nourishment to the plant.  Following the Son will bring man "joy, happiness, and peace."

David A. Bednar on worldly fear and Godly fear

Elder David A. Bednar (1952- ) was sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2004.

"Unlike worldly fear that creates alarm and anxiety, godly fear is a source of peace, assurance, and confidence.

"But how can anything associated with fear be edifying or spiritually helpful?

"The righteous fear I am attempting to describe encompasses a deep feeling of reverence, respect, and awe for the Lord Jesus Christ (see Psalm 33:8; 96:4), obedience to His commandments (see Deuteronomy 5:29; 8:6; 10:12; 13:4; Psalm 112:1), and anticipation of the Final Judgment and justice at His hand....

"[G]odly fear dispels mortal fears. It even subdues the haunting concern that we never can be good enough spiritually and never will measure up to the Lord’s requirements and expectations....

"Godly fear is loving and trusting in Him. As we fear God more completely, we love Him more perfectly. And 'perfect love casteth out all fear' (Moroni 8:16). I promise the bright light of godly fear will chase away the dark shadows of mortal fears (see D&C 50:25) as we look to the Savior, build upon Him as our foundation, and press forward on His covenant path with consecrated commitment."

- David A. Bednar, "Therefore They Hushed Their Fears," General Conference, April 2015
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The world can be a pretty scary place. Elder Bednar identified things that often bring fear: health challenges, family members in danger or difficulty, problems in the world around us ("criminal violence, famine, wars, corruption, terrorism, declining values, disease, and the destructive forces of nature"). I've always appreciated the Lord's warning to Joseph Smith: “And in that day... the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them” (D&C 45:26). That description is more and more accurate in our time.

But it's the difference between "mortal fear" and "godly fear" that is the key to Elder Bednar's remarks. We learn to control and conquer the fears of the world as we understand what it means to fear God, since "godly fear is a source of peace, assurance, and confidence." It's a beautiful concept, and Elder Bednar counsels wisely about how to let the true and valuable fear of the Lord dominate and replace the worldly fears.

Russell M. Nelson on the sign of the Sabbath

Elder Russell M. Nelson (1924- ) was an internationally-renowned heart surgeon when he was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984.

"The Savior identified Himself as Lord of the Sabbath (9). It is His day! Repeatedly, He has asked us to keep the Sabbath (10) or to hallow the Sabbath day (11). We are under covenant to do so.

"How do we hallow the Sabbath day? In my much younger years, I studied the work of others who had compiled lists of things to do and things not to do on the Sabbath. It wasn't until later that I learned from the scriptures that my conduct and my attitude on the Sabbath constituted a sign between me and my Heavenly Father (12). With that understanding, I no longer needed lists of dos and don'ts. When I had to make a decision whether or not an activity was appropriate for the Sabbath, I simply asked myself, 'What sign do I want to give to God?' That question made my choices about the Sabbath day crystal clear."

- Russell M. Nelson, "The Sabbath Is a Delight," General Conference, April 2015, Sunday afternoon session
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Footnotes:
9. See Matthew 12:8; Mark 2:28; Luke 6:5
10. See Exodus 31:13; Leviticus 19:3, 30; 26:2; Doctrine and Covenants 68:29
11. See Ezekiel 20:20; 44:24
12. See Exodus 31:13; Ezekiel 20:12, 20

Elder Nelson was the final speaker at the recent General Conference, a change from the normal practice that the president of the Church gives concluding remarks. His talk on the Sabbath Day provided a number of concepts to ponder as we each consider the blessings and opportunities that day affords to "true believers."

I especially appreciated this insight about how we look at Sabbath activities. We often make those lists of "do's and don'ts" to try to clarify. But Elder Nelson focused on these Old Testament guidelines: "Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you" (Exodus 31:13). To me, it's a way to be less "Pharisaical" about the actions, while considering more of the motivations and implications. And the promise of sanctification from God as a result is a wonderful one!

Jeffrey R. Holland on the Savior's love and gifts for us

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (1940- ) served as Church Commissioner of Education from 1976-1980, as the president of BYU from 1980-1989, as a Seventy from 1989-1994, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1994.

"So today [Easter Sunday] we celebrate the gift of victory over every fall we have ever experienced, every sorrow we have ever known, every discouragement we have ever had, every fear we have ever faced—to say nothing of our resurrection from death and forgiveness for our sins. That victory is available to us because of events that transpired on a weekend precisely like this nearly two millennia ago in Jerusalem....

"That first Easter sequence of Atonement and Resurrection constitutes the most consequential moment, the most generous gift, the most excruciating pain, and the most majestic manifestation of pure love ever to be demonstrated in the history of this world. Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, suffered, died, and rose from death in order that He could, like lightning in a summer storm, grasp us as we fall, hold us with His might, and through our obedience to His commandments, lift us to eternal life.

"This Easter I thank Him and the Father, who gave Him to us, that Jesus still stands triumphant over death, although He stands on wounded feet. This Easter I thank Him and the Father, who gave Him to us, that He still extends unending grace, although He extends it with pierced palms and scarred wrists. This Easter I thank Him and the Father, who gave Him to us, that we can sing before a sweat-stained garden, a nail-driven cross, and a gloriously empty tomb:

"How great, how glorious, how complete
Redemption's grand design,
Where justice, love, and mercy meet
In harmony divine! (Hymns, no. 195.)"

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "Where Justice, Love, and Mercy Meet," General Conference, April 2015, Sunday Morning session
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Elder Holland's remarks were shared during the Easter Morning session of the recent general conference, and provided a tender and practical look at the Savior's Atonement and its meaning in our lives. This is a wonderful summary of the blessings of that "most generous gift" to us:

It truly is "the most majestic manifestation of pure love ever to be demonstrated in the history of this world." Of course, that gift is offered to us, but with the exception of the resurrection (that comes to all men), the gift must be received by us. We have to choose to accept His love!

Robert D. Hales on preserving religious liberty

Elder Robert D. Hales (1932- ) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1985, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

"Brothers and sisters, we are responsible to safeguard these sacred freedoms and rights for ourselves and our posterity. What can you and I do?

"First, we can become informed. Be aware of issues in your community that could have an impact on religious liberty.

"Second, in your individual capacity, join with others who share our commitment to religious freedom. Work side by side to protect religious freedom.

"Third, live your life to be a good example of what you believe—in word and deed. How we live our religion is far more important than what we may say about our religion.

"Our Savior's Second Coming is drawing nearer. Let us not delay in this great cause. Remember Captain Moroni, who hoisted the title of liberty inscribed with the words 'In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children' (Alma 46:12). Let us remember the people's response: exercising their agency, they 'came running together' with a covenant to act. (Alma 46:21.)

"My beloved brothers and sisters, don't walk! Run! Run to receive the blessings of agency by following the Holy Ghost and exercising the freedoms God has given us to do His will."

- Robert D. Hales, "Preserving Agency, Protecting Religious Freedom," General Conference, April 2015
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I always appreciate messages from leaders that include specific assignments or charges. Elder Hales provided such a message in the most recent conference. He first discussed the concept of religious freedom, suggesting "four cornerstones of religious freedom that we as Latter-day Saints must rely upon and protect." They include the freedom to believe, to share belief with others, to worship in religious organizations, and to live the tenets of our faith.

Religious liberty is threatened in our time. The challenge form Elder Hales was to be actively involved in working to preserve it. That is where the "charge" to us comes, in the three areas mentioned:

• Be informed; understand the issues
• Join with others in the community eager to help
• Live as a good example of our religious principles

So that's the invitation, and this is the specific call to action with a promise:

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!

Dallin H. Oaks on preparing to receive the seed of the Gospel

Elder Dallin H. Oaks (1932- ) was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984.

"The parable of the sower ends with the Savior's description of the seed that 'fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit' in various measures (Matthew 13:8). How can we prepare ourselves to be that good ground and to have that good harvest?

"Jesus explained that 'the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience' (Luke 8:15). We have the seed of the gospel word. It is up to each of us to set the priorities and to do the things that make our soil good and our harvest plentiful. We must seek to be firmly rooted and converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ (see Colossians 2:6–7). We achieve this conversion by praying, by scripture reading, by serving, and by regularly partaking of the sacrament to always have His Spirit to be with us. We must also seek that mighty change of heart (see Alma 5:12–14) that replaces evil desires and selfish concerns with the love of God and the desire to serve Him and His children."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "The Parable of the Sower," General Conference, April 2015, Saturday morning session
Click here to read the full talk

In his most recent Conference address, Elder Oaks reviewed the Parable of the Sower. He gave modern interpretation and application to some of the challenges that were described anciently, in two broad categories:

• Stony ground, no root: those who are superficial in their testimony or devotion, confused by the teachings of the world, or narrow in their view of the Gospel
• Choked by thorns: caught up in a desire for riches or the cares of the world

His cautions about the dangers of our time are very worth reviewing, in consideration of our personal progress and status.

Having warned about the dangers, Elder Oaks also talked about the blessing of those who are nourishing the seeds of the Gospel in good soil, giving careful attention to the things that will protect from danger and encourage growth. This is wonderful positive advice: