Howard W. Hunter on sincere gratitude

President Howard W. Hunter (1907-1995) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1959.  He served as Church President from June 5, 1994 to his death on March 3, 1995.

"One of the most esteemed spiritual attributes we can acquire in life is sincere gratitude. It enriches our lives as we, through this attribute, enrich the lives of others. If we have a thankful heart we will have the blessings that come from constant appreciation for the things done for us and the Lord's goodness. How can we really pay the debt of gratitude we owe to our parents, brothers and sisters, teachers, and those who have served us in so many ways? How can we show appreciation for good homes, husbands and wives who are true and faithful, and children who have the desire to live righteously and serve the Lord? How do we express thankfulness for our baptisms, for the privilege of partaking of the sacrament and renewing our covenants, for the priesthood we bear, for the light of the restored gospel, and for the program of the Church devised to help us make progress toward exaltation and eternal life?

"We pay our debt of gratitude by living in such a way as to bring credit to our parents and the name we bear, by doing good to others, by being of service, by being willing to share the light and knowledge we have received so that others will also have joy and happiness, and by living the principles of the gospel in their fulness."

- Howard W. Hunter, Area General Conference, Stockholm Sweden, August 1974; see Ensign, Oct. 1974, p. 87
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Gratitude is certainly "one of the most esteemed spiritual attributes we can acquire in life" — I wonder how often we view it as such? How much effort do we expend to seek it?

This statement made me ponder:

This seems a little contrary to the normal interpretation. We might say that having a grateful heart helps us acknowledge the blessings already received; but President Hunter is saying that blessings come from recognizing previous goodness in our lives.

After recognizing a few of the many, many blessings that come to us, President Hunter then adds this wonderful summary of how we truly express gratitude:

D. Todd Christofferson on allowing scriptures to enlarge our memories

Elder D. Todd Christofferson (1945- ) was called to the Seventy in 1993, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2008.

"The scriptures enlarge our memory by helping us always to remember the Lord and our relationship to Him and the Father. They remind us of what we knew in our premortal life. And they expand our memory in another sense by teaching us about epochs, people, and events that we did not experience personally. None of us was present to see the Red Sea part and cross with Moses between walls of water to the other side. We were not there to hear the Sermon on the Mount, to see Lazarus raised from the dead, to see the suffering Savior in Gethsemane and on the cross, and we did not, with Mary, hear the two angels testify at the empty tomb that Jesus was risen from the dead. You and I did not go forward one by one with the multitude in the land Bountiful at the resurrected Savior's invitation to feel the prints of the nails and bathe His feet with our tears. We did not kneel beside Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove and gaze there upon the Father and the Son. Yet we know all these things and much, much more because we have the scriptural record to enlarge our memory, to teach us what we did not know. And as these things penetrate our minds and hearts, our faith in God and His Beloved Son takes root.

"The scriptures also enlarge our memory by helping us not forget what we and earlier generations have learned. Those who either don't have or ignore the recorded word of God eventually cease to believe in Him and forget the purpose of their existence."

- D. Todd Christofferson, "The Blessing of Scripture," Ensign, May 2010, pp. 32-35
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The idea of enlarging memory is a fascinating one to me, and Elder Christofferson gives some interesting insights. He suggests several ways this happens as we read the scriptures:

1. Helping us always remember the Lord and our relationship to Him
2. Reminding us of things we knew in the premortal life
3. Providing knowledge and understanding of events we didn't personally experience
4. Helping us not forget the lessons learned in the past—both personally, and by our predecessors

And one of the great keys is that the enlarging of memory allows the scriptural record to "penetrate our minds and hearts" so that "our faith in God and His Beloved Son takes root." What a blessing!

Quentin L. Cook on the world's way and the Savior's way

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

"We live in a world where the latest story, the buzz, the hype, the 'new thing' is much sought after and then publicized throughout the world. Movies, television, and other media often celebrate heroic gestures, dysfunctionality, conflict, and sexuality rather than the quiet, everyday acts of sacrifice, service, and love that are so much a part of the Savior's message and example. The wild rush to find the new often tramples on what is true....

"Today there is a tendency among some of us to 'look beyond the mark' rather than to maintain a testimony of gospel basics. We do this when we substitute the philosophies of men for gospel truths, engage in gospel extremism, seek heroic gestures at the expense of daily consecration, or elevate rules over doctrine. Avoiding these behaviors will help us avoid the theological blindness and stumbling that Jacob described (Jac 4:14)....

"One of the great challenges of this life is to accept Christ for who He is: the resurrected Savior of the world, our Redeemer, our Lord and Master, our Advocate with the Father. When He is the foundation for all that we do and are, we avoid the theological blindness that results from looking beyond the mark, and we reap the glorious blessings He has promised us. 'Come unto me, ye blessed,' He tells those who follow Him; 'there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father' (Enos 1:27)."

- Quentin L. Cook, "Looking Beyond the Mark," Ensign, March 2003, pp. 40-44
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Elder Cook warns us about paying too much attention to the world's "fads and distractions" in ways that make us lose sight of the things that should matter most. It's easy to forget the quiet life of discipleship, the "everyday acts of sacrifice, service, and love" that lie at the core of the Gospel message.

I thought this was an interesting statement, summarizing the danger of getting trapped by the world's allures:

The second warning is to not get caught up in "gospel extremism" or other misguided efforts, but to continue to focus on "maintain[ing] a testimony of gospel basics" and to remember "daily consecration."

This was a good summary of the challenge, and the "cure" of knowing where our focus belongs:

Dieter F. Uchtdorf on God's love for us

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (1940- ) served as a Seventy from 1994-2004, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve.  He has served as second counselor in the First Presidency since 2008.

"Think of the purest, most all-consuming love you can imagine. Now multiply that love by an infinite amount—that is the measure of God's love for you (see Isaiah 54:10; Jeremiah 31:3).

"God does not look on the outward appearance (see 1 Samuel 16:7). I believe that He doesn't care one bit if we live in a castle or a cottage, if we are handsome or homely, if we are famous or forgotten. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God's love encompasses us completely.

"He loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure, and indescribable love. We are important to God not because of our résumé but because we are His children. He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. God's love is so great that He loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked.

"What this means is that, regardless of our current state, there is hope for us. No matter our distress, no matter our sorrow, no matter our mistakes, our infinitely compassionate Heavenly Father desires that we draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us (see D&C 88:63)."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Love of God," Ensign, Nov. 2009, pp. 21-24
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This was a very thought-provoking talk for me.  When, and how, and why does God love me? What does that mean to me; how should I respond if I really believe it?

This speaks to the profound depth and strength of God's love for His children. It's a beautiful expression of what we believe to be infinite love.

Pres. Uchtdorf then reminds us how God loves us. It isn't because of any outward appearance, public acclaim, or physical characteristic.

And then a further insight into why God loves us. "He loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure, and indescribable love." It's not necessarily because we are lovable (though He knows the inner soul and deep potential of each one, where there are truly things to love).  But it's because He is so filled with infinite love. That's an interesting concept. Can we begin follow that example in our lives?

And this is the great, hopeful, hope-filled summary of the message for each of us:

Jeffrey R. Holland on prayer and faithful endurance

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.

"Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ—that is the first principle of the gospel. We must go forward, as it says in K. Newell Dayley's hymn commemorating our pioneers of the past, 'with faith in ev'ry footstep' (see Ensign, January 1997, 15). But like those pioneers, you do have to keep taking them—one step and then another and then the next. That is how tasks are accomplished, that is how goals are achieved, and that is how frontiers are conquered. In more divine language, that is how worlds are created and it is how your world will be created.

"God expects you to have enough faith and determination and enough trust in Him to keep moving, keep living, keep rejoicing. In fact, He expects you not simply to face the future (that sounds pretty grim and stoic); He expects you to embrace and shape the future—to love it and rejoice in it and delight in your opportunities.

"God is anxiously waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as He always has. But He can't if you don't pray, and He can't if you don't dream. In short, He can't if you don't believe."

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "Terror, Triumph, and a Wedding Feast," CES fireside address, 12 September 2004; reprinted as "This, the Greatest of All Dispensations," Ensign, Jul 2007, pp. 52-58
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It's easy to persist, easy to move forward, even easy to endure, when we feel strong, the road is smooth, and conditions are pleasant. It's a whole different story to keep taking steps when each one is filled with agony, frustration, loneliness, or confusion. The concept of "faith in every footstep" is a crucial one; most of us have periods in life when it's only because we have faith that we are able to continue moving.

I love Elder Holland's example and encouragement of what that faith is all about.  God actually expects us "to have enough faith and determination and enough trust in Him to keep moving, keep living, keep rejoicing." Not just to plod along in stoic endurance, but to "keep rejoicing." That is a profound vision of the nature of this life.

And this is a tender and beautiful expression of a Father's willingness to help us, if only we ask in faith:

Robert D. Hales on daily spiritual renewal

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.

"This past winter I had the opportunity to learn more about my lungs. I became very aware that we cannot store oxygen. We cannot save the air we need to breathe, no matter how hard we try. Moment by moment, breath by breath, our lives are granted to us and are renewed. So it is with spiritual light. It must be renewed in us on a regular basis. We must generate it day by day, thought by thought, and with daily righteous action if we are to keep the darkness of the adversary away.

"When I was a boy, I used to ride my bicycle home from basketball practice at night. I would connect a small pear-shaped generator to my bicycle tire. Then as I pedaled, the tire would turn a tiny rotor, which produced electricity and emitted a single, welcome beam of light. It was a simple but effective mechanism. But I had to pedal to make it work! I learned quickly that if I stopped pedaling my bicycle, the light would go out. I also learned that when I was 'anxiously engaged' (D&C 58:27) in pedaling, the light would become brighter and the darkness in front of me would be dispelled.

"The generation of spiritual light comes from daily spiritual pedaling. It comes from praying, studying the scriptures, fasting, and serving—from living the gospel and obeying the commandments. 'He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light,' (D&C 93:28) said the Lord, 'and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day' (D&C 50:24). My brothers and sisters, that perfect day will be when we will stand in the presence of God the Father and Jesus Christ."

- Robert D. Hales, "Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light," Ensign, May 2002, pp. 69-72
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Some years ago, when I was undergoing a medical treatment, I had an adverse reaction to some medication and suddenly found myself unable to breathe. Fortunately a well-trained nurse was nearby and was able to provide an antidote that quickly resolved the issue.  But it was a terrifying few minutes as I struggled to get that life-giving air. Perhaps only one who has been in such a situation fully appreciates Elder Hales' comment. The human body has no provision to store oxygen; it requires continuous replenishment. "Moment by moment, breath by breath, our lives are granted to us and are renewed." Elder Hales suggests a similar critical need for "spiritual light" in our lives, requiring the same kind of continuous replenishment. It's a great comparison.

He provides a further illustration in remembering a small device that used to be used on bicycles; I had one of these too in my youth. The simple generator worked as long as the bicycle was in motion. The consistency and intensity of the effort made the difference in the strength of the light produced, and thus the amount of darkness dispelled.

The spiritual analogy is clear. As our efforts in doing the things that produce light are more consistent and focused, greater light will enter our lives, growing "brighter and brighter until the perfect day."

Here is Elder Hales' summary of the kinds of things involved in "spiritual pedaling" to generate more "spiritual light" in our lives:

Brigham Young on finding true happiness

Brigham Young (1801-1877) was part of the first Quorum of Twelve Apostles of this dispensation, called and ordained in 1835. He served as the second Church president, succeeding Joseph Smith, from 1847 until his death in 1877.

"How vain it is in man to allow himself to think that he can make himself happy with the pleasures of this world. There is no lasting pleasure here, unless it is in God. When men leave the kingdom of God, their lives are filled with bitterness, their thoughts are full of fearfulness, and they are sorrowful, day by day. They may tell you they are happy. But when you probe them, and find out the inmost recesses of the heart, it is a cup of gall; they are not happy. They may seek, to the uttermost parts of the earth, for happiness, but they find it not.

"Where is happiness, real happiness? Nowhere but in God. By possessing the spirit of our holy religion, we are happy in the morning, we are happy at noon, we are happy in the evening; for the spirit of love and Zion is with us, and we rejoice in the spirit because, it is of God, and we rejoice in God, for he is the giver of every good thing.  Every Latter-day Saint, who has experienced the love of God in his heart, after having received the remission of his sins, through baptism, and the laying on of hands, realizes that he is filled with joy, and happiness, and consolation. He may be in pain, in error, in poverty, or in prison, if necessity demands, still, he is joyful. This is our experience, and each and every Latter-day Saint can bear witness to it."

- Brigham Young, discourse at Logan, Sunday, Aug. 15, 1876, JD 18:213-214
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Even in the "pioneer days" of Brigham Young, there was quite a dichotomy between the "pleasures of this world" and the "lasting pleasure" that comes form the Gospel plan. President Young was convinced there was only superficial or pretended happiness in the world's approach. This summary of the source of happiness is concise and inspiring:

This brings to mind one of my favorite statements from LDS scholar and apologist Hugh Nibley:

"We are commanded to be joyful because he has borne our sorrows.  He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief so that we need not be.  Our own sins and limitations are the things that make us sad.  He had no sins and limitations; he was not sad for his sake, but wholly for ours.  Only one could suffer for others who did not deserve to suffer for himself.
"If we remain gloomy after what he did for us, it is because we do not accept what he did for us.  If we suffer, we deserve to suffer because there is no need for it if we only believe in him."
- Hugh Nibley, “Prophets and Glad Tidings”, The Prophetic Book of Mormon, CWHN 8:259

What a marvelous perspective. Truly, there is great joy in the gospel of Jesus Christ!