Boyd K. Packer on desires for righteousness

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.

"I will not consent to any influence from the adversary. I have come to know what power he has. I know all about that. But I also have come to know the power of truth and of righteousness and of good, and I want to be good. I'm not ashamed to say that—I want to be good. And I've found in my life that it has been critically important that this was established between me and the Lord so that I knew that He knew which way I committed my agency. I went before Him and in essence said, 'I'm not neutral, and You can do with me what You want. If You need my vote, it's there. I don't care what You do with me, and You don't have to take anything from me because I give it to you—everything, all I own, all I am.' And that makes the difference."

- Boyd K. Packer, "To Those Who Teach in Troubled Times", seminary and institute conference, Summer 1970; see 'That All May Be Edified' p. 272

I was barely a teenager when Elder Packer was called as an apostle in 1970; he spent decades of his life devoted to the service of the Lord. This address was given shortly after that call came, and helps to explain that lifetime of service. President Packer had already given his life to God's service. What a powerful lesson these words are, that the life that demonstrated their truthfulness.

Ezra Taft Benson on the responsibility to preserve America

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1943, and served as the 13th President of the Church from 1985 until his death in 1994 at age 94.

"I do not believe the greatest threat to our future is from bombs or guided missiles. I do not think our civilization will die that way. I think it will die when we no longer care, when the spiritual forces that make us wish to be right and noble die in the hearts of men, when we disregard the importance of law and order.

"If American freedom is lost, if America is destroyed, if our blood-bought freedom is surrendered, it will be because of Americans. What's more, it will probably not be only the work of subversive and criminal Americans. The Benedict Arnolds will not be the only ones to forfeit our freedom....

"If America is destroyed, it may be by Americans who salute the flag, sing the national anthem, march in patriotic parades, cheer Fourth of July speakers—normally good Americans, but Americans who fail to comprehend what is required to keep our country strong and free—Americans who have been lulled away into a false security.

"Great nations are never conquered from outside unless they are rotten inside. Our greatest national problem today is erosion, not the erosion of the soil, but erosion of the national morality—erosion of traditional enforcement of law and order....

"If America is to withstand these influences and trends, there must be a renewal of the spirit of our forefathers, an appreciation of the American way of life, a strengthening of muscle and sinew and the character of the nation. America needs guts as well as guns. National character is the core of national defense."

- Ezra Taft Benson, "Americans are Destroying America," Conference Report, April 1968, pp. 49-54
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Having had significant exposure to politics and government (including service as the US Secretary of Agriculture for 8 years under President Dwight D. Eisenhower), President Benson had a special concern and sensitivity to America's strengths and challenges. He often spoke about freedom, liberty, government, and the responsibility of citizens.

In this excerpt from a talk given almost 50 years ago, President Benson talks perceptively on forces that threaten the country today, particularly the erosion of spiritual values and respect for law; and offers the critical challenge that America needs "a renewal of the spirit of our forefathers" and increasing "national character."

Robert D. Hales on finding answers to questions

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.

"How can I question without losing the Spirit? ... All of us have questions at times in our lives on policies, procedures, or even principles. The best way to find the answers we seek is to search out the solution for ourselves.

"How do we go about it?

"First and foremost, it is our attitude, or how we ask the question, that is very, very important. If it is a demand, one loses the opportunity for an answer.

"Second, if we have strong feelings about the way something should be and are unwilling to listen, we may lose the opportunity to get an answer.

"One only has to remember when Martin Harris wanted to take home pages of the Book of Mormon translation to show to others. Joseph Smith prayed to the Lord a number of times to finally be allowed to let the man do it. The Lord knew that the pages would be lost. But sometimes we want something so much and keep praying about it that the Lord lets us do it for our learning experience.

"Sometimes we are drawn into seeking and giving answers that bring recognition or notoriety to 'our' thinking and to 'our' opinion. Don't look for signs or answers that build you up. Humility and submissiveness to God will always be fundamental in receiving direction from Him."

- Robert D. Hales, "Gifts of the Spirit," Ensign, Feb. 2002, pp. 17-18
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There are occasionally issues and situations in the Church that can cause us to ponder and question. That is certainly the case with policies and procedures, that are usually man-made (though also usually inspired!). Principles, or underlying doctrines, are a different situation; we believe them to be divine and eternal.  But sometimes we even have occasion to wonder about the principles.

Elder Hales recognizes the validity of questioning, but encourages us to go about it in a productive and positive way. He warns us of the dangers of having a demanding, manipulative attitude or a pre-determined answer to our questions. Those are valid concerns.

A third challenge and caution relates to the motivation of questioning in a mode of self-confirmation or even self-aggrandizement.

The real key to receiving direction is "humility and submissiveness to God." This entire article has wonderful suggestions to help us become more receptive to spiritual gifts and impressions.

Orson F. Whitney on the blessings of enduring trials

Elder Orson F. Whitney (1855-1931), a journalist, teacher, poet, and historian, was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1906 and served until his death in 1931 at age 75.

"No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God... and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven."

- Orson F. Whitney, Conference Report April 1929, p. 110; quoted in Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle (1972), p. 98

Each life has its share of pain, trials, and suffering. Sometimes some of us feel we are getting more than our share. According to Elder Whitney, if we learn to "endure... patiently" the things that come, we experience growth in character and expansion of soul, and become "more worthy to be called the children of God." Perhaps we will understand some day what a blessing our trials and suffering are!

What a beautiful and tender testimony from a faithful servant of the Lord.

Richard G. Scott on being led by the Spirit

Elder Richard G. Scott (1928- ) served as a Seventy from 1977-1988, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

"Impressions of the Spirit can come in response to urgent prayer or unsolicited when needed. Sometimes the Lord reveals truth to you when you are not actively seeking it, such as when you are in danger and do not know it. However, the Lord will not force you to learn. You must exercise your agency to authorize the Spirit to teach you. As you make this a practice in your life, you will be more perceptive to the feelings that come with spiritual guidance. Then, when that guidance comes, sometimes when you least expect it, you will recognize it more easily.

"The inspiring influence of the Holy Spirit can be overcome or masked by strong emotions, such as anger, hate, passion, fear, or pride. When such influences are present, it is like trying to savor the delicate flavor of a grape while eating a jalapeño pepper. Both flavors are present, but one completely overpowers the other. In like manner, strong emotions overcome the delicate promptings of the Holy Spirit....

"Have patience as you are perfecting your ability to be led by the Spirit. By careful practice, through the application of correct principles, and by being sensitive to the feelings that come, you will gain spiritual guidance. I bear witness that the Lord, through the Holy Ghost, can speak to your mind and heart. Sometimes the impressions are just general feelings. Sometimes the direction comes so clearly and so unmistakably that it can be written down like spiritual dictation."

- Richard G. Scott, "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance," Ensign, Nov. 2009, pp. 6-9
Click here to read the full talk

This was a very worthwhile address from Elder Scott, instructing and encouraging on the process of acquiring more spiritual guidance in our lives.

The first point is our role in seeking the teaching and guidance that the Lord is eager to offer.

I like the phrase "authorize the Spirit to teach you." As we do that more regularly, the process becomes easier, and we become more sensitive to the impressions that follow.

Then this precious insight about the environment into which the Spirit will come, and the things that will prevent it from coming:

Elder Scott teaches that we are all in the process of "perfecting [our] ability to be led by the Spirit." May we do so more eagerly!

M. Russell Ballard on finding peace in life:

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.

"At one time or another I believe everyone yearns for the 'peace of God, which passeth all understanding' (Philip. 4:7). That peace for our troubled hearts only comes to us as we follow the Light of Christ, which is 'given to every man, that he may know good from evil' (Moro. 7:16), as it leads us to repent of sins and seek forgiveness. For all there is a hunger to know 'the peaceable things of the kingdom' (D&C 36:2) and to taste 'the fruit[s] of righteousness,' which are 'sown in peace of them that make peace' (James 3:18)....

"Peace—real peace, whole-souled to the very core of your being—comes only in and through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. When that precious truth is discovered and gospel principles are understood and applied, great peace can distill in the hearts and souls of our Heavenly Father's children. Said the Savior through Joseph Smith, 'He who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come' (D&C 59:23)."

- M. Russell Ballard, "The Peaceable Things of the Kingdom", Ensign, May 2002, pp. 87-89
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The search for peace is one of the great quests of our time—perhaps of all time. But the "peace of God, which passeth all understanding," as the description itself indicates, is beyond our comprehension; yet is something Elder Ballard says we all yearn for. And it can come, as we follow the inspirations that are given to us, as we repent, as we live in faithfulness and obedience.

Dallin H. Oaks on always remembering the Savior

Elder Dallin H. Oaks (1932- ) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984.

"When we partake of the sacrament, we witness unto God the Eternal Father that we 'do always remember' his Son (see D&C 20:77, 79; 3 Ne. 18:7, 11). Each Sabbath day millions of Latter-day Saints make this promise. What does it mean to 'always remember' our Savior?

"To remember means to keep in memory. In the scriptures, it often means to keep a person in memory, together with associated emotions like love, loyalty, or gratitude. The stronger the emotion, the more vivid and influential the memory....

"He whom we should always remember is He who gave us mortal life, He who showed us the way to a happy life, and He who redeems us so we can have immortality and eternal life.

"If we keep our covenant that we will always remember him, we can always have his Spirit to be with us (see D&C 20:77, 79). That Spirit will testify of him, and it will guide us into truth.

"His teachings and his example will guide and strengthen us in the way we should live. The effect was described in the words of the once popular song, 'Try to remember, and if you remember, then follow' ('Try to Remember,' words by Tom Jones)."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Always Remember Him," Ensign, May 1988, pp. 29-32
Click here to read the full talk

The power and importance of remembering is that it influences our decisions and actions. When we remember someone or something that is very important to us, we make future choices in that context; we evaluate the options and consequences of new situations based on what we recall and know about the important previous person or principle.

It is a sacred privilege to recommit each week in our sacramental covenants to "always remember Him." As Elder Oaks teaches, our memories of the Savior are associated with emotions including love, loyalty, and gratitude. When those emotions are strong, then remembering Him becomes "vivid and influential" in our lives. As we learn about the Savior and understand both his Gospel message and his mission on our behalf, we are constantly influenced in all other events during the encounters and circumstances of our lives.

And always, the promised blessings of "always remember" are there.