Ronald A. Rasband on the blessing of sustaining and following leaders

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 shortly after his call as a Seventy.

"We have sustained leaders today who, by divine inspiration, have been called to teach and guide us and who are calling out to us to beware of the dangers we face each day—from casual Sabbath-day observance, to threats to the family, to assaults on religious freedom, and even to disputing latter-day revelation. Brothers and sisters, are we listening to their counsel?...

"As we press forward, choosing to follow the counsel and the warnings of our leaders, we choose to follow the Lord while the world is going in another direction. We choose to hold fast to the iron rod, to be Latter-day Saints, to be on the Lord’s errand, and to be filled 'with exceedingly great joy' (1 Nephi 8:12).

"The growing question of today is clear: are you standing with the leaders of the Church in a darkening world so that you might spread the Light of Christ? ...

"I have needed the Savior and the rescue of His hand so many times. I need Him now as never before, as does each of you. I have felt confident at times leaping over the side of the boat, figuratively speaking, into unfamiliar places, only to realize that I could not do it alone.

"As we discussed during Face to Face, the Lord often reaches out to us through our families and leaders, inviting us to come unto Him—just like He reached out to save Peter.

"You too will have your many moments to respond to frequent invitations to 'come unto Christ' (Moroni 10:32). Isn’t that what this mortal life is all about? The call may be to come rescue a family member; come serve a mission; come back to church; come to the holy temple....

"I pray that we will reach out—reach out and take the Savior’s hand that He is extending to us, often through His divinely called leaders and our family members—and listen for His call to come."

- Ronald A. Rasband, "Standing with the Leaders of the Church," General Conference, April 2016, Saturday afternoon session
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To sustain is a gift offered to us as Church members. It's the privilege of acknowledging the authority of those in the Church given certain callings, and publicly manifesting our trust in both the process that led to their call and the premise that they will provide inspired guidance and leadership. Once we make that commitment, the important question is, "are we listening to their counsel?"

It's truly a distinguishing characteristic of the Church of Jesus Christ to claim that there are leaders divinely commissioned to represent the Lord in providing inspired teaching and counsel. If we truly believe the claim that they are inspired to share what He would have us know, why would we not be eager to hear and follow??

Well might we each ask ourselves, "What do I do in my life that demonstrates that I am listening to, and heeding, that inspired counsel?"

Neil L. Andersen on the challenges of modern families

Elder Neil L. Andersen (b. 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 1993, and was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2009.

"God loves children. He loves all children. The Savior said, 'Suffer [the] little children… to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven' (Matthew 19:14).

"Children today find themselves in many different and complex family configurations.

"For example, today, twice as many children in the United States are living with only one parent than were 50 years ago. And there are many families that are less unified in their love of God and willingness to keep His commandments.

"In this increasing spiritual commotion, the restored gospel will continue to carry the standard, the ideal, the pattern of the Lord....

"My plea today is for the hundreds of thousands of children, youth, and young adults who do not come from these, for lack of a better term, 'picture-perfect' families. I speak not only of the youth who have experienced the death, divorce, or diminishing faith of their parents but also of the tens of thousands of young men and young women from all around the world who embrace the gospel without a mother or father to come into the Church with them....

"We will continue to teach the Lord’s pattern for families, but now with millions of members and the diversity we have in the children of the Church, we need to be even more thoughtful and sensitive....

"While a child’s earthly situation may not be ideal, a child’s spiritual DNA is perfect because one’s true identity is as a son or daughter of God."

- Neil L. Andersen, “Whoso Receiveth Them, Receiveth Me,” General Conference, April 2016, Saturday afternoon session
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I appreciate the sensitivity in talks such as this one from Elder Andersen to the reality of the challenges of our time. The reality is that far too many find themselves in situations that are less than "picture-perfect." The traditional family is not ubiquitous as it once was. There are countless children being raised by single parents, or, as Elder Andersen notes, children trying to follow the Gospel's plans and programs without the support of parents.

So the call is for Church members to be "more thoughtful and sensitive" than we have in the past to families in a variety of situations. We all need to learn to reflect the love and understanding that God has for His beloved children.

D. Todd Christofferson on the crucial role of fathers

Elder D. Todd Christofferson (b. January 24, 1945) was called to the Seventy in 1993, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2008.

"As a Church, we believe in fathers. We believe in 'the ideal of the man who puts his family first' (Blankenhorn, Fatherless America, 5). We believe that 'by divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families' ('The Family: A Proclamation to the World,' Ensign, Nov. 2010, 129). We believe that in their complementary family duties, 'fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners' (ibid.). We believe that far from being superfluous, fathers are unique and irreplaceable....

"The perfect, divine expression of fatherhood is our Heavenly Father. His character and attributes include abundant goodness and perfect love. His work and glory are the development, happiness, and eternal life of His children (see Moses 1:39), Fathers in this fallen world can claim nothing comparable to the Majesty on High, but at their best, they are striving to emulate Him, and they indeed labor in His work. They are honored with a remarkable and sobering trust.

"For men, fatherhood exposes us to our own weaknesses and our need to improve. Fatherhood requires sacrifice, but it is a source of incomparable satisfaction, even joy. Again, the ultimate model is our Heavenly Father, who so loved us, His spirit children, that He gave us His Only Begotten Son for our salvation and exaltation (see John 3:16). ...

"Perhaps the most essential of a father’s work is to turn the hearts of his children to their Heavenly Father. If by his example as well as his words a father can demonstrate what fidelity to God looks like in day-to-day living, that father will have given his children the key to peace in this life and eternal life in the world to come. (See D&C 59:23; Moses 6:59.) A father who reads scripture to and with his children acquaints them with the voice of the Lord. (See D&C 18:34–36.)"

- D. Todd Christofferson, “Fathers,” General Conference, April 2016, Sunday morning session
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Elder Christofferson's message to fathers declared the Church's doctrine and position on fathers clearly, in the midst of a time when too many man are forgetting their God-given duty or neglecting to be the kind of leader and role model in the home that the Lord invites them to be. That fathers are considered "superfluous" in homes and families is a tragic and dangerous path; instead, they should be considered "unique and irreplaceable."

I love the encouragement to look to Heavenly Father for the example of perfect fatherhood. There is much we men could learn from that kind of reflection. As they attempt to follow and emulate the divine example, fathers on this earth truly are "honored with a remarkable and sobering trust."

I especially appreciated this encouragement to provide the kind of spiritual leadership in the home that would make a powerful difference in ways we can only begin to glimpse:

Quentin L. Cook on the blessings and duties of temple service

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

"Despite the lack of righteousness in the world today, we live in a sacred, holy time. Prophets, with loving and longing hearts, have described our day for centuries. (See Isaiah 2:2.)

"The Prophet Joseph Smith, citing both Obadiah (see Obadiah 1:21) in the Old Testament and 1 Peter (see 1 Peter 4:6) in the New Testament, acknowledged the great purpose of God in providing baptism for the dead and allowing us to be saviors on Mount Zion. (See Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 409.)

"The Lord has prospered our people and provided the resources and prophetic guidance so we can be valiant in attending to our temple responsibilities for both the living and the dead.

"Because of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, we understand the purpose of life, the Father’s plan of salvation for His children, the Savior’s redemptive sacrifice, and the central role of families in the organization of heaven. (See Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff (2004), 177, 192–93.)

"The combination of increased numbers of temples and advanced technology to fulfill our sacred family history responsibilities for our ancestors makes this the most blessed time in all history. I rejoice in the extraordinary faithfulness of our youth in indexing and finding their ancestors and then doing the baptism and confirmation work in the temple. You are literally among the prophesied saviors on Mount Zion."

- Quentin L. Cook, "See Yourself in the Temple," General Conference, April 2016, Sunday morning session
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I love the opening sentence of this excerpt.  "Despite the lack of righteousness in the world today, we live in a sacred, holy time." What a wonderful concept! The world is complicated, and evil abounds in so many ways; but yet, it's a time and era of earth's history that is truly sacred—filled with blessings, opportunities, miracles, and righteousness. Elder Cook teaches that part of the holiness of our time focuses on the ability and privilege we have to be "saviors on Mount Zion" through the work of holy temples.

If this is truly "the most blessed time in all history" because of the proximity of temples and the advanced technology to help prepare the work to be done in the temples, then how great is our duty to take advantage of those temples and that technology in order to do our part in the work! It's up to us to choose to claim the blessings offered to "saviors on Mount Zion."

David A. Bednar on the power of ordinances to retain our greatest blessings

Elder David A. Bednar (b. 1952) was serving as the president of BYU–Idaho when he was called and sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2004.

"The ordinances of baptism by immersion, the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the sacrament are not isolated and discrete events; rather, they are elements in an interrelated and additive pattern of redemptive progress. Each successive ordinance elevates and enlarges our spiritual purpose, desire, and performance. The Father’s plan, the Savior’s Atonement, and the ordinances of the gospel provide the grace we need to press forward and progress line upon line and precept upon precept toward our eternal destiny.

"We are imperfect human beings striving to live in mortality according to Heavenly Father’s perfect plan of eternal progression. The requirements of His plan are glorious, merciful, and rigorous. We may at times be filled with determination and at other times feel totally inadequate. We may wonder if we spiritually can ever fulfill the commandment to stand spotless before Him at the last day.

"With the help of the Lord and through the power of His Spirit to 'teach [us] all things' (John 14:26), indeed we can be blessed to realize our spiritual possibilities. Ordinances invite spiritual purpose and power into our lives as we strive to be born again and become men and women of Christ. (See Helaman 3:28-30.) Our weaknesses can be strengthened, and our limitations can be overcome.

"Although none of us can achieve perfection in this life, we can become increasingly worthy and spotless as we are 'cleansed by the blood of the Lamb' (Mormon 9:6). I promise and testify we will be blessed with increased faith in the Savior and greater spiritual assurance as we seek to always retain a remission of our sins and, ultimately, to stand spotless before the Lord at the last day."

- David A. Bednar, "Always Retain a Remission of Your Sins," General Conference, April 2016, Saturday afternoon session
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Like Elder Bednar, I've often pondered the Book of Mormon language that speaks not just of obtaining, but also retaining a remission of sins (See Mosiah 4:11-12, Mosiah 4:26, Alma 4:14). This talk included some excellent insights about the connection between sacred ordinances and retaining the blessing of forgiveness. As he explores the meaning and inter-relationship of the ordinances of baptism, giving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the sacrament, Elder Bednar teaches how each of these ordinances "elevates and enlarges our spiritual purpose, desire, and performance," leading us to obtaining the grace offered in the Savior's Atonement. This gives us real power to confront the challenges of our lives:

Elder Bednar concludes with the reminder of the process of growth and development we are engaged in,  helping us become "increasingly worthy and spotless" before God.

Jeffrey R. Holland on blessings and strength from God's love

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.

"My brothers and sisters, the first great commandment of all eternity is to love God with all of our heart, might, mind, and strength—that’s the first great commandment. But the first great truth of all eternity is that God loves us with all of His heart, might, mind, and strength. That love is the foundation stone of eternity, and it should be the foundation stone of our daily life. Indeed it is only with that reassurance burning in our soul that we can have the confidence to keep trying to improve, keep seeking forgiveness for our sins, and keep extending that grace to our neighbor.

"President George Q. Cannon once taught: 'No matter how serious the trial, how deep the distress, how great the affliction, [God] will never desert us. He never has, and He never will. He cannot do it. It is not His character [to do so]. … He will [always] stand by us. We may pass through the fiery furnace; we may pass through deep waters; but we shall not be consumed nor overwhelmed. We shall emerge from all these trials and difficulties the better and purer for them.' (George Q. Cannon, 'Remarks,' Deseret Evening News, Mar. 7, 1891, 4.)

"Now, with that majestic devotion ringing from heaven as the great constant in our lives, manifested most purely and perfectly in the life, death, and Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, we can escape the consequences of both sin and stupidity—our own or that of others—in whatever form they may come to us in the course of daily living. If we give our heart to God, if we love the Lord Jesus Christ, if we do the best we can to live the gospel, then tomorrow—and every other day—is ultimately going to be magnificent, even if we don’t always recognize it as such. Why? Because our Heavenly Father wants it to be! He wants to bless us. A rewarding, abundant, and eternal life is the very object of His merciful plan for His children! It is a plan predicated on the truth 'that all things work together for good to them that love God' (Romans 8:28). So keep loving. Keep trying. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep growing. Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow, and forever."

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "Tomorrow the Lord Will Do Wonders among You," General Conference, April 2016, Sunday afternoon session
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Elder Holland often speaks from a tender heart, as he did in this wonderful message. I was deeply touched as he shared this insight, showing how the "first great commandment of all eternity" relates to the "first great truth of all eternity." Our love of God is, in fact, a response to His eternal and unending love of us. And that love is fundamental to our success and happiness in this life.

I have also appreciated the quote from President George Q. Cannon about God's unwillingness and even inability to "desert us" in the midst of our trials; I shared a previous entry in this blog based on that excerpt.

In the final measure, there are always plenty of challenges in our daily living. But Elder Holland puts all that in eternal perspective by reminding us that if we do the best we can, each day truly will be magnificent and the blessings and growth will flow. We just have to "press forward with a perfect brightness of hope" knowing that "Heaven is cheering [us] on" and God will never forsake us.

Robert D. Hales on the precious gift of the Holy Ghost

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.

"As members of the Church, we may experience the companionship of the Holy Ghost continually. Through the restored priesthood of God, we are baptized by immersion for the remission of our sins and then confirmed members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this ordinance, we are given the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands of the holders of the priesthood. Thereafter, we can receive and retain the companionship of the Holy Ghost by always remembering the Savior, keeping His commandments, repenting of our sins, and worthily partaking of the sacrament on the Sabbath day.

"The Holy Ghost provides personal revelation to help us make major life decisions about such things as education, missions, careers, marriage, children, where we will live with our families, and so on. In these matters, Heavenly Father expects us to use our agency, study the situation out in our minds according to gospel principles, and bring a decision to Him in prayer.

"Personal revelation is essential, but it is only one part of the work of the Holy Ghost. As the scriptures attest, the Holy Ghost also testifies of the Savior and God the Father (see John 15:26; Romans 8:16). He teaches us 'the peaceable things of the kingdom' (D&C 39:6) and causes us to 'abound in hope' (Romans 15:13). He 'leadeth [us] to do good... [and] to judge righteously' (D&C 11:12). He gives 'to every man [and woman]... a [spiritual] gift... that all may be profited thereby' (D&C 46:11-12; see also Moroni 10:8–17; D&C 13–16). He 'giveth [us] knowledge' (Alma 18:35) and 'bring[s] all things to [our] remembrance' (John 14:26). Through the Holy Ghost, we 'may be sanctified' (3 Nephi 27:20) and receive 'a remission of [our] sins' (2 Nephi 31;17). He is the 'Comforter,' the same who was 'promised unto [the Savior’s] disciples' (D&C 88:3).

"I remind all of us that the Holy Ghost is not given to control us. Some of us unwisely seek the Holy Ghost’s direction on every minor decision in our lives. This trivializes His sacred role. The Holy Ghost honors the principle of agency. He speaks to our minds and our hearts gently about many matters of consequence (see D&C 8:2-3)."

- Robert D. Hales, "The Holy Ghost," General Conference, April 2016, Sunday afternoon session
Click here to read the full talk

Elder Hales is the 5th oldest among the current apostles at 83 years old, but he seems to be aging rapidly and his messages bear the mark of one focusing on "things that matter most." This talk was one he specifically shared not just with the Church, but with his own posterity. His counsel about receiving and retaining the gift of the Holy Ghost was very personal and powerful—a wonderful reminder of the blessings available to all who have been given that wonderful gift.

We've been reminded many times of the process to receive the Holy Ghost's influence, reviewed by Elder Hales as:

• always remembering the Savior
• keeping His commandments
• repenting of our sins
• worthily partaking of the sacrament on the Sabbath day

Having that gift gives us the right to personal revelation in the important decisions of our lives. Elder Hales went on to enumerate other blessings from the Holy Ghost, as documented in the scriptures:

However, he also reminded us of the eternal gift of agency; the role of the Holy Ghost is not to dictate or force every decision, but to guide and sustain us in our own choices.

I appreciated this message as a timely reminder of fundamental truths and blessings available to me personally—a gift that I should seek and treasure.