James E. Faust on coming from darkness to light

President James E. Faust (1920-2007) was called as a Seventy in 1976, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve in 1978. He served as a counselor to President Hinckley from 1995 until his death in 2007 at age 87.

"Micah said, 'When I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me' (Micah 7:8). We receive light from the Lord. This can happen to us when we study the scriptures, attend sacrament meeting, pay our tithing, sing the hymns, and pray.

"Part of our coming into the light depends upon the focus of our faith. Our faith is not a bundle of beliefs and practices that are too heavy to bear. Those who have come out of the darkness find that their faith carries them. Faith is not heavy; faith lifts and gives us wings to carry us over hard places. As Isaiah promised, 'But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint' (Isa. 40:31).

"Coming out of the darkness into the light frees us from the dark side of our souls, which comes from fear, discouragement, and sin. When we come out of the darkness, the bright sunshine of the Savior comes bursting through....

"The gospel contains the answers to life's challenges and problems. It is the sure way to happiness and the fulfillment of the Savior's promise, which is 'peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come' (D&C 59:23)."

- James E. Faust, CES fireside address given on September 8, 2002; see "Come Listen to a Prophet's Voice: Coming Out of Darkness," Friend, Mar 2006, pp. 2-3
Click here to read the full articleSee also Faust, "Put Light in Your Life," New Era, June 2007

At times, we feel darkness in our lives. Not just the physical, temporal kind; but also the emotional or spiritual kind, the emptiness or fear or despair when it seems like hope is obscured and inaccessible. President Faust urges us to remember that the Lord is the source of light; at such times, we must learn to turn to Him and reclaim the light he offers us. We begin to feel light as we involve ourselves in basic acts of worship and obedience: studying the Gospel, serving, participating in meetings, blessing others.

President Faust also teaches about the close linkage between faith and light. Faith will carry and lift us towards the light, so that "the bright sunshine of the Savior comes bursting through."

How easy it is to forget that "the gospel ... is the sure way to happiness and ... 'peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come.'"

Gordon B. Hinckley on overcoming gloom in life

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1961, served as a counselor in the First Presidency from 1981-1995, then as Church President until his death in 2008 at age 97.

"Let us go forward in this glorious work. How exciting and wonderful it is. I do not know how anybody can feel gloomy for very long who is a member of this Church. Do you feel gloomy? Lift your eyes. Stand on your feet. Say a few words of appreciation and love to the Lord. Be positive. Think of what great things are occurring as the Lord brings to pass His eternal purposes. This is a day of prophecy fulfilled, my brothers and sisters, this great day in the history of this Church. This is the day of which has been spoken of by those who have gone before us. Let us live worthy of our birthright. Keep the faith. Nurture your testimonies. Walk in righteousness and the Lord will bless you and prosper you and you will be a happy and wonderful people."

- Gordon B. Hinckley, Sandy Utah Cottonwood Creek Stake Conference, Dec. 3, 1995; see Ensign August 1996 p. 61

President Hinckley was an "incurable optimist." He had great confidence in life because he had great faith in God and trusted that God would take care of the problems of life. This excerpt is typical of the counsel that he gave on many occasions; there's no reason to be "gloomy" if you understand the miraculous blessings of the gospel and the Lord's ongoing work on earth. And if you do feel "gloomy" then here are the things to do about it:

With the proper perspective, there is no reason we shouldn't be "a happy and wonderful people."

Harold B. Lee on what we think of Christ

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.

"I am thinking now of two contrasting incidents. A dear friend received one of those fateful messages: 'We regret to inform you that your boy has been killed in action.' I went to his home, and there I saw the shattered family, possessed of all the things that money could buy—wealth, position, the things that the world would call honorable, but there they were with their hopes and dreams shattered around them, grasping for something that they had not lived to obtain and from that time on, seemingly did not obtain. The comfort which they could have known was not there.

"I contrasted that with a scene I witnessed up in the LDS Hospital just about six months ago now, when one of our dear faithful mission presidents was there slowly dying. He was in extreme pain, but in his heart there was a joy because he knew that through suffering ofttimes men learn obedience, and the right to kinship with him who suffered beyond all that any of us can ever suffer. He, too, knew the power of the risen Lord.

"Today we should ask ourselves the question, in answer to what the Master asked of those in his day, 'What think ye of Christ?' (Matt. 22:42). We ought to ask as we would say it today, 'What think we of Christ?' and then make it a little more personal and ask, 'What think I of Christ?' Do I think of him as the Redeemer of my soul? Do I think of him with no doubt in my mind as the one who appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith? Do I believe that he established this Church upon the earth? Do I accept him as the Savior of this world? Am I true to my covenants, which in the waters of baptism, if I understood, meant that I would 'stand as a witness of him at all times, and in all things, and in all places, wherever I would be, even until death?' (Mosiah 18:9)."

- Harold B. Lee, "Be Guided by the Light Within," Conference Report, Oct. 1955, pp. 54-57
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How do we deal with challenges, setbacks, suffering, frustration, disappointment, or loss? Often the way we react tells a lot about our faith in God and trust in Christ's hand in our lives. The two contrasting examples President Lee gave may be extreme, but they are reflected tine and tine again in smaller ways in our lives.

I love this challenging line of thought: what do we think of Christ? What do I think of Christ? And in what ways does my life witness that belief?

L. Tom Perry on the choice of faithful obedience

Elder L. Tom Perry (1922-2015) was called as an Assistant to the Twelve in 1972, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1974. At the time of his passing at age 92, he was the oldest living general authority and the third in seniority among the leading quorum.

"While some very intelligent and insightful people might believe our more complex time demands ever more complex solutions, I am far from convinced they are right. Rather, I am of the frame of mind that today's complexity demands greater simplicity....

"Too often we think of obedience as the passive and thoughtless following of the orders or dictates of a higher authority. Actually, at its best, obedience is an emblem of our faith in the wisdom and power of the highest authority, even God. When Abraham demonstrated his unwavering faithfulness and obedience to God, even when commanded to sacrifice his son, God rescued him. Similarly, when we demonstrate our faithfulness through obedience, God will ultimately rescue us.

"Those who rely solely on themselves and follow only their own desires and self-inclinations are so limited when compared to those who follow God and tap into His insight, power, and gifts. It has been said that someone who is all wrapped up in himself or herself makes a very small package. Strong, proactive obedience is anything but weak or passive. It is the means by which we declare our faith in God and qualify ourselves to receive the powers of heaven. Obedience is a choice. It is a choice between our own limited knowledge and power and God's unlimited wisdom and omnipotence."

- L. Tom Perry, "Obedience Through Our Faithfulness," Ensign, May 2014, pp. 100-103
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This could be a great motto for life: "Today's complexity demands greater simplicity." It applies to many aspects of our modern lives, including the choices we make of using our time, the possessions we surround ourselves with, and the way we approach learning and living the Gospel.

Elder Perry provides a "simple" approach to obedience and faith. It's not a "passive and thoughtless following" of the dictates of some other man, or even of God; instead, it's an evidence of our faith and trust in that God. And when we "demonstrate our faithfulness through obedience," blessings from God will follow. There is profound truth in this simple approach to life.

Ultimately, "obedience is a choice"—whether to rely on our own limited vision and understanding, or to trust in God's greater wisdom on our behalf. It's just that simple!

Richard G. Scott on the power available in the scriptures

Elder Richard G. Scott (1928-2015) served as a Seventy from 1977-1988, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  He passed away in September 2015 at the age of 86.

"Scriptures are like packets of light that illuminate our minds and give place to guidance and inspiration from on high. They can become the key to open the channel to communion with our Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

"The scriptures provide the strength of authority to our declarations when they are cited correctly. They can become stalwart friends that are not limited by geography or calendar. They are always available when needed. Their use provides a foundation of truth that can be awakened by the Holy Ghost. Learning, pondering, searching, and memorizing scriptures is like filling a filing cabinet with friends, values, and truths that can be called upon anytime, anywhere in the world.

"Great power can come from memorizing scriptures. To memorize a scripture is to forge a new friendship. It is like discovering a new individual who can help in time of need, give inspiration and comfort, and be a source of motivation for needed change."

- Richard G. Scott, "The Power of Scripture," Ensign, Nov. 2011, pp. 6-8
Click here to read the full talk

Elder Scott had a great love and appreciation for the scriptures, and on several occasions encouraged more regular and thorough study in order to gain the benefits that are available. I like the benefits he describes in this excerpt; scriptures can:

• be a source of understanding, guidance, and inspiration
• open doors of communication with God
• enable us to teach and counsel with authority
• be loyal and ever-present friends to us
• provide a foundation that the Holy Ghost can build on

Elder Scott is talking about more than superficial familiarity with the scriptures; when we learn, ponder, search, and even memorize scriptures, it's "like filling a filing cabinet with friends, values, and truths that can be called upon anytime, anywhere in the world." That's a great promise!

And finally, this description of the benefit of memorizing scriptural passages:

What a valuable reminder and challenge to us all, no matter where we are in life, to take greater advantage in our lives of this wonderful gift from God!

Bruce R. McConkie on following the straight path towards salvation

Elder Bruce R. McConkie (July 29, 1915 - April 19, 1985) served as a Seventy from 1946-1972 when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve.  He served in that assignment until his death from cancer at age 69.

"Everyone in the Church who is on the straight and narrow path, who is striving and struggling and desiring to do what is right, though is far from perfect in this life; if he passes out of this life while he's on the straight and narrow, he's going to go on to eternal reward in his Father's kingdom.

"We don't need to get a complex or get a feeling that you have to be perfect to be saved. You don't. There's only been one perfect person, and that's the Lord Jesus, but in order to be saved in the Kingdom of God and in order to pass the test of mortality, what you have to do is get on the straight and narrow path—thus charting a course leading to eternal life—and then, being on that path, pass out of this life in full fellowship.

"I'm not saying that you don't have to keep the commandments. I'm saying you don't have to be perfect to be saved. If you did, no one would be saved. The way it operates is this you get on the path that's named the 'straight and narrow.' You do it by entering the gate of repentance and baptism. The straight and narrow path leads from the gate of repentance and baptism, a very great distance, to a reward that's called eternal life.

"If you're on that path and pressing forward, and you die, you'll never get off the path. There is no such thing as falling off the straight and narrow path in the life to come, and the reason is that this life is the time that is given to men to prepare for eternity. Now is the time and the day of your salvation, so if you're working zealously in this life—though you haven't fully overcome the world and you haven't done all you hoped you might do—you're still going to be saved.

"You don't have to do what Jacob said, 'Go beyond the mark.' You don't have to live a life that's truer than true. You don't have to have an excessive zeal that becomes fanatical and becomes unbalancing. What you have to do is stay in the mainstream of the Church and live as upright and decent people live in the Church—keeping the commandments, paying your tithing, serving in the organizations of the Church, loving the Lord, staying on the straight and narrow path. If you're on that path when death comes—because this is the time and the day appointed, this the probationary estate—you'll never fall off from it, and, for all practical purposes, your calling and election is made sure."

- Bruce R. McConkie, "The Probationary Test of Mortality," Salt Lake Institute of Religion devotional, Jan. 10, 1982

One of the challenging questions of life, as expressed by the prison keeper to Paul but asked by men since the beginning of time, is "What must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30) Or sometimes, "Am I doing enough?" "Will I 'make it' there?"

Elder McConkie addresses the concern that many have, worrying that their efforts are insufficient, that they are falling short, that they have such a long way still to go to reach perfection.  His message is summed up in the concept of "the straight and narrow path" which he might have called "the straight and narrow and very long path." He emphasizes that the key is to get on the path (through appropriate covenants and ordinances) and then stay on it through our faith and commitment to discipleship—keeping the commandments, loving the Lord, serving others. At some point in following that path, we die; but we keep on progressing along the path after the transition from mortality occurs. The destination is sure, as long as we are on the proper path.

Brigham Young on the blessing of prayer in our lives

Brigham Young (June 1, 1801-August 29, 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.

"The cares of the world, we know very well, flood in upon them; but let me tell you one thing—and I want you to seriously remember it—if you are in darkness, and have not the spirit of prayer, still do not neglect your prayers in your families in the morning. You, fathers and husbands, get down on your knees, and when the cares of this world intrude themselves upon your devotions, let them wait while you remain on your knees and finish your prayers. Brother Daniel D. Hunt's blessing over a dinner in Missouri, when he and Benjamin Clapp first met, is a very good prayer for us all. It was: 'O, Lord, save us from error.' If you can say no more than this very short but comprehensive prayer, go down upon your knees and say it.

"When you have labored faithfully for years, you will learn this simple fact—that if your hearts are aright, and you still continue to be obedient, continue to serve God, continue to pray, the Spirit of revelation will be in you like a well of water springing up to everlasting life. Let no person give up prayer because he has not the spirit of prayer, neither let any earthly circumstance hurry you while in the performance of this important duty. By bowing down before the Lord to ask him to bless you, you will simply find this result—God will multiply blessings on you temporally and spiritually. Let a merchant, a farmer, a mechanic, any person in business, live his religion faithfully, and he need never lose one minute's sleep by thinking about his business; he need not worry in the least, but trust in God, go to sleep and rest. I say to this people—pray, and if you cannot do anything else, read a prayer aloud that your family may hear it, until you get a worshiping spirit, and are full of the riches of eternity, then you will be prepared at any time to lay hands on the sick, or to officiate in any of the ordinances of this religion."

- Brigham Young, remarks delivered in the Old Tabernacle, Great Salt Lake City, November 17th, 1867; see JD 12:103, DBY 46
Click here to read the full article

In some ways, the early Church leaders often preached a very "practical" faith. In this sermon, President Young extols the importance of prayer, but in very down-to-earth ways. Pray even if you don't feel like it; pray even if it's the most simple of prayers. Pray especially when "the cares of the world... flood in" and distract or discourage us.

And I love the suggested promises when we do pray:

So we can be confident that "God will multiply blessings on you temporally and spiritually" when we pray consistently. We will "get a worshiping spirit" and be "full of the riches of eternity." Wonderful promises!