Elder Neil L. Andersen on life's experiences and central purpose

Elder Neil L. Andersen (b. August 9, 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 1993, and was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2009.

"The power of the Savior and the power of the devil are not truly comparable. (See Moses 1:1-22.) On this planet, however, evil has been allowed a position of influence to give us the chance to choose between good and evil. The scripture says: 'God gave unto man that he should act for himself. [And] man could not act for himself... [unless] he was enticed by... one or the other' (2 Ne. 2:16).

"The choice between good and evil is at the very heart of our experience on earth. In the final review of our lives, it will not really matter if we were rich or poor, if we were athletic or not, if we had friends or were often forgotten.

"We can work, study, laugh and have fun, dance, sing, and enjoy many different experiences. These are a wonderful part of life, but they are not central to why we are here. The opportunity to choose good over evil is precisely why we are here. (See 2 Ne. 2:27.)

"Not one of us would say, 'I want to choose evil.' We all want to choose the right. However, the choice of good over evil is not always easy, because evil frequently lurks behind smiling eyes."

- Neil L. Andersen, "Beware of the Evil behind the Smiling Eyes," Ensign May 2005, pp. 46-47
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Elder Andersen's analysis of the purposes of mortality gives us valuable insight into the nature of our life here. There is indeed much evil in the world, but the power of good always surpasses the power of evil, so we need not fear in the end.

The crucial choice of mortality, then, is that frequent and even constant battle between good and evil. The so-called "worldly achievements" of this experience matter nothing in comparison. We must learn to use our agency appropriately. The danger, Elder Andersen warns in this sermon, is how cleverly evil is often disguised, making that choice much more difficult.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on living with faith in God

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (born December 3, 1940 - 76 years ago today!) 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.

"I plead with you not to dwell on days now gone, nor to yearn vainly for yesterdays, however good those yesterdays may have been. The past is to be learned from but not lived in. We look back to claim the embers from glowing experiences but not the ashes. And when we have learned what we need to learn and have brought with us the best that we have experienced, then we look ahead, we remember that faith is always pointed toward the future. Faith always has to do with blessings and truths and events that will yet be efficacious in our lives. So a more theological way to talk about Lot's wife is to say that she did not have faith. She doubted the Lord's ability to give her something better than she already had. Apparently she thought—fatally, as it turned out—that nothing that lay ahead could possibly be as good as those moments she was leaving behind....

"To yearn to go back to a world that cannot be lived in now; to be perennially dissatisfied with present circumstances and have only dismal views of the future; to miss the here-and-now-and-tomorrow because we are so trapped in the there-and-then-and-yesterday—these are some of the sins, if we may call them that, of ... Lot's wife."

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "Remember Lot's Wife," BYU Devotional, 13 January 2009
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This is, for me, one of the most memorable of Elder Holland's many remarkable speeches. In addressing an assembly of BYU students, he spoke about what he identified as the second shortest verse in all the scriptures: "Remember Lot's wife" (Luke 17:32). He explained that in the original story in Genesis 19, when Lot's family is fleeing God's destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, his wife disobeyed the Lord's instruction to "look not behind thee;" but her greater problem was that in her heart, she wanted to be back in Sodom enjoying the pleasures of the city. At least one aspect of the sin she committed was to doubt that God could give her something better than what she had already experienced. A parallel danger is to focus too much on the trials and hardships, forgetting the promises of "good things to come."

Faith in God reminds us to look forward, not backward. It is anticipation and expectation of the good to come, trusting in God's promises and the ultimate deliverance He will provide. We must remember that He truly is the “high priest of good things to come” (Hebrews 9:11).

Elder D. Todd Christofferson on living a consecrated life

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.

"Our life on earth is a stewardship of time and choices granted by our Creator. The word stewardship calls to mind the Lord's law of consecration (see, for example, D&C 42:32, 53), which has an economic role but, more than that, is an application of celestial law to life here and now (see D&C 105:5). To consecrate is to set apart or dedicate something as sacred, devoted to holy purposes. True success in this life comes in consecrating our lives—that is, our time and choices—to God's purposes (see John 17:1, 4; D&C 19:19). In so doing, we permit Him to raise us to our highest destiny....

"A consecrated life is a beautiful thing. Its strength and serenity are 'as a very fruitful tree which is planted in a goodly land, by a pure stream, that yieldeth much precious fruit' (D&C 97:9). Of particular significance is the influence of a consecrated man or woman upon others, especially those closest and dearest. The consecration of many who have gone before us and others who live among us has helped lay the foundation for our happiness. In like manner future generations will take courage from your consecrated life, acknowledging their debt to you for the possession of all that truly matters. May we consecrate ourselves as sons and daughters of God, 'that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope' (Moroni 7:48; see also 1 John 3:2)."

- D. Todd Christofferson, "Reflections on a Consecrated Life," Ensign, November 2010, pp. 16-19
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This was a very fascinating talk by Elder Christofferson. What does it mean to live a "consecrated life"? What would our actions and thoughts be if we were truly and fully consecrated to God?

The first sentence of this excerpt provides a thought-provoking beginning; mortal life is "a stewardship of time and choices granted by our Creator." Do we understand that? Do we recognize the sacred nature of a stewardship, and how it includes the unpredictable amount of time we are granted on earth, and how we choose to use that time?

Elder Christofferson then introduces consecration as "an application of celestial law to life here and now." We're not just going through some arbitrary motions of attempted obedience; we are implementing the elements of celestial law that will bring the greatest joy to us:

As we learn to consecrate our time and our actions, life becomes far more blessed, and our ability to make a difference in those around us grows correspondingly. It will influence not only those around us now, but generations to come—just as each of us is blessed by the consecrated efforts of those who have preceded us.

Elder Quentin L. Cook on demonstrating love and unity through 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.

"The Savior also emphasized love and unity and declared that we would be known as His disciples if we have love one to another. In the face of the eternity-shaping Atonement He was about to undertake, such a commandment requires our obedience. We manifest our love for God when we keep His commandments and serve His children. We don't fully comprehend the Atonement, but we can spend our lives trying to be more loving and kind, regardless of the adversity we face.

"The Savior's charge to His disciples to love one another—and the dramatic and powerful way He taught this principle at the Last Supper—is one of the most poignant and beautiful episodes from the last days of His mortal life.

"He was not teaching a simple class in ethical behavior. This was the Son of God pleading with His Apostles and all disciples who would come after them to remember and follow this most central of His teachings. How we relate and interact with each other is a measure of our willingness to follow Jesus Christ."

- Quentin L. Cook, "We Follow Jesus Christ," Ensign, May 2010, p. 83
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This is one of the keys to the Savior's message: "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:35.)  Elder Cook teaches that we show our love for God by how we serve one another, and how we keep His commandments. The Savior set the example by serving as He approached the greatest challenge of mortality; and so "we can spend our lives trying to be more loving and kind, regardless of the adversity we face." What a beautiful challenge.

Elder David A. Bednar on progress through righteousness and Atonement

Elder David A. Bednar (born June 15, 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 gospel of Jesus Christ encompasses much more than avoiding, overcoming, and being cleansed from sin and the bad influences in our lives; it also essentially entails doing good, being good, and becoming better. Repenting of our sins and seeking forgiveness are spiritually necessary, and we must always do so. But remission of sin is not the only or even the ultimate purpose of the gospel. To have our hearts changed by the Holy Spirit such that 'we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually' (Mosiah 5:2), as did King Benjamin's people, is the covenant responsibility we have accepted. This mighty change is not simply the result of working harder or developing greater individual discipline. Rather, it is the consequence of a fundamental change in our desires, our motives, and our natures made possible through the Atonement of Christ the Lord. Our spiritual purpose is to overcome both sin and the desire to sin, both the taint and the tyranny of sin.

"Prophets throughout the ages have emphasized the dual requirements of (1) avoiding and overcoming bad and (2) doing good and becoming better. Consider the penetrating questions posed by the Psalmist:

"'Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?

"'He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully' (Psalm 24:3-4).

"Brothers and sisters, it is possible for us to have clean hands but not have a pure heart. Please notice that both clean hands and a pure heart are required to ascend into the hill of the Lord and to stand in His holy place."

- David A. Bednar, "Clean Hands and a Pure Heart," Ensign, November 2007, pp. 80-83
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While the scriptures contain many admonitions related to eliminating sin and evil from our lives, what Elder Bednar points out is that there is more to our spiritual growth and development than that. In addition to cutting out the bad, we need to fill in with good—active obedience, unselfish service, faithful devotions and worship. When we "have our hearts changed by the Holy Spirit" we begin to have the desire "to do good continually" and that makes all the difference. It's critical to remember how that "mighty change" of the heart occurs—not through practice or trying harder, but through allowing the Atonement of the Savior to purge, purify, and strengthen.

It's an interesting thought that we can have "clean hands" through meticulous external efforts to obey the commandments; but that must also be accompanied by a "pure heart" through the power of the Atonement.

Elder Robert D. Hales on showing our faith in spite of troublesome times

Elder Robert D. Hales (b. August 24, 1932) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1985, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

"As we look into the eyes of our children and grandchildren, we see the doubt and fear of our times. Wherever these precious ones go in the world, they hear about unemployment, poverty, war, immorality, and crime. They wonder, 'How can we cope with these problems?'

"To find answers, they look back into our eyes and listen to our words. Do they hear us speaking faithfully and hopefully, despite the tribulations of our times?

"They need to see us continuing to pray and study the scriptures together, to hold family home evening and family councils, to serve faithfully in our Church callings, to attend the temple regularly, and to be obedient to our covenants. When they see our steadfastness in keeping the commandments, their fears will subside and their confidence in the Lord will increase.

"By showing our faith through tribulation, we assure them that the fury of the adversary is not fatal."

- Robert D. Hales, "Faith through Tribulation Brings Peace and Joy," Ensign, May 2003, pp. 15-18
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Elder Hales shares a valuable reminder and caution. It's easy to be discouraged in the midst of "the doubt and fear of our times." We may have concerns for our nation, our economy, our schools, the safety of our neighborhoods, our international relations—so many things. And those perils are increasing, and will continue to increase, in our day.

But what do we teach our little ones, who look to us, by how we respond? And not just the little children, but perhaps those who don't share our faith and understanding of God's plan? When we talk in overly worried and fearful tones, we demonstrate a lack of faith in God and in His ability to carry us to safety. And so Elder Hales counsels us, as the Lord has always counseled, "Be not afraid, only believe" (Mark 5:36) and let that belief shine in our words and in our actions.

Truly, the example we show in our words and actions will help to bless and strengthen those around us more than we ever realize. There are always others watching, actively or passively; and one person's faith not only blesses that person, but when it is visible and demonstrated, it does more good than he or she can ever anticipate.

Elder M. Russell Ballard on increasing spirituality through strengthened testimony

Elder M. Russell Ballard (born October 8, 1928) was called as a Seventy in 1976, and has served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1985.

"And so it returns, as it always does, to your own personal faith and testimony. That is the difference-maker, my young brothers and sisters. That is how you know. That is how you avoid the mistakes of the past and take your spirituality to the next level. If you are open and receptive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit in your lives, you will understand the lessons of the past, and they will be burned into your souls by the power of your testimonies.

"And how do you get such a testimony? Well, there's no new technology for that, nor will there ever be. You cannot do a Google search to gain a testimony. You can't text message faith. You gain a vibrant, life-changing testimony today the same way it has always been done. The process hasn't been changed. It comes through desire, study, prayer, obedience, and service. That is why the teachings of prophets and apostles, past and present, are as relevant to your life today as they ever have been."

- M. Russell Ballard, "Learning the Lessons of the Past," Ensign, May 2009, pp. 31-34
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The keys to true success and happiness in life always come back to our personal faith and testimony. Elder Ballard mentions two significant goals: avoiding the mistakes of the past, and growing in spirituality. Those are both accomplished as we listen to the whisperings of the Spirit.

So how is a testimony gained and strengthened? Elder Ballard mentions contemporary technology to offer a warning, then reminds us of the things that have always made a difference.

This is a wonderful sequence to remember, to ingrain in our activities and habits:

• desire
• study
• prayer
• obedience
• service