Elder Richard G. Scott on the Savior's support in life

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.

"More important, all of them [the scriptures and prophets], without exception, will lift your vision to the perfect friend—our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus the Christ.

"I love President Benson. I love the Book of Mormon, the Bible, and the other holy scriptures. But I adore this friend.

"I cannot comprehend his power, his majesty, his perfections. But I do understand something of his love, his compassion, his mercy.

"There is no burden he cannot lift.

"There is no heart he cannot purify and fill with joy.

"There is no life he cannot cleanse and restore when one is obedient to his teachings.

"Let my other friends [the living prophet and the scriptures] guide you to him, but find him yourself through humble, sincere prayer, obedience, and faith."

- Richard G. Scott, "True Friends that Lift," Ensign, November 1988, p. 76
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Scott discussed some of the important friends we have in this life to assist in our journey to happiness, including such things as scriptural records, the prophetic teachings they contain, and modern living witnesses. But his message comes to an apex as he introduces "the perfect friend" and shares thoughts about how He can bless our lives as part of the great plan of happiness:

All the other good "friends" of our life will guide us to the Savior, but we also discover Him and build our relationship with Him "through humble, sincere prayer, obedience, and faith."

Elder Neil L. Andersen on being solidly grounded in times of spiritual tornadoes

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.

"With all the wonderful blessings that are ours in living in this beautiful world, ours is also a time of spiritual tornadoes.... These tornadoes come out of the modern day sky with increasing frequency and test our spiritual foundations. With more opportunities, more time, more freedom, and more privilege come more temptation, and more chance of spiritual destruction from the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life. (See Matthew 13:21; Luke 8:13-14)

"To weather these storms in this environment the Lord has instructed us by His prophets that we must become grounded, rooted, established, and settled in spiritual things. (See Ephesians 3:17; 1 Peter 5:10; Colossians 1:23; 2:7) Christ himself speaking to His disciples said, 'Settle this in your hearts, that you will do the things which I shall teach and command you.' (JST Luke 14:28) Grounded, rooted, established and settled.

"My message today is that we must deepen our faith. Our motives must be real belief. In the environment in which we now live and in which we will live, a simple desire to follow the traditions of our parents will not be sufficient to protect us. There must come into each of our lives a firm conviction that there will be no lasting happiness except in keeping the commandments of God. It will not be sufficient to spiritually live without deep-rooted, powerful testimonies, for the winds and tornadoes of the world will surround us like never before....

"What does it mean to be grounded, rooted, established, and settled spiritually? It means to see 'things as they really are.' (See Jacob 4:13) It means having an eternal perspective, and realizing those things that will shape our lives over much more than the next five, ten, fifteen, or fifty years, but shape and mold our spirits eternally, for our spirits live forever. It is having a faith that is not a generalized feeling but reflects specific experience with interlocking principles. Being grounded and rooted means being able to look forward and backward from this life. A hundred years from now, how will my decisions affect me? A thousand years? A million years? The difficulties that are now mine, how meaningful will they be in a future state?

"This perspective of seeing the spiritual all around us, seeing the purposes of life, does not come merely because we want to believe these things. If we have not grounded and settled these things deep within the foundation of our soul, when the tornadoes come we will find ourselves carried away."

- Neil L. Andersen, "Grounded, Rooted, Established, Settled," LDS Business College devotional, January 14, 1998
Click here to read the full article

I recently came across this talk by Elder Andersen, given when he was serving as a Seventy before his call to the Twelve. I loved his examples and analogies as he discussed the destructive power of tornadoes, and then considered the "spiritual tornadoes" of our time and the different but equally devastating destructive influence they can have if we are not prepared for their onslaught.

I believe it was Elder Neal A. Maxwell who, in a 1981 BYU devotional, first brought together adjectives from the teachings of Peter and Paul to discuss the hope for each of us to be "grounded, rooted, established, and settled" in our gospel maturity. That kind of spiritual anchoring and stability becomes the key in resisting the force of spiritual tornadoes:

Elder Andersen specifies some of the evidences of one who is "grounded, rooted, established, and settled" as:

• having deep-rooted, powerful testimonies
• seeing things as they really are (the spiritual perceptiveness to understand truth)
• having eternal perspective on life and the events that befall us
• having specific, detailed, reinforced faith
• seeing life in the context of time both backwards and forwards
• knowing that events and circumstances might seem serious, but being able to keep the long-term perspective of what their true impact will be

Being grounded and settled happens "deep within the foundations of our soul." We would be wise to carefully examine our souls and consider how we can strengthen our spiritual moorings.

President Boyd K. Packer on personal prayer and revelation

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.

"You have your agency, and inspiration does not—perhaps cannot—flow unless you ask for it, or someone asks for you.

"No message in scripture is repeated more often than the invitation, even the command, to pray—to ask.

"Prayer is so essential a part of revelation that without it the veil may remain closed to you. Learn to pray. Pray often. Pray in your mind, in your heart. Pray on your knees.

"You must begin where you are. Pray, even if you are like the prophet Alma when he was young and wayward, or if you are like Amulek, of the closed mind, who 'knew concerning these things, yet... would not know' (Alma 10:6).

"Prayer is your personal key to heaven. The lock is on your side of the veil (see Rev. 3:20)."

- Boyd K. Packer, "Personal Revelation: The Gift, the Test, and the Promise," Ensign, Nov. 1994, 59-60
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Packer identifies one of the key blessings that comes when we exercise our agency and heed the invitation to pray: the inspiration and revelation that will begin to flow. And so it becomes critical that we learn to pray often and in every setting and opportunity.

The reluctance to pray enough puts us in the same category as Amulek; President Packer quotes a part of that early convert's admission of his own stubbornness:

Nevertheless, I did harden my heart, for I was called many times and I would not hear; therefore I knew concerning these things, yet I would not know; therefore I went on rebelling against God, in the wickedness of my heart.... (Alma 10:6).

The heart that knows, but stubbornly refuses to act, is one that desperately needs to be softened and changed. If we are not unlocking the precious door of heaven with our prayers, frequently and consistently, we are invited to repent and begin to claim the greater blessings that are ours.

Elder Marvin J. Ashton on the blessings of plainness

Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915-1994) served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles from 1971 until his death in 1994 at age 78.

"'For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men.' (2 Ne. 31:3.) 'I glory in plainness; I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell.' (2 Ne. 33:6.) 'My soul delighteth in plainness unto my people, that they may learn.' (2 Ne. 25:4.) Through this great prophet Nephi, along with other leaders and wise teachers, we come to realize that we learn more readily if principles are taught and explained in plainness. Brigham Young once said that if he could do but one thing to bless the Saints, he believed it would be to give them 'eyes with which to see things as they are.' (Journal of Discourses, 3:221.)

"Plainness is best comprehended by the humble, the teachable, the intelligent, the wise, and the obedient. Often plain truths are perverted by the pretentious, the crude, the low, the critical, the contentious, the haughty, and the unrighteous. More so than in any other time in our history, there is an urgency in today's society for men and women to step forward and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of plainness. God delights when His truths are taught clearly and understandably with no conspicuous ornamentation. Plainness in life, word, and conduct are eternal virtues. When the plainness of Christian teaching and living is lost, apostasy and suffering result. People walk in darkness when the light of plainness is taken from their lives....

"The truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ are plain, precious, and powerful. The lives of the worthy are plain, precious, and powerful."

- Marvin J. Ashton, "The Power of Plainness," Ensign, May 1977, pp. 66-68
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This was one of the classic talks by Elder Ashton. Noting the powerful teachings of Nephi about the importance of plainness, he applied the concept to our modern times and situation.

I've always loved Nephi's personal expression of love for the Savior as expressed in this memorable phrase: "I glory in plainness; I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell." He spoke of "my Jesus" even though this was hundreds of years before the mortal life of the Savior; but yet Nephi already had the depth of personal understanding and conviction to recognize Jesus as his personal Redeemer and to hold Him close in esteem. This is plain and pure doctrine.

As we focus on the plain and simple truths of the Gospel, and their direct application to our lives, we are deeply blessed.

President James E. Faust on true belief and action overcoming fear

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.

"The Savior's words to the leader of the synagogue capture the essence of this story: 'Be not afraid, only believe' (Mark 5:36). These five words comprise my message to you.

"We must believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost (see Mosiah 4:9). We must believe in the Atonement and the Resurrection of the Savior. We must believe in the words of the prophets, both ancient and modern. We should also believe in ourselves.

"Believing requires action. If you prepare to walk down the path of life, you can be rewarded beyond your dreams and expectations. But to achieve this, you must work very hard, save, be wise, and be alert. You must learn to deny yourselves of worldly gratification. You must be faithful in paying tithes; you must keep the Word of Wisdom; you must be free from other addictions. You must be chaste and morally clean in every respect. You should accept and be faithful in all of the calls that come to you. Steadiness and toil will serve you better than brilliance."

- James E. Faust, "Pioneers of the Future: 'Be Not Afraid, Only Believe'," Ensign, Nov. 1997, p. 45
Click here to read or listen to the full article

The five simple words of the Savior's admonition as recorded in Mark are, to me, among the most profound and influential of His instructions. "Be not afraid, only believe." These words encapsulate guidance for dealing with a complex and sometimes confusing mortality, and provide the essence of the message of discipleship. They emphasize the important distinction between fear and faith, encouraging us to overcome the former with the latter. If we truly grasped the full import of this simple invitation and accepted it completely, much would be clarified and simplified in our lives.

Believe what? President Faust offers some suggestions: believe in God, the Savior, the Holy Spirit; believe in the power of the Atonement and Resurrection on our behalf; believe in prophets sent to represent God; believe in our own capacity to follow and find happiness.

But belief is not passive; true, sincere, heart-felt belief implies and requires action:

It's in the "deny[ng] yourselves of worldly gratification" that our incomplete belief is sometimes manifest, particularly as we allow those things to intervene in the actions that demonstrate true belief. The true and faithful disciple will demonstrate "steadiness" in the path, and not scattered instances of brilliance.

Elder Gary E. Stevenson on letting our light shine

Elder Gary E. Stevenson (b. 1955) was called as a Seventy in 2008, then as Presiding Bishop in 2012. He was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015.

"Recently, as I participated with Elder Quentin L. Cook in a conference with many other priesthood leaders, he counseled, 'Don't be in camouflage.'  He went on to emphasis how it is important that we stand up and stand out. I believe he was addressing another type of fear—the fear of being ridiculed for one's beliefs.

"Today’s cultural landscape is full of those who would mock and ridicule our beliefs. We worry that if we express our peculiar beliefs—and they are peculiar—that this will somehow become an embarrassment, or ultimately, a disadvantage in our professional or social relationships. But we shouldn’t hide among the shadows, trying to blend in. 'Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid' (Matthew 5:14)....

"It is more important than ever to be willing to express your values and beliefs—particularly in today’s society, where people are stumbling around in the midst of darkness. You can express your faith with words, but especially by the way you live your life. 'Be strong and of a good courage' (Joshua 10:25). There are those out there who are hungry for the light of truth that you have. 'Let your light so shine before men' (Matthew 5:16).

"Remember that the flame of conviction, truth and testimony inside you is bright enough to vanquish your fear of ridicule for your beliefs."

- Gary E. Stevenson, "Conquer Fear with the Fire of Faith," BYU-Hawaii commencement address, April 18, 2015
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

It's not unusual to be worried about having our beliefs ridiculed. We want to make a good impression, to have others think well of us. But we also want to share things that are precious to us with others. We just worry that they may not understand them or find them as precious as we do; and sometimes we're afraid that the criticism may lead to "disadvantages" in social or professional settings. So we hesitate.

Elder Stevenson encourages boldness and courage in letting our light shine; too many around us are struggling and stumbling in the darkness of today's world:

The final point is a powerful one.  It is "the flame of conviction, truth and testimony" in our hearts that will "vanquish your fear of ridicule for your beliefs." When the fire is strong, the fear fades away in the desire to share and bless.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on Christlike love and true righteousness

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (born December 3, 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.

"Christlike love is the greatest need we have on this planet in part because righteousness was always supposed to accompany it. So if love is to be our watchword, as it must be, then by the word of Him who is love personified, we must forsake transgression and any hint of advocacy for it in others. Jesus clearly understood what many in our modern culture seem to forget: that there is a crucial difference between the commandment to forgive sin (which He had an infinite capacity to do) and the warning against condoning it (which He never ever did even once).

"Friends, especially my young friends, take heart. Pure Christlike love flowing from true righteousness can change the world....

"Be strong. Live the gospel faithfully even if others around you don't live it at all. Defend your beliefs with courtesy and with compassion, but defend them. A long history of inspired voices, including those you will hear in this conference and the voice you just heard in the person of President Thomas S. Monson, point you toward the path of Christian discipleship. It is a strait path, and it is a narrow path without a great deal of latitude at some points, but it can be thrillingly and successfully traveled, 'with... steadfastness in Christ, ... a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men' (2 Nephi 31:20). In courageously pursuing such a course, you will forge unshakable faith, you will find safety against ill winds that blow, even shafts in the whirlwind, and you will feel the rock-like strength of our Redeemer, upon whom if you build your unflagging discipleship, you cannot fall (see Helaman 5:12)."

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Cost—and Blessings—of Discipleship," Ensign, May 2014, pp. 6-9
Click here to read and listen to the full article

Elder Holland suggests an interesting premise: we can not truly express Christlike love unless we are living a Christlike life. Righteousness must accompany the emotion. In order to live as He lived, to love as He loves, "we must forsake transgression." Not only that, we must avoid any condoning or advocacy of sin; we must in every case stand for truth. But the promise is powerful; "Pure Christlike love flowing from true righteousness can change the world."

Elder Holland encourages us to "Live the gospel faithfully even if others around you don't live it at all"—sometimes that is hard to do. If we listen carefully to the "inspired voices" who guide and encourage us, we can find the "path of Christian discipleship" and be able to remain on it. I love Elder Holland's promises; as we "courageously pursue" that path:

• you will forge unshakable faith
• you will find safety against ill winds that blow
• you will feel the rock-like strength of our Redeemer