Elder Quentin L. Cook on the perspective of the eternal plan

Elder Quentin L. Cook (b. September 8, 1940) was called as a Seventy in 1996, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2007.

"The Father's plan of happiness for His children includes not only a premortal and mortal life but also an eternal life as well, including a great and glorious reunion with those we have lost. All wrongs will be righted, and we will see with perfect clarity and faultless perspective and understanding.

"From the limited perspective of those who do not have knowledge, understanding, or faith in the Father's plan—who look at the world only through the lens of mortality with its wars, violence, disease, and evil—this life can seem depressing, chaotic, unfair, and meaningless. Church leaders have compared this perspective with someone walking into the middle of a three-act play. Those without knowledge of the Father's plan do not understand what happened in the first act, or the premortal existence, and the purposes established there; nor do they understand the clarification and resolution that come in the third act, which is the glorious fulfillment of the Father's plan....

"However, righteousness, prayer, and faithfulness will not always result in happy endings in mortality. Many will experience severe trials....

"There are many kinds of challenges. Some give us necessary experiences. Adverse results in this mortal life are not evidence of lack of faith or of an imperfection in our Father in Heaven's overall plan. The refiner's fire is real, and qualities of character and righteousness that are forged in the furnace of affliction perfect and purify us and prepare us to meet God."

- Quentin L. Cook, "The Songs They Could Not Sing," Ensign, November 2011, p. 106
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In the midst of mortality's frustrations, it's easy to forget the eternal nature of the plan of happiness that our Father has provided for us. Eventually, the full extent and scope of that glorious plan will be clear to us again, and we will truly rejoice as all sorrows are replaces with joy and understanding:

Sadly, without the divine and eternal perspective of God's plan for us, the challenges of this life "can seem depressing, chaotic, unfair, and meaningless." Even our most righteous efforts don't guarantee happy results in the limited timeframe of mortality. But all will be made right in God's due time. So meanwhile, it's important to recognize the purpose and power of our trials: the forge "qualities of character and righteousness" and help to "perfect and purify us and prepare us to meet God."

Elder David A. Bednar on the powerful blessings of the Holy Ghost

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.

"Obedience opens the door to the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. And the spiritual gifts and abilities activated by the power of the Holy Ghost enable us to avoid deception—and to see, to feel, to know, to understand, and to remember things as they really are. You and I have been endowed with a greater capacity for obedience precisely for these reasons. Moroni declared:

"'Hearken unto the words of the Lord, and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need. Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him.

"'Be wise in the days of your probation; strip yourselves of all uncleanness; ask not, that ye may consume it on your lusts, but ask with a firmness unshaken, that ye will yield to no temptation, but that ye will serve the true and living God' (Mormon 9:27-28).

"As we heed that inspired counsel, we can and will be blessed to recognize and repel the attacks of the adversary—today and in the days that lie ahead. We can and will fulfill our foreordained responsibilities and contribute to the work of the Lord in all the world."

- David A. Bednar, "Things as They Really Are," CES devotional, BYU-Idaho, May 3, 2009; see Ensign, June 2010, pp. 16-25
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This is a remarkable description of the blessings that come from obedience. It's the key that "opens the door to the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost"—a most precious gift, one to be sought after and prized greatly. The Holy Ghost then "activates" spiritual gifts that bless us in profound ways:

I love the expression that with the Holy Ghost and the spiritual gifts that follow, we can be blessed "to see, to feel, to know, to understand, and to remember things as they really are." What a profound endowment!

So much follows from the simple and foundational concept of obedience! As we are willing to submit our will to God, and follow in His path, joy and safety will certainly be the result, and a life greatly expanded in richness and opportunity.

President Spencer W. Kimball on what it means to follow Christ

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985) was ordained an apostle in 1943 and served as President of the Church from 1973 to 1985.

"To be like Christ! What an ambitious goal! What a lofty ideal! The Savior had a pleasing personality, he was kind, he was pleasant, he was understanding, he never went off on tangents, he was perfectly balanced. No eccentricities could be found in his life. Here was no ostentation and show, but he was real and humble and genuine. He made no play for popularity. He made no compromises to gain favor. He did the right thing always, regardless of how it might appeal to men. He drew all good people to him as a magnet.

"'What manner of men ought ye to be?' The answer, 'Even as I am," means that one must be forgiving, there must be no grudges, no hatreds, no bitterness....

"To be like him, then, one must resist evil. One must fortify one's self by keeping away from temptation, out of the devil's area. One must control desire, harness passion, bridle every urge, and keep away from the approach of error. Total cleanliness in thought and action is required if one is to be Christlike.

"'What manner of men ought ye to be?' The answer, 'Even as I am,' brings us to a realization that we must love our neighbor as ourselves.... [It] imposes itself upon us as a command to honor our parents, to be obedient to them, to love and cherish and sustain them and to glorify them with rich and abundant lives. We remember how, even while on the cross suffering the mortal agonies, he remembered and provided for his mother.

"'What manner of men ought ye to be?' he asked. And the answer, 'Even as I am,' brings us to our knees in prayer; for... he, the Son of God with the powers of creation and with control of life and death, went frequently 'into a mountain apart to pray.'

"'What manner of men ought ye to be?' The answer, 'Even as I am,' reflects a studious life—a life of learning. And he says: 'Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.' (John 5:39.) "

- Spencer W. Kimball, "What Manner of Men Ought Ye to Be," Jordan Seminary graduation, Sandy, UT, 5/14/54; see TSWK 13-14

What does it mean to follow Christ, to emulate Him, to try to be like Him? President Kimball explores that question in this very interesting excerpt. It's intriguing to see some of the qualities or characteristics he identifies as things we should do, and things we should avoid:

President Kimball takes particular note of the Savior's challenging question and response: "What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am." (3 Ne 27:27) Answers include such foundational principles as service to others, prayer, and study.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on commitment and preparation

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.

"Nearly 200 years ago William Wordsworth wrote that 'the world is too much with us.' What on earth would he say about the encroachments pressing in on your souls and sensibilities today? ...

"In the most difficult and discouraging days of World War II, Winston Churchill said to the people of England: 'To every man there comes... that special moment when he is figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a special thing unique to him and fitted to his talent. What a tragedy if that moment finds him unprepared or unqualified for the work which would be his finest hour.'

"In an even more serious kind of spiritual warfare... the day may come—indeed, I am certain will come—when in an unexpected circumstance or a time of critical need, lightning will strike, so to speak, and the future will be in your hands. Be ready when that day comes. Be strong. Always be clean.... I testify that the call in every age—and especially our age—is Joshua's call: 'Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the Lord will do wonders among you.'"

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "Sanctify Yourselves," Ensign, November 2000, pp. 38-40
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The quote from Winston Churchill has always challenged and inspired me. There will come a moment, or maybe more than one, in each of our lives when we are challenged to do something special and unique, suited just for us and our gifts. Will we be ready when that moment comes? Will we be willing, available, prepared, listening, and eager? To be "unprepared or unqualified" in that critical moment surely would be one of life's greatest sadnesses.

Elder Holland challenges each of us to be ready, to be strong, to be clean—so that when our moment comes, we can take full advantage of the opportunity.

The Lord truly will do wonders among us. How critical for us to be sanctifying ourselves every day, every moment, in order to fully be ready!

Elder Robert D. Hales on gaining and strengthening testimony

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.

"Gaining a testimony and becoming converted begins with study and prayer, then living the gospel with patience and persistence and inviting and waiting upon the Spirit....

"Once we receive a witness of the Spirit, our testimony is strengthened through study, prayer, and living the gospel. Our growing testimony brings us increased faith in Jesus Christ and His plan of happiness. We are motivated to repent and obey the commandments, which, with a mighty change of heart, leads to our conversion. And our conversion brings divine forgiveness, healing, joy, and the desire to bear our witness to others....

"Retaining that companionship requires an earnest effort on the part of Church members. If we are not obedient to the laws, principles, and ordinances of the gospel, the Holy Ghost will withdraw. He cannot be with us if we are angry in our hearts, contentious with our companions, or critical of the Lord's anointed. He departs whenever we are rebellious, are immoral, dress or act immodestly, are unclean or profane in mind or body, are slothful in priesthood callings and duties, or commit other sins, for 'the Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples' (Hel. 4:24).

"Therefore we must continually repent, partake of the sacrament, be worthy of a temple recommend, and serve the Lord with all our 'heart, might, mind and strength' (D&C 4:2).

"With the Holy Ghost dwelling in us, we feel a love for God and all His children. This love casts out fear and fills us with the desire to open our mouths. There is no greater gift we can give others than to bear our testimony to them. There is no greater joy we can have than to bring even one soul unto Christ (see D&C 18:15). And there is no greater way to strengthen our own testimony than to share our witness of Him with the world. As we do, our families will be strengthened. Our wards, stakes, and communities will be filled with peace and love, and, ultimately, the earth will be prepared for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

- Robert D. Hales, "Receiving a Testimony of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ," Ensign, Nov. 2003, 28-29
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Elder Hales emphasizes the importance of "study, prayer, and living the gospel" both in gaining a testimony initially, and in the ongoing process of growing in faith and commitment. The need for all three of those crucial steps can't be overemphasized. If we neglect either one, we won't progress:

For those who have accepted the gospel and are on the path, study and prayer sometimes are inadequate to maintaining strength. We desperately need to be nourishing our testimony and seeking ongoing strength and light to aid in the journey. But that is all in vain if we don't actually implement the principles; we must act on what we learn and feel. The gospel is not just about changing our thoughts and beliefs; it's also about changing our actions and deeds.

So we must "continually repent" and strive to become better disciples as we practice the principles in our daily lives. This leads to a growing desire to share these principles with others around us; as we are filled with the joy of gospel living, we want others to feel it too!

Elder M. Russell Ballard on facing challenges with faith and hope

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.

"The conditions in the world are uncertain and dangerous, and the economies of the world are unstable and unpredictable. The cherished values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are under attack by those who want to restrict agency and make us dependent rather than encourage us to use our skills and talents to create new and exciting ways of doing things.

"Standards of morality are failing. The family is under attack and is crumbling. Love in the hearts of men and women has waxed cold and is unnatural (see Matthew 24:12; Romans 1:31). There is a continuing breakdown in the integrity, honesty, and righteousness of political, business, and other leaders. Wars and rumors of wars among nations and creeds abound. And even more destructive than any armed conflict is the war raging between good and evil—between the Savior with His army of light and Satan with his evil minions of darkness—for the very souls of the children of God....

"As we think about the future, we should be filled with faith and hope. Always remember that Jesus Christ—the Creator of the universe, the architect of our salvation, and the head of this Church—is in control. He will not permit His work to fail. He will be victorious over all darkness and evil. And He invites us all, members of His Church and others who are the honest in heart, to join in the battle for the souls of God's children. Along with all else we will do in life, we must also dedicate and consecrate our heart, might, mind, and strength to His cause, walking in faith and working with conviction. 

"Face the future with optimism."

- M. Russell Ballard, "Face the Future with Faith and Hope," commencement address given at BYU–Idaho on April 6, 2012; see Ensign, January 2014, pp. 24-29
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It's not difficult to come up with a list of what's wrong with the world. Elder Ballard suggests a number of challenges and problems that are common all around us, and which we must confront in our lives. It might seem easy to be overwhelmed and discouraged in the face of such challenges; but Elder Ballard helps to see a better perspective, one based on faith and hope:

There is always hope for true and devoted followers of Christ.

I am grateful for this challenge, a rallying call to all of us who seek to be His disciples: "Along with all else we will do in life, we must also dedicate and consecrate our heart, might, mind, and strength to His cause, walking in faith and working with conviction."

Elder Dallin H. Oaks on confronting the world's influences

Elder Dallin H. Oaks (b. August 12, 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.

"These are challenging times, filled with big worries: wars and rumors of wars, possible epidemics of infectious diseases, droughts, floods, and global warming.... We are even challenged by the politics of conflict and the uncertainties sponsored by the aggressive new presidential administration in the world’s most powerful nation.

"But as serious as all of this is, we must worry just as much about the rising tide of evil in the world around us. Though some of us may feel isolated from the physical and political threats I have just mentioned, all of us are surrounded with evil in literature, music, movies, videos—on the internet, in our schools, and in the marketplace.

"I see all of these challenges as a fulfillment of Father Lehi's prophetic teaching that there must be 'an opposition in all things' (2 Nephi 2:11). We cannot change the evil influences that surround and press upon us and our families, but we can increase our power to deal with them as we push back against the world. We must try to carve out personal islands of purity and serenity and strengthen our barriers against the forces that besiege us in these protected spaces."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Push Back Against the World," Commencement Address at BYU-Hawaii, February 25, 2017
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This was a fascinating address by Elder Oaks. In speaking to college graduates, he addressed many contemporary issues and challenges as he encouraged them to "push back" against the negative aspects of the worldly influences that press on us from many sides.

In this excerpt, he spoke of some of the challenges of our time that include global climate change and political unrest in our own government. But he reminds us of the equally troubling trends of a "rising tide of evil" that reaches into each of our lives. They are evidence of opposition to God's work that can't be denied. They must be confronted and resisted through our righteous actions:

As we "push back against the world" and strive to push the world's evil and negativity away from our lives, we learn, as Elder Oaks encouraged, that the only way to resist is to create our own "personal islands of purity and serenity." And those islands only remain protected from the onslaught when there are strong barriers against the invading forces. I love the imagery of Elder Oaks' suggestion. Do I have those islands in my life?