Elder Quentin L. Cook on living in the world but not of it

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.

"Sodom and Gomorrah have actual and symbolic significance representing wickedness in the world. The Lord appeared to Abraham and said, speaking of those who lived in Sodom and Gomorrah, 'Their sin is very grievous' (Gen. 18:20). Their sinfulness was so great, and those who were righteous so few, that God destroyed these two cities of the plain. The great prophet of our own day, President Gordon B. Hinckley, has stated: 'All of the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah haunt our society. Our young people have never faced a greater challenge. We have never seen more clearly the lecherous face of evil.'

"Separating evil from our lives has become even more essential since our homes are wired to bring much of what the Lord has condemned into our own living rooms if we are not vigilant. One of the most difficult challenges in our lives is to be in the world but not of the world (see John 15:19). Gospel doctrine makes it clear that we must live in this world to achieve our eternal destination. We must be tried and tested and found worthy of a greater kingdom (see 2 Ne. 2:11; D&C 101:78). We must do as Abraham did when he pitched his tent and built 'an altar unto the Lord' (Gen. 13:18) and not do as Lot did when he 'pitched his tent toward Sodom' (Gen. 13:12)."

- Quentin L. Cook, "Lessons from the Old Testament: In the World But Not of the World," Ensign, Feb. 2006, p. 54
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Sodom and Gomorrah are real, historic locations in biblical-era history. They were noted in their time for becoming overwhelmingly wicked, to the point of justifying total destruction by God. Since then their names have become the symbolic label we sometimes place upon unusual wickedness in our time. President Hinckley's warning that "all of the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah haunt our society" is chilling, and justifies our attention and concern.

Elder Cook points out how easily the adversary invades our homes if we are not careful and vigilant. But since we have no choice but to live in the world, we must learn to deal with its challenges:

I love that imagery of where and how we "pitch our tent." It's a symbolic representation of where we are facing, what we are aligned with, perhaps what we are willing to invite inside our abode. In our time, it has become absolutely critical that our homes be fortified and defended against the world's encroachments; and that we "build an altar unto the Lord" in the sense of making the home a place of worship and devotion to God. We would all do well to evaluate, now and frequently, if there have been any little invasions that could threaten greater danger.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on temporal blessings and righteous living

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.

"One of the challenges of the faithful is to realize that sometimes those who are not obedient and worthy seem to receive as many or more of the temporal blessings of life as do those who sacrifice and serve. It was to this issue that Christ had just spoken to the Nephites in his Sermon at the Temple when he reminded them that God 'maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good' (3 Ne 12:45). The Saints are to be faithful to the end without too many sidelong glances at their neighbors. They are to keep the commandments because they are called to do so and because they need to be kept, regardless of the response of others. Undoubtedly the unfaithful will also have the sun shine upon them, perhaps at times even more abundantly than on the righteous. But the faith and devotion of the faithful is recorded in the Lamb's book of life, and the day will come when they will be included among God's jewels. In that day it will matter very much who was righteous and who was wicked, who served God and who did not. In the meantime, all must remember that God does not settle his end-of-year accounts in September."

- Jeffrey R. Holland, Christ and the New Covenant [Deseret 1997], pp. 296-97

We sometimes innocently think that the righteous should be abundantly blessed, much more than their unrighteous neighbors. After all, doesn't God promise that when we obey, he "immediately bless" us (Mosiah 2:24) and that when we obtain blessings from God, it is by obedience to His laws (D&C 130:20-21)?

For those who have accepted the path of discipleship, these rules apply; we clearly see the blessings that come as we obey, and we know we are in God's hands and He will watch out for us. But God also expects us to learn to live by faith. We don't obey just for temporal blessings, and so temporal blessings don't come just from obedience.

We need not worry about day-to-day comparisons of lifestyle or comfort. That's not what the path of discipleship is about; that's not what really matters in life. In the end, it will be very clear to us that God has kept His promises, and when He settles those final accounts with us, all His promises will have been fulfilled.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

Elder Robert D. Hales on prayer and gratitude

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

"Prayer is an essential part of conveying appreciation to our Heavenly Father. He awaits our expressions of gratefulness each morning and night in sincere, simple prayer from our hearts for our many blessings, gifts, and talents.

"Through expression of prayerful gratitude and thanksgiving, we show our dependence upon a higher source of wisdom and knowledge—God the Father and his Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are taught to 'live in thanksgiving daily.' (Alma 34:38.)

"'O how you ought to thank your heavenly King!' King Benjamin taught. (Mosiah 2:19.) ...

"Gratitude expressed to our Heavenly Father in prayer for what we have brings a calming peace—a peace which allows us to not canker our souls for what we don't have. Gratitude brings a peace that helps us overcome the pain of adversity and failure. Gratitude on a daily basis means we express appreciation for what we have now without qualification for what we had in the past or desire in the future. A recognition of and appreciation for our gifts and talents which have been given also allows us to acknowledge the need for help and assistance from the gifts and talents possessed by others."

- Robert D. Hales, "Gratitude for the Goodness of God," Ensign, May 1992, p. 63
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Does God really need our expressions of gratitude? Why are we so frequently commanded to express gratitude? Elder Hales helps us see that it is for our benefit, and not for God's. As we demonstrate our dependence on God's wisdom and knowledge through humble prayers, we are reminded of the blessings that relationship will provide to us.

Learning to acknowledge the source of all good in our lives brings perspective, helping us to not "canker our souls for what we don't have." Perhaps more importantly, it brings peace—a "calming peace" to help overcome "the pain of adversity and failure." That peace is a much-needed blessing in our sometimes troubled lives.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

Elder M. Russell Ballard on the protective power of prayer

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.

"There are numerous teachings about the importance of prayer found throughout the scriptures, but one specifically ties prayer to power, especially the power to resist temptation. The Doctrine and Covenants teaches: 'Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work' (D&C 10:5).

"What a wonderful promise! In this spiritual warfare that rages over individual souls, that is what we want more than anything else—to conquer Satan and to escape the hands of evil men and women who carry out his work. I cannot stress too highly the protective power that comes into our lives through earnest, humble, consistent, yearning prayer....

"One of the most important ways to clothe yourselves in the armor of God is to make sure that prayer—earnest, sincere, consistent prayer—is part of our daily lives."

- M. Russell Ballard, "Be Strong in the Lord, and in the Power of His Might," CES fireside, March 3, 2002
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Elder Ballard teaches us how prayer becomes a critical tool in establishing our armor against the attacks of the Adversary. The Lord has instructed that we should "pray always" in order to "come off conqueror." The more we come to realize to profound and active this battle for our very souls is, the more we realize how very much we need this divine assistance!

I appreciate Elder Ballard's instruction that it's not just casual prayer that brings the needed power and protection. It's not going through the motions or striving to fill the minimum requirement. It's "earnest, humble, consistent, yearning prayer" that makes the difference! That's the kind of prayer we should be striving for as we "pray always" for God's help in our lives.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

Elder Dallin H. Oaks on motivations and blessings for participating in the Church

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.

"[On one occasion I was led] to ponder what people expect to receive from Jesus Christ, from His gospel, and from participating in His Church. I thought of some others who said they stopped going to Church because the Church was 'not meeting their needs.' Which needs could they be expecting the Church to meet? If persons are simply seeking a satisfying social experience, they might be disappointed in a particular ward or branch and seek other associations. There are satisfying social experiences in many organizations. If they are simply seeking help to learn the gospel, they could pursue that goal through available literature. But are these the principal purposes of the Church? Is this all we are to receive from the gospel of Jesus Christ?

"Someone has said that what we get depends on what we seek. Persons who attend Church solely in order to get something of a temporal nature may be disappointed.... Persons who attend Church in order to give to their fellowmen and serve the Lord will rarely be disappointed....

"The Church gives us opportunities to serve the Lord and our fellowmen. If given in the right way and for the right reasons, that service will reward us beyond anything we have given. Millions serve unselfishly and effectively as officers or teachers in Church organizations, and those who do experience the conversion described by the prophet who pleaded with us to 'come unto Christ, and be perfected in him' (Moro. 10:32).

"Throughout my life I have been blessed by my membership and participation in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is impossible to describe all the ways the Church has blessed my life and the lives of those I love."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "The Gospel in our Lives," Ensign, May 2002, pp. 33-35
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Why do we attend church meetings? Most of us do expect to "get something out of it." We usually go to be instructed and edified, to worship, to interact with others who can support and inspire us, Elder Oaks points out that if social benefits are the main goal, we're often going to be disappointed in the people we encounter. If our main purpose is to learn more about the gospel, there are other ways to accomplish that. He points out that a primary reason we should attend meetings is not to receive, but to give—to serve others as part of the congregation.

Elder Oaks promises that great benefits come from our unselfish service in the Church. And one of the greatest benefits is the personal conversion that results from giving to others in humility and faithfulness. How blessed we are to have that opportunity!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

President Russell M. Nelson on the importance of personal education

President Russell M. Nelson (b. Sept 9, 1924) was an internationally-renowned heart surgeon when he was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He was set apart as president of the Quorum of Twelve on July 15, 2015.

"Please be true to yourself. Honor—yes, even demand—highest expectations from yourself. Pursue your education as a priority of the highest order. Gain all the education you can. With us as Latter-day Saints, education is a religious responsibility. 'The glory of God is intelligence' (D&C 93:36)....

"Your mind is precious! It is sacred. Therefore, the education of one's mind is also sacred. Indeed, education is a religious responsibility. Of course, our opportunities and abilities will vary a great deal. But, in the pursuit of one's education, individual desire is more important than is the institution you choose; personal drive is more significant than is the faculty.

"Our Creator expects His children everywhere to gain an education as a personal endeavor. He issued this commandment: 'Seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith' (D&C 88:118; emphasis added). When you leave this frail existence, your material possessions will remain here, but the Lord has declared that the knowledge you acquire here will rise with you in the resurrection (see D&C 130:18-19). In light of this celestial perspective, if you impulsively drop out or otherwise cut short your education, you would not only disregard a divine decree but also abbreviate your own eternal potential."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Education: A Religious Responsibility," BYU-Idaho Devotional, January 26, 2010
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Watch the video of the presentation here

Do we truly demand the highest expectations of ourselves? President Nelson was speaking in these remarks to college-age youth about the importance of their educational pursuits, but the principles go beyond the formal period of education and preparation that normally occurs at that age. They are eternal. To say that "education is a religious responsibility" is an ongoing obligation for each of us.

So it's the "personal endeavor" of education that we must continue as a priority in our life. We must continue to "seek words of wisdom" from "the best books" in our personal lives. We must seek wisdom and learning—a very active and ongoing charge to each of us. That is the continuing path to our "eternal potential" that President Nelson, and the Lord, hope we are pursuing.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

President Brigham Young on the importance of personal revelation

President Brigham Young (1801-1877) 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.

"Without revelation direct from heaven, it is impossible for any person to fully understand the plan of salvation. We often hear it said that the living oracles must be in the Church, in order that the kingdom of God may be established and prosper on the earth. I will give another version of this sentiment. I say that the living oracles of God, or the Spirit of revelation must be in each and every individual, to know the plan of salvation and keep in the path that leads them to the presence of God."

- Brigham Young, "Duties Connected With the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood," Salt Lake Tabernacle, April 7, 1862; see JD 9:279
Click here to read the full talk

The concept of "living oracles" is an important one in the Church of Jesus Christ. An "oracle" is defined as "a priest or priestess acting as a medium through whom advice or prophecy was sought from the gods in classical antiquity." In a religious context it refers to a prophetic voice, a person chosen as the spokesman or revelator for God's instructions to men. The Church today proudly teaches the importance and sacred gift of having a "living oracle," or a current spokesman for God, as the leader on earth.

This excerpt from Brigham Young, however, gives a new spin to the concept. While acknowledging the critical need for communication from God as the only way to "fully understand the plan of salvation," President Young charges "each and every individual" to become such an oracle:

So we must each possess that gift of revelation as "a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life" (D&C 63:23; see also John 4:14). We become our own oracle as we are worthy to receive the direction and inspiration from heaven to help us "know the plan of salvation and keep in the path that leads [us] to the presence of God." This is a sacred responsibility for each of us to seek, obtain, and treasure!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)