Elder Bruce R. McConkie on writing our own book of life

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.

"In a real though figurative sense, the book of life is the record of the acts of men as such record is written in their own bodies. It is the record engraven on the very bones, sinews, and flesh of the mortal body. That is, every thought, word and deed has an effect on the human body; all these leave their marks, marks which can be read by Him who is Eternal as easily as the words in a book can be read.

"By obedience to telestial law men obtain telestial bodies; terrestrial law leads to terrestrial bodies; and conformity to celestial law—because this law includes the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost—results in the creation of a body which is clean, pure, and spotless, a celestial body. (D&C 88:16-32.) When the book of life is opened in the day of judgment (Rev. 20:12-15), men's bodies will show what law they have lived. The Great Judge will then read the record of the book of their lives; the account of their obedience or disobedience will be written in their bodies."

- Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, s.v. "Book of Life," p. 97

The classic scripture that mentions "the book of life" is from the Revelation at the end of the New Testament:

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. (Revelation 20:12)

These are normally interpreted as physical books, containing a record of good deeds and misdeeds. But I like Elder McConkie's suggestion; our very bodies could be considered a "book of life" in recording the impact of our decisions and actions—"every thought, word and deed." Our countenance often reflects more than we realize about those decisions and priorities; and certainly, with the profound and divine insight of "The Great Judge" reading the book, there are many more evidences than we mortals can recognize.

Elder McConkie suggests that the very nature of our body changes based on the kind of law we choose to live. Those who follow celestial laws develop and inherit celestial bodies. It's not just a reward at the end of mortality; it's developed throughout mortality. So then in a very real sense, "the account of their obedience or disobedience will be written in their bodies." Interesting to ponder! There is so much more to caring for and developing this body than just the traditional prescriptions and proscriptions of our code of health.

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

President Boyd K. Packer on gradual personal spiritual growth

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.

"A testimony is not thrust upon you; a testimony grows. We become taller in testimony like we grow taller in physical stature; we hardly know it happens because it comes by growth.

"You cannot force spiritual things. Such words as compel, coerce, constrain, pressure, and demand do not describe our privileges with the Spirit. You can no more force the Spirit to respond than you can force a bean to sprout or an egg to hatch before its time. You can create a climate to foster growth, nourish, and protect; but you cannot force or compel: you must await the growth.

"Do not be impatient to gain great spiritual knowledge. Let it grow, help it grow, but do not force it or you will open the way to be misled."

- Boyd K. Packer, "The Quest for Spiritual Knowledge," talk given at a seminar for new mission presidents on June 25, 1982; see New Era, Jan. 2007, 4
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

We sometimes hope for dramatic manifestations or rapid overwhelming spiritual development—but President Packer teaches that normal events tend to be much more gradual and slow, taking place over time, "line upon line," as we add insights and experiences slowly but steadily.

The key for us is to "create a climate to foster growth" in our testimony and understanding, and then nourish and protect the growing faith and belief.

President Packer's caution about not trying to force growth too rapidly is interesting. Trying too hard in the wrong way can "open the way to be misled." I suppose when we are too eager to move forward, we are too easily distracted or misled on paths that might not be correct. But continuing to steadily move along in simple faith and obedience will bring the steady growth that lead to a strong and stable testimony

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

President James E. Faust on the blessing of the Atonement

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 injured should do what they can to work through their trials, and the Savior will 'succor his people according to their infirmities' (Alma 7:12). He will help us carry our burdens. Some injuries are so hurtful and deep that they cannot be healed without help from a higher power and hope for perfect justice and restitution in the next life. Since the Savior has suffered anything and everything that we could ever feel or experience (see Alma 7:11), He can help the weak to become stronger. He has personally experienced all of it. He understands our pain and will walk with us even in our darkest hours.

"We long for the ultimate blessing of the Atonement—to become one with Him, to be in His divine presence, to be called individually by name as He warmly welcomes us home with a radiant smile, beckoning us with open arms to be enfolded in His boundless love (see Alma 26:15; Morm. 5:11; 6:17; Moses 7:63). How gloriously sublime this experience will be if we can feel worthy enough to be in His presence! The free gift of His great atoning sacrifice for each of us is the only way we can be exalted enough to stand before Him and see Him face-to-face. The overwhelming message of the Atonement is the perfect love the Savior has for each and all of us. It is a love which is full of mercy, patience, grace, equity, long-suffering, and, above all, forgiving.

"The evil influence of Satan would destroy any hope we have in overcoming our mistakes. He would have us feel that we are lost and that there is no hope. In contrast, Jesus reaches down to us to lift us up. Through our repentance and the gift of the Atonement, we can prepare to be worthy to stand in His presence."

- James E. Faust, "The Atonement: Our Greatest Hope," Ensign, Nov. 2001, 20
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

One of the realities of life is that we all get "injured" occasionally, and must learn to work through our trials and challenges. Sometimes those injuries are painful, and take time to heal. And as President Faust observes, some of the injuries are so deep that the only source of healing is through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. But we should be very grateful as we come to understand His love for us as expressed in the atoning sacrifice; He truly understands, so that He can "succor his people according to their infirmities." What a profound blessing it is to understand that doctrine and have access to the power that results from receiving His gift to us, knowing that He "will walk with us even in our darkest hours."

It's so important to know and understand the difference between Satan's approach and the Savior's as we confront mistakes and challenges. Satan destroys hope and brings only despair and emptiness. But the Savior "reaches down to lift us up" so that ultimately we can be invited into His presence and clasped in his arms of eternal love. I love this profound testimony: "The overwhelming message of the Atonement [of Jesus Christ] is the perfect love the Savior has for each and all of us. It is a love which is full of mercy, patience, grace, equity, long-suffering, and, above all, forgiving."

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

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin on the blessing of Christlike friends

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917-2008) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1986, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles from 1986 until his passing in 2008 at age 91.

"The compassion of Christlike friends deeply touches and changes our lives. We should well remember that the Lord often sends 'blessings from above, thru words and deeds of those who love' (Hymns, no. 293). Love is the very essence of the gospel of Christ.

"In this Church, prayers for help are often answered by the Lord through the simple, daily service of caring brothers and sisters. In the goodness of genuine friends, I have seen the reflected mercy of the Lord Himself. I have always been humbled by the knowledge that the Savior regards us as His friends when we choose to follow Him and keep His commandments. (See John 15:14; D&C 84:63; D&C 93:45.)"

- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Valued Companions," Ensign, Nov. 1997, 32
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

The brotherhood and sisterhood that exists among true saints is a priceless treasure. When individuals begin to grasp what it truly means to "bear one another's burdens" or to comfort and support, remarkable things take place. I love Elder Wirthlin's phrase "the compassion of Christlike friends." Compassion is a powerful word, meaning the ability to feel deep emotions with someone. It's truly a Christlike emotion; those who possess it are well on the path to becoming like Him. Having "Christlike friends" in our lives can truly change our lives.

This second paragraph is reminiscent of President Spencer W. Kimball's earlier observation:

"God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other in the kingdom. The people of the Church need each other’s strength, support, and leadership in a community of believers as an enclave of disciples. In the Doctrine and Covenants we read about how important it is to '… succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees' (D&C 81:5)."
- Spencer W. Kimball, "Small Acts of Service," Ensign, December 1974

How blessed we are to have such friends! What a privilege to be such a friend to others! That should be one of our greatest quests—to become such a friend to those around us, providing the Christlike love as His agents and representatives.

And finally, the greatest compliment of all is to be called a friend by the Savior Himself. "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." (John 15:14.)

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

Elder Neal A. Maxwell on gratitude for God's help

Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926-2004) served as a Seventy from 1976-1981, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve until his death from cancer in 2004.

"[God] experiences a deep, divine disappointment in us when we are ungrateful and when we are unwilling to confess God's hand in all things. (D&C 59:21.) But it is because of what our sustained ingratitude does to us, not to Him. Failure to see His hand in human affairs in bringing to pass His eternal purposes and plans in the world (at the same time leaving us to exercise our agency) is a fatal misreading of life. It also represents a profound spur to selfishness and self-centeredness. It is these faults which lead to the celebration of the appetites rather than of spiritual things. And God knows perfectly what the end results of such trends are so far as human misery is concerned. It is our true happiness which He desires for us, His children, and 'wickedness never was happiness' (Alma 41:10)."

- Neal A. Maxwell, Sermons Not Spoken [Bookcraft, 1985], 85

Why is gratitude so important? Does God need our expressions of appreciation? Elder Maxwell suggests that the main reason is for our benefit, not for His:

When we don't recognize or acknowledge God's hand in our lives, working "in bringing to pass His eternal purposes and plans," we are misunderstanding the very nature of our existence in this life. Instead of acknowledging our dependence on Him and the myriad blessings that we receive, we become caught up in "selfishness and self-centeredness" which inevitably leads to a focus on our own appetites instead of things of the spirit.

Korihor's heretical doctrine was that "every man fared in this life according to the management of the creature; therefore every man prospered according to his genius, and that every man conquered according to his strength" (Alma 30:17). Denying the need for an atonement to be made, he instead taught that "whatsoever a man did was no crime" and encouraged a life of passion and appetite. That is the kind of result that follows failure to acknowledge God's influence in our lives. How critical it is for us to be humble and grateful in all things. As we begin to recognize God's hand, we'll realize how much it truly is present in our lives—for it truly is "our true happiness which He desires for us, His children"!

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

Elder Neil L. Andersen on our relationship to Christ

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

"Jesus asked the Pharisees, 'What think ye of Christ?' (Matthew 22:42.) In the final assessment, our personal discipleship will not be judged by friends or foes. Rather, as Paul said, 'We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.' (Romans 14:10.) At that day the important question for each of us will be, 'What thinks Christ of me?'

"Even with His love for all mankind, Jesus reprovingly referred to some around Him as hypocrites, fools, and workers of iniquity. He approvingly called others children of the kingdom and the light of the world. He disapprovingly referred to some as blinded and unfruitful. He commended others as pure in heart and hungering after righteousness. He lamented that some were faithless and of the world, but others He esteemed as chosen, disciples, friends. And so we each ask, 'What thinks Christ of me?' ...

"In this turbulent environment, we rejoice in being disciples of Jesus Christ. We see the Lord's hand all around us. Our destination is beautifully set before us. 'This is life eternal,' Jesus prayed, 'that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.' (John 17:3.) Being a disciple in these days of destiny will be a badge of honor throughout the eternities."

- Neil L. Andersen, "What Thinks Christ of Me?", Ensign, May 2012, p. 111
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

It's very important for each of us to consider, as Jesus asked of the Pharisees, "What think ye of Christ?" What we truly think of Him will determine how closely we follow Him and emulate His life and characteristics.

The corollary question Elder Andersen suggests we ponder is also profound: "What thinks Christ of me?" Of course, we do know that He loves each one of us and longs to help us succeed; but He also knows us each intimately and personally, and understands our hearts and motivations. So what He thinks of us is partly based on our personal righteousness, on our willingness to follow the commandments and serve Him humbly and unselfishly.

In the beautiful passage from His great intercessory prayer, Jesus teaches us that eternal life consists in knowing the Father and the Son. If we truly believe that to know Them is to love and follow Them, then the path of discipleship becomes clear for us and we will "rejoice in being disciples of Jesus Christ."

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

Elder D. Todd Christofferson on our debt to the Savior

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.

"Since the Savior paid for our sins and satisfied justice for us, we become debtors to Him rather than to justice. We must therefore meet the stipulations He has established for forgiveness and cleansing. Otherwise, He withdraws His proffered mediation, and we are left to deal alone with the demands of justice, lacking the means to become pure. One must choose Christ to receive what Christ offers.

"How does one choose Christ? We noted earlier Lehi's declaration that it requires 'a broken heart and a contrite spirit' (2 Ne. 2:7). Nephi elaborates: 'Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost' (2 Ne. 31:17).

"I repeat the Savior's succinct declaration in 3 Nephi: 'Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day' (3 Ne. 27:20)."

- D. Todd Christofferson, "Justification and Sanctification," Ensign, Jun 2001, pp. 18-25
Click here to read or listen to the full article

We are in debt to the Savior instead of to justice—this is a key concept in understanding the Atonement of Christ and the interplay of justice, mercy, and grace. Elder Christofferson provides a summary of the key concepts, including the simple summary, "One must choose Christ to receive what Christ offers."

To be "in debt to the Savior" conveys some sense of the obligation we assume as we strive to take advantage of the atoning gift He offers to us. And so what is involved in "choosing Christ"? The scriptures teach the importance of obedience, repentance, and committed discipleship. As we choose to follow Him and emulate Him, we choose Him in our lives, and become eligible and worthy for His eternal love, blessings, and grace.

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