President Henry B. Eyring on faithfulness in times of tests and trials

President Henry B. Eyring (born May 31, 1933) served in the Presiding Bishopric from 1985-1992, as a Seventy from 1992-1995, then was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He has served in the First Presidency since 2007.

"There is another even more important preparation we must make for tests that are certain to come to each of us. That preparation must be started far in advance because it takes time. What we will need then can't be bought. It can't be borrowed. It doesn't store well. And it has to have been used regularly and recently.

"What we will need in our day of testing is a spiritual preparation. It is to have developed faith in Jesus Christ so powerful that we can pass the test of life upon which everything for us in eternity depends. That test is part of the purpose God had for us in the Creation.

"The Prophet Joseph Smith gave us the Lord's description of the test we face. Our Heavenly Father created the world with His Son, Jesus Christ. We have these words to tell us about the purpose of the Creation: 'We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell; And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them' (Abr. 3:24-25).

"So, the great test of life is to see whether we will hearken to and obey God's commands in the midst of the storms of life. It is not to endure storms, but to choose the right while they rage. And the tragedy of life is to fail in that test and so fail to qualify to return in glory to our heavenly home."

- Henry B. Eyring, "Spiritual Preparedness: Start Early and Be Steady," Ensign, May 2005, pp. 37-40
Click here to read or listen to the full article

I love the title of President Eyring's talk: "Spiritual Preparedness: Start Early and Be Steady." How blessed we are when we have that early start, with appropriate uplift and inspiration coming from the home of a child and other experiences that build on it. Then the steadiness of faithful discipleship can carry on those traditions.

In this excerpt, President Eyring talks of the spiritual preparation that must be accumulated in order to confront the trials and challenges of life.

I think this is a remarkable insight. The great test of life for us is not about surviving storms and enduring difficulties. It is about how faithful and obedient we will be when the storms and challenges are raging. God really cares much more about our faithful obedience more than whether we can just "hang on" when times are tough or "get through" the hard periods.

So much depends on our spiritual preparation in the times leading up to trials and difficulties. When the need comes, the preparation is past and too late. It's the regular and recent preparation that will make all the difference in our ability to pass the tests of life.

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

President Thomas S. Monson on seeking to serve one another

President Thomas S. Monson (b. August 21, 1927) was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1963. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency with Presidents Benson, Hunter, and Hinckley until becoming Church president in 2008.

"This afternoon my thoughts have returned to a road made famous by a parable Jesus told. I speak of the road to Jericho....

"Each of us, in the journey through mortality, will travel his own Jericho Road. What will be your experience? What will be mine? Will I fail to notice him who has fallen among thieves and requires my help? Will you?

"Will I be one who sees the injured and hears his plea, yet crosses to the other side? Will you?

"Or will I be one who sees, who hears, who pauses, and who helps? Will you?

"Jesus provided our watchword, 'Go, and do thou likewise.' When we obey that declaration, there opens to our eternal view a vista of joy seldom equaled and never surpassed....

"My brothers and sisters, today there are hearts to gladden, there are deeds to be done—even precious souls to save. The sick, the weary, the hungry, the cold, the injured, the lonely, the aged, the wanderer—all cry out for our help.

"The road signs of life enticingly invite every traveler: This way to fame; this way to affluence; this way to popularity; this way to luxury. Pause at the crossroads before you continue your journey. Listen for that still, small voice which ever so gently beckons, 'Come, follow me. This way to Jericho.'

"May each of us follow Him along that Jericho Road."

- Thomas S. Monson, "Your Jericho Road," Ensign, May 1977, pp. 71-73
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Monson has lived his life serving along the road to Jericho. This talk, given 40 years ago, echoes counsel from his heart and his example. His gentle invitation to us, to be more loving and serving to our neighbor, is a wonderful reminder.

We would all do well to consider how we are doing in our individual daily journeys along the Jericho road. Like President Monson, we should be always praying and listening for the promptings that will guide us to those whom we could help and assist along the way. Instead of heeding the many calls that would lure us to fame, affluence, popularity, and luxury, we might find another path that includes joy and blessing.

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

President Harold B. Lee on worshipful Sabbath Day activities

President Harold B. Lee (1899-1973) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1941. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency from 1970-1972, then as Church president from July 1972 until his passing less than 18 months later in December 1973.

"May we not hope that in addition to our worshipful activities on the Lord's Day we might also on that day reduce the drudgery of the home to a minimum, and that outside the home only essential chores will be performed. Make this a day of prayerful, thoughtful study of the scriptures and other good books. While filled with the joy of the Sabbath, write a letter to your sweetheart or an absent loved one or a friend who may need your spiritual strength. Make your homes the places for the singing and playing of beautiful music in harmony with the spirit of the day. At evening's close as you gather at your fireside with the family alone or with friends, discuss the precious truths of the gospel and close with the benediction of family prayer. My experience has taught me that the prompting of the conscience to a faithful Church member is the safest indicator as to that which is contrary to the spirit of worship on the Sabbath Day....

"And so I beg of you not to rob your spiritual bodies of that essential strength by breaking the Sabbath Day, but sincerely urge you to live each day so that you might receive from the fountain of light, nourishment and strength sufficient to every day's need."

- Harold B. Lee, "Take Time to be Holy," Radio address delivered April 15, 1945; see Decisions for Successful Living [Deseret 1973] pp. 146-50

I think President Lee's suggestions are helpful. The word "drudgery" is an interesting choice; I guess it refers to menial work, chores, routine tasks, etc. To reduce those things allows us to focus on activities and tasks that are not routine or menial, but are worshipful, prayerful, and spiritual.

President Lee shares the vision of a day filled with worshipful activities: uplifting music, study and reading, appropriate service to others, sharing gospel insights with family members or friends.

I think this is a great summary, "My experience has taught me that the prompting of the conscience to a faithful Church member is the safest indicator as to that which is contrary to the spirit of worship on the Sabbath Day." If we listen to the promptings that will come, we will be guided to the best kinds of activities.

I've always been intrigued by the phrase "breaking the Sabbath Day." That use of the word "break" conveys to me the idea of shattering or destroying something that is precious, useful, or beautiful. That's what we want the Sabbath Day to be to us!

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

President Gordon B. Hinckley on having a spiritual retreat from a busy world

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1961. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency from 1981-1995, then as Church President until his death in 2008.

"We need to build ourselves spiritually. We live in a world of rush and go, of running here and there and in every direction. We are very busy people. We have so much to do. We need to get off by ourselves once in a while and think of the spiritual things and build ourselves spiritually. If you have a study at home, lock yourself in it. If you have a place in the basement where you can be by yourself, go there. Get by yourself and think of things of the Lord, of things of the Spirit. Think of all the Lord has done for you. How blessed you are, how very blessed you are. Think of your duty and your responsibility. Think of your testimony. Think of the things of God. Just meditate and reflect for an hour about yourself and your relationship to your Heavenly Father and your Redeemer. It will do something for you."

- Gordon B. Hinckley, Brigham City Utah Regional Conference, Feb. 22, 1997; see TGBH 608-609

In the intense, busy, rushing world of today, President Hinckley cautions us about the need for time to relax and rebuild. Being able to "think of the spiritual things" is an essential component in the disciple's life:

One of President Hinckley's key suggestions is to have a place where we can "get away" from the interruptions and pressures and be alone. The temptation in our day is to take our communication devices (phones, computers) with us to those places, rationalizing that since no other people are physically present, we are alone. But that is not the intent of President Hinckley's advice.

The key is to have time to focus on the Lord and on the "things of the Spirit." It's a time to ponder blessings, to review responsibilities, to consider testimony. How often do we truly "meditate and reflect for an hour about yourself and your relationship to your Heavenly Father and your Redeemer"?? In doing so, we truly will be blessed.

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

Elder Richard G. Scott on keys to happiness and blessing 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.

"How can you receive the greatest happiness and blessings from this earth experience?

"• Learn the doctrinal foundation of the great plan of happiness by studying the scriptures, pondering their content, and praying to understand them. Carefully study and use the proclamation of the First Presidency and the Twelve on the family (see "Proclamation," Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102). It was inspired of the Lord.

"• Listen to the voice of current and past prophets. Their declarations are inspired. You may verify that counsel in your own mind and heart by praying about it as it applies to your special circumstances. Ask the Lord to confirm your choices and accept accountability for them.

"• Obey the inner feelings that come as promptings from the Holy Ghost. Those feelings are engendered by your righteous thoughts and acts and your determination to seek the will of the Lord and to live it.

"• When needed, seek counsel and guidance from parents and your priesthood leaders."

- Richard G. Scott, "The Joy of Living the Great Plan of Happiness," Ensign, Nov 1996, pp. 73-75
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Who wouldn't appreciate advice on how to "receive the greatest happiness and blessings from this earth experience?" That should be something we all seek eagerly. We expend considerable effort, doing all we can to find happiness in life; but perhaps we don't always keep the perspective that the Savior would have us remember in that process. This counsel becomes crucial for us:

Those are relatively simple and familiar points. We should learn from the scriptures, heed prophetic counsel, learn to hear and follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost, and seek counsel when appropriate from those we trust to help us find inspiration.Yet by falling short in these areas, we deny ourselves blessings and happiness.

It's always good to have reminders of the things that matter most in life, so that we can adjust our course and priorities to remain firmly on course!

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

Elder David A. Bednar on making our prayers more meaningful

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.

"As we speak of prayer, I emphasize the word meaningful. Simply saying prayers is quite a different thing from engaging in meaningful prayer. I expect that all of us already know that prayer is essential for our spiritual development and protection. But what we know is not always reflected in what we do. And even though we recognize the importance of prayer, all of us can improve the consistency and efficacy of our personal and family prayers....

"I long have been impressed with the truth that meaningful prayer requires both holy communication and consecrated work. Blessings require some effort on our part before we can obtain them, and prayer, as 'a form of work, ... is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings' (Bible Dictionary, 'Prayer,' 753). We press forward and persevere in the consecrated work of prayer, after we say 'amen,' by acting upon the things we have expressed to Heavenly Father.

"Asking in faith requires honesty, effort, commitment, and persistence."

- David A. Bednar, "Ask in Faith," Ensign, May 2008, pp. 94-97
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

In this message, Elder Bednar helps us understand how to improve the sincerity and effectiveness of our prayers by considering the word meaningful. We sometimes fall into the practice of praying without much thought or sincerity, somewhat superficially. Our prayers become more meaningful as they are truly honest, soul-searching, and consistent:

The additional aspect of meaningful prayer is reflected in what takes place after the prayer. The fact that we act on things we pray about indicates the prayer is more than superficial. Meaningful prayer involves our deeds as well as our thoughts and words!

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

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)