Elder M. Russell Ballard on the Atonement and the value of each soul

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.

"Only as we accept the Atonement in our lives and strive to live the gospel can we meet the challenges of life and find peace, joy, and happiness. Coming to understand this great gift is an individual pursuit for each child of God.

"Brothers and sisters, I believe that if we could truly understand the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, we would realize how precious is one son or daughter of God. I believe our Heavenly Father's everlasting purpose for His children is generally achieved by the small and simple things we do for one another. At the heart of the English word atonement is the word one. If all mankind understood this, there would never be anyone with whom we would not be concerned, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, or social or economic standing. We would strive to emulate the Savior and would never be unkind, indifferent, disrespectful, or insensitive to others....

"Our Heavenly Father has reached out to us through the Atonement of our Savior. He invites all to 'come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption' (Omni 1:26). He has taught us that it is through our faithful adherence to gospel principles, through receiving the saving ordinances that have been restored, through continual service, and by enduring to the end that we can return to His sacred presence. What possible thing in the whole world is remotely as important as to know this?"

- M. Russell Ballard, "The Atonement and the Value of One Soul," General Conference, April 2004; see Ensign, May 2004, pp. 84-87
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In this address, Elder Ballard encourages us to individually accept more fully the Atonement of Jesus Christ in our lives in order to receive the blessings that it will bring. Then he discusses an important aspect of that Atonement: the implications for our interpersonal relationships. It teaches us the value of each individual soul; and that knowledge should motivate us to treat one another with profound respect and kindness:

It's interesting to ponder the statement, "Our Heavenly Father has reached out to us through the Atonement of our Savior." The ways that the Father and the Son relate to us differently, and how each is involved in that act of Atonement, are profound.

And then the final thought, the thing Elder Ballard states is more important to know than anything in the whole world: we can return to the presence of God by:

• faithful adherence to gospel principles
• receiving the saving ordinances that have been restored
• continual service
• enduring to the end 

All of this is possible to us because of the Atonement of the Savior and the love of the Father. How truly blessed we are by this knowledge!

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

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on Christlike service to others

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 covenants we make at baptism is to serve. Loving service and devotion to the needs of others was perhaps the chief characteristic of the Savior's mortal life. It will always be a mark of the Master's disciples. At the Waters of Mormon, that small band of believers clapped for joy when they were invited to covenant through baptism that they would bear each other's burdens and comfort those who needed comfort. (See Mosiah 18:8-11.)

"In our day the Savior Himself has counseled: 'All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and... are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church' (D&C 20:37, emphasis added).

"Service is our duty—but it is more than duty; it is Christlike opportunity. He bore our burdens, and in bearing one another's burdens, we truly become more like Him. Service in the Church can be a burden of sorts, but it is a 'light' (Matthew 11:30; see also vv. 28-29) burden—all because we are in shoulder-to-shoulder association with the Savior of the world."

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "What I Wish Every New Member Knew—and Every Longtime Member Remembered," Ensign, October 2006, pp. 10-16
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What is the distinguishing characteristic of a Christian—one who strives to follow the teachings and example of the Savior? Elder Holland suggests that "loving service and devotion to the needs of others" would always be the mark of one of the Master's disciples. Fundamental to our covenants to follow Him are the agreements to "bear one another's burdens" and to "comfort those who stand in need of comfort."

The idea of a "light burden" is intriguing. The Savior said, "For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:30). Though He carries the heavy yoke, it is easy and light to Him because of his love for us and his devotion to the Father. We can gain that same perspective as we mature in our discipleship and understand the sacred privilege of being linked to Him as we serve one another.

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

Elder Gary E. Stevenson offers cautions about the risks of modern technology

Elder Gary E. Stevenson (b. August 5, 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.

"Now, having just espoused all the virtues of these new technologies [Internet, social media, etc.] and demonstrated their appropriate use, I think it is also useful to discuss some of the risks associated with them.

"We should all be very aware of the time that can be consumed on social media or in the use of mobile apps.

"The use of social media also carries a risk of reducing face-to-face interaction, which may be stifling the development of the social skills of many young people.

"The hazards associated with inappropriate content cannot be understated. There is an increasing epidemic of pornography addiction in society, which is negatively affecting and victimizing even Church members and families.

"Finally, I offer two additional merging risks, which net is cast over virtually everyone, including young women and millennial mothers and wives. I label these two risks as 'idealized reality' and 'debilitating comparisons.' ...

"Generally speaking, pictures that get posted on social media tend to portray life in the very best and often in an unrealistic, way. They are often filled with beautiful images of home decor, wonderful vacation spots, and elaborate food preparation. The danger, of course, is that many become discouraged that they seemingly don't measure up to this 'idealized virtual reality.' ...

"Hopefully, we can learn to find more humor and less discouragement when confronted with images which may portray idealized reality and which too often lead to debilitating comparisons.

"This apparently is not just a sign of our times, but, measuring these words from Paul, was in times past as well: 'But they measuring themselves ... and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise' (2 Corinthians 10:12)."

- Gary E. Stevenson, “The Knowledge of a Savior,” BYU Women’s Conference on May 5, 2017
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This was a very timely message by Elder Stevenson, delivered to a Women's Conference at BYU earlier this year. The first half of the talk reviewed wonderful and powerful aspects of modern technology development, examining prophecies of how the tools would emerge to bless the Lord's work, and showing how the Church is taking advantage of them.

But then Elder Stevenson turned to some cautions about how these developments can impact our lives in less positive ways. It's very worthwhile to be aware of these risks and to ponder our lives as we consider the "pros and cons" of technological innovations.

His thoughts on those last two points were particularly interesting. It's so easy to assume, based on the images or descriptions we view via today's technology, that other people live nearly perfect lives while we ourselves struggle with so many challenges and shortcomings. Elder Stevenson shared some personal experiences and insights to help warn us of this tendency. In reality, we all tend to share with each other images and descriptions of only the very best of what's going on; but we can be assured that all of us have struggles in various ways, and face the challenges and imperfections of mortality in our lives. This article is very worth reviewing as individuals and families.

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

President Ezra Taft Benson on the power of the Book of Mormon

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1943, and served as the 13th President of the Church from 1985 until his death in 1994 at age 94.

"The Book of Mormon brings men to Christ through two basic means. First, it tells in a plain manner of Christ and his gospel. It testifies of his divinity and of the necessity for a Redeemer and the need of our putting trust in him. It bears witness of the Fall and the Atonement and the first principles of the gospel, including our need of a broken heart and a contrite spirit and a spiritual rebirth. It proclaims we must endure to the end in righteousness and live the moral life of a Saint.

"Second, the Book of Mormon exposes the enemies of Christ. It confounds false doctrines and lays down contention. (See 2 Ne. 3:12.) It fortifies the humble followers of Christ against the evil designs, strategies, and doctrines of the devil in our day. The type of apostates in the Book of Mormon are similar to the type we have today. God, with his infinite foreknowledge, so molded the Book of Mormon that we might see the error and know how to combat false educational, political, religious, and philosophical concepts of our time....

"Now, we have not been using the Book of Mormon as we should. Our homes are not as strong unless we are using it to bring our children to Christ. Our families may be corrupted by worldly trends and teachings unless we know how to use the book to expose and combat the falsehoods in socialism, organic evolution, rationalism, humanism, etc. Our missionaries are not as effective unless they are 'hissing forth' with it. Social, ethical, cultural, or educational converts will not survive under the heat of the day unless their taproots go down to the fulness of the gospel which the Book of Mormon contains. Our Church classes are not as spirit-filled unless we hold it up as a standard. And our nation will continue to degenerate unless we read and heed the words of the God of this land, Jesus Christ, and quit building up and upholding the secret combinations which the Book of Mormon tells us proved the downfall of both previous American civilizations."

- Ezra Taft Benson, "The Book of Mormon is the Word of God," General Conference April 1975; see Ensign, May 1975, p. 64
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This was a powerful message from President Benson, who was then serving as the President of the Quorum of Twelve. This would become one of the major themes of the remainder of his ministry: the power available to us in of the Book of Mormon, and how we could more effectively draw on that power.

One of the stated purposes of the Book of Mormon is to "bring men to Christ." President Benson pointed out that the goal is accomplished both by teaching and testifying of the Redeemer, and by helping to expose the efforts of the adversary in our time. As we read and ponder the messages of the Book, we should be noticing aspects of both of those influences in our lives, and President Benson gave us examples of the kinds of things to watch for.

He went on to summarize our opportunity and obligation as stewards of the Book with this challenge:

President Benson sensed in 1975 that members of the Church, individually and collectively, were not receiving the benefits they could from the Boom of Mormon. His prophetic call was to "rise up" and improve, and to be blessed in our lives as we draw power and strength from our reading and pondering, and application, or the Book of Mormon messages. It's a very timeless message—one we should consider today, and regularly!

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

President Russell M. Nelson on the meaning of godliness

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.

"Godliness is an attribute that seems as difficult to define as it is to attain. Scriptures refer to 'the mystery of godliness' (1 Tim. 3:16; D&C 19:10)....

"Simon Peter counseled us 'to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God' (2 Pet. 3:11-12).

"'The power of godliness is manifest' in the ordinances of the priesthood (D&C 84:20). Godliness is not a product of perfection; it comes of concentration and consecration.

"Godliness characterizes each of you who truly loves the Lord. You are constantly mindful of the Savior's atonement and rejoice in His unconditional love. Meanwhile you vanquish personal pride and vain ambition. You consider your accomplishments important only if they help establish His kingdom on earth."

- Russell M. Nelson, "These... Were Our Examples," General Conference, October 1991; see Ensign, Nov 1991, p. 59
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If godliness is, in simple terms, the condition of being god-like, then it is certainly part of the quest of mortality: to strive to emulate His characteristics and attributes. I have particularly appreciated the counsel of Peter quoted by President Nelson, as recorded in the New Testament (2 Pet. 3:11-12); we should be attempting to mold our behavior and lives towards His example, as we look forward to and "haste unto" the coming of God's day. There's a sense of urgency implied in those words that we should feel; time is short, and we can't delay in our efforts to make the needed progress.

The ordinances of the Priesthood, according to the Doctrine and Covenants, manifest the "power of godliness" in our lives. But President Nelson points out that we don't achieve godliness only when we become perfect. It comes to us through "concentration and consecration."

There are aspects of godliness manifest in the lives of all saints and disciples, as they strive to follow and server the Master, to receive the blessings of the Savior's atonement, and to feel His unconditional love. Truly, it is through His grace and power that we receive this gift. Moroni's words at the very end of the Book of Mormon are a good summary:

"Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God." (Moroni 10:32)

To deny all ungodliness is a perfect description of the process of eliminating evil from our lives; when we turn our back on anything that does not reflect God's character, and through His grace and power are cleansed and purified, then we are filled with His love and are able to serve, bless, and progress in wonderful ways.

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

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf on continually seeking inspiration from God

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (born November 6, 1940) served as a Seventy from 1994-2004, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve.  He has served as second counselor in the First Presidency since 2008.

"Unfortunately, we sometimes don't seek revelation or answers from the scriptures or the handbooks because we think we know the answers already.

"Brothers and sisters, as good as our previous experience may be, if we stop asking questions, stop thinking, stop pondering, we can thwart the revelations of the Spirit. Remember, it was the questions young Joseph asked that opened the door for the restoration of all things. We can block the growth and knowledge our Heavenly Father intends for us. How often has the Holy Spirit tried to tell us something we needed to know but couldn't get past the massive iron gate of what we thought we already knew?"

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Acting on the Truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ," Worldwide Leadership Training, February 2012
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It's always dangerous to assume we know the answer to a question, the interpretation or application of a scriptural passage, etc. Our preconceptions or assumptions may be faulty and can prevent us from seeking a proper answer; or, at times, some underlying instructions that we properly applied under one circumstance, may have different applications in a different situation. President Uchtdorf encourages us to always seek revelation and understanding from both the scriptures and handbooks.

A fundamental premise of our faith is that God is eager to provide help and guidance to us, as long as we are willing to ask and seek for it. But when we cease seeking, the inspiration can also stop in most cases.

President Uchtdorf uses the imagery of a "massive iron gate" to show how we sometimes block the way to further insight and understanding, closing our minds to new interpretations or applications of something our Heavenly Father wants us to know. We would be well to always cultivate a spirit of learning and inquisitiveness, of eagerness to seek insight from the Spirit in every aspect of our lives.

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

President Henry B. Eyring on remembering God at all times

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.

"Living as we do with a veil over our eyes, we cannot remember what it was like to be with our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, in the premortal world; nor can we see with our physical eyes or with reason alone the hand of God in our lives. Seeing such things takes the Holy Ghost. And it is not easy to be worthy of the Holy Ghost's companionship in a wicked world.

"That is why forgetting God has been such a persistent problem among His children since the world began. Think of the times of Moses, when God provided manna and in miraculous and visible ways led and protected His children. Still, the prophet warned the people who had been so blessed, as prophets always have warned and always will: 'Take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life' (Deuteronomy 4:9).

"And the challenge to remember has always been the hardest for those who are blessed abundantly. Those who are faithful to God are protected and prospered. That comes as the result of serving God and keeping His commandments. But with those blessings comes the temptation to forget their source. It is easy to begin to feel the blessings were granted not by a loving God on whom we depend but by our own powers."

- Henry B. Eyring, "O Remember, Remember," General Conference, October 2007; see Ensign, November 2007, pp. 66-69
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President Eyring suggests that throughout history, mankind has persistently experienced the problem of continually forgetting God. Many have never known Him, or choose to ignore Him as a general pattern of their lives. But in this excerpt, we are warned about a different challenge: when we are blessed by God, but then forget the source of the blessings. Ironically, when blessings come from God as a result of faithfulness and obedience, the temptation can be to forget the influence God has in our lives and instead assume our own efforts have produced the results.

It seems ironic that the recipient of a great gift would forget the Great Giver. President Eyring suggests a key to avoid the problem: safeguard our companionship with the Holy Ghost. He provides our means of contact across the veil of mortality, maintaining touch with the Divine. As we see through inspired eyes, we can maintain the eternal perspective that reminds us of our eternal debts and eternal gratitude. We must strive to always be worthy of that companionship, to help us always remember Him.

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