Elder Dallin H. Oaks on the sacred and inspired family proclamation

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.

"The gospel plan each family should follow to prepare for eternal life and exaltation is outlined in the Church’s 1995 proclamation, 'The Family: A Proclamation to the World.' Its declarations are, of course, visibly different from some current laws, practices, and advocacy of the world in which we live. In our day, the differences most evident are cohabitation without marriage, same-sex marriage, and the raising of children in such relationships. Those who do not believe in or aspire to exaltation and are most persuaded by the ways of the world consider this family proclamation as just a statement of policy that should be changed. In contrast, Latter-day Saints affirm that the family proclamation defines the kind of family relationships where the most important part of our eternal development can occur....

"Converted Latter-day Saints believe that the family proclamation, issued nearly a quarter century ago and now translated into scores of languages, is the Lord’s reemphasis of the gospel truths we need to sustain us through current challenges to the family."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "The Plan and the Proclamation," General Conference October 2017
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Oaks' discussion of the history of the "Family Proclamation" was fascinating. It was interesting to hear that even some of the Quorum of Twelve responded to the First Presidency's suggestion that a formal document be created with some skepticism, wondering if there were really a need for such a document. But in the 22 years that have followed since its issuance to the Church and to the world, it's become clear that we desperately needed the clear, prophetic call as the moral values of the world have fallen away. So much has changed in those 22 years, in ways none of us anticipated in 1995. The role of prophets, seers, and revelators is to anticipate the needs of God's people, and this is a profound example of them having filled that role.

How grateful we are to be prophet-led! How careful we should be to listen to, and follow, their inspired counsel!

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

President Russell M. Nelson on enhancing our study of the Book of Mormon

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.

"My brothers and sisters, how precious is the Book of Mormon to you? If you were offered diamonds or rubies or the Book of Mormon, which would you choose? Honestly, which is of greater worth to you? ...

"Something powerful happens when a child of God seeks to know more about Him and His Beloved Son. Nowhere are those truths taught more clearly and powerfully than in the Book of Mormon.

"Since President Monson’s challenge six months ago, I have tried to follow his counsel. Among other things, I’ve made lists of what the Book of Mormon is, what it affirms, what it refutes, what it fulfills, what it clarifies, and what it reveals. Looking at the Book of Mormon through these lenses has been an insightful and inspiring exercise! I recommend it to each of you....

"When I think of the Book of Mormon, I think of the word power. The truths of the Book of Mormon have the power to heal, comfort, restore, succor, strengthen, console, and cheer our souls."

- Russell M. Nelson, "The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It?," General Conference October 2017
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

I find it inspiring and instructive to know that the leaders of the Church not only listen to, but act upon, the counsel they hear from each other in general conference. Last April, President Monson gave a relatively simple challenge to the Church (in what may prove to be his final spoken address to the Church), that every member begin "to prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day." Now, six months later, President Nelson demonstrated to us how seriously he took that challenge by sharing his insights and witnesses in this wonderful talk. He shared how he expanded his personal study in a very insightful way:

By adding his invitation that we each consider a course of study similar to his, President Nelson has expanded the challenge given by President Monson with some specific and insightful suggestions that will bless our personal study. And he shares his witness of the Book of Mormon's "power to heal, comfort, restore, succor, strengthen, console, and cheer our souls." What a great promise!

Incidentally, attached at the end of the printed copy of President Nelson's talk (see link above) are at least some of his personal insights in researching the questions he suggests about the Book of Mormon. That material might be helpful for those who plan to undertake their own similar studies.

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

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf on hearing God's call to us

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.

"The sublime message of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that God is our Father, that He cares about us, and that there is a way to return to Him.

"God calls to you.

"God knows your every thought, your sorrows, and your greatest hopes. God knows the many times you have sought Him. The many times you have felt limitless joy. The many times you have wept in loneliness. The many times you have felt helpless, confused, or angry.

"Yet, no matter your history—if you have faltered, failed, feel broken, bitter, betrayed, or beaten—know that you are not alone. God still calls to you.

"The Savior extends His hand to you. And, as He did to those fishermen who stood long ago on the banks of the Sea of Galilee, with infinite love He speaks to you: 'Come, follow me' (See Matthew 4:19; Luke 18:22),

"If you will hear Him, He will speak to you this very day."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "A Yearning for Home," General Conference October 2017
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Uchtdorf talked about the natural yearning all of us feel to want to return home. He shared examples from animal instincts, but then applied the principle more directly to our innate feelings about our Heavenly Father and our heavenly home. In spite of the struggles of this life, and often even because of those struggles, that urge is very strong if we allow our spirits to feel the love of God manifested to us:

President Uchtdorf testified that "there is a way to return to Him" and that way lies in heeding the Savior's call to "Come, follow me." If we listen and heed, we will be eternally blessed by that simple call.

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

President Henry B. Eyring on having strength and faith for latter-day challenges

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.

"We cannot foresee the details, but we know the larger picture. We know that in the last days, the world will be in commotion. We know that in the midst of whatever trouble comes, the Lord will lead faithful Latter-day Saints to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. And we know that the Lord’s true disciples will be worthy and prepared to receive Him when He comes again. We need not fear.

"So, as much as we have already built faith and courage in our hearts, the Lord expects more from us—and from the generations after us. They will need to be stronger and braver because they will do even greater and harder things than we have done. And they will face increasing opposition from the enemy of our souls.

"The way to optimism as we go forward was given by the Lord: 'Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not' (D&C 6:36). President Monson told us how to do that. We are to ponder and apply the Book of Mormon and the words of prophets. Pray always. Be believing. Serve the Lord with all our heart, might, mind, and strength. We are to pray with all the energy of our hearts for the gift of charity, the pure love of Christ (see Moroni 7:47–48). And above all, we are to be consistent and persistent in following prophetic counsel.

"When the way is difficult, we can rely on the Lord’s promise—the promise President Monson has reminded us of when he has often quoted these words of the Savior: 'Whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up' (D&C 84:88).

"I testify that the Lord goes before your face whenever you are on His errand. Sometimes you will be the angel the Lord sends to bear others up. Sometimes you will be the one surrounded by angels who bear you up. But always you will have His Spirit to be in your heart, as you have been promised in every sacrament service. You have only to keep His commandments.

"The best days are ahead for the kingdom of God on the earth. Opposition will strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ, as it has since the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Faith always defeats fear. Standing together produces unity. And your prayers for those in need are heard and answered by a loving God. He neither slumbers nor does He sleep."

- Henry B. Eyring, "Fear Not to Do Good," General Conference, October 2017
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This was a beautiful, hopeful message from President Eyring. He recalled President Monson's counsel from the last general conference to study the Book of Mormon daily, and testified of the power in his own life of following that counsel. Then he bore witness to the power and blessing of being faithful and obedient in the last days, in the midst of the challenges that will come.

I have always loved the promise of the Lord to those in His service, of angels surrounding to bear them up. It's a wonderful reassurance, and as President Eyring testifies, we "have only to keep His commandments."

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

President Howard W. Hunter on claiming the blessings of inspired leaders

President Howard W. Hunter (1907-1995) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1959.  He served as Church President for only nine months, from June 5, 1994 to his death on March 3, 1995.

"As I have pondered the messages of the conference, I have asked myself this question: How can I help others partake of the goodness and blessings of our Heavenly Father?  The answer lies in following the direction received from those we sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators, and others of the General Authorities.  Let us study their words, spoken under the Spirit of inspiration, and refer to them often.  The Lord has revealed his will to the Saints in this conference.

"I bear solemn and grateful witness that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of the world. Certainly he is the center of our worship and the key to our happiness. Let us follow the Son of God in all ways and all walks of life. Let us make him our exemplar and our guide."

- Howard W. Hunter, "Follow the Son of God," General Conference October 1994; see Ensign, Nov. 1994, p. 87
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

We are very blessed in our time to have ready access to the messages of general conference. In past years, it would often take many weeks before a printed copy of the talks would be available; today, we can listen to the talks again almost immediately after conference ends at the Church website; and within a few days the transcripts are also available to study. President Hunter urges us to take advantage of the opportunity to review the messages, so that we can be blessed as we apply them in our lives and share the blessings with others:

If we truly believe that "The Lord has revealed his will to the Saints in this conference" then we should be eager to feast on the words that were shared!

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

Elder Robert D. Hales on responding to suffering in life

Elder Robert D. Hales (August 24, 1932-October 1, 2017) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1985, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

"Suffering is universal; how we react to suffering is individual. Suffering can take us one of two ways. It can be a strengthening and purifying experience combined with faith, or it can be a destructive force in our lives if we do not have the faith in the Lord’s atoning sacrifice. The purpose of suffering, however, is to build and strengthen us. We learn obedience by the things we suffer. We should be humbled and drawn to the Lord, as in the case of the prodigal son who appreciated his home only after going into the world and experiencing sorrow when he shut out his loved ones. (See Luke 15:11–32.) So suffering in his case was a vital part of his repentance.

"When suffering comes as a consequence of sin, it should lead to repentance."

- Robert D. Hales, "Your Sorrow Shall Be Turned to Joy," General Conference, October 1983
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

It is a fact of our mortal experience that we all experience suffering, in different forms and at different times in our lives. Elder Hales counseled us to take care in seeing that we respond appropriately to suffering; the key is that the suffering be "combined with faith":

Not all suffering is a result of our own sin or bad choices. Elder Hales discusses other aspects of suffering as well. But it is always a grand key that we must meet suffering with faith in order to survive and be strengthened as God would have us.

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

President Harold B. Lee on the importance of accepting and heeding revelation

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.

"As in olden times, so in our day, holy men of God speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost (2 Pet. 1:21), and whatsoever they speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the word of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation (D&C 68:4). It should be a great comfort to the Latter-day Saints in this day of which the Lord foretold, when peace should be taken from the earth, and the devil would have power over his own dominion, to hear the Lord say in revelation that in that day he would reign in the midst of his people and would have power over his Saints (D&C 1:35-36)....

"And so, obedient to that purpose, there have been in this day, our day, men commissioned of the Lord with power and authority, and he has given them the inspiration to teach and proclaim these things to the world for the purpose the Lord has set forth, and he has done it here in this conference and will continue to do so until the end of the conference, that the important things might be counseled by the elders of the Church to this people according to the inspiration and revelation they receive from time to time. As the Latter-day Saints go home from this conference, it would be well if they consider seriously the importance of taking with them the report of this conference and let it be the guide to their walk and talk during the next six months. These are the important matters the Lord sees fit to reveal to this people in this day in the year 1946."

- Harold B. Lee, "Living in the Bonds of Brotherhood,", Conference Report, April 1946, pp. 67-72
http://scriptures.byu.edu/gettalk.php?ID=228

I love President Lee's analysis. After noting the promise of the Lord that inspired servants can speak the mind and will of God, he comments what a "great comfort" it is for us today to know that God is in charge in these days of trouble and turmoil. A general conference gives us the chance to hear and feel that power in a special way. But we must not take lightly the things that are taught!

It is great counsel to consider that the conference report should be "the guide to [our] walk and talk during the next six months." We must not take lightly the counsel of God offered to us through His inspired messengers!

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