Elder Ronald A. Rasband on seeing the Lord's hand in our lives

Elder Ronald A. Rasband (b. February 6, 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 2000.  He was the senior president of the Seventy when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015.

"Our lives are like a chessboard, and the Lord moves us from one place to another—if we are responsive to spiritual promptings. Looking back, we can see His hand in our lives....

"Significant events unfold in the gospel and in the Church that further the kingdom of God on earth. They are not by accident but by God’s plan. He who fashioned this world can calm the seas with His word and can steer both Alma and Amulek and Nephi and Laban to be at the right place at precisely the right time.

"Likewise, events and associations unfold in each of our lives that further God’s work on earth....

"What should you be looking for in your own life? What are God’s miracles that remind you that He is close, saying, 'I am right here'? Think of those times, some daily, when the Lord has acted in your life—and then acted again. Treasure them as moments the Lord has shown confidence in you and in your choices. But allow Him to make more of you than you can make of yourself on your own. Treasure His involvement. Sometimes we consider changes in our plans as missteps on our journey. Think of them more as first steps to being 'on the Lord’s errand' (D&C 64:29)."

- Ronald A. Rasband, "By Divine Design," General Conference October 2017
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

I suspect in the two years since Elder Rasband was called to the Quorum of Twelve, his experiences with God's hand working in his life have increased significantly; and he has had the opportunity to witness that blessing in the lives of so many members around the world. When I had the chance to serve in a stake leadership calling, I was often overwhelmed to witness that occurring as I had contact with many stake members. It was a blessing to my faith and testimony.

But the key is to recognize and respond to those influences in our personal lives. As we are obedient in the path of discipleship and as we are humble and prayerful, we will start to notice more and more that "events and associations unfold in each of our lives that further God’s work on earth."

It truly is important to seek for the evidence of God's hand, to notice and identify it. That enables us not only to express gratitude for the blessing, but as we "treasure His involvement" in our hearts, we will be strengthened and lifted up in our faith, knowing that He is aware of us and will continue to guide and bless.

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

Elder Neil L. Andersen on claiming the blessings of general conference

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.

"We should not be alarmed when the words of the Lord’s servants run counter to the thinking of the world and, at times, our own thinking. It has always been this way. I am on my knees in the temple with my Brethren. I attest to the goodness of their souls. Their greatest desire is to please the Lord and help God’s children return to His presence.

"The Seventy; the Bishopric; the General Presidencies of the Relief Society, the Young Women, and the Primary; and other auxiliary leaders have added tremendous inspiration to this conference, as have the beautiful music and the thoughtful prayers.

"There is a treasure chest of heavenly direction awaiting your discovery in the messages of general conference. The test for each of us is how we respond to what we hear, what we read, and what we feel....

"I promise that as you hear the voice of the Lord to you in the teachings of this general conference, and then act on those promptings, you will feel heaven’s hand upon you, and your life and the lives of those around you will be blessed."

- Neil L. Andersen, "The Voice of the Lord," General Conference October 2017
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Andersen was the final speaker in the last session of conference, and he used that setting to discuss the sacred blessing of general conference, and to challenge listeners to take advantage of the opportunity to learn and grow from the messages.

It's interesting to consider ways in which the teachings of Church leaders might "run counter to the thinking of the world." When that happens, it's often a test of our faith and commitment, our testimony of the calling of leaders. Along those lines, I've always loved this counsel from President Harold B. Lee:

"You may not like what comes from the authority of the Church. It may contradict your political views. It may contradict your social views. It may interfere with some of your social life. But if you listen to these things, as if from the mouth of the Lord himself, with patience and faith, the promise is that 'the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name's glory.' (D&C 21:6.)
"...Your safety and ours depends upon whether or not we follow the ones whom the Lord has placed to preside over his church. He knows whom he wants to preside over this church, and he will make no mistake....
"Let's keep our eye on the President of the Church."
- Harold B. Lee, in Conference Report, Oct. 1970, 152-53; see Improvement Era, Dec. 1970, p. 126

So the real question for Church members is how well we listen and heed, how we act upon the counsel given during the conference:

We have a "treasure chest" awaiting us, if only we choose to access it! And continue to draw from it in the weeks and months to come.

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

Elder D. Todd Christofferson on the sacred symbolism of the sacrament

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.

"To eat His flesh and drink His blood is a striking way of expressing how completely we must bring the Savior into our life—into our very being—that we may be one. How does this happen?

"First, we understand that in sacrificing His flesh and blood, Jesus atoned for our sins and overcame death, both physical and spiritual. Clearly, then, we partake of His flesh and drink His blood when we receive from Him the power and blessings of His Atonement....

"I have spoken of receiving the Savior’s atoning grace to take away our sins and the stain of those sins in us. But figuratively eating His flesh and drinking His blood has a further meaning, and that is to internalize the qualities and character of Christ, putting off the natural man and becoming Saints 'through the atonement of Christ the Lord' (Mosiah 3:19). As we partake of the sacramental bread and water each week, we would do well to consider how fully and completely we must incorporate His character and the pattern of His sinless life into our life and being....

"This suggests the need for a mighty striving on our part. We cannot be content to remain as we are but must be moving constantly toward 'the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ' (Ephesians 4:13). Like King Lamoni’s father in the Book of Mormon, we must be willing to give away all our sins (see Alma 22:18) and focus on what the Lord expects of us, individually and together."

- D. Todd Christofferson, "The Living Bread Which Came Down from Heaven," General Conference October 2017
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

The sacramental language of eating the body and drinking the blood of Christ is symbolic only, but as Elder Christofferson points out, teaches a powerful lesson. First, it links us powerfully to His stoning sacrifice on our behalf; but second, it teaches how profoundly our commitment to Him must be as we attempt to fully "internalize" His message and teachings.

It's the "mighty striving" that we must focus on, in which we "internalize the qualities and character of Christ, putting off the natural man and becoming Saints." That is the great quest of this life!

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

Elder Quentin L. Cook on growing in Christlike humility

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.

"Anyone who claims superiority under the Father’s plan because of characteristics like race, sex, nationality, language, or economic circumstances is morally wrong and does not understand the Lord’s true purpose for all of our Father’s children.

"Unfortunately, in our day in almost every segment of society, we see self-importance and arrogance flaunted while humility and accountability to God are denigrated. Much of society has lost its moorings and does not understand why we are on this earth. True humility, which is essential to achieve the Lord’s purpose for us, is seldom evident.

"It is important to understand the magnitude of Christ’s humility, righteousness, character, and intelligence, as exemplified in the scriptures. It is foolish to underestimate the necessity of continuously striving for these Christlike qualities and attributes on a day-by-day basis, particularly humility....

"Humility also includes being grateful for our numerous blessings and divine assistance. Humility isn’t some grand identifiable achievement or even overcoming some major challenge. It is a sign of spiritual strength. It is having the quiet confidence that day by day and hour by hour we can rely on the Lord, serve Him, and achieve His purposes. It is my prayer that in this contentious world we will continuously strive for true humility every day."

- Quentin L. Cook, "The Eternal Everyday," General Conference October 2017
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Cook's talk was wonderfully instructive and pertinent. He analyzed many of the trends and challenges we face in today's world and gave suggestions on keeping proper perspective as we strive to move forward.

"True humility" is a quality that seems to be fading from society in our time, he suggests. The arrogance of superiority leads us away from the characteristics of a Christlike life. By looking to the Savior and seeking to follow His example, we can regain that purity of humility that will bless us as true disciples:

The "quiet confidence" of humility is desperately needed in this "contentious world" to allow us to live with grace and dignity. As we truly strive to follow the Savior and adopt Christlike characteristics, humility will be a natural result.

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

Elder David A. Bednar on choosing the best things in our busy lives

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.

"One of the great challenges each of us faces every day is to not allow the concerns of this world to so dominate our time and energy that we neglect the eternal things that matter most. (See D&C 25:10.) We can be too easily diverted from remembering and focusing upon essential spiritual priorities because of our many responsibilities and busy schedules. Sometimes we try to run so fast that we may forget where we are going and why we are running.

"The Apostle Peter reminds us that for disciples of Jesus Christ, 'his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

"'Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust' (2 Peter 1:3-4, emphasis added)."

- David A. Bednar, "Exceeding Great and Precious Promises," General Conference October 2017
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Bednar often shares thoughtful talks that analyze our motivations and the impacts of our actions and choices. In this talk he addresses some of the most fundamental choices and motivations that influence our behavior. The very first insight has to do with our busy lives in today's world, and the priorities we have that influence our choices. The "concerns of the world" too often "dominate our time and energy" causing us to focus on the wrong things. And trying to do too much is also a significant risk.

The excerpt from Peter's epistle contains some beautiful phrases, as highlighted by Elder Bednar:

• "things that pertain unto life and godliness"
• "exceeding great and precious promises"
• "partakers of the divine nature"

Remembering the promises of God and the path He has established for us to obtain them will bless us in our efforts to choose wisely in our daily lives.

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

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on realistic expectations for growth and progress

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.

"I believe in His perfection, and I know we are His spiritual sons and daughters with divine potential to become as He is. I also know that, as children of God, we should not demean or vilify ourselves, as if beating up on ourselves is somehow going to make us the person God wants us to become. No! With a willingness to repent and a desire for increased righteousness always in our hearts, I would hope we could pursue personal improvement in a way that doesn’t include getting ulcers or anorexia, feeling depressed or demolishing our self-esteem. That is not what the Lord wants for Primary children or anyone else who honestly sings, 'I’m trying to be like Jesus.' (Children’s Songbook 78–79) ...

"How grateful I am that at least God can bless those who despitefully use Him because, without wanting or intending to do so, we all despitefully use Him sometimes. I am grateful that God is merciful and a peacemaker because I need mercy and the world needs peace. Of course, all we say of the Father’s virtues we also say of His Only Begotten Son, who lived and died unto the same perfection....

"Brothers and sisters, every one of us aspires to a more Christlike life than we often succeed in living. If we admit that honestly and are trying to improve, we are not hypocrites; we are human. May we refuse to let our own mortal follies, and the inevitable shortcomings of even the best men and women around us, make us cynical about the truths of the gospel, the truthfulness of the Church, our hope for our future, or the possibility of godliness. If we persevere, then somewhere in eternity our refinement will be finished and complete—which is the New Testament meaning of perfection."

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "Be Ye Therefore Perfect—Eventually," General Conference October 2017
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Holland gave an address of hope and encouragement in the recent conference, reminding us that perfection takes time. He obviously has noted the challenge of Church members who are too critical of themselves, and struggle with the guilt of not living up to what they think they should be doing. Elder Holland's reminder of a divine perspective of the process of learning and improvement is one that will bless us all. It also emphasized our dependence on the Redeemer as the source of hope and growth.

I believe the key is to maintain "a willingness to repent and a desire for increased righteousness" in all we do. That will help ensure that we are moving in the right direction, towards the eventual perfection we all seek.

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

Elder M. Russell Ballard on continuing the trek to our heavenly home

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.

"As we walk the road of life, we are tested to see if we will 'observe to do all things whatsoever [the Lord has] commanded' (D&C 97:25) 

"Many of us are on amazing journeys of discovery—leading to personal fulfillment and spiritual enlightenment. Some of us, however, are on a trek that leads to sorrow, sin, anguish, and despair.

"In this context, please ask yourself: What is your final destination? Where are your footsteps taking you? And is your journey leading you to that 'multiplicity of blessings' (D&C 97:28) the Savior has promised?

"A trek back to our Heavenly Father is the most important trek of our lives, and it continues each day, each week, each month, and each year as we increase our faith in Him and in His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ....

"Stay on the gospel path by having 'faith in every footstep' so you can return safely back to the presence of Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord is our precious Savior. He is the Redeemer of the world. We must honor His sacred name and not misuse it in any way, always striving to keep His commandments. If we do so, He will bless us and lead us safely home."

- Elder M. Russell Ballard, "The Trek Continues," General Conference October 2017
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Ballard has spoken on several occasions about the early pioneers and the example their faith and endurance represents for us today. In this talk, he applied the example of the pioneer trek to our modern experience of mortality. We are on a trek to a heavenly home, and understanding our destination is critical. We should be aware and careful about the challenges along the way, and be faithful to the counsel that will get us "safely home,"

The key to Elder Ballard's message is that our Father and our Savior are eager to have us return to Them. As we life faithfully, they will "bless us and lead us safely home."

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