Elder Richard G. Scott on learning to exercise faith in Jesus Christ

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.

"When faith is properly understood and used, it has dramatically far-reaching effects. Such faith can transform an individual’s life from maudlin, common everyday activities to a symphony of joy and happiness. The exercise of faith is vital to Father in Heaven’s plan of happiness. But true faith, faith unto salvation, is centered on the Lord Jesus Christ, faith in His doctrines and teachings, faith in the prophetic guidance of the Lord’s anointed, faith in the capacity to discover hidden characteristics and traits that can transform life. Truly, faith in the Savior is a principle of action and power....

"Faith and character are intimately related. Faith in the power of obedience to the commandments of God will forge strength of character available to you in times of urgent need. Such character is not developed in moments of great challenge or temptation. That is when it is intended to be used. Your exercise of faith in true principles builds character; fortified character expands your capacity to exercise more faith. As a result, your capacity and confidence to conquer the trials of life is enhanced. The more your character is fortified, the more enabled you are to benefit from exercising the power of faith. You will discover how faith and character interact to strengthen one another. Character is woven patiently from threads of applied principle, doctrine, and obedience....

"We exercise faith by doing. Joseph Smith said that 'faith [is] the principle of action and of power' (Lectures on Faith [1985], 72)."

- Richard G. Scott, "The Transforming Power of Faith and Character," General Conference October 2010
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Scott teaches, echoing Joseph Smith, that "faith in the Savior is a principle of action and power." It is not possible to have faith without feeling the call to action; and further action generates greater faith. Power comes as faith and righteousness access divine strength.

It was interesting to see how Elder Scott linked faith and character. Faith leads to character, and is something that we must develop in order to cope with the challenges that arise in our lives:

So one of the quests of life is to be weaving our strength of character, gradually and patiently, "from threads of applied principle, doctrine, and obedience." As we follow the path of discipleship in humble obedience, we grow in faith, and our character is strengthened and prepared for times of need. It's a beautiful process!

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

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin on living with kindness

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.

"Kindness is the essence of greatness and the fundamental characteristic of the noblest men and women I have known. Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes.

"Kind words not only lift our spirits in the moment they are given, but they can linger with us over the years....

"Kindness is the essence of a celestial life. Kindness is how a Christlike person treats others. Kindness should permeate all of our words and actions at work, at school, at church, and especially in our homes."

- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The Virtue of Kindness," General Conference April 2005
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Kindness is perhaps not only the "essence of greatness" but the essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which teaches the fundamental priority of loving one another, serving one another, bearing one another's burdens, etc.

I like the description "Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends." Just as "A soft answer turneth away wrath" (Prov. 15:1) a proper attitude of kindness can work wonders in many interpersonal situations.

When Elder Wirthlin suggests that "lift our spirits in the moment they are given, but they can linger with us over the years"—I believe that impact applies not only to the receiver but to the giver of the words. Being kind influences those around us but also blesses our very natures.

And this is a wonderful summary.  Kindess is simply being Christlike, and is a quality we should all strive to increase in our lives and interactions.

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

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf on finding healing in the Light of Christ

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.

"Just as we face physical and emotional trials in this mortality, we also face spiritual challenges. Most of us have experienced times in our lives when our testimony burns brightly. We also may have experienced times when our Heavenly Father seems distant. There are times when we treasure the things of the Spirit with all our hearts. There may also be times when they appear less precious or of diminished significance....

"Whatever causes our spiritual ailments, they all have one thing in common: the absence of divine light.

"Darkness reduces our ability to see clearly. It dims our vision of that which was at one time plain and clear. When we are in darkness, we are more likely to make poor choices because we cannot see dangers in our path. When we are in darkness, we are more likely to lose hope because we cannot see the peace and joy that await us if we just keep pressing forward.

"Light, on the other hand, allows us to see things as they really are. It allows us to discern between truth and error, between the vital and the trivial. When we are in the light, we can make righteous choices based on true principles. When we are in the light, we have 'a perfect brightness of hope' (2 Nephi 31:20) because we can see our mortal trials from an eternal perspective.

"We will find spiritual healing as we step away from the shadows of the world and into the everlasting Light of Christ."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Bearers of Heavenly Light," General Conference, October 2017
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Uchtdorf discusses the reality of our lives; we're not always in the kind of spiritual condition that we aspire to be. There are times when "Heavenly Father seems distant." Even a prophet described his personal challenge with this condition:

"I find that when I get casual in my relationships with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far away. If I immerse myself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns. I find myself loving more intensely those whom I must love with all my heart and mind and strength, and loving them more, I find it easier to abide their counsel."
- Spencer W. Kimball, "What I Hope You Will Teach My Grandchildren and All Others of the Youth of Zion," address to Seminary and Institute personnel, Brigham Young University, 11 July 1966, p. 6; see TSWK p. 135

President Uchtdorf talks about the blessing of "divine light" that helps us overcome those periods of spiritual challenge:

The promise is that we will always "find spiritual healing as we step away from the shadows of the world and into the everlasting Light of Christ." That's a simple enough prescription to cure the problems of our spiritual challenges. President Kimball's method of doing that was to "immerse" himself in the scriptures. Others find temple attendance to be a great blessing, or acts of loving service, or reverent music. There are many other ways to readjust our focus, step out of the shadows, and feel the fulness of the light. We should not hesitate to take action quickly when we sense those symptoms coming on!

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

President Henry B. Eyring on sustaining one another in service

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.

"For a leader to succeed in the Lord’s work, the people’s trust that he is called of God must override their view of his infirmities and mortal weaknesses...

"Your leader in the Lord’s Church may seem to you weak and human or may appear to you strong and inspired. The fact is that every leader is a mixture of those traits and more. What helps servants of the Lord who are called to lead us is when we can see them as the Lord did when He called them.

"The Lord sees His servants perfectly. He sees their potential and their future. And He knows how their very nature can be changed. He also knows how they can be changed by their experiences with the people they will lead....

"There is a thread that binds us to the Lord in our service. It runs from wherever we are called to serve in the kingdom, up through those called to preside over us in the priesthood, and to the prophet, who is bound to the Lord. It takes faith and humility to serve in the place to which we are called, to trust that the Lord called us and those who preside over us, and to sustain them with full faith."

- Henry B. Eyring, "The Lord Leads His Church," General Conference, October 2017
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

We've all had the experience in the Church at being surprised when a certain person was called to a certain assignment, wondering if they would be able to fulfill the responsibilities. Or, perhaps we've been the one called, and we've felt overwhelmed and inadequate to the task. President Eyring points out that we often see each other, or ourselves, and focus on the shortcomings; but the Lord sees us and focuses on the potential to grow and to do good. And He sees the growth that is needed to help us progress, that could come through that very calling.

The conclusion is that we must learn to trust in the process of callings, and know that regardless of the situation, there is much good that can come as we allow the Lord's hand to work through the established lines of authority.

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

President Hugh B. Brown on knowing and understanding the gospel

President Hugh B. Brown (October 24, 1883–December 2, 1975) was called as an Assistant to the Twelve in 1953, then as an apostle in 1958.  He served as a counselor to President David O. McKay from 1961 until President McKay's death in 1970, then for almost six more years as a member of the Quorum of Twelve until he passed away at age 92.

"I am impressed with the testimony of a man who can stand and say he knows the gospel is true. What I would like to ask is, 'But, sir, do you know the gospel?' I say it is one thing to know the gospel is true, and it is another thing to know what the gospel is. Mere testimony can be gained with but perfunctory knowledge of the Church and its teachings, as evidenced by the hundreds who are now coming into the Church with but bare acquaintanceship. But to retain a testimony, to be of service in building the Lord's kingdom, requires a serious study of the gospel and knowing what it is."

- Hugh B. Brown, personal correspondence with Robert J. Matthews, dated 28 January 1969; see Matthews, "Using the Scriptures," BYU devotional, July 14, 1981

How much do you have to know, to know it's true? What knowledge is required to have a testimony? President Brown suggests that "perfunctory knowledge of the Church and its teachings" are sufficient to bring initial conversion. Perfunctory means something that results from a minimal level of effort or reflection. So a witness of truth can come relatively easily.

But that is not enough to sustain us. Beyond knowing the gospel is true, we have to come to know the gospel:

While it may be easy to obtain a testimony, President Brown warns that to retain a testimony and to be of service in the Lord's kingdom requires that we develop our gospel knowledge. That's the challenge for all of us: to be studying, pondering, learning, applying—growing in understanding and wisdom!

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

President Ezra Taft Benson on how Christ changes men

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 Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature....

"Yes, Christ changes men, and changed men can change the world. Men changed for Christ will be captained by Christ. Like Paul they will be asking, 'Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?' (Acts 9:6.) Peter stated they will 'follow his steps.' (1 Pet. 2:21.) John said they will 'walk, even as he walked.' (1 Jn. 2:6.)

"Finally, men captained by Christ will be consumed in Christ. To paraphrase President Harold B. Lee, they set fire in others because they are on fire. (See Harold B. Lee, Stand Ye in Holy Places, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1974, p. 192.)

"Their will is swallowed up in his will. (See John 5:30.) They do always those things that please the Lord. (See John 8:29.) Not only would they die for the Lord, but, more important, they want to live for Him."

- Ezra Taft Benson, "Born of God," Ensign, July 1989, 2
Click here to read the full article

This is a classic excerpt from President Benson, frequently quoted because of the importance of the insight it offers:

It truly is insightful to compare the approaches the world takes, compared to how the Jesus Christ works in our lives to cause change and growth. The fundamental difference between attempts to change behavior and to change basic nature are the essence of this difference.

A true disciple is eager to be "captained by Christ" and to have their will "swallowed up in his will." This is not mindless following; it is a conscious choice to follow One who is believed to provide ultimate happiness. It is true discipleship.

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

President Thomas S. Monson on the importance and blessing of prayer

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 before becoming Church president in 2008.

"Perhaps there has never been a time when we had greater need to pray and to teach our family members to pray. Prayer is a defense against temptation. It is through earnest and heartfelt prayer that we can receive the needed blessings and the support required to make our way in this sometimes difficult and challenging journey we call mortality....

"Do not pray for tasks equal to your abilities, but pray for abilities equal to your tasks. Then the performance of your tasks will be no miracle, but you will be the miracle."

- Thomas S. Monson, "Three Goals to Guide You," General Conference, General Relief Society Meeting, October 2007
Click here to read or listen to the full message

Throughout his ministry, President Monson has often counseled about the power and importance of prayer. In this address to the sisters of the Church, he provided counsel on three goals: study diligently, pray earnestly, and serve willingly.

As he shared experiences and counsel about the principle of prayer, President Monson expressed his awareness of the challenges of our time, and the blessing established habits of prayer can provide as "a defense against temptation" and a source of "needed blessings and the support" that God will provide to assist us in our quest.

He then concludes his counsel on prayer with this concise summary:

This is a great reminder that God is willing to bless and strengthen us as we turn to Him in humility.

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