President Henry B. Eyring on the tests of our mortal lives

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.

"I wish to bear witness of God’s power of deliverance. At some point in our lives we will all need that power. Every person living is in the midst of a test. We have been granted by God the precious gift of life in a world created as a proving ground and a preparatory school. The tests we will face, their severity, their timing, and their duration will be unique for each of us. But two things will be the same for all of us. They are part of the design for mortal life.

"First, the tests at times will stretch us enough for us to feel the need for help beyond our own. And, second, God in His kindness and wisdom has made the power of deliverance available to us.

"Now you might well ask, 'Since Heavenly Father loves us, why does His plan of happiness include trials that could overwhelm us?' It is because His purpose is to offer us eternal life. He wants to give us a happiness that is only possible as we live as families forever in glory with Him. And trials are necessary for us to be shaped and made fit to receive that happiness that comes as we qualify for the greatest of all the gifts of God."

- Henry B. Eyring, "The Power of Deliverance," BYU devotional Jan. 15, 2008
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Church leaders often acknowledge the challenges we face in life, and provide encouragement and suggestions in dealing with them. In this case, President Eyring points out that many of our challenges are actually tests, customized to each of our individual, personal needs and circumstances by a loving God who wants to prove and to prepare us. But the test would not accomplish those goals unless it stretched us beyond our "comfort zones." This is a key concept in our understanding of the mortal experience:

Our tests and trials, then, are designed to teach us that we can't survive without His help; and that He is always there to offer that help! As we learn to turn to God and depend upon His help and guidance, we will be blessed with greater insight, greater strength, and greater power to accomplish the things He has in store for us. He is eager to bless us with the greatest of all gifts as we learn to turn to Him!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Dallin H. Oaks on how the gospel transforms our lives

President Dallin H. Oaks (born 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. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"The gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to change. 'Repent' is its most frequent message, and repenting means giving up all of our practices—personal, family, ethnic, and national—that are contrary to the commandments of God. The purpose of the gospel is to transform common creatures into celestial citizens, and that requires change....

"The traditions or culture or way of life of a people inevitably include some practices that must be changed by those who wish to qualify for God’s choicest blessings....

"There is a unique gospel culture, a set of values and expectations and practices common to all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This gospel way of life comes from the plan of salvation, the commandments of God, and the teachings of the living prophets. It is given expression in the way we raise our families and live our individual lives. The principles stated in the family proclamation are a beautiful expression of our gospel culture."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Repentance and Change," General Conference, October 2003
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

There is no growth without change, and in the spiritual sense, that means repentance. We grow as we learn to accept and follow the commandments of God. As we discover areas where our practices are contrary to the commandments, the call to us is to follow Him and allow Him to bless us:

I love that statement, "The purpose of the gospel is to transform common creatures into celestial citizens." Transformation is sometimes painful, but it is certainly worthwhile as we progress toward an idea.

President Oaks discusses the difference between cultural and doctrinal aspects of change in his message. Sometimes both are necessary; as we come to understand the benefits of the "gospel culture" that is taught to us, we will be eager to adopt it and will be blessed as we do.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Russell M. Nelson on the Savior as our personal Prince of Peace

President Russell M. Nelson (born 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 became president of that quorum on July 15, 2015. Following the death of President Monson, he was set apart as president of the Church on January 14, 2018.

"Focusing on the Lord and everlasting life can help us... through all the challenges of mortality. Imperfect people share planet earth with other imperfect people. Ours is a fallen world marred by excessive debt, wars, natural disasters, disease, and death.

"Personal challenges come. A father may have lost his job. A young mother may have learned of a grave illness. A son or a daughter may have gone astray. Whatever may cause the worry, each of us yearns to find inner peace.

"My message tonight pertains to the only source of true and lasting peace, Jesus the Christ—our Prince of Peace. (See Isaiah 9:6; 2 Nephi 19:6.) ...

"Peace can come to all who choose to walk in the ways of the Master. His invitation is expressed in three loving words: 'Come, follow me.' (Luke 18:22)"

- Russell M. Nelson, "Jesus the Christ—Our Prince of Peace," Christmas Devotional December 2013
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

It's good to remember that we live in "a fallen world marred by excessive debt, wars, natural disasters, disease, and death." The nature of our mortal experience requires an environment in which those kinds of things can exist, and even flourish. As men and women choose to use their agency in negative ways, we all face a multitude of challenges. President Nelson offers counsel on finding personal peace in a world that is very troubled:

While our personal efforts in finding, and maintaining, peace in our lives are critical, President Nelson reminds us there is only one source of "true and lasting peace"—and that is in and through the Prince of Peace. As we follow Him and walk in His ways, we will know of that truth.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin on simple acts of kindness and love

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.

"In a recent message of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s Music and the Spoken Word, a story was told about an elderly man and woman who had been married for many decades. Because the wife was slowly losing her sight, she could no longer take care of herself the way she had done for so many years. Without being asked, the husband began to paint her fingernails for her.

"'He knew that she could see her fingernails when she held them close to her eyes, at just the right angle, and they made her smile. He liked to see her happy, so he kept painting her nails for more than five years before she passed away.' ('Selflessness,' Sept. 23, 2007, broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word)

"That is an example of the pure love of Christ. Sometimes the greatest love is not found in the dramatic scenes that poets and writers immortalize. Often, the greatest manifestations of love are the simple acts of kindness and caring we extend to those we meet along the path of life.

"True love lasts forever. It is eternally patient and forgiving. It believes, hopes, and endures all things. That is the love our Heavenly Father bears for us."

- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The Great Commandment," General Conference, October 2007
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

How do we manifest love to each other? Is it only in "dramatic scenes" and elaborate expressions? Elder Wirthlin suggests that the greatest manifestations are in small, simple acts of service and kindness:

This is a great message to ponder. While we do know that our Savior and Heavenly Father have manifested love to us in dramatic ways, including the eternal Atonement of Jesus Christ, perhaps there are also simpler "acts of kindness and caring" we receive from divine sources. And if so, how do we emulate them? Acts of forgiveness, encouragement, support, and generosity are certainly a part of the love we should manifest in our interactions with one another.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder Neal A. Maxwell on learning to be of good cheer in life

Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926-2004) served as a Seventy from 1976-1981, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve until his death from cancer in 2004.

"My brothers and sisters, we are living in a time in which we shall see things both wonderful and awful. There is no way that we can be a part of the last days and have it otherwise. Even so, we are instructed by our Lord and Exemplar, Jesus Christ, to 'be of good cheer.' (D&C 61:36; D&C 78:18.)

"Jesus has given that same instruction to others before, when the stressful circumstances in which they found themselves were anything but cheerful. For instance, he told the original Twelve to be of good cheer when, on the surface, there was nothing to be cheerful about. (John 16:33.) The indescribable agonies of Gethsemane were imminent. Judas’s betrayal lay immediately ahead.

"Likewise, Jesus’ arrest and arraignment. The Twelve would be scattered like sheep. Jesus’ unjust and mocking trial and His terrible scourging were but hours away. The shrill and disappointing cry of the mob—to release Barabbas instead of Jesus—would soon echo in the air. Then would come the final, awful moments on Calvary!

"Therefore, how could Jesus expect the Twelve to be of good cheer? Because, the Savior said, 'In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.' (John 16:33; italics added.)"

- Neal A. Maxwell, "Be of Good Cheer," General Conference October 1982
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

"Things both wonderful and awful"—certainly a very accurate description of our time. It's easy to get caught up on the "awful" part of life and of the world around us; and perhaps that is part of the challenge we are being warned against in this message:

Truly, regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves, there are always wonderful things to be recognized and for which to be grateful. The key, according to Elder Maxwell, is to recognize that the Savior has overcome the world; the "awful" parts are replaced by the true and lasting joy that He offers. Therefore, He can instruct and invite us to "be of good cheer" because that cheerfulness is available in and through Him. Elder Maxwell's talk is worth reviewing to discover many wonderful suggestions on bringing that power and perspective into our lives.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Ezra Taft Benson on learning according to our spiritual maturity

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.

"God has to work through mortals of varying degrees of spiritual progress. Sometimes he temporarily grants to men their unwise requests in order that they might learn from their own sad experiences. Some refer to this as the 'Samuel principle.' The children of Israel wanted a king like all the other nations. The prophet Samuel was displeased and prayed to the Lord about it. The Lord responded by saying, Samuel, 'they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.' The Lord told Samuel to warn the people of the consequences if they had a king. Samuel gave them the warning. But they still insisted on their king. So God gave them a king and let them suffer. They learned the hard way. God wanted it to be otherwise, but within certain bounds he grants unto men according to their desires. Bad experiences are an expensive school that only fools keep going to. (See 1 Sam. 8.)

"Sometimes in our attempts to mimic the world, and contrary to the prophet’s counsel, we run after the world’s false educational, political, musical, and dress ideas. New worldly standards take over, a gradual breakdown occurs, and finally, after much suffering, a humble people are ready to be taught once again a higher law."

- Ezra Taft Benson, "Jesus Christ—Gifts and Expectations," BYU devotional Dec 10, 1974; see also Ensign Dec. 1988 p. 2
Click here to read or listen to the whole talk on the BYU website
Click here to read the whole talk on the Ensign website

President Benson talks about what he calls "The Samuel Principle"—God sometimes allows us to have bad experiences, or to see the results of our bad choices "within certain bounds" when we ask Him for help, in order that we learn a lesson in life.

The statement "God has to work through mortals of varying degrees of spiritual progress" is intriguing. As we struggle in the beginning stages of our growth, our maturity or responsiveness may limit how He can work with us. When we progress further, He is able to work differently. But in those beginning stages, as President Benson notes, we are often tempted to "mimic the world" and make choices that conflict with prophetic counsel in areas such as "false educational, political, musical, and dress ideas." Those bad decisions have their consequences. We only hope that we learn the lessons and repent quickly to minimize the suffering that may result! It requires a "humble people" to be ready to receive the "higher law."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Boyd K. Packer on help to confront the world's challenges

President Boyd K. Packer (1924-2015) served as an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve (a position that no longer exists) from 1961 to 1970, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  He served as president of that Quorum from 1994 until his death on July 3, 2015 at age 90.

"The gift of the Holy Ghost, if you consent, will guide and protect you and even correct your actions. It is a spiritual voice that comes into the mind as a thought or a feeling put into your heart. The prophet Enos said, 'The voice of the Lord came into my mind' (Enos 1:10). And the Lord told Oliver Cowdery, 'Behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you' (D&C 8:2).

"It is not expected that you go through life without making mistakes, but you will not make a major mistake without first being warned by the promptings of the Spirit. This promise applies to all members of the Church....

"Youth today are being raised in enemy territory with a declining standard of morality. But as a servant of the Lord, I promise that you will be protected and shielded from the attacks of the adversary if you will heed the promptings that come from the Holy Spirit.

"Dress modestly; talk reverently; listen to uplifting music. Avoid all immorality and personally degrading practices. Take hold of your life and order yourself to be valiant. Because we depend so much on you, you will be remarkably blessed. You are never far from the sight of your loving Heavenly Father."

- Boyd K. Packer, "Counsel to Youth," General Conference, October 2011
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

As the title of the talk indicates, President Packer was addressing his remarks primarily to youth, encouraging them to deal with the challenges of their lives in the best ways. It is a great key to learn to listen to the voice of the Holy Ghost, particularly when challenges and temptations come; President Packer reminds us all that the Spirit will always warn us before we make critical mistakes as long as we are worthy and willing to listen.

Our modern times present a setting where we are in "enemy territory" and facing "a declining standard of morality." But President Packer promises protection to those who heed spiritual promptings. In order to be worthy of such support, he counsels:

It's interesting to ponder how our choices influence the ability of the Holy Ghost to bless us. How we look, how we speak, what kind of music fills our minds—these things influence us more than we realize.

This was counsel of bold action: "Take hold of your life and order yourself to be valiant." We must be determined and firm in deciding to control our own destiny.  But President Packer's promise is clear: our "loving Heavenly Father" will never be far from us.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)