Elder Dale G. Renlund on blessings from family history work

Elder Dale G. Renlund (born November 13, 1952) served in the First Quorum of Seventy starting in 2009, until his call to the Quorum of Twelve in October 2015.

"It is breathtakingly amazing that, through family history and temple work, we can help to redeem the dead.

"But as we participate in family history and temple work today, we also lay claim to 'healing' blessings promised by prophets and apostles. These blessings are also breathtakingly amazing because of their scope, specificity, and consequence in mortality. This long list includes these blessings:

• Increased understanding of the Savior and His atoning sacrifice;

• Increased influence of the Holy Ghost to feel strength and direction for our own lives;

• Increased faith, so that conversion to the Savior becomes deep and abiding;

• Increased ability and motivation to learn and repent because of an understanding of who we are, where we come from, and a clearer vision of where we are going;

• Increased refining, sanctifying, and moderating influences in our hearts;

• Increased joy through an increased ability to feel the love of the Lord;

• Increased family blessings, no matter our current, past, or future family situation or how imperfect our family tree may be;

• Increased love and appreciation for ancestors and living relatives, so we no longer feel alone;

• Increased power to discern that which needs healing and thus, with the Lord’s help, serve others;

• Increased protection from temptations and the intensifying influence of the adversary; and

• Increased assistance to mend troubled, broken, or anxious hearts and make the wounded whole.

"If you have prayed for any of these blessings, participate in family history and temple work. As you do so, your prayers will be answered. When ordinances are performed on behalf of the deceased, God’s children on earth are healed."

- Dale G. Renlund, "Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing," General Conference April 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Renlund shares thoughts in this message about an interesting aspect of the service we can render. When we participate in family history work and temple service, not only do we perform precious labors to help redeem the dead, but we also receive profound blessings ourselves in the process. These include "healing" blessings in a variety of forms.

Elder Renlund's list is fascinating and worth pondering. So many blessings available to us! Many of these have been discussed previously, but others were a little unexpected to me; each could be explored in much greater detail.

I was particularly intrigued by the promise of "Increased family blessings, no matter our current, past, or future family situation or how imperfect our family tree may be." What family would not desire that? What parent would not sacrifice to claim those blessings?

Other individual promises such as "Increased refining, sanctifying, and moderating influences in our hearts" or "Increased influence of the Holy Ghost to feel strength and direction for our own lives" also offer precious and coveted gifts.

It seems clear to me that we would each be wise to evaluate our personal involvement in these labors and consider a commitment to increasing and improving personal efforts!

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

Elder Neil L. Andersen on the importance of following the prophet

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.

"For those diligently seeking eternal life, the prophet’s voice brings spiritual safety in very turbulent times.

"We live on a planet clamoring with a million voices. The internet, our smartphones, our bloated boxes of entertainment all plead for our attention and thrust their influence upon us, hoping we will buy their products and adopt their standards.

"The seemingly endless array of information and opinion remind us of the scriptural warnings of being 'tossed to and fro,' 'driven with the wind,' and overcome by the 'cunning craftiness' of those who 'lie in wait to deceive.'

"Anchoring our souls to the Lord Jesus Christ requires listening to those He sends. Following the prophet in a world of commotion is like being wrapped in a soothing, warm blanket on a freezing cold day."

- Neil L. Andersen, "The Prophet of God," General Conference April 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Andersen shared a powerful and insightful look into the role and function of a prophet, particularly as related to our time and the new sustaining of President Russell M. Nelson.

Given the challenges and complexity of the time in which we live, and the many voices competing for our attention, it becomes more and more critical that we be "anchored" to the Savior. Elder Andersen reminds us that the best way to accomplish that is to listen to and follow the prophets. We must read and study their counsel, and apply the teachings in our lives. That is the source of peace and safety in our "world of commotion."

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

Elder Quentin L. Cook on the call to righteousness

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.

"With respect to righteousness, this life is the time for all of us to prepare to meet God. (See Alma 34:32.)The Book of Mormon provides multiple examples of the tragic consequences when individuals or groups fail to keep the commandments of God.

"During my lifetime, worldly issues and concerns have moved from one extreme to another—from frivolous and trivial pursuits to serious immorality. It is commendable that nonconsensual immorality has been exposed and denounced. (This has occurred in the #MeToo movement.) Such nonconsensual immorality is against the laws of God and of society. Those who understand God’s plan should also oppose consensual immorality, which is also a sin. The family proclamation to the world warns 'that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring [or, for that matter, anyone else] ... will one day stand accountable before God.' (Family Proclamation, Ensign, May 2017, 145)

"As we look around, we see the devastation of wickedness and addiction at every turn. If, as individuals, we are really concerned about the Savior’s ultimate judgment of us, we should seek repentance. I am afraid many people no longer feel accountable to God and do not turn to the scriptures or the prophets for guidance. If we, as a society, would contemplate the consequences of sin, there would be massive public opposition to pornography and the objectification of women. As Alma told his son Corianton in the Book of Mormon, 'Wickedness never was happiness' (Alma 41:10)."

- Quentin L. Cook, "Prepare to Meet God," General Conference April 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Cook's address was an interesting review of some of the significant events of the Restoration, particularly the return of priesthood keys that facilitate the important work of the last days. The purpose of all those things is to bring men and women to Christ, to enable and inspire them to live righteous lives in ways that will bring them happiness and peace.

It's interesting to review the ebb and flow of history—as Elder Cook describes, "from one extreme to another—from frivolous and trivial pursuits to serious immorality." There are always many opportunities in the world to choose paths that do not lead to peace and safety. That is why we must be so careful in choosing the proper path:

It's very true that we can look around our world and see that there are "many people no longer feel accountable to God and do not turn to the scriptures or the prophets for guidance." We must be so careful in our own lives to emphasize the things that truly matter; and when we do that, we will be guided and inspired on how to combat the opposition in ways that might make that choice more available to others around us!

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

Elder David A. Bednar on developing the quality of meekness

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.

"Meekness is a defining attribute of the Redeemer and is distinguished by righteous responsiveness, willing submissiveness, and strong self-restraint....

"The Christlike quality of meekness often is misunderstood in our contemporary world. Meekness is strong, not weak; active, not passive; courageous, not timid; restrained, not excessive; modest, not self-aggrandizing; and gracious, not brash. A meek person is not easily provoked, pretentious, or overbearing and readily acknowledges the accomplishments of others.

"Whereas humility generally denotes dependence upon God and the constant need for His guidance and support, a distinguishing characteristic of meekness is a particular spiritual receptivity to learning both from the Holy Ghost and from people who may seem less capable, experienced, or educated, who may not hold important positions, or who otherwise may not appear to have much to contribute. Recall how Naaman, captain of the king’s army in Syria, overcame his pride and meekly accepted the advice of his servants to obey Elisha the prophet and wash in the river Jordan seven times (see 2 Kings 5:1–17). Meekness is the principal protection from the prideful blindness that often arises from prominence, position, power, wealth, and adulation."

- David A. Bednar, "Meek and Lowly of Heart," General Conference April 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Bednar taught about the "Christlike quality of meekness" using scriptural and contemporary examples. These paragraphs summarize some of the qualities he describes. Quite different from the prevailing concept held by the world, meekness includes "righteous responsiveness, willing submissiveness, and strong self-restraint." Those are interesting descriptions to ponder: am I responsive to righteous instructions and spiritual promptings? Am I willing to submit to God and to others who could bless me with their influence? Can I restrain and control my desires and actions in appropriate ways?

While humility and meekness are both very desirable qualities we are encouraged to develop, they have different focuses. According to Elder Bednar, humility relates more to our relationship to God, and our recognition of the guidance and support He offers. But meekness usually describes a willingness to learn from either the Holy Ghost or from other people around us, including those who may seem to us to be "less capable, experienced, or educated, who may not hold important positions, or who otherwise may not appear to have much to contribute." A truly meek person recognizes the good in all, and knows that he can learn from every person, no matter their stature or position. How important it is to be wary of "the prideful blindness that often arises from prominence, position, power, wealth, and adulation." Great counsel for us all!

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

President Russell M. Nelson on the blessing of temple attendance

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.

"At this time, we have 159 functioning temples, and more are under construction. We want to bring temples closer to the expanding membership of the Church. So we are now pleased to announce plans to construct seven more temples. Those temples will be located in the following locations: Salta, Argentina; Bengaluru, India; Managua, Nicaragua; Cagayan de Oro, Philippines; Layton, Utah; Richmond, Virginia; and a major city yet to be determined in Russia.

"My dear brothers and sisters, construction of these temples may not change your life, but your time in the temple surely will. In that spirit, I bless you to identify those things you can set aside so you can spend more time in the temple. I bless you with greater harmony and love in your homes and a deeper desire to care for your eternal family relationships. I bless you with increased faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and a greater ability to follow Him as His true disciples."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Let Us All Press On," General Conference April 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

In the closing moments of the recent general conference, President Nelson announced plans to build seven additional temples, and then shared these comments about the importance of attending the temple:

President Nelson's words reminded me of some very similar wording from a letter that was sent throughout the Church and read in meetings in 2003, over 15 years ago:

"We are grateful for the increased availability of temples worldwide and invite adult members to have a current temple recommend and visit the temple more often. Where time and circumstances permit, members are encouraged to replace some leisure activities with temple service."
- First Presidency Letter, 11 March 2003; see Ensign March 2004

It's important to note the difference of what took place in this conference, however. Though the encouragement was previously given to consider giving up other activities in order to be in the temple, President Nelson blessed the Church membership with the ability to identify things that could be "set aside" in order to increase attendance. Are we willing to accept that prophetic blessing and seek to have it realized in our lives?

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

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf on the blessings of following the Savior

Elder 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 served as second counselor in the First Presidency from 2008 to 2018.

"In a figurative sense, we too are invited to 'behold the man.' ... So, when you ponder the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, what do you see?

"Those who find a way to truly behold the Man find the doorway to life’s greatest joys and the balm to life’s most demanding despairs.

"So, when you are encompassed by sorrows and grief, behold the Man.

"When you feel lost or forgotten, behold the Man.

"When you are despairing, deserted, doubting, damaged, or defeated, behold the Man.

"He will comfort you.

"He will heal you and give meaning to your journey. He will pour out His Spirit and fill your heart with exceeding joy. (See Mosiah 4:20.)

"He gives 'power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.' (Isaiah 40:29.)

"When we truly behold the Man, we learn of Him and seek to align our lives with Him. We repent and strive to refine our natures and daily grow a little closer to Him. We trust Him. We show our love for Him by keeping His commandments and by living up to our sacred covenants.

"In other words, we become His disciples.

"His refining light saturates our souls. His grace uplifts us. Our burdens are lightened, our peace deepened. When we truly behold the Man, we have the promise of a blessed future that inspires and upholds us through the bends and bumps in life’s journey. Looking back, we will recognize that there is a divine pattern, that the dots really connect."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Behold the Man!", General Conference April 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

The New Testament records the incident when Jesus was was brought before Pilate; the Roman prefect questioned him but could find no fault in him. Struggling to know how to resolve the situation in the midst of the demands of the Jewish Sanhedrin for crucifixion, Pilate had Jesus scourged thinking that they might be satisfied. Then displaying Jesus before them, he uttered the unforgettable phrase, "Behold the man." (See John 19:1–5.)

Elder Uchtdorf borrowed that language to apply to our time and situation: in what ways do we "behold the man" of Jesus Christ as we ponder His life and ministry? How do we think of Him, how do we allow Him to influence and bless us? He suggests that when we truly learn to behold Him properly, our life can be deeply blessed:

Power comes when we "truly behold the Man" as we feel the desire to "align our lives with Him" in obedience and spirit, and become His disciples. I love that thought that "His refining light saturates our souls. His grace uplifts us." Truly, there is wondrous power and peace in that path of true discipleship!

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

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on maturing in our vision and our service

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.

"Brothers and sisters, as the work of quorums and auxiliaries matures institutionally, it follows that we should mature personally as well—individually rising above any mechanical, function-without-feeling routine to the heartfelt discipleship articulated by the Savior at the conclusion of His earthly ministry. As He prepared to leave His still-innocent and somewhat-confused little band of followers, He did not list a dozen administrative steps they had to take or hand them a fistful of reports to be filled out in triplicate. No, He summarized their task in one fundamental commandment: 'Love one another; as I have loved you.... By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.' (John 13:34–35.) ...

"Brothers and sisters, we have a heaven-sent opportunity as an entire Church to demonstrate 'pure religion… undefiled before God' (James 1:27)—'to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light' and to 'comfort those that stand in need of comfort' (Mosiah 18:8–9), to minister to the widows and the fatherless, the married and the single, the strong and the distraught, the downtrodden and the robust, the happy and the sad—in short, all of us, every one of us, because we all need to feel the warm hand of friendship and hear the firm declaration of faith. However, I warn you, a new name, new flexibility, and fewer reports won’t make an ounce of difference in our service unless we see this as an invitation to care for one another in a bold, new, holier way, as President Nelson has just said. As we lift our spiritual eyes toward living the law of love more universally, we pay tribute to the generations who have served that way for years."

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "Be With and Strengthen Them," General Conference, April 2018
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Holland had the assignment in the recent general conference to speak, following President Nelson's announcement of changes to home and visiting teaching, and give elaboration and explanation about what that change meant. His remarks were wonderful and inspiring, helping to set the standard for a higher vision of what it means to minister to one another. As programs and practices change, and important key is the call for each of us to change and grow as well in both our vision or understanding, and in our actions of service and caring. The call to "love one another" has never been clearer, and has never been more crucial.

One thing that has not changed is the call to care for "all of us, every one of us, because we all need to feel the warm hand of friendship and hear the firm declaration of faith." Elder Holland spoke beautifully about the power that comes as we truly care and service. With the vision of the Savior's call, and His example, firmly in our minds and hearts, we now have the opportunity to go forth and bless one another in wonderful ways!

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