President M. Russell Ballard on preparing ourselves and families for future service

President 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. He became acting president of the Twelve in January 2018.

"The battle to bring souls unto Christ began in the premortal world with the war in heaven. (See Rev. 12:7.) That same battle continues today in the conflict between right and wrong and between the gospel and false principles. The members of the Church hold a frontline position in the contest for the souls of men. The missionaries are on the battlefield fighting with the sword of truth to carry the glorious message of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the peoples of the earth. No war has ever been free of risk. The prophecies of the last days lead me to believe that the intensity of the battle for the souls of men will increase and the risks will become greater as we draw closer to the second coming of the Lord.

"Preparing ourselves and our families for the challenges of the coming years will require us to replace fear with faith. We must be able to overcome the fear of enemies who oppose and threaten us....

"We parents need to begin early to prepare our children to have a strong, fervent testimony of the gospel. We must possess the faith, the courage, and the commitment that our pioneer forefathers had if we are to continue building up the kingdom of God on the earth....

"The work of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in all the world will require knowledge, faith, sacrifice, and the best efforts of every member of the Church. As the Prophet Joseph Smith said to the Saints in Nauvoo in 1842, 'Shall we not go on in so great a cause? Courage, … and on, on to the victory!' (D&C 128:22.) Today the leaders of the Church echo these words of the Prophet Joseph.

"Brothers and sisters, the missionaries need our faith and prayers. Pray fervently every day for their safety and protection, for this is one very important way we all can support them in accomplishing their essential assignment of proclaiming the gospel to all the world. I bear testimony that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. We are engaged in his work. I testify that through the faith and prayers of all members of the Church, we will continue moving this great work forward to the final victory."

- M. Russell Ballard, "Duties, Rewards, and Risks," General Conference October 1989
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Ballard gave this talk a few months after two LDS missionaries serving in Bolivia were killed by a terrorist group. He discussed the risks inherent in missionary service, but also shared the vision of the sacred importance of those efforts and our need to prepare. Assassination at the hands of those who misunderstand us is only one of many risks we need to be aware of and prepare for; Elder Ballard testified that "the intensity of the battle for the souls of men will increase and the risks will become greater as we draw closer to the second coming of the Lord." In the face of those challenges, the need for preparation is greater than ever:

It would be good to consider what we are doing to prepare our children, and ourselves, to be more faithful servants in the Lord's work; and how we might increase and improve those efforts.

I also appreciated the reminder that we pray for the missionaries every day, supporting them and their labors with our faith. It's a good reminder of a significant way we can play a part in the Lord's ongoing work.

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

Elder Marvin J. Ashton on the evidence of conversion to Christ

Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915-1994) served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles from 1971 until his death in 1994 at age 78.

"It seems interesting that the first principles the Lord Jesus Christ chose to teach His newly called Apostles were those that center around the way we treat each other. And then, what did He emphasize during the brief period He spent with the Nephites on this continent? Basically the same message. Could this be because the way we treat each other is the foundation of the gospel of Jesus Christ?

"During an informal fireside address held with a group of adult Latter-day Saints, the leader directing the discussion invited participation by asking the question: 'How can you tell if someone is converted to Jesus Christ?' For forty-five minutes those in attendance made numerous suggestions in response to this question, and the leader carefully wrote down each answer on a large blackboard. All of the comments were thoughtful and appropriate. But after a time, this great teacher erased everything he had written. Then, acknowledging that all of the comments had been worthwhile and appreciated, he taught a vital principle: 'The best and most clear indicator that we are progressing spiritually and coming unto Christ is the way we treat other people.'

"Would you consider this idea for a moment—that the way we treat the members of our families, our friends, those with whom we work each day is as important as are some of the more noticeable gospel principles we sometimes emphasize.

"Last month the Relief Society celebrated its 150th anniversary. Its motto, 'Charity Never Faileth,' has been a way of life for its members and others around the globe.

"Imagine what could happen in today’s world—or in our own wards, or families, or priesthood quorums and auxiliaries—if each of us would vow to cherish, watch over, and comfort one another. Imagine the possibilities!"

- Marvin J. Ashton, "The Tongue Can Be a Sharp Sword," General Conference April 1992
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This was a classic address by Elder Ashton, filled with insight and wise counsel. What an important and true insight: "The way we treat each other is the foundation of the gospel of Jesus Christ." I love the story about a fireside discussion during which the speaker invited thoughts about evidence of true conversion, and then summarized with a very clear and concise statement:

How true that is! Being a disciple of Christ means nothing if it doesn't focus on the way we treat others. His message, His way is the way of service and love to those around us. As we continue to grasp the truth and importance of that divine and eternal principle, we will be blessed and we will be instruments in His hands to do much good.

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

President Henry B. Eyring on finding peace and hope in times of challenge

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 was chatting with my wife at the end of a long day. Three of our children were in the room, listening. I turned and noticed that one of them was watching me—and watching my face intently. And then he asked me, softly, 'Why are you unhappy?' I tried to give a reason for my furrowed brow, but I realized later that he could well have been asking this deeper question: 'Can I see in you the hope for peace in this life that Jesus promised?'

"To turn my thoughts from what darkened my look to what would brighten it, I went to another letter from Mormon to his son. Both Mormon and Moroni were facing days of difficulty that make my challenges pale. Mormon knew his son might be overcome with gloom and foreboding, so he told him the perfect antidote. He told him that he could choose, by what he put in his mind, to become an example of hope. Here is what he wrote:

"'My son, be faithful in Christ; and may not the things which I have written grieve thee, to weigh thee down unto death; but may Christ lift thee up, and may his sufferings and death, and the showing his body unto our fathers, and his mercy and long-suffering, and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind forever' (Moro. 9:25).

"What we can do to help—teaching, and doing it with the spirit of righteousness, with love, with tenderness, with example—centers on the Savior and his atonement. That is what we would teach. The Atonement working in our lives will produce in us the love and tenderness we need. And by remembering Him and His gift, which we promise to do as we take the sacrament each week, we can put a light of hope in our faces which those we love need so much to see."

- Henry B. Eyring, "The Spark of Faith," Geneal Conference October 1986
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

I love this talk by President Eyring, given early in his service as a general authority (he was a member of the Presiding Bishopric). We've all had those days when the "weight of the world" seems to be upon our shoulders; President Eyring candidly describes such a time in his own life, and the impression that his expression left on one of his children. While we all have ups and down in our daily challenges, we should never forger, and never stop showing, that we have a vision of something far beyond those temporarily challenges. Parents learn how much their expression and mood can impact children; but the same principle applies to all our interactions with peers and even with strangers. Truly our countenance tells much about what's in our hearts.

In the words of Mormon quoted by President Eyring, there certainly will be things in our lives that threaten "to weigh [us] down unto death." Particularly during those times, we must place greater focus on Christ, who will always "life [us] up" if we accept his offering on our behalf, and allow "the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in [our] mind[s] forever." What a beautiful promise that verse offers us! Truly, it allows us to "put a light of hope in our faces which those we love need so much to see."

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

President Dallin H. Oaks on our motivations for serving

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.

"People serve one another for different reasons, and some reasons are better than others. Perhaps none of us serves in every capacity all the time for only a single reason. Since we are imperfect beings, most of us probably serve for a combination of reasons, and the combinations may be different from time to time as we grow spiritually. But we should all strive to serve for the reasons that are highest and best.

"What are some of the reasons for service? By way of illustration, and without pretending to be exhaustive, I will suggest six reasons. I will discuss these in ascending order from the lesser to the greater reasons for service.

"Some may serve for hope of earthly reward....

"[Some are] motivated by a personal desire to obtain good companionship....

"Some may serve out of fear of punishment....

"Other persons may serve out of a sense of duty or out of loyalty to friends or family or traditions....

"There are still higher reasons for service. One such higher reason for service is the hope of an eternal reward....

"The last motive I will discuss is, in my opinion, the highest reason of all. In its relationship to service, it is what the scriptures call 'a more excellent way' (1 Cor. 12:31)....

"Even the most extreme acts of service—such as giving all of our goods to feed the poor—profit us nothing unless our service is motivated by the pure love of Christ.

"If our service is to be most efficacious, it must be accomplished for the love of God and the love of his children."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Why Do We Serve?," General Conference October 1984
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

When Elder Oaks was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve in April 1984, he was serving as a justice on the Utah Supreme Court. He had to finish that obligation before he was set apart as an apostle, so this was his first talk after having formally begun his service. He had some time in the intervening months to ponder the lifetime of service he had been called to devote; that may have contributed to this particular topic.

Elder Oaks shares six of the possible motivations we might have for serving one another; he elaborates and gives examples in the full talk, which is worth reviewing. It's interesting to ponder which of those motivations is behind our efforts, and to consider whether that has changed over time as we've developed and matured in the gospel and service of the Savior.

Of course, the highest and noblest motivation is pure, Christlike love for God and for our fellowmen:

Elder Oaks notes that with this motivation, our service becomes "most efficacious," perhaps both on behalf of those we serve as well as ourselves. We must seek always to do the right things for the right reasons, and this is a prime example of that opportunity.

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

President Russell M. Nelson on learning tolerance and understanding

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.

"How different our world would be if all parents would apply this inspired instruction from the Book of Mormon: 'Ye will not suffer your children... that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and quarrel one with another....

"'But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another.' (Mosiah 4:14–15; see also Rom. 12:18.)

"If such training occurred, children and parents around this globe would join in singing, 'Fill our hearts with sweet forgiving; Teach us tolerance and love.' (Hymns, 1985, no. 172.) Men and women would respect their neighbors and the beliefs held sacred by them. No longer would ethnic jokes and cultural slurs be acceptable. The tongue of the tolerant speaks no guile."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Teach Us Tolerance and Love," General Conference, April 1994
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

In today's world, we see many signs of fading tolerance and understanding. So much suspicion exists instead; such a lack of trust and faith in others. How important that we learn to be aware and cautious, but loving and tolerant as well!  And to teach these qualities to our children and youth:

President Nelson points out that a good sign of this spirit of tolerance, or its lack, might lie in how we treat others who have beliefs that are different from our own—particularly "the beliefs held sacred by them." Earlier in this talk, he states this:

"I marvel at the inspiration of the Prophet Joseph Smith when he penned the eleventh article of faith: 'We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.' [A of F 1:11]"

That's a wonderful, Christlike spirit to cultivate.

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

President Boyd K. Packer on maintaining spiritual influences in our daily living

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.

"Things of the Spirit need not—indeed, should not—require our uninterrupted time and attention. Ordinary work-a-day things occupy most of our attention. And that is as it should be. We are mortal beings living in this physical world.

"Spiritual things are like leavening. By measure they may be very small, but by influence they affect all that we do. Continuing revelation is fundamental to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

"And I assure you that revelation attends our prophet President and those ordained as Apostles, as prophets, seers, and revelators. But revelation is not limited to them. The Lord desires that 'every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world' (D&C 1:20)."

- Boyd K. Packer, "Revelation in a Changing World," General Conference October 1989
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

I appreciated this very realistic perspective from President Packer. So much of life is necessarily consumed by "ordinary work-a-day things" as we do what is needed to survive in our mortal experience. But his point is very well taken: we must have the "spiritual leaven" in its proper portion to give the fulness and richness to all the rest:

Much of that "spiritual leaven" is manifest through "continuing revelation" in our lives. As we are worthy (President Packer discusses in his message the importance of keeping our bodies and minds clean and receptive) and do the things to facilitate divine communication, it will bless all other aspects of our lives.

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

President David O. McKay on the importance of work, individually and in the Church

President David O. McKay (1873-1970) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1906.  He served as a counselor in the First Presidency to Heber J. Grant and George Albert Smith beginning in 1945, then then as the president of the Church from 1951 to his death in 1970 at age 96.

"I remember visiting, recently, the sugar factory, in Sugar City, Idaho. Brother Austin took me through it when every wheel was quiet; the engine was cold; the chimneys stood like specters; the wheels were dry and covered with dust; the sparrows were building their nests in wheels that a few months before hummed with industry. Men had to be hired to keep the dust off the machinery, to make repairs, to keep the factory from going into decay. I thought, that is always the result of inactivity. No sugar was manufactured in that inactivity. There were no laborers employed, except those hired to keep the factory from going into absolute decay. But when the power was turned on, then raw products were changed to useful articles, which are carried into the homes, throughout the world. Sometimes part of the machinery is shut up, closed down, and only one part—that of refining—used.

"I sometimes think that in our Church we are using just part of the machinery that God has placed in our hands. So many of these quorums are lying in inactivity; dust is accumulating. Shall we not work and get them into prominence, bring them into operation? As presidents of quorums, let us meet in council; let us think over what men in our quorums are neglecting their duty....

"My brethren and sisters, the quorums and organizations are means put into our hands whereby we may bring our children back to Christ. 'Suffer [them] to come.' God help us in guiding them, and may He keep us true; that we may increase our own testimonies in this work; that we may know of its eternal application to our needs; that we may know what happiness comes through living virtuous, pure lives. Let us take up our children and carry them with us, along this road of life. No other purpose of life is more worthy, more admirable. Let us teach them to work, and to realize that the privilege to work is a gift, that power to work is a blessing, that love of work is success."

- David O. McKay, General Conference, October 5, 1909, 88–94
Click here to read the full talk

President McKay was the first prophet I personally remember; he passed away when I was almost 13 years old. I loved his voice, his manner, his tall erect appearance, and that beautiful white hair—he always looked so prophetic to me! It's hard to believe that his apostolic ministry began in 1906; these remarks came only a few years later.

But yet how timely they are! We have new challenges today that invite us to inactivity as we are tempted by activities that are not productive. Each of us, personally, would be blessed to carefully heed President McKay's warning and instruction:

When we understand the blessing that the chance to work provides, we will act differently.

The other important and timely aspect of President McKay's remarks is the need to get the priesthood quorums and Church organizations functioning more actively. He suggested that there was too much inactivity going on in this arena as well, and that chances were being missed to change lives. Our recent modifications to Melchizedek Priesthood quorums and to activities of ministering are exactly the kinds of things that President McKay would have been pleased with.

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