Elder Robert D. Hales on being strengthened through suffering

Elder Robert D. Hales (August 24, 1932-October 1, 2017) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1985, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

"Suffering to develop strength will not exceed our ability to endure to the end.

"When Joseph Smith was in Liberty Jail, he cried to the Lord for comfort, and the Lord gave it to him. He said that 'if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.' (D&C 122:7.)

"Such trials give us the development of spirituality that we probably never would get if we didn’t have the experience where the very jaws of hell gape open their mouth wide after us. Not only must we survive, but we must develop the ability to have a concern for others while we are suffering. It is a key element in our spiritual growth. As we lose our lives in the service of our fellowmen, we find ourselves....

"After a number of mistakes and failures to live as we know we should, we may lose confidence in ourselves and have a poor self-image of who we are and what we are capable of becoming. We may forget that we are children of God and have the potential of dwelling with him and his Son if we accept the Atonement and keep the commandments.

"The first of the commandments we must keep is to have faith. First, we must gain faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith that he lives. Faith that he hears and answers prayers. Faith that he will forgive us of our transgressions. Faith in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ."

- Robert D. Hales, "Your Sorrow Shall Be Turned to Joy," General Conference October 1983
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

While we know there are limits to the suffering we will be asked to support in this life, we do know that we each will have that opportunity in one way or another. Elder Hales shares an eternal perspective on dealing with trials, knowing that there is purpose in their placement in our lives, and ultimately, if we allow, they will work for our good. The key understanding is that spiritual development follows challenges in ways that can't be accomplished otherwise; and as we focus appropriately on serving others and not dwelling on our own difficulties, that development increases.

Yet we are not perfect in our response to life, and we all experience the added challenge of "mistakes and failures to live as we know we should." This can bring a decline in self-concept and confidence. Elder Hales encourages us to remember our eternal, divine potential in all things; through obedience and faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the strength and blessings will come.

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

Elder Richard G. Scott on the power of loving service to others

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.

"I will share one principle of truth which, if applied, can open the door to all the others you need to lift your spirit. It is a principle that will give you the power to make a difference in the quality of your own life.

"I speak of service—self-sacrificing service to others in need. I know it is hard to help another when you feel you have been wronged. I know it is difficult to take the first step when your own heart aches for companionship or yearns for understanding. Yet such acts of service open to us the mercy and love of Jesus Christ, the Master.

"Free agency is a divine gift, and God will not override it. Because of free agency, we must take the first step. Our initial acts of kindness or service to others provide us with channels of inspiration and power. In contrast, darkness and despair close in when the light of love and service dims or goes out within us. Feelings of bitterness and dissatisfaction feed upon themselves and give place to thoughts and acts of unkindness, criticism, and eventually even hatred....

"I am convinced that when we give unconditional love; when our interest is first in serving, building, edifying, strengthening without thought of self; when we do not expect an automatic return for each act of kindness, generosity, or sincere effort to help; when we are not concerned about what we will receive or what others will say or whether our own burdens will be diminished, but selflessly seek to build another, the miracle of the power of the gospel is released in our lives. When we permit the Lord to work through us to bless others, that sacred experience releases power in our own lives, and miracles occur."

- Richard G. Scott, "The Power to Make a Difference," General Conference October 1983
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Scott shared these thoughts in the context of repairing damaged relationships, such as what can occur between married couples. But the principle applies to all of us. It's a principle, as Elder Scott states, that can dramatically improve the quality of our own life as it lifts our spirit, to be engaged in unselfish and Christlike service to those around us.

Some of the keys to the kind of service Elder Scott is encouraging:

• It is "self-sacrificing"—requires some effort and contribution on our part, not just doing something that is easy and convenient
• It is unconditional and not self-serving, not done with the expectation of what we might receive in return
• It is acting as an agent for the Lord, permitting Him to "work through us to bless others"

The critical nature of our agency in choosing how we will act and respond is manifest in this principle. Elder Scott teaches that "Because of free agency, we must take the first step." Then the help and blessings of heaven will flow.

This is the essence of Christian discipleship. It is the key to receiving "the miracle of the power of the gospel" in our lives. It is a lesson that we must learn and a principle that we must express in our lives to be truly happy.

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

Elder L. Tom Perry on sharing the truth in love

Elder L. Tom Perry (1922-2015) was called as an Assistant to the Twelve in 1972, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1974. At the time of his passing at age 92, he was the oldest living general authority and the third in seniority among the leading quorum.

"Today’s 'manner of conversation' seems to involve the Internet more and more. We encourage people, young and old, to use the Internet and the social media to reach out and share their religious beliefs.

"As you utilize the Internet, you may come across ongoing conversations about the Church. When directed by the Spirit, do not hesitate to add your voice to these conversations.

"The message of the gospel of Jesus Christ is unlike anything else you will share with others. In the information age, it is the most valuable information in all the world. There is no question about its worth. It is a pearl of great price (see Matthew 13:46).

"In speaking about the Church, we do not try to make it sound better than it is. We do not need to put a spin on our message. We need to communicate the message honestly and directly. If we will open communication channels, the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ will prove itself to those who are prepared to receive it.

"There is sometimes a wide difference—a gulf of understanding—between the way we experience the Church from the inside and the way others look at it from the outside. This is the principal reason we hold open houses for temples before each dedication is taken care of. The member volunteers at the temple open houses are simply trying to help others see the Church as they see it from the inside. They recognize the Church is a marvelous work, even a wonder, and they want others to know it too. I ask you to do the same.

"I promise you that if you will respond to the invitation to share your beliefs and feelings about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, a spirit of love and a spirit of courage will be your constant companion, for 'perfect love casteth out fear' (1 John 4:18)."

- L. Tom Perry, "Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear," General Conference, October 2011
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Perry's theme in this conference talk was that we should be unafraid to share our feelings about the Church and the Gospel with those around us. He promised that we would find peace and confidence as we begin to make those efforts, replacing any fear that we might initially have in approaching the topic.

In this excerpt he encourages us to take advantage of online opportunities to stand up for the truth. We should "communicate the message honestly and directly" when we have the chance to correct misconceptions or stand up for true principles. As always has been the case, "those who are prepared to receive" the message of the restoration will recognize its truth.

As we recognize the Church for what it is, "a marvelous work, even a wonder," and share that message, our efforts will be blessed.

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

President James E. Faust on the power of the Savior's influence in our lives

President James E. Faust (1920-2007) was called as a Seventy in 1976, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve in 1978. He served as a counselor to President Hinckley from 1995 until his death in 2007 at age 87.

"We should earnestly seek not just to know about the Master, but to strive, as He invited, to be one with Him (see John 17:21), to 'be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man' (Eph. 3:16). We may not feel a closeness with Him because we think of Him as being far away, or our relationship may not be sanctifying because we do not think of Him as a real person.

"How can we receive the personal blessing of the Master’s divine and exalting influence in our own lives? Since our own feelings are sacred to us and cannot be disputed by others, let us begin with those quiet assurances which occasionally can come to all of us and which we know are true. We cannot always prove these verities to others, yet they come as a form of knowledge. Is this part of the divine which ferments within us, reaching to its source? Is it not like a personal witness of truth flowing through the thin curtain which separates this world from another?

"Is there not a yearning to understand in your mind what is in your heart, a feeling which you cannot give utterance to because it is so unspeakably personal? The Master said that this quiet reality can 'speak peace to your mind concerning the matter.' (D&C 6:23.) ...

"It is my testimony that we are facing difficult times. We must be courageously obedient. My witness is that we will be called upon to prove our spiritual stamina, for the days ahead will be filled with affliction and difficulty. But with the assuring comfort of a personal relationship with the Savior, we will be given a calming courage."

- James E. Faust, "A Personal Relationship with the Savior," General Conference, October 1976
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

What can we do in our lives to feel more "connected" to the Savior? How can we feel more of His influence in our lives, His strength and love? President Faust suggests we start by examining our most inner, personal feelings and notice His influence that is already there::

We can indeed bridge the "thin curtain which separates this world from another" as we feel more of His love and influence. President Faust goes on to suggest five specific things we should strive to do:

1. A daily communion involving prayer.
2. A daily selfless service to another.
3. A daily striving for an increased obedience and perfection in our lives.
4. A daily acknowledgment of His divinity.
5. A daily study of the scriptures.

As we are "courageously obedient" in our lives, we will feel His love and closeness, and be strengthened in a greater measure.

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

President Harold B. Lee on the importance of nurturing a testimony

President Harold B. Lee (1899-1973) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1941. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency from 1970-1972, then as Church president from July 1972 until his passing less than 18 months later in December 1973.

"A testimony can grow or diminish. [The Master said to Peter,] 'Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren' (Luke 22:31-32). Now, mind you, He is saying that to the chiefest of the Twelve. I am praying for you; now go out and get converted, and when you get converted, then go strengthen your brother. It means [we can become] unconverted just as well as we can become converted.

"Your testimony is something that you have today but you may not have it always. That testimony is either going to increase and grow until you become as sure of the things, through faith, as you are that the sun shines; or if you allow it to dwindle, either through sin or through your ignorance or neglect, it's going to be just as dim and you are going to be standing in the dark more lost than if you had never seen.... When we see with our eyes what we ought to see, when we hear with our ears what we ought to hear, and when we understand with our hearts what we ought to understand, then we are converted. But by this same token, when we fail to do that, we can become unconverted."

- Harold B. Lee, address to Ricks College Student Body and Student Leaders, March 3, 1962; see also THBL 138

The idea of becoming "unconverted" is an intriguing one. Just as we can gain in light and knowledge, in our faith and surety—we can equally diminish and decline in those same qualities and characteristics. President Lee warns us to be careful about the direction we are heading. Even the chiefest of the ancient apostles was instructed by the Lord to nurture and strengthen his faith and testimony in order to be truly converted. But then be wary about drifting the other direction!

The things we do to become converted, will also help us to stay converted. President Lee warns that if we fail to do them, we risk losing our strength and testimony. What a great topic to ponder regularly as we consider our activities and our personal progress.

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

President Spencer W. Kimball on caring for homes and yards

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985) was ordained an apostle in 1943 and served as President of the Church from 1973 to 1985.

"In an earlier conference we called attention to the fact that the Lord had created for us this beautiful world and gave command to our father Adam to till the ground and to dress the land and to make it habitable. That command continues to us.

"We recommend to all people that there be no undue pollution, that the land be taken care of and kept clean to be productive and to be beautiful. He gave to us the herbs and the good things which come of the earth for food and raiment and houses and barns and orchards and gardens and vineyards, each in the season thereof, and all of this is given for the benefit and use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul. And it pleased God that he had given all these things unto man; for unto this end were they made to be used, with judgment. (See D&C 59:16–20.)

"We are concerned when we see numerous front and side and back yards that have gone to weeds, where ditch banks are cluttered and trash and refuse accumulate. It grieves us when we see broken fences, falling barns, leaning and unpainted sheds, hanging gates, and unpainted property. And we ask our people again to take stock of their own dwellings and properties.

"There is a story that President Brigham Young, having urged the people of certain communities to properly dress and clean their premises, refused to go back to them to preach to them, saying something like this: 'You didn’t listen to me when I urged you to fix up your premises. The same doors are off their hinges; the same barns are still unpainted; the same fences are partly fallen.'"

- Spencer W. Kimball, "Why Call Me Lord, Lord, and Do Not the Things Which I Say?," General Conference April 1975
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Kimball would often give very practical and more "day to day" advice in his conference talks, as well as discussing the doctrinal aspects of the gospel. On a number of occasions he encouraged Church members to care for their homes and yards, to beautify the environment and to have gardens and plants.

I love the encouragement, from the Lord and reiterated through a prophet, that we take advantage of "herbs and the good things which come of the earth" in our lives since they are given to us by God, "both to please the eye and to gladden the heart."

The story from Brigham Young is somewhat pointed; are we really listening to the counsel and instructions of the prophets? Listening and acting will prepare our hearts and minds to receive more counsel!

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

President Brigham Young on growing in blessings from God

President Brigham Young (1801-1877) was part of the first Quorum of Twelve Apostles of this dispensation, called and ordained in 1835. He served as the second Church president, succeeding Joseph Smith, from 1847 until his death in 1877.

"Those who humble themselves before the Lord, and wait upon Him with a perfect heart and willing mind, will receive little by little, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little, 'Now and again,' as brother John Taylor says, until they receive a certain amount. Then they have to nourish and cherish what they receive, and make it their constant companion, encouraging every good thought, doctrine and principle and doing every good work they can perform, until by and by the Lord is in them a well of water, springing up unto everlasting life."

- Brigham Young, discourse in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, March 15, 1857; see Journal of Discourses 4:286–87
Click here to read the complete talk

President Young seemed to love the imagery of the "well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life" (D&C 63:23; see also John 4:14). He spoke of it on a number of occasions. In this instance, he describes the process of growing in our spiritual sensitivity. We start by being humble, trusting in God's timing and wisdom. As we do that, we will begin to receive gifts and blessings, endowments of understanding and power. We must cherish and nourish those gifts as they grow stronger and stronger within us:

We sometimes neglect the "follow-up work" that we should do after we receive inspiration or blessings; we should focus our personal efforts in "encouraging every good thought, doctrine and principle and doing every good work." That is what brings the greatest growth and progress, allowing the Lord's well of living water to spring forth in our hearts.

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