President Henry B. Eyring on encouraging youth to be their best

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.

"As a young father I prayed to know what contributions my children might make in the Lord’s kingdom. For the boys, I knew they could have priesthood opportunities. For the girls, I knew they would give service representing the Lord. All would be doing His work. I knew each was an individual, and therefore the Lord would have given them specific gifts for each to use in His service.

"Now, I cannot tell every father and every leader of youth the details of what is best for you to do. But I can promise you that you will bless them to help them recognize the spiritual gifts with which they were born. Every person is different and has a different contribution to make. No one is destined to fail. As you seek revelation to see gifts God sees in those you lead in the priesthood—particularly the young—you will be blessed to lift their sights to the service they can perform. With your guidance, those you lead will be able to see, want, and believe they can achieve their full potential for service in God’s kingdom."

- Henry B. Eyring, "Help Them Aim High," Priesthood Session, General Conference October 2012
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

These remarks were addressed to a gathering of men and boys at a General Priesthood session of conference. President Eyring was talking specifically about the role of fathers and Church leaders in working with youth, encouraging them to discover their gifts and become their best selves. The same counsel clearly applies to mothers and leaders of young women.

I love the counsel to pray about each individual child, seeking to better understand their gifts and what the Lord has in store for them. A parent or leader could then tailor his efforts to helping that young person grow in the best ways, and to recognize their own spiritual gifts. President Eyring's testimony about their individual potential is clear:

Sometimes we all need to be reminded that "No one is destined to fail." We all, youth and adults, have divine potential that can be realized as we focus on the gifts we have been given and strive to serve with faithfulness and unselfishness.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

President Dallin H. Oaks on communicating with love and understanding

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 Savior taught that contention is a tool of the devil. That surely teaches against some of the current language and practices of politics. Living with policy differences is essential to politics, but policy differences need not involve personal attacks that poison the process of government and punish participants. All of us should banish hateful communications and practice civility for differences of opinion.

"The most important setting to forgo contention and practice respect for differences is in our homes and family relationships. Differences are inevitable—some minor and some major. As to major differences, suppose a family member is in a cohabitation relationship. That brings two important values into conflict—our love for the family member and our commitment to the commandments. Following the Savior’s example, we can show loving-kindness and still be firm in the truth by forgoing actions that facilitate or seem to condone what we know to be wrong."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Loving Others and Living with Differences," General Conference October 2014
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

We live in challenging times. Our communication system is far more extensive than it ever has been; we are able to be informed rapidly of events around the world, through a variety of communication media, both formal and informal. In the midst of this "information onslaught" we sometimes are exposed to very strongly voiced opinions from different points of view, and often those opinions are expressed aggressively, harshly, and critically. That seems almost to be expected in political discussions; President Oaks warns that the "personal attacks" now so common in that arena can "poison the process of government." Truly, we can see that "contention is a tool of the devil" that we must learn to avoid.

While the world of political discussion is one area to be concerned about, President Oaks points out that our family settings are far more critical. Differences of opinion will occur in the home; but how we respond to them can tell a lot about the depth of our discipleship. There are fine lines to be drawn between loving acceptance and commitment to God's standards. We must never forget that both are needful. And some have a tendency to forget that love, mercy, and charity are among the greatest qualities of the Savior and His disciples.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

President Russell M. Nelson on the leadership of the Church

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.

"We sustain 15 men who are ordained as prophets, seers, and revelators. When a thorny problem arises—and they only seem to get thornier each day—these 15 men wrestle with the issue, trying to see all the ramifications of various courses of action, and they diligently seek to hear the voice of the Lord. After fasting, praying, studying, pondering, and counseling with my Brethren about weighty matters, it is not unusual for me to be awakened during the night with further impressions about issues with which we are concerned. And my Brethren have the same experience.

"The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles counsel together and share all the Lord has directed us to understand and to feel individually and collectively. And then we watch the Lord move upon the President of the Church to proclaim the Lord’s will."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Becoming True Millennials," Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, January 10, 2016, Brigham Young University–Hawaii
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

When President Nelson shared these thoughts, he was serving as the president of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. It would be two years later that he would assume leadership of the Church. He had served for 22 years as a member of the Quorum of Twelve, and during that time had repeatedly experienced the situations he testifies of in this excerpt. With 15 very diverse backgrounds, they often see issues differently; but through "fasting, praying, studying, pondering, and counseling" they are able to overcome their differences and work unanimously in moving forward the Lord's work.

The images we have seen this week from the dedication of the Rome Italy Temple have been inspiring. What a marvelous group of men, and how blessed we are to be led by these dedicated and faithful leaders! Now all we have to do is listen carefully and follow faithfully.

First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve at the Rome Italy Temple Visitors' Center, March 11, 2019

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin on making a masterpiece of our life

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.

"The third quality of those who live abundant lives is that they, with the help of their Heavenly Father, create a masterpiece of their lives.

"No matter our age, circumstances, or abilities, each one of us can create something remarkable of his life.

"David saw himself as a shepherd, but the Lord saw him as a king of Israel. Joseph of Egypt served as a slave, but the Lord saw him as a seer. Mormon wore the armor of a soldier, but the Lord saw him as a prophet.

"We are sons and daughters of an immortal, loving, and all-powerful Father in Heaven. We are created as much from the dust of eternity as we are from the dust of the earth. Every one of us has potential we can scarcely imagine.

"The Apostle Paul wrote, 'Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.' (1 Cor. 2:9)

"How is it possible, then, that so many see themselves merely as an old, gray horse that isn’t good for much? There is a spark of greatness within every one of us—a gift from our loving and eternal Heavenly Father. What we do with that gift is up to us.

"Love the Lord with all your heart, might, mind, and strength. Enlist in great and noble causes. Create of your homes sanctuaries of holiness and strength. Magnify your callings in the Church. Fill your minds with learning. Strengthen your testimonies. Reach out to others.

"Create of your life a masterpiece."

- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The Abundant Life," General Conference, April 2006
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

In speaking about "The Abundant Life," Elder Wirthlin discussed three characteristics of those who live that kind of richer life: first, "they drink deeply of living waters"; second, "they fill their hearts with love"; and then third, they "create a masterpiece of their lives." In this third section, he describes how any one of us, with God's help, can accomplish that.

There are times when one of the hardest things to remember, but one of the most important things to remember, is that as children of God, "created... from the dust of eternity... every one of us has potential we can scarcely imagine." We truly have the potential to become great. Elder Wirthlin gives a great key to helping us remember that detail: Love God, be deeply involved in His cause, make home a sanctuary, serve faithfully, learn continually, grow in testimony, serve. Great reminders; as we do those things, we will truly create a magnificent life.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

President James E. Faust on the influence of love and kindness

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.

"No matter what circumstances you sisters experience, your influence can be marvelously far-reaching. I believe some of you have a tendency to underestimate your profound capacity for blessing the lives of others. More often than not, it is not on the stage with some public pronouncement but in your example of righteousness and the countless gentle acts of love and kindness done so willingly, so often on a one-to-one basis."

- James E. Faust, "You Are All Heaven Sent," General Relief Society Meeting, October 2002
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Faust shared this message at the General Relief Society Meeting held in connection with the October 2002 General Conference. He was speaking to an audience of sisters, and addressed their specific gifts, opportunities, and challenges. But perhaps many brothers can also seek to learn from this counsel—the doctrines and principles certainly apply equally!

We all do sometimes underestimate our own ability to do good in the lives of others. As we strive to open up, reach out, and lift others, our efforts are magnified and amplified, and God's most important work can be accomplished. It is often through "gentle acts of love and kindness" that we truly bless and strengthen one another.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

President Boyd K. Packer on the responsibilities of later years of life

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 in 2015 at age 90.

"We are old now, and in due time, we will be summoned beyond the veil. We do not resist that. We try to teach the practical things we have learned over the years to those who are younger—to our family and to others.

"We cannot do what we once did, but we have become more than ever we were before. Life’s lessons, some of them very painful, qualify us to counsel, to correct, and even to warn our youth.

"In your golden years there is so much to do and so much to be. Do not withdraw into a retirement from life, into amusement. That, for some, would be useless, even selfish. You may have served a mission and been released and consider yourself as having completed your service in the Church, but you are never released from being active in the gospel. 'If,' the Lord said, 'ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work' (D&C 4:3).

"You may at last, when old and feeble, learn that the greatest mission of all is to strengthen your own family and the families of others, to seal the generations....

"Keep the fire of your testimony of the restored gospel and your witness of our Redeemer burning so brightly that our children can warm their hands by the fire of your faith. That is what grandfathers and grandmothers are to do!"

- Boyd K. Packer, "The Golden Years," General Conference April 2003
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Packer was 78 years old when he offered these remarks; he would live another dozen years. He shared counsel about the challenges and blessings of "senior" members of the Church, the grandmothers and grandfathers who might not be able to do as much in active assignments as they did in the past, but who have gifts and abilities to serve that can make a huge difference in many other ways.

Part of the responsibility of older members is to share the things they have learned and experienced in their lifetimes. They should look for opportunities to do that; and younger members should seek to help provide the opportunities, so that all may be blessed and edified together.

The most critical role of all for "senior" members is to let the fire of testimony burn bright in their souls. Even when they are not able to be as active in the Church as they would like, they must continue to be active in the gospel, and then to let the light of their testimony burn brightly for others to see and feel.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder Richard G. Scott on the doctrine of the Atonement of 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.

"To be effective and to do as Christ has done (see John 13:15), concentrate on this basic principle of the gospel: the Atonement of Jesus Christ makes possible our becoming more like our Father in Heaven so that we can live together eternally in our family units.

"There is no doctrine more fundamental to our work than the Atonement of Jesus Christ. At every appropriate opportunity, testify of the Savior and of the power of His Atoning sacrifice. Use scriptures that teach of Him and why He is the perfect pattern for everyone in life. You will need to study diligently. Do not become so absorbed with trivial things that you miss learning the doctrine and teachings of the Lord. With a solid, personal doctrinal foundation, you will be a powerful source for sharing vital truths with others who desperately need them.

"We best serve our Father in Heaven by righteously influencing others and serving them. The greatest example who ever walked the earth is our Savior, Jesus Christ. His mortal ministry was filled with teaching, serving, and loving others. He sat down with individuals who were judged to be unworthy of His companionship. He loved each of them. He discerned their needs and taught them His gospel. He invites us to follow His perfect example.

"I know that His gospel is the path to peace and happiness in this life. May we remember to do as He has done by sharing our love, trust, and knowledge of truth with others who have not yet embraced the brilliant light of the gospel."

- Richard G. Scott, "I Have Given You an Example," General Conference April 2014
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Scott reminds us of the true foundation and essence of the gospel message: the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which "makes possible our becoming more like our Father in Heaven so that we can live together eternally in our family units." We should be willing and eager to share this great, eternal truth at every opportunity:

Our personal study and preparation are critical. If we focus instead on "trivial things" instead of strengthening our understanding and faith through the scriptures, we will not be prepared to share the message with power. And then, as we strive to teach and testify to others, we should remember the Savior's example; His life was "filled with teaching, serving, and loving others." We can only teach effectively as we also love and serve.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)