Elder D. Todd Christofferson on the blessings of the covenant path

Elder D. Todd Christofferson (born January 24, 1945) was called to the Seventy in 1993, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2008.

"What is the covenant path? It is the one path that leads to the celestial kingdom of God. We embark upon the path at the gate of baptism and then 'press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men [the two great commandments] … to the end.' (2 Ne 31:20.) In the course of the covenant path (which, by the way, extends beyond mortality), we receive all the ordinances and covenants pertaining to salvation and exaltation.

"Our overarching covenant commitment is to do God’s will 'and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he shall command us.' (Mosiah 5:5.) Following the principles and commandments of the gospel of Jesus Christ day by day is the happiest and most satisfying course in life. For one thing, a person avoids a great many problems and regrets. Let me use a sports analogy. In tennis, there is something called unforced errors. These are things such as hitting a playable ball into the net or double-faulting when serving. Unforced errors are considered the result of a player’s blunder rather than being caused by the opponent’s skill.

"Too often our problems or challenges are self-inflicted, the result of poor choices, or, we could say, the result of 'unforced errors.' When we are diligently pursuing the covenant path, we quite naturally avoid many 'unforced errors.' We sidestep the various forms of addiction. We do not fall into the ditch of dishonest conduct. We cross over the abyss of immorality and infidelity. We bypass the people and things that, even if popular, would jeopardize our physical and spiritual well-being. We avoid the choices that harm or disadvantage others and instead acquire the habits of self-discipline and service.

"Elder J. Golden Kimball is purported to have said, 'I may not have [always] walked the straight and narrow, but I [try] to cross it as often as I [can].' In a more serious moment, I am sure Brother Kimball would agree that staying on, not just crossing, the covenant path is our greatest hope for avoiding avoidable misery on the one hand and successfully dealing with the unavoidable woes of life on the other."

- D. Todd Christofferson, "Why the Covenant Path," General Conference April 2021, Sunday afternoon session

Elder Christofferson's message reviewed the concept of the "covenant path" and discussed the opportunities and blessings that come along the way.

The application of the tennis concept of an "unforced error" is one I had not considered before. Most of our errors are indeed "unforced" - it's our own choice that brings about the stumble, the mistake. But we also have the choice to correct the error and move forward in better ways. And we can avoid many of those errors as we more carefully "follow the covenant path" in our lives.

We used to hear more about "the strait and narrow path" in our Gospel discussions. I think this emphasis of "covenant path" helps us to remember the importance of sacred covenants that are the keys to getting on that path and remaining firmly on it, so we're not just "crossing" the path now and then but carefully and diligently pressing forward.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2020)

Elder David A. Bednar on doctrines and principles

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.

"Stated succinctly, a gospel principle is a doctrinally based guideline for the righteous exercise of moral agency. Principles derive from broader gospel truths and provide direction and standards as we press forward on the covenant path....

"Learning, understanding, and living gospel principles strengthen our faith in the Savior, deepen our devotion to Him, and invite a multitude of blessings and spiritual gifts into our lives. Principles of righteousness also help us to look beyond our personal preferences and self-centered desires by providing the precious perspective of eternal truth as we navigate the different circumstances, challenges, decisions, and experiences of mortality....

"Gospel principles are for me and you what a helm is to a ship. Correct principles enable us to find our way and to stand firm, steadfast, and immovable so we do not lose our balance and fall in the raging latter-day storms of darkness and confusion."

- David A. Bednar, "The Principles of My Gospel," General Conference April 2021, Sunday afternoon

In this talk during the April 2021 General Conference, Elder Bednar reviewed one of the crucial aspects of the Gospel: the distinction between doctrines, principles, and guidelines. He described the critical importance of learning, understanding, and living the principles, and benefits that come from doing so:

Using examples from previous leaders, he illustrated his message:

• Joseph Smith, the fundamental message about how he would "teach... correct principles and let [the church members] govern themselves."
• Dallin H. Oaks and his illustrative messages about how principles apply to Aaronic Priesthood duties.
• Russell M. Nelson's recent insights about both the "sign" we give to God as we respect the Sabbath, and the concept from the last conference of letting God prevail in our lives.

It's always very worthwhile to ponder what the guiding principles are in our lives, especially the doctrinally-based ones. The more we understand about the principle itself and the doctrine underlying it, the more power we will find in obeying and following.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2020)

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf on the power of the Savior's infinite Atonement

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.

"The Savior’s infinite Atonement completely changes the way we may view our transgressions and imperfections. Instead of dwelling on them and feeling irredeemable or hopeless, we can learn from them and feel hopeful. The cleansing gift of repentance allows us to leave our sins behind and emerge a new creature.

"Because of Jesus Christ, our failures do not have to define us. They can refine us.

"Like a musician rehearsing scales, we can see our missteps, flaws, and sins as opportunities for greater self-awareness, deeper and more honest love for others, and refinement through repentance.

"If we repent, mistakes do not disqualify us. They are part of our progress.

"We are all infants compared to the beings of glory and grandeur we are designed to become. No mortal being advances from crawling to walking to running without frequent stumbles, bumps, and bruises. That is how we learn.

"If we earnestly keep practicing, always striving to keep God’s commandments, and committing our efforts to repenting, enduring, and applying what we learn, line upon line, we will gather light into our souls. (See D&C 50:24.) And though we may not fully comprehend our full potential now, 'we know that, when [the Savior] shall appear,' we will see His countenance in us and 'shall see him as he is' (1 John 3:2),

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "God among Us," General Conference April 2021 Saturday morning

Is God real? Can His influence be felt among us? Can He bless and help us in our struggles and trials from day to day? Elder Uchtdorf bears testimony of the reality of His presence, and His willingness to offer us all the blessings of eternity. Through His infinite Atonement, we can receive forgiveness from sin; but we can also feel the power of ongoing growth and progress as we confront our own shortcomings:

Most of us are pretty good at making mistakes, like a beginning student working on fundamental scales. But most of us are not as good at turning those mistakes into progress! We become easily discouraged by our lack of proficiency, our lack of progress; we do not have the ability to turn those "failures" into refining. It is only in and through the Atonement of Jesus Christ that such things are possible. His grace is sufficient to enable us to move forward with joy, even when we occasionally stumble. We truly can turn those things into more love for others and greater awareness of our own divine natures.

 

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2020)

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on the great needs of our time

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, we do see too much conflict, anger, and general incivility around us. Fortunately, the current generation has not had a Third World War to fight, nor have we experienced a global economic crash like the one in 1929 leading to a Great Depression. We are, however, facing a kind of Third World War that is not a fight to crush our enemies but a conscription marshaling the children of God to care more about each other and to help heal the wounds we find in a conflicted world. The Great Depression we now face has less to do with the external loss of our savings and more to do with the internal loss of our self-confidence, with real deficits of faith and hope and charity all around us. But the instruments we need to create a brighter day and grow an economy of genuine goodness in society are abundantly provided for in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We cannot afford—and this world cannot afford—our failure to put these gospel concepts and fortifying covenants to full use personally and publicly.

"So, in a world 'tossed with tempest, and not comforted,' as Jehovah said it would be, how do we find what He called 'the covenant of … peace'? We find it by turning to Him who said He would have mercy on us and 'with everlasting kindness' would grant peace to our children. In spite of frightful prophecies and unsettling scriptures declaring that peace will be taken from the earth generally, the prophets, including our own beloved Russell M. Nelson, have taught that it does not have to be taken from us individually!"

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "Not as the World Giveth," General Conference April 2021, Saturday afternoon

Elder Holland's talk was among those in this conference that reflected deeply on the challenges of our times. But it's not just social turmoil and viral outbreaks that present concerns. It's the moral decay and spiritual challenges of our time that are also deeply concerning. The "search for peace" has perhaps never been more difficult, but never more important to our safety and progress.

The "gospel concepts and fortifying covenants" Elder Holland describes are the key to our search. Through them we can find the otherwise elusive confidence and peace. As we "apply the healing balm of the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ" in our lives and families, we will find that peace.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2020)

President M. Russell Ballard on finding hope in Christ

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.

"Because we are the spirit children of God, everyone has a divine origin, nature, and potential. Each of us 'is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents.' (The Family: A Proclamation to the World) This is our identity! This is who we really are!

"Our spiritual identity is enhanced as we understand our many mortal identities, including ethnic, cultural, or national heritage.

"This sense of spiritual and cultural identity, love, and belonging can inspire hope and love for Jesus Christ.

"I speak of hope in Christ not as wishful thinking. Instead, I speak of hope as an expectation that will be realized. Such hope is essential to overcoming adversity, fostering spiritual resilience and strength, and coming to know that we are loved by our Eternal Father and that we are His children, who belong to His family.

"When we have hope in Christ, we come to know that as we need to make and keep sacred covenants, our fondest desires and dreams can be fulfilled through Him."

- M. Russell Ballard, "Hope in Christ," General Conference April 2021

  

President Ballard acknowledged in this message that we live in complicated, challenging times that can bring loneliness to many of us; and that "the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted this sense of isolation and loneliness for many." In order to be able to cope and carry on, we need divine help.

Hope is one of the most powerful, and perhaps least understood, aspects of the Gospel. "Hope in Christ" is a divine expectation of Christ's ability and willingness to bless our lives. President Ballard teachings that this hope is essential in our world. It will help us overcome the adversity of life by building within us awareness of God's love for us, and faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior.

Hope in eternity and faith in Jesus Christ will bring to us "our fondest desires and dreams" because those dreams will be focused on eternal truth.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2020)

President Henry B. Eyring on finding holiness in the temple

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.

"On the outside of our temples, we place the words 'Holiness to the Lord.' I know for myself that those words are true. The temple is a holy place where revelation comes to us easily if our hearts are open to it and we are worthy of it....

"I know that temples of the Lord are holy places. My purpose today in speaking of temples is to increase your desire and mine to be worthy and ready for the increased opportunities for temple experiences that are coming for us.

"For me, the greatest motivation to be worthy of temple experiences is what the Lord has said of His holy houses:

"'Inasmuch as my people build a house unto me in the name of the Lord, and do not suffer any unclean thing to come into it, that it be not defiled, my glory shall rest upon it;

"'Yea, and my presence shall be there, for I will come into it, and all the pure in heart that shall come into it shall see God.

"'But if it be defiled I will not come into it, and my glory shall not be there; for I will not come into unholy temples.' (D&C 97:15–17.)

"President Russell M. Nelson made clear for us that we can 'see' the Savior in the temple in the sense that He becomes no longer unknown to us. President Nelson said this: 'We understand Him. We comprehend His work and His glory. And we begin to feel the infinite impact of His matchless life.' (Teachings of Russell M. Nelson (2018), 369.)"

- Henry B. Eyring, "I Love to See the Temple," General Conference April 2021 Saturday morning

When President Eyring shared this beautiful message of invitation to Church members in April 2021, the temples of the Church had been mostly closed to attendance for over a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But that perhaps makes the message even more powerful. We need to long for the blessings of the temple, and devote ourselves to preparing for them.

Worthiness and preparation are great keys to being prepared to receive the wonderful blessings of eternity. President Eyring's life has been a testimony to those characteristics.

I loved President Eyring's personal motivation: he knows the temple is a place of power, where the Lord has promised blessings, including His own presence. We can "see" him, figuratively at first, as we attend there worthily. Could there be a greater promise to each of us?

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2020)

President Dallin H. Oaks on the gifts of the Atonement of Jesus Christ

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 Book of Mormon teaches that as part of His Atonement, Jesus Christ 'suffer[ed] pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people' (Alma 7:11).

"Why did our Savior suffer these mortal challenges 'of every kind'? Alma explained, 'And he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor [which means to give relief or aid to] his people according to their infirmities' (Alma 7:12).

"Our Savior feels and knows our temptations, our struggles, our heartaches, and our sufferings, for He willingly experienced them all as part of His Atonement. Other scriptures affirm this. The New Testament declares, 'In that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted' (Hebrews 2:18). Isaiah teaches, 'Fear thou not; for I am with thee: … I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee' (Isaiah 41:10). All who suffer any kind of mortal infirmities should remember that our Savior experienced that kind of pain also, and that through His Atonement, He offers each of us the strength to bear it."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "What Has Our Savior Done for Us?", General Conference April 2021, Priesthood Session

In his message to the Priesthood Session of the April 2021 conference, Elder Oaks told of being asked by a woman, "What has Jesus Christ done for me?" His response included four elements:

• The Resurrection and the promise and hope it offers
• Forgiveness from sins offered to all
• The plan of salvation
• The ability to strengthen and support us through his personal experience

That fourth point is perhaps the most critical and least understood. The passage from Alma 7 quoted by President Oaks should be engraven on our hearts. He can help and support us through all of our challenges!

Learning to draw on that power is one of the most important things we can do to bless our lives. The counsel from President Oaks on learning to appreciate and receive those blessings is a great start. We can bear, endure, and ultimately conquer any trial of mortality when we have His help!

  

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2020)