Elder Eldred G. Smith on patriarchal blessings and anchors

Eldred G. Smith was born January 9, 1907. He served as "Patriarch to the Church" from 1947 to 1979, during which time he was sustained as a prophet, seer, and revelator along with the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve. He was then released and designated an emeritus general authority; he was not replaced as presiding patriarch. Elder Smith passed away on April 4, 2013 at age 106.

"A patriarchal blessing is much like an anchor to a ship. It is referred to at times as an anchor for your soul, to keep you from being buffeted around. You know what an anchor is to a ship? When the winds rise and the waves come, they drop anchor and that keeps the ship from drifting off course. Well, that is what we need sometimes; is an anchor we can drop in times of emergency, in times of trial, to keep us from drifting off course. 

"Sit down and read your patriarchal blessing, or read a blessing given to you by your father, at a time when you are disturbed, distressed, discouraged and not satisfied with your life. To read your patriarchal blessing sometimes gives you courage and brings you back to where you started from and gets you in the right groove again. It gets your mind set on the proper goals, keeps you from drifting off to one side and going down skid row. It can give you a little extra courage some times when you need it the most." 

- Eldred G. Smith, "Lectures on Theology: Last Message Series," Salt Lake Institute of Religion, April 30, 1971, pp. 6-7 

A man who is said to have given over 20,000 patriarchal blessings during his life is a good source for counsel on the strength and gifts those blessings can provide.

Most of us in today's world are pretty unfamiliar with the sea, and the challenges of ocean travel. We know an anchor is supposed to help keep a ship in one place; but this imagery of how critical the anchor is in the midst of a raging storm, to keep a ship from being blown far off course, is a grand one. The application to patriarchal blessings (and other Priesthood blessings) should make us hunger for that strength, particularly in times when we might personally be "disturbed, distressed, discouraged and not satisfied."

Perhaps Elder Smith had Paul's counsel to the Hebrews in mind, wherein he reminded them that there is "consolation" and "refuge" in the hope made available to us through Jesus, "which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast...." (see Hebrews 6:18-20).  Certainly a patriarchal blessing provides a link between us and Him who is "a high priest forever" and the most sure anchor we could have. We should read and remember our blessings more frequently!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)

January 9, 2015

Elder M. Russell Ballard on the importance of personal study

Elder M. Russell Ballard (1928- ) was called as a Seventy in 1976, and has served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1985.

"Education—particularly spiritual education—is constantly stressed by the Lord. We cannot be saved in ignorance (see D&C 131:6), but the Lord can only reveal light and truth to us as we are prepared to receive it. And so it is incumbent upon each of us to do everything we can to increase our spiritual knowledge and understanding by studying the scriptures and the words of the living prophets. When we read and study the revelations, the Spirit can confirm in our hearts the truth of what we are learning; in this way, the voice of the Lord speaks to each one of us (see D&C 18:34, 36). As we ponder the teachings of the gospel and apply them in daily living, we become better prepared to receive additional light and truth.... 

"As promised in the scriptures: 'Ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath... prepared for you.... Ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.' (D&C 78:17–18) ... 

"My brothers and sisters, we need to embrace, study, and appreciate the revealed truths that are ours." 

- M. Russell Ballard, "Marvelous are the Revelations of the Lord," General Conference April 1998;  Click here to read the full talk

It's so easy to get distracted and neglect our "spiritual education."  Reminders such as this one are important and valuable to us. Studying puts us in the situation where "the voice of the Lord speaks to each one of us." Why would we not crave that, and do anything to obtain it?  We have greater tools than ever, better resources, more accessible information.

Understanding more truth prepares us to receive more truth! Elder Ballard quotes the Lord's challenge to us— "Ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath... prepared for you." If we did understand, perhaps we wouldn't need so many reminders!

 

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)

January 15, 2015

Elder Dallin H. Oaks on following the Savior

Elder Oaks (1932- ) was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984.

"Throughout His ministry Jesus gave commandments. And He taught, 'If ye love me, keep my commandments' (John 14:15; see also verses 21, 23).... 

"Latter-day Saints understand that we should not be 'of the world' or bound to 'the tradition of men,' but like other followers of Christ, we sometimes find it difficult to separate ourselves from the world and its traditions.... 

"Jesus's teachings were not meant to be theoretical. Always they were to be acted upon. Jesus taught, 'Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man' (Matthew 7:24; see also Luke 11:28) and 'Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing' (Matthew 24:46). In another beloved hymn we sing:

Savior, may I learn to love thee,
Walk the path that thou hast shown....
Savior, may I learn to love thee--
Lord, I would follow thee. (Hymns, no. 220)

"As Jesus taught, those who love Him will keep His commandments. They will be obedient.... Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice but a continuous commitment and way of life that applies at all times and in all places." 

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Followers of Christ," General Conference April 2013
Click here to read the full talk

It's one thing to talk about loving God or the Savior; it's quite another to actually do it. His teachings are not just theoretical. They are truly a guide to be acted upon. We learn to love him as we follow, as we obey, as we grow in love. It takes effort. It requires us to learn, and then to act. It requires consistency and an ongoing commitment. It is truly life-changing!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)

January 15, 2015

Elder L. Tom Perry on our divine gifts and potential

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.

"In the eighth Psalm of David, he gave us a vision of who we are and the eternal opportunities which are ours. He said:

"'O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens....
"'When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
"'What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
"'For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
"'Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:...
"'O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!' (Ps. 8:1, 3-6, 9).

"Have you ever thought of yourself as a junior angel crowned with glory and honor? Every one of our Father in Heaven's children is great in His sight. If the Lord sees greatness in you, how then should you see yourself? We have all been blessed with many talents and abilities. Some have been blessed with the talent to sing, some to paint, some to speak, some to dance, some to create beautiful things with their hands, and others to render compassionate service. Some may possess many, others only a few. It matters not the size or the quantity but the effort we put forth to develop the talents and abilities we have received. You are not competing with anyone else. You are only competing with yourself to do the best with whatever you have received. Each talent that is developed will be greatly needed and will give you tremendous fulfillment and satisfaction during your life. 

"The almost universal gift everyone can develop is the creation of a pleasant disposition, an even temperament. It will open more doors for you and give you more opportunities than any other characteristics I can think of." 

- L. Tom Perry, "Youth of the Noble Birthright", General Conference October 1998
Click here to read the full talk

We all occasionally need to be reminded to see ourselves as God sees us, "a little lower than the angels... crowned... with glory and honor." To be able to share in that perspective makes all the difference in this world! It's particularly helpful to know that each of us is unique, has been given our own gifts and talents, and has the ability to develop and magnify those abilities so that we can use those gifts in God's service.

It's also so easy to forget that we are not competing with others as we develop our talents or abilities. It matters very little how we compare to those around us, in the Lord's eyes. He cares only that we do our very best, and strive to reach our potential!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)

January 14, 2015

Elder Boyd K. Packer on the influence of good thoughts

President Packer (1924- ) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1970.  He currently serves as the president of that Quorum.

"No good thought is ever lost. No turn of the mind, however brief or transitory or illusive, if it is good, is ever wasted. No thought of sympathy, nor of forgiveness, no reflection on generosity or of courage or of purity, no meditation on humility or gratitude or reverence, is ever lost. The frequency with which they are experienced is the measure of you. The more constant they become, the more you are worth, or, in scriptural terms, the more you are worthy. Every clean thought becomes you. Every clean thought becomes you." 

- Boyd K. Packer, "Let Virtue Garnish Your Thoughts," BYU Devotional, Sept. 26, 1967; "That All May Be Edified" [Bookcraft 1982], p. 39

In 1967, Elder Packer gave a landmark address at BYU about the importance of thoughts, controlling our thoughts, and being blessed by appropriate and virtuous thoughts. This paragraph comes near the end of that address, which included the well-known analogy about the mind being a stage that only one actor can occupy. I love this testimony about the power of "good thoughts" and how they bring strength and blessings.

What a powerful goal, to help us increase in worth and worthiness as we fill our minds with virtue!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)

January 13, 2015

Elder Richard G. Scott on the purpose of life

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.

"You are here on earth for a divine purpose. It is not to be endlessly entertained or to be constantly in full pursuit of pleasure. You are here to be tried, to prove yourself so that you can receive the additional blessings God has for you (see Abr. 3:25).  The tempering effect of patience is required (see Mosiah 3:19).  Some blessings will be delivered here in this life; others will come beyond the veil. The Lord is intent on your personal growth and development. That progress is accelerated when you willingly allow Him to lead you through every growth experience you encounter, whether initially it be to your individual liking or not. When you trust in the Lord, when you are willing to let your heart and your mind be centered in His will, when you ask to be led by the Spirit to do His will, you are assured of the greatest happiness along the way and the most fulfilling attainment from this mortal experience. If you question everything you are asked to do, or dig in your heels at every unpleasant challenge, you make it harder for the Lord to bless you (see 1 Ne. 3:7). 

"Your agency, the right to make choices, is not given so that you can get what you want.  This divine gift is provided so that you will choose what your Father in Heaven wants for you.  That way He can lead you to become all that He intends you to be (see D&C 58:26–32).  That path leads to glorious joy and happiness." 

- Richard G. Scott, "Finding Joy in Life," Genneral Conference April 1996
Click to read the full talk

It's easy to lose sight of the purpose of life, in the midst of demands that are often urgent and options that may seen endless. When challenges come, some people naturally to turn to God; but there is a tendency for many to question or tire in the midst of endurance. How crucial it is for us to learn to trust, to seek the good and the growth!

A true disciple learns to view "every unpleasant challenge" as a sign of God's love, not as a sign of his absence; and as an opportunity to grow closer to Him and become more like Him.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)

January 10, 2015

President Thomas S. Monson on how to live greatly

President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1963. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency with Presidents Benson, Hunter, and Hinckley and then became Church president in 2008. He led the Church for almost a decade until his passing in January 2018.

"All of us are prone to excuse our own mediocre performance. We blame our misfortunes, our disfigurements, or our so-called handicaps. Victims of our own rationalization, we say silently to ourselves: 'I'm just too weak,' or 'I'm not cut out for better things.' Others soar beyond our meager accomplishments. Envy and discouragement then take their toll. 

"Can we not appreciate that our very business in life is not to get ahead of others, but to get ahead of ourselves? To break our own records, to outstrip our yesterdays by our todays, to bear our trials more beautifully than we ever dreamed we could, to give as we have never given, to do our work with more force and a finer finish than ever—this is the true idea: to get ahead of ourselves. 

"To live greatly, we must develop the capacity to face trouble with courage, disappointment with cheerfulness, and triumph with humility. You ask, 'How might we achieve these goals?' I answer, 'By getting a true perspective of who we really are!' We are sons and daughters of a living God, in whose image we have been created. Think of that truth: 'Created in the image of God.' We cannot sincerely hold this conviction without experiencing a profound new sense of strength and power, even the strength to live the commandments of God, the power to resist the temptations of Satan." 

- Thomas S. Monson, "Yellow Canaries with Gray on Their Wings," Ensign, July 1973
Click here to read the full talk

It's so easy to fall into the traps Pres. Monson describes—looking for a scapegoat for our shortcomings, doubting our personal abilities, comparing our performance or achievement to others around us. Each of those is self-defeating in our attempts to progress and reach our potential.

The real, final key to success in life is to truly understand who we are and what our divine potential is.
His reminders about personal progress are worth pondering; a better perspective is not only healthier as we encounter trials, but enables us to achieve far more than those self-limiting perspectives. Understanding our possibilities as sons and daughters of God brings "a profound new sense of strength and power" enabling us to truly reach our potential.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)

January 12, 2015