Elder Marvin J. Ashton on showing real love to God and one another

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.

"We must at regular and appropriate intervals speak and reassure others of our love and the long time it takes to prove it by our actions. Real love does take time. The Great Shepherd had the same thoughts in mind when he taught, 'If ye love me, keep my commandments' (John 14:15; italics added) and 'If ye love me feed my sheep' (John 21:16; italics added). Love demands action if it is to be continuing. Love is a process. Love is not a declaration. Love is not an announcement. Love is not a passing fancy. Love is not an expediency. Love is not a convenience. 'If ye love me, keep my commandments' and 'If ye love me feed my sheep' are God-given proclamations that should remind us we can often best show our love through the processes of feeding and keeping....

"Certainly the best way for us to show our love in keeping and feeding is by taking the time to prove it hour by hour and day by day. Our expressions of love and comfort are empty if our actions don't match. God loves us to continue. Our neighbors and families love us if we will but follow through with sustaining support and self-sharing. True love is as eternal as life itself. Who is to say the joys of eternity are not wrapped up in continuous feeding, keeping, and caring? We need not weary in well-doing when we understand God's purposes and his children.

"Undoubtedly our Heavenly Father tires of expressions of love in words only. He has made it clear through his prophets and his word that his ways are ways of commitment, and not conversation. He prefers performance over lip service. We show our true love for him in proportion to our keeping his words and the processes of feeding."

- Marvin J. Ashton, "Love Takes Time," General Conference October 1975
Click here to read the full talk

This is a beautiful summary of an eternally-important principle and doctrine: love, both as we interact with one another and as we interact with God, is not a passive declaration; it is a constant outward demonstration of an inward commitment. While it is important that we "at regular and appropriate intervals speak and reassure others of our love," it is much more important that we demonstrate that love through our actions. As Elder Ashton pointedly says, "Our expressions of love and comfort are empty if our actions don't match."

And while this principle is important as we consider our interactions with one another, it is even more crucial as we think about our relationship to our Father in Heaven. He asked for "commitment, not conversation" and "performance over lip service." The true demonstration of our love for Him is in how we obey His commandments and how we feed His sheep.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
April 24, 2016

Elder Ronald A. Rasband on ministering one-by-one like the Savior

Elder Ronald A. Rasband (b. 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 2000.  He was the senior president of the Seventy when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015. This talk was given shortly after his call as a Seventy.

"Throughout my life, I have come to know through my own experiences that Heavenly Father hears and answers our personal prayers. I know that Jesus is the living Christ and that He knows each of us individually, or as the scriptures express it, 'one by one.'

"This sacred assurance is taught compassionately by the Savior Himself in His appearance to the people of Nephi. We read of this in 3 Nephi, chapter 11, verse 15:

"'And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth' (3 Ne. 11:15; emphasis added)....

"Certainly, there is a very profound and tender personal message here. Jesus Christ ministers to, and loves us all, one by one.

"As we reflect on our Savior’s way of loving, we sustain you dedicated stake and ward leaders, men and women of great faith. We gratefully recognize the many efforts of those of you working with the youth. And we express great appreciation to our caring Primary leaders and teachers for your Christlike service. We consider each of your one-by-one ministries and say thank you and please, please continue. Perhaps never in the history of mankind do we need to be serving on a one-by-one basis more than we do now....

"I have a testimony in my heart, brothers and sisters, that God, our Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ know and love us individually. I’m not sure I fully understand how, I just know and have experienced that They do. I urge all of us in our own ministries, to our families and to our fellowman, to embrace the Savior’s warm invitation to come unto Him, one by one, and be perfected in Him."

- Ronald A. Rasband, "One by One," Ensign, November 2000, pp. 29-30
Click here to read the full talk

The very best teachers and leaders grasp the truth of this message almost intuitively: the service that has the most impact in a Church setting, or anywhere else for that matter, happens not as lessons are presented or activities occur, but as one-on-one interaction happens. In those times it's so much easier for heart to speak to heart, for spirits to reach and touch each other, for true love to be felt. As Elder Rasband points out, the Savior exemplifies that principle throughout His ministry.

Often it's in the activity setting — a girls camp or youth excursion — that those opportunities to interact occur. Sometimes it happens when a teacher or leader notices a concern and reaches out in other settings. I knew a young men leader recently who would often take his teachers out for a burger, one at a time (with parents' permission), just to have a chance to talk with them; later testimonies as they matured showed that he did immeasurable good with his loving kindness.

We are blessed in this way, and all other ways, as we follow the Savior's example.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
February 6, 2016

Elder Neal A. Maxwell on the process of petitioning in prayer

Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926-2004) served as a Seventy from 1976-1981, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve until his death from cancer in 2004.

"Petitioning in prayer has taught me that the vault of heaven, with all its blessings, is to be opened only by a combination lock: one tumbler falls when there is faith, a second when there is personal righteousness, and the third, and final tumbler falls only when what is sought is (in God's judgment, not ours) 'right' for us.

"Sometimes we pound on the vault door for something we want very much, in faith, in reasonable righteousness, and wonder why the door does not open. We would be very spoiled children if that vault door opened any more easily than it does now.

"I can tell, looking back, that God truly loves me by the petitions that, in his perfect wisdom and love, he has refused to grant me. Our rejected petitions tell us not only much about ourselves, but also much about our flawless Father."

- Neal A. Maxwell, "Insights from My Life," BYU devotional address October 26, 1976; see also New Era, April 1978
Click here to read the full address

This is a wonderful insight. There are requirements for successful petitions we offer up to our Father in Heaven.  We often remember the first two but forget the third:

It's interesting to note that prayer requires effort on our part, "a form of work" as the Bible Dictionary tell us. If prayers were answered too easily, "we would be very spoiled children." The delays that result often work to develop the first two qualities Elder Maxwell lists: faith and personal righteousness.

The other remarkable insight is that as we consider petitions that are have not been granted in our lives, we learn about God's love for us. He often teaches us much about ourselves and about Himself as He considers our requests. It's that third tumbler of the vault lock that often comes into play; and in reviewing past petitions, a later perspective gives clarity and understanding that often is lacking in the midst of a trial or perceived need. A true disciple will learn to be grateful for denied petitions, knowing they represent a sign of divine love and tutoring.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
February 2, 2016

President Thomas S. Monson on overcoming the challenges of life

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.

"Life is full of difficulties, some minor and others of a more serious nature. There seems to be an unending supply of challenges for one and all. Our problem is that we often expect instantaneous solutions to such challenges, forgetting that frequently the heavenly virtue of patience is required....

"Today in our hurried and hectic lives, we could well go back to an earlier time for the lesson taught us regarding crossing dangerous streets. 'Stop, look, and listen' were the watchwords. Could we not apply them now? Stop from a reckless road to ruin. Look upward for heavenly help. Listen for His invitation: 'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest' (Matt. 11:28)."

- Thomas S. Monson, "Patience, a Heavenly Virtue," Ensign, Sept. 2002, pp. 2-7
Click here to read the full talk

"Life is full of difficulties" — most of us can testify to that proposition. They do vary in severity, as President Monson comments, but that "unending supply of challenges" does continue to present itself to us, inviting us to learn patience as we strive to endure and resolve the problems presented in our specific and individual situation.

The lesson is always in considering how we respond to the challenges. Do we let them drive us to despair and alienation, or do we let them lead us to faith and confidence? President Monson, in his inimitable style, gives guidance on how to channel our responses to the best possible outcome. It involves stopping ourselves from following the path of natural reaction that could lead to greater problems; then learning to invoke divine help as we turn to God and allow him to strengthen us in the time of need. It is only in Him that we find rest and peace.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
February 22, 2016

President Gordon B. Hinckley on developing living, vital faith in Christ

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1961, served as a counselor in the First Presidency from 1981-1995, then as Church President until his death in 2008 at age 97.

"When I discuss faith, I do not mean it in an abstract sense. I mean it as a living, vital force with recognition of God as our Father and Jesus Christ as our Savior. When we accept this basic premise, there will come an acceptance of their teachings and an obedience which will bring peace and joy in this life and exaltation in the life to come.

"Faith is not a theological platitude. It is a fact of life. Faith can become the very wellspring of purposeful living. There is no more compelling motivation to worthwhile endeavor than the knowledge that we are children of God, the Creator of the universe, our all-wise Heavenly Father! God expects us to do something with our lives, and he will give us help when help is sought....

"We were aboard a plane some years ago flying between Honolulu and Los Angeles. It was in the days when only propeller-driven aircraft were available. About midway in the journey one of the motors stopped. There was a decrease in speed, a lowering in altitude, and a certain amount of nervousness among those aboard. The fact of the matter was that much of the power was missing, and the hazards were increased accordingly. Without that power, we could not fly high, fast, and safely.

"It is so with our lives when we discount the need for faith and disregard knowledge of the Lord.

"Passive acceptance of the Lord is not enough. Vibrant testimony comes of anxious seeking. Strength comes of active service in the Master's cause."

- Gordon B. Hinckley, "With All Thy Getting Get Understanding," Ensign, Aug. 1988, pp. 2-5
Click here to read the full talk

President Hinckley was the epitome of a faithful man. His faith was certainly a "living, vital force" in his life, and he speaks from the heart about the "compelling motivation" that true faith provides in life.

President Hinckley uses the analogy of a failed airplane engine to underscore his message. The point is that when the power that moves us forward is lacking, speed is decreased and hazards increase accordingly. That power comes from our faith in Jesus Christ. And the challenges of today's world require all the power we can get. We need more "anxious seeking" and "active service" to develop "vibrant testimony" and strength of faith that will carry us safely home.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
May 1, 2016

President James E. Faust on the Lord's love and awareness of our challenges

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.

"Remember, the Lord has said, 'The very hairs of your head are all numbered' unto the Father. 'Fear ye not therefore' (Matt. 10:30-31). He knows us, He loves us, and He knows our needs. He will comfort us if we will only trust in Him and His goodness and wisdom.

"There are many things that we cannot change. We all have difficulties and disappointments. But often these turn out to be opportunities. The Lord can measure how strong we are by how we handle these difficulties in our lives. As the Lord said to the Prophet Joseph Smith, 'Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good' (D&C 122:7).

"Sometimes the Lord allows us to have trials to shape us into productive servants. In our desire to achieve, we often fail to see that the Lord is trying to prune us away from false pride and vain ambition so He can teach us discipleship. His all-seeing eye is over us and ever watching us as our Eternal Heavenly Parent. When trials come, as surely they will to all of us during mortality, let us not sink into the abyss of self-pity but remember who is at the helm, that He is there to guide us through all the storms of life."

- James E. Faust, "Be Not Afraid," Ensign, October 2002, pp. 2-6
Click here to read the full talk

Can we trust and believe that "difficulties and disappointments" in our lives will "often... turn out to be opportunities"? That's one of those propositions that we might believe as we consider it from the vantage point of safety and comfort, but that almost always seems to be forgotten when we're in the midst of the actual trials. We have to learn to believe that the consolation offered to Joseph Smith applies to us as well—these things will give us experience and be for our good.

The key, as always, is how we respond to the challenges that will certainly come. As we grow in faith in the Savior and His plan, we will understand there is meaning and purpose in those trials.

d(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
February 8, 2016

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin on the Lord's help in life's journey

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.

"We all are going through different life experiences. While some are filled with joy today, others feel as though their hearts could burst with sorrow. Some feel as though the world is their oyster; others feel as though they were the oyster itself, plucked from the ocean, cracked open, and robbed of all that is precious to them....

"Our Heavenly Father loves each one of us and understands that this process of climbing higher takes preparation, time, and commitment. He understands that we will make mistakes at times, that we will stumble, that we will become discouraged and perhaps even wish to give up and say to ourselves it is not worth the struggle.

"We know it is worth the effort, for the prize, which is eternal life, is 'the greatest of all the gifts of God' (D&C 14:7). And to qualify, we must take one step after another and keep going to gain the spiritual heights we aspire to reach....

"My brothers and sisters, our time here is so precious and so short. How well I understand the prophet Jacob when he said, 'Our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream' (Jacob 7:26).

"All too soon, our time is finished. While we can—while we have the time to complete our work—let us walk in the right direction, taking one step after another.

"That is easy enough. We don't have to be perfect today. We don't have to be better than someone else. All we have to do is to be the very best we can.

"Though you may feel weary, though you sometimes may not be able to see the way, know that your Father in Heaven will never forsake His righteous followers. He will not leave you comfortless. He will be at your side, yes, guiding you every step of the way."

- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "One Step after Another," Ensign, November 2001, pp. 25-27
Click here to read the full talk

I can personally confirm the truth of the thoughts of this excerpt:

• We have varied experiences in this life, including both soul-bursting joy and soul-wrenching sorrow (agony, frustration, annoyance, etc.)
• Climbing out of our challenges and upward to the heights does indeed take "preparation, time, and commitment"
• In spite of signs of growth and progress, we often to have frustrations and discouragements along the climb that invite us to give up and fall back
• Understanding the goal and purpose of the climb makes a tremendous difference on both our ability to continue eagerly upward and our strength to resist discouragement and back-sliding
• Time is precious and short, and we should eagerly take advantage of each hour of the journey
• It matters not a whit how we compare to others; only that we ourselves are making our own best effort
• We do not have to make the climb alone; there is One willing to be by our side as a guide and counselor

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
April 23, 2016