Gordon B. Hinckley on the miracle of each individual

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.

"One evening when my wife was at something which women call 'a shower' and I was home alone, I put on a record, turned down the lights, and listened to Beethoven's Concerto for the Violin. As I sat there in the semidarkness, I marveled that such a thing could come of the mind of a man, a man who, in most respects, was as I am. I do not know how tall he was or how broad he was or how much hair he had, but I guess he looked very much like the rest of us. He became hungry, he felt pain, he had most of the problems we have and maybe some we do not have. But out of the genius of that inspired mind came the creation of a masterpiece which has entertained the world through all of these many years.

"I marvel at the miracle of the human mind and body. Have you ever contemplated the wonders of yourself, the eyes with which you see, the ears with which you hear, the voice with which you speak? No camera ever built can compare with the human eye. No method of communication ever devised can compare with the voice and the ear. No pump ever built will run as long or as efficiently as the human heart. No computer or other creation of science can equal the human brain. What a remarkable thing you are. You can think by day and dream by night. You can speak and hear and smell. Look at your finger. The most skillful attempt to reproduce it mechanically has resulted in only a crude approximation. The next time you use your finger, watch it, look at it, and sense the wonder of it.

"You are a child of God, His crowning creation. After He had formed the earth, separated the darkness from the light, divided the waters, created the plant and animal kingdoms—after all this He created man and then woman. I repeat, I hope you will never demean or belittle yourselves. Some of you may think you are not attractive, that you have no talents. Stop wandering around in the wasteland of self-pity. The greatest missionary the world has known, the Apostle Paul, is said to have been short, have a large Roman nose, rounded shoulders, and a whining voice, all of which may not sound too attractive to some persons. Abraham Lincoln, America's greatest hero, was tragically homely. But from his great heart and mind came words such as few other men have spoken.

"I hope you will not indulge in put-downs, in pessimism, in self-recrimination. Never make fun at the expense of another. Look for virtue in the lives of all with whom you associate."

- Gordon B. Hinckley, "A Conversation with Single Adults," address in the Salt Lake Tabernacle on Sept 22, 1996; see Ensign March 1997, pp. 58-63
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This is another example of wise counsel on perspective—how we view ourselves in our environment. Sometimes in the day-to-day pressure of our lives, we forget who we are on the grand, eternal scale. President Hinckley reminds us what a marvel of creation each individual human being is.

It's easy at times for any of us to quickly identify our faults, our shortcomings. We see characteristics in others that we wish we found in ourselves— not only physical traits, but also more ephemeral ones of intellect, talent, personality, or even spirituality. What a great reminder this is, that each of has has value, each of us has things that are precious, each of us is a cherished son or daughter of a loving Father.

Spencer W. Kimball on living the gospel in the home

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

"The mission of the Church to its members is to make available the principles, programs, and priesthood by which they can prepare themselves for exaltation. Our success, individually and as a Church, will largely be determined by how faithfully we focus on living the gospel in the home. Only as we see clearly the responsibilities of each individual and the role of families and homes can we properly understand that priesthood quorums and auxiliary organizations, even wards and stakes, exist primarily to help members live the gospel in the home. Then we can understand that people are more important than programs, and that Church programs should always support and never detract from gospel-centered family activities....

"All should work together to make home a place where we love to be, a place of listening and learning, a place where each member can find mutual love, support, appreciation, and encouragement.

"I repeat that our success, individually and as a Church, will largely be determined by how faithfully we focus on living the gospel in the home."

- Spencer W. Kimball, "Living the Gospel in the Home," address to the Regional Representatives Senimar, 3/31/78; see Ensign, May 1978, pp 100-101
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I think this address by President Kimball was a landmark sermon in helping clarify in the minds of many the relative roles of the Church and its organizations, compared to the home and family. At times we still struggle with that. We need to recognize that the whole purpose of the Church, all its organizations and programs, is to support and strengthen the family; they "exist primarily to help members live the gospel in the home."

The simple phrase "people are more important than programs" is a good summary. We do occasionally forget that, getting caught up in the need to over-program our lives.  "Church programs should always support and never detract from gospel-centered family activities."

Boyd K. Packer on gradual miracles

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 on July 3, 2015 at age 90.

"Some of us think a miracle is a miracle only if it happens instantly, but miracles can grow slowly. And patience and faith can compel things to happen that otherwise never would have come to pass....

"So begin where you are, in the home, and have patience, whether it takes a little while, or a long while, or nearly an eternity. There is a meaningful scripture in the book of Ether: '...dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.' (Ether 12:6.)

"Building a heaven in your home will do much to make these miracles."

- Boyd K. Packer, "Begin Where You Are—At Home", Ensign, February 1972, pp. 69-74
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It's not unusual to have a desire, either expressed or "secret," for the dramatic, compelling, dramatic kinds of miracles that defy explanation and astonish all who learn of them. President Packer pointed out the more common alternative—miracles that happen slowly and gradually, but where the cumulative impact is just as astonishing, if we recognize it.

Perhaps a worthwhile exercise would be to evaluate our lives and consider what examples we can find of that kind of miracle. As we look back and see transformations that have occurred, or events that have unfolded in subtle ways, or people who have influenced us in good directions, or small changes that have had unexpected consequences—we should learn to acknowledge God's hand—and thank Him for the blessings of gradual miracles.

President Packer suggests that some of the greatest miracles occur when we strive to build "a heaven in your home" and then observe the gradual miracles that result in that setting. As Joseph Smith was taught, "...out of small things proceedeth that which is great." (D&C 64:33.)

Dallin H. Oaks on blind obedience vs. obedience strengthened by knowledge

Elder Dallin H. Oaks (b. 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.

"Members who have a testimony and who act upon it under the direction of their Church leaders are sometimes accused of blind obedience.

"Of course, we have leaders, and of course, we are subject to their decisions and directions in the operation of the Church and in the performance of needed priesthood ordinances. But when it comes to learning and knowing the truth of the gospel—our personal testimonies—we each have a direct relationship with God, our Eternal Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, through the powerful witness of the Holy Ghost. This is what our critics fail to understand. It puzzles them that we can be united in following our leaders and yet independent in knowing for ourselves.

"Perhaps the puzzle some feel can be explained by the reality that each of us has two different channels to God. We have a channel of governance through our prophet and other leaders. This channel, which has to do with doctrine, ordinances, and commandments, results in obedience. We also have a channel of personal testimony, which is direct to God. This has to do with His existence, our relationship to Him, and the truth of His restored gospel. This channel results in knowledge. These two channels are mutually reinforcing: knowledge encourages obedience (see Deuteronomy 5:27; Moses 5:11), and obedience enhances knowledge (see John 7:17; D&C 93:1).

"We all act upon or give obedience to knowledge. Whether in science or religion, our obedience is not blind when we act upon knowledge suited to the subject of our action.... when the Holy Ghost gives our souls a witness of the truth of the restored gospel and the calling of a modern prophet, our choice to follow those teachings is not blind obedience."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Testimony," Ensign, May 2008, pp. 26-29
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I appreciate this discussion of "blind obedience," having heard those accusations myself. Elder Oaks would argue for "intelligent obedience" or "enlightened obedience." The great truth is that "we can be united in following our leaders and yet independent in knowing for ourselves."

So it's critical to have both of those "channels to God" in place in our lives. To me, the real key to the clarification Elder Oaks is sharing is this final statement of the excerpt: "When the Holy Ghost gives our souls a witness of the truth of the restored gospel and the calling of a modern prophet, our choice to follow those teachings is not blind obedience."

Russell M. Nelson on the Temple and the Atonement

President Russell M. Nelson (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 was set apart as president of the Quorum of Twelve on July 15, 2015.

"Under President Gordon B. Hinckley's inspired direction, temples are now more accessible than ever. Inscribed on each temple are the words 'Holiness to the Lord.' That statement designates both the temple and its purposes as holy. Those who enter the temple are also to bear the attribute of holiness. It may be easier to ascribe holiness to a building than it is to a people. We can acquire holiness only by enduring and persistent personal effort....

"The temple is the house of the Lord. The basis for every temple ordinance and covenant—the heart of the plan of salvation—is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Every activity, every lesson, all we do in the Church, point to the Lord and His holy house. Our efforts to proclaim the gospel, perfect the Saints, and redeem the dead all lead to the temple. Each holy temple stands as a symbol of our membership in the Church, as a sign of our faith in life after death, and as a sacred step toward eternal glory for us and our families."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Personal Preparation for Temple Blessings," Ensign, May 2001, pp. 32-35
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President Nelson instructs us that the traditional inscription on our temples, "Holiness to the Lord," applies to the temple and its purpose. It is a holy place, wherein holy activities transpire. But that also means that those who enter and participate are expected "to bear the attribute of holiness." That's a significant challenge to us, and President Nelson notes that it's easier to make a building holy than a people.

The other wonderful insight is how profoundly the temple links us to the Savior: "The basis for every temple ordinance and covenant—the heart of the plan of salvation—is the Atonement of Jesus Christ." That's an interesting "seed" to ponder while participating in temple ordinances.

And then to watch and learn of the complementary aspect, how every aspect of the gospel and church activity point us "to the Lord and His holy house."

Thomas S. Monson on being a light to others

President Thomas S. Monson (1927- ) 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 until becoming Church president in 2008.

"Our opportunities to shine are limitless. They surround us each day, in whatever circumstance we find ourselves. As we follow the example of the Savior, ours will be the opportunity to be a light, as it were, in the lives of those around us—whether they be our own family members, our coworkers, mere acquaintances, or total strangers....

"To all who are here today, I say, 'Look inside yourself. You are more than what you have become. Remember who you are.' You are a son or daughter of our Heavenly Father. You have come from His presence to live on this earth for a season and to live in such a way that you are an example of the believers and a true light to the world. When that season has ended, you will be able to return to live with Him once again."

- Thomas S. Monson, "Be a Light to the World," BYU Devotional, November 1, 2011
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There's a difference between merely existing, and "shining" as an example to others. President Monson's message is both a promise and a challenge; "As we follow the example of the Savior, ours will be the opportunity to be a light, as it were, in the lives of those around us."

The other phrase from this excerpt that makes me ponder is this: "Look inside yourself, You are more than what you have become. Remember who you are." That's a perspective quite different from the world's view, in which we are exactly what we are able to make of ourselves.

Neil L. Andersen on God's help in challenges

Elder Neil L. Andersen (1951- ) served as a Seventy beginning in 1993, and was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2009.

"I love these words from a favorite hymn:

"'The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose
  I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes;
  That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
  I'll never, no never, I'll never, no never,
  I'll never, no never, no never forsake.'
('How Firm a Foundation,' Hymns, no. 85)

"Perfection does not come in this life, but we exercise faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and keep our covenants. President Monson has promised, 'Your testimony, when constantly nourished, will keep you safe' (Ensign, May 2009, 126). We push our spiritual roots deep, feasting daily on the words of Christ in the scriptures. We trust in the words of living prophets, placed before us to show us the way. We pray and pray and listen to the quiet voice of the Holy Ghost that leads us along and speaks peace to our soul. Whatever challenges arise, we never, never leave Him."

- Neil L. Andersen, "Never Leave Him", Ensign, November 2010, p. 39
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The refrain on the hymn Elder Andersen quotes used to bother me.  All the "nevers" — couldn't the author come up with something a little more creative to match the notes than repeating the same word SEVEN times?? But then one day in singing those words it occurred to me that the repetition might be symbolic of the unrelenting perseverance sometimes required of us in life. There are times when "all hell... endeavor[s] to shake" our souls from our course, and we have to be committed to lean on Jesus for repose, never giving up, never being swayed, regardless of how long it takes. Perhaps the determination represented by those seven nevers is not far off. Or, depending how you interpret the ambiguous "I" — it could be Jesus saying that he will never forsake us as long as we lean on Him for repose. Either interpretation is insightful.

This same spirit was reflected in another repetition of nevers, uttered by Winston Churchill in one of his famous rallying cries, given at Harrow School on October 29, 1941 as the British people were being faced with an enemy's onslaught:

"Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense."

The essence of Elder Andersen's message relates to how we endure the onslaughts of daily living through faithfulness, persistence, and proper focus. I love the imagery of "push[ing] our spiritual roots deep" through daily feasting on the scriptures.

Yesterday I planted a peach tree in my back yard. I brought it home from the nursery in a bucket that it had been grown in—convenient for transport, but the roots were tight and compressed in their limited space. As I prepared the location to plant the tree, I wanted to make sure there was space for those roots to grow strong.  I dug much deeper than needed, loosening soil and removing rocks that would have impeded growth. I will try to train the roots to become strong through regimens of watering and fertilization, so the tree itself can survive onslaughts that might weaken it, and have maximum chance for nourishment and growth.

What great symbolism for our lives. Elder Andersen builds on that imagery, as he encourages us to "never, never leave Him."