Dale G. Renlund on being willing lifelong learners

Elder Dale G. Renlund (b. November 13, 1952) served in the First Quorum of Seventy starting in 2009, until his call to the Quorum of Twelve in October 2015.

"We need to pay attention and give heed to counsel we receive from trusted sources and commit ourselves to becoming lifelong determined learners. Sometimes we can become... unwilling to listen to counsel from even trusted sources if that counsel does not conform to our biases and desires. We can create an environment that makes others become... fearful of giving their best counsel and advice. When we fail to invite and heed counsel from trusted sources, we decrease our spiritual stability and fall into the trap of building a tall, skinny, top-heavy spiritual ship—a boat that won't float.

"President Henry B. Eyring has pointed out that one of the pitfalls of gaining knowledge is the development of hubris, which is the arrogance that can come when we think we know so much that there is nothing left to learn. We have all seen this in individuals who are too certain of their own brilliance. It is really hard to teach a know-it-all. This educational hubris can occur in both students and university professors, in inexperienced as well as experienced Church leaders, and in new converts and longtime members of the Church. It appears that the risk, however, is greater in those with more education and more experience.

"Mindful of this risk and desirous to be a lifelong determined learner, President Eyring said, 'I am still a child with lots to learn. Most folks can teach me something.' When he extended the call to me to be a General Authority, President Eyring taught me an important lesson. He said that when he hears someone tell a story that he has heard before or use a scripture that he is very familiar with, he asks himself the questions Why is the Lord underlining that for me? and What have I yet to learn from that story or scripture? Likewise, if we wish to increase our spiritual stability, we will be willing to learn and we will be sufficiently humble to accept guidance no matter our age and experience."

- Dale G. Renlund, "Constructing Spiritual Stability," BYU Devotional, Sept 16, 2014
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The pattern of listening to counsel from "trusted sources" is not always as easy as it might seem, according to Elder Renlund. We can fall into patterns where not only do we fail to heed the counsel of others, but we create an environment where that counsel is less freely given.

I love the example given of President Eyring, one of my heroes. He warns of hubris — the excessive arrogance that makes us feel aloof from what others might have to offer. Then he demonstrates its opposite in his sincere and humble willingness to learn. What a valuable, noble way to live!

Joseph F. Smith on the dangers of ignorance and of pride

President Joseph F. Smith (1838-1918) was the son of Joseph's brother Hyrum. He was ordained an apostle in 1866 at age 28, and served as a counselor to Brigham Young and the three presidents who followed.  He became the 6th president of the Church in 1901, and served until his death in 1918 at age 80.

"Among the Latter-day Saints, the preaching of false doctrines disguised as truths of the gospel, may be expected from people of two classes, and practically from these only; they are:

"First—The hopelessly ignorant, whose lack of intelligence is due to their indolence and sloth, who make but feeble effort, if indeed any at all, to better themselves by reading and study; those who are afflicted with a dread disease that may develop into an incurable malady—laziness.

"Second—The proud and self-vaunting ones, who read by the lamp of their own conceit; who interpret by rules of their own contriving; who have become a law unto themselves, and so pose as the sole judges of their own doings. More dangerously ignorant than the first.

"Beware of the lazy and the proud; their infection in each case is contagious; better for them and for all when they are compelled to display the yellow flag of warning, that the clean and uninfected may be protected."

- Joseph F. Smith, Juvenile Instructor vol. 41 (Mar. 1906), p. 178; see also Gospel Doctrine p. 373

This is a classic warning from President Smith, now well over a century past. We sometimes view our own time as so much more sophisticated, and don't realize how similar the problems of the past were to what we experience today. But this caution seems so very applicable to our own modern-day challenges.

A good "personal evaluation" in this situation would be:

1. What am I doing to make sure I'm not "hopelessly ignorant"? If I am one of those who "make but feeble effort, if indeed any at all, to better themselves by reading and study"—then I am afflicted by the dread disease of laziness. I should be working to improve my understanding and knowledge!
   
2. What am I doing to make sure I'm not "proud and self-vaunting"? Do I resist counsel and advice, preferring "the lamp of [my] own conceit" to give me understanding and direction? If so, I've fallen into the trap "more dangerous" than the one of ignorance.

I am forever grateful for reminders from inspired leaders that help me in the quest for discipleship.

Dallin H. Oaks on defending the truth while avoiding contention

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.

"We are to live in the world but not be of the world. We must live in the world because, as Jesus taught in a parable, His kingdom is 'like leaven,' whose function is to raise the whole mass by its influence (see Luke 13:21; Matthew 13:33; see also 1 Corinthians 5:6-8). His followers cannot do that if they associate only with those who share their beliefs and practices. But the Savior also taught that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments (see John 14:15).

"The gospel has many teachings about keeping the commandments while living among people with different beliefs and practices. The teachings about contention are central....

"Even as we seek to be meek and to avoid contention, we must not compromise or dilute our commitment to the truths we understand. We must not surrender our positions or our values. The gospel of Jesus Christ and the covenants we have made inevitably cast us as combatants in the eternal contest between truth and error. There is no middle ground in that contest."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Loving Others and Living with Differences," Ensign, November 2014, pp. 25-28
Click here to read the full article

The Savior's way has never been isolationism. He never asked His followers to "associate only with those who share their beliefs and practices." Just the opposite—He wants disciples to reach out in love and kindness. Contention over practices and beliefs is never appropriate.

There will inevitably be differences between disciples and others, because of the covenants we have made to defend the truth. There will continue to be a "contest between truth and error" in which "there is no middle ground." But we must always "seek to be meek and to avoid contention" if we are truly disciples.

Robert D. Hales on spiritually mature obedience to God and leaders

Elder Robert D. Hales (b. August 24, 1932) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1985, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

"At times members may participate in 'selective obedience,' claiming to love God and honor God while picking and choosing which of His commandments and teachings—and the teachings and counsel of His prophets—they will fully follow.

"Some obey selectively because they cannot perceive all the reasons for a commandment, just as children do not always understand the reasons for their parents' counsel and rules. But we always know the reason we follow the prophets, for this is the Church of Jesus Christ, and it is the Savior who directs His prophets in all dispensations.

"As our understanding of obedience deepens, we recognize the essential role of agency....

"Spiritually mature obedience is 'the Savior's obedience.' It is motivated by true love for Heavenly Father and His Son. When we willingly obey, as our Savior did, we cherish the words of our Heavenly Father: 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased' (Matthew 3:17). And we look forward to hearing, upon entering our Heavenly Father's presence, 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant: ... enter ... into the joy of thy lord' (Matthew 25:21)."

- Robert D. Hales, "If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments," Ensign, May 2014, pp. 35-38
Click here to read the full talk

Elder Hales teaches us the difference between "selective obedience" and "spiritually mature obedience" — encouraging us all to consider our own progress in this area. A key indicator is in how we respond to God's anointed servants as they give counsel and direction. Our response at times reflects the depth of our conviction of who they are, and whose the Church is.

So the ideal is this: ""Spiritually mature obedience is 'the Savior's obedience.' It is motivated by true love for Heavenly Father and His Son." If that love is deep, then obedience is easy, even when the reasons in a given situation are not always apparent. It's a wonderful reminder as we each strive to grow in the paths of mortality.

Neal A. Maxwell on the role of prophets in modern events

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.

"But make no mistake about it, brothers and sisters; in the months and years ahead, events will require of each member that he or she decide whether or not he or she will follow the First Presidency. Members will find it more difficult to halt longer between two opinions (see 1 Kings 18:21).

"President Marion G. Romney said, many years ago, that he had 'never hesitated to follow the counsel of the Authorities of the Church even though it crossed my social, professional, or political life' (CR, April 1941, p. 123). This is a hard doctrine, but it is a particularly vital doctrine in a society which is becoming more wicked. In short, brothers and sisters, not being ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ includes not being ashamed of the prophets of Jesus Christ....

"Before the ultimate victory of the forces of righteousness, some skirmishes will be lost. Even these, however, must leave a record so that the choices before the people are clear and let others do as they will in the face of prophetic counsel. There will also be times, happily, when a minor defeat seems probable, that others will step forward, having been rallied to righteousness by what we do. We will know the joy, on occasion, of having awakened a slumbering majority of the decent people of all races and creeds—a majority which was, till then, unconscious of itself.

"Jesus said that when the fig trees put forth their leaves 'summer is nigh' (Matthew 24:32). Thus warned that summer is upon us, let us not then complain of the heat."

- Neal A. Maxwell, "Meeting the Challenges of Today," BYU devotional, October 10, 1978
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Elder Maxwell always spoke wish such insight and perception, such prophetic clarity. I miss hearing that voice, though the strength of his witness and teachings lives on. When he spoke in 1978 of the "months and years ahead" and the challenges they would bring, it was hard for many to see what he saw. But the key counsel he offered at that time to deal with the coming confusion was to "follow the First Presidency," not being "ashamed" of their teachings and warnings.

There will be heat in the summer sun, according to the prophecy of the Savior quoted by Elder Maxwell. We must rely for guidance and comfort on the Lord's Spirit, and on His appointed messengers who will always guide us on the proper course. Of that I am certain.

Harold B. Lee on choosing to follow prophetic counsel

President Harold B. Lee (1899-1973) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1941. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency from 1970-1972, then as Church president from July 1972 until his passing less than 18 months later in December 1973.

"We have some tight places to go before the Lord is through with this church and the world in this dispensation, which is the last dispensation, which shall usher in the coming of the Lord. The gospel was restored to prepare a people ready to receive him. The power of Satan will increase; we see it in evidence on every hand....

"Now the only safety we have as members of this church is to do exactly what the Lord said to the Church in that day when the Church was organized. We must learn to give heed to the words and commandments that the Lord shall give through his prophet, 'as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me; ... as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith' (D&C 21:4-5). There will be some things that take patience and faith. You may not like what comes from the authority of the Church. It may contradict your political views. It may contradict your social views. It may interfere with some of your social life. But if you listen to these things, as if from the mouth of the Lord himself, with patience and faith, the promise is that 'the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name's glory.' (D&C 21:6.)

"...Your safety and ours depends upon whether or not we follow the ones whom the Lord has placed to preside over his church. He knows whom he wants to preside over this church, and he will make no mistake....

"Let's keep our eye on the President of the Church."

- Harold B. Lee, in Conference Report, Oct. 1970, 152-53; see Improvement Era, Dec. 1970, p. 126
Click here to read the full talk

It was an almost ominous warning to hear these words, spoken some 45 years ago: "We have some tight places to go before the Lord is through with this church and the world in this dispensation." There have been other similar statements of the challenges that lie ahead as "the power of Satan will increase" in our world.

In the midst of the danger, President Lee gave clear warning of "the only safety" that would be available to Church members: learn to give heed to the words of the Lord's anointed servants.

I share in President Lee's witness of God's hand, related to the leadership of the Church: "He knows whom he wants to preside over this church, and he will make no mistake."

Richard G. Scott on distractions and priorities

Elder Richard G. Scott (November 7, 1928 – September 22, 2015) served as a Seventy from 1977-1988, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  He passed away in 2015 at the age of 86.

"Are there so many fascinating, exciting things to do, or so many challenges pressing upon you, that it is hard to keep focused on that which is essential? When things of the world crowd in, all too often the wrong things are allowed to take highest priority. Then it is easy to forget the fundamental purpose of life. Satan has a powerful tool to use against good people, those who are committed to a worthy, righteous life, who want to do good and intend to make the most of this life. His tool is distraction. He has an extensive array of undeniably good things that are used to keep us from doing the essential ones. Have you noticed that when you begin to focus on something truly important, something of eternal significance, there often come thoughts of other good things to distract you? Satan promotes distraction. He would have good people fill life with 'good things' so there is no room for the 'essential ones.' Have you unconsciously been caught in that trap?

"Remember that you are here on earth for a divine purpose. The purpose 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."

- Richard G. Scott, "Finding Peace, Happiness, and Joy" [Deseret Book, 2007], pp. 10-11

Elder Scott identifies clearly what seems to be to be one of the great challenges of our day: "When things of the world crowd in, all too often the wrong things are allowed to take highest priority." How true that is! In the midst of the pressing "urgency" of so many demands for time and attention, it can be a significant challenge to sort out the things that truly matter most.

It is truly critical for us to be aware of the tendency to fall into this trap, so we can counteract the efforts being made to deceive us and listen to the correct promptings to lead us to good decisions. We must never forget the "divine purpose" of our mortality!