Thomas S. Monson on the lighthouse of the Lord

President Thomas S. Monson (b. 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.

"My brothers and sisters, today, as we look at the world around us, we are faced with problems which are serious and of great concern to us. The world seems to have slipped from the moorings of safety and drifted from the harbor of peace.

"Permissiveness, immorality, pornography, dishonesty, and a host of other ills cause many to be tossed about on a sea of sin and crushed on the jagged reefs of lost opportunities, forfeited blessings, and shattered dreams.

"My counsel for all of us is to look to the lighthouse of the Lord. There is no fog so dense, no night so dark, no gale so strong, no mariner so lost but what its beacon light can rescue. It beckons through the storms of life. The lighthouse of the Lord sends forth signals readily recognized and never failing.

"I love the words found in Psalms: 'The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; ... I will call upon the Lord ... so [I shall] be saved from mine enemies' (Psalm 18:2-3).

"The Lord loves us, my brothers and sisters, and will bless us as we call upon Him.

"How grateful we are for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and for all the good it brings into our lives. The Lord has poured out His blessings upon us as a people. I bear my testimony to you that this work is true, that our Savior lives, and that He guides and directs His Church here upon the earth."

- Thomas S. Monson, "A Word at Closing", Ensign, May 2010, p. 113
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We need not be overwhelmed by the world's problems, even though, according to President Monson, "The world seems to have slipped from the moorings of safety and drifted from the harbor of peace." Amid the growing challenges, there is always one sure beacon to help us find the safe way through any turmoil:

In times of darkness and uncertainty, we should have much gratitude for the steady light available to us through the blessings of the Lord and the restored principles of His gospel!

Dieter F. Uchtdorf on overcoming doubts with faith

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (1940- ) served as a Seventy from 1994-2004, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve.  He has served as second counselor in the First Presidency since 2008.

"It's natural to have questions—the acorn of honest inquiry has often sprouted and matured into a great oak of understanding. There are few members of the Church who, at one time or another, have not wrestled with serious or sensitive questions. One of the purposes of the Church is to nurture and cultivate the seed of faith—even in the sometimes sandy soil of doubt and uncertainty. Faith is to hope for things which are not seen but which are true.

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters—my dear friends—please, first doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith. We must never allow doubt to hold us prisoner and keep us from the divine love, peace, and gifts that come through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ....

"If you expect to find perfect people here, you will be disappointed. But if you seek the pure doctrine of Christ, the word of God 'which healeth the wounded soul' (Jacob 2:8), and the sanctifying influence of the Holy Ghost, then here you will find them. In this age of waning faith—in this age when so many feel distanced from heaven's embrace—here you will find a people who yearn to know and draw closer to their Savior by serving God and fellowmen, just like you. Come, join with us!"

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Come, Join with Us," Ensign, Nov 2013, pp. 21-24
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I really loved this whole talk by President Uchtdorf. How true it is that "acorn[s] of honest inquiry" truly can sprout into "great oak[s] of understanding"—but if the inquiry is not honest, a very different result can occur. So much depends on our attitude and approach. If we are trying to plant "in the sometimes sandy soil of doubt and uncertainty" we face the risk of faith shriveling and dying.

And this led President Uchtdorf to share the classic couplet: "First doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith." When we begin with a foundation of faith and hope, we must be very careful to not let doubt undermine what we know is true and right.

In the Church, we find perfect and pure doctrine; but we don't find perfect people. Sometimes we have to focus on the doctrine in order to cope with the people! It's sadly true that we sometimes need "the sanctifying influence of the Holy Ghost" to help us cling to faith in the midst of doubt. But it's worth it!

Boyd K. Packer on dealing with the struggles of life in the Lord's way

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.

"We live in a day when the adversary stresses on every hand the philosophy of instant gratification. We seem to demand instant everything, including instant solutions to our problems.

"We are indoctrinated that somehow we should always be instantly emotionally comfortable. When that is not so, some become anxious—and all too frequently seek relief from counseling, from analysis, and even from medication.

"It was meant to be that life would be a challenge. To suffer some anxiety, some depression, some disappointment, even some failure is normal.

"Teach our members that if they have a good, miserable day once in a while, or several in a row, to stand steady and face them. Things will straighten out.

"There is great purpose in our struggle in life....

"Bishop, those who come to you are children of God. Counsel them in the Lord's own way. Teach them to ponder it in their minds, then to pray over their problems.

"Remember that soothing, calming effect of reading the scriptures. Next time you are where they are read, notice how things settle down. Sense the feeling of peace and security that comes."

- Boyd K. Packer, "Solving Emotional Problems in the Lord's Own Way," Ensign, May 1978, pp. 91-93
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It's clear to see the modern-day philosophy of "instant gratification." We like things in a hurry: fast-food, speedy service, quick answers. And, as President Packer discusses, "instant solutions to our problems." But that is not the Lord's way. We are not going to be "always be instantly emotionally comfortable." We are going to struggle at times. We will have disappointment, failure, even anxiety and depression—and those things are normal parts of life!

Of course, at times those emotions or challenges can become overbalanced and there is need for professional help. But in general, President Packer encourages us all to learn to cope with the daily challenges that come, knowing that they are given for a reason and will bless us if we allow them to.

President Packer goes on to identify prayer and scripture reading as two of the things that can help us regain peace and security in the midst of discouragement and discomfort. That is wise advice, and it works!

Henry B. Eyring on unselfish service and spiritual growth

President Henry B. Eyring (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.

"James the Apostle taught us how the desire to serve others springs from our gratitude for what the Lord has done for us:

"'But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed....

"'Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world' (James 1:25, 27).

"One of the assurances that you are being purified is an increasing desire to serve others for the Savior. Home teaching and visiting teaching become more of a joy and less of a chore. You find yourself volunteering more often in a local school or helping care for the poor in your community. Even though you may have little money to give to those who have less, you wish you had more so that you could give more (see Mosiah 4:24). You find yourself eager to serve your children and to show them how to serve others.

"As your nature changes, you will feel a desire to give greater service without recognition."

- Henry B. Eyring, "Service and Eternal Life," Ensign, March 2014, pp. 4-5
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So much depends in this life on developing the perspective that acknowledges the involvement of God in our lives, and how every aspect is inter-related. When we are truly grateful for God and His blessings in our life, then we naturally want to be a part of His work in blessing and helping His other children.

I loved President Eyring's analysis that relates our spiritual growth to increased personal desire to serve others.

In essence, it becomes easier to act like Christ because we have become more like Him. We're no longer motivated by the desire for recognition; we just want to do good. What a beautiful state to aspire to!

Neal A. Maxwell on meekness in responding to criticism and scorn

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.

"Meekness will permit us to endure more graciously the cruel caricaturing and misrepresentation that accompanies discipleship—especially in the rugged last days of this dispensation. Remember the fingers of scorn in Lehi's vision which pointed and mocked at those who clung to the iron rod? (See 1 Ne. 8:26-33.) The mockers were not a small minority. And they were persistent and preoccupied in their scorn of the Saints. You will come to see that preoccupation.

"Meekness permits us to be prompted as to whether to speak out or, as Jesus once did, be silent. But even when the meek speak up, they do so without speaking down.

"I stress again that meekness does not mean we are bereft of boldness. A meek, imprisoned Joseph Smith displayed remarkable boldness in rebuking the grossness of the guards in Richmond jail:

"'Silence, ye fiends of the infernal pit! In the name of Jesus Christ I rebuke you, and command you to be still; I will not live another minute and hear such language. Cease such talk, or you or I die this instant!' (History of the Church, 3:208.)

"Isn't it interesting that, in a world wrongly impressed with machismo, we see more and more coarseness which is mistaken for manliness, more and more selfishness masquerading as individuality?"

- Neal A. Maxwell, "Meekness—A Dimension of True Discipleship," BYU fireside, 5 September 1982; see Ensign, Mar 1983, pp. 70-74
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Elder Maxwell was truly a meek and humble man; he could speak from experience, and I loved him for it. He taught frequently and well about this critical, misunderstood principle. In this speech to an audience of youth at BYU (given just a few months before I graduated; I remember attending it!), he gives both caution and counsel about the times to come. He predicted increasing amounts of mocking and scorn to be directed at true believers of Christ; and points out that the meek will be open to inspiration to know how best to respond. There are great lessons in responding from both the Savior and Joseph Smith.

True meekness, in the Gospel sense, is a grand evidence of true discipleship; and is one of the noble qualities of the Savior that we should seek to develop and exemplify.

Spencer W. Kimball on surviving the challenges of our time

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

"We see about us constant change. Even the pace of life itself has speeded up. Sometimes it seems that the world is undergoing such throes of change that people are disoriented, not knowing what is of value. Right and wrong, however, are as they always were. The principles of the gospel are unaltered. All of men's evil speaking and all of men's evil acting cannot alter one jot or tittle of the commandments of God.

"The forces of good are clearly and continually under attack. There are times when it seems the world is almost drowning in a flood of filth and degradation. And I want to cry out, 'Hold on! Hold on to what is right and true. Therein is safety. Don't let yourself be swept away.' ...

"We, too, are faced with powerful, destructive forces unleashed by the adversary. Waves of sin, wickedness, immorality, degradation, tyranny, deceitfulness, conspiracy, and dishonesty threaten all of us. They come with great power and speed and will destroy us if we are not watchful.

"But a warning is sounded for us. It behooves us to be alert and to listen and flee from the evil for our eternal lives. Without help we cannot stand against it. We must flee to high ground or cling fast to that which can keep us from being swept away. That to which we must cling for safety is the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is our protection from whatever force the evil one can muster....

"The Lord holds forth a glorious promise to those who love him and demonstrate this love by faithful, devoted service and the living of his eternal principles. When the winds of change blow fiercely and the waves sweep over us, we have a tree or rod of principle to which we can cling for safety. It is the gospel of Jesus Christ which has been restored to the earth in its fulness."

- Spencer W. Kimball, "Hold Fast to the Iron Rod," Ensign, November 1978, p. 4
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I'm always intrigued by commentaries on the challenges of the time, and how conditions evolve. These reparks were shared almost 40 years ago; President Kimball noted how the "pace of life" was speeding up, and bringing additional challenges. How much more we would say that today!

But one of the keys is that "right and wrong" are unchanged; the principles of the Gospel and God's commandments have not moved. In the midst of the flood of challenges and opposition, the "waves of sin, wickedness, immorality, degradation, tyranny, deceitfulness, conspiracy, and dishonesty," we are urged to "Hold on!"

And not just hold on, but flee to higher ground. To the best of our abilities, get out of the path of destruction, the rushing torrents of wickedness. We find "higher ground" as we grow in spirituality and commitment to the Savior and His teachings.

As we do so, the prophetic promise is that we will always "have a tree or rod of principle to which we can cling for safety. It is the gospel of Jesus Christ which has been restored to the earth in its fulness."

N. Eldon Tanner on daily progress and preparation

President Nathan Eldon Tanner (1898-1982) was ordained an apostle in 1962.  A year later he was called as a counselor in the First Presidency, and continued in that role during the administration of four Church presidents until his death in 1982 at age 84.

"'Today is the first day of the rest of my life. Let me begin now to prepare for eternal life, that I may know a fullness of joy and happiness now and forever.' After all, this is really what each of us wants, and it is most important that we take time to find out how to get it and begin now to work at it day by day.

"To accomplish this we must study and learn and increase our knowledge and understanding of the gospel. Then by application of our learning day by day and every day we will have an increase of faith and testimony that is so necessary for our own salvation, as well as for our influence on the lives of those we love, those with whom we want to share our happiness and blessings....

"How do we keep ourselves headed in the right path for the achievement of our goals and eventual eternal life? Only by disciplining ourselves and by repenting each day of those old habits or weaknesses that will keep us from reaching our God-given potential and destiny. We know that we have to work constantly to attain anything worthwhile in life.

"Before entering a tournament a golfer will practice a single shot by the hour. Musicians, artists, public speakers—all must work and practice to become proficient. How much more important it is for us to make preparation to be about the work of our Heavenly Father who has placed us here for a wise and glorious purpose.

"As we reflect on the value of resolving to do better, let us determine to discipline ourselves to carefully select the resolutions we make, to consider the purpose for making them, and finally, to make commitments for keeping them and not letting any obstacle stop us. Let us remind ourselves at the beginning of each day that we can keep a resolution just for that day. As we do this it gets easier and easier until it becomes a habit."

- N. Eldon Tanner, "Just for Today," New Era, January 1975, pp. 4-5
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Every day begins a new year, and provides a new beginning: "today is the first day of the rest of my life." President Tanner encourages us to consider regularly and frequently how we are doing to prepare for the future and ensure we are making good progress. This is particularly crucial in spiritual maters, as we evaluate our progress towards our ultimate goals. It takes dedicated study and learning to help us grow in understanding and faith; and then continuing discipline and continuing repentance to put what we learn into practice.

I thought President Tanner's comparison was interesting, of the discipline required for athletes, musicians, and speakers to develop and maintain their skills. They can devote many hundreds of hours to prepare for a performance. How much more we should be willing to focus our efforts and show the dedication to improve behavior or understanding in spiritual matters!