Thomas S. Monson on the temporal and eternal blessings of temple service

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.

"Now, my brothers and sisters, we have built temples throughout the world and will continue to do so. To you who are worthy and able to attend the temple, I would admonish you to go often. The temple is a place where we can find peace. There we receive a renewed dedication to the gospel and a strengthened resolve to keep the commandments.

"What a privilege it is to be able to go to the temple, where we may experience the sanctifying influence of the Spirit of the Lord. Great service is given when we perform vicarious ordinances for those who have gone beyond the veil. In many cases we do not know those for whom we perform the work. We expect no thanks, nor do we have the assurance that they will accept that which we offer. However, we serve, and in that process we attain that which comes of no other effort: we literally become saviors on Mount Zion. As our Savior gave His life as a vicarious sacrifice for us, so we, in some small measure, do the same when we perform proxy work in the temple for those who have no means of moving forward unless something is done for them by those of us here on the earth."

- Thomas S. Monson, "Until We Meet Again," Ensign, May 2009, pp. 112-114
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I believe the emphasis on temple attendance and service in recent decades has changed the church in significant ways. President Monson joins many others in encouraging all members to qualify for, and then take advantage, of this privilege; and he promises blessings that will accompany the effort including "renewed dedication to the gospel" and "the sanctifying influence of the Spirit of the Lord":

The concept of becoming "saviors on Mount Zion" through proxy ordinances in the temples dates back to Joseph Smith, who taught:

“But how are they to become saviors on Mount Zion? By building their temples, erecting their baptismal fonts, and going forth and receiving all the ordinances, baptisms, confirmations, washings, anointings, ordinations and sealing powers upon their heads, in behalf of all their progenitors who are dead, and redeem them that they may come forth in the first resurrection and be exalted to thrones of glory with them; and herein is the chain that binds the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, which fulfills the mission of Elijah." (Joseph Smith, discourse given Jan. 21, 1844 in Nauvoo; see History of the Church, 6:183–84)

What a beautiful concept, that through our temple service we join with the Savior in His eternal work of making salvation available to all of God's children!

Boyd K. Packer on living with the light we possess

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 are expected to use the light and knowledge we already possess to work out our lives. We should not need a revelation to instruct us to be up and about our duty, for we have been told to do that already in the scriptures; nor should we expect revelation to replace the spiritual or temporal intelligence that we have already received—only to extend it. We must go about our life in an ordinary, workaday way, following the routines and rules and regulations that govern life.

"Rules and regulations and commandments are valuable protection. If we need revealed instruction to alter our course, it will be waiting along the way as we arrive at the point of need. The counsel to be 'anxiously engaged' is wise counsel indeed (see D&C 58:27)."

- Boyd K. Packer, "The Quest for Spiritual Knowledge," talk given at a seminar for new mission presidents on June 25, 1982; see New Era, Jan. 2007, pp. 2-7
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I remember being struck years ago as I read the counsel of President Marion G. Romney, a member of the First Presidency for many of the years of my youth:

"We have heard enough truth and direction in this conference to bring us into the presence of God if we would follow it. We have been taken on to the spiritual mountain and shown visions of great glory." (Conference Report, Apr. 1954, 132–33)

Elder Packer echoes this concept in this quote. We have been given sufficient information in the scriptures and teachings of Church leaders to guide us in most of the decisions of our lives, if we will only learn and heed. We can "work out our lives" based on the "light and knowledge" we have, without requiring new revelation on every little decision. Occasionally additional insight will be given to extend our understanding. But our basic need is to more faithfully act upon the things we already know.

L. Tom Perry on the challenges and blessings of life

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.

"Today we find ourselves surrounded with so much depression, despair, lack of confidence, and loss of hope. I ask myself: For what purpose is all this gloom? Consider with me for a moment the great blessings which have been promised us in a covenant with the Lord. He has entered into a solemn and binding contract with each of us from the very beginning to give us all that He hath according to our faithfulness. He has declared, 'I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say.' (D&C 82:10.)

"By solemn covenant He will perform His part of the agreement. The opportunity to receive these great blessings is ours to control, based on our individual performance....

"One of the purposes of the mortal experience is to see if we will follow the Savior's counsel to 'seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.' (Matt. 6:33.)

"We live in the most glorious era in the history of mankind. The opportunity to reap the blessings of the Lord has never been greater, as is the opportunity to serve Him and experience the eternal satisfaction which comes from that service.... Let us remember, it is in our power to enjoy the fruits of the gospel, for He has promised us if we will be obedient to His law and be willing to render unto Him what He requires of us in service and sacrifice, we will find the joys of eternity."

- L. Tom Perry, "Behold, the Lord Hath Shown unto Me Great and Marvelous Things," Ensign, Nov 1992, pp. 15-17
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Elder Perry had a joyful spirit. His personal demeanor and his public discourses frequently expressed his enthusiasm for life. He shares some of that philosophy in this excerpt. He sees no room for "gloom" or "despair," given the promises of God to his children related to their mortal experiences. Elder Perry believes we have the ability to choose many of the circumstances of our lives as we choose to enjoy the fruits of the gospel in our lives. Choosing to obey and to serve results in the joys of eternity.

Marvin J. Ashton on progress in live, and striving vs. arriving

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.

"William George Jordan once said, 'Man has two creators, his God and himself. The first creator furnishes him the raw materials of his life—the laws and conformity with which he can make that life what he will. The second creator—himself—has powers he rarely realizes. It is what a man makes of himself that counts.'

"Self-respect allows a person to know who he or she is and what is expected of him or her.

"Set your goals—without goals you can't measure your progress. But don't become frustrated if the victories don't come quickly or easily. Remind yourself that striving can be more important than arriving. If you are striving for excellence—if you are trying your best day by day with the wisest use of your time and energy to reach realistic goals—you are a success, and you can feel proud of your accomplishments." 

- Marvin J. Ashton, "Be a Quality Person," address given 30 August 1992 during a single member fireside satellite broadcast; see Ensign, Feb. 1993, pp. 64-67
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What are we able to make of our lives? We don't all have the same "raw material" given to us to work with, and some therefore question the fairness or justice of God's plan, or even the reality of His existence. But those who truly believe have to trust that he gives to each of us the best opportunities for our personal growth, independent of any other person or situation.

And then we must remember that it doesn't happen all at once; there is much "striving" before the "arriving" occurs. Elder Ashton encourages us to recognize the power in that striving, and what it indicates as a apart of the whole process of our growth and development.

Richard G. Scott on finding strength and power for life's challenges

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.

"As you continue to live righteously, you will always know what to do. Sometimes the discovery of that may require significant effort and trust on your part. Yet you will recognize what to do as you meet the conditions for such divine guidance in your life: obedience to the commandments of the Lord, trust in His plan, and the avoidance of anything that is contrary to it. The more closely you conform your life to the doctrine of the Lord, the more capacity you will have to do what the Spirit inspires you to do. (See D&C 43:15–16.)

"I suggest that you memorize scriptures that touch your heart and fill your soul with understanding. When scriptures are used as the Lord has caused them to be recorded, they have intrinsic power that is not communicated when paraphrased. Sometimes when there is a significant need in my life, I review mentally scriptures that have given me strength. There is great solace, direction, and power that flow from the scriptures, especially the words of the Lord."

- Richard G. Scott, "He Lives," Ensign, Nov. 1999, pp. 87-89
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Most of us would agree that there are times in life when it's not easy to know what to do. But the promise from Elder Scott is that there is a way we can always know what to do! That's a pretty remarkable claim. The knowledge comes, he claims, from righteous living that enables us to receive divine guidance. Spiritual impressions and direction come to those who strive to "conform [their] life" to the Lord's doctrine.

And then he offers this additional, very practical, suggestion. If we "treasure up" in our minds the words of the Lord, we build a reserve of counsel and inspiration that can bless us in making those critical decisions of life. I find the claim fascinating that there is "intrinsic power" in using scriptural counsel verbatim instead of paraphrased. What an incentive that is to make greater efforts to learn and remember!

Ezra Taft Benson on the eternal blessings of turning our lives over to God

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1943, and served as the 13th President of the Church from 1985 until his death in 1994 at age 94.

"Christ's great gift to us was his life and sacrifice—should that not then be our small gift to him—our lives and sacrifices, not only now, but in the future? ...

"Yes, men and women who turn their lives over to God will find out that he can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace. Whoever will lose his life to God will find he has eternal life....

"God loves us, he's watching us, he wants us to succeed, and we'll know someday that he has not left one thing undone for the eternal welfare of each of us. If we only knew that there are heavenly hosts pulling for us—friends in heaven, whom we can't remember now, who yearn for our victory. This is our day to show what we can do—what life and sacrifice we can daily, hourly, instantly bring to God. If we give our all, we will get his all from the greatest of all."

- Ezra Taft Benson, "Jesus Christ—Gifts and Expectations," BYU devotional, 10 December 1974; see also Ensign, December 1988, pp. 2-6
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I think this was one of President Benson's most remarkable and insightful addresses, given originally at a BYU devotional. As Christmas approached in 1974, he spoke tenderly of his love for the Savior and of the gifts He gave us (and continues to give us), as well as gifts we might give in return and the blessings that would follow. One of the most significant gifts we can give is to "turn [our] lives over to God," and then discover what He can give in return:

That's quite an impressive list of blessings and benefits to come to us!

I love the witness of this final testimony; we will some day realize "He has not left one thing undone for the eternal welfare of each of us." He truly will do everything He can to help us succeed eternally, if we will allow Him into our lives.

Joseph B. Wirthlin on patience in our personal progress

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (Born June 11, 1917- 99 years ago today! Died December 1, 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 should learn to be patient with ourselves. Recognizing our strengths and our weaknesses, we should strive to use good judgment in all of our choices and decisions, make good use of every opportunity, and do our best in every task we undertake. We should not be unduly discouraged nor in despair at any time when we are doing the best we can. Rather, we should be satisfied with our progress even though it may come slowly at times.

"We should be patient in developing and strengthening our testimonies. Rather than expecting immediate or spectacular manifestations, though they will come when needed, we should pray for a testimony, study the scriptures, follow the counsel of our prophet and other Church leaders, and live the principles of the gospel. Our testimonies then will grow and mature naturally, perhaps imperceptibly at times, until they become driving forces in our lives."

- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Patience, a Key to Happiness," Ensign, May 1987, p. 30
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It's often difficult to "be patient with ourselves." We like to see rapid progress, significant growth and change, quick resolution of problems, etc. Elder Wirthlin reminds us that "progress... may come slowly at times" and we should learn to be satisfied with small gains, knowing that they result in the long-term changes we desire.

The complementary application is to the development of testimony. Progress and understanding comes slowly and gradually as we pray sincerely, study scriptures, follow prophetic counsel, and apply gospel principles in our lives. But ultimately, our testimonies can "become driving forces in our lives."