Harold B. Lee on challenges, decisions, and prayer

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.

"As we meet the challenging problems of today, may we see, as it were, written on the darkened walls of our sequestered chamber the words of heavenly wisdom that will give us the assurance, when we are faced with momentous decisions, that we can place our trust in God and leave the rest with Him.

"When we stand at the crossroads of two alternative decisions, let us remember what the Lord said we should do: Study the whole matter out in our mind to a conclusion; before action, ask the Lord if it be right; and attune ourselves to the spiritual response—either to have our bosom burn within us to know that our conclusion is right, or to have a stupor of thought that will make us forget it if it is wrong [see D&C 9:7-9]. Then, as the Lord has promised, '... the Spirit shall be given unto [us] by the prayer of faith.' (D&C 42:14.) ...

"If we seek earnestly, we can reach into that spiritual dimension for answers that will secure for us not only great blessings, but also the sublime witness in our hearts that our acts, our life, and our labors have the seal of approval of the Lord and Creator of us all."

- Harold B. Lee, Ye Are the Light of the World (Deseret 1974), p. 115, 120; adapted from remarks given on May 4, 1971, at the inauguration of Dallin H. Oaks as president of BYU.
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We can trust in God to provide help when we have "challenging problems" and "momentous decisions." President Lee's testimony is strong and true. The words of heavenly wisdom will surely come to give guidance and comfort, as long as we know (through our experience and practice) how to hear them. He reminds us the process that is often used in making decisions, requiring our best effort first.

Not only do answers come, but also the witness that we are doing what is right. Joseph Smith once listed three things necessary to fully exercise faith in God; the third was "an actual knowledge that the course of life which he is pursuing is according to His will" (Lectures on Faith, 3:2-5). That personal witness is precious and soul-expanding.

Spencer W. Kimball on the power of eternal hope in Christ

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

"We have a hope in Christ here and now. He died for our sins. Because of him and his gospel, our sins are washed away in the waters of baptism; sin and iniquity are burned out of our souls as though by fire; and we become clean, have clear consciences, and gain that peace which passeth understanding. (See Phil. 4:7.)

"By living the laws of his gospel, we gain temporal prosperity and maintain health of body and strength of mind. The gospel blesses us today.

"But today is just a grain of sand in the Sahara of eternity. We have also a hope in Christ for the eternity that lies ahead; otherwise, as Paul said, we would be 'of all men most miserable' (1 Cor. 15:19).

"How great would be our sorrow—and justly so—if there were no resurrection! How miserable we would be if there were no hope of life eternal! If our hope of salvation and eternal reward should fade away, we would certainly be more miserable than those who never had such an expectancy.

"'But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept' (1 Cor. 15:20).

"Now the effects of his resurrection shall pass upon all men, 'for as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive' (1 Cor. 15:22).

"Now 'as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly' (1 Cor. 15:49).

"Now provision has been made whereby 'this corruptible shall... put on incorruption, and this mortal shall... put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory' (1 Cor. 15:54)....

"We have an eternal hope in Christ. We know this life is given us to prepare for eternity, 'and that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy' (D&C 130:2)."

- Spencer W. Kimball, "An Eternal Hope in Christ," Ensign, Nov. 1978, p. 72
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It's a wonderful thing to have hope. I think to have hope in Christ is a special kind of gift. It involves the understanding of how Christ's atonement can bless us now, in this life; and also how its blessings and power enable all that really matters in the eternities:

Among the greatest blessings offered to all by the Savior are the resurrection and the opportunities of eternal life, which President Kimball discusses using the teachings of Paul. Because of those blessings "we have an eternal hope in Christ." What greater gift could be offered to man?

Gordon B. Hinckley on facing life with confidence and faith

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

"It isn't as bad as you sometimes think it is.
It all works out. Don't worry.
I say that to myself every morning.
It will all work out.
Put your trust in God,
and move forward with faith
and confidence in the future.
The Lord will not forsake us.
He will not forsake us.
If we will put our trust in Him,
if we will pray to Him,
if we will live worthy of His blessings,
He will hear our prayers."

- Gordon B. Hinckley, "Put Your Trust in God," from the funeral program for Marjorie Pay Hinckley, April 10, 2004; see Ensign February 2006, p. 63
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This is a good summary of one of President Hinckley's most familiar and frequent messages: there is always hope, and we should always move forward in faith, with trust in God. Though he keenly felt the loss of his beloved companion of almost 67 years, he continued to serve with faithful devotion for another 4 years after her passing until he too was called home.

Boyd K. Packer on conversion and the gift of the Holy Ghost

President Boyd K. Packer (born Sept 10, 1924—92 years ago today! Died 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.

"Too many of us are like those whom the Lord said '[came] with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, ... [and] at the time of their conversion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not' (3 Ne. 9:20; emphasis added).

"Imagine that: 'And they knew it not.' It is not unusual for one to have received the gift and not really know it.

"I fear this supernal gift is being obscured by programs and activities and schedules and so many meetings. There are so many places to go, so many things to do in this noisy world. We can be too busy to pay attention to the promptings of the Spirit.

"The voice of the Spirit is a still, small voice—a voice that is felt rather than heard. It is a spiritual voice that comes into the mind as a thought put into your heart.

"All over the world ordinary men, women, and children, not completely aware that they have the gift, bless their families, teach, preach, and minister by the Spirit within them....

"And soon we learn that the tempter—the adversary—uses those same channels of the mind and heart to inspire us to evil, to laziness, to contention, even to acts of darkness. He can take over our thoughts and lead us to mischief.

"But each of us has agency; ever and always light presides over darkness."

- Boyd K. Packer, "The Cloven Tongues of Fire," Ensign, May 2000, pp. 7-9
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There is power in this message: "always light presides over darkness." As we consider the use of our personal agency, we should take note of President Packer's caution that "the adversary uses the same channels of the mind and heart to inspire us to evil." Learning to distinguish between the promptings of the Holy Ghost and those of Satan is a critical task of life. But in our eagerness to do good, we can be misdirected if our many activities lessen our ability to hear and heed the promptings that come:

Russell M. Nelson on the blessing of worthy music

President Russell M. Nelson (b. Sept 9, 1924—92 years ago today!) 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.

"Worthy music is powerful. It has the power to make us humble, prayerful, and grateful.

"Prophets through all generations have taught the importance of worthy music in our expressions of worship. A few citations from the scriptures may serve to illustrate.

"An Old Testament scripture bids us to 'make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise' (Psalm 98:4). In the Hebrew language, the meaning of this verse is to literally burst forth into song and to shout for joy. Contrast that spirit of enthusiasm with scenes we may see at church when some sing only passively and without a spirit of joy....

"Music has a sweet power to promote unity and love in the family. Not only is it an important component of family home evenings, but it can also exert a continuing influence for good well beyond times when children are small. For my gift to our family for Christmas 2007, I prepared a compact-disc recording of musical memories. I sat at the piano and recorded a variety of music that I had sung or played to the children through the years. They liked it. Some of the grandchildren told me that the CD was 'cool.'

"Music has power to provide spiritual nourishment. It has healing power. It has the power to facilitate worship, allowing us to contemplate the Atonement and the Restoration of the gospel, with its saving principles and exalting ordinances. It provides power for us to express prayerful thoughts and bear testimony of sacred truths....

"Fill your minds with worthy sights and sounds. Cultivate your precious gift of the Holy Ghost. Protect it as the priceless gift that it is. Carefully listen for its quiet communication. You will be spiritually stronger if you do.

"You know the proverb, 'As [a man] thinketh in his heart, so is he' (Proverbs 23:7). As you control your thoughts, you control your actions. Indeed, worthy music can provide power and protection for the soul."

- Russell M. Nelson, "The Power and Protection of Worthy Music," CES fireside address, May 4, 2008; see Ensign, December 2009, pp. 13-17
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President Nelson teaches about the impact of "worthy music" — and not all music qualifies. He warns us, "Do not degrade yourself with the numbing shabbiness and irreverence of music that is not worthy of you." So worthy music is worthy of the eternal soul that we each possess, and lifts us closer to God.

He testifies that the right kind of music has incredible power to lift and bless us, sometimes in ways we don't expect:

So the key is to "Fill your minds with worthy sights and sounds." That's a good challenge

Quentin L. Cook on the need for unwavering commitment in our day

Elder Quentin L. Cook (b. September 8, 1940 - 76 years ago today!) was called as a Seventy in 1996, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2007.

"I believe it is of particular importance in our day, when Satan is raging in the hearts of men in so many new and subtle ways, that our choices and decisions be made carefully, consistent with the goals and objectives by which we profess to live. We need unequivocal commitment to the commandments and strict adherence to sacred covenants. When we allow rationalizations to prevent us from temple endowments, worthy missions, and temple marriage, they are particularly harmful. It is heartbreaking when we profess belief in these goals yet neglect the everyday conduct required to achieve them....

"My concern is not only about the big tipping-point decisions but also the middle ground—the workaday world and seemingly ordinary decisions where we spend most of our time. In these areas, we need to emphasize moderation, balance, and especially wisdom. It is important to rise above rationalizations and make the best choices."

- Quentin L. Cook, "Choose Wisely," Ensign, November 2014, pp. 46-49
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Elder Cook suggests that the time in which we live may have a unique challenge. Because "Satan is raging in the hearts of men in so many new and subtle ways" we have a greater need than ever to be so careful to make our decisions and choices in line with our principles, commitments, and covenants. It's so easy to rationalize our conduct and allow it to fall short of what we truly believe. This danger applies at all levels in our lives—the major decisions as well as the smaller, daily concerns.

It is critically important to regularly review those covenants and principles, and then evaluate our performance sincerely and carefully. This should lead to repentance where needed, but also to insights about how to be more faithful and committed.

David O. McKay on facing life with happiness

President David O. McKay (1873-1970) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1906.  He served as a counselor in the First Presidency to Heber J. Grant and George Albert Smith beginning in 1945, then then as the president of the Church from 1951 to his death in 1970 at age 96.

"I feel like pleading with my brethren and sisters to set their faces firmly to the front and decide to enjoy the blessings with which our Father has blessed us.

"There are seeds of happiness planted in every human soul. Our mental attitude and disposition constitute the environment in which these seeds may germinate. There is as much need for sunshine in the heart as for sunshine in the world. Today as perhaps never before mankind needs encouragement and cheer. One writer says: 'Not having enough sunshine is what ailed the world. Make people happy and there will not be half the quarreling nor a tenth part of the wickedness there is.'

"It is a duty to seek to acquire the art of being cheerful....

"And so, brethren and sisters, what if we do have economic distress, universal almost? Let us ever keep in mind that life is largely what we make it, and that the Savior of men has marked clearly and plainly just how joy and peace may be obtained. It is in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and adherence thereto. Do your duties no matter how humbly, and resolve even in the face of difficulties and discouragements to be:

"Like the man who faces what he must
"With step triumphant and a heart of cheer;
"Who fights the daily battle without fear;
"Sees his hopes fail, yet keeps unfaltering trust
"That God is God."

- David O. McKay, General Conference, October 7, 1934, CR pp. 89-96
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This is great counsel from then a young Elder McKay: we can choose to be happy. We can "decide to enjoy the blessings with which our Father has blessed us." The careful and conscious recognition of God's hand in our lives is one of the great keys to happiness and peace.

Elder McKay shared these thoughts in 1934, when the US and much of the world was in the midst of the Great Depression. He mentions the almost universal "economic distress" faced by so many. But he clarifies that true joy comes as we adhere to the principles of the gospel, faithfully fulfill our duties, and keep "unfaltering trust" in God.