M. Russell Ballard on challenges in living the gospel

Elder M. Russell Ballard (born October 8, 1928 — 88 years ago today) was called as a Seventy in 1976, and has served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1985.

"Brothers and sisters, accepting and living the gospel of Christ can be challenging. It has always been thus, and it ever will be. Life can be like hikers ascending a steep and arduous trail. It is a natural and normal thing to occasionally pause on the path to catch our breath, to recalculate our bearings, and to reconsider our pace. Not everyone needs to pause on the path, but there is nothing wrong with doing so when your circumstances require. In fact, it can be a positive thing for those who take full advantage of the opportunity to refresh themselves with the living water of the gospel of Christ.

"The danger comes when someone chooses to wander away from the path that leads to the tree of life. (See 1 Nephi 8:20–30.) Sometimes we can learn, study, and know, and sometimes we have to believe, trust, and hope.

"In the end, each one of us must respond to the Savior’s question: 'Will ye also go away?' (John 6:67) We all have to search for our own answer to that question. For some, the answer is easy; for others, it is difficult. I don’t pretend to know why faith to believe comes easier for some than for others. I’m just so grateful to know that the answers are always there, and if we seek them—really seek with real intent and with full purpose of a prayerful heart—we will eventually find the answers to our questions as we continue on the gospel path....

"My heartfelt plea is that we will encourage, accept, understand, and love those who are struggling with their faith. We must never neglect any of our brothers and sisters. We are all at different places on the path, and we need to minister to one another accordingly.

"Just as we should open our arms in a spirit of welcoming new converts, so too should we embrace and support those who have questions and are faltering in their faith."

- M. Russell Ballard, "To Whom Shall We Go?," General Conference, October 2016
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I loved this talk by Elder Ballard in the recent conference. He speaks to those who are struggling with their faith or testimony, offering suggestions and encouragement on keeping a good perspective in spite of doubts or concerns.

I can relate to the hiking analogy in the first paragraph quoted here! I know people who never stop to rest on a hike; they have developed the energy or stamina to continue at an impressive pace. And there are some who symbolically do the same in life, in understanding, in testimony. But it's also very normal and very appropriate, as Elder Ballard indicates, to stop and reconsider, look around, evaluate pace and direction. As long as those things are done with the proper eternal perspective!

One of the most profound summaries of life was this simple statement, describing the two situations we will all encounter in our journey: "Sometimes we can learn, study, and know, and sometimes we have to believe, trust, and hope." Both are appropriate.

The other great thought of this excerpt was the encouragement to treat one another with understanding and respect, including (and perhaps especially) those who are unsure about their faith. If they ever needed an understanding, loving friend, it would be at a time like that.

Dallin H. Oaks on sharing the gospel with love

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.

"The Savior taught us to love all as our brothers and sisters, and we honor that teaching by sharing the witness and message of the restored gospel 'among all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people' (D&C 112:1). This is a vital part of what it means to be a Latter-day Saint. We look on this as a joyful privilege. What could be more joyful than sharing the truths of eternity with God’s children? ...

"There are three things all members can do to help share the gospel, regardless of the circumstances in which they live and work. All of us should do all of these.

"First, we can all pray for desire to help with this vital part of the work of salvation. All efforts begin with desire.

"Second, we can keep the commandments ourselves. Faithful, obedient members are the most persuasive witnesses of the truth and value of the restored gospel....

"Third, we can pray for inspiration on what we can do in our individual circumstances to share the gospel with others....

"Sharing the gospel is not a burden but a joy. What we call 'member missionary work' is not a program but an attitude of love and outreach to help those around us. It is also an opportunity to witness how we feel about the restored gospel of our Savior."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Sharing the Restored Gospel," General Conference, October 2016
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In his recent conference address, Elder Oaks offered thoughts and suggestions about sharing the gospel with others. He helped remind us that it's not a duty or a burden, but a privilege and a joy. He offered the three basic suggestions included here, and then a longer series of additional ideas to help facilitate gospel discussions with others. All of us can benefit from pondering his suggestions.

This was a good summary of his message:

In other words, our willingness to share the message gives insight into how well we understand and appreciate the message!

Russell M. Nelson on finding joy in any circumstance

President Russell M. Nelson (b. Sept 9, 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.

"Life is filled with detours and dead ends, trials and challenges of every kind. Each of us has likely had times when distress, anguish, and despair almost consumed us. Yet we are here to have joy?

"Yes! The answer is a resounding yes! But how is that possible? And what must we do to claim the joy that Heavenly Father has in store for us? ...

"The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.

"When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation... and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him. He is the source of all joy. We feel it at Christmastime when we sing, 'Joy to the world, the Lord is come.' And we can feel it all year round. For Latter-day Saints, Jesus Christ is joy! ...

"Just as the Savior offers peace that 'passeth all understanding' (Philippians 4:7), He also offers an intensity, depth, and breadth of joy that defy human logic or mortal comprehension. For example, it doesn’t seem possible to feel joy when your child suffers with an incurable illness or when you lose your job or when your spouse betrays you. Yet that is precisely the joy the Savior offers. His joy is constant, assuring us that our 'afflictions shall be but a small moment' (D&C 121:7) and be consecrated to our gain (see 2 Ne 2:2)."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Joy and Spiritual Survival," General Conference, October 2016
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President Nelson has a joyful countenance. For a man who is 92 years old, he always looks and acts remarkably optimistic and upbeat. In this wonderful talk, he shared thoughts about living with joy regardless of the circumstances that surround us. I love his testimony that we can truly find joy, even in times of "distress, anguish, and despair" as those challenges come to each of us in life.

The grand key to finding joy lies in this beautiful statement: "The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives." When the focus is on the Savior and on His love for us, we truly can find and feel His joy in any circumstance.

And what the Savior offers to us has "an intensity, depth, and breadth of joy that defy human logic or mortal comprehension." Why would we not make every effort to claim that profound promise?

Henry B. Eyring on the blessings of gratitude during trials

President Henry B. Eyring (born May 31, 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.

"I have felt that transformation of growing gratitude for blessings and a love of God increasing across the Church. It seems to accelerate among members of the Church in times and places where there are trials of their faith, where they have to plead to God for help to even carry on.

"The times we will pass through will have in them hard trials, as they did for the people of Alma under the cruel Amulon, who put burdens on their backs too heavy for them to bear:

"'And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.

"'And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

"'And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.' (Mosiah 24:13–15.)

"You and I are witnesses that whenever we have kept our covenants with God, especially when it was hard, He has heard our prayers of thanks for what He has already done for us and has answered our prayer for strength to endure faithfully. And more than once He has made us cheerful as well as strong."

- Henry B. Eyring, "Gratitude on the Sabbath Day," General Conference, October 2016
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President Eyring made an interesting observation. Gratitude increases during times when faith is tried. In the times when we "have to plead to God for help to even carry on" then we start to understand why we should be more grateful.

The example of the people of Alma under Amulon's oppression is always instructive. They didn't plead for burdens to be lifted or for the ability to overcome their oppressors. Instead, they received strength to carry burdens and to endure in faithfulness. God told them, as he will tell us, "for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage."

I especially love that closing line.  God can not only help to make us strong; He can also make us cheerful.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf on gratitude for God's blessings

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.

"Recently I had the opportunity to travel to Belfast, Northern Ireland. While there, I noticed the Belfast Coat of Arms, which includes the motto 'Pro tanto quid retribuamus,' or 'What shall we give in return for so much?' (See Psalm 116:12.)

"I invite each of us to consider this question. What shall we give in return for the flood of light and truth God has poured out upon us?

"Our beloved Father simply asks that we live by the truth we have received and that we follow the path He has provided. Therefore, let us take courage and trust in the guidance of the Spirit. Let us in word and in deed share with our fellowmen the amazing and awe-inspiring message of God’s plan of happiness. May our motive be our love for God and for His children, for they are our brothers and sisters. This is the beginning of what we can do in return for so much.

"Someday 'every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess' that God’s ways are just and His plan is perfect (Mosiah 27:31). For you and me, let that day be today. Let us proclaim, with Jacob of old, 'O how great the plan of our God!' (2 Nephi 9:13; see also verses 8–12, 14–20.)"

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "O How Great the Plan of Our God!", General Conference October 2016
Click here to read or hear the complete talk

We often take for granted "the flood of light and truth" that blesses our lives today. We live in a time of remarkable insight, accessible information, and plentiful revelation. Once we understand and acknowledge the greatness of that gift, how do we respond? "What shall we give in return"?

It's interesting to ponder how well our lives express gratitude to God for His blessings to us. I was grateful for the reminder in the closing paragraph: if every knee will eventually bow in acknowledgement "that God’s ways are just and His plan is perfect" then why not "let that day be today" for those of us who know His great plan for our happiness.

Thomas S. Monson on the Father's plan of happiness

President Thomas S. Monson (born August 21 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 Father’s plan for our happiness and our salvation is shared by our missionaries throughout the world. Not all who hear this divine message accept and embrace it. However, men and women everywhere... recognize its truths, and they plant their feet on the path that will lead them safely home. Their lives are forever changed.

"Essential to the plan is our Savior, Jesus Christ. Without His atoning sacrifice, all would be lost. It is not enough, however, merely to believe in Him and His mission. We need to work and learn, search and pray, repent and improve. We need to know God’s laws and live them. We need to receive His saving ordinances. Only by so doing will we obtain true, eternal happiness.

"We are blessed to have the truth. We have a mandate to share the truth. Let us live the truth, that we might merit all that the Father has for us. He does nothing save it be for our benefit. He has told us, 'This is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man' (Moses 1:39).

"From the depths of my soul and in all humility, I testify of the great gift which is our Father’s plan for us. It is the one perfect path to peace and happiness both here and in the world to come."

- Thomas S. Monson, "The Perfect Path to Happiness," General Conference, Sunday October 2, 2016
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President Monson is now 89 years old. His health and strength are diminishing. He hasn't the strength to deliver long, detailed talks as he has in the past. In recent conferences, he has delivered a short message on a key point of doctrine. This message was no exception. He focused on God's love for us as expressed in His "plan for our happiness and salvation," and testified of the reality of that plan and of our potential to accept it and be blessed by it, as it leads us "safely home."

In the midst of our mortal experience of struggle and challenge, President Monson assures us from his lifetime of learning and experience that God's plan is "the one perfect path to peace and happiness both here and in the world to come." What a cherished blessing that should be to us!

M. Russell Ballard on faith, commitment, and sacrifice

Elder M. Russell Ballard (born October 8, 1928 — 88 years ago today) was called as a Seventy in 1976, and has served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1985.

"We all have challenges in life. The challenges of those who live in relative prosperity are different from those who live in more humble circumstances. But we can all be committed, and this commitment must lead to action. Whether we find ourselves walking eight hours and fording streams in Sunday clothes to attend a priesthood meeting, or putting aside a lifelong goal in order to serve a mission, the Lord sees and blesses those who act on their devotion to him.

"In James 2:14-26, we learn that in order to prove our faith, we must act on it. 'If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone' (James 2:15-17).

"When the time comes for you to sacrifice for that which you believe, will you have the faith to make that sacrifice? Have you made the commitment to do anything the Lord asks, and are you disciplined enough to fulfill that commitment, even at a time that may not be particularly opportune or pleasant? I would encourage each of you to promise the Lord, now, that you will do as he or his messengers ask. The sacrifice may be great; the sacrifice may be small. But may you all have the strength and integrity to act on your faith, so that you may one day appear before the Lord blameless, knowing that you did everything in your power to prove your commitment."

- M. Russell Ballard, "The Power of Commitment," New Era, Nov. 1989, p. 4
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Everyone has challenges. Everyone! At times we may have difficulty believing that; some people seem to have such perfect, untroubled lives. But Elder Ballard teaches that challenges come in all different forms, and we must all test our commitment to God in order to receive His help and blessings.

What is the depth of our commitment to Him? Are we prepared "to do anything the Lord asks"?

Elder Ballard's challenge to us is profound. We must promise God to do whatever He, or His messengers, ask of us. And then be "disciplined enough to fulfill that commitment."