President Russell M. Nelson on finding true joy in our lives

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.

"As we diligently focus on the Savior and then follow His pattern of focusing on joy, we need to avoid those things that can interrupt our joy. Remember Korihor, the anti-Christ? Spewing falsehoods about the Savior, Korihor went from place to place until he was brought before a high priest who asked him: 'Why do ye go about perverting the ways of the Lord? Why do ye teach this people that there shall be no Christ, to interrupt their rejoicings?' (Alma 30:22.)

"Anything that opposes Christ or His doctrine will interrupt our joy. That includes the philosophies of men, so abundant online and in the blogosphere, which do exactly what Korihor did.

"If we look to the world and follow its formulas for happiness, we will never know joy. The unrighteous may experience any number of emotions and sensations, but they will never experience joy! Joy is a gift for the faithful. It is the gift that comes from intentionally trying to live a righteous life, as taught by Jesus Christ.

"He taught us how to have joy. When we choose Heavenly Father to be our God and when we can feel the Savior’s Atonement working in our lives, we will be filled with joy. Every time we nurture our spouse and guide our children, every time we forgive someone or ask for forgiveness, we can feel joy.

"Every day that you and I choose to live celestial laws, every day that we keep our covenants and help others to do the same, joy will be ours."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Joy and Spiritual Survival," General Conference, October 2016
Click here to read or hear the complete talk

As we seek to increase the amount of joy in our life, it seems to be a great key to know what things can "interrupt our joy." President Nelson suggests some areas we should be cautious about, particularly involving the world and its philosophies that can be critical, demeaning, and destructive to faith in Jesus Christ. The explosion of online discussions gives such a forum for people to share thoughts in ways that can demean and distract.

The key, then, is to remember that we don't find real joy through the "formulas for happiness" so often suggested by the world, because  "joy is a gift for the faithful" given by God to those who are "intentionally trying to live a righteous life" by following the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We don't stumble upon joy; we find it by seeking it in that one and true path. So then, every time we make a choice to follow a commandment, nurture or bless those around us, keep a covenant, forgive another, or live celestial laws—every time, we can be assured that our joy will increase. What a marvelous witness to an eternal principle.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf on facing the storms and challenges in life

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (born November 6, 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.

"We can’t always control the storms that life puts in our path. Sometimes things simply don’t go our way. We may feel shaken and blown about by the turbulence of disappointment, doubt, fear, sadness, or stress.

"During those times, it is easy to get caught up in everything that is going wrong and to make our troubles the center of our thoughts. The temptation is to focus on the trials we are facing instead of on the Savior and our testimony of truth.

"But that is not the best way to navigate through our challenges in life.

"Just as an experienced pilot keeps his focus not on the storm but on the center of the runway and the correct touchdown point, so too should we keep our focus on the center of our faith—our Savior, His gospel, and the plan of our Heavenly Father—and on our ultimate goal—to return safely to our heavenly destination. We should trust God and make staying on the track of discipleship the focus of our efforts. We should keep our eyes, heart, and mind focused on living the way we know we should.

"Showing our faith and trust in Heavenly Father by joyfully keeping His commandments will bring us happiness and glory. And if we stay on the path, we will get through any turbulence—no matter how strong it may appear—and return safely to our heavenly home."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Landing Safely in Turbulence," Ensign, February 2016, pp. 4-5
Click here to read the full article

President Uchtdorf suggests that we "can't always control the storms that life puts in our path." We rarely, if ever, choose to have those storms (unless the choice is born from ignorance of the results of our actions). But storms are a part of life, and though we may pray to always have clear weather and sunshine-filled days, that won't happen. Sometimes the storms will come, and sometimes they come when it is least convenient or most disruptive.

The challenge is to control how we react to the storms when we feel "blown about by the turbulence of disappointment, doubt, fear, sadness, or stress." It's easy and natural to focus on the storm and its impact. But the better choice is to focus "on the Savior and our testimony of the truth."

By learning to keep our focus on "the center of our faith" even in times of adverse conditions and challenges, we are doing the only thing that will make a difference—not avoiding the storm or even hanging on desperately until it passes, but making ourselves strong to get through the storm in all the best ways, learning and growing not in spite of the storms but because of them.

A great key is to be found "joyfully keeping His commandments" regardless of the surrounding challenges; that is what ultimately will bring happiness and peace, and a safe return to our heavenly home.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

President Henry B. Eyring on helping those we love find happiness

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.

"All of us want happiness for those we love, and we want as little pain for them as possible. As we read the accounts of happiness—and of pain—in the Book of Mormon, our hearts are stirred as we think of our loved ones. Here is a true account of a time of happiness:

"'And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.

"'And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.'

"Then we read:

"'And how blessed were they! For the Lord did bless them in all their doings; yea, even they were blessed and prospered until an hundred and ten years had passed away; and the first generation from Christ had passed away, and there was no contention in all the land' (4 Nephi 1:15–16, 18).

"Loving disciples of Christ pray and work for such a blessing for others and for themselves....

"With the companionship of the Holy Ghost, our hearts can change so that we want and welcome the love of our Heavenly Father and of the Lord Jesus Christ. The way to get the love of God into our hearts is simple, as is the way to lose the feeling of that love in our hearts. For instance, someone may choose to pray less often to Heavenly Father or not to pay a full tithing or to stop feasting on the word of God or to ignore the poor and the needy.

"Any choice not to keep the Lord’s commandments can cause the Spirit to withdraw from our hearts. With that loss, happiness diminishes.

"The happiness we want for our loved ones depends on their choices. As much as we love a child, an investigator, or our friends, we cannot force them to keep the commandments so that they qualify for the Holy Ghost to touch and change their hearts.

"So the best help we can give is whatever leads those we love to watch over their own choices."

- Henry B. Eyring, "Happiness for Those We Love," Ensign, January 2016, p. 4
Click here to read the full article

When we truly love another person, we are deeply motivated to help them; their happiness becomes more important than our own. We long for them to be at peace, to know God's love, to feel true joy in life. President Eyring discusses the challenges of that situation, particularly when the other isn't perhaps doing all they should to find such happiness. We can't force another to be happy, or to make the choices that lead to happiness. We can only invite and encourage, hoping and praying they will make the right choices.

Understanding the source of happiness, and how it can be lost, is critical. As we feel God's love, we find more and more happiness; but our choices can prevent us from feeling that love:

Learning to recognize and treasure those expressions of God's love in our life is so important in our spiritual progress. By faithful obedience and wise choices, we increase our joy and feel His love.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

President Thomas S. Monson on serving one another in the Church

President Thomas S. Monson (b. 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 before becoming Church president in 2008.

"Though exaltation is a personal matter, and while individuals are saved not as a group but indeed as individuals, yet one cannot live in a vacuum. Membership in the Church calls forth a determination to serve. A position of responsibility may not be of recognized importance, nor may the reward be broadly known. Service, to be acceptable to the Savior, must come from willing minds, ready hands, and pledged hearts.

"Occasionally discouragement may darken our pathway; frustration may be a constant companion. In our ears there may sound the sophistry of Satan as he whispers, 'You cannot save the world; your small efforts are meaningless. You haven’t time to be concerned for others.' Trusting in the Lord, let us turn our heads from such falsehoods and make certain our feet are firmly planted in the path of service and our hearts and souls dedicated to follow the example of the Lord. In moments when the light of resolution dims and when the heart grows faint, we can take comfort from His promise: 'Be not weary in well-doing. … Out of small things proceedeth that which is great.'

"'Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind.' (D&C 64:33–34.)"

- Thomas S. Monson, "The Path to Peace," General Conference, April 1994
Click here to read or listen to the complete talk

President Monson comments in this excerpt on the essential nature of service for members of the Church. Not only is there an expectation of participation in callings and assignments, but he believes that our membership "calls forth a determination to serve"—even when positions are less visible or recognized. That supposed prominence or importance is not meaningful to God; He cares only that our service comes "from willing minds, ready hands, and pledged hearts."

However, sometimes we feel discouraged in our efforts to serve, wondering if we are accomplishing what is expected or what we would like to achieve. We may not feel we are making much of a difference. President Monson helps us understand the correct way to handle those concerns:

We should always be grateful for the reminder that even small things can lead to great results in the hands of the Lord. We need not change the world all at once; we just need to continue making a small difference anywhere we can.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

President Spencer W. Kimball on effective personal prayer

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

"Do you want guidance? Have you prayed to the Lord for inspiration? Do you want to do right or do you want to do what you want to do whether or not it is right? Do you want to do what is best for you in the long run or what seems more desirable for the moment?

"Have you prayed? How much have you prayed? How did you pray? Have you prayed as did the Savior of the world in Gethsemane or did you ask for what you want regardless of its being proper? Do you say in your prayers: 'Thy will be done'? Did you say, 'Heavenly Father, if you will inspire and impress me with the right, I will do that right'? Or, did you pray, 'Give me what I want or I will take it anyway'?

"Did you say: 'Father in Heaven, I love you, I believe in you, I know you are omniscient. I am honest. I am sincerely desirous of doing right. I know you can see the end from the beginning. You can see the future. You can discern if under this situation I present, I will have peace or turmoil, happiness or sorrow, success or failure. Tell me, please, loved Heavenly Father, and I promise to do what you tell me to do.' Have you prayed that way? Don't you think it might be wise? Are you courageous enough to pray that prayer?

"Or, are you afraid that he might not see eye to eye with you? Are you willing to take your own judgment and throw his to the winds? Well, what about it? Are you omniscient? Can you see the future? Are you more clever than God? Can you guess what tomorrow has for you? Do you love yourself? Do you worship yourself, your mind, your judgment? Do you want to be happy forever or for life, or do you want to satisfy only the demands of today?"

- Spencer W. Kimball, personal correspondence, date unknown; see TSWK 123-124

This excerpt, taken from a compilation of President Kimball's teachings, came originally from some personal correspondence written by President Kimball, instead of the usual formal discourses. It appears President Kimball was responding to some inquiries about effective personal prayer. He asks a series of thought-provoking questions about prayer, helping us each explore our own prayers as we strive to find ways to improve the quality and effectiveness of our communication with God.

So much depends on our attitude and motivation as we pray. President Kimball helps us explore the options, suggesting the kinds of approaches that will make a difference. The third paragraph of the excerpt, in particular, suggests the kinds of attitude of faith and trust in God that would make prayer effective, as contrasted with the fourth paragraph describing some of our more common mistakes in our attitudes of prayer.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin on the principle of compensation

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917-2008) 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.

"Understand the principle of compensation. The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude....

"Because Heavenly Father is merciful, a principle of compensation prevails. I have seen this in my own life."

 - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Come What May, and Love It," Ensign, Nov. 2008, p. 26
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This is a beautiful message of faith and hope. While we may have disappointments, struggles, and suffering in life, the true disciple has the assurance that all will be well. Times of shortage are always followed by times of abundance when, according to the promises of the Lord, all will be made right. The doctrine of hope is the eternal certainty of that which is to come, regardless of what may be taking place now.

Elder Wirthlin gave some personal examples of this kind of faith and hope as part of his message. He bears witness that it must be so, because of the mercy of Heavenly Father, whose love for us must make Him eager to reward our faithfulness in suffering and enduring.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

President Howard W. Hunter on the power of quiet service

President Howard W. Hunter (1907-1995) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1959.  He served as Church President for only nine months, from June 5, 1994 to his death on March 3, 1995.

"I think we should be aware that there can be a spiritual danger to those who misunderstand the singularity of always being in the spotlight. They may come to covet the notoriety and thus forget the significance of the service being rendered. As students, you are at a crucial juncture in your lives when life-shaping judgments are made and future courses set. You must not allow yourselves to focus on the fleeting light of popularity or substitute that attractive glow for the substance of true, but often anonymous labor that brings the attention of God even if it does not get coverage on the six o'clock news. In fact, applause and attention can become the spiritual Achilles' heel of even the most gifted among us....

"At times of attention and visibility it might also be profitable for us to answer the question Why do we serve? When we understand why, we won't be concerned about where we serve....

"If you feel that much of what you do this year or in the years to come does not make you very famous, take heart. Most of the best people who ever lived weren't very famous either. Serve and grow, faithfully and quietly. Be on guard regarding the praise of men."

- Howard W. Hunter, "No Less Serviceable," BYU fireside address, September 2, 1990; see also Ensign April 1992, pp. 64-67
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

"Always being in the spotlight" may not happen to many of us. But sometimes even a brief time in that position, due to an assignment or calling, can have impact or present challenge as President Hunter describes. In this address to college-age students, President Hunter shared cautions about their motivations for life decisions. How important for us to remember that "true, but often anonymous labor that brings the attention of God even if it does not get coverage on the six o'clock news." It's vitally important to remember which of those two options is more important!

On the other hand, perhaps most of us fall in the category of having passed many years in quiet service without having become "very famous" through that time. I love the gentle reminder that "most of the best people who ever lived weren't very famous either." So we just go on serving and growing in faithfulness; the attention that really matters is being noted in heaven as we bless lives on earth.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)