Elder D. Todd Christofferson on the joy of repentance

Elder D. Todd Christofferson (born January 24, 1945) was called to the Seventy in 1993, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2008.

"Whatever the cost of repentance, it is swallowed up in the joy of forgiveness....

"I gratefully acknowledge and testify that the incomprehensible suffering, death, and Resurrection of our Lord 'bringeth to pass the condition of repentance' (Helaman 14:18). The divine gift of repentance is the key to happiness here and hereafter. In the Savior’s words and in deep humility and love, I invite all to 'repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand' (Matthew 4:17). I know that in accepting this invitation, you will find joy both now and forever."

- D. Todd Christofferson, "The Divine Gift of Repentance," General Conference October 2011
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Repentance is truly one of the greatest gifts given to us in this life. Elder Christofferson reminds us of its importance, and the blessing it can be in our lives as we choose to take advantage of the healing it offers to us. If we truly come to comprehend the magnitude of that gift, we will be willing to pay the price it requires, knowing of the supernal joy that will result in our lives:

Repentance, then, truly is "the key to happiness" both in this life and in the world to come. We should never hesitate to take advantage of all it offers to us!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder Quentin L. Cook on living in the world

Elder Quentin L. Cook (born September 8, 1940) was called as a Seventy in 1996, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2007.

"Be involved in the world in a positive way. As you embark on your various occupations, you can be a powerful force for good. A very significant challenge will be to adhere to the scriptural injunction to live in the world but not of the world. Joseph Fielding Smith taught that while we are in the world, 'We are not of the world in the sense that we are under any necessity to partake of evil customs, fashions, follies, false doctrines and theories.' (Conference Report, October, 1916.) In addition, your contribution to the place where you live in a positive sense is part of your challenge if you are to be an example, share the gospel, and live in accordance with the teachings you have received at this great university.

"To accomplish this, you graduates will want and need to be involved in the world in a very positive way. We must be tried and tested and found worthy of a greater kingdom. As President Monson has taught, 'decisions determine destiny.' ('Invitation to Exaltation,' Ensign, June, 1993)

"This is not an easy life; it was not meant to be. Nevertheless, we know that the Lord will cause our trials to bless us and be for our good. He will give us the strength to stand firm despite opposition. Righteousness is its own reward, and the scriptures promise us the reward for righteousness is peace in this world and eternal life in the world to come. (See D&C 59:3.) I counsel you to be involved in the world in a positive way."

- Quentin L. Cook, "Pursue the True Path to Happiness," commencement address given at BYU-Hawaii, April 10, 2010
Click here to read the full talk

Graduation speeches at universities are interesting times to give counsel, appropriate for students who have made a significant achievement and have a wide range of opportunities in the years ahead of them. Elder Cook's counsel was that they find ways to be a "powerful force for good" in the world they were entering. That would require being a part of the world around them, with all its blessings and challenges; but taking care not to partake of the negative aspects of that world:

Living the gospel in an active, positive way is a good way to avoid many of the challenges that confront us. As we are committed to positive standards, and as we endeavor to let the light of the gospel shine in our lives, we are less inclined to turn towards the darker aspects of life. It's not always an easy task; but the blessings of heaven will sustain us. I love the thought that "righteousness is its own reward"—we will find joy and peace through the Lord's path, as well as "peace in this world and eternal life in the world to come."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder David A. Bednar on flooding the earth with truth

Elder David A. Bednar (born June 15, 1952) was serving as the president of BYU–Idaho when he was called and sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2004.

"My beloved brothers and sisters, what has been accomplished thus far in this dispensation communicating gospel messages through social media channels is a good beginning—but only a small trickle. I now extend to you the invitation to help transform the trickle into a flood. Beginning at this place on this day, I exhort you to sweep the earth with messages filled with righteousness and truth—messages that are authentic, edifying, and praiseworthy—and literally to sweep the earth as with a flood.

"I pray we will not simply participate in a flash flood that rises swiftly and then recedes just as rapidly. I am not suggesting a one-time glitzy initiative from which we quickly move on to the next task on our lengthy list of gospel things to do. We need not become social media experts or fanatics. And we do not need to spend inordinate amounts of time creating and disseminating elaborate messages....

"According to our desires and circumstances, each of us can contribute consistently to the growing flood of truth and righteousness. We should press forward using the Lord’s pattern of 'line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little' (2 Nephi 28:30).

"Imagine the impact we can have as hundreds of thousands and millions of members of the Lord’s restored Church contribute in seemingly small ways to the rising floodwaters. May our many small, individual efforts produce a steady rainfall of righteousness and truth that gradually swells a multitude of streams and rivers—and ultimately becomes a flood that sweeps the earth. 'Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great' (D&C 64:33)."

- David A. Bednar, "To Sweep the Earth as with a Flood," BYU Education Week, Aug 19, 2014
Click here to read the full talk

I worked for the IT department of the Church in the years (late 1990s) when email communication was still the primary means of outreach and webpages were just becoming a significant force. It was fascinating to get a sense of the vision of Church leaders at that time, in knowing how important these new platforms were in helping establish the public image of the Church and sharing positive and accurate information about our beliefs.

Elder Bednar carries on that legacy of vision with this invitation, for Church members everywhere to participate appropriately and positively in social media channels:

By the time Elder Bednar shared these remarks 5 years ago, the interactive platforms known collectively as "social media" had exploded and were almost ubiquitous in usage and awareness. Again the Church faced the opportunity of using these opportunities in positive ways, and Elder Bednar joined with other leaders in inviting us to find the best ways to "flood the earth" with uplifting and accurate information.

I like the imagery Elder Bednar chooses in his invitation:

• We don't want a mere "flash flood" that is just "a one-time glitzy initiative" of publicity. We need a steady, ongoing presence
• The collective small efforts of millions of members can perhaps have a more profound effect than a more organized top-down campaign
• We should each seek in our personal efforts to contribute to the "steady rainfall of righteousness and truth" that will accumulate into a profoundly positive influence for good

Sometimes, our willingness to stand for truth in public discussions is critical. But doing it in a way that is sensitive and kind is also critical to how it is received. We should never be combative or harsh; we should be examples of the Savior's gentle, loving approach. But clearly, we should all be looking for ways to contribute to this grand effort!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf on showing our love in our deeds

Elder 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 served as second counselor in the First Presidency from 2008 to 2018.

"True love requires action. We can speak of love all day long—we can write notes or poems that proclaim it, sing songs that praise it, and preach sermons that encourage it—but until we manifest that love in action, our words are nothing but 'sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.' (1 Corinthians 13:1.)

"Christ did not just speak about love; He showed it each day of His life. He did not remove Himself from the crowd. Being amidst the people, Jesus reached out to the one. He rescued the lost. He didn’t just teach a class about reaching out in love and then delegate the actual work to others. He not only taught but also showed us how to 'succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.' (D&C 81:5.)

"Christ knows how to minister to others perfectly. When the Savior stretches out His hands, those He touches are uplifted and become greater, stronger, and better people as a result.

"If we are His hands, should we not do the same?"

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “You Are My Hands," General Conference April 2010
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Perhaps the greatest message shared by Jesus of Nazareth during his mortal ministry was the importance of showing love through actions and deeds. The so-called Golden Rule states, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." (Matthew 7:12.) Perhaps even more pointedly, this reminder from the Savior: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matthew 25:40.) Certainly we must recognize the power in demonstrating our love through our actions:

Jesus showed us perfectly how to minister to one another. President Uchtdorf spoke clearly: "He didn’t just teach a class about reaching out in love and then delegate the actual work to others. He not only taught but also showed us how." We should strive continually to understand that example, and then to follow it.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder LeGrand Richards on laying a solid foundation

Elder LeGrand Richards (1886-1983) served as the Presiding Bishop of the Church from 1938-1952, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  He died in 1983 at age 96.

"Today I thought I would like to say a few words about the kind of a foundation we have for our faith, and what we live for, and what our aims and our ambitions really are. I think of the time the beautiful temple here on this block was erected, over a hundred years ago. When the foundation was being laid, we are told that it was sixteen feet wide, and at one time President Brigham Young came and saw the workmen throwing in chipped granite. He made them take it out and put in those great granite blocks with this explanation: 'We are building this temple to stand through the millennium.' Isn’t that a good thought? Each one of us ought to want to build our lives and help our families to build their lives so that we can stand through the millennium....

"The kind of foundation upon which we build our lives is just as important for our eternal happiness as is the kind of a foundation upon which they built that holy temple that it might stand through the millennium."

- LeGrand Richards, "Laying a Foundation for the Millennium," General Conference October 1971
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Richards loved to teach from the scriptures, and loved stories and analogies—often from his own missionary experiences. He was one of the leaders who spanned the early part of the dispensation; when he was born, the Salt Lake temple had not yet been dedicated, and so in a way he had a personal connection to that building and to this story of its construction:

So the importance of a firm and solid foundation can't be understated, when you are planning on building a long-lasting structure. That was critical for the temple; it is even more critical for our lives and our futures, and for our families. We should think carefully about what kinds of foundational principles are in place that we depend on in our lives. Those underlying beliefs and practices become more and more critical as the years go by.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder Ronald A. Rasband on reaching out to others in love

Elder Ronald A. Rasband (b. 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 2000.  He was the senior president of the Seventy when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015. This talk was given when he served in the presidency of the Seventy.

"To sustain our leaders is a privilege; it comes coupled with a personal responsibility to share their burden and to be disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

"President Monson has said:

"'We are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness—be they family members, friends, acquaintances, or strangers. We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us....

"'"...Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these..., ye have done it unto me" [Matthew 25:40].' (Thomas S. Monson, 'What Have I Done for Someone Today?' Ensign, Nov. 2009, 86, 87.)

"Will we respond with love when an opportunity is before us to make a visit or a phone call, write a note, or spend a day meeting the needs of someone else? Or will we be like the young man who attested to following all of God’s commandments:

"'All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

"'Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.' (Matthew 19:20–21.)

"The young man was being called to a greater service at the side of the Lord to do the work of the kingdom of God on earth, yet he turned away, 'for he had great possessions.' (Matthew 19:22.)

"What of our earthly possessions? We can see what a tornado can do with them in just minutes. It is so important for each of us to strive to lay up our spiritual treasures in heaven—using our time, talents, and agency in service to God."

- Ronald A. Rasband, "The Joyful Burden of Discipleship," General Conference April 2014
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Rasband reminds us of our commitment to sustain our leaders and follow their counsel and example, and then quotes President Monson's instructions about serving and blessing others.  There are so many ways to serve: "We are surrounded by those in need of our attention"! How eager we should be to reach out to them with help and encouragement. But too often we cling to possessions we might be able to share, and our time and energy in giving to others:

We should remember our commitments and covenants to bear one another's burdens and to love our neighbors. It would be well for us all to evaluate our personal lives in this regard!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland on having faith and hope in times of trial

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (born December 3, 1940) served as Church Commissioner of Education from 1976-1980, as the president of BYU from 1980-1989, as a Seventy from 1989-1994, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1994.

"I testify that the Father and the Son do live. And I testify that They are close, perhaps even closest via the Holy Spirit, when we are experiencing difficult times. I testify (and as our closing musical number, 'My Kindness Shall Not Depart from Thee,' will testify, quoting the prophet Isaiah) that heaven’s kindness will never depart from you, regardless of what happens (see Isaiah 54:7–10; see also 3 Nephi 22:7–10). I testify that bad days come to an end, that faith always triumphs, and that heavenly promises are always kept. I testify that God is our Father, that Jesus is the Christ, that this is the true and living gospel—found in this, the true and living Church. I testify that President Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God, our prophet for this hour and this day. I love him and sustain him as I know you do. In the words of the Liberty Jail prison-temple experience, my young friends, 'Hold on thy way.... Fear not..., for God shall be with you forever and ever' (D&C 122:9)."

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "Lessons from Liberty Jail," BYU devotional, Sept. 7, 2008
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Holland~s address to BYU students in 2008 was filled with encouragement and insight. He reviewed Joseph Smith's experience in Liberty Jail, and identified a number of lessons that apply to us today, including discussions of why we sometimes suffer in this life and how we can better cope with them. But a critical part of understanding any trial is the realization that it is temporary:

Through our trials, we can have those truths confirmed: God and righteousness will triumph in the end, and we can learn to "hold on" in His way and trust in his ongoing sustaining presence.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)