Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin on Heavenly Father's love for us

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.

"Oh, it is wonderful to know that our Heavenly Father loves us—even with all our flaws! His love is such that even should we give up on ourselves, He never will.

"We see ourselves in terms of yesterday and today. Our Heavenly Father sees us in terms of forever. Although we might settle for less, Heavenly Father won't, for He sees us as the glorious beings we are capable of becoming.

"The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of transformation. It takes us as men and women of the earth and refines us into men and women for the eternities.

"The means of this refinement is our Christlike love. There is no pain it cannot soften, no bitterness it cannot remove, no hatred it cannot alter."

- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The Great Commandment," General Conferenct October 2007
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This talk by Elder Wirthlin is full of "gems" of insight. He begins by reassuring us of God's love and confidence in each of us, even with our flaws, and even with our self-doubt:

But not only that; God's opinion of us sees beyond the short-term view of the present, into the eternity of our potential. While we focus on what we are, He knows what we can become:

And finally this witness of the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ to transform us from earthly beings into eternal beings:

I love the concept of a "gospel of transformation." It's all about what we are becoming; how we are changing, growing, and progressing.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
May 7, 2015

Elder Marvin J. Ashton on acting "straightway" to bless others

Elder Marvin J. Ashton (May 6, 1915—Feb 25, 1994) served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles from 1971 until his death in 1994 at age 78.

"Wishing things were different in our lives, or waiting for a roadblock to be removed or an attitude altered, can cause us to mark time rather than to move forward straightway. William Shakespeare wrote, 'Our doubts are traitors, And make us lose the good we oft might win By fearing to attempt.' (Measure for Measure, act 1, sc. 4, lines 77-79.)

"Use your specific talents. Don't procrastinate action while wishing for missing abilities. To those who are inclined to respond with 'Not now' or 'Not yet' to the invitation to 'come, follow me,' may we suggest, with all the love and sincerity we possess, He wants you. He will welcome you straightway regardless of where you have been, where you are now, who you are, or what talents you possess or lack....

"Those whose goal it is to follow the Savior straightway not only look for answers to their own problems, but also help others find solutions to life's difficulties. They open their hearts and minds to those who are troubled, ignored, or weary."

- Marvin J. Ashton, "Straightway," Ensign, May 1983, pp. 30-32
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In this memorable talk, Elder Ashton referred to the New Testament description of Jesus calling Simon Peter and Andrew to service, and how they "straightway" left their fishing nets to follow (see Matt. 4:18–22). He encourages us to not delay in our choices and righteous works. It's so easy to postpone making the changes or being sincere in commitment. In this excerpt, he warns of one of the things that can bring hesitancy—our self-doubt and lack of confidence as we worry about missing qualifications or abilities.

Elder Ashton's reminder is that as we do the best we can with what we have, "help[ing] others find solutions to life's difficulties," we will do much good and bless others as well as ourselves. We should each consider areas in which a decision or commitment made "straightway" could change or bless us.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
May 6, 2015

President Boyd K. Packer on the gentle voice of the Spirit

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 in 2015 at age 90.

"The voice of the Spirit is described in the scripture as being neither 'loud' nor 'harsh.' It is 'not a voice of thunder, neither... voice of a great tumultuous noise.' But rather, 'a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper,' and it can 'pierce even to the very soul' and 'cause [the heart] to burn.' (3 Ne. 11:3; Hel. 5:30; D&C 85:6-7.) Remember, Elijah found the voice of the Lord was not in the wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire, but was a 'still small voice.' (1 Kgs. 19:12.) 

"The Spirit does not get our attention by shouting or shaking us with a heavy hand. Rather it whispers. It caresses so gently that if we are preoccupied we may not feel it at all.... 

"Occasionally it will press just firmly enough for us to pay heed. But most of the time, if we do not heed the gentle feeling, the Spirit will withdraw and wait until we come seeking and listening and say in our manner and expression, like Samuel of ancient times, 'Speak [Lord], for thy servant heareth.' (1 Sam. 3:10.)" 

- Boyd K. Packer, "The Candle of the Lord," talk given at a seminar for new mission presidents, 25 June 1982; see Ensign, January 1983, pp. 51-56
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This is a wonderful description and great warning to us. We live in a very noisy world. with many distractions competing for our attention at all hours. We have devices that play music, that broadcast news or commentary, that bring information in a variety of forms.  Many of these have merit and can be used in very beneficial ways; but they also bring the danger of overuse. It takes real effort for us to find a way to quiet our surroundings and just listen.

Certainly this applies to our more formal times of prayer, when we communicate with Heavenly Father. We need to be sure that our efforts to address Him are also accompanied by time to listen. But it also applies to our general activities, when perhaps the Holy Ghost might have warnings or promptings to share:

And note the caution is not just about external noise, but also about us being "preoccupied" with things that might prevent us from listening.

And it's important to remember that listening is an active, deliberate action, not just a passive one. It's more than just cutting out noise and distractions; we have to actively seek and listen!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
March 9, 2015

President Russell M. Nelson on hope in our challenges

Elder Russell M. Nelson (1924- ) was an internationally-renowned heart surgeon when he was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984.

"Happiness comes when scriptures are used in shaping our lives. They speak of the 'brightness of hope' (2 Ne. 31:20) for which we yearn. But if our hopes were narrowly confined only to moments in mortality, we should surely be disappointed. Our ultimate hope must be anchored to the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. He said, 'If you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God' (D&C 14:7).

"An understanding of that objective should help us approach the future with faith instead of fear, (see D&C 6:36) with a more excellent hope in place of despair. God sent each of us here to be happy and successful (see 2 Ne. 2:25; Jacob 2:18-19). Meanwhile, he also needs us. We are to 'seek not the things of this world but seek... first to build up the kingdom of God, and to establish his righteousness' (JST, Matt. 6:38). He decreed that 'no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things' (D&C 12:8)....

"Our hope is in our 'Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel—the God of the whole earth' (3 Ne. 22:5). His hope is in us. We are literally the 'Hope of Israel, Zion's army, Children of the promised day' (Hymns, no. 259).

"May the 'God of hope,' in the words of the Apostle Paul, 'fill [us] with all joy and peace in believing, that [we] may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost' (Rom. 15:13)."

- Russell M. Nelson, "A More Excellent Hope," BYU devotional, 8 January 1995; see Ensign February 1997, pp. 60-64
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I find hope to be one of the most fascinating and fruitful topics to study and ponder. It means so much more in the gospel context than in our colloquial use. Elder Nelson suggests the critical and distinguishing focus - a hope anchored to the Atonement of the Savior:

Elder Nelson then provides a scriptural summary of the blessings that come from a righteous and inspired hope, one that enables us to:

• approach the future with faith instead of fear
• find hope in place of despair
• be happy and successful in mortality
• assist in building the kingdom of God on earth

And ultimately, in the words of Paul, it is "through the power of the Holy Ghost" that we can be filled "with all joy and peace" as we begin to "abound in hope." What a beautiful and desirable promise!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
May 27, 2015

Elder Quentin L. Cook on the world's way and the Savior's way

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

"We live in a world where the latest story, the buzz, the hype, the 'new thing' is much sought after and then publicized throughout the world. Movies, television, and other media often celebrate heroic gestures, dysfunctionality, conflict, and sexuality rather than the quiet, everyday acts of sacrifice, service, and love that are so much a part of the Savior's message and example. The wild rush to find the new often tramples on what is true....

"Today there is a tendency among some of us to 'look beyond the mark' rather than to maintain a testimony of gospel basics. We do this when we substitute the philosophies of men for gospel truths, engage in gospel extremism, seek heroic gestures at the expense of daily consecration, or elevate rules over doctrine. Avoiding these behaviors will help us avoid the theological blindness and stumbling that Jacob described (Jac 4:14)....

"One of the great challenges of this life is to accept Christ for who He is: the resurrected Savior of the world, our Redeemer, our Lord and Master, our Advocate with the Father. When He is the foundation for all that we do and are, we avoid the theological blindness that results from looking beyond the mark, and we reap the glorious blessings He has promised us. 'Come unto me, ye blessed,' He tells those who follow Him; 'there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father' (Enos 1:27)."

- Quentin L. Cook, "Looking Beyond the Mark," Ensign, March 2003, pp. 40-44
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Elder Cook warns us about paying too much attention to the world's "fads and distractions" in ways that make us lose sight of the things that should matter most. It's easy to forget the quiet life of discipleship, the "everyday acts of sacrifice, service, and love" that lie at the core of the Gospel message.

The last phrase of that excerpt was an interesting statement, summarizing the danger of getting trapped by the world's allures: "The wild rush to find the new often tramples on what is true."

The second warning is to not get caught up in "gospel extremism" or other misguided efforts, but to continue to focus on "maintain[ing] a testimony of gospel basics" and to remember "daily consecration."

This was a good summary of the challenge, and the "cure" of knowing where our focus belongs:

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
June 5, 2015

President James E. Faust on personal revelation and discernment

President James E. Faust (1920-2007) was called as a Seventy in 1976, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve in 1978. He served as a counselor to President Hinckley until his death in 2007 at age 87.

"Satan has had great success with this gullible generation. As a consequence, he and his angels have victimized literally hosts of people. There is, however, an ample shield against the power of Lucifer and his hosts. This protection lies in the spirit of discernment through the gift of the Holy Ghost. This gift comes undeviatingly by personal revelation to those who strive to obey the commandments of the Lord and to follow the counsel of the living prophets.

"This personal revelation will surely come to all whose eyes are single to the glory of God, for it is promised that their bodies will be 'filled with light, and there shall be no darkness' in them (D&C 88:67). All who come unto Christ by obedience to the covenants and ordinances of the gospel can thwart Satan's efforts. The humble followers of the divine Master need not be deceived by the devil if they will be honest and true to their fellow men and women, go to the house of the Lord, receive the sacrament worthily, observe the Sabbath day, pay their tithes and offerings, offer contrite prayers, engage in the Lord's work, and follow those who preside over them."

- James E. Faust, "The Forces That Will Save Us," Ensign, Jan 2007, pp. 4-9
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What an interesting label: "this gullible generation." Satan readily takes advantage of those who are easily distracted, easily persuaded to follow his deceptions. Safety and protection are found "in the spirit of discernment through the gift of the Holy Ghost." The key is to become "humble followers of the diving Master," and President Faust gives encouragement on how to do that better; this is a fine list for personal evaluation:

More recently, in a talk given to the stakes in my area, Elder M. Russell Ballard provided a very similar list of "essential habits of conversion" that has been an emphasis for us:

• daily prayer
• fasting
• studying the scriptures and the words of the living prophets
• keeping the Sabbath day holy
• partaking of the sacrament
• worshipping in the temple often
• reaching out to the needy, poor, and lonely

("To the Saints in the Utah South Area," September 13, 2015; see report here)

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
May 5, 2015

President David O. McKay on finding peace through Christ

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.

"The rising sun can dispel the darkness of night, but it cannot banish the blackness of malice, hatred, bigotry, and selfishness from the hearts of humanity. Happiness and peace will come to earth only as the light of love and human compassion enter the souls of men.

"It was for this purpose that Christ, the Son of righteousness, 'with healing in his wings' (Mal. 4:2), came in the Meridian of Time. Through him wickedness shall be overcome, hatred, enmity, strife, poverty, and war abolished. This will be accomplished only by a slow but never-failing process of changing men's mental and spiritual attitude. The ways and habits of the world depend upon the thoughts and soul-convictions of men and women. If, therefore, we would change the world, we must first change people's thoughts. Only to the extent that men desire peace and brotherhood can the world be made better. No peace, even though temporarily obtained, will be permanent, whether to individuals or nations, unless it is built upon the solid foundation of eternal principles.

"Men may yearn for peace, cry for peace, and work for peace, but there will be no peace until they follow the path pointed out by the Living Christ. He is the true light of men's lives."

- David O. McKay, General Conference October 1964; Improvement Era 67:1041-42
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It's been almost 60 years since President McKay warned about "the blackness of malice, hatred, bigotry, and selfishness" that plague our society. Those times seem so simple in comparison to today's world—how much more do we see those plagues in our time! But the remedy hasn't changed, and never will.

The quest for peace, in society and in individual lives, is as old as history. President McKay is clear to point out that there is only one source of true peace. It starts as we individually yearn, cry, and work towards the goal  by diligently following the path shown to us by the Savior.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
May 4, 2015