President Dallin H. Oaks on God's love as motivation for the Church's actions

President Dallin H. Oaks (born 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. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"The teachings and policies of the Lord’s restored Church apply these eternal truths in a way that can be fully understood only in the context of our Heavenly Father’s loving plan for all of His children.

"Thus, we honor individual agency. Most are aware of this Church’s great efforts to promote religious freedom. These efforts are in furtherance of our Heavenly Father’s plan. We seek to help all of His children—not just our own members—enjoy the precious freedom to choose.

"Similarly, we are sometimes asked why we send missionaries to so many nations, even among Christian populations. We are also asked why we give enormous humanitarian aid to persons who are not members of our Church without linking this to our missionary efforts. We do this because the Lord has taught us to esteem all of His children as our brothers and sisters, and we want to share our spiritual and temporal abundance with everyone."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Divine Love in the Father's Plan," General Conference April 2022, Sunday afternoon

Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Oaks spoke in his conference address about the eternal love of God that is behind the doctrine and policies of the Church. Our lack of understanding of that love often causes us to misunderstand or question the doctrines and policies. When we ever feel confusion or uncertainty, we should remember that our view is likely incomplete; faith can fill in the missing parts temporarily until understanding comes.

The actions and decisions of the Church are based on God's love for all of His children. We need never doubt or question that. President Oaks points out specific examples of some policies that illustrate the point, including missionary effort and humanitarian contributions:

 My experience as a full-time missionary in the humanitarian services program program confirmed that principle. We were carefully instructed and trained that we were NOT proselytizing in our efforts; we were representatives of the Church, sharing humanitarian donations without restriction or expectation. It was a beautiful experience!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)

President Russell M. Nelson on challenges to faithfulness, and promises that will follow

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, and was serving in that quorum when he shared this message. He was set apart as president of the Quorum of Twelve on July 15, 2015, and then as president of the Church on January 14, 2018.

"My dear brothers and sisters, with all the pleadings of my heart, I urge you to get on the covenant path and stay there. Experience the joy of repenting daily. Learn about God and how He works. Seek and expect miracles. Strive to end conflict in your life.

"As you act on these pursuits, I promise you the ability to move forward on the covenant path with increased momentum, despite whatever obstacles you face. And I promise you greater strength to resist temptation, more peace of mind, freedom from fear, and greater unity in your families.

"God lives! Jesus is the Christ! He lives! He loves us and will help us. Of this I testify in the sacred name of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, amen.

- Russell M. Nelson, "The Power of Spiritual Momentum," General Conference April 2022, Sunday morning

Click here to read or listen to the full address

In this powerful, landmark address during the recent conference, President Nelson offered five specific challenges to members of the Church. He summarized those challenges in this closing section, where he urged us "with all the pleadings of [his] heart" - what a powerful message!

 Those were his wonderful invitations:

1. Get on the covenant path and stay there
2. Repent daily
3. Learn about God
4. Seek and expect miracles
5. Strive to end conflict

It's always thrilling when a prophet not only gives you challenges, but follows them with promises of what will result.

1. The ability to move forward with increased momentum, in spite of obstacles
2. Greater strength to resist temptation
3. More peace of mind
4. Freedom from fear
5. Greater unity in families

How can we wait to follow through on his challenges!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)

President Spencer W. Kimball on the blessing of ongoing revelation

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

"In our day, as in times past, many people expect that if there be revelation it will come with awe-inspiring, earth-shaking display. For many it is hard to accept as revelation those numerous ones in Moses' time, in Joseph's time, and in our own year—those revelations which come to prophets as deep, unassailable impressions settling down on the prophet's mind and heart as dew from heaven or as the dawn dissipates the darkness of night.

"Expecting the spectacular, one may not be fully alerted to the constant flow of revealed communication. I say, in the deepest of humility, but also by the power and force of a burning testimony in my soul, that from the prophet of the Restoration to the prophet of our own year, the communication line is unbroken, the authority is continuous, and light, brilliant and penetrating, continues to shine. The sound of the voice of the Lord is a continuous melody and a thunderous appeal. For nearly a century and a half there has been no interruption."

- Spencer W. Kimball, "Revelation: The Word of the Lord to His Prophets," Ensign, May 1977, p. 78
Click here to read the full talk

I love President Kimball's expressive use of language almost as much as I love his deep and reassuring testimony! Revelation comes as "deep, unassailable impressions settling down on the prophet's mind and heart as dew from heaven or as the dawn dissipates the darkness of night." His voice is clearly the voice of experience in this area; and he is teaching us about a process that we can all follow as well.

President Kimball bears a powerful witness of his own experience in Church leadership, and the divine involvement in its ongoing administration and direction:

We sometimes find ourselves "expecting the spectacular" as well in our personal searching, and forget that there is a "constant flow of revealed communication" in our own lives as we learn to listen and heed.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
August 3, 2013

Elder Robert D. Hales on the continuing benefits of general conference

Elder Robert D. Hales (August 24, 1932-October 1, 2017) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1985, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He served for 32 years before passing away in 2017.

"The greatest blessings of general conference come to us after the conference is over. Remember the pattern recorded frequently in scripture: we gather to hear the words of the Lord, and we return to our homes to live them....

"We accept the Savior's invitation when we ponder and pray to understand what we have been taught and then go forward and do His will. Remember President Spencer W. Kimball's words: 'I have made up my mind that when I go home from this [general] conference ... there are many, many areas in my life that I can perfect. I have made a mental list of them, and I expect to go to work as soon as we get through.' President Monson recently said: 'I encourage you to read the talks... and to ponder the messages contained therein. I have found in my own life that I gain even more from these inspired sermons when I study them in greater depth.'

"In addition to inviting us to hold personal and family scripture study, Heavenly Father wants us to regularly study and apply what we have learned in conference. I testify that those who put their trust in the Lord and heed this counsel in faith will gain great strength to bless themselves and their families for generations to come."

- Robert D. Hales, "Strengthening Faith and Testimony," General Conference October 2013
Click here to read the full talk

This is a crucial message.  It's wonderful to enjoy General Conference messages and feel the blessing of inspired leaders giving counsel and direction. But the power comes in the application. The crucial question is, will it make a difference? Will my life be changed in any way? Have I listened carefully (both to spoken words and silent impressions) to find areas where the Lord invites me to grow and improve? And do I have a plan on how to make sure I don't forget those impressions and resolves?

At least part of the key comes in the encouragement we are frequently given to read the talks (they are available online almost immediately, and in print very soon) and ponder the messages. There is more to be gained as we continue to "regularly study and apply what we have learned in conference"!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
October 4, 2015

President Gordon B. Hinckley on getting the most from general conference

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.

“I hope that we shall ponder with subdued feelings the talks to which we have listened. I hope that we will quietly reflect on the wonderful things we have heard. I hope that we will feel a little more contrite and humble.

“All of us have been edified. The test will come in the application of the teachings given. If, hereafter, we are a little more kind, if we are a little more neighborly, if we have drawn nearer to the Savior, with a more firm resolution to follow His teachings and His example, then this conference will have been a wonderful success. If, on the other hand, there is no improvement in our lives, then those who have spoken will have in large measure failed.

“Those changes may not be measurable in a day or a week or a month. Resolutions are quickly made and quickly forgotten. But, in a year from now, if we are doing better than we have done in the past, then the efforts of these days will not have been in vain.

“We will not remember all that has been said, but there will arise from all of this a spiritual uplift. It may be undefinable, but it will be real....

"And perhaps out of all we have heard, there may be a phrase or a paragraph that will stand out and possess our attention. If this occurs, I hope we will write it down and reflect on it until we savor the depth of its meaning and have made it a part of our own lives.

“In our family home evenings I hope we will discuss with our children these things and let them taste the sweetness of the truths we have enjoyed. And when the Ensign magazine comes out... with all of the conference messages, please don’t just throw it aside with the comment that you have heard it all, but read and ponder the various messages. You will find many things that you missed when you listened to the speakers....

“Tomorrow morning we will be back at our jobs, back to our studies, back to whatever constitutes the busy regimen of our lives. But we can have the memories of this great occasion to sustain us.”

- Gordon B. Hinckley, “An Humble and a Contrite Heart,” General Conference, October 2000
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

President Hinckley's comments and advice were always so practical and down-to-earth. I think this reflection on general conference and its impact is a wonderful example of that. He begins by encouraging us to "ponder with subdued feelings" and "quietly reflect" on the messages. We certainly would be blessed to do more of that.

But the next paragraph is more pointed: the conference only really matters if it makes some kind of difference in our lives, our actions, our behavior:

And then some more very practical counsel. We aren't going to remember everything from the messages. But we should look for short thoughts or even phrases that stick out, and cling to them. Perhaps that is exactly the message the Lord wants to get through to us. When we make that concept a part of our life, then we will be blessed.

In addition, we should know that much good will come as we read, ponder, and discuss the messages. "You will find many things that you missed when you listened to the speakers." That's a true promise!

The impact of a general conference is only as powerful as we allow it to be. Implementing these suggestions will certainly enhance the experience.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
April 2, 2017; 9/30/20

President George Q. Cannon on preparation for conference meetings

President George Q. Cannon (1827-1901) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1860. He served as counselor in the First Presidency to Brigham Young beginning in 1873, and then to the next three presidents, until his death in 1901.

"I should enter that assembly with my mind entirely free from all influence that would prevent the operation of the Spirit of God upon me. I should go in a prayerful spirit, asking God to write upon my heart His will; not with my own will already prepared, and determined to carry out my will... regardless of everyone else's views.

"If I were to go, and all the rest were to go, with this spirit, then the Spirit of God would be felt in our midst, and that which we would decide upon would be the mind and will of God, because God would reveal it to us. We would see light in the direction where we should go, and we would behold darkness in the direction we should not go."

- George Q. Cannon, "Seeking the Pure Love of Christ," Deseret Semi-Weekly News, 30 Sept. 1890, p. 2; see Stuy, Collected Discourses, 2:90-91

President Cannon reminds us of the difference that can occur when we come to meetings with the right mental and spiritual preparation. One of the great challenges is to have our "mind entirely free" from the external and distracting influences. The second reminder is to come with a humble and prayerful spirit, demonstrating an eagerness to learn.

One of the interesting insights of the quote is President Cannon's belief about the blessings that could come to us, individually and collectively, as we approach our meetings in this spirit—feeling greater influence of the Lord's spirit and receiving the guidance and inspiration that would bless our lives.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
October 4, 2018

Elder M. Russell Ballard on the blessing of prophetic teachings

President M. Russell Ballard (born October 8, 1928) was called as a Seventy in 1976, and has served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1985. He became acting president of the Twelve in January 2018.

"These are difficult times, and the world's cultural and sociological landmarks of propriety, honesty, integrity, and political correctness are constantly shifting. Just when we think we know the way to happiness and peace, some new ideology comes along which can lead us down a path that will only heighten our confusion and intensify our despair. At such times, we might well ask, 'Is there one clear, unpolluted, unbiased voice that we can always count on? Is there a voice that will always give us clear directions to find our way in today's troubled world?' The answer is yes. That voice is the voice of the living prophet and apostles....

"It is no small thing, my brothers and sisters, to have a prophet of God in our midst. Great and wonderful are the blessings that come into our lives as we listen to the word of the Lord given to us through him. At the same time, knowing that President Gordon B. Hinckley is God's prophet also endows us with responsibility. When we hear the counsel of the Lord expressed through the words of the President of the Church, our response should be positive and prompt. History has shown that there is safety, peace, prosperity, and happiness in responding to prophetic counsel as did Nephi of old: 'I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded' (1 Ne. 3:7)....

"My dear brothers and sisters, please pay attention to those things that the leaders of the Church have taught during this general conference. Apply the teachings that will help you and your family. Let all of us, regardless of our family circumstances, bring into our homes the teachings of the prophets and the apostles to strengthen our relationships with each other and with our Father in Heaven and with the Lord Jesus Christ. I promise you in the name of the Lord that if you will listen not just with your ears but also with your heart, the Holy Ghost will manifest the truth unto you of the messages delivered by President Hinckley, his counselors, the Apostles, and other leaders of the Church. The Spirit will prompt you to know what you should do as individuals and as families in order to follow our counsel, that your testimonies might be strengthened and that you might have peace and joy."

- M. Russell Ballard, "His Word Ye Shall Receive," General Conference April 2001
Click here to read the full talk

One of the roles of prophetic teaching is to warn and guide.  Elder Ballard warns us tendency in the world that "cultural and sociological landmarks of propriety, honesty, integrity, and political correctness are constantly shifting." There is no sure way to happiness and fulfillment in trying to follow a philosophy or guideline that is unreliable in that way. Instead, the safe guidance Elder Ballard provides is that we look to the only reliable source, the "clear, unpolluted, unbiased voice" of a living prophet and apostles.

Knowing that we are led by a prophet is only the first step; more is required. Elder Ballard warns that our response to his counsel should be "positive and prompt." We must listen, and then we must apply the teachings. If we do, we have this promise of guidance and peace:

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
October 8, 2015