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In his April 2026 General Conference address, Elder Thierry K. Mutombo taught that every covenant God invites us to make is motivated by His perfect love. Rather than imposing unnecessary rules, Heavenly Father gives commandments and covenants because He desires something infinitely greater for His children: an eternity of joy in His presence. Through his own experiences of profound grief, Elder Mutombo testifies that covenant discipleship anchors us to Jesus Christ, whose power makes that eternal promise possible.

Some people see religion as a collection of restrictions that prevent people from living freely or finding happiness. Elder Mutombo offers a very different perspective. God’s commandments are not barriers to joy—they are the path that leads to it.

His desire, purpose, and glory are to have us return to Him pure, having proven ourselves worthy of an eternity of joy in His presence.

Common Criticism: Commandments Restrict HappinessMany people assume that religion asks us to sacrifice happiness in exchange for obedience. Commandments can appear limiting, especially when they require us to resist immediate desires, challenge cultural expectations, or trust God through difficult circumstances. From this perspective, God’s laws can seem like arbitrary rules rather than expressions of divine love.

Fallacy at Work: Present Bias

Present Bias is our tendency to prioritize immediate comfort or short-term rewards while undervaluing future blessings.

When we evaluate God’s commandments only by what they require today, we can lose sight of what they are preparing us to become tomorrow. Elder Mutombo reminds us that Heavenly Father always sees beyond today’s sacrifice to the eternal joy He desires for His children.

Doctrine

Throughout scripture, God establishes covenants to bless His children, draw them closer to Him, and prepare them for eternal life (Mosiah 18:8–10; Doctrine and Covenants 82:10). His commandments are not arbitrary tests of loyalty—they are invitations to become more like Jesus Christ. As we faithfully keep the covenants we make at baptism and in the temple, we deepen our relationship with Heavenly Father and receive His promised strength, peace, and guidance.

Elder Mutombo’s Correction

Elder Mutombo illustrates this truth through one of the most heartbreaking experiences imaginable. After losing four children, he and his wife faced another trial when extended family members insisted that cultural tradition required them to separate because of their repeated losses.

In that moment, he remembered the covenants they had made with God.

Nathalie is my eternal companion. We are striving together to build an eternal family, and the Savior is helping us achieve it.

Choosing the covenant path did not immediately erase their grief. It did something even more important—it gave them peace, purpose, and confidence that God’s promises extended beyond mortality. Their experience demonstrates that covenant faithfulness is not about earning God’s love; it is about trusting the God whose love is already perfectly given.

Solution

The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches that obedience is not an end in itself. God asks us to keep commandments because He knows what kind of people we must become to enjoy eternal life with Him. What may feel like sacrifice today is preparation for everlasting joy tomorrow. Elder Mutombo reminds us that every covenant reflects the loving purposes of a Heavenly Father whose “desire, purpose, and glory” is our eternal happiness.

Living Apologetics: Seeing Commandments Through God’s Eternal PerspectiveOne of the greatest challenges of discipleship is remembering that God sees what we cannot. We naturally focus on today’s inconvenience, unanswered questions, or painful trials. The Lord sees the person we are becoming and the eternal future He is preparing for us.

Elder Mutombo’s testimony invites us to trust God’s perspective even when we do not yet understand His timing.

Practical Apologetic UseIf someone says: “Why would a loving God give so many commandments?”

You can respond: “The restored gospel teaches that God’s commandments are expressions of His love, not His control. He isn’t trying to keep us from happiness—He’s preparing us for the fulness of joy that comes from becoming like Jesus Christ and living with Him forever.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Look beyond today’s inconvenience. The next time a commandment feels difficult, ask yourself what Christ may be helping you become through your obedience.

2️⃣ Remember the end of the story. When discouragement comes, reflect on the Savior’s Resurrection and Elder Mutombo’s reminder that “Sunday will come.”

3️⃣ Review your covenants. Spend a few minutes pondering how your baptismal or temple covenants have brought greater peace and direction into your life.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Mutombo’s message reminds us that God’s vision for our lives extends far beyond mortality. Every commandment, every covenant, and every invitation to follow Jesus Christ flows from a loving Father’s desire to bring His children safely home. Even when discipleship requires sacrifice, we can trust that God never asks us to surrender lasting joy for temporary obedience. Instead, He invites us to exchange temporary comforts for eternal blessings.

This week, try one small step:

Read Mosiah 3:19 and consider how yielding to the Savior changes your heart over time.
Identify one commandment you have come to appreciate more deeply than when you first tried to live it.
Thank Heavenly Father in prayer for one covenant blessing you have experienced, even during difficult seasons.

As Elder Mutombo beautifully reminds us, God’s ultimate desire is not merely our obedience—it is our return to Him, “having proven ourselves worthy of an eternity of joy in His presence.”

When God’s commandments require patience or sacrifice, what helps you remember that His ultimate purpose is not to restrict your happiness but to prepare you for an eternity of joy in His presence?

The Consider Conference series by FAIR offers an in-depth look at recent General Conference talks to help members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints navigate common questions, misunderstandings, and criticisms. Each post provides doctrinal insights, historical context, and practical ways to apply gospel principles in everyday conversations. Through this series, we hope to equip readers with faith-promoting resources that encourage thoughtful reflection, respectful dialogue, and a stronger foundation in gospel truths, fostering both personal conviction and meaningful discussions with others.

The post The Joy of a Covenant Relationship with God appeared first on FAIR.

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In his April 2026 General Conference address, Elder Patrick Kearon taught that Church callings are much more than assignments to fill vacancies or keep a congregation functioning. They are inspired invitations to join Jesus Christ in His redeeming work while allowing Him to refine our own hearts through service. Looking back on his first calling as a newly baptized member, Elder Kearon recognized that what once seemed unexpected became one of the Lord’s greatest tools for his growth.

I could see the Lord working through imperfect servants. . .who were striving to discern His will for those they were serving.

Many people struggle with Church callings. Others struggle with the fact that the Church itself is led and served by imperfect people. If leaders make mistakes or members fall short, does that mean the Church cannot be guided by God?

Elder Kearon’s answer is both honest and hopeful: God has always accomplished His work through imperfect servants who are sincerely striving to follow Him. Rather than being discouraged by human weakness, we can recognize it as evidence of the Savior’s power to accomplish divine purposes through ordinary disciples.

Common Criticism: The Church Can’t Be True Because Its Leaders and Members Are ImperfectOne of the most common criticisms of religion is that if a church truly represents God, its leaders and members should consistently reflect His perfection. When mistakes are made, people sometimes conclude that the Church’s claims to divine guidance must therefore be false.

Elder Kearon responds by shifting our focus from human perfection to divine partnership. God has never waited for perfect people before accomplishing His work.

Fallacy at Work: Perfectionism (The Nirvana Fallacy)

The Nirvana Fallacy occurs when we reject something good because it falls short of an unrealistic ideal.

Instead of comparing the restored Church with real-world alternatives, critics sometimes compare it to an imagined community without weakness, mistakes, or growing disciples. But throughout scripture, the Lord repeatedly entrusted His work to imperfect people—from Moses and Peter to Joseph Smith and the early Saints.

Expecting flawless disciples before believing in divine guidance misunderstands the way God has always worked.

Doctrine

The Lord has consistently called ordinary men and women to accomplish extraordinary purposes. King Benjamin taught that “when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God” (Mosiah 2:17), reminding us that service itself is one of God’s principal means of shaping His covenant people.

Likewise, Paul described the Church as the “body of Christ,” where every member contributes according to the gifts God has given (Romans 12:4–5). The strength of the body comes not from the perfection of each individual member, but from Christ, who is its Head.

Elder Kearon reminds us that callings are “tailor-made for our growth” and that “it really isn’t where we serve but how that matters to the Lord.” God is not looking for flawless servants. He is looking for willing ones.

It really isn’t where we serve but how that matters to the Lord.

Elder Kearon’s Correction

Elder Kearon does not pretend that Church leaders always make perfect decisions or that every member serves flawlessly. Instead, he invites us to recognize something more remarkable: Christ patiently works through imperfect people who are striving to discern His will.

That perspective changes how we view callings, ward members, bishops, Relief Society presidents, youth leaders, and even ourselves. Rather than asking whether God’s servants are perfect, we begin asking whether they are honestly seeking to follow Him.

The answer, more often than not, is yes.

And that is exactly how the Lord has always built His kingdom.

Solution

The existence of imperfect servants is not evidence against God’s Church—it is evidence of God’s grace.

If God only worked through perfect people, no one could participate in His work. Instead, He invites imperfect disciples into His service, knowing that as they bless others, He will also sanctify them.

That is one reason Church callings matter so deeply. They are not merely responsibilities; they are one of God’s primary classrooms for discipleship.

Living Apologetics: Looking Beyond Human WeaknessIt is easy to become discouraged when we notice mistakes in Church leaders or fellow members. It is equally easy to become discouraged by our own shortcomings when serving in a calling.

Elder Kearon invites us to remember that Christ’s work has never depended on perfect servants. It depends on willing hearts.

Practical Apologetic Use

If someone says: “If the Church were really true, its leaders wouldn’t make mistakes.”

You can respond: “God has always worked through imperfect people. The real miracle isn’t that His servants never make mistakes—it’s that Christ consistently accomplishes His work through disciples who are humbly striving to follow Him.”

Ways to Apply Today

1️⃣ Extend grace. When someone serving in your ward falls short, remember that they are learning discipleship just as you are.

2️⃣ Support those you sustain. Pray regularly for your leaders and teachers rather than assuming they carry their responsibilities alone.

3️⃣ Embrace your own calling. Don’t wait until you feel perfectly qualified before giving Christ your willing heart.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Kearon’s invitation extends far beyond accepting a Church calling. It invites us to see God’s kingdom through the eyes of Christ. The Savior has never built His Church with perfect people. He has always built it with covenant disciples who are willing to follow Him, repent, learn, and keep serving.

That truth should fill us with both humility and hope. Humility because we recognize our own imperfections. Hope because Christ is not waiting for perfection before inviting us into His work. As we accept opportunities to serve, sustain one another, and trust the Lord’s guiding hand, we discover that He is shaping us even as He blesses others through us.

This week, try one small step:

Thank someone who quietly serves in your ward or branch. Your encouragement may remind them that their efforts matter more than they know.
Pray for someone whose calling seems especially demanding, asking the Lord to strengthen and guide them.
Look for one opportunity outside your formal calling to be “about His Father’s business” through an act of Christlike service.

Then we can learn to see one another the way the Savior does: not as finished disciples, but as willing ones.

How can you better support those the Lord has called, knowing that He accomplishes His work through willing—not perfect—disciples?

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In his April 2026 General Conference address, “Come Unto Christ—Together,” Elder Taniela B. Wakolo taught that God’s plan of salvation is ultimately about bringing His children to Christ and uniting families eternally. Drawing from scripture and personal experiences, he reminded listeners that the Lord works patiently with individuals and families, honoring agency while inviting all to receive the blessings of the gospel.

One criticism frequently raised about Latter-day Saint teachings is that temple ordinances and eternal family doctrine create division between believing and non-believing family members. Elder Wakolo’s message offers a different perspective: the gospel is not intended to separate families but to help unite them through Christ.

The temple stands as a symbol of hope, not pressure. The gospel of Jesus Christ is not a wedge to divide families but a bridge to unite them eternally.

Common Criticism: Eternal Family Teachings Divide Families

Some critics argue that teachings about temple marriage and eternal families create painful distinctions between family members who hold different beliefs. They see the doctrine as exclusionary and assume it places institutional loyalty above family relationships.

Fallacy at Work: False Dilemma

False Dilemma is the tendency to assume there are only two options when reality is more complex.

In this case, critics often assume a person must choose between loyalty to family and loyalty to faith. The gospel, however, teaches that discipleship and family devotion are not competing commitments. God’s plan is designed to strengthen both.

Doctrine: God’s Plan Centers on Eternal Families

When Moses asked God why He created the earth and its inhabitants, the Lord answered that His work and glory is “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” Elder Wakolo connected this purpose directly to the doctrine of eternal families, teaching that through Jesus Christ all people are invited to receive eternal life and dwell in God’s presence as families.

This doctrine is rooted in scripture and reinforced through temple ordinances. Latter-day Saints believe that family relationships are not merely temporary arrangements for mortality but can continue beyond death through sacred covenants made with God.

Elder Wakolo’s Correction: Love, Patience, and Agency

Rather than portraying the gospel as something that divides, Elder Wakolo repeatedly emphasized patience, respect for agency, and Christlike love. The stories he shared—from New Zealand, Australia, Utah, and Fiji—demonstrated that conversion cannot be forced and that family unity often grows through years of faithful example rather than persuasion.

One of the most powerful themes in the talk is that God works according to His timing.

“The Lord honors patient faith. And it is never too late for miracles.”

Throughout these stories, believing spouses did not pressure, manipulate, or withdraw from loved ones. Instead, they loved, served, prayed, and trusted God. Their discipleship became a bridge rather than a barrier.

Solution

The criticism misunderstands the purpose of eternal family doctrine. The doctrine does not teach that some family members are more valuable than others or that relationships should be sacrificed for religious conformity. Instead, it teaches that God’s ultimate desire is to unite His children through Jesus Christ.

When viewed through the lens of Christlike love, the doctrine becomes an invitation rather than a threat. The gospel calls disciples to be patient, faithful, and hopeful while respecting the agency of every individual.

Living Apologetics: Building Bridges Through Faith

Many Church members have loved ones who do not share their beliefs. Elder Wakolo’s message provides a practical framework for navigating those situations.

Faithfulness does not require pressure. Testimony does not require arguments. Often the strongest witness comes through consistent love, service, and patience.

Practical Apologetic Use

If someone says: “Doesn’t your belief in eternal families create division between family members?”

You can respond: “Actually, the doctrine exists because God wants families to remain together forever. While individuals exercise their agency, the gospel encourages patience, respect, and Christlike love rather than pressure. The goal is unity in Christ, not division.”

Ways to Apply Today

1️⃣Choose patience over pressure. Trust that God is working in the lives of those you love, even when you cannot see it.

2️⃣Respect agency. Remember that genuine conversion is personal and cannot be forced.

3️⃣Build bridges of love. Look for simple ways to strengthen relationships with family members regardless of where they are on their faith journey.

Keep This Talk With You

Elder Wakolo’s message reminds us that God’s work is deeply personal. He knows every waiting spouse, every praying parent, every hopeful child, and every family carrying unanswered questions. His timing may not always match our expectations, but His promises remain sure.

The temptation is to measure success by immediate results. The gospel invites us to measure success by faithfulness. As we follow Christ’s example of patience, gentleness, and love, we become instruments in His work of gathering and uniting God’s children.

This week, try one small step:

Reach out to a family member or friend whose beliefs differ from your own and focus on strengthening the relationship rather than winning an argument.
Pray specifically for greater patience in God’s timing.
Look for one way to help ensure that, as Elder Wakolo taught, “no one sits alone.”

What relationship in your life could be strengthened this week if you focused less on changing someone and more on loving them the way Christ does?

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In his April 2026 General Conference address, “Keys, Covenants, and Easter,” Elder Quentin L. Cook connected the Savior’s Resurrection with one of the most significant events of the Restoration: the appearance of Jesus Christ, Moses, Elias, and Elijah in the Kirtland Temple. Elder Cook taught that the priesthood keys restored there are central to God’s plan to unite His children and families eternally.

But some people wonder why priesthood keys and temple sealing ordinances matter at all. Aren’t they simply later additions to Christianity? Elder Cook’s message offers a powerful answer: these restored keys are not peripheral doctrines—they are part of the Savior’s work to bring God’s children back into His presence.

The keys committed by ancient prophets to the Prophet Joseph Smith in the Kirtland Temple are an essential part of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

Common Criticism: Priesthood Keys and Temple Sealings Aren’t NecessaryMany Christians believe faith in Christ alone is sufficient and see priesthood keys, temple ordinances, and eternal family sealings as unnecessary additions to the gospel. Others view temple work as an elaborate system built upon speculative interpretations of scripture.

Fallacy at Work: PresentismPresentism is the tendency to judge past beliefs and practices solely through modern assumptions while overlooking their historical and scriptural context.

In this case, critics often assume that priesthood authority and covenant ordinances are later inventions because they are unfamiliar today. Yet this overlooks the biblical pattern of divine authority, priesthood keys, and prophetic restoration that stretches from Moses and Elijah through Christ’s ministry and into the Restoration.

Doctrine:Priesthood keys are the authority God gives to direct His work on earth. Jesus spoke of these keys when He promised Peter the power to “bind on earth” and “bind in heaven” (Matthew 16:19). Through Elijah’s return, the sealing power was restored so sacred ordinances and family relationships could endure beyond death.

Elder Cook explained that Elijah restored “the priesthood keys pertaining to the sealing power to bind sacred ordinances and covenants on earth and in heaven.” These ordinances make possible the eternal union of husbands, wives, parents, and children. Without these keys, he taught, there would be “no eternal families.”

Elder Cook’s CorrectionElder Cook reframes the discussion by showing that sealing keys are not primarily about temples or procedures—they are about God’s plan to save and unite His children.

He pointed to the prophecy delivered through Moroni: “If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming.”

The Restoration provides an answer to questions many believers have wrestled with for centuries: How are families connected in eternity? What role do ordinances play in God’s plan? Why did ancient prophets repeatedly speak of Elijah’s return?

SolutionRather than seeing temple sealings as additions to Christianity, Elder Cook invites us to see them as restorations of truths and authority that God promised would return before the Second Coming.

The gospel is not only about individual salvation. It is about creating an eternal covenant family through Jesus Christ. Priesthood keys make those covenants possible.

Living Apologetics: Seeing Temple Covenants Through the Lens of ChristA common misconception is that temple work focuses more on ordinances than on the Savior.

Elder Cook’s message teaches the opposite. The purpose of priesthood keys is to connect us more fully to Jesus Christ and His Atonement. The restored sealing power allows the blessings of Christ’s sacrifice to extend across generations.

Practical Apologetic Use If someone says: “I don’t understand why temples and sealings are necessary.”

You can respond: “Latter-day Saints believe Christ restores authority whenever He restores His gospel. Temple sealings aren’t about adding requirements—they’re about making possible the eternal family relationships God has promised through His covenant plan.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Study Elijah’s mission. Read Doctrine and Covenants 2 and Doctrine and Covenants 110 to better understand why Elijah’s return matters.

2️⃣ Strengthen family connections. Reach out to an ancestor, relative, or family member and learn more about their story.

3️⃣ Focus on Christ in temple worship. When attending the temple, consciously look for ways every ordinance points back to the Savior and His Atonement.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Cook’s Easter message reminds us that the Restoration is ultimately about Jesus Christ. The same Savior who conquered death also restored the authority needed to unite families eternally. His Resurrection gives us hope beyond the grave, and His restored priesthood keys give shape and purpose to that hope.

The world often treats family relationships as temporary and fragile. The restored gospel offers a different vision: through Christ, covenant relationships can endure forever. The sealing power restored by Elijah is not merely a historical event to admire—it is a living reality that continues to bless families today.

This week, try one small step:

Read the account of Elijah’s appearance in Doctrine and Covenants 110.
Spend time learning about one ancestor or family story.
Pray for greater appreciation of the Savior’s role in both your personal salvation and your family’s eternal future.

As Elder Cook promised, as we adhere to Christ’s ordinances, covenants, and commandments, we grow closer to Him and gain greater gratitude for the blessings restored in this dispensation.

How can you draw closer to Jesus Christ this week by strengthening your connection to the covenants and family relationships He has made possible through His restored gospel?

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In his April 2026 General Conference address, “I Will Give Away All My Sins to Know Thee,” Elder Wan-Liang Wu teaches that coming to know God is not merely a matter of belief—it requires faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and a willingness to change. Through Christ, we can come to know our Heavenly Father and receive the gift of eternal life.

“What are we willing to give up or change to truly know God and be saved at the last day?”

Common Criticism: “If God loves me, why should I have to change?”Many people believe that a loving God should simply accept people as they are. Repentance can seem unnecessary, restrictive, or even judgmental.

Fallacy at Work: Status Quo BiasStatus Quo Bias is the tendency to prefer things to remain as they are, even when change would lead to something better.

Spiritually, this bias can cause us to view repentance as a loss rather than a blessing. We focus on what we must give up instead of what God is offering us through Jesus Christ.

Doctrine: Repentance Is the Path to Knowing GodElder Wu teaches that eternal life comes through knowing “the only true God, and Jesus Christ” (John 17:3). We come to know God by coming unto Christ, exercising faith, repenting, and following Him.

Repentance is not about earning God’s love. It is about removing the things that keep us from fully receiving it.

Elder Wu’s CorrectionKing Lamoni’s father did not ask what repentance would cost him.

Instead, he asked God:

“I will give away all my sins to know thee.”

Elder Wu teaches that true conversion requires the same willingness. Knowing God becomes possible when our desire for Him becomes greater than our desire to hold on to anything that separates us from Him.

SolutionThe gospel does not teach that God loves us only after we change.

It teaches that because God loves us, He invites us to change.

Repentance is not evidence of rejection. It is evidence of divine potential. Through Jesus Christ, we can become more than we are today and prepare to return to God’s presence.

Living Apologetics: Seeing Repentance DifferentlyMany people think repentance is primarily about giving things up.

Elder Wu’s message invites us to see repentance as gaining something greater: a deeper relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

“The gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to change.”

Practical Apologetic Use If someone says: “I don’t think God should expect me to change.”

You can respond: “The gospel teaches that God loves us exactly as we are, but He also loves us enough to help us become more. Repentance isn’t about proving our worth—it is about allowing Christ to transform us.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Identify one habit, attitude, or fear that may be keeping you from drawing closer to God.

2️⃣ Ask yourself Elder Wu’s question: What am I willing to give up or change to know God more fully?

3️⃣ Focus on what Christ promises through repentance rather than what repentance requires.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Wu reminds us that conversion begins with a choice. Like King Lamoni’s father, each of us must decide what matters most.

This week:

Seek one way to draw closer to Jesus Christ.
Pray to know Heavenly Father better.
Identify one change that would help you follow the Savior more faithfully.

As we choose faith, repentance, and discipleship, we discover that God is not asking us to lose ourselves. He is helping us become who we were always meant to be.

What step can you take this week to choose Christ over comfort, habit, or fear?

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In his April 2026 General Conference address, “Eternal Marriage Is an Eternal Journey,” Neil L. Andersen teaches that eternal marriage is not simply a sacred moment at the altar; it is a lifelong and eternal process of becoming more like Jesus Christ.

While the wedding day is filled with hope and promise, the reality of marriage raises an important question: What sustains a relationship not just for a lifetime, but for eternity?

“Our eternal marriage is not a short-term experiment but a journey, an eternal journey of becoming who God desires us to become.”

Common Criticism: “If marriage is right, it shouldn’t be so hard.”In a world where confidence in lasting marriage is declining, some assume that difficulty in a relationship is a sign that something is fundamentally wrong.

Fallacy at Work: Effort Equals FailureThis belief assumes strong relationships should feel easy, struggle indicates incompatibility, and lasting commitment should not require ongoing effort.

Doctrine: Marriage Is a Refining Covenant JourneyElder Andersen teaches that eternal marriage is designed to refine us, not simply fulfill us.

Within this covenant relationship, we develop Christlike attributes: sacrifice, charity, patience, and peacemaking.

Marriage becomes a spiritual crucible—a place where we are shaped over time.

Elder Andersen’s CorrectionElder Andersen reframes marriage as a process of becoming, not just a state of happiness.

Even with preparation, weaknesses remain. Growth is required; repentance and forgiveness are essential.

Difficulty is not a sign of failure. It is part of the design.

SolutionWhen we see marriage as an eternal journey, we stop expecting perfection and start embracing growth.

Living Apologetics: Growing Together Over TimeElder Andersen shares powerful real-life examples of couples who faced mental health challenges, physical illness, and unexpected hardship.

Yet through it all, they chose to stay faithful, serve each other, and trust in their covenants.

Their strength did not come from ease. It came from faith in Jesus Christ, reliance on the Holy Ghost, and commitment to each other.

“Keep your hope in each other and in Jesus Christ.”

Marriage is strengthened not by avoiding difficulty, but by facing it together with faith.

Practical Apologetic Use If someone says: “Marriage shouldn’t be this hard.”You can respond: “Elder Andersen teaches that marriage is meant to refine us. The challenges are part of what helps us grow into who God wants us to become.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Choose patience in a moment where it doesn’t come naturally.2️⃣ Strengthen your relationship through a simple act of service or kindness.3️⃣ Turn to the Holy Ghost for guidance in your relationships.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Andersen reminds us that eternal marriage is not sustained by human strength alone. It is sustained by Jesus Christ.

Through Him, couples can endure hardship. Grow in love. Stay true to their covenants.

This week:

Be patient. Growth takes time.
Be faithful. Keep your covenants central.
Rely on Christ. He strengthens what we cannot sustain alone.

In doing so, struggles become refining, weakness becomes strengths, and relationships become deeper and more enduring.

We begin to understand what God intended all along: Marriage is not just about staying together. It is about becoming something eternal, together.

How can I more intentionally grow—not just endure—in my most important relationships?

The Consider Conference series by FAIR offers an in-depth look at recent General Conference talks to help members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints navigate common questions, misunderstandings, and criticisms. Each post provides doctrinal insights, historical context, and practical ways to apply gospel principles in everyday conversations. Through this series, we hope to equip readers with faith-promoting resources that encourage thoughtful reflection, respectful dialogue, and a stronger foundation in gospel truths, fostering both personal conviction and meaningful discussions with others.

The post Eternal Marriage Is an Eternal Journey appeared first on FAIR.

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In his April 2026 General Conference address,“’Tis Eastertide: No One Walks Alone,” Gerrit W. Gong teaches that the resurrected Savior does not leave us to walk life’s roads alone—even when we may not recognize His presence.

Drawing on the disciples’ journey to Emmaus, he invites us to see our own lives in that sacred pattern.

Though we did not recognize Him before, He has been walking with us all along.

But that raises a quiet question: If Christ is already walking with us, why do we sometimes feel alone?

Common Criticism: “If God were really with me, I wouldn’t feel so alone.”Many experience moments of loneliness, confusion, or distance from God. In those moments, it can feel as though heaven is silent and Christ is absent.

Fallacy at Work: Felt Absence = Actual AbsenceThis belief assumes that if we don’t feel God’s presence, He must not be there.

It equates emotional experience with reality, or perception with truth.

Doctrine: Christ Walks with Us, Even When UnrecognizedElder Gong teaches that the Savior’s presence is not dependent on our immediate awareness.

On the road to Emmaus, Christ walked with, taught, and comforted His disciples. Yet they did not recognize Him at first.

Similarly, in our lives:

He speaks through scripture
He is present in covenants and ordinances
He sends the Holy Ghost as a Comforter

“As we walk by faith with Him… we come to know He lives.”

Elder Gong’s CorrectionElder Gong reframes loneliness through covenant relationship.

Christ promises not only to visit, but to abide with us through the Holy Ghost, His own presence, and covenant connection.

We are not abandoned.

We are accompanied.

SolutionWhen we learn to recognize Christ’s presence, we begin to see that we have never truly walked alone.

Living Apologetics: Walking with Christ—and Each OtherElder Gong’s message doesn’t stop with recognizing Christ walking with us.

It extends outward:

“If you see someone walking alone and sad, will you please walk with them?”

This is the pattern: Christ walks with us and we walk with others.

In a world where many feel unseen, burdened, or alone, we are invited to become part of the answer. Walking with someone may look like sitting beside them. Listening without fixing. Or offering quiet companionship.

Often, the most Christlike thing we can do is simply not let someone walk alone.

Practical Apologetic Use * If someone says: “I feel like I’m completely alone.” * You can respond: “Elder Gong teaches that Christ often walks with us even when we don’t recognize Him—and He invites us to walk with each other so no one has to feel alone.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Look for someone who may be feeling alone and spend time with them.2️⃣ Be more aware of how Christ may already be present in your life.3️⃣ Slow down and listen when someone shares a burden.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Gong reminds us that Easter is not only about the empty tomb.

It is about the living Christ who still walks beside His disciples. Even on dusty, uncertain roads. Even when we do not recognize Him.

This week:

Look for Him. Notice how Christ may already be present in your life.
Trust His presence. Even when you don’t feel it.
Walk with others. Be the companion someone else needs.

As we do, we will notice loneliness soften as connection grows and faith deepens.

And we begin to see more clearly what has always been true: we were never meant to walk alone.

And through Jesus Christ we never do.

Who is someone I can walk with this week? And how can I better recognize Christ walking with me?

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In her April 2026 General Conference address, “Here Am I, Send Me,” Susan H. Porter teaches that discipleship begins with a simple but powerful choice: to offer ourselves to God and be willing to act.

From the premortal world, where Jesus Christ said, “Here am I, send me,” to our daily lives now, that same invitation continues.

Heavenly Father can provide miracles when you simply offer what you have.

But that raises an important question: Do small efforts really make a meaningful difference?

Common Criticism: “What I have to offer isn’t enough.”Many feel that their abilities, time, or influence are too limited to make a real impact. They may believe that meaningful change requires more talent, more resources, or more experience.

Fallacy at Work: Insufficient OfferingThis belief assumes that outcomes depend primarily on what we can produce. It suggests small efforts don’t matter and only large contributions make a difference. That limited resources limit results.

Doctrine: God Magnifies Small and Simple OfferingsPresident Porter teaches that God does not require perfection or abundance—He asks for willingness.

She points to the young boy who offered five loaves and two fishes. Though it seemed insufficient, the Savior used it to feed thousands.

The principle is clear: we offer what we have and God provides the increase.

When you say, ‘Here am I, send me,’ Heavenly Father can take something small and simple and make it great!

President Porter’s CorrectionPresident Porter reframes discipleship as participation, not perfection.

God is not waiting for us to become more capable before He can use us. He is waiting for us to be willing now.

SolutionWhen we stop focusing on what we lack and start offering what we have, we allow God to work through us.

Living Apologetics: Offering What You HaveIn everyday life, opportunities to serve often feel small: a kind word, simple act of help, or a quiet moment of encouragement. It can be tempting to dismiss these as insignificant.

But President Porter teaches that these are exactly the kinds of offerings God uses.

We don’t need to solve every problem, have all the answers, or do something extraordinary. We simply need to show up and offer what we have. Then God can multiply the impact to reach more people and create outcomes we could not achieve alone.

Practical Apologetic Use * If someone says: “I don’t have much to offer.” * You can respond: “President Porter teaches that God can take something small and make it great. What matters is being willing to offer it.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Act on one prompting to help someone, even if it feels small.2️⃣ Offer your time or attention to someone who needs it.3️⃣ Pray each morning, “Here am I, send me,” and follow impressions.

Keep This Talk With YouPresident Porter reminds us that discipleship doesn’t begin with ability. It begins with availability.

The Savior said, “Here am I, send me.” And we are invited to say the same.

This week:

Be willing. Offer yourself to God each day.
Act simply. Trust that small efforts matter.
Let God magnify. He can do more than we can see.

As we do, we begin to see that God was never asking for more than we had. He was simply asking us to say, “Here am I.”

What is one small thing I can offer today and trust God to magnify?

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In his April 2026 General Conference address, “Love All; Love Each,” Gérald Caussé teaches that the Savior’s love is both infinite in reach and deeply personal in application.

At times, it may feel easier to think of God’s love in broad terms—extended to all humanity. But the gospel invites a more searching question: Do I believe that Christ’s love is meant specifically for me—and for each individual I encounter?

Yet [the atonement] is a remarkably intimate gift, tailored to each individual’s needs and applied to one person at a time.

Common Criticism: “It’s impossible to truly care about everyone on an individual level.”Some may feel that while it’s reasonable to care about humanity in general, it’s unrealistic to meaningfully love individuals beyond a small, familiar circle.

Fallacy at Work: Scalable Love Limitation

This belief assumes that love cannot scale without losing depth. It suggests the more people we include, the less meaningful love becomes. That personal care cannot extend beyond close relationships and individual attention is inherently limited.

Doctrine: The Atonement Is Infinite and Individual

Elder Caussé teaches that the Savior’s Atonement is both:

Infinite in scope (for all)
Intimate in application (for each)

Christ does not save humanity as a distant collective. He ministers one person, one soul, and one need at a time.

The Savior’s pattern shows us that divine love is not diluted by scale. It is perfected in personal attention.

Elder Caussé’s Correction

Elder Caussé invites us to align our love with the Savior’s.

As we serve others, we begin to see beyond surface impressions. We recognize hidden worth and can discover “wonderful depth” in every soul.

Love grows not by narrowing our focus—but by expanding our capacity.

Solution

When we understand the personal nature of the Atonement, we begin to love not just broadly, but intentionally, one person at a time.

Living Apologetics: Loving One by OneIn daily life, it’s easy to move quickly past people: Brief interactions. Surface-level conversations. Missed opportunities to connect.

Elder Caussé teaches that Christlike love slows down.

The Savior, even among crowds, focused on one sheep; one leper; one soul at a time.

That same pattern applies to us.

We may not be able to deeply engage with everyone at once—but we can:
love individuals, one at a time, wherever we are.

Moments of real connection often begin simply. Listening more carefully, noticing someone overlooked, or choosing to care just a little more.

Practical Apologetic Use

If someone says: “You can’t really care about everyone individually.”You can respond: “Elder Caussé teaches that Christ’s Atonement is applied one person at a time. We follow Him by learning to love people the same way—individually.”

Ways to Apply Today

1️⃣ Give your full attention to one person in a conversation today.
2️⃣ Look for someone who may feel unnoticed and reach out to them.
3️⃣ Pause and consider one person’s needs before your own in a moment of interaction.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Caussé reminds us that Christlike love is not abstract. It is personal. It is intentional. It is individual.

The Savior does not love in generalities. He loves one by one.

This week:

Slow down. Make space for meaningful connection.
Notice individuals. Especially those who may feel unseen.
Act with intention. Love in small, personal ways.

As we do, we see more clearly, connect more deeply, and love more like the Savior.

And we begin to understand what it truly means to love as He loves: Not just all. But each.

Who is one person I can more intentionally see, understand, and love today?

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In his April 2026 General Conference address, “Lost Luggage, Redeemed Souls,” Gary E. Stevenson uses the imagery of lost luggage to teach a powerful truth: while items may be misplaced or forgotten, souls are never lost to God.

Each person carries a divine identity and eternal worth, even if they feel distant, forgotten, or off course.

We each possess a tag that marks us as a child of a loving Heavenly Father… never to be forgotten, neglected, or lost.

Common Criticism: “Some people are just too far gone to be helped.”In a world where people drift, struggle, or make serious mistakes, it can be easy to believe that some individuals are beyond recovery—or not worth the effort to reach.

Fallacy at Work: Irredeemable IdentityThis belief assumes that a person’s current condition defines their ultimate value or destiny. It treats individuals as permanently lost, spiritually unreachable, and beyond meaningful change.

Doctrine: Every Soul Has Divine Worth and a Destiny to Be RedeemedElder Stevenson teaches that every individual is marked by a divine identity.

Like a tag on lost luggage, that identity declares we are children of God. We have eternal potential and are meant to return to him.

No matter how far someone seems, their worth does not diminish.

Elder Stevenson’s CorrectionElder Stevenson reframes how we see others.

Instead of viewing people based on current circumstances, we are invited to see them as eternal beings, individuals in process, and souls with a divine destination.

SolutionWhen we understand divine identity, we stop labeling people as lost—and start helping them return.

Living Apologetics: Helping Souls ReturnElder Stevenson teaches that we are not just responsible for ourselves.

We are invited to care for others along the way.

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we rise with renewed determination to succor and care for those with whom we come in contact.

This includes:

Encouraging the rising generation
Teaching truth with love
Helping others feel their identity as children of God

It also means trusting that God is actively working in their lives.

Even small efforts matter.

Practical Apologetic UseIf someone says: “Some people just won’t change.”You can respond: “Elder Stevenson teaches that every soul has divine worth and a destiny to be redeemed. No one is truly lost to God.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ See someone not as they are now, but as who they can become.2️⃣ Encourage a young person or someone who may need support.3️⃣ Offer kindness to someone who may feel overlooked or forgotten.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Stevenson reminds us that while luggage may be misplaced, souls are not. Each person carries a divine identity and eternal promise. And each of us has a role to play.

This week:

See divine worth. Look beyond surface-level judgments.
Act with compassion. Small efforts can make a lasting difference.
Help others return. Be part of the Savior’s work of redemption.

As we do, we see more clearly, love more deeply, and serve more intentionally.

And we come to understand a powerful truth: We are not just finding our way home; we are helping others find theirs too.

Who is one person I can see differently and help feel remembered, valued, and not lost?

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In his April 2026 General Conference address, “He Is Risen,” Ronald A. Rasband teaches that the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is not a peripheral belief—it is the very foundation of our faith and the source of our greatest hope.

In a world where many view the Resurrection as symbolic or distant, an important question emerges: What changes when we truly place Christ’s Resurrection at the center of our belief?

Jesus Christ and His Resurrection are at the very core of the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Common Criticism: “The Resurrection is symbolic, not literal.”Some view the Resurrection as a meaningful story or spiritual metaphor—something that inspires hope, but not something that actually happened in a physical, literal sense.

Fallacy at Work: Symbolic ReductionThis perspective reduces sacred events to symbolism, removing their real-world implications.

If the Resurrection is only symbolic:

Death remains final
Justice remains incomplete
Hope becomes uncertain

Doctrine: The Resurrection Is Literal and FoundationalElder Rasband teaches that Jesus Christ literally rose from the dead, and that this event is central to everything we believe.

His body and spirit were reunited
He was seen, touched, and heard
He appeared to many witnesses

“With His Resurrection, He secured salvation from physical death for us, all of God’s children throughout the ages.”

This truth is not secondary. It is foundational.

Elder Rasband’s CorrectionElder Rasband emphasizes that when the Resurrection is placed at the center of our belief, it reshapes everything:

How we view death
How we understand suffering
How we approach life itself

SolutionWhen we accept the Resurrection as literal and central, it becomes the lens through which we understand both mortality and eternity.

Living Apologetics: Living with Resurrection at the CenterIf the Resurrection is truly at the core of our belief, it should shape how we live.

Elder Rasband’s account of his grandson Paxton illustrates this power. Though his life included deep challenges and eventual loss, the promise of the Resurrection reframed that experience with hope and certainty.

Because I live, ye shall live also.

When Christ’s Resurrection is central:

Loss is not permanent
Imperfection will be made whole
Joy will come again

This doctrine moves from abstract belief to lived reality.

Practical Apologetic Use * If someone says: “The Resurrection is just symbolic.” * You can respond: “Elder Rasband teaches that it’s actually the core of our doctrine. Because it’s real, it changes how we understand life, death, and hope.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Center your thoughts on Christ by reflecting on what His Resurrection means personally.2️⃣ Let hope in the Resurrection influence how you face a current challenge.3️⃣ Look for ways to live and speak as someone who truly believes Christ lives.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Rasband invites us to do more than acknowledge the Resurrection.

He invites us to center our lives on it.

Because it is real.

This week:

Put Christ at the center. Let His Resurrection shape your perspective.
Choose hope. Even in difficulty, remember what is already secured.
Live your testimony. Let your actions reflect your belief.

As we do, fear gives way to peace, grief is softened by hope, and faith becomes steady.

And we begin to understand, more deeply than ever before, the truth that defines everything: He is risen.

What would change in my life if I truly placed Christ’s Resurrection at the center of everything I believe and do?

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In his April 2026 General Conference address, “Come Home,” Clark G. Gilbert teaches that no matter how far we may feel from God, the Savior is actively and personally inviting us to return.

But that invitation raises an important question: If Christ is calling us back, what is our role in actually coming home?

To those who are struggling to come home, know that it is your Savior who’s the one calling you back.

Common Criticism: “If God wants me back, He’ll just bring me back.”Some may believe that if returning to God truly matters, it will happen naturally or automatically—that change will come without much personal effort.

Fallacy at Work: Passive RedemptionThis belief assumes that spiritual change happens to us rather than with us.

It overlooks a central gospel truth: God invites, but we must choose.

Doctrine: Christ Calls, We RespondElder Gilbert teaches that the Savior is the one calling us back—but He does not force our return.

The pattern of the gospel is clear:

Christ invites
We act
He receives

Scripture reinforces this partnership:

“Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:63)
“Return unto me, and I will return unto you” (Malachi 3:7)

The Savior’s role is constant love and invitation.

Our role is to decide to move toward Him.

Elder Gilbert’s CorrectionElder Gilbert emphasizes that coming home is not passive.

It requires:

A decision
A turning of the heart
A willingness to act

Even small steps matter, but they must be chosen.

SolutionThe Savior is already calling. The question is whether we will respond.

Living Apologetics: Choosing to Come HomeIt’s possible to feel the pull toward God and still hesitate.

Waiting until we feel more ready
Waiting until we feel more worthy
Waiting until circumstances are better

Elder Gilbert’s message is clear: The invitation is now. The decision is ours. Coming home doesn’t require a perfect plan. It requires a willing step.

That step might be:

Offering a sincere prayer
Returning to church
Letting go of something that creates distance
Simply deciding: I want to come back

The Savior is already reaching toward us. But we must choose to move toward Him.

Practical Apologetic Use If someone says: “If God wants me back, it’ll just happen.”
You can respond: “Elder Gilbert teaches that Christ is already calling us—but we still have to choose to respond. Coming home starts with a decision.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Make a conscious decision today to move closer to Christ, even in a small way.2️⃣ Act immediately on a prompting that invites you to reconnect with God.3️⃣ Stop waiting for the “right moment” and take one step now.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Gilbert reminds us that coming home is not about waiting—it is about choosing.

The Savior’s invitation is constant.

He calls in moments of strength.
He calls in moments of struggle.
He calls even when we feel far away.

But He does not force the journey.

He invites it.

This week:

Recognize the call. Notice how the Savior is inviting you closer.
Make a decision. Choose to respond, even in a small way.
Take a step. Act on that decision without delay.

As we do, something powerful begins to happen. Distance begins to close, hearts begin to soften, and direction becomes clearer.

We realize that coming home is not something we wait for; it is something we choose.

What step will I choose today to respond to the Savior’s invitation and come closer to Him?

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In his April 2026 General Conference address, “Alive in Christ,” Dallin H. Oaks teaches that belief in the literal Resurrection of Jesus Christ changes not only what we believe about the future, but how we live, love, and relate to others today.

Yet in a world often marked by hostility and division, some may wonder: What does belief in Christ actually change about how we treat one another?

The conviction that death is not the conclusion of our identity changes the whole perspective of our mortal life.

Common Criticism: “Religious belief doesn’t really change how people treat others.”Some observe that even those who believe in Christ still experience conflict, division, and harshness in relationships. This can lead to the conclusion that belief alone has little real-world impact.

Fallacy at Work: Belief–Behavior DisconnectThis assumption separates belief from behavior, suggesting that what we believe has little influence on how we act.

But the gospel teaches the opposite: true belief in Christ transforms both perspective and conduct.

Doctrine: The Resurrection Changes How We Live and LovePresident Oaks teaches that belief in the Resurrection is not abstract. It reshapes how we see:

Life and death
Suffering and limitation
Our relationships with others

Because all are children of God with eternal futures, we are commanded to:

Love our neighbors (Matthew 22:37–39)
Love even our enemies (Matthew 5:44)

This eternal perspective gives meaning to our relationships and calls us to something higher.

President Oaks’s CorrectionPresident Oaks teaches that discipleship requires more than belief. It requires becoming peacemakers.

Even in a world described as “toxic” or hostile, followers of Christ are invited to:

Forgo contention
Use kind and respectful language
Treat even adversaries with love

This is not passive. It is an intentional, Christlike response rooted in eternal truth.

SolutionWhen we truly understand that all people are eternal children of God, belief in Christ begins to change how we treat them.

. . .let us follow [Christ] by forgoing contention and by using the language and methods of peacemakers.

Living Apologetics: Becoming PeacemakersIn daily life, it’s easy to respond to frustration, disagreement, or offense with defensiveness or harshness.

President Oaks invites a different response: Choose to be a peacemaker.

This might look like:

Responding calmly instead of reacting quickly
Speaking with kindness, even in disagreement
Choosing understanding over escalation

He teaches that peacemaking happens in ordinary places:

In families
In friendships
In conversations with those who disagree

Even small choices can reduce contention and increase understanding.

Practical Apologetic Use If someone says: “Religion doesn’t really change how people act.” * You can respond:* “President Oaks teaches that belief in Christ should lead us to become peacemakers, choosing love, even toward those who oppose us.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Replace one reactive response today with a calm, thoughtful one.2️⃣ Choose to speak kindly in a conversation where you might normally feel defensive.3️⃣ Look for an opportunity to reduce tension rather than escalate it.

Keep This Talk With YouPresident Oaks reminds us that discipleship is not just about what we believe, but who we become.

Because of the Resurrection, we know that life continues. Relationships matter. Every person we meet is an eternal soul.

That knowledge invites a higher way of living.

This week:

Pause before responding. Choose peace over contention.
See others differently. Remember that every person is a child of God.
Act with Christlike love. Especially when it is difficult.

As we do, something begins to change: contention gives way to understanding. Division gives way to connection. And belief becomes visible in action.

We do not just believe in Christ. We begin to live like Him.

How can I more intentionally act as a peacemaker in my relationships this week?

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In his April 2026 General Conference address, “A Peculiar Treasure,” Alan R. Walker teaches that becoming the Lord’s covenant people is not something passive—it is a deliberate process shaped by obedience, sacrifice, and devotion to God.

But in a world that often values convenience and immediate results, disciples may wonder: Does faithful discipleship really require that much effort?

“. . . becoming the Lord’s treasure and receiving His divine acceptance are not something casual or accidental. They require patient effort, faithful persistence, and sacrifice.”

Common Criticism: “If God loves us, why would He require so much effort or sacrifice?”Some may feel that if God truly loves His children, discipleship should feel easier or require less sacrifice. Effort can sometimes feel like a burden rather than a blessing.

Fallacy at Work: Effort Equals BurdenThis assumption treats effort and sacrifice as inherently negative. It suggests that anything difficult must be unnecessary or undesirable.

But this overlooks a key truth: the things of greatest value often require the greatest commitment.

Doctrine: Covenant Faithfulness Transforms Us into God’s TreasureElder Walker teaches that the Lord calls His people a “peculiar treasure” when they obey His voice and keep their covenants.

This identity is not accidental. It is formed through:

Obedience
Sacrifice
Faithful persistence

The Lord does not ask for perfection immediately, but for willing hearts—those who are “honest,” “broken,” and “contrite,” and willing to keep their covenants through sacrifice.

Elder Walker’s CorrectionElder Walker reframes effort entirely. Effort in discipleship is not about earning God’s love. It is about becoming who He is shaping us to be. Through small, consistent acts of obedience and sacrifice, we are refined and drawn closer to Him.

SolutionWhen we understand the purpose behind effort, sacrifice becomes meaningful. It is the pathway through which we are shaped into something eternal.

Living Apologetics: Choosing Growth Over ConvenienceIn everyday life, it’s natural to seek what is easiest.

But discipleship often invites something different.

It invites us to:

Stay committed when it’s inconvenient
Keep going when progress feels slow
Choose God over comfort

Elder Walker’s message helps reframe those moments:

Effort is not evidence that something is wrong. It is evidence that something meaningful is happening.

Just as treasure is not found casually, becoming the Lord’s treasure requires intention.

Practical Apologetic Use * If someone says: “Why would God require so much effort?” * You can respond: “Elder Walker teaches that becoming God’s treasure isn’t accidental. It takes effort, but that effort is what shapes us and draws us closer to Him.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣Choose one small act of obedience today, even if it feels inconvenient.2️⃣ Stay consistent in a spiritual habit that requires patience and persistence.3️⃣ Make a quiet sacrifice that reflects your commitment to God.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Becerra invites us to see discipleship differently.

The things that matter most are rarely casual. They are built over time—through steady effort, quiet sacrifices, and faithful persistence.

This week:

Choose patient effort. Keep showing up, even when progress feels slow.
Practice faithful persistence. Stay committed in the small, consistent things.
Offer willing sacrifice. Let go of something that distances you from God.

As we do, something powerful begins to change. We are not just trying harder. We are becoming something more.

Little by little, through effort, persistence, and sacrifice, we become what the Lord has promised:

His peculiar treasure.

What is one small sacrifice I can make this week to more fully become the Lord’s “peculiar treasure”?

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In his April 2026 General Conference address, “Tithing—Putting God First,” Jorge T. Becerra teaches that discipleship requires choosing God first, even when doing so feels uncertain or requires personal sacrifice.

Yet for many, that raises a real question: Why would God ask for something like tithing, especially when resources already feel limited?

I witness that a spiritual power and direction, heretofore unknown, will come into our lives as we keep the law of obedience and sacrifice.

Common Criticism: “Why would God ask for tithing when people are already struggling financially?”For some, tithing can feel counterintuitive or even burdensome. If God loves His children, why require a sacrifice that may seem to increase financial strain?

Fallacy at Work: Scarcity MindsetA scarcity mindset assumes that giving reduces what we have and leaves us worse off. It focuses only on immediate, visible resources and overlooks spiritual growth and long-term blessings.

In this view, tithing appears to take rather than give.

Doctrine: Putting God First Resolves Spiritual InstabilityElder Becerra connects tithing to a deeper spiritual principle: avoiding double-mindedness.

“A double minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8)
Christ taught, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33)

To be double-minded is to be divided, wavering between trust in God and reliance on self. Tithing becomes a way to choose God first, bringing clarity, stability, and commitment to discipleship.

Elder Becerra’s CorrectionElder Becerra teaches that tithing is not simply about money. It is about alignment.

Through his personal experience of selling his car to pay tithing, he illustrates that when we choose to put God first, we step out of hesitation and into trust.

That act of faith invited both temporal and spiritual blessings, including unexpected provision and deeper conviction.

SolutionTithing is a spiritual practice that helps resolve divided loyalty. As we put God first, we become more focused, more faithful, and more receptive to His guidance.

“One way to overcome double-mindedness is to learn to put God first in our lives.”

Living Apologetics: Choosing God First in Real LifeMoments of decision often reveal what we value most.

Elder Becerra’s story is not just about finances. It is about choosing trust over hesitation.

Like him, we may face moments where:

Obedience feels risky
Resources feel limited
Outcomes feel uncertain

In those moments, the question becomes: “Will I put God first, even now?”

Tithing is one expression of that decision, but the principle extends to many areas of life.

Practical Apologetic Use * If someone says: “Tithing doesn’t make sense when money is tight.” * You can respond: “Elder Becerra teaches that tithing is about putting God first. It helps us move from uncertainty to trust, and that shift brings both spiritual strength and guidance.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Identify one area where you feel “double-minded” and choose to put God first in that decision.2️⃣ Approach tithing as an act of trust, not just obligation. Reflect on what it teaches you about your relationship with God.3️⃣ Recall a time when choosing obedience led to unexpected help or clarity.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Becerra invites us to consider not just what we give, but how we live.

A life of discipleship cannot be divided. When we try to hold back part of ourselves, uncertainty grows.

But when we choose to put God first, something changes.

Clarity replaces confusion.
Trust replaces hesitation.
Faith replaces fear.

This week:

Choose God first in one decision. Even a small act of obedience strengthens spiritual alignment.
Act with trust. Move forward, even when the outcome is not fully clear.
Watch for spiritual light. Notice how your perspective changes as you prioritize the Lord.

As we do, the promise is real:

Spiritual capacity increases.
Direction becomes clearer.
And we become more firmly rooted in Christ.

Where in my life am I divided—and what would it look like to truly put God first?

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “Encounter at the Empty Tomb,” Dieter F. Uchtdorf teaches that faith in Jesus Christ often begins not with perfect understanding, but with a willingness to move forward in devotion, even in moments of grief, confusion, or unanswered questions.

Like the women who came to the Savior’s tomb early that Easter morning, some may wonder: If I don’t fully understand or feel certain, does my faith still count?

They didn’t come expecting a miracle… They came because of their immeasurable love and reverence for Jesus Christ.

Common Criticism: “I need full understanding before I can fully believe or commit.”Some hesitate to move forward in faith because they feel unresolved questions, uncertainty, or incomplete understanding. They may assume that belief requires clarity first.

Fallacy at Work: Certainty Before Commitment

This mindset assumes that action should only follow complete understanding. It delays discipleship until all doubts are resolved.

But this overlooks a central gospel pattern: understanding often follows faith, not the other way around.

Doctrine: Faith Precedes Spiritual Clarity

The scriptures consistently teach that faith requires movement:

“Faith, if it hath not works, is dead” (James 2:17)
“Ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith” (Ether 12:6)

President Uchtdorf illustrates this doctrine through the women at the tomb. They did not come because everything made sense. They came because they loved the Savior.

President Uchtdorf’s Correction

He teaches that even in darkness, uncertainty, and grief, disciples can choose to move toward Christ.

The women did not wait for answers. They acted in devotion. And because they came, they became the first witnesses of the Resurrection.

Solution

Faith is not waiting for clarity. It is choosing to move toward Christ even when clarity has not yet come.

“Even when things seem dark, we step forward in faith… and walk toward the Savior’s light.”

Living Apologetics: Moving Toward Christ in UncertaintyAt times, discipleship can feel uncertain. Questions may linger. Answers may feel incomplete.

President Uchtdorf reframes these moments: You don’t need to understand everything to come closer to Christ. The women at the tomb did not come expecting resolution. They came because they loved Him.

And that simple act of devotion placed them in a position to receive one of the greatest revelations in history.

In the same way, small acts of faith today can lead to greater understanding tomorrow.

Practical Apologetic Use

If someone says: “I can’t move forward until I understand everything.”
You can respond: “President Uchtdorf teaches that faith often begins with movement. As we come to Christ, even with questions, understanding grows over time.”

Ways to Apply Today

1️⃣ Take one step toward Christ today, even if you still have unanswered questions.2️⃣ Choose devotion over delay. Act on what you do believe, not just what you don’t yet understand.3️⃣ Reflect on a time when clarity came after you chose to move forward in faith.

Keep This Talk With YouPresident Uchtdorf reminds us that the journey of discipleship often begins in quiet, uncertain moments.

The women who came to the tomb did not arrive with answers.

They arrived with love.

And because they came, everything changed.

That same invitation remains. We, too, are invited to “encounter the empty tomb”—to come to know for ourselves that Jesus Christ lives and is actively guiding, comforting, and strengthening His followers today.

This week:

Move toward Christ, even in uncertainty. Do not wait for perfect clarity.
Act on devotion. Let love for the Savior guide your choices.
Seek your own witness. Reflect on what you have felt, seen, and experienced.

As we do, the promise is sure: Darkness will give way to light. Questions will give way to understanding. And faith will become knowledge.

What step can I take today to move toward Christ, even if I do not yet see everything clearly?

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In her October 2025 General Conference address, “Cheering Each Other On,” J. Anette Dennis teaches that the Savior intends His Church to be a place of belonging, where individuals are strengthened, supported, and encouraged as they strive to follow Him.

Yet for some, church can feel like a place of quiet comparison rather than compassion. What would it look like if our congregations more fully reflected the Savior’s love?

Our congregations and families can be gathering places where we cheer each other on—covenant communities fueled by the love of Christ for one another—helping each other overcome whatever challenges we face, giving each other strength and encouragement without judging one another.

Common Criticism: “Church Feels Like a Place of Judgment, Not Belonging”For some, attending church can feel difficult. They may worry about how they are perceived or feel they do not measure up. Instead of encouragement, they may anticipate comparison or quiet judgment.

Fallacy at Work: Fundamental Attribution ErrorThe Fundamental Attribution Error is the tendency to judge others’ actions without understanding their circumstances, while excusing our own behavior based on context.

In a gospel setting, this can lead to unfair assumptions:

Assuming someone is less faithful
Misjudging someone’s level of commitment
Overlooking unseen struggles

This distorts reality because, as Sister Dennis teaches, we cannot see the full “degree of difficulty” in another person’s life.

Doctrine: We Are Commanded to Love, Not JudgeThe Savior taught:

“Judge not… with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged” (Matthew 7:1–2)
“Love one another” (John 13:34–35)
“Bear one another’s burdens” (Mosiah 18:8)

Sister Dennis reinforces that only the Lord can judge perfectly, because only He understands each person’s:

Limitations
Experiences
Hidden struggles

Sister Dennis’s CorrectionShe teaches that discipleship is not about evaluating one another’s progress.

Instead, we are meant to become like those spectators who rose to their feet and cheered, offering strength to someone who could not finish alone.

We do not lower standards. We simply replace judgment with charity.

SolutionWhen we choose to cheer instead of judge, we create covenant communities where people feel safe to grow, return, and stay.

Let’s be like those spectators… and cheer each other on in our journey of discipleship no matter our circumstances!

Living Apologetics: Seeing the Race DifferentlyAt times, it’s easy to look around and assume others are doing better, trying harder, or progressing faster.

But Sister Dennis invites a completely different lens:

Everyone is running a different race.

Some are:

Returning after years away
Quietly battling depression or doubt
Carrying unseen trauma or burdens
Simply trying to take one more step forward

When we don’t see those struggles, we may misjudge the person.

When we do see with Christlike eyes, we respond differently.

We cheer.

Practical Apologetic Use If someone says: “Church feels judgmental.” * You can respond:* “Sister Dennis teaches that only the Lord knows each person’s challenges. The Savior’s way is to lift and encourage, not judge. That’s the kind of community we’re meant to create.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Assume unseen effort. When you notice someone struggling, choose to believe they are doing their best.2️⃣ Offer visible encouragement. Say something specific that recognizes effort, not perfection.
3️⃣ Replace a judgmental thought with a prayer for that person.

Keep This Talk With YouSister J. Anette Dennis invites us to reconsider what kind of community we are helping to create.

Covenant communities are not built on perfection. They are built on love. They grow as individuals choose to encourage rather than compare, to see with compassion rather than assumption, and to lift rather than judge.

In every congregation, there are individuals quietly wondering:

“Do I belong here?”
“Am I doing enough?”
“Should I keep trying?”

Our response can help answer those questions.

This week:

Help build a covenant community. Offer encouragement to someone who may feel unseen or unsure.
Choose charity over judgment. Remember that you do not see the full story of another person’s life.
Strengthen someone’s faith. A simple word of support may help them keep going.

As we do, our homes and congregations become what the Savior intends them to be—places where we truly cheer each other on.

What can I do this week to help someone feel that they truly belong in the Lord’s covenant community?

The post Cheering Each Other On appeared first on FAIR.

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “Taking on the Name of Jesus Christ,” Dale G. Renlund teaches that discipleship is more than belief. It is the process of becoming more like the Savior as we take His name upon us.

He illustrates this through the example of a surgeon who changed his behavior after his name became associated with another. Because of that connection, he chose to act differently.

In a similar way, when we take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, we begin to see ourselves as His disciples. We recognize that we represent Him in our actions, words, and choices.

Even when we are occupied with other matters, we remain mindful of Him, just as we remember our own names, regardless of what else we focus on.

Common Criticism: “Religious identity doesn’t really change who you are. It’s just a label.”

Some people view religious identity as something external. From this perspective, calling oneself a Christian does not necessarily influence behavior or character.

Fallacy at Work: Identity Has No Transforming Power

This belief assumes that names and identities are passive. It overlooks how deeply identity shapes behavior, priorities, and self-perception.

Elder Renlund’s Correction: Taking Christ’s Name Changes Us

Elder Renlund teaches that taking upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ is an active and ongoing process.

It begins with identification. We choose to be known as His disciples.

It continues through remembrance. We consciously keep Him in our thoughts and hearts.

It grows through emulation. We strive to become like Him.

And it deepens through alignment. We join Him in His work.

As this process unfolds, disciples do not simply carry His name. They begin to reflect His character.

Solution:

Taking upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ is meant to transform us. As we intentionally identify with Him and remember Him, we naturally begin to act more like Him.

Living Apologetics: Representing Christ in Daily Life

Elder Renlund’s message reframes what it means to be a disciple.

Instead of seeing faith as something private, disciples begin to see themselves as representatives of Jesus Christ in everyday situations.

This changes how they respond to:

Frustration and stress
Interactions with others
Opportunities to serve

Like the surgeon who adjusted his behavior because of the name he carried, disciples can ask:

“If I bear Christ’s name, how should I act in this moment?”

Over time, this perspective leads to real change. Small decisions begin to reflect a deeper commitment to the Savior.

Practical Apologetic Use

If someone says: “Religion doesn’t really change people.”
You can respond: “Elder Renlund teaches that taking Christ’s name upon us shapes how we think and act. It becomes part of who we are.”

Ways to Apply Today

1️⃣ In a specific moment today, pause and ask, “If I represent Jesus Christ, how should I respond right now?”
2️⃣ Look for one opportunity to act more like the Savior in how you speak or serve.3️⃣ Reflect on how remembering Christ influences your daily decisions.

Keep This Talk With You

Elder Renlund reminds us that taking upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ is a lifelong process.

As we identify with Him, remember Him, and strive to become like Him, we gain access to His power and blessings.

We do not simply carry His name. We begin to live it.

And as we do, others can see Him more clearly through us.

What would change in my life if I more fully saw myself as a representative of Jesus Christ?

The post Taking on the Name of Jesus Christ appeared first on FAIR.

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Note: This is the second in a two-part series about solemn assemblies to sustain a President of the Church. The first part addressed current procedures and the principles of solemn assemblies and sustaining Church Presidents.

Since October 1880 when John Taylor was first sustained as the President of the Church, a solemn assembly is held “for the body of the Church to express the voice of the Church in a first sustaining vote for a new President of the Church.”1 Although the exact procedures have varied over time, the fundamentals have remain unchanged.

Joseph Smith and Brigham YoungJoseph Smith introduced the special pattern of voting that is now followed in our solemn assemblies. During the dedicatory services of the Kirtland Temple on March 27, 1836, Sidney Rigdon:

The first special voting for Church leaders in this dispensation took place in the Kirtland Temple.Presented Joseph Smith jr. to the church as a Prophet and Seer. The Presidents of the Church then all in their seats, acknowledged him as such by rising. The vote was unanimous in the affirmative. The question was then put, and carried without a manifest dissenting sentiment to each of the different grades or quorums of church officers respectively and then to the congregation.2

Later in the service, Joseph Smith then presented the other Church officers in the same manner: each officer was presented to the several priesthood quorums in order, and then to the congregation as a whole.3 Naturally, this procedure took a long time, as each group of leaders was presented to each quorum and the congregation, then the next group was presented to each quorum and the congregation, and so forth.

In this special procedure, a person voted affirmatively by rising when that person’s quorum was called upon, if he assented to the proposal; if he disagreed with the proposal, he remained seated.

After Joseph Smith was killed, Brigham Young called for a solemn assembly for the Saints to vote on who should lead the Church—Sidney Rigdon or the Quorum of the Twelve. He asked the Saints to assemble at the meeting seated by priesthood quorums, to vote in the same way as was done in the Kirtland Temple. However, as the meeting progressed in which the vote was to be taken, developments in the meeting precluded voting by quorums.4

John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, and Lorenzo SnowIn August of 1877, Brigham Young died after leading the Church for 30 years. In the first general conference after he passed, a solemn assembly was convened for the purpose of sustaining the Quorum of the Twelve as the presiding quorum of the Church. (At the time, it was called a general assembly.) This assembly followed the same pattern as the assembly in the Kirtland Temple: attendees were seated by priesthood quorum, and each group of leaders was presented to each quorum in succession (meaning the first group of leaders was presented to each quorum in order, then the next group was presented, and so forth). One change that was made (and has continued ever since) is that voting was done by standing and raising the right hand (instead of just standing).5

The current process of voting on a new Church President started with John Taylor.In 1880, the Quorum of the Twelve was ready to reorganize the First Presidency, and so in the October 1880 general conference, another solemn assembly was convened in order to sustain the new First Presidency. Again, attendees were seated by priesthood quorum and voted in the same manner as the 1877 conference. (During this voting, presidents of all priesthood quorums also voted as an additional separate group.) One major difference this time is that only the newly formed First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and the counselors to the Apostles6 were sustained using the special voting procedure. The vote on the counselors in the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators, as well as the voting on all other Church officers, was done in the non-special manner (of the entire congregation voting at once while staying in their seats).7 This 1880 assembly effectively became the first solemn assembly for sustaining a new First Presidency.

The people who voted as a group were as follows:

Members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and their counselors
Patriarchs and members of stake presidencies and high councils
High priests
Seventies
Elders
Members of bishoprics
All Aaronic Priesthood holders (priests, teachers, and deacons)
Presidents of the quorums
The entire congregation, including non-priesthood holders

The procedures in the 1889 assembly for Wilford Woodruff were virtually identical as those of the 1880 assembly, with the exception that quorum presidents did not vote as a separate group (what had been group 8).8 The procedures in the 1898 assembly for Lorenzo Snow were virtually identical to those of the 1889 assembly.9

Joseph F. Smith and Heber J. GrantThe 1901 assembly for Joseph F. Smith is unique in that it has been the only assembly conducted during a special general conference. Lorenzo Snow died just a few days after the October 1901 general conference had concluded, and it was decided to hold a special conference immediately for the sole purpose of sustaining the new First Presidency. So in November of 1901, the Saints assembled for this special conference. Unlike the previous three assemblies, during this one all the General Authorities were sustained using the special voting method. As for the groups voting, because the First Presidency had already been organized, the First Presidency became the first group to vote. Also, the patriarchs of the Church now voted as their own group, before members of stake presidencies and high councils. Lastly, Joseph F. Smith himself, as President of the Church, conducted the sustaining vote.10

The 1919 assembly to sustain Heber J. Grant was virtually identical to the 1901 assembly.11

George Albert Smith through Spencer W. KimballThe 1945 assembly to sustain George Albert Smith reverted back to the principle followed in the 1880 assembly of using the special voting procedure only for the top leaders. Thus, in the assemblies from 1945 to 1975, the special voting procedure was used only for the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Patriarch to the Church, as well as sustaining these officers as prophets, seers, and revelators. The most notable change from the 1919 pattern was the involvement of those not in the Tabernacle. Seating in the Tabernacle was still by quorum, and when each quorum was called upon to vote, only those in the Tabernacle participated. However, when the voting on each proposal reached the last group (the entire congregation), everyone listening by radio, wherever they were, was invited to stand and vote. The last notable change was that all high priests now voted together as one group. (Previously, members of stake presidents and high councils voted as a group, members of bishoprics voted as a group, and other high priests voted as yet a third group.)12

The assemblies for David O. McKay (1951), Joseph Fielding Smith (1970), Harold B. Lee (1972), and Spencer W. Kimball (1974) were virtually identical to the 1945 assembly.13

Ezra Taft Benson and Howard W. HunterThe entire congregation arises and votes to sustain Ezra Taft Benson as Church President.The 1986 assembly for Ezra Taft Benson14 saw the greatest changes to the procedure since it was introduced by Joseph Smith:

Standing for all proposals at once. Up to this point, each quorum would vote on one set of leaders (for example, the First Presidency), cycling through all the quorums voting for that group of leaders. Then the quorums would vote again on the next set of leaders (for example, the Quorum of the Twelve), and so on. This obviously took a considerable amount of time, and required a lot of up and down for everyone involved. Beginning with the 1986 assembly, each quorum stood only once to vote, and all the proposals were given at once for each quorum.
Proposals consolidated for everyone after the First Presidency voted. Previously, when each quorum stood, the person conducting would read through all the names of the group being presented, every time. Starting with the 1986 assembly, the person conducting would read through each proposal when the First Presidency voted. After that, for each quorum voting, the person conducting would simply say something like “It is proposed that [insert group voting] sustain the proposals as previously presented and voted upon by the First Presidency.”
Everyone everywhere participated for everything. Though starting in 1945 people not in the Tabernacle were invited to participate when the whole congregation was invited to stand, before 1986 only those in the Tabernacle could participate when each quorum was called upon. Beginning in 1986, everyone everywhere was invited to stand then their quorum was called upon.
Melchizedek Priesthood groups. All Melchizedek Priesthood holders outside of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve voted together as one group (instead of the voting being separated by priesthood offices).
Seating in the Tabernacle. Seating in the Tabernacle was no longer done by quorums.

These changes greatly reduced the amount of time required to conduct the special voting. Whereas the 1945 pattern took almost 30 minutes to conduct the voting, the 1986 pattern took less than 10 minutes.15

The only main difference between the 1986 assembly and the 1994 assembly for Howard W. Hunter was that the Seventies and the Presiding Bishopric voted as their own group. (They had been included with all other Melchizedek Priesthood holders in the 1986 assembly.)16

Gordon B. Hinckley through Russell M. NelsonBeginning in the 1995 assembly for Gordon B. Hinckley, two groups were added to the voting. Previously, once the Aaronic Priesthood had voted, the entire congregation was then invited to vote together. Beginning in 1995, the Relief Society and also the Young Women voted as separate groups before the entire congregation was invited to vote.17

The 2008 assembly for Thomas S. Monson was virtually identical to the 1995 assembly.18

Members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles vote to sustain Russell M. Nelson as Church President.The only major difference for the 2018 assembly for Russell M. Nelson was the Relief Society group voted after the Melchizedek Priesthood group and before the Aaronic Priesthood group.19

ConclusionThough the procedures have changed significantly since the pattern was first introduced by Joseph Smith in 1836, the special voting during a solemn assembly remains an important opportunity for Church members to join with their own quorums or groups, and then as an entire Church, to sustain a new President of the Church. For those who approach the proceedings with a reverential attitude, they can witness what has been described as “one of the most thrilling, inspiring, and humbling experiences in Church government.”20

David W. Smith has volunteered with FAIR since August 2019, and was the recipient of the John Taylor Defender of the Faith Award in 2020. He has had an article published in BYU Studies, and he presented at the Joseph Smith Papers Conference in 2019. He has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a master’s degree in public administration, both from Brigham Young University.

1 J. Reuben Clark Jr., Conference Report, October 1945, 3.2 “Minutes and Prayer of Dedication, 27 March 1836 [D&C 109],” p. 276, josephsmithpapers.org.3 See entry for 27 March 1836 in “Journal, 1835-1836,” p. 175-176, josephsmithpapers.org4 For a summary, see Ronald W. Walker, “Six Days in August: Brigham Young and the Succession,” in A Firm Foundation: Church Organization and Administration, ed. David J. Whittaker and Arnold K. Garr (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University; Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2011). For an easy-to-read summary from notes of the time period, see entries for August 7 and 8, 1844, in History of the Church 7:230-231, 240. For original sources, see “Nauvoo, Illinois, stand, 1844 August 8,” in Historians Office general church minutes, 1839-1877, Church History Library; entry for 8 August 1844, in Wilford Woodruff Journal (January 1, 1843 – December 31, 1844), The Wilford Woodruff Papers. 5 See “General Conference,” The Deseret News 26, no. 36 (10 October 1877): 569.6 John W. Young was serving as First Counselor in the First Presidency and Daniel H. Wells as Second Counselor in the First Presidency when Brigham Young died. These two men had not been sustained to the Quorum of the Twelve prior to their service in the First Presidency, and it was decided that they thus be called to serve as “counselors to the Twelve” after Brigham Young died.7 See “Fiftieth Semi-annual Conference,” The Deseret News 29, no. 37 (13 October 1880): 588.8 See “General Conference,” The Deseret Weekly 38, no. 16 (13 April 1889): 486–487.9 See Conference Report, October 1898, 51–53.10 See Conference Report, October 1901, 80–81. This report included the proceedings of the special November 1901 conference that was convened for the solemn assembly.11 See Conference Report, June 1919, 2–3.12 See Conference Report, October 1945, 3–15.13 For the 1951 assembly, see Conference Report, April 1951, 136–147. For the 1970 assembly, see Conference Report, April 1970, 102–110; Jay M. Todd, “The Solemn Assembly,” Improvement Era 73, no. 6 (June 1970): 20–24. For the 1972 assembly, see N. Eldon Tanner, “Sustaining of Church Authorities and Officers,” October 1972 general conference. For the 1974 assembly, see N. Eldon Tanner, “The Solemn Assembly,” April 1974 general conference.14 Gordon B. Hinckley, “Solemn Assembly and Sustaining of Church Officers,” April 1986 general conference.15 Compare the videos of the 1974 and 1986 assemblies on Gospel Library.16 See Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Solemn Assembly [and] Sustaining of Church Officers,” October 1994 general conference.17 See Thomas S. Monson, “The Solemn Assembly [and] Sustaining of Church Officers,” April 1995 general conference.18 See Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Sustaining of Church Officers,” April 2008 general conference.19 See Henry B. Eyring, “Solemn Assembly,” April 2018 general conference.20 Jay M. Todd, “The Solemn Assembly,” Improvement Era 73, no. 6 (June 1970): 20.The post Procedural Developments in the Solemn Assembly appeared first on FAIR.

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Sustaining Church officers with the uplifted hand is a privilege and a responsibility.By David W. Smith

Note: This is the first in a two-part series about solemn assemblies to sustain Presidents of the Church. Part 2 is here.

With the passing of President Russell M. Nelson in September 2025, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will soon have the special privilege to participate in a solemn assembly to sustain a new Church president. Because this sustaining is a bit different than the normal sustaining process, it may be helpful to review the procedure and principles of the solemn assembly and sustaining Church leaders.

History of Solemn AssembliesSolemn assemblies were held in ancient Israel to remember the Lord during special times.1 In our dispensation, the first solemn assembly occurred in connection with the dedication of the Kirtland Temple. Today, members of the Church participate in solemn assemblies with temple dedications, to sustain a new Church President, and for other special occasions.2 This blog post focuses on solemn assemblies to sustain a new Church President.

Our current pattern for sustaining a new President of the Church originated with Joseph Smith during the Kirtland Temple dedication, when Church officers were sustained by a special method of voting. In its fundamentals, this procedure continues to be used today when we sustain a new Church President.

Note: A detailed history of the procedural developments of solemn assemblies to sustain a new Church President will be presented in the next blog post.

Method of VotingNormally during a general sustaining, Church members sustain the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, as well as any releases and callings for general Church leaders that have been made over the previous six months. When voting on the proposals, the person conducting will present some names and call for a vote, with those in favor raising their hands and then any opposing indicating their dissent.

During the solemn assembly, members will stand to voteThe method of voting in solemn assembly, however, is unique. A vote is conducted by priesthood quorums and groups, which stand when invited to give their vote. Assuming the procedure will be the same as when President Nelson was first sustained, the pattern for the solemn assembly to sustain Dallin H. Oaks as President of the Church will be as follows:

The First Presidency will stand, and the members of the First Presidency will vote on the proposals for the new President of the Church, his Counselors in the First Presidency, the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Once the First Presidency has voted on these proposals, they will sit.
The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will stand and vote on the proposals “as they have been presented and voted upon by the First Presidency.” The Twelve will then sit.
The General Authority Seventies and the Presiding Bishopric will stand and vote just as the Twelve did, then be seated.
All Area Seventies, ordained patriarchs, high priests, and elders will then stand and vote in the same pattern, then be seated.
All members of the Relief Society—that is, all women 18 years of age and older—will follow in the same pattern.
Those holding only the Aaronic Priesthood—that is, all ordained priests, teachers, and deacons—will follow in the same pattern.
The young women will follow in the same pattern.
Finally, the entire membership of the Church, including all of those who have previously voted, will arise and vote.

To better understand the procedure, you may consider watching the solemn assembly for President Nelson in the April 2018 general conference.

Principles of Solemn AssembliesBeginning with the solemn assembly for George Albert Smith in 1945, the person conducting the assembly usually began by informing the congregation that they were gathered in “a formal solemn assembly of the body of the Church to express the voice of the Church.”3 In the solemn assembly in which he was first sustained as President of the Church, Harold B. Lee reviewed the importance of the Church participating in this event. He explained that Doctrine and Covenants 107:22 gives four instructions on establishing the First Presidency, the last of which is that the members of the First Presidency are to be “upheld by the confidence, faith, and prayer of the church.” President Lee then remarked, “Today, as never before, have I more fully realized the importance of that last requirement: that this president, in the Lord’s language, must be upheld by the confidence, the faith, and the prayers of the Church—which means, of course, the entire membership of the Church.”4

In an article summarizing the solemn assembly to sustain Joseph Fielding Smith, one writer remarked that these solemn assemblies “are times of commitment and dedication, times identified with an outpouring of the Spirit upon those who participate, whether in person or through radio and television.”5

Reports of the early solemn assemblies all included comments on the significance of seeing quorums and groups and the entire congregation arise to their feet to sustain the First Presidency and the Twelve. During the 1898 solemn assembly, President George Q. Cannon remarked, “This is a very solemn occasion, and the spectacle from the stand is most impressive. It is difficult to repress emotion on seeing such an assembly.”6 A report on the solemn assembly in 1901 noted:

The scene at the afternoon session, when the Priesthood occupied the stands and the main portion of the floor of the Tabernacle was one which will remain impressed upon the minds of every man, woman and child present as long as they live. A more imposing scene than that when each distinctive body of the Priesthood arose, in due order and to a man, lifted the right hand and sustained the general authorities, could not be found the world over.7

When we understand the significance of the solemn assembly and its related procedures, we can also be spiritually edified as we observe and participate.

Principles of Sustaining the President of the ChurchElder David B. Haight of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained the importance of the sustaining vote during a solemn assembly and how we should approach it:

When we sustain the President of the Church by our uplifted hand, it not only signifies that we acknowledge before God that he is the rightful possessor of all the priesthood keys; it also means that we covenant with God that we will abide by the direction and the counsel that come through His prophet. It is a solemn covenant.8

Regarding the importance of the sustaining vote, President J. Reuben Clark Jr. (then First Counselor in the First Presidency) explained, “When you vote affirmatively you make a solemn covenant with the Lord that you will sustain, that is, give your full loyalty and support, without equivocation or reservation, to the officer for who you vote.”9 This instruction has been frequently repeated over the years.

The Lord commanded early Church members to receive Joseph’s words.In the meeting when the Church was organized, Joseph Smith received a revelation from God in which the Lord instructed Church members regarding the place of the President of the Church:

Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveith them, walking in all holiness before me; for his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.10

The Lord also gave a promise if Church members follow this divine injunction:

For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory.11

ConclusionTo echo John Taylor when he was sustained as President of the Church in the First Presidency in 1880, a solemn assembly permits the Church to assent to God’s direction. In effect, vox populi (the voice of the people) unites with vox dei (the voice of God).12

The solemn assembly this conference will be a sacred occasion to participate in a unique method of sustaining our new President of the Church and thus renew with God our covenant that we will follow the direction of His chosen prophet, who holds and exercises all the priesthood keys. By so doing, the Lord will prosper our path.

1 See Leviticus 23:33–37; 2 Chronicles 7:8–9.2 See “Solemn Assemblies,” Church History Topics, Gospel Library.3 J. Reuben Clark Jr., Conference Report, October 1945, 3.4 Harold B. Lee, “May the Kingdom of God Go Forth,” October 1972 general conference.5 Jay M. Todd, “The Solemn Assembly,” Improvement Era 73, no. 6 (June 1970), 20.6 Conference Report, October 1898, 52.7 “Authorities of Church Sustained,” Deseret Evening News 52, no. 303 (11 November 1901): 5.8 David B. Haight, “Solemn Assemblies,” October 1994 general conference.9 J. Reuben Clark Jr., Conference Report, October 1945, 3.10 Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–5.11 Doctrine and Covenants 21:6.12 See Journal History, 10 October 1880, page 4.The post The Solemn Assembly appeared first on FAIR.

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “And Now I See,” Jeffrey R. Holland teaches that spiritual clarity often comes gradually as we continue forward in faith.

He draws on the Savior’s healing of the blind man, where something as simple as clay made from dust and spittle became the means of a miracle. What may have seemed ordinary or even unexpected became, in the Lord’s hands, the path to sight.

Are we willing to persevere, to keep trying to live Christ’s gospel no matter how much spit and clay it takes?

In the same way, the Lord often works through simple, consistent acts of faith. As we move forward, even without full understanding, He can turn small steps into spiritual clarity.

Common Criticism: “If God is guiding my life, why don’t I have clearer answers right now?”When answers feel delayed or unclear, it can be difficult to see how God is working. Some may assume that if divine help were real, it would come more directly or more dramatically.

Fallacy at Work: God Must Work in Obvious Ways

This belief assumes that God’s guidance must be immediate or unmistakable. It overlooks the pattern that He often works through simple means and gradual processes.

Elder Holland’s Correction: God Works Through Simple Means Over Time

Elder Holland teaches that the Savior does not always remove uncertainty instantly. Instead, He invites disciples to act in faith, even when the outcome is not yet visible.

Just as the blind man followed the Savior’s instruction before receiving his sight, we are often asked to move forward without seeing the end from the beginning.

Over time, what once seemed small or unclear becomes part of a greater miracle.

Solution:

God’s work in our lives is often quiet, simple, and progressive. As we act in faith, He can transform those small efforts into clarity and understanding.

Living Apologetics: Small Acts, Greater SightElder Holland’s message reframes how we view both faith and miracles.

Rather than waiting for dramatic answers, disciples are invited to act on what they already know. Simple acts of faith, offered consistently, become the means through which God reveals more.

This might include:

Praying even when answers feel distant
Continuing to study and seek truth
Choosing to trust God despite uncertainty

Like the clay placed upon the blind man’s eyes, these actions may seem small or even insufficient. Yet in the Savior’s hands, they become the means of greater understanding.

Over time, disciples often look back and recognize that clarity came step by step.

Practical Apologetic Use

If someone says: “I need clearer answers before I can move forward.”
You can respond: “Elder Holland teaches that God often works through simple acts of faith. As we act, even without full clarity, He helps us begin to see.”

Ways to Apply Today

1️⃣ Take one simple step of faith today, even if it feels small, and trust the Lord to work through it.2️⃣ Continue a spiritual habit, such as prayer or scripture study, even if clarity has not yet come.3️⃣ Reflect on a time when understanding came gradually after you chose to act in faith.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Holland reminds us that miracles do not always begin with dramatic moments. They often begin with simple acts of trust.

What may seem small or unclear at first can, over time, become evidence of God’s hand. Even what feels like “spit and clay” in the moment can become the means of greater sight.

As we continue forward in faith, even without seeing fully, we may one day look back and say with gratitude:

Now I see.

What simple act of faith might the Lord be asking me to take, trusting that greater clarity will come?

The post And Now I See appeared first on FAIR.

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “The Atoning Love of Jesus Christ,” Neil L. Andersen testifies that the Savior’s Atonement is not only central to God’s plan, but personally powerful in every life.

He teaches that both forgiveness and healing are found through Jesus Christ, no matter the depth of sin or suffering.

The powerful compassion of the Savior in forgiving sin and in healing the wounds caused by the sins of others is a most miraculous manifestation of the love of God.

This divine compassion reaches in two directions. It offers hope to those seeking forgiveness and comfort to those carrying the pain caused by others.

Common Criticism: “Some mistakes or wounds are too serious to fully heal or be forgiven.”Serious sin can feel permanent, and deep emotional wounds can seem beyond repair. Many struggle to believe that complete forgiveness or lasting healing is truly possible.

Fallacy at Work: Limits on Divine Grace

This belief assumes that certain sins or injuries fall outside the reach of Christ’s Atonement. It places limits on what divine power can accomplish.

Elder Andersen’s Correction: Christ’s Atonement Is Sufficient

Elder Andersen teaches that the Savior’s Atonement fully addresses both sin and suffering. Forgiveness is real, and healing is possible.

He emphasizes that this help comes as individuals turn to Christ with faith, humility, and a willingness to change. Forgiveness is not earned through perfection, but received through His grace.

He also teaches that healing comes through the same source. The Savior understands every sorrow and has power to bring peace, even when circumstances remain unchanged.

Solution:

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is not limited in reach. As individuals turn toward Him, they can receive both forgiveness and healing.

Living Apologetics: Grace That RestoresElder Andersen’s message addresses two deeply personal questions. Can I really be forgiven? Can I really be healed?

His answer to both is yes, through Jesus Christ.

For those seeking forgiveness, he describes a path that includes:

Turning away from sin
Being honest with God and others
Making restitution where possible
Trusting the Lord’s timing

He teaches that forgiveness may come gradually, requiring patience and continued faith.

For those who have been hurt, he offers assurance that the Savior knows their suffering personally. Christ has the power to bring peace, comfort, and eventual healing.

Practical Apologetic Use If someone says: “I’ve done too much to be forgiven.”
You can respond: “Elder Andersen teaches that Christ’s Atonement is sufficient for every sincere effort to repent.” * If someone says: “I don’t think I’ll ever heal.”
You can respond:* “He also teaches that the Savior can heal even the deepest wounds, though that healing may take time.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Consider one area of your life where you need the Savior’s help, and consciously turn that need over to Him in prayer today.
2️⃣ Speak honestly in prayer about your needs, struggles, or pain.
3️⃣ Trust the Lord’s timing as He works in your life.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Andersen testifies that the Savior’s love is constant and personal. Through His Atonement, burdens can be lifted, guilt can be removed, and sorrow can be transformed.

Even when answers do not come immediately, the promise remains sure.

The Savior knows you. He loves you. He has the power to lift you.

Where do I need to trust more fully in the Savior’s power to forgive or heal in my life right now?

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “Lovest Thou Me?”, Elder Steven C. Barlow teaches that love for God is not only something we feel. It is something we demonstrate through our choices and priorities.

He explains that love grows when it is both expressed and received.

When love is freely given and sincerely received, a virtuous cycle ensues with an increase of love between both the giver and the receiver.

Drawing from the Savior’s conversation with Peter after the Resurrection, Elder Barlow explains that the Lord’s question, “Lovest thou me more than these?”, invites each disciple to examine what truly comes first in their life.

Rather than leaving disciples guessing how to show devotion, the Lord has clearly revealed the ways we demonstrate love for Him.

Common Criticism: “Religious devotion often focuses too much on rules and obedience rather than genuine love.”

Some observers assume that religious commandments encourage compliance rather than sincere devotion. From this perspective, obedience appears mechanical rather than relational.

Fallacy at Work: Love vs. ObedienceThis criticism assumes that love and obedience are opposites. In reality, relationships often express love through willing commitment, loyalty, and sacrifice.

Elder Barlow’s Correction: Love Is Demonstrated Through ActionElder Barlow teaches that the Savior Himself explained how disciples show their love for God.

When Jesus asked Peter, “Lovest thou me?”, His response was not abstract. The Savior invited Peter to demonstrate that love through meaningful action.

Put God first in life.
Serve and care for others.
Express gratitude to God.
Choose obedience to His commandments.

These actions are not attempts to earn God’s love. They are natural expressions of loving Him.

Resolving this Fallacy:

Love for God becomes visible through daily choices. When disciples prioritize the Lord, serve His children, and follow His teachings, they demonstrate the sincerity of their devotion.

Living Apologetics: Love That Shows ItselfElder Barlow’s message reframes obedience as an expression of love rather than a replacement for it.

In everyday life, love is often demonstrated through action. Parents care for children, friends show loyalty, and spouses make sacrifices for one another. These actions are not empty obligations. They reveal the depth of the relationship.

Similarly, disciples show love for God through the way they live.

Elder Barlow highlights four practical expressions of devotion:

Putting God first. When disciples prioritize spiritual commitments, they show that their relationship with God matters most.

Serving others. Jesus taught that serving God’s children is one of the clearest ways to show love for Him.

Showing gratitude. Recognizing God’s hand in our lives deepens faith and strengthens our relationship with Him.

Choosing obedience. Obedience becomes an act of willing devotion rather than forced compliance.

Practical Apologetic Use If someone says: “Religion focuses too much on rules.” * You might respond:* “Elder Barlow explains that obedience is one way we show love for God. Just like in any relationship, love becomes real through the things we choose to do.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Make a small decision today that places God first in your priorities.
2️⃣ Look for one opportunity to serve someone quietly.
3️⃣ Thank God in prayer for specific blessings you have received.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Barlow reminds disciples that God’s love for His children is perfect and constant. The more we focus on expressing our love for Him, the more clearly we begin to recognize His love in our lives.

This creates a beautiful spiritual pattern. As disciples show devotion through service, gratitude, and obedience, their relationship with God deepens.

The Savior’s question to Peter is also a question for each of us.

“Lovest thou me?”

Our answer is revealed not only in words, but in the life we choose to live.

What is one thing I could place ahead of other priorities to show the Lord that I truly love Him?

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “Humble Souls at Altars Kneel,” Jeremy R. Jaggi teaches that sacred altars, whether the sacrament table, temple altars, or the quiet places of personal prayer, represent moments when we bind ourselves to Jesus Christ through covenant devotion.

He explains that these sacred acts are not symbolic gestures alone. They connect disciples directly to the Savior’s power and grace.

Our Savior’s arms are outstretched; His table is spread. Come worship the Son of God at His holy altars.

Through covenant worship, disciples do more than remember Christ. They draw closer to Him and receive strength to face life’s challenges.

Common Criticism: “Religious rituals are symbolic traditions but don’t actually change anything.”Many people view practices such as the sacrament, temple worship, or kneeling prayer as meaningful traditions. However, they question whether these rituals truly affect a person’s spiritual life.

Fallacy at Work: Ritual Without PowerThis criticism assumes that religious observances are merely ceremonial. It overlooks how intentional spiritual practices shape commitment, focus the heart on God, and invite divine influence.

Elder Jaggi’s Correction: Covenants Connect Us to ChristElder Jaggi teaches that sacred ordinances and covenant worship are not empty gestures. They are moments when disciples intentionally bind themselves to the Savior.

Through these sacred acts, disciples renew their devotion and open their lives to Christ’s power. Covenant worship strengthens faith, invites protection, and deepens a disciple’s relationship with the Savior.

Resolving this Fallacy:

Altars represent commitment. When disciples approach them with humility and faith, they do more than remember Christ. They renew their covenants and draw closer to Him.

Living Apologetics: Covenants Provide StrengthElder Jaggi’s message reframes religious observance as something deeply practical. Rather than simply fulfilling religious expectations, covenant worship becomes a source of resilience, clarity, and spiritual protection.

He teaches that when we worship the Savior and keep our covenants, we gain strength to resist the natural pull of the world and the influence of the adversary.

These sacred practices also create moments of reflection. When disciples kneel in prayer or partake of the sacrament, they pause to examine their hearts, renew their commitments, and seek forgiveness through the Savior’s Atonement.

Practical Apologetic Use If someone says: “Church rituals don’t really change anything.” * You can respond:* “Elder Jaggi teaches that covenant worship connects us to Christ and opens access to His mercy, protection, and healing.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Treat the sacrament as a moment of intentional spiritual reflection.
2️⃣ View prayer as a personal “altar” where you bring concerns to God.
3️⃣ Approach covenants as living relationships rather than obligations.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Jaggi reminds disciples that the Savior invites all who are weary to come to Him. Sacred altars represent places where burdens can be laid down and healing can begin.

When humble souls kneel before God, they are not merely performing a ritual. They are responding to the Savior’s invitation to receive His mercy and rest.

What might change in my life if I approached sacred moments of worship as opportunities to truly bind myself to the Savior?

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “That All May Be Edified,” Chad H. Webb teaches that gospel teaching and learning are meant to do more than convey information. When centered on Jesus Christ and guided by the Holy Ghost, they are meant to shape discipleship over a lifetime.

Brother Webb emphasizes that meaningful spiritual learning requires intentional effort from both teachers and learners. Edification increases when responsibility is shared and agency is exercised.

As teachers, we can focus more on the learner’s progress, on meeting their needs, and on helping them to develop spiritual habits of lifelong discipleship. As learners, when we exercise our agency in the learning process, we signal to the Holy Ghost our willingness to be taught by Him.

This framing places growth where it belongs: not in presentation alone, but in preparation, participation, and personal responsibility.

Common Criticism: “Spiritual learning is primarily the responsibility of teachers and leaders.”It is easy to assume that meaningful gospel learning depends mostly on inspired teachers, well-prepared lessons, or compelling presentations. From this view, learners are largely recipients rather than participants.

Fallacy at Work: Passive Learning Produces Lasting FaithThis assumption treats spiritual growth as something that happens to us rather than something we actively choose. It underestimates the role of agency and personal preparation in inviting revelation.

Brother Webb’s Correction: Learners Must Choose to EngageBrother Webb teaches that edification increases when learners come prepared and when teachers create opportunities for personal revelation. When learners exercise agency in the learning process, they invite the Holy Ghost to teach them directly.

He points to the Savior as the perfect example. Jesus invited His disciples to prepare, to share what they were learning, and to act in faith. In doing so, He helped them take responsibility for their own testimonies.

Resolving this Fallacy:

Gospel learning is most powerful when it is shared, participatory, and centered on Christ. Teachers guide and invite, but learners must choose to engage if they are to be edified.

Living Apologetics: Agency Strengthens FaithBrother Webb’s message responds to a quiet but common concern. If faith depends on external teaching alone, it becomes fragile. His teaching reframes discipleship as an active process in which agency invites revelation.

This perspective addresses concerns such as:

“I don’t feel spiritually nourished at church.”
“Gospel learning feels disconnected from my real questions.”

Brother Webb teaches that when learners prepare, participate, and apply gospel principles, the Holy Ghost confirms truth directly to their hearts and minds.

Practical Apologetic Use If someone says: “Church doesn’t always meet my spiritual needs.” * You can respond:* “Brother Webb teaches that learning by faith requires active participation, which invites the Holy Ghost to teach us.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Prepare spiritually before gospel learning experiences.
2️⃣ Share insights and impressions when prompted.
3️⃣ Act on what the Spirit confirms as true.

Keep This Talk With YouBrother Webb testifies that when teaching and learning focus on Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost deepens faith and helps disciples become more like the Savior. Edification increases when learners exercise agency and teachers invite revelation.

The aim of all gospel teaching is not simply knowledge, but conversion.

How can I more intentionally exercise my agency so the Holy Ghost can teach me as I learn the gospel?

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “Do Your Part with All Your Heart,” Dieter F. Uchtdorf teaches that discipleship is neither accidental nor passive. It is a deliberate and sustained effort to follow Jesus Christ patiently, consistently, and with commitment.

He reminds us that faith does not remain strong by default. Like any skill or discipline, it must be practiced and nourished over time.

“Simply put, discipleship takes self-discipline. It is not a casual endeavor, and it doesn’t happen by accident.”

This framing shifts discipleship away from momentary inspiration and toward daily, faithful engagement.

Common Criticism: “If salvation depends on Christ, my individual effort doesn’t really matter.”Some struggle to reconcile teachings about grace with the repeated call to effort. They may wonder whether emphasizing personal discipline undermines reliance on the Savior or whether effort is merely symbolic.

Fallacy at Work: Grace Replaces CommitmentThis view treats grace and effort as competing forces. It assumes that if Christ has done the “superhuman part,” then sustained personal discipleship is optional or secondary.

Elder Uchtdorf’s Correction: Christ Does the Saving, We Do the FollowingElder Uchtdorf addresses this tension directly. While salvation is made possible entirely through Jesus Christ, discipleship still requires intentional participation. He teaches:

“We know that our efforts alone cannot make us celestial. But they can make us loyal and committed to Jesus the Christ, and He can make us celestial.”

Grace does not eliminate effort. It gives effort meaning.

Resolving this Fallacy:

The gospel does not ask for perfection, but it does ask for participation. Faith grows as it is exercised, applied, and sustained over time.

Living Apologetics: Effort as Evidence of TrustElder Uchtdorf’s message offers a thoughtful response to the idea that effort implies self-reliance. Instead, he teaches that effort is an expression of loyalty to Christ.

Discipleship includes:

Practicing faith daily
Using spiritual gifts rather than burying them
Persisting even when growth feels slow

He explains that when faith is not acted upon, confidence erodes. When faith is nourished, it becomes resilient.

Practical Apologetic Use If someone says: “I believe in Christ, but I don’t see why consistent effort matters.” * You can respond:* “Elder Uchtdorf teaches that faith grows only as we actively apply it. Discipleship doesn’t happen by accident.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Identify one area where spiritual effort has become passive.
2️⃣ Choose a small and consistent action to reengage.
3️⃣ Trust that Christ magnifies sincere effort over time.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Uchtdorf reassures disciples that growth is gradual and that beginnings may be small, but they matter. Christ has already done what we could never do on our own. Our role is to follow Him step by step with trust and persistence.

“The beginning may be small. But that is OK.”

Where might the Lord be inviting me to engage more fully, patiently, and consistently in my discipleship?

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “Be Reconciled to God,” Elder Kelly R. Johnson invites disciples to think differently about repentance and discipleship—not as occasional correction, but as an ongoing effort to remain aligned with God.

Drawing on his background as a forensic accountant, Elder Johnson explains reconciliation as the careful work of bringing two things back into alignment. Spiritually, to be reconciled to God means restoring harmony between our will and His will through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Simply put, being reconciled to God means aligning our will and actions with God’s will. . .

This framing emphasizes that reconciliation is not about punishment or shame, but about relationship.

Common Criticism: “If I’ve drifted spiritually, reconciliation with God is difficult, distant, or uncertain.”Many people quietly assume that once they have moved away from God—through neglect, disobedience, or doubt—the path back is complicated or unclear. They may feel unsure where to begin or question whether reconciliation is still possible.

Fallacy at Work: Distance Means DisqualificationThis mindset assumes that spiritual misalignment permanently damages the relationship with God. It treats repentance as something reserved for major turning points rather than a regular, accessible practice.

Elder Johnson’s Correction: Reconciliation Is Chosen and Enabled by ChristElder Johnson teaches that reconciliation begins with awareness and choice. Just as we may choose to distance ourselves from God, we must also choose to initiate the effort to return. Crucially, this return is made possible not by personal perfection, but by mercy.

He explains that reconciliation “is dependent on mercy,” and that “Jesus Christ’s gracious act of atonement makes reconciliation possible.” Through Christ, strained relationships with God can be restored fully and confidently.

Resolving this Fallacy:

Reconciliation is not a rare event reserved for dramatic moments. It is a repeated invitation to realign our lives with God through repentance, humility, and trust in the Savior’s Atonement.

Living Apologetics: Alignment, Not FearElder Johnson’s message responds to the belief that repentance is primarily about guilt or consequence. Instead, he teaches that reconciliation brings peace, clarity, and confidence before God.

This perspective addresses concerns such as:

“I’ve moved too far away to come back easily.”
“Repentance feels overwhelming or discouraging.”

By reframing repentance as reconciliation, Elder Johnson shows that discipleship is about restoring alignment, not erasing worth.

Practical Apologetic Use If someone says: “I don’t even know how to fix my relationship with God.” * You can respond:* “Elder Johnson teaches that reconciliation begins by choosing to realign with God, made possible through Jesus Christ’s Atonement.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Notice areas of spiritual misalignment, however small they may seem.
2️⃣ Choose to draw nearer to God through prayer, obedience, and repentance.
3️⃣ Trust in Christ’s mercy, not personal self-sufficiency.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Johnson testifies that reconciliation through Jesus Christ leads to peace, confidence, and strength. Like Enos, those who rely on the Savior’s Atonement find that guilt is swept away and faith becomes unshaken.

Reconciliation is not a one-time correction but a sustaining pattern of discipleship—one that keeps us connected to the Savior and anchored in hope.

Where might I need to realign my will more fully with God’s will right now?

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “Blessed Are the Peacemakers,” Elder Gary E. Stevenson teaches that peacemaking is not a passive or naïve response to a troubled world. It is a deliberate, Christlike choice that requires courage, restraint, and moral clarity.

Against a backdrop of grief, violence, and rising contention, Elder Stevenson invites disciples to reconsider common assumptions about strength. Rather than equating power with aggression or volume, he points to the Savior’s example and calls peacemaking a higher, holier form of strength.

To be a peacemaker is not to be weak but to be strong in a way that the world may not understand.

This framing shifts peacemaking from a defensive posture to an expression of deep spiritual maturity.

Common Criticism: “In a world full of conflict, peacemaking is naïve, weak, or unrealistic.”When tensions run high—politically, socially, or personally—calls for peace can feel impractical. Some assume that strength requires sharpness, retaliation, or emotional intensity, while restraint and forgiveness are seen as concessions.

Fallacy at Work: Strength Equals AggressionThis mindset confuses dominance with courage and assumes that peace can come only after others change. It overlooks the reality that contention often multiplies harm and that cycles of retaliation rarely produce healing.

Elder Stevenson’s Correction: Christlike Strength Looks DifferentElder Stevenson teaches that peacemaking is not the absence of conviction. It is the discipline to act with charity even when emotions run high. True peacemakers do not surrender principle; they refuse to surrender love.

Drawing on the Savior’s teachings, Elder Stevenson reminds us that Jesus Christ—the Prince of Peace—never compromised truth, yet consistently chose mercy, restraint, and reconciliation.

Resolving this Fallacy:

Rather than waiting for ideal circumstances or universal agreement, disciples are invited to practice peacemaking now. The gospel calls for courage that builds rather than wounds and for strength that heals rather than escalates.

Living Apologetics: Strength the World MisunderstandsElder Stevenson’s message challenges a cultural assumption that loudness equals righteousness. In reality, peacemaking often requires more spiritual strength than retaliation.

This teaching speaks to concerns such as:

“If I don’t push back forcefully, truth will be lost.”
“Peacemaking means compromising my beliefs.”

Elder Stevenson offers a different vision: peacemaking demands courage, patience, and faith in Christ’s way of resolving conflict.

Practical Apologetic Use If someone says: “Peacemaking is too soft for today’s world.” * You can respond:* “Elder Stevenson teaches that peacemaking is a form of strength the world often misunderstands—but Christ calls His disciples to it.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Notice moments where contention feels justified. 2️⃣ Choose restraint and kindness deliberately, even when it feels costly.
3️⃣ Trust that Christlike strength leaves lasting influence.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Stevenson reminds us that peacemaking is not a modern trend or a situational response. It is a divine calling taught by Jesus Christ Himself and renewed in our day.

As disciples choose to be peacemakers—in hearts, homes, and communities—they become witnesses of the Prince of Peace and instruments of healing in a fractured world.

Where is the Savior inviting me to show Christlike strength through peacemaking right now?

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “Look to God and Live,” Elder D. Todd Christofferson teaches a simple but demanding truth: enduring life—spiritually, emotionally, and even socially—requires more than good intentions or self-reliance. It requires deliberately and consistently looking to God.

Against the backdrop of tragedy, uncertainty, and moral confusion, Elder Christofferson testifies that turning to God is not an abstract religious ideal but a lived priority that shapes how disciples think, choose, and endure.

Looking to God means that He is not just one of our priorities; it means, rather, that He is our one highest priority.

This framing clarifies that faith is not meant to compete with other commitments—it is meant to order them.

Common Criticism: “Faith is a personal preference, not a necessary foundation for a flourishing life.”In modern discourse, religion is often treated as optional—one source of comfort among many. Moral reasoning, emotional resilience, and purpose are frequently framed as achievable through self-definition, cultural consensus, or personal strength alone.

Fallacy at Work: Self-Sufficiency as SalvationThis view assumes that individuals and societies can thrive without anchoring themselves to divine truth. When hardship, injustice, or loss arises, faith is sometimes dismissed as insufficient, outdated, or unnecessary.

Elder Christofferson’s Correction: Flourishing Requires GodElder Christofferson teaches that life in a fallen world inevitably includes sorrow, injustice, and disappointment. What determines whether people endure—or fracture—is not the absence of difficulty but where they look for help.

Looking to God, he explains, includes keeping His commandments, crying unto Him for guidance, counseling with Him in all our doings, and living with gratitude. When God becomes the highest priority rather than one among many, disciples gain access to divine strength that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

Resolving this Fallacy:

When faith is treated as optional, people are left vulnerable to discouragement and confusion. When God becomes the organizing center of life, individuals receive clarity, restraint, and sustaining power—even amid suffering.

Living Apologetics: Where We Look Shapes How We LiveElder Christofferson’s message responds to a central modern tension: the belief that meaning and morality can be constructed independently of God. His teaching reframes the issue—not as one of control or limitation, but of access to divine help.

This perspective addresses concerns such as:

“Why does faith matter if life is still hard?”
“Can’t I decide what’s right for me without religious authority?”

The talk teaches that looking to God does not eliminate hardship, but it changes what hardship produces—turning suffering into refinement rather than despair.

Practical Apologetic Use If someone says: “Faith shouldn’t be required to live a good life.” * You can respond:* “Elder Christofferson teaches that real flourishing comes when God is our highest priority, especially in a broken world.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Notice where you instinctively turn first when facing fear, loss, or uncertainty.
2️⃣ Deliberately look to God through prayer, scripture, and obedience.
3️⃣ Trust that God’s presence, not immediate answers, is the sustaining gift.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Christofferson reminds us that the opposite of flourishing is not hardship—it is distance from God. In a world filled with competing voices and shifting values, the invitation to “look to God and live” is both timeless and urgent.

Enduring well does not come from avoiding pain, but from anchoring life to the One who can redeem it.

Where in my life am I being invited to make God my highest priority more fully?

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “The Good News Recipe,” Elder John D. Amos uses a familiar metaphor to teach a deeply personal gospel truth: when life feels off balance, incomplete, or discouraging, the solution is not abandoning the recipe—it is adding more Jesus Christ.

Drawing on both culinary imagery and pastoral experience, Elder Amos teaches that discipleship is not about flawless execution. It is about recognizing what is missing and intentionally inviting the Savior more fully into our lives.

What’s the remedy? It’s simply to add more of what invites Jesus Christ into your life.

This simple counsel reframes how we approach weakness, mistakes, and spiritual frustration.

Common Criticism: “If I’m struggling, it must mean I’m doing the gospel wrong.”Many faithful disciples quietly assume that difficulty, inconsistency, or discouragement signals personal failure. When spiritual life feels messy or progress feels slow, they may conclude that something is fundamentally broken—or that they are.

Fallacy at Work: Perfection as ProofThis belief treats discipleship like a rigid formula where correct inputs guarantee immediate success. When outcomes fall short, confidence erodes. The gospel becomes a test of performance rather than a relationship with the Savior.

Elder Amos’s Correction: Christ Compensates for ImperfectionElder Amos teaches that imperfection is not evidence of gospel failure—it is the very reason Jesus Christ is central to the plan. Just as a recipe may need adjustment, discipleship invites ongoing evaluation and recommitment.

When something feels missing, the answer is not to discard faith or start over entirely. It is to add more of what invites Christ: prayer, scripture, charity, humility, and trust in His Atonement.

Resolving this Fallacy:

The gospel was never designed to eliminate struggle. It was designed to teach us where—and to whom—to turn when struggle arises.

Living Apologetics: When the Recipe Feels OffElder Amos’s teaching speaks powerfully to those who feel spiritually inadequate or overwhelmed. Instead of asking, “What am I doing wrong?” he invites disciples to ask, “How can I add more of Christ?”

This perspective responds to concerns such as:

“Why isn’t this working for me?”
“If the gospel is true, why do I still struggle?”

The answer is not found in harsher self-judgment, but in deeper reliance on the Savior.

Practical Apologetic Use If someone says: “I’ve tried the gospel, and it doesn’t seem to help.” * You can respond:* “Elder Amos teaches that when something feels missing, the answer is to add more of what invites Jesus Christ—not to give up.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Identify one area where discipleship feels strained or discouraging.2️⃣ Ask what might invite Christ more fully into that space.3️⃣ Act in small, simple ways, trusting the Savior to magnify effort.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Amos reminds us that the gospel of Jesus Christ is not fragile. It is resilient, adaptive, and deeply merciful. When life feels out of balance, the solution is not self-condemnation—it is recommitment.

The Good News Recipe does not promise perfection. It promises that Jesus Christ can compensate for what we lack and transform sincere effort into lasting joy.

Where in my life might I need to intentionally add more of Jesus Christ right now?

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “Adorned with the Virtue of Temperance,” Elder Ulisses Soares taught that temperance is not a secondary or optional trait of discipleship but an essential reinforcement of a life built upon Jesus Christ. Using the imagery of erosion and structural instability, he warned that without deliberate spiritual reinforcement, even faithful disciples can experience weakening foundations.

Temperance, Elder Soares explains, is not merely restraint. It is a Christlike virtue that harmonizes desires, emotions, words, and actions, allowing disciples to remain steady and faithful even amid pressure, provocation, or adversity.

“Temperance is an essential reinforcement for a firm foundation in Jesus Christ.”

This framing invites a deeper look at how discipleship is sometimes misunderstood in a world that often prizes intensity over balance.

Common Criticism: “Strong conviction requires strong, forceful, or uncompromising behavior.”In both religious and secular settings, passion is often equated with volume, urgency, or aggressiveness. Some assume that calm restraint signals weakness, while intensity—even harshness—is viewed as evidence of sincerity or moral courage.

Fallacy at Work: False StrengthThis mindset confuses emotional excess with spiritual power. It assumes that anger, impatience, or rigidity demonstrate commitment, when in reality they often erode trust, relationships, and personal discipleship. Over time, such excess can weaken testimony rather than reinforce it.

Elder Soares’s Correction: Temperance Strengthens, Not Softens, DiscipleshipElder Soares teaches that temperance is not the absence of conviction but the refinement of it. It brings harmony to the heart and steadiness to discipleship, allowing faith, hope, and charity to flourish together. Far from diluting devotion, temperance protects disciples from spiritual erosion caused by impulsiveness, pride, or unchecked emotion.

He reminds us that the Savior Himself embodied perfect temperance—never surrendering to anger or aggression, even under extreme provocation. True strength, Elder Soares teaches, is revealed through restraint guided by the Holy Spirit.

Resolving this Fallacy:

The gospel invites disciples to cultivate temperance as a sign of maturity, not moderation of belief. When guided by temperance, conviction becomes steadier, charity becomes deeper, and discipleship becomes more resilient.

Living Apologetics: Quiet Strength in a World of ExcessIn a culture that often rewards outrage and impatience, temperance can appear countercultural. Elder Soares reframes this perception by teaching that temperance is a divine strength that anchors disciples amid adversity.

This perspective responds to concerns such as:

“If I’m calm, people won’t take my beliefs seriously.”
“Strong faith requires forceful expression.”

Elder Soares teaches otherwise: Christlike discipleship is marked by serenity, patience, and dignity—even when challenged.

Practical Apologetic Use If someone says: “The Church should be more forceful to defend truth.” * You can respond:* “Elder Soares teaches that temperance strengthens conviction. Christ defended truth with perfect restraint, not aggression.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Notice emotional triggers that lead to impulsive words or reactions.
2️⃣ Pause before responding, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide tone and timing.
3️⃣ Choose restraint as an act of faith, not avoidance.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Soares reminds us that discipleship is not fortified through intensity alone, but through Christlike balance. Temperance steadies faith, preserves charity, and protects testimony from the quiet erosion caused by excess.

As disciples adorn their lives with this virtue, they anchor themselves more securely to the Savior, becoming calm, faithful instruments in His hands—prepared to endure, to serve, and to stand firm.

Where might cultivating greater temperance help me strengthen my foundation in Jesus Christ?

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “Jesus Christ and Your New Beginning,” Elder Patrick Kearon testified of a foundational gospel truth: through Jesus Christ, new beginnings are always possible. He speaks directly to those who feel worn down by repeated failure, long absence, or discouragement, and who quietly wonder whether they have moved beyond the reach of real change.

Rather than treating repentance as fragile or conditional, Elder Kearon teaches that the Savior’s power to renew is constant. Christ does not merely forgive the past; He helps us move forward with hope.

Have you gone too far from Christ for Him to help you write a new story from here on out? No.

This declaration reframes how we understand repentance, discipleship, and our willingness to turn to the Savior again.

Common Criticism: “Some believe new beginnings are limited—that repeated failure, distance from covenants, or ongoing weakness eventually disqualifies them from real change.”This belief often develops quietly. After repeated struggles or long seasons of spiritual distance, individuals may assume they have exhausted heaven’s patience. Repentance can begin to feel fragile—available once or twice, but not indefinitely. Over time, hope gives way to resignation.

Fallacy at Work: Scarcity of GraceThis mindset treats grace as a diminishing resource rather than an expression of Christ’s infinite Atonement. It assumes that mercy weakens with repetition and that divine patience eventually runs out. In doing so, it shifts trust away from the Savior’s power and places it on personal performance.

Elder Kearon’s Correction: New Beginnings Are Central to the GospelElder Kearon teaches that repeated new beginnings are not a loophole in the gospel—they are its design. The Savior’s invitation to come unto Him is extended precisely because we are imperfect. Jesus Christ is not surprised by weakness, nor discouraged by repetition. His power to heal and renew does not diminish.

Resolving this Fallacy: When disciples believe new beginnings are limited, they hesitate to turn toward Christ. When they trust the Savior’s willingness to begin again with them, they move forward with hope. The gospel is not about preserving a flawless past; it is about stepping into a redeemed future—again and again.

Living Apologetics: The Courage to Begin AgainOne of the most persistent misunderstandings about discipleship is the belief that repeated repentance signals failure. Elder Kearon gently corrects this by showing that beginning again is not evidence of weakness—it is evidence of faith in Jesus Christ.

This teaching speaks to those who wonder:

“Why try again if I keep falling short?”
“What’s the point of returning if I’ve already failed?”

The answer is not found in self-confidence, but in trust in the Savior.

Practical Apologetic Use If someone says: “I’ve already had too many new beginnings.” * You can respond:* “Elder Kearon teaches that no one goes too far from Christ to begin again. Repeated turning is not failure—it’s faith.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Identify one place where discouragement has replaced hope. 2️⃣ Choose to begin again today, without waiting for ideal conditions.
3️⃣ Trust Christ’s willingness more than your readiness.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Kearon’s testimony reminds us that the gospel of Jesus Christ is not a single opportunity we pass through once, but an invitation we receive repeatedly. Each step toward the Savior—no matter how familiar or hesitant—opens the way for renewal and peace.

Christ does not keep count of how often we begin again. He simply invites us to do so.

Where might I need to trust Jesus Christ enough to begin again—right now?

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “Forsake Not Your Own Mercy,” Elder Matthew S. Holland taught a compassionate and clarifying truth about God’s mercy and our tendency to withdraw from it. Drawing on the story of Jonah, he showed how feelings of fear, shame, or inadequacy can lead individuals to distance themselves from God—not because mercy has been withdrawn, but because they mistakenly believe they no longer qualify for it.

Elder Holland firmly corrects this misunderstanding. Divine help is not reserved for those who have already fixed themselves. God’s mercy is active, immediate, and available precisely because we are imperfect.

You have immediate access to divine help and healing despite your human flaws.

This teaching reframes how we understand repentance, worthiness, and our relationship with God when we feel discouraged.

Common Criticism: “Because of repeated mistakes or personal failure, some people believe they have forfeited access to God’s help.”This belief often develops quietly over time. After repeated struggles, unresolved guilt, or unmet expectations, individuals may conclude that God’s patience has worn thin—or that they must first become spiritually “better” before turning back to Him. Instead of reaching toward God, they withdraw, delay repentance, or attempt to endure alone.

Fallacy at Work: Self-DisqualificationSelf-disqualification assumes that divine mercy operates on a threshold—that after enough failure, access to God’s help is revoked. This mindset turns mercy into a reward rather than a gift and reframes repentance as a prerequisite for help instead of the means by which help is received.

Elder Holland’s Correction: Mercy Precedes MovementThrough Jonah’s story, Elder Holland teaches that the prophet’s greatest error was not fleeing Nineveh, but distancing himself from God afterward. Jonah was not abandoned by the Lord; he abandoned the very mercy that could have sustained him.

God does not wait for us to become strong before offering help. Mercy is what enables repentance, courage, and change. Turning toward God—even imperfectly—is always the right first step.

Resolving this Fallacy: The gospel does not require disciples to qualify for mercy before seeking divine help. It invites them to receive mercy so that transformation can begin. When we stop disqualifying ourselves, we discover that God has been ready to help all along.

Living Apologetics: Mercy Is Not a Reward for the WorthyOne of the most damaging assumptions about faith is the idea that failure places people beyond God’s reach. Elder Holland’s message directly counters this belief and restores hope to those who feel spiritually weary or ashamed.

This teaching answers concerns such as:

“I’ve made the same mistake too many times.”
“God must be disappointed in me.”
“I should wait until I’m better before turning to Him.”

The gospel offers a different invitation: turn now.

Practical Apologetic Use:

If someone says: “I’ve gone too far to come back.”
You can respond: “Elder Holland teaches that we have immediate access to divine help despite our flaws. Mercy isn’t withdrawn because of failure—it’s offered because of it.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Notice where discouragement leads to withdrawal, rather than repentance.
2️⃣ Replace delay with turning, even if progress feels incomplete.
3️⃣ Trust that mercy enables change, instead of waiting to change before seeking mercy.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Holland’s message offers deep reassurance to disciples who feel unworthy, exhausted, or distant. The Lord’s mercy is not fragile, limited, or reserved for the flawless. It is immediate, sustaining, and constant.

Jonah’s story reminds us that when we withdraw from God, we are not being punished—we are forsaking our own mercy. The invitation of the gospel remains unchanged: return, trust, and receive.

Where might I be withholding myself from God’s mercy—and what would it look like to turn toward Him instead?

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How to Fall in Love With the Old Testament This Yearby Autumn Dickson

This week is an introduction to the Old Testament rather than any specific group of scripture. With my last post for this scripture block, I testified of the value of studying the Old Testament. With this post, I want to talk about a couple of things we can do to maximize what we take out of it.

The first way is to let go of the need to read everything listed for the week. When I was in seminary in high school, we were encouraged to read the book of scripture that we were studying for that year. I am Type A, and so I read it all in order. There was a whole lot that was unhelpful to me at that period in time, and I walked away from the Old Testament with reinforced ideas that it was difficult.

You don’t have to push yourself to read everything for the week. Scripture study is not about finishing an assignment; it’s about drawing closer to God. Reading each and every line in high school didn’t draw me closer to God; it just gave my intense personality the satisfaction of saying I was able to complete the whole thing.

Instead of reading everything through, consider finding one story to study throughout the week, and then observe that story through multiple resources and angles. Summarize it so you understand what’s going on; you can actually also ask AI for a summary of the chapters from an LDS perspective. Make sure you understand where it is in the timeline as a whole. Ask AI about culturally significant points, Israeli history, and symbols to study. This is helpful because even though AI isn’t perfect, it can give you something to follow along so you’re not completely lost in the thick of it. It’s a game changer.

On top of using AI, utilize other Christian resources. We may not have everything in common, but Christians know their bible. I frequently utilize websites from other churches, including other translations of the bible, to help me understand what is going on in what I’m reading. Even if the King James version of the bible is the closest translation, other translations can help me understand what the King James version is trying to say. None of these translations are perfect, but that doesn’t mean they can’t add layers of understanding.

Another tip. Learn about the characters, and then ask yourself what they might have been feeling. Learn about the world they were born into and ask yourself how you might have been if you were born into the same world. Learn who they are and what makes them like or unlike Christ. Find modern day examples of their choices and learn how Christ might react in our day.

Which is my next practical tip. This one is found in the Come Follow Me manual, but I wanted to share my personal experience with it. Find Christ. Try to find Christ in a way that you haven’t seen before. Find Christ in the people and symbols. Find Christ for them. If they didn’t turn to Christ, ponder how things might have been different if they had chosen Him. Then take a minute to observe your own life and whether you’re rejecting Him in the same ways that they did. Ask yourself the question, “What decisions did Christ make in relation to His people? Why did He make that decision? How does it show His love? What is He trying to teach them?”

Whenever I’ve gotten stuck trying to pull something out of a scripture block, it is helpful to look for Christ. I’ve learned that there is always something there.

My last practical tip is simple. Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is to ignore the words completely and let the Spirit speak.

This is not an example with the scriptures, but it is an example with the word of God.

As I’m working on this, the October General Conference has just been completed. I didn’t have many questions written down. I didn’t try setting up my entire house so that my kids would be distracted and occupied so I could focus (that hasn’t worked in the past). At one point during the conference, I sent a picture of four kids climbing on my lap. I didn’t even know my lap was big enough to have four kids sitting on it, let alone climbing. I sent the caption, “If you ask me what I got out of conference, the answer is nothing.” And honestly, conference ended up being exactly what I thought it would be. I was always putting out small fires like giant bloody noses from my two year old or messes from our new puppy.

My goal for this past conference was low. I just wanted it on in my house, even if it was just background noise. I’ve learned that if I strive for more than that, I usually just end up angry with my kids for being kids. So rather, I wanted it on so it could invite the Spirit and if the Lord really needed to tell me something, then the Spirit would be there.

As I found myself watching my two year old in the bathtub (the bloody nose really was gnarly), I found peace with my computer sitting up on the counter playing conference on YouTube. I learned that even if I couldn’t sit at Christ’s feet like Mary, I could still feel the Spirit when my family needed me to be Martha.

You were not created for the scriptures. The scriptures were created for you. Utilize them for you. You don’t have to beat yourself over the head for imperfection. I testify of scripture study, but I also testify that studying can look like the scriptures playing in the background of whatever fire you’re putting out. It can look like carrying one of the people in your heart while you’re going throughout your day. It can look like completely missing the words of what you’re reading or listening to and simply leaning on Christ when you take a few moments to catch your breath. I testify of studying the scriptures in the exact way that they bring you closer to Christ. Don’t put pressure on yourself to make it look like someone else’s study. Let Christ show you how to draw closer to Him by utilizing the Old Testament this year.

I testify that the Old Testament is worth it, and I testify that it’s possible to get something out of the Old Testament. I testify that we live in a world where scripture study doesn’t have to look traditional; it just has to bring you closer to Christ. I testify that you can read words on a page and have the Spirit tell you something completely different. I always testify that Christ wants to draw closer to you, and I testify that He can do so through the Old Testament if you simply let Him know you’re willing to let it happen.

Autumn Dickson was born and raised in a small town in Texas. She served a mission in the Indianapolis Indiana mission. She studied elementary education but has found a particular passion in teaching the gospel. Her desire for her content is to inspire people to feel confident, peaceful, and joyful about their relationship with Jesus Christ and to allow that relationship to touch every aspect of their lives. Autumn was the recipient of FAIR’s 2024 John Taylor Defender of the Faith Award.

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “The Lord Looketh on the Heart,” Elder Sergio R. Barcellos taught that God’s measure of discipleship is fundamentally different from the world’s. While people often evaluate faithfulness by outward appearance, performance, or visible success, the Lord looks first at the heart—our desires, intentions, and willingness to turn toward Him.

Elder Barcellos emphasized that this inward focus does not diminish obedience or covenant living. Rather, it places them in their proper order. True discipleship begins with the heart. When the heart is turned to Christ, outward obedience follows naturally and meaningfully.

This invites a careful reconsideration of how discipleship is sometimes measured.

All God needs to accomplish His purposes and to help us become who He wants us to become is for each of us to turn our hearts fully to Him.

Common Criticism: “Discipleship is often measured by outward appearance and behavior rather than the condition of the heart.”Some feel that faithfulness in the Church is judged primarily by visible behaviors—attendance, callings, conformity, or outward success—rather than by sincerity, intent, or personal struggle. This perception can lead to discouragement, comparison, or performative obedience, where appearing faithful matters more than becoming converted.

Fallacy at Work: ExternalismExternalism assumes that visible behavior alone accurately reflects spiritual devotion. While obedience matters deeply, this mindset mistakes evidence of discipleship for its source. It risks rewarding appearance while neglecting conversion and overlooks the quiet, internal work of repentance, desire, and covenant loyalty.

Elder Barcellos’s Correction: God Works from the Inside OutElder Barcellos teaches that God’s concern for the heart does not excuse disobedience—it explains transformation. The Lord looks on the heart to understand why we act, not to eliminate the need for action. A willing heart invites repentance, patience, and growth, even when outward progress feels slow or uneven.

God’s concern is not perfection, but direction. As disciples sincerely turn their hearts toward Christ, He patiently works to align belief, desire, and behavior. Outward obedience has saving power when it flows from love, faith, and covenant commitment.

Resolving this Fallacy: The gospel does not ask disciples to perform righteousness for approval. It invites them to offer their hearts to Christ, trusting that He will refine both desire and discipline over time. When the heart is right, obedience becomes an expression of love rather than a display for others.

Living Apologetics: Sincere Discipleship over Spiritual PerformanceIn a culture of comparison—both inside and outside the Church—it can be tempting to measure worthiness by visibility. Elder Barcellos offers a liberating correction: God is not deceived by appearances, nor is He discouraged by sincere struggle.

This teaching gently answers quiet doubts such as:

“Why am I trying if I still fall short?”
“Why does my discipleship feel messier than others’?”

The answer is hopeful: God is working with your heart.

Practical Apologetic Use:

If someone says: “The Church cares too much about how things look.”
You can respond: “God looks on the heart. Obedience matters, but it’s meant to grow out of love and conversion—not performance. Elder Barcellos teaches that the Lord is far more concerned with who we are becoming than how we appear.”

Ways to Apply Today1️⃣ Examine the motive behind one outward religious practice you engage in.
2️⃣ Replace comparison with compassion—toward yourself and others.
3️⃣ Offer the Lord your honest desire, even when your efforts feel incomplete.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Barcellos’s message reassures disciples who strive sincerely but imperfectly. The Lord who looks on the heart understands weakness, honors effort, and works patiently with those who choose Him again and again.

Obedience matters. Covenants matter. But they matter most when they grow out of a heart turned toward Christ. As we offer Him our honest desires, He transforms them—line upon line—into faithful, enduring discipleship.

Where might I be focusing more on outward appearance than inward conversion—and how can I invite the Lord to work more fully on my heart?

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “The Family Proclamation—Words from God,” Elder Ronald A. Rasband testified that The Family: A Proclamation to the World is not merely a cultural statement or institutional guideline, but revealed doctrine given by God through His prophets. He explained how the proclamation came forth through prayer, prophetic councils, and spiritual unanimity—and why its teachings deserve reverence in every generation.

Yet its clarity has also made it controversial. As social views on family, marriage, and gender continue to shift, many struggle with how the proclamation fits in a changing world.

This raises a common and sincere question:
Should Church leaders be more open to current social views rather than asserting fixed doctrine about the family?

The proclamation has a divine origin, so we must treat it with the reverence deserving words from God.

Common Criticism: “Church leaders should be more open to current social views on family, marriage, and gender, rather than asserting fixed doctrine.”Some feel that doctrinal clarity on the family appears rigid or exclusionary in a world that values personal identity, evolving norms, and individual experience. They wonder whether prophetic leaders should adapt their teachings to better reflect modern perspectives, especially when current doctrine feels misaligned with personal circumstances or societal consensus.

Fallacy at Work: Cultural RelativismCultural relativism assumes that truth must evolve alongside social consensus—that what is right or authoritative today should adjust as norms change.

Applied here, it suggests that revealed doctrine should be reshaped to reflect cultural acceptance. But this assumption overlooks the difference between compassionate ministry and doctrinal authority. It treats prophetic teaching as opinion rather than revelation and equates discomfort with error.

Elder Rasband’s Correction: Doctrine Comes from God, Not CultureElder Rasband teaches that the Family Proclamation originated through revelation, prophetic councils, and unity—not as a reaction to social trends, but as guidance given ahead of them. Its authority rests in God’s eternal perspective, not in human approval.

He explains that prophets are stewards, not authors, of doctrine. Their responsibility is not to mirror society, but to declare God’s truths—even when those truths are countercultural. At the same time, Elder Rasband affirms the dignity, worth, and belonging of every individual, regardless of circumstance.

Resolving this Fallacy: The tension many feel dissolves when we understand the role of prophets. God’s doctrine is not designed to validate every cultural moment; it is meant to anchor His children across all of them. The Family Proclamation provides clarity about eternal identity and divine purpose while leaving room for compassion, patience, and Christlike love. Upholding doctrine does not negate empathy—it grounds it.

Living Apologetics: Holding to Doctrine with Christlike CompassionIn a world that often frames disagreement as hostility, faithful members may feel unsure how to speak about the Family Proclamation without sounding harsh—or how to remain loyal to doctrine without appearing unkind.

Elder Rasband models a better way. He shows that it is possible to speak with doctrinal clarity and genuine love. Defending revealed truth does not require diminishing others’ experiences, and compassion does not require abandoning eternal principles.

Practical Apologetic Use:

If someone says: “The Church just needs to catch up with the times.”
You can respond: “The Church believes families are central to God’s eternal plan. Prophets don’t create doctrine based on culture—they share what God reveals. At the same time, everyone belongs and deserves compassion and respect.”

Ways to Apply Today:

1️⃣ Study the proclamation prayerfully, seeking to understand not just what it says, but why it matters eternally.
2️⃣ Speak with clarity and kindness when the doctrine is questioned.
3️⃣ Create belonging without compromise by extending Christlike love while remaining anchored to revealed truth.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Rasband’s testimony reminds us that God’s truths do not lose their authority simply because the world changes. The Family Proclamation stands as a divine anchor—offering clarity about eternal identity, purpose, and belonging in a time of confusion.

Choosing to trust revealed doctrine does not mean ignoring pain or complexity. It means believing that God sees further than we do and that His love extends to every soul. As we hold firmly to truth while reaching outward in compassion, we become better disciples of Jesus Christ.

How do I balance loyalty to revealed doctrine with Christlike compassion when cultural views differ from gospel teachings?

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, “The Eternal Gift of Testimony,” Elder Kevin G. Brown taught that testimony is a divine gift from God—one that is meant to endure opposition, grow through effort, and be strengthened by righteous choice. Drawing on personal experience and prophetic teaching, he emphasized that testimony is not something we passively receive and then permanently possess, but something we must actively choose, nurture, and defend.

This addresses an important question many wrestle with: If testimony truly comes from God, shouldn’t it come effortlessly—and remain without effort?

In whatever way a testimony is given—whether it is distilled like the sunrise or comes in a glorious vision—it still requires a choice to receive this precious gift.

Common Criticism: “If God wants me to have a testimony, He will give it to me without effort or choice.”Some assume that a real testimony should arrive unmistakably and remain secure regardless of personal decisions. When doubt arises or conviction weakens, they conclude that either their testimony was never real—or that God has withdrawn it. This view can quietly undermine faith, especially when testimony doesn’t come dramatically or feels challenged by opposition.

Fallacy at Work: Passive Spiritual ExpectationThis fallacy assumes that divine gifts require no ongoing agency—that once given, they operate independently of human choice. Applied to testimony, it suggests that effort, defense, or nurturing are signs of weakness rather than faith.

But this logic misunderstands how God works with His children. Agency does not end once truth is received; it becomes more essential.

Elder Brown’s Correction: Testimony Is a Gift Sustained by AgencyElder Brown teaches that testimony is indeed a gift from God—but it is a gift entrusted to us. Like faith, testimony must be exercised, protected, and strengthened through righteous choices. It grows as we act on truth, defend it when challenged, and continue choosing Christ even when belief feels costly.

He reminds us that opposition does not invalidate testimony; it reveals its purpose. Testimony is meant to be tested, refined, and deepened. Doubt does not erase it—but neglect can weaken our access to it.

Resolving this Fallacy: God does not override agency in spiritual matters. He invites us to receive a testimony and then choose to live in a way that preserves it. Prayer, obedience, scripture study, covenant keeping, and moral courage all create the conditions in which testimony thrives. A testimony that must be nurtured is not fragile—it is alive.

Living Apologetics: Choosing and Defending TestimonyMany struggle when testimony feels less certain than it once did. Some interpret this as failure. Elder Brown reframes the experience: testimony matures as disciples learn to choose faith deliberately, not automatically.

Agency is what allows testimony to become eternal. When disciples actively defend truth, resist spiritual passivity, and remain faithful amid criticism or ridicule, their testimony is not diminished—it is strengthened.

Practical Apologetic Use:

If someone says: “If testimony were real, I wouldn’t have to work so hard to keep it.”
You can respond: “God doesn’t give testimonies to remove agency. He gives them so we can choose Him—especially when it requires effort. Elder Brown teaches that testimony grows as we nurture and defend it.”

Ways to Apply Today:

1️⃣ Identify one practice that strengthens your testimony and recommit to it this week.
2️⃣ Notice moments of choice—when believing requires intention rather than convenience.
3️⃣ Speak truth with quiet confidence when testimony is questioned, even if briefly.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Brown reminds us that testimony was never meant to be effortless—it was meant to be eternal. God grants witnesses of truth, then honors our agency by allowing us to decide what we will do with them. In a world that challenges belief, testimony deepens as disciples choose to nurture it with courage, consistency, and faith.

A testimony that requires effort is not defective; it is developing. As we choose Christ repeatedly—especially when belief is inconvenient—we discover that testimony does not fade with use. It strengthens.

Try this week: Write down one experience that helped form your testimony and revisit it prayerfully. * Defend truth gently in one conversation where faith is questioned. * Choose one act of obedience* specifically because it strengthens your testimony.

How might your testimony grow as you choose to nurture and defend it more intentionally?

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, Elder Quentin L. Cook taught that while the Lord is hastening His work across the world, discipleship remains deeply personal: it is a covenant journey built on steady effort, not flawless performance. He emphasized that even as converts and longtime members feel inadequate or underprepared, the Lord invites all to progress along the covenant path with faith and patience.

A common misconception arises here: If I don’t understand everything or live flawlessly, am I really ready for temple covenants?

“You will at times feel inadequate about what you know… Gospel knowledge is a great blessing obtained incrementally over time, but it is not a saving ordinance.” – Quentin L. Cook

Common Criticism: “The gospel demands perfect knowledge or flawless obedience before temple covenants should be made.”Some assume that deep doctrinal understanding or near-perfect obedience is required before progressing on the covenant path. This misconception can discourage converts, overwhelm returning members, and even stall lifelong Saints who worry they “don’t know enough” to be worthy of the temple. The result is hesitation, anxiety, and a distorted view of what God actually requires.

Fallacy at Work: All-or-Nothing ThinkingAll-or-Nothing Thinking is the tendency to believe that unless something is done perfectly, it shouldn’t be done at all.

Applied here, it suggests that only those with comprehensive scriptural mastery or consistent flawless behavior should make or renew sacred covenants. It overlooks the reality that covenants are how disciples grow, not a reward for already having mastered the gospel. All-or-Nothing Thinking blinds disciples to the incremental nature of spiritual learning and the gift of repentance.

Elder Cook’s Correction: Covenants—not perfection—prepare us for exaltation.Elder Cook teaches that receiving saving ordinances and entering temple covenants is essential for exaltation. Knowledge is a blessing, but it comes incrementally; covenants, not information, are what bind us to Christ. “Gospel knowledge is a great blessing obtained incrementally over time,” he explains, “but it is not a saving ordinance.”

In other words, disciples should not wait until they feel flawless to enter the temple or walk the covenant path. Temple preparation is an immediate goal because covenants anchor us to Christ’s grace, guide our growth, and open access to His power. Learning continues throughout our lives—and even beyond it.

Resolving this Fallacy: The belief that we must master the gospel before making covenants misunderstands the doctrine entirely. Exaltation is not achieved through intellectual mastery, but through the making and keeping of sacred covenants and relying on Christ’s Atonement. Elder Cook assures Saints that inadequacy is normal, learning is ongoing, and the Lord meets covenant-keepers where they are. The gospel is a path for imperfect people who are willing to progress.

Receiving the ordinances and covenants and living the commandments are essential… The gospel is not a test of knowledge.

Living Apologetics: Covenants as a Path for Imperfect DisciplesA common struggle—especially among new or returning members—is the feeling of not knowing enough to move forward. Some hesitate to prepare for the temple out of fear that they don’t understand everything yet. Others compare themselves to more seasoned members and feel inadequate by comparison.

Elder Cook reframes this: discipleship is not about arriving fully formed—it is about choosing the covenant path where Christ shapes us over time. Knowledge expands slowly. Spiritual confidence grows gradually. What saves us is not expertise, but commitment to Christ through sacred covenants.

Practical Apologetic Use:

If someone says: “I don’t think I’m ready for the temple—I still have so much to learn.”
You can respond: “Covenants are what help us grow into discipleship. Elder Cook teaches that knowledge comes incrementally, but covenants are essential now. The temple isn’t the finish line; it’s where Christ strengthens us along the way.”

Ways to Apply Today:

1️⃣ Take one step toward the temple. Study a temple-related chapter or talk with a leader about your next step.

2️⃣ Embrace incremental growth. Identify one gospel principle you want to understand better—then study it for just 10 minutes this week.

3️⃣ Release perfectionism. When feelings of inadequacy arise, remind yourself: “The gospel is not a test of knowledge.”

Keep This Talk With YouElder Cook’s message is a reminder that the Lord’s hastening work does not require perfect Saints—only willing ones. As we set our hearts on the covenant path, we soon discover that Christ compensates for our shortcomings, strengthens our efforts, and teaches us line upon line. Temple covenants are not reserved for the doctrinally seasoned; they are the very means by which disciples become more like Him.

Just as early converts gathered with joy despite limited knowledge, modern Saints can move forward with confidence. The Lord has always worked through humble, learning disciples. He invites each of us—new, returning, or long standing—to progress one covenant at a time.

This week, try one small step:

Identify one temple covenant you want to understand more deeply and read a related scripture or conference quote.
Support a newer member by sharing a moment when you felt inadequate but kept moving forward.
Choose one small act of obedience that will help you take a step toward the temple.

How will you walk the covenant path this week—even if you still feel like you’re learning as you go?

The post The Lord Is Hastening His Work appeared first on FAIR.

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In her October 2025 General Conference message, Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus taught that recognizing and trusting living prophets is essential for navigating “the many voices” of our day. Just like the woman of Shunem who discerned that Elisha was “a holy man of God,” we too can receive a personal witness of God’s chosen servants.

But a thoughtful question arises in our time: Why should modern believers place their trust in a living prophet?

“We too can receive a personal testimony of God’s prophets today and open our hearts and minds—our house—to the message that our Heavenly Father has for us.” – Andrea Muñoz Spannaus

Common Criticism: “Why should modern believers place their trust in a living prophet?”

Many question the role of prophetic authority in a contemporary world. They argue that moral reasoning, personal insight, or social consensus should outweigh the voice of a single religious leader. Some see prophetic guidance as unnecessary or outdated, wondering why God would speak through chosen servants today when information and opinions are so widely accessible.

Fallacy at Work: PresentismPresentism is the tendency to judge spiritual realities through strictly modern assumptions—expecting prophetic consensus to match popular opinion, or assuming divine authority must function like other forms of leadership in today’s culture.

Applied here, presentism views prophets merely as organizational figures rather than divinely appointed messengers. It overlooks the scriptural pattern that God has always worked through humble, imperfect servants and ignores the invitation to seek personal confirmation through the Holy Ghost.

Sister Spannaus’ Correction: Prophets speak for God.Sister Spannaus teaches that prophets are called and authorized to convey the Lord’s will. They are “seers and revelators” who receive commandments, prepare God’s children for future challenges, and testify of Jesus Christ. Continuing revelation is not optional—it is foundational to the restored gospel: “He will yet reveal many great and important things.”

Modern prophets work unitedly in councils established by Christ Himself. Their decisions are made through prayer, unanimity, and revelation to ensure “the Lord’s will will be done.” And, crucially, every disciple can receive the same confirming witness the Shunammite woman received.

Resolving this Fallacy: The criticism dissolves when we understand that prophetic trust is ultimately trust in God. Prophets are not followed because they are flawless, but because they are chosen. Their authority does not come from personal strength but divine appointment. Through the Holy Ghost, God invites each of us to confirm their calling and experience the blessings that come from heeding their voice.

Once we know they are God’s anointed ones, our lives will be easier… as we obey their voices with trust, faith, and hope.

Living Apologetics: Personal Revelation and Prophetic TrustA common concern today is the overwhelming number of competing voices—online personalities, commentators, influencers, and critics. In such a noisy world, some wonder how prophetic counsel can be trusted above all others.

Sister Spannaus reframes this beautifully: prophets do not compete with the world’s voices—they cut through them with heaven’s perspective. Like the woman of Shunem, we learn to “perceive” truth through the Holy Ghost. Trusting prophets is not blind loyalty; it is spiritually confirmed discipleship.

Practical Apologetic Use:

If someone says: “I do not see why modern believers should place particular trust in a living prophet.”
You can respond: “Throughout scripture, God has consistently chosen prophets to convey His will. Their authority does not rest on personal insight or popularity but on divine calling. Modern prophets continue that pattern today, offering revelation we can each confirm through the Holy Ghost. Trusting their counsel is ultimately an expression of trust in God, who directs them.”

Ways to Apply Today:1️⃣ Pray specifically for a witness. Follow Sister Spannaus’ invitation: kneel, ask God if the prophet is His messenger, and listen with real intent.
2️⃣ Notice how prophetic counsel blesses you. Keep a short list of how following their invitations impacts your peace or clarity.
3️⃣ Create a place for prophetic guidance in your life. The Shunammite woman built a room; we can build space in our schedule, study, and decisions for the Lord’s voice.

Keep This Talk With YouSister Spannaus’ message calls us to anchor our discipleship in the Lord’s pattern: God speaks through prophets. In an age filled with doubt, distraction, and shifting philosophies, disciples of Christ can stand steady by rooting themselves in revealed truth and personal testimony.

As we seek, listen, and follow with faith, we become like the Shunammite woman—quick to discern holiness and eager to welcome the Lord’s servants into our lives. Trusting prophets does not remove challenges, but it brings spiritual stability “to hold on to every good thing until the Second Coming.”

This week, try one small step:

Study one recent prophetic invitation and apply it literally for seven days.
Talk with a friend or family member about how you recognized a prompting recently.
Ask the Lord what He wants you to understand about continuing revelation. “Do I have a personal testimony of God’s living prophets?”

How will you invite the Holy Ghost to deepen your trust in the Lord’s chosen servants this week?

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, Elder Brik V. Eyre taught that our lives “will fundamentally change if we better understand who we really are.” He testified that we are not accidents of creation or mere products of circumstance—we are beloved sons and daughters of God, endowed with divine potential and accountability.

Some faith traditions see humanity primarily as creations of God—beautiful, but passive. Elder Eyre reminds us that the restored gospel restores a higher truth: we are children of God, heirs with Christ. That single shift in identity changes everything—from how we face trials to how we use our agency.

“We must seek validation vertically, not horizontally. And as we do, we too can boldly proclaim, ‘I am a child of God.” — Elder Brik V. Eyre

Common Criticism: “If God made me this way, how can He hold me accountable?”In a world shaped by victimhood and self-definition, some wonder whether personal accountability is fair. “If God created me with these tendencies or challenges,” the reasoning goes, “then He’s responsible for my choices and outcomes.”

This view can make us feel powerless—defined by biology, upbringing, or circumstance—rather than divine design. It assumes that identity is static, not eternal.

Fallacy at Work: The Fatalism FallacyThe Fatalism Fallacy is the mistaken belief that our choices don’t matter because everything—including who we are—has already been decided.

Fatalism whispers that agency is an illusion. It treats human beings as programmed outcomes of creation rather than participants of divine parentage. Applied to faith, it mistakes God’s authorship for authorship without consent: if He “made” us, then we cannot act for ourselves.

Elder Eyre’s message refutes that completely. Our Father in Heaven did not manufacture us; He fathered us. Children inherit divine capacity. Creation makes objects; parenthood makes agents. To be God’s child is to share, in embryo, His creative power—the ability to choose, grow, and become.

Resolving this Fallacy: The restored gospel’s doctrine of divine identity transforms accountability into empowerment. Because we are God’s children, not His puppets, we are capable of growth beyond our circumstances. The adversary whispers, “You’re never going to get better—this is who you’ll always be.” But divine truth replies, “You are a child of God—this is who you are becoming.”

Agency is not punishment; it is privilege. The Father’s plan was never to trap us in weakness but to teach us to act, repent, and progress. As Elder Eyre testified, “The adversary will always try to label us by our weaknesses, but Heavenly Father consistently and lovingly reminds us that we are His children.”

“While our Heavenly Father lovingly reminds us that we are His children, the adversary will always try to label us by our weaknesses.” — Elder Brik V. Eyre

Living Apologetics: Identity That Empowers AgencyA frequent misconception is that faith in divine identity means blind obedience—that if God is our Father, He dictates our lives. Elder Eyre flips that narrative. Knowing we are children of God gives us both the courage and the responsibility to act.

Our divine inheritance is not exemption from struggle; it is the endowment of power to grow through it. Christ’s Atonement makes that growth possible, and prayer connects us to the source of it.

Practical Apologetic Use:

If someone says: “If God made me this way, I shouldn’t have to change.”
You can respond: “He didn’t just make you—He begot you. As His child, you have divine DNA. That means you’re not trapped by what is—you’re invited to become something more.”

Ways to Apply Today:

1️⃣ Seek validation vertically. Before scrolling, comparing, or apologizing for who you are, spend time “being with God.” Let Him remind you of who you are to Him.
2️⃣ Replace labels with lineage. When you catch yourself thinking, “I’m just not good at…,” reframe: “I’m a child of God learning to…”
3️⃣ Act from identity, not insecurity. Make one decision today that reflects divine potential rather than fear or habit.

Keep This Talk With YouUnderstanding divine identity is the foundation of divine destiny. Elder Eyre’s invitation is not merely to believe in God, but to believe God when He tells us who we are.
Remember: creation defines existence; sonship defines becoming.

When you feel unworthy, uncertain, or overwhelmed, repeat Moses’s declaration: “Who art thou? For behold, I am a son [or daughter] of God.” (Moses 1:13.) That truth banishes shame, restores agency, and anchors hope.

This week, try one small step:

Write in your journal the sentence, “I am a child of God, therefore I can choose.”
In prayer, ask not only for help but for remembrance—of who you are, and whose you are.
When you see others struggling, remind them of their divine heritage, not their human limitations.

How will you live differently this week because you know who you really are?

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, Elder Gerrit W. Gong taught that living the gospel of Jesus Christ means creating space for everyone in His restored Church. “The spirit of ‘room in the inn,’” he said, “includes ‘no one sits alone.’”

Critics sometimes claim that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints isn’t truly inclusive—that its members are friendly only within familiar circles or cultural comfort zones. From the outside, this can look like cliquishness or indifference, especially when visitors or those who feel different are unintentionally overlooked.

But Elder Gong’s message is just as searching for those inside the fold. He invites covenant members to examine our own habits of belonging and be vigilant against forming cliques or closed circles. The Savior’s Church cannot thrive on “insiders and outsiders.” Every ward and branch should feel like His inn—open, warm, and attentive to those who arrive weary, wondering if they will be seen.

Genuine belonging in the Church isn’t a social gesture—it is a doctrinal covenant rooted in Jesus Christ Himself.

Common Criticism: The Church Isn’t Welcoming“The Church isn’t welcoming—it’s full of cliques and cultural barriers.”

This perception arises when visitors, new converts, or long-time members feel unseen or disconnected. Some conclude that the exclusive “gospel culture” is just Utah culture or that inclusion depends on fitting a specific mold of appearance, background, or belief.

Fallacy at Work: Out-Group BiasOut-Group Bias is the tendency to see those outside our group as less relatable, less moral, or less deserving of empathy. It narrows the circle of compassion by dividing people into “us” and “them.”

In Church life, Out-Group Bias can appear in quiet, unintentional ways. It shows up when we glance past the new face in the hallway, assuming they won’t fit in here or someone else will talk to them. It whispers that people who dress differently, speak with an accent, or have questions about faith or identity probably “wouldn’t understand.” Left unchecked, that bias can build invisible walls in our congregations—walls that make others feel like guests rather than family.

Elder Gong’s Correction: Elder Gong urges us to recognize and dismantle those barriers. Every ward, branch, and quorum should reflect the Lord’s inclusive invitation: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden.” The Savior’s gospel culture has no “us and them”—only we, gathered together in covenant belonging.

Elder Gong’s teaching dismantles the Out-Group bias. In gospel culture, there is no “out-group.” Christ “inviteth all to come unto Him” (2 Nephi 26:33). Every covenant member—and every seeker—is already included in the invitation to the “supper of the Lamb.”

Resolving this Fallacy: Gospel belonging is not a social program—it’s a divine pattern. The Church gathers “from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people” to form one body in Christ. When we make room for others—especially those who feel they are different—we are not merely being polite; we are living our covenants to “mourn with those that mourn” and to “comfort those that stand in need of comfort” (Mosiah 18:9, 21).

Elder Gong’s correction is clear: the culture of Christ’s Church is the culture of covenant inclusion. Every time we extend a sincere “hello,” sit beside someone new, or bridge a cultural gap, we enact the very pattern of Zion.

Living Apologetics: Creating Gospel CultureA frequent misunderstanding is that inclusion means relaxing doctrine or erasing differences. Elder Gong reframes it: true inclusion is rooted in covenant discipleship, not cultural conformity.

Gospel belonging does not require us to set aside revealed commandments or endorse every choice. The Savior’s invitation is both merciful and covenantal: He meets us where we are but never leaves us there. To welcome someone is to acknowledge divine worth, extend friendship, and invite discipleship—not to redefine the doctrine that anchors that invitation.

Practical Apologetic Use:

If someone says: “The Church just isn’t very welcoming.”
You can respond: “That’s exactly why Elder Gong taught that ‘no one sits alone.’ Belonging in the gospel isn’t about blending in—it’s about being gathered to Christ. Each of us is responsible to make room in His inn.”

Ways to Apply Today:1️⃣ See and sit. At Church, look for someone sitting alone. A simple greeting or choosing to sit beside them can change everything.
2️⃣ Bridge cultures. Learn from members whose backgrounds differ from yours; their experiences expand your understanding of gospel culture.
3️⃣ Check your circle. Ask in prayer: “Lord, who feels unseen in my ward family?” Then act on the impression that comes.

Keep This Talk With YouElder Gong’s invitation calls covenant members to examine our own habits of belonging and to be vigilant against forming invisible circles that keep others at arm’s length. True discipleship requires us to stretch our hearts beyond what is comfortable, to reach across differences of background, belief, or circumstance, and to welcome others as fellow travelers in Christ’s inn. Welcoming someone does not mean we must agree with every viewpoint or lifestyle—it means we recognize divine worth, extend friendship, and invite discipleship rooted in the Savior’s doctrine.

When both sides of this equation are met—when those outside are willing to look again with understanding, and those inside are determined to love more deliberately—the result is what Elder Gong called covenant belonging. It deepens as we come to each other and to the Lord in His inn. The Lord blesses us all when no one sits alone. And who knows? Maybe the person we sit next to will become, as Elder Gong said, “our best fortune-cookie friend.” As we find and make place for Him and for each other at the supper of the Lamb, we begin to glimpse the unity and joy of Zion itself.

This week, try one small step:

Sit beside someone you don’t know at church. A simple act of sitting next to another person can turn a stranger into a friend and remind both of you that there is room in Christ’s inn for all.
Learn how their journey of faith began. Listening to someone’s story builds understanding and breaks down invisible walls that separate “us” from “them.”
Pray to see your ward through the Savior’s eyes. Ask to notice who feels left out or unseen, and let His compassion guide you to act with warmth and courage.

How will you help your ward become a place where no one sits alone—physically, emotionally, or spiritually?

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, Elder Peter M. Johnson taught that the greatest preparation for Christ’s return is to make our discipleship our highest priority. We do this by ministering “to the one” with compassion, kindness, patience, and love without judgment.

But who is the one? Sometimes it’s the stranger who feels invisible, like the Samaritan woman at the well. Sometimes it’s a family member carrying private wounds. And sometimes the one is us, in moments when we feel marginalized, unseen, or judged.

Yet many of us find it easier to minister only to those we already admire or approve of. What about the people we quietly label as “undeserving” of our efforts? Elder Johnson’s message challenges us to see every person as Christ does: “You are wonderful; you are beautiful; you are each a child of God”.

“We learn from Jesus Christ the power of ministering to the one with love and without judgment.” —Elder Peter M. Johnson

Common Misconception: I’m Not Obliged to Help

“The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand … for his punishments are just.” (Mosiah 4:17)

This temptation—to decide who is or isn’t worthy of our ministering—goes back to King Benjamin’s day. We sometimes assume that if people are suffering because of their own choices, we are justified in withholding compassion.

Fallacy at Work: Moral Desert BiasMoral Desert Bias is the belief that people should always get exactly what they “deserve,” whether good or bad.

On the surface, it feels fair: reward the diligent, punish the lazy. But this way of thinking creates blind spots when applied to human relationships:

It overlooks the unseen burdens people carry—trauma, poverty, illness, or circumstances we don’t understand.
It ignores God’s pattern of extending mercy to all, not just to the “deserving.”
It tempts us to act as judges of worth, when Christ alone is the Judge.

In the context of King Benjamin’s warning, the bias shows up when we rationalize: “He made bad choices, so I don’t have to help.” In modern life it might sound like: “She’s in debt because she’s irresponsible,” or “He’s addicted because he’s weak,” or even “If they really wanted help, they’d change.”

Elder Johnson’s Correction: Elder Johnson reminded us that every person is “wonderful, beautiful, a child of God”. The Savior Himself shattered the logic of moral desert when He ministered to the Samaritan woman at the well—someone her community deemed undeserving. And Elder Johnson’s story of his missionary companion shows what it looks like today: love and patience offered not because he “deserved” it in that moment, but because he was a child of God in need.

Resolving this Fallacy: When we give in to Moral Desert Bias, we act as though mercy is something people must earn (i.e., we judge them as worthy). But King Benjamin taught that we are all beggars before God (Mosiah 4:19). None of us “deserves” the abundance He gives us. That truth levels the ground: we minister not because others have earned our help, but because Christ has already given us grace we did not earn.

Living Apologetics: Ministering Beyond “Deserving”A common struggle is the feeling that some people simply aren’t our responsibility. We may think: “Why should I help them? They made their bed—they can lie in it.” Or, on a broader scale: “They don’t belong here. Why should we have to care for them?”

Elder Johnson’s teaching reframes this mindset: discipleship means ministering “to the one” with compassion, kindness, patience, and love without judgment. The worth of a soul is not determined by nationality, race, social status, or even the mistakes of the past. As King Benjamin warned, when we say someone’s suffering is “just” and withhold our hand, we ourselves stand condemned (Mosiah 4:17–19).

But the struggle doesn’t only turn outward—it turns inward, too. Sometimes we say to ourselves: “I don’t deserve help either. I brought this on myself.” This is unrighteous judgment against ourselves. Christ never asked us to minister conditionally—even to our own souls. His invitation is always: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). To accept His grace, we must also judge ourselves with mercy.

Practical Apologetic Use:

If someone says: “I don’t deserve help.”
You can respond: “None of us ‘deserve’ Christ’s love—but He gives it anyway. The question is not, ‘Am I worthy of help?’ but, ‘Will I let the Savior minister to me so I can minister to others?’”

Ways to Apply Today:1️⃣ See the person, not the category. When you catch yourself thinking in labels—immigrant, addict, failure—pause and remember: “Wonderful. Beautiful. Child of God.”
2️⃣ Minister inward as well as outward. Extend patience and compassion to yourself. Judging yourself harshly blocks the Savior’s healing just as much as judging others.
3️⃣ Choose mercy over measurement. Before deciding if someone “deserves” your help, ask: “What does Christ want me to offer this person?”

Keep This Talk With YouHere is an invitation to see differently. Elder Johnson’s reminder that every person is wonderful, beautiful, a child of God challenges us to set aside the temptation to measure other’s worth. Whether the world says, “They don’t belong here” or our own heart whispers, “I don’t deserve help,” the Savior’s way of ministering is mercy without conditions.

This week, try one small step:

Catch the judgment: When you find yourself thinking in categories—they brought it on themselves, they’re not like me, I don’t deserve help—pause and reframe: “We are all beggars before God” (Mosiah 4:19).
Practice mercy inward and outward: Extend patience to someone who feels unseen, and extend that same patience to yourself.
Remember the one: Pray specifically to notice “the one” you are called to minister to today.

How will you choose to see every “other” you meet this week—not as a category or a label, but as the one: a living, beloved child of God?

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In his October 2025 General Conference address, Proved and Strengthened in Christ, President Henry B. Eyring taught that times of trial and discouragement are not signs of God’s abandonment but evidence of His love. The Lord “proves” His children, not by granting ease or worldly success, but by refining them into disciples who can bear the weight of eternal life.

Some feel discouraged or even lose faith when they feel the gospel is “not working”. When health fails or hoped-for blessings never materialize, there’s a temptation to think that God has ‘let us down’. But this expectation rests on a counterfeit view of the gospel, one that measures God’s goodness by our comfort and success. President Eyring’s message answers that misconception: trials are not failures of the gospel but the very means by which it transforms us into Christlike beings.

Common Criticism: The Gospel Isn’t Working for MeThere are former members of the Church – and even some current members — who feel that if the gospel were true, their lives should be easier, happier, or more successful. When illness persists, relationships falter, or blessings don’t come, they conclude that God and the gospel have failed them.

Fallacy at Work: Prosperity BiasProsperity Bias is the tendency to measure truth or divine favor by how comfortable, successful, or easy life feels.

It is a form of confirmation bias: when things go well, we assume God is near; when hardships come, we assume He has failed us.

Many who struggle say the gospel “isn’t working” because it didn’t insulate them from illness, disappointment, or grief. Prosperity Bias creates a false standard for God’s love—equating it with worldly ease or other expectations—so when trials arise, they conclude God has abandoned them.

President Eyring’s Correction:

Brothers and sisters, your proving and strengthening may not look like Moroni’s or Jacob’s or the Prophet Joseph’s. But it will come. It may come quietly, through the trials of family life. It may come through illness or disappointment or grief or loneliness. I bear witness that these moments are not evidence that the Lord has abandoned you. Rather, they are evidence that He loves you enough to refine and strengthen you. He is making you strong enough to carry the weight of eternal life.

Eyring’s testimony dismantles Prosperity Bias: true gospel “success” is not measured by prosperity or ease, but by the refining presence of God in our proving moments.

The scriptures reinforce this truth. Moroni, lonely and hunted, still testified of Christ (Moroni 10:1–5). Joseph Smith, in Liberty Jail, cried out “O God, where art Thou?” but was assured that adversity is “but a small moment” (D&C 121:1–8). The Lord’s refining work transforms weakness into strength (Philippians 4:13).

Resolving this Fallacy: The gospel is not a prosperity contract or a self-fulfillment program. It is a redemptive, covenantal relationship between us and Christ. Misunderstanding this leads to disillusionment: when trials come, people assume the gospel is “not working” because it didn’t deliver comfort or success. But that is a counterfeit lens. The true gospel is working whenever it brings us closer to Christ, even (and especially) in hardship.

When we face proving moments, the Lord is not failing us—He is forming us. The question is not, “Why is the gospel not working?” but rather, “How is God shaping me through this?” In that reframing, every trial can become evidence of His love and a step toward reconciliation with Him.

Living Apologetics: Trials as Refinement, Not FailureMany of us quietly wonder if our faith is “working” when life is heavy. The apologetic answer clarifies the error of Prosperity Bias—but living the gospel means moving beyond the analysis. President Eyring invites us to see proving moments as God’s training ground, not His absence.

Living this perspective means learning to spot God’s hand in the middle of weakness, reframing discouragement as evidence of His refining love, and sharing that witness with others who feel weighed down. The gospel “works” not by removing our struggles but by transforming us within them—and that transformation becomes one of the most powerful testimonies we can bear.

Practical Apologetic Use:

If someone says: “I’ve tried living the gospel, but it’s not working—life is still full of problems.”
You can respond: “I’ve felt that too. What I’ve learned is that the gospel isn’t about erasing struggles—it’s about who we become through them. My hardest moments are often where I’ve felt Christ the closest.”

Ways to Apply Today:

1️⃣ Notice Christ’s strength in weakness. Keep a simple record this week of moments when you felt supported, even in something small.
2️⃣ Reframe discouragement. When a trial weighs on you, pause and ask: What might God be building in me through this?3️⃣ Turn experience into testimony. Share one example—big or small—with a friend, loved one, or in a journal, where a struggle helped you grow closer to Christ.

Keep This Talk With YouPresident Eyring’s reminder is simple: life’s hardest seasons are not detours from discipleship but the very ground where discipleship takes root. God is shaping us, often quietly, through the disappointments, illnesses, and griefs we wish would pass.

To carry this message into your week, try:

Pause in a moment of discouragement and ask: How is God refining me here?
Write down one small way you’ve felt strengthened in the past month.
Encourage a friend or family member who feels forgotten—remind them they are being strengthened, not abandoned.

“The Lord proves us … to strengthen us. That proving does not come in moments of ease or comfort. It comes in moments when we feel stretched beyond what we thought we could bear. The Lord teaches that we are to continue to grow and never tire in our efforts, that we never give up, that we keep trying. When we continue to have faith in Jesus Christ—even when things might feel impossible to us at the moment—we become spiritually stronger.” – President Henry B. Eyring, Proved and Strengthened in Christ

Where in your life right now might God be using struggle as His way of preparing you to carry the weight of eternal life?

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President Dallin H. Oaks reminded the Church in October 2025 that the gospel of Jesus Christ is, at its heart, a family plan. Beginning in the premortal council, this plan unfolds in our mortal homes, and is fulfilled in eternal families through temple covenants. He taught that the family is not just a cultural value but the very structure of God’s eternal design for His children.

This vision stands in sharp contrast to the world we live in, where marriage rates decline and childbearing is often delayed or dismissed. Some scoff that the Church’s emphasis on family is restrictive or outdated. President Oaks countered with a clear witness: the family is not peripheral to the plan of salvation—it is the plan.

Common Criticism: the Traditional Family is Outdated Some critics argue that emphasizing marriage, childbearing, and temple covenants is naive. Modern perspectives on the meaning and practice of marriage, the expense and care of raising children, and cultural acceptance of alternative lifestyles make a family-centered gospel feel restrictive rather than liberating.

Fallacy at Work: PresentismPresentism is the tendency to judge past or eternal truths only by current cultural values.

In this case, critics assume that because society has changed its expectations about family, God’s doctrine must also change. This overlooks the eternal nature of covenants and the consistent prophetic witness that families are central to God’s plan.

President Oaks’s Correction: The family is not merely tradition—it is the covenant structure through which God exalts His children. He testified that the gospel was “first taught to us in the council of an eternal family, it is implemented through our mortal families, and its intended destiny is to exalt the children of God in eternal families”

In other words, families are not an off-shoot to the gospel—they are the goal of the gospel..

Resolving this Fallacy: Rather than being restrictive, the Church’s teachings on family provide hope and purpose that extend far beyond the shifting values of the world. Eternal families anchor us in an identity larger than ourselves and remind us that our covenants are part of a divine pattern.

While marriage rates and birthrates may decline in society, Latter-day Saints look beyond temporary cultural shifts to eternal truths. Families are not about clinging to outdated traditions; they are about participating in God’s ongoing work of salvation and exaltation.

Living Apologetics: Families as Eternal Foundations, Not Cultural RelicsA common struggle today is the sense that family life is expensive, messy, or undervalued in society. Some worry that Church teachings on family feel impossible to live fully in the face of divorce, single parenthood, or declining marriage rates. President Dallin H. Oaks reframes this: families—whether complete or currently incomplete—are still at the center of God’s eternal plan. Every effort to teach, nurture, and covenant as a family is meaningful and consecrated.

Practical Apologetic Use:

If someone says: “The Church’s focus on family just doesn’t fit the reality of modern life.”
You can respond: “Families aren’t about outdated ideals—they’re about eternal promises. President Oaks reminded us that even in imperfect or broken circumstances, God consecrates our efforts and assures the possibility of eternal family joy.”

Ways to Apply Today:

1️⃣ Create daily family connection. Turn off technology for one meal or evening this week and give your family the gift of attention.
2️⃣ Teach eternal perspective. Share family stories or scriptures that remind children they belong to an eternal family, even when life feels uncertain.
3️⃣ Anchor in the temple. Set or renew a goal to attend the temple—alone or as a couple—to remember the sealing power that binds families beyond mortality.

Keep This Talk With YouGeneral Conference is more than a weekend of inspiring words—it is an invitation to anchor our lives more fully in God’s eternal plan. President Dallin H. Oaks reminded us that the gospel of Jesus Christ is a family plan, designed to strengthen us in mortality and exalt us in eternity.

This week, try one small step:

Share a family story or scripture with your children or grandchildren.
Turn off technology one evening and give your family the gift of your time.
Pray for someone in your family who feels distant or discouraged.

“The family circle is the ideal place to demonstrate and learn eternal values, such as the importance of marriage and children, the purpose of life, and the true source of joy. It is also the best place to learn other essential lessons of life, such as kindness, forgiveness, self-control, and the value of education and honest work.” – President Dallin H. Oaks, The Family-Centered Gospel of Jesus Christ

How will you show your family this week that they are central to God’s eternal plan—and to your heart?

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As prophet from 2018–2025, President Russell M. Nelson spoke again and again of the great work of gathering Israel on both sides of the veil. He taught that revelation, temples, repentance, and discipleship all converge in one grand purpose: binding God’s children to Jesus Christ through sacred covenants.

In truth, President Nelson testified that gathering Israel is the most important work on earth today, because it is how we prepare individuals and families to meet the Savior with joy. The increased number of temples built, the changes in how youth serve in the temple and the church and the focus on ‘gathering’ all lead to this end.

President Nelson preached and practiced gathering throughout his tenure as prophet, dispelling ideas that the Gathering of Israel is culturally or racially defined. The unprecedented building of temples is not about appearances, wealth or exclusivity. It is about making the ordinances of salvation available to all of God’s children.

“Anytime we do anything that helps anyone—on either side of the veil—to make and keep their covenants with God, we are helping to gather Israel.” — President Russell M. Nelson, Let God Prevail

Common Question: Are All of God’s Children of Equal Value?In today’s world, political and cultural voices often divide us, ranking people by race, wealth, nation, gender, or ideology. Sadly, some assume the Church does the same. They feel that it is exclusive, favoring some groups, cultures or races over others; or that it values members more than those outside the faith.

Fallacy at Work: Ranking FallacyThe assumption that if God (or an institution) gives special attention, blessings, or responsibilities to one group or individual, others must be less valued. It treats worth as comparative rather than intrinsic.

The ranking fallacy assumes that worth is comparative—that if some are chosen, others must be less. It mistakes God’s covenantal invitations as favoritism, when in reality His work is to unite all His children in Christ.

President Nelson’s Example: President Nelson taught and exemplified that the gathering of Israel is universal. Every man, woman, and child is invited to come unto Christ and receive His healing and power.

President Nelson traveled the globe more than any prophet before him—ministering in Africa, South America, Asia, Europe, and the Pacific—bearing witness that God “denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female” (2 Nephi 26:33). To gather Israel is to reach every soul, in every land, with equal love and urgency.

Resolving this Fallacy: The apologetic truth is that God’s kingdom is not built on rankings but on relationships: covenant relationships that make us one in Christ. Far from excluding, the covenant path is Christ’s way of bringing everyone home.

To say the Church elevates some and diminishes others is to misread the very heart of President Nelson’s ministry. His legacy is a call for us to honor the divine worth of all God’s children and to treat one another accordingly. In an age of division, his prophetic voice pointed us to unity, dignity, and peace in Christ.

Living Apologetics: Becoming Like Christ to Truly See Him President Nelson’s prophetic ministry centered on gathering Israel—not simply into congregations, but to Christ Himself. His repeated call was to choose Christ so fully that His image is written in our countenance. As John taught: “When he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2; see also Moroni 7:48).

President Nelson spent his ministry showing us how to become like Him—through covenants, revelation, temple worship, repentance, and peacemaking—so that ultimately, all may see Him face to face.

Practical Apologetic Use:

If someone says: “The Church is just about excluding people with rules and rankings. It divides people instead of uniting them.”
You can respond: “President Nelson’s ministry testifies the opposite: covenants and commandments are not barriers but bridges. They are how we learn to become like Christ, and how we prepare to see Him as He is. Gathering Israel is about unity in Christ, not division by man-made categories.”

Ways to Apply Today:

1️⃣ Choose to “Think Celestial.” Reframe daily decisions through the lens of who you are becoming in Christ.
2️⃣ See others as God sees them. When tempted to rank or dismiss someone, remember: they too are a child of God, invited to the same covenants.
3️⃣ Live for the presence of God. Let temple worship, repentance, and scripture study point you to the day when you will see Christ face to face.

Keep President Nelson’s Ministry With YouPresident Nelson’s legacy calls us to take the gathering of Israel personally: to gather our neighbors, our families, and (maybe especially) our own hearts to Christ. The best way we can honor his life and ministry is to let his teachings shape how we see others and how we prepare to meet the Savior.

This week, try one small step:

Pray to see one person the way God sees them—and act on the prompting that follows.
Take one deliberate step on the covenant path: temple attendance, repentance, or seeking revelation.
Record in a journal one way you felt God’s love for you personally this week.

“Whatever questions or problems you have, the answer is always found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Learn more about His Atonement, His love, His mercy, His doctrine, and His restored gospel of healing and progression. Turn to Him! Follow Him!” President Russell M. Nelson, The Answer is Always Jesus Christ

How will you honor President Nelson’s ministry this week—by helping one soul draw closer to Christ, even if that soul is your own?

On a personal note, I wish to express my gratitude for the life, example and teachings of Russell M. Nelson. His love, enthusiasm and optimism have blessed my life and helped me come closer to my Savior. I’m grateful for him. I testify that he was a prophet of our God. I’m grateful I’ve had the opportunity to look more closely at his teachings thru this series. – DeLayna Beck

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Evidence That God Still SpeaksEvery six months, millions gather to hear messages from prophets, apostles, and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To some, this is just another conference; to believers, it is a sacred witness that God still speaks today.

Critics often claim that revelation ceased with the Bible, that modern prophets are unnecessary, or that faith is irrelevant in our time. General Conference provides a powerful answer to each of these doubts – it is continuing revelation in real time.

Common Criticism: Church members are told what to think instead of encouraged to seek truth for themselves.It would be easy to see General Conference as a time when leaders “tell members what to think,” leaving little room for individual thought or spiritual independence. Instead of noticing the repeated invitations to seek, ask, and act for themselves, they focus only on the authoritative voices at the pulpit.

Fallacy at Work: False Dilemma (or “All-or-Nothing Thinking”)A logical fallacy that presents only two options as if they are the only possibilities, when in fact other alternatives exist.

This fallacy frames the choice as either blind obedience to leaders or total independence without them. In reality, General Conference models a “both-and” pattern: prophets teach truth while encouraging members to seek confirmation and revelation for themselves. It’s a consistent pattern. Leaders teach; they invite listeners to pray, record impressions, and then act on personal revelation.

Correction: General Conference is designed to train disciples in spiritual self-reliance. President Nelson urged members to “hear Him”—to develop the personal capacity to recognize and follow Christ’s voice. President Eyring promised that if we trust God enough to listen, we will receive His message in every sermon, song, and prayer.

Conference strengthens independent thinking by connecting members directly to revelation.

Solution: Rather than being told what to think, members are shown how to think with the Spirit. General Conference is God’s gift to His children: a sacred setting where prophets declare truth and every disciple is invited to confirm that truth with heaven. The false dilemma hides the reality that Conference is not about controlling minds—it is about opening hearts to the living God who still speaks.

Living Apologetics: Prophets Are Just Sharing OpinionsIt’s easy to dismiss Conference messages as nothing more than advice.

President Eyring counters this by saying that “God sends messages and authorized messengers to His children”. Doctrine and Covenants 1:38 reminds us that when His servants speak, it is as if God Himself speaks.

Practical Apologetic Use:

If someone says: “That’s just their opinion.”
You can respond: “General Conference isn’t just advice—it’s God’s word through His chosen servants. Test it by living it, and you’ll see the promised blessings.”

Ways to Apply Today:

1️⃣ Act on one prophetic invitation, no matter how small. Watch for how God blesses you as a result.
2️⃣ Share a personal story of when following a Conference invitation brought unexpected strength or peace.

Keep This Talk With YouAs you prepare for General Conference this week, remember that the greatest evidence that God still speaks is when His voice continues with you after the sessions end. Don’t let the Spirit’s impressions fade—carry them into your week.

Here are some “small and simple” things to try this week as you prepare:

Write down one question before Conference and review it afterward to see how God answered.
Record one impression during Conference and act on it within 24 hours.
Share one quote or thought with a friend or family member as a witness that God is speaking today.
Pray specifically for the ability to recognize when a talk is meant for you.

How will you act in faith this week so that General Conference becomes your personal proof that God still speaks?

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Participate to Prepare for Christ’s ReturnElder Steven D. Shumway, “Participate to Prepare for Christ’s Return”In his April 2025 General Conference address, Elder Steven D. Shumway taught that callings and participation in God’s work are sacred opportunities to prepare ourselves and others to meet the Savior. As he explained, “When we say yes to serving, we are saying yes to Jesus Christ. And when we say yes to Christ, we are saying yes to the most abundant life possible.”

But some struggle with callings. “Why does the Church keep piling on assignments? Aren’t callings just burdens?” Elder Shumway’s message provides an answer: service in God’s kingdom isn’t busywork—it is consecrated discipleship that transforms us into the kind of people who can meet the Savior with joy.

Common Criticism: Callings Are InconvenientMany members—and critics—see Church callings as overwhelming, exhausting, or sometimes even meaningless. Instead of remembering the blessings and growth that come through service, they focus on the stress, sacrifice, or times they’ve felt overlooked.

Fallacy at Work: Negativity BiasNegativity Bias is our tendency to pay more attention to problems and frustrations than to blessings and growth.

In this case, someone may only recall the stress of a demanding calling or the weariness of late nights, while overlooking the friendships formed, faith strengthened, or character deepened through the same service.

Elder Shumway’s Correction: Callings are consecrated opportunities. As he testified: “When we consecrate our meager but best effort, God magnifies it. When we sacrifice for Jesus Christ, He sanctifies us.” Service is not about flawless performance—it’s about offering what we can and letting Christ transform both us and those we serve.

Solution: Rather than burdens, callings are God’s gift to His children: a way to prepare our hearts for the Second Coming. The bias toward seeing only difficulty hides the reality that discipleship through service is one of the greatest ways the Lord refines us.

Living Apologetics: Service as Transformation, Not PerformanceA common struggle is the feeling that callings are about performance—checking boxes or living up to expectations—rather than growth.

Elder Shumway reframes this: when we consecrate our efforts to Christ, our service becomes joyful and sanctifying. Our callings are not about what the Church gets from us, but about what God makes of us through them.

Practical Apologetic Use:

If someone says: “My calling just feels like exhausting busywork.”
You can respond: “Callings aren’t meant to measure performance—they are sacred opportunities for Christ to change us. God doesn’t ask us to serve because He needs the help, but because we need the growth and grace that come through service.”

Ways to Apply Today:

1️⃣ Shift perspective. Instead of asking, “Why me?” ask, “What is God helping me become through this calling?”2️⃣ Notice blessings. Write down one way your calling has blessed you or others this month—it’s easy to forget when Negativity Bias takes over.

Keep This Talk With YouGeneral Conference is meant to be more than a weekend of inspiration—it is an invitation to live differently. Elder Shumway reminds us that participation in God’s work—through callings, covenants, and quiet acts of service—prepares us for Christ’s return.

This week, try one small step:

Pray to see your calling as preparation, not performance.
Record one blessing that has come through your service.
Encourage someone who feels overlooked to participate in God’s work.

“When we say yes to serving, we are saying yes to Jesus Christ.” —Elder Steven D. Shumway

How will you let your service—whether visible or unseen—prepare you to meet Jesus Christ?

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The Lord’s people & secular governmentsby Mike Parker

(Mike Parker is a long-time FAIR member who has graciously allowed us to use materials he originally prepared for the Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class. The scripture passages covered in his lessons don’t conform exactly to the Come, Follow Me reading schedule, so they will be shared here where they fit best.)

Class Notes

Additional Reading

In March 1907, the First Presidency issued a proclamation affirming that the Church is politically neutral, and that the state should not control the church, neither should the church control the state: “An Address: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to the World,”, Improvement Era 10, no. 5 (May 1907): 492–93.
Today’s First Presidency has continued to reaffirm this policy; see “Political Neutrality,” Newsroom of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Spencer W. Kimball, “The False Gods We Worship,” Ensign, June 1976, 3–6. President Kimball’s First Presidency message, criticizing militarism among Latter-day Saints, was published one month before the commemoration of the United States bicentennial.
Rodney Stark, “The Rise of Christianity: A Sociologist Reconsiders History,” PBS Frontline: From Jesus to Christ, April 1998. Stark, a world-renowned sociologist of religion, argues that what made early Christianity unique—and one reason why it prospered and became a world religion—was because it “taught that mercy is one of the primary virtues—that a merciful God requires humans to be merciful.”

Mike Parker is a business and marketing analyst with over twenty years’ experience in the financial services and cellular telephone industries. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management Information Systems from Dixie State University (now Utah Tech University) of St George, Utah. He also has eight years’ experience in corporate training and currently teaches an adult religion class in southern Utah. Mike and his wife, Denise, have three children.

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Elder Michael B. Strong, “Charity—a Sign of True Discipleship”“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35)

In his April 2025 General Conference address, Elder Michael B. Strong taught that the destination of discipleship is not based on belief or outward conformity, but transformation: to literally become as Jesus Christ is. The unmistakable sign of that transformation is charity—the pure love of Christ, expressed in deliberate, covenantal love for others.

But critics sometimes claim that discipleship in the Church looks like “checklist religion.” Ministering may be done to meet a quota. Kindness may be offered for appearance’s sake. Rules may be followed for cultural conformity.

Elder Strong’s message provides an answer: true discipleship is not performative. It is charity—love in action—that transforms us into Christ’s likeness and reveals the depth of covenant commitment.

Common Criticism: Isn’t This Just ‘Checklist Religion’?The critique often arises that Church service and discipleship are shallow or rule-bound—reduced to outward behaviors with little inner meaning. Some see ministering visits, callings, or covenant keeping as legalistic “busywork” rather than genuine discipleship.

Elder Strong’s answer to this criticism is simple: the true sign of discipleship isn’t outward performance but inward transformation through charity.

What is charity?Charity is the pure love of Christ (Moroni 7:47; 8:17). It is not a fleeting kindness or polite gesture, but a divine, enduring love that moves us to act in compassion and lift others as the Savior did.

Charity is inseparably tied to faith and hope—and without it, we are nothing (Moroni 7:44–46; 10:20). It suffers long, is patient and kind, and it never fails (Moroni 7:45–48). It is both commandment and covenant, the defining attribute of true discipleship: “ye shall have charity, for charity never faileth” (2 Nephi 26:30).

It is the sanctifying bond that brings us nearer to Christ, enabling us to be “full of love towards all men, and to the household of faith” (Alma 7:24). Ultimately, charity is the sign that we are His—love in action that endures forever and transforms us into His likeness (Ether 12:34, 37).

Fallacy at Work: This criticism reflects the Attribution ErrorAttribution Error is the tendency to explain someone’s behavior by assuming shallow or negative motives, while overlooking deeper context or external factors.

In this case, critics assume Church members minister or serve to “check a box,” ignoring the covenantal love and unseen compassion that often motivate discipleship. Many unseen acts of compassion, sacrifice, and covenantal love are evidence that discipleship in the Church is far more than performance.

Solution: Charity isn’t about surface-level “niceness.” It is the very nature of Christ made manifest in us—selfless, covenantal love that leads to action, endures forever, and identifies us as His disciples.

“Charity, like faith, leads to action.” 1

Living Apologetics: Ministering as Covenant LoveA common example of this criticism is ministering (previously home or visiting teaching). To some, it can feel like a shallow checklist—“just niceness” to fulfill an assignment.

Elder Strong’s reminder reframes ministering: true discipleship means embodying the love of Christ for that person – not just to “get it done”. When ministering is covenantal love in action, it becomes the very evidence that we are Christ’s disciples.

Practical Apologetic Use: If someone says: “Ministering is just busywork—it doesn’t really change lives.” * You can respond:* “Ministering isn’t meant to be a task—it’s an invitation to live charity as Christ did. The Savior showed compassion, noticed unspoken needs, and helped people forward spiritually. That’s what covenantal ministering looks like.”

Ways to Apply Today:1️⃣ Pay compassionate attention. Elder Strong pointed to the Savior’s way of noticing unspoken needs.Most of the time, if you ask someone directly if you can help, they will say “no.” But the Spirit can teach us what others are feeling and needing if we are willing to notice. Charity means not being afraid to act on those quiet impressions.

2️⃣ Act with covenantal depth. Choose one ministering assignment this month where you intentionally go beyond surface kindness—help, invite, or encourage in a way that mirrors the Savior’s compassion.

Keep This Talk With YouGeneral Conference is meant to be more than a weekend experience—it is an invitation to live differently after the closing prayer. Elder Strong’s message reminds us that discipleship is deliberate, and its defining sign is charity, the pure love of Christ.

That means charity is not a momentary feeling or a task to check off. It is a way of seeing and serving others that changes both them and us. When we notice unspoken needs, act on promptings, and approach ministering as covenantal love instead of convenience, we carry this talk with us into our daily lives.

This week, try one small step:

Pray to recognize someone who needs compassion.
Pay attention to promptings, even if they seem small.
Act in a way that reflects covenant love, not just surface kindness.

“Charity … is the pure love of Christ.” (Moroni 7:47)

As you act, you’ll find that charity not only blesses others but transforms you—helping you to become a true disciple of Jesus Christ, whose life is marked by love in action.

How will you let charity—not convenience or comfort—be the sign of your discipleship this week?

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Reverence as the Foundation for Spiritual Connection

Have you ever wondered why certain moments in worship feel life-changing—while others feel ordinary, even rushed? In a world that increasingly scoffs at the idea of sacred times and places, Elder Ulisses Soares’s April 2025 General Conference message, Reverence for Sacred Things, is a powerful reminder: reverence is not an accessory to spirituality—it is spirituality.

Elder Soares draws us to the image of Moses before the burning bush—removing his sandals, aware he was standing on holy ground. That act was more than cultural tradition; it was a physical expression of a heart fully turned toward God. Reverence, he teaches, is the virtue that prepares our hearts to receive divine instruction, whether we are in the temple or in our own homes.

Doctrine and Covenants 88 echoes this call: “Sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him” (v. 68). Reverence is not simply about silence or outward formality—it is the alignment of our whole being with God’s presence. It can transform a home into a sanctuary, and a building into the House of the Lord.

In the words of Elder Soares:

Reverence for sacred things is the greatest manifestation of a vital spiritual quality; it is a by-product of our connection to holiness and reflects our love for and proximity to our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ.

As we study D&C 88 this week, the pattern is clear: the Lord invites us to create holy places—“a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God” (v. 119)—not only in our temples, but in our homes. The question is, will we pause long enough, and reverently enough, to meet Him there?

Apologetic Issues: Reverence & the Relevance of Sacred SpaceDoctrine Issue: “Reverence Is Just Outward Formality”Misconception: “Reverence is about being quiet and somber—it’s just an old-fashioned cultural formality, not essential to spiritual connection.”

Response:Reverence is not a cultural habit—it is a Christ-centered virtue. In Joseph Smith’s day, the word virtue carried the meaning of moral power, excellence, and strength of character—not just moral purity. C.S. Lewis’s Screwtape Letters warns that the adversary will do all he can to prevent the formation of true virtues, because they shape how we receive God’s influence.

Elder Soares teaches that reverence is “a feeling or attitude of profound respect, love, and gratitude,” which invites the Holy Ghost and opens us to God’s blessings. Doctrine and Covenants 88 calls us to “sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God” (v. 68) and to “establish … a house of God” (v. 119). This inward alignment transforms outward stillness into spiritual receptivity. Reverence is the soil where testimony and revelation grow.

Common Fallacy: False Analogy – assuming two things are alike in all respects because they share some similarities.
This misconception treats reverence as the same as cultural formality. While formality can be empty, reverence is a spiritually potent virtue that changes our capacity to receive light (D&C 88:67).
Solution: Distinguish between empty custom and divine principle. Reverence is not about keeping an outdated style—it is about cultivating the inner condition that allows the Spirit to speak and be heard.

Social Issue: “Sacred Spaces Aren’t Necessary—God Is Everywhere”Misconception: “If God is everywhere, I don’t need a temple or a special setting to worship. My home, hobbies, or nature walks are enough.”

Response:It is true that God can be worshiped anywhere, but throughout scripture He commands the creation of dedicated sacred spaces. The Lord told Moses to remove his shoes because he stood on holy ground (Exodus 3:5). In D&C 88, He commands the Saints to build a temple and to establish their homes as “houses of prayer … faith … learning … glory” (v. 119).

Sacred spaces—especially the home and temple—do more than mark a location; they mark our intent. They provide a context for covenant, order, and focused worship that cannot be replicated by casual devotion alone. Elder Soares teaches that showing reverence for sacred things gives meaning to our everyday lives and freedom from the apathy that the irreverence of the world catapults us toward.

Common Fallacy: Hasty Generalization – drawing a broad conclusion from a few cases.
This misconception assumes that because God can be worshiped anywhere, all places are equally effective for deep spiritual formation.
Solution: Recognize that while God hears prayers anywhere, He commands and blesses the creation of set-apart spaces for His work. Sacred spaces amplify our focus, readiness, and covenant connection.

Apologetic Application: Reverence as a Christ-Centered Virtue that Unlocks Spiritual LightElder Ulisses Soares’s talk teaches a doctrinal truth with profound apologetic value:
Reverence is more than etiquette—it is a covenantal virtue that opens our hearts to God’s presence.

In Joseph Smith’s day, virtue meant far more than chastity—it was moral power, excellence, and strength of soul. C.S. Lewis’s Screwtape Letters warns that the adversary seeks to prevent the formation of such virtues, knowing they shape our ability to receive heaven’s influence.

In D&C 88, the Lord links reverence to divine vision: “Sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him” (v. 68). This is not about outward posture—it’s about the alignment of heart, mind, and will to Christ.

Defending Core Beliefs1⃣ Reverence ≠ Empty FormalitySome dismiss reverence as a hollow cultural habit. But in scripture, reverence is repeatedly tied to encounters with God—Moses removing his sandals before the burning bush (Exodus 3:5), the Lord commanding His people to build a temple “that I may dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8), and His instructions in D&C 88 to establish “a house of prayer … faith … learning … glory … God” (v. 119).
Defense: Outward expressions of reverence reflect inward humility and readiness to receive revelation. They are not ends in themselves—they are tools to help us stand on holy ground.

2⃣ Sacred Spaces Are Commanded, Not OptionalSome argue that since God can be worshiped anywhere, dedicated spaces like temples and worship-centered homes are unnecessary. While God indeed hears prayers offered anywhere, He commands the creation of holy places (Isaiah 2:3, D&C 88:119) as a pattern for covenant relationship and focused worship.
Defense: Sacred spaces amplify spiritual focus, strengthen covenant identity, and serve as protective “holy ground” in an increasingly irreverent world.

Practical Apologetics

This doctrine clarifies that reverence is a spiritual discipline that invites the Holy Ghost and allows the Lord to “unveil his face” (D&C 88:68). Practically, it becomes a defense against cultural trends that scoff at sacredness—showing that reverence isn’t just “acting” a certain way but a divine requirement for those who would see God.

Apologetic Use:When someone claims, “Your Church is too rigid about how worship should look,” you can respond: “It’s not about rigidity—it’s about readiness. Reverence prepares the heart to receive revelation. God asked Moses to remove his shoes before holy ground. Today, He asks us to sanctify our homes and temples so He can meet us there.”

Historical and Doctrinal ConnectionsReverence for sacred things is not a cultural invention—it is a divine pattern, repeated in every dispensation. Anciently, the Lord commanded Moses to remove his sandals before the burning bush, because he was standing on holy ground (Exodus 3:5). Israel was taught to sanctify themselves before approaching Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:10–11). The early Saints were commanded to do the same in their day.

In December 1832, Joseph Smith and other leaders met in the upper room of Newel K. Whitney’s store in Kirtland, Ohio, to seek the Lord’s will “concerning the upbuilding of Zion”. The result was Doctrine and Covenants 88—the “Olive Leaf” revelation—a message of peace after prophecies of war. In it, the Lord commanded His people to “sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God” and to establish “a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God” (vv. 68, 119). This call to reverence mirrored ancient Israel’s preparation for holy encounters and reaffirmed that sacred spaces are central to covenant life.

Elder Soares’s counsel continues this prophetic continuity. He reminds us that reverence is not optional—it is preparatory. Just as the Saints of Kirtland were commanded to create a temple and sanctify themselves, we are called to treat both our homes and temples as holy ground. Reverence is the spiritual posture that enables the Holy Ghost to “abide in your hearts” (v. 3) and fills our lives with light until we can “see [God]” (v. 68).

Connection to This Week’s Come, Follow Me Lesson:This week’s study of Doctrine and Covenants 88 focuses on light, sanctification, and the house of God. Elder Soares’s message fits perfectly:

D&C 88:67 – “If your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light.” Reverence aligns our vision with God’s glory.
D&C 88:68 – “Sanctify yourselves … and the days will come that you shall see him.” Reverence is the act of sanctifying both our space and ourselves.
D&C 88:119 – “Establish … a house of God.” The Lord commands physical and spiritual preparation for sacred encounters.

By honoring this pattern—whether in our living rooms or in the temple—we claim the same promise given to the Saints in Kirtland: that God will “establish his name” among us and fill our homes with His presence.

Living Apologetics: How to Apply This Today How can we help others understand that reverence is not outdated formality, but the foundation for real spiritual experience?

Elder Soares testifies that “…as we strive to incorporate such virtue into our daily lives, we will be able to increase our humility, expand our understanding of God’s will for us, and strengthen our confidence in the promises of the covenants we have made with the Lord.” In an age where sacredness is often dismissed, this truth helps us respond to cultural skepticism: reverence is not about restriction—it is about readiness.

Principle in Practice: Two Ways to Apply Apologetic Principles1⃣ Reframe Criticism of “Formality in Worship” When someone says, “Your church is too formal about worship,” respond:
→ “Reverence isn’t about formality—it’s about focus. Just like Moses removed his shoes before holy ground, we set apart our spaces and hearts so we can receive God’s guidance.”

2⃣ Explain Why Sacred Spaces Matter When someone says, “I can worship anywhere, so temples aren’t necessary,” respond:
→ “We can pray anywhere, but God repeatedly commands His people to create holy places so we can meet Him in covenant. Homes and temples give us both the setting and the spiritual preparation to hear His voice more clearly.”

Conclusion: Standing on Holy Ground Every DayElder Ulisses Soares’s message calls us to rediscover reverence as the foundation of spiritual life—a virtue that transforms both sacred buildings and humble homes into holy ground. Reverence is not an empty tradition; it is the posture of a heart prepared to meet God.

From Moses before the burning bush to the early Saints commanded in D&C 88 to sanctify themselves and build “a house of God,” the Lord’s pattern is clear: when we recognize and honor the sacred, we open ourselves to the light, peace, and guidance He is eager to give. In a noisy world that often mocks the idea of sacredness, choosing reverence becomes a powerful, even countercultural act of discipleship.

This week’s Come, Follow Me lesson echoes the same truth: sanctifying ourselves and creating holy places—both physically and spiritually—prepares us to “see Him” (D&C 88:68). The temple and the home are not just places we enter—they are environments we create through our choices, our preparation, and our devotion.

Elder Soares reminds us:

…As we embrace this gift of reverence for sacred things—whether in the mountain of the Lord’s house, in a meetinghouse, or in our own homes—we will be filled with astounding amazement and awe as we connect to the perfect love of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

What will you do this week to make your home and your heart holy ground?

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2024 April General Conference, Sunday Afternoon Session

Opposition in All Things

Elder Mathias Held
of the Seventy

Summary

To be able to exercise our agency, we need to have opposing options to consider.

Gospel Doctrine & Principles taught

The Plan of Salvation, The Atonement of Jesus Christ, Commandments, Jesus Christ, Agency, faith in Jesus Christ

Scriptures

2 Nephi 2:16, 2 Nephi 2:11, 2 Nephi 2:5, Moroni 7:16, 2 Nephi 2:5, Alma 7:11, 12; Helaman 5:12, 3 Nephi 9:14, 2 Nephi 2:2, Deuteronomy 29:4, Doctrine and Covenants 6:36

Other Sources

Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

Related talks:

See Russell M. Nelson, “Think Celestial!”

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- Jesus Christ lives and stands there at every moment, waiting for us to choose to call upon Him to provide succor, strength, and salvation.
Description of His Atonement.
- Jesus promised to “take upon him the pains and sicknesses of his people … that he may … succor,” or help us as we turn to Him.
- Jesus Christ’s infinite sacrifice was certainly the greatest example of pain and suffering ever seen, but it also brought about the wonderful blessings of His Atonement to all of God’s children.
Description of His relationship with us.
- (God) loves us and sent His Beloved Son to help in our trials and to open for us the door to return to Him.
Words of Christ
- Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.
- Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.

Inspiring Words & Phrases

…In our lives we sometimes make wrong decisions and … we must live with the consequences humbly and patiently until we are able to change our course again.
Life is all about making choices. Our Father in Heaven gave us the divine gift of agency precisely so that we could learn from our choices—from the right ones and also from the wrong ones. We correct our wrong choices when we repent. This is where growth happens. Heavenly Father’s plan for all of us is about learning, developing, and progressing toward eternal life.
To be able to exercise our agency, we need to have opposing options to consider.
Even though we usually cannot choose between these kinds of situations because they just happen, we are still free to choose how to react to them. We can do so with a positive or with a pessimistic attitude.
We choose how to react to these circumstances.
Remember that we are agents and not objects.
We can choose to build our foundation on the rock that is Jesus Christ so that when the whirlwind comes, “it shall have no power over [us].”
…Opposites don’t exist apart from each other. They can even complement each other. We would not be able to identify joy unless we had also experienced sorrow at some point. Feeling hungry at times helps us to be especially grateful when we do have enough to eat again. We would not be able to identify truth unless we had also seen lies here and there. These opposites are all like the two sides of one same coin. Both sides are always present.
These contrasting experiences taught us that we are never alone in moments of suffering, and they also showed us how much we can carry with the Lord’s succor and help. These experiences helped to shape us in wonderful ways, and it has all been totally worthwhile. Is this not what we came here for?
Our world today is often characterized by fear and anxiety—fear of what the future might bring for us. But Jesus has taught us to trust and “look unto [Him] in every thought; doubt not, fear not.”
Where there is sunshine, shadows must be there too. Floods can bring destruction, but they usually bring life as well. Tears of grief often turn into tears of relief and happiness. Feelings of sadness when loved ones depart are later compensated with the joy of meeting again. In periods of war and destruction, many little acts of kindness and love are also happening for those with “eyes to see, and ears to hear.”
Our difficulties, sorrows, afflictions, and pains do not define us; rather, it is how we go about them that will help us grow and draw closer to God. It is our attitudes and choices that define us much better than our challenges.

Lists

Heavenly Father’s Plan for us is all about:

Learning
Developing
Progressing toward eternal life

Things Lehi taught Jacob:

the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself
it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things
We’ve been instructed sufficiently to know good from evil

Some of the important choices we confront in life are:

Choosing whether or not we will follow God’s commandments.
Choosing to have faith and recognize when miracles happen or to skeptically wait for something to happen before choosing to believe only then.
Choosing to develop trust in God or to fearfully anticipate another challenge the next day.

Things we can do when we’re suffering the consequences of our own actions:

choose to receive comfort through the divine process of repentance
make wrong things right again
learn some life-changing lessons

Opposition and trials from things outside of our control, but we can choose how to react to them:

In general, with any trial, we are free to choose to react with a positive or pessimistic attitude
- (positive) we can seek to learn from the experience and ask for our Lord’s help and support
- (pessimistic) we can think that we are on our own in this trial and that we must suffer it alone.
When things don’t go how we expected them to
- (positive) we can “adjust our sails” to the new reality
- (pessimistic) we can decide not to change anything.
Moments of health and periods of sickness.
- (positive attitude) we can seek medical and spiritual help
Times of peace and times of war
Hours of day and of night
- (positive attitude) in the darkness of night, we can turn on our lights
Seasons of summer and of winter
- (positive attitude) in the cold of winter, we should choose to wear warm clothes
Times of labor followed by times of rest

Examples in the scriptures that illustrate that opposition helped realize blessings:

Lehi taught his son Jacob that the afflictions he suffered in the wilderness helped him know the greatness of God and that “[God] shall consecrate [his] afflictions for [his] gain.”
During Joseph Smith’s cruel incarceration in Liberty Jail, the Lord told him that “all these things shall give [him] experience, and shall be for [his] good.”
Finally, Jesus Christ’s infinite sacrifice was certainly the greatest example of pain and suffering ever seen, but it also brought about the wonderful blessings of His Atonement to all of God’s children.

Invitations/Challenges

We can always choose to receive comfort through the divine process of repentance, make wrong things right again, and in doing so learn some life-changing lessons.
Make a conscious effort to see both sides of every coin allotted to us in our lives
How we choose to react to our trials will help us grow and draw closer to God.
When in health, cherish and be grateful for it every moment.
When in sickness, seek to patiently learn from it and know that this can change again according to God’s will.
When in sorrow, trust that happiness is around the corner; we often just cannot see it yet.
Never forget to be grateful.
Choose to believe.
Choose to have faith in Jesus Christ.
Choose to always trust God.
Choose to “think celestial,” as President Russell M. Nelson recently taught us!
Let us always be mindful of our Heavenly Father’s wonderful plan for us.

Warnings

Never forget to be grateful.

Blessings/Promises

Even though both sides might sometimes not be immediately visible to us, we can know and trust that they are always there.

Stories:

Elder Held tells the story of when he and his wife were driving to visit a friend, they made a wrong turn and wound up driving miles out of their way to find a place where they could turn around again.
Elder Held gives an example from his own life, that marrying and having children brought both great joy and profound pain. He said that the contrasting experiences taught them that they were never alone, and that with the Savior’s help they could do so much more.

Application Ideas

Choose one of your current challenges. Prayerfully consider this trial in light of these admonitions from Elder Held:
1. How can I be grateful, given the situation I’m in?
2. How can I choose to have faith in Jesus Christ?
3. How can I choose to trust God?
4. How can I choose to ‘think celestial’?
Set aside time each day this week to list things you are grateful for in your journal.
Once a week, have a prayer wherein all you do is thank Heavenly Father for your blessings.
Consider if you are letting difficulties, sorrows, afflictions, and pains define you and your mortal experience. If you are, choose to pray for strength and inspiration to change.

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by Scott Hansen

The “Asking Big Questions” series is made in cooperation with the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project.

The closest scriptural parallel we have to modern-day general conference is found in the Book of Mosiah. People who gathered to hear the words of King Benjamin “pitched their tents round about the temple, every man having his tent with the door thereof towards the temple, that thereby they might remain in their tents and hear the words which King Benjamin should speak unto them” (Mosiah 2:6). Each April and October, we do our best impersonation by remaining in our pajamas with our attention fixed on the television screen. All kidding aside, this multi-day sermon recorded in the Book of Mormon was a pivotal moment in the lives of everyone in attendance. What can we do to make general conference a pivotal moment in our lives? Here are three ideas:

CONTINUED HERE

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2024 April General Conference, Saturday Afternoon Session

Be One with Christ

Elder Quentin L. Cook
of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Summary

We are united by our love of and faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement. The essence of truly belonging is to be one with Christ.

Gospel Doctrine & Principles taught

Oneness, charity, agency

Scriptures

Moroni 7:27–28, 2 Nephi 9:41, John 17:20, John 17:21–22, Doctrine and Covenants 20, Doctrine and Covenants 20:17–36, 2 Nephi 2:7, Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 2 Nephi 26:33, 2 Nephi 26:28, Alma 1:4, Doctrine and Covenants 29:49–50, 2 Nephi 2:27–28, Doctrine and Covenants 58:27, 2 Nephi 2:27, Moses 4:3, Alma 41:10, 1 Nephi 2:4, Doctrine and Covenants 20:29–31

Other Sources

16 Not Doubting nor Despairing

Peter Wood, Diversity: The Invention of a Concept (2003), 20.

True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference (2004), 12.

Poetical Works of Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1917), 129.

Related talks:

D. Todd Christofferson, “Moral Agency”
Russell M. Nelson, “Think Celestial!,”
Neal A. Maxwell, “Response to a Call,”
Russell M. Nelson, “Building Bridges,”

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- I can remember to this day the great love and appreciation Grandpa had for the Savior and His Atonement.
- I bear my sure and certain witness that Jesus Christ lives, and because of His Atonement, we can be one with Christ. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Description of His Atonement.
- I have felt deeply about the Atonement of Jesus Christ since I was quite young
- no one can return to God by good works alone without the benefit of the Savior’s Atonement.
- Oneness with Christ and our Heavenly Father can be obtained through the Savior’s Atonement.
- salvation comes as Jesus Christ justifies and sanctifies repentant souls because of the Savior’s grace. (D&C 20) sets the stage for the preeminent role of His Atonement.
Description of His relationship with us.
- Christ is “the Keeper of the Gate”
The words of Christ
- “that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us.”
- “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one.”

Inspiring Words & Phrases

Oneness is what Christ prayed for prior to His betrayal and Crucifixion.
The Lord’s saving mercy is not dependent on lineage, education, economic status, or race. It is based on being one with Christ and His commandments.
The content of this revelation (D&C 20) is truly remarkable. It teaches us the significance and role of the Savior and how to access His power and blessings through His atoning grace.
The doctrine, principles, sacraments, and practices that the Lord established through Joseph Smith, the Prophet of the Restoration, are truly seminal.
It is significant that all the qualifications for baptism are spiritual. No economic or social attainment is necessary. The poor and the rich have the same spiritual requirements. There are no race, gender, or ethnicity requirements. The Book of Mormon makes it clear that all are invited to partake of the Lord’s goodness, “black and white, bond and free, male and female; … all are alike unto God.” “All men are privileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden.”
Given our “likeness” before God, it makes little sense to emphasize our differences.
Some have wrongly assumed that because all people are invited to receive His goodness and eternal life, there are no conduct requirements. However, the scriptures attest that all accountable persons are required to repent of sins and keep His commandments.
To receive the blessings of the Savior’s Atonement, we must affirmatively exercise our moral agency to choose Christ and obey His commandments.
A fundamental doctrine of our faith is that we do have moral agency, which includes free will. Agency is the ability to choose and act. It is essential to the plan of salvation. Without moral agency, we could not learn, progress, or choose to be one with Christ. Because of moral agency, we “are free to choose liberty and eternal life.”
The Father’s plan included agency as an essential element.
We are free to choose and act, but we do not control the consequences.
In this extremely competitive world, there is a constant effort to excel. Striving to be the best we can be is a righteous and worthwhile endeavor. It is consistent with the Lord’s doctrine. Efforts to diminish or deprecate others or create barriers to their success are contrary to the Lord’s doctrine. We cannot blame circumstances or others for a decision to act contrary to God’s commandments.
In today’s world, it is easy to focus on material and occupational success. Some lose sight of eternal principles and choices that have eternal significance. We would be wise to follow President Russell M. Nelson’s counsel to “think celestial.”
The most significant choices can be made by almost everyone regardless of talents, abilities, opportunities, or economic circumstances.
For the most important choices, we do have control.
On matters of principle, conduct, religious observance, and righteous living, we are in control. Our faith in and worship of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, is a choice that we make.
We should strive to include others in our circle of oneness.

Lists

Elder Cook’s grandfather advised him to:

avoid any sense of entitlement or privilege because of his faithful ancestors
Focus on the Savior
Focus on the Savior’s atonement
Remember that we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father
Remember that we each will report to the Savior on how well we kept the commandments

A summary of essential Church doctrine (contained in D&C 20):

the reality of God
the Creation of mankind
the Fall
Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation through the Atonement of Jesus Christ
requirements for baptism into the Lord’s Church
the sacrament prayers

Requirements for baptism:

humility before God
a broken heart
a contrite spirit
repenting of all sins
taking upon us the name of Jesus Christ
enduring to the end
showing by our works that we have received of the Spirit of Christ

About moral agency:

Moral agency includes free will
Agency is the ability to choose and act.
It is essential to the plan of salvation.
Without moral agency, we could not learn, progress, or choose to be one with Christ.
Because of moral agency, we “are free to choose liberty and eternal life.”

Invitations/Challenges

To receive the blessings of the Savior’s Atonement, we must affirmatively exercise our moral agency to choose Christ and obey His commandments.

Warnings

avoid any sense of entitlement or privilege because of your faithful ancestors
Please understand I am not advocating less interest in education or occupation. What I am saying is that when efforts relating to education and occupation are elevated above the family or being one with Christ, the unintended consequences can be significantly adverse.

Stories:

Elder Cook shares a meaningful experience from when they were 25, just after graduating from Stanford Law School and while studying for the California bar exam. Upon hearing that their 86-year-old grandfather, Crozier Kimball, was dying, they traveled to Utah for a visit. Crozier was pleased to see them and shared his testimony, emphasizing that despite having faithful ancestors like his father, David Patten Kimball, and his grandfather, Heber C. Kimball, true focus should be on the Savior and His Atonement. Crozier counseled them to avoid any sense of entitlement based on their heritage, reminding them that all will answer to the Savior, the “Keeper of the Gate” as described in 2 Nephi 9:41, for how well they kept His commandments. He expressed his hope that he had repented enough to receive the Savior’s mercy. The speaker was deeply moved by their grandfather’s humility and love for the Savior, and the visit strengthened their appreciation of the Atonement, which they have carried with them ever since.
In 2019 during an assignment in Jerusalem, I visited an upper room which may have been near the site where the Savior washed His Apostles’ feet prior to His Crucifixion. I was spiritually touched and thought of how He commanded His Apostles to love one another.
On the recent cover of a major university alumni publication, a prominent biologist-professor asserts, “There’s no room for free will.” Not surprisingly, the professor is quoted in the article as saying, “There’s no such thing as God, … and there’s no free will, … and this is a vast, indifferent, empty universe.” I could not disagree more strongly.
Going back to my missionary days, Elder Marion D. Hanks, our mission president, had all of us memorize part of a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox: There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, Can circumvent or hinder or control The firm resolve of a determined soul.

Application Ideas

Prayerfully look at your own life and consider if your time at work or school are “elevated above the family or being one with Christ.” Make a note of any area of your life you feel is out of balance.
How can I include others in my circle of oneness this week?

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2024 April General Conference, Sunday Morning Session

Swallowed Up in the Joy of Christ

Elder Brian K. Taylor
of the Seventy

Main Points

I testify that our Heavenly Father hears your tearful pleadings and will always respond in perfect wisdom.
We don’t know why some people receive miracles quickly while others don’t; but we know that God does all things for our welfare and happiness.
The power of Christ rests upon us in our afflictions, making us strong.
Life’s trials prove us and refine us

Gospel Doctrine & Principles taught

Jesus Christ, Atonement, Obedience

Scriptures

Mark 10:52, Mark 8:25, 2 Corinthians 12:8, Psalm 130:5, 1 Nephi 11:17, Helaman 12:2, 2 Nephi 26:24, Abraham 2:8, 2 Nephi 2:2, 2 Corinthians 12:9–10, Abraham 3:25–26, 1 Nephi 20:10, 2 Nephi 4:19–35, Doctrine and Covenants 6:36, Alma 7:11–12, John 16:33, 2 Nephi 31:20, Ether 12:4, Moroni 7:48, Hebrews 12:2, Mosiah 15:7, Alma 31:38, Psalm 30:5, John 15:10–11, 1 Thessalonians 1:6, Joseph Smith Translation, James 1:2 (in James 1:2, footnote a); 2 Nephi 2:25, 9:18; Alma 26:6–7, 11, 27, 37; 28:8; 33:23; 36:20–21; Doctrine and Covenants 109:76; Moses 5:10–11, Mosiah 24:14; Alma 33:23, Luke 23:34, 43; John 19:26–27, Alma 7:12, Jacob 2:8, Matthew 11:28, Matthew 28:20, Mosiah 24:14, John 14:18, Doctrine and Covenants 98:3, 3 Nephi 17:7; Alma 36:3, 27; Exodus 2:24; 3:7; Mosiah 24:12, 2 Nephi 2:24; Mosiah 4:9; Isaiah 55:9, Alma 33:23, Alma 31:38; see also Psalm 30:5; John 15:10–11; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; Joseph Smith Translation, James 1:2 (in James 1:2, footnote a); 2 Nephi 2:25; 9:18; Alma 26:6–7, 11, 27, 37; 28:8; 33:23; 36:20–21; Doctrine and Covenants 109:76; Moses 5:10–11.

Other Sources

Orson F. Whitney, in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball (2006), 16.

Missionary Work and the Atonement

Joseph Smith, letter to Presendia Huntington Buell, Mar. 15, 1839, josephsmithpapers.org.

“Lord, I Would Follow Thee,” Hymns, no. 220.

Related talks:

Russell M. Nelson, “Think Celestial!,” Liahona, Nov. 2023, 118.
D. Todd Christofferson, “The Refining Fire of Affliction,” Liahona, Mar. 2022, 7.
Russell M. Nelson, “Let God Prevail,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 94.
Linda S. Reeves, “Worthy of Our Promised Blessings,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 11.
“Joy and Spiritual Survival,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 81–84.
Camille N. Johnson, “Jesus Christ Is Relief,” Liahona, May 2023, 81
Neal A. Maxwell, “Endure It Well,” Ensign, May 1990, 34
Neil L. Andersen, “Wounded,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 83–86.
Jeffrey R. Holland, “An High Priest of Good Things to Come,” Ensign, Nov. 1999, 38

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- With joyful reverence, I witness our Savior lives and “His promises are sure.” Especially for you who are troubled or who are “afflicted in any manner,” I testify that our Heavenly Father hears your tearful pleadings and will always respond in perfect wisdom.
Description of His Life.
- “Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight.”
- Even the Savior “learned … obedience by” and was made “perfect through sufferings.”
Description of His Atonement.
- “My hands are not the hands that save. Those hands belong to the Savior! Instead of looking at my scars as a reminder of what I was not able to do, I remember the scars my Savior bears.”
- “[Our] eternal life is dependent upon [our] faith in [Christ] and in His Atonement.”
- The Savior suffered ‘pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind’ so that He can comfort us, heal us, [and] rescue us in times of need.”
- How did He do it? We learn, “For the joy that was set before him [Christ] endured the cross,” His will “being swallowed up in the will of the Father.”
Description of His relationship with us.
- Without God, the dark experiences of suffering and adversity tend to despondency, despair, and even bitterness.
- President Jeffrey R. Holland taught: “When you struggle, when you are rejected, when you are spit upon and cast out and made a hiss and a byword, you are standing with the best life this world has ever known, the only pure and perfect life ever lived. You have reason to stand tall and be grateful that the Living Son of the Living God knows all about your sorrows and afflictions”
Words of Christ
- Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole
- Thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment.
- Behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.
- Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.
- In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
- If thou endure it well,God shall exalt thee on high.
- Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
- 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; … that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.
- I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Inspiring Words & Phrases

Why do some receive their yearned-for miracles quickly, while others patiently endure, waiting upon the Lord? We may not know the why, yet gratefully, we know He who “loveth [us]” and “[doeth] all things for [our] welfare and happiness.”
God, who sees the end from the beginning, reassures, “Thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment,” and they shall be consecrated “for thy gain.”
“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education. … All … that we [patiently] endure … builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our [heavenly parents].” (Orson F. Whitney)
Coming to trust in God’s divine purposes breathes hope into weary souls and kindles determination in seasons of anguish and heartache.
“As we look at all things with eternal perspective, it will significantly lighten our load.” (President Russell M. Nelson)
Envision an eternal reward rather than focus on the excruciating difficulties of the day.
“After having been inclosed in the walls of a prison for five months it seems to me that my heart will always be more tender after this than ever it was before. … I think I never could have felt as I do now if I had not suffered the wrongs that I have suffered.” (Joseph Smith)
During eternity’s most crucial, agonizing hours, our Savior did not shrink but partook of the bitter cup. How did He do it? We learn, “For the joy that was set before him [Christ] endured the cross,” His will “being swallowed up in the will of the Father.”
This phrase “swallowed up” deeply moves me. My interest was heightened when I learned that in Spanish, “swallowed up” is translated as “consumed”; in German, as “devoured”; and in Chinese, as “engulfed.” Thus, when life’s challenges are most painful and overwhelming, I remember the Lord’s promise—that we “should suffer no manner of afflictions, save it [be] swallowed up [consumed, devoured, and engulfed] in the joy of Christ.”
“When, for the moment, we ourselves are not being stretched on a particular cross, we ought to be at the foot of someone else’s—full of empathy and proffering spiritual refreshment” (Neal A. Maxwell)
“Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come” (Jeffrey R. Holland)

Lists

Divine Principles of approaching life’s challenges:

Stronger faith comes by putting Jesus Christ first.
Brighter hope comes by envisioning our eternal destiny.
Greater power comes by focusing on joy.

Three examples of faith and healing

Blind Bartimaeus received an instant miracle.
The man in Bethsaida was healed after two blessings.
The Apostle Paul did not receive the healing he sought but was strengthened in his weakness.

Three divine principles

Stronger faith comes by putting Jesus Christ first.
Brighter hope comes by envisioning our eternal destiny.
Greater power comes by focusing on joy in Christ.

Three divine perspectives

God sees the end from the beginning.
Trials refine us and build our character.
Eternal perspectives ease earthly burdens.

Invitations/Challenges

Put Christ first in your life.
Envision your eternal destiny.
Focus on joy.
Trust in the Lord’s timing for miracles and answers to prayers.
Focus on the eternal joy that comes from enduring trials faithfully.
Turn to Jesus Christ in moments of weakness, and you will find strength.

Warnings

Without turning to God during adversity, suffering may lead to despair or bitterness.
Focusing only on immediate relief can prevent us from seeing the eternal growth that trials offer.

Blessings/Promises

“May God grant unto you,” as He has done for our family in times of great need, “that your burdens may be light,” even “swallowed up in the joy of Christ.”
Christ’s power will rest upon us in our afflictions.
Our burdens will be swallowed up in the joy of Christ.
God will turn our trials into growth, blessing us with deeper peace and eternal joy.

Stories:

In the New Testament, blind Bartimaeus was healed instantly by his faith. A man in Bethsaida, however, received healing after two blessings from Jesus. In contrast, the Apostle Paul prayed three times for relief but did not receive the healing he sought.
Holly and Rick Porter’s 12-year-old son, Trey, tragically passed away in a fire. Holly, severely burned while trying to save him, later testified of the immense peace and joy the Lord gave her family during their grief. She found comfort in recognizing that it was not her hands that could save, but the Savior’s. Holly’s experience exemplifies the promise that viewing trials through a celestial lens can bring new understanding and peace.
Last year, Jill and I met Paula, a beautiful young Guatemalan woman who was struggling mightily with cancer. Her response to my question of how she was feeling left an unforgettable memory in our minds and hearts: “I am grateful,” this humble teenager quietly responded almost in a whisper, “that the Lord gave it to me and not to my sister.” Then, although she was not feeling well, she; her sister, Sariah; and their father went on two ministering visits to two elderly widows with great personal needs and challenges of their own.

Application Ideas

Read the definition of the word “Prove” in the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary. With that definition in mind, read through the Topical Guide entry “Prove”. Stop and read any of the references that stand out to you. Write any insights you have about your own life in your journal.
Ponder this sentence: “Coming to trust in God’s divine purposes breathes hope into weary souls and kindles determination in seasons of anguish and heartache.” What does it look like in your life to “come to trust” God? How can you come from where you are now to a place where you trust God? Write down one thing you can do this coming week to come closer to trusting God.
Elder Taylor invites us to put Christ first in our lives. Brainstorm ways you are already putting Christ first in your life, and recognize your efforts in your journal or by sharing with a close friend. Make it a subject of prayer to find other ways to put Christ first.
Elder Taylor posits that greater power comes by focusing on joy, and points to Christ as an exemplar in that principle.

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2024 April General Conference, Sunday Morning Session

Covenants and Responsibilities

Elder Dallin H. Oaks
First Counselor in the First Presidency

Summary

The Church of Jesus Christ is known as a church that emphasizes making covenants with God.
In his talk “Covenants and Responsibilities,” President Dallin H. Oaks emphasizes the foundational role of covenants in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their significance in both personal and societal commitments. He explains that covenants, formal commitments to fulfill specific responsibilities, are essential for personal regulation and societal functioning. Highlighting examples from various professions and religious traditions, he underscores the importance of covenants in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, particularly through ordinances like baptism and temple ceremonies. Temples and the associated covenants are central to the Church’s mission, providing unique blessings and binding members to Christ, ultimately guiding them toward eternal life.

Gospel Doctrine & Principles taught

The Plan of Salvation, The Restoration, Ordinances and Covenants, The Covenant Path

Scriptures

Genesis 17:2–9; Exodus 6:2–4; 19:5–6; Leviticus 26:42; see also 2 Nephi 9:1; 1 Nephi 13:23, 1 Nephi 15:18; 17:40; 22:9; 2 Nephi 29:14, 1 Nephi 14:14; 2 Nephi 6:13; 9:1, 2 Nephi 1:5; 3:4; 31:7, 13, 14; Mosiah 5:5–8; 6:1; Alma 7:15; 46:21–22, Joseph Smith—History 1:33–34, 39, Hebrews 8:8, Hebrews 12:24. Doctrine and Covenants 76:69, Doctrine and Covenants 115:4, Doctrine and Covenants 20:37; see also Mosiah 18:10–13, Doctrine and Covenants 20:75, 77; Doctrine and Covenants 1:15, Doctrine and Covenants 1:22, 2 Nephi 4:32; 33:9, Doctrine and Covenants 76:59, 62, Doctrine and Covenants 14:7

Other Sources

Church History Topics, “Nauvoo Temple”

Related talks:

Gordon B. Hinckley, “God Is at the Helm”
Russell M. Nelson, “As We Go Forward Together”
Russell M. Nelson, “The Everlasting Covenant”

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- I testify of Jesus Christ, who is the head of that Church, and invoke His blessings on all who seek to keep their sacred covenants.
Description of His Atonement.
- Jesus (is) the mediator of the new covenant, who wrought out this perfect atonement through the shedding of his own blood.
Description of His relationship with us.
- The Abrahamic covenant is fundamental to several great religious traditions. It introduces the holy idea of God’s covenant promises with His children.
- People who enter into covenants with God are called “the covenant people of the Lord.”
- The Mediator of the New Covenant
Words of Christ.
- Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah
- And the arm of the Lord shall be revealed; and the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut off from among the people; For they have strayed from mine ordinances, and have broken mine everlasting covenant;
- But that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world; that faith also might increase in the earth; that mine everlasting covenant might be established;
- And, 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.

Inspiring Words & Phrases

…We know from millennia of experience that persons give up some individual freedoms to gain the advantages of living in organized communities. Such relinquishments of individual freedoms are principally based on commitments or covenants, expressed or implied.
The Abrahamic covenant is fundamental to several great religious traditions. It introduces the holy idea of God’s covenant promises with His children.
We do not know the full content of the angel Moroni’s early instructions to this maturing young prophet. We do know he told Joseph that “God had a work for [him] to do” and that “the fulness of the everlasting Gospel” must be brought forth, including “the promises made to the fathers.” We also know that the scriptures young Joseph read most intensively—even before he was directed to organize a church—were the many teachings about covenants he was translating in the Book of Mormon. That book is the Restoration’s major source for the fullness of the gospel, including God’s plan for His children, and the Book of Mormon is filled with references to covenants.
Covenants were foundational in the Restoration of the gospel.
The central role of covenants in the newly restored Church was reaffirmed in the preface the Lord gave for the first publication of His revelations.
President Gordon B. Hinckley gave this summary of the effect of our baptism and our weekly partaking of the sacrament: “Every member of this church who has entered the waters of baptism has become a party to a sacred covenant. Each time we partake of the sacrament of the Lord’s supper, we renew that covenant.”
President Russell M. Nelson often refers to the plan of salvation as the “covenant path” that “leads us back to [God]” and “is all about our relationship with God.” He teaches about the significance of covenants in our temple ceremonies and urges us to see the end from the beginning and to “think celestial.”
Now I speak more of temple covenants…There (in the temple) persons who were endowed were to be taught God’s plan of salvation and invited to make sacred covenants. Those who lived faithful to those covenants were promised eternal life, wherein “all things are theirs” and they “shall dwell in the presence of God and his Christ forever and ever.”
persons who wear their garments faithfully and keep their temple covenants continually affirm their role as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is constructing temples all over the world. Their purpose is to bless the covenant children of God with temple worship and with the sacred responsibilities and powers and unique blessings of being bound to Christ they receive by covenant.
Covenants are inherent in each of the ordinances of salvation and exaltation this restored Church administers.
The ordinance of baptism and its associated covenants are requirements for entrance into the celestial kingdom. The ordinances and associated covenants of the temple are requirements for exaltation in the celestial kingdom, which is eternal life, “the greatest of all the gifts of God.” That is the focus of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Lists

Here are some examples of covenant responsibilities in our society:

Judges
Military
Medical personnel
Firefighters
LDS full time missionaries

All of those involved in these familiar occupations make a commitment—often formalized by oath or covenant—to perform their assigned duties.

Those under such covenant can be identified by distinctive clothing, name tags, and wedding rings which are intended to:

Signify that the wearer is under covenant
Signify that the wearer has a duty to teach and serve
Signify that the wearer should be supported in their service
To remind the wearers of their covenant responsibilities.

There is no magic in their distinctive clothing or symbols, only a needed reminder of the special responsibilities the wearers have assumed.

Covenants are:

a foundation for the regulation of individual lives
a commitment to fulfill certain responsibilities
the foundation and history of many religious affiliations

The practice of covenanting with God or religious leaders is recorded:

In the Old Testament (the Abrahamic covenant)
In the Book of Mormon writings about Nephi
In the Book of Mormon writings about Joseph in Egypt
In the Book of Mormon writings about King Benjamin
In the Book of Mormon writings about Alma
In the Book of Mormon writings about Captain Moroni

The Book of Mormon is:

The Restoration’s major source for the fullness of the gospel
The major source for information about God’s plan for His children
Filled with references to covenants

Some covenants in the restoration are:

Baptism
Partaking of the Sacrament
The endowment

About the temple garment:

Persons who have been endowed in a temple are responsible to wear a temple garment
The garment is an article of clothing not visible because it is worn beneath outer clothing.
The garment reminds endowed members of the sacred covenants they have made in the holy temple
The garment reminds endowed members of the blessings they have been promised in the holy temple.
We are instructed to wear temple garments continuously (with obviously necessary exceptions)
To remove one’s garments can be understood as a disclaimer of the covenant responsibilities and blessings to which they relate
persons who wear their garments faithfully and keep their temple covenants continually affirm their role as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Definitions

covenant = a commitment to fulfill certain responsibilities
The New Testament = The New Covenant

Warnings

Personal commitments are essential to the regulation of our individual lives and to the functioning of society. This idea is currently being challenged. A vocal minority oppose institutional authority and insist that persons should be free from any restrictions that limit their individual freedom.
Because covenants do not “take a day off,” to remove one’s garments can be understood as a disclaimer of the covenant responsibilities and blessings to which they relate.

Blessings/Promises

Persons who wear their garments faithfully and keep their temple covenants continually affirm their role as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I testify of Jesus Christ, who is the head of that Church, and invoke His blessings on all who seek to keep their sacred covenants.

Stories:

When I was born in Utah in 1932, our Church membership was only about 700,000, clustered mostly in Utah and nearby states. At that time, we had only 7 temples. Today the membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints numbers more than 17 million in about 170 nations. As of this April 1, we have 189 dedicated temples in many nations and 146 more in planning and construction.
The endowment ceremonies in the Nauvoo Temple provided early pioneers with spiritual strength and power, which they testified helped them endure their difficult journey and successfully establish themselves in the West.

Application Ideas

President Oaks mentions several examples of covenant responsibilities in our society. Take the time to examine the covenants these professionals enter into: The Air Force Oath of Enlistment, The U.S. Army Oath of Enlistment, the Oaths of justices and judges, the Firefighter Code of Ethics, and the Oath of Modern Hippocrates. What do these oaths (covenants) have in common?
Examine the list above: “About the Temple Garment.” As you ponder this list, consider the different oaths of military, firefighters, doctors and judges. What difference does it make that these professionals wear clothing that identifies them? Do any of those reasons apply to the wearing of the temple garment?
Consider watching or listening to “We Need an Endowment,” by Anthony Sweat.
As he concludes his talk, President Oaks invokes God’s blessings on “all who seek to keep their sacred covenants.” Make it a matter of prayer to know how to keep your covenants in a way that pleases God. Write any impressions you have in your journal.

The post Consider Conference: “Covenants and Responsibilities” appeared first on FAIR.

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2024 April General Conference, Saturday Morning Session

Motions of a Hidden Fire

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Summary

In his talk “Motions of a Hidden Fire,” Elder Jeffrey R. Holland reflects on personal trials, including the loss of his wife and his own serious illness. He emphasizes the power of prayer, recounting his gratitude for the prayers offered on his behalf. He underscores the importance of earnest prayer, the example set by Jesus Christ, and the need for faithfulness and covenant-keeping. Holland encourages a deeper commitment to discipleship, trusting in God’s timing and the power of prayer to bring about divine intervention and personal growth.

Gospel Doctrine & Principles taught

The Atonement of Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, Prayer, The Plan of Salvation, The Holy Ghost

Scriptures

Doctrine and Covenants 112:4–5, 14; Luke 18:1–8, 2 Nephi 4:35, Luke 21:36, Alma 13:28 & 34:27; Doctrine and Covenants 23:6, Alma 34:27, 2 Thessalonians 1:11, Alma 34:21, James 5:16, Psalm 55:17, Mosiah 24:10–12, Alma 34:27, 3 Nephi 20:1, Doctrine and Covenants 19:28, 3 Nephi 18:19–21, Alma 33:3, Matthew 14:23 & 18:19–20, 3 Nephi 18:16, 21–24, 30; Helaman 3:35, Matthew 6:13; Luke 22:40; 3 Nephi 18:15; Doctrine and Covenants 10:5, 2 Nephi 32:8; Joseph Smith—History 1:15–16, Romans 8:26; 3 Nephi 19:24; Doctrine and Covenants 50:30, Matthew 5:44, Matthew 14:23, Matthew 17:2; Mark 9:3; Luke 9:29; 3 Nephi 19:25, Matthew 17:2; Luke 9:29; 3 Nephi 19:25, Matthew 26:39, Mark 14:35, Luke 22:44, Matthew 7:23, Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 7:33 (in Matthew 7:23, footnote a), Doctrine and Covenants 76:66, Hebrews 4:16, Job 42:3

Other Sources

K. Chesterton, A Short History of England (1917), 72.
“Prayer Is the Soul’s Sincere Desire,” Hymns, no. 145.
“Sweet Hour of Prayer,” Hymns, no. 142.

Helps

From the Oxford Dictionary: ex·pi·a·tion /ˌekspēˈāSH(ə)n/, noun
the act of making amends or reparation for guilt or wrongdoing; atonement.“an act of public expiation”

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- But it has always been intriguing to me that Jesus felt the need to pray at all. Wasn’t He perfect? About what did He need to pray? Well, I have come to realize that He too, with us, wanted to “seek [the Father’s] face, believe his word, and trust his grace.”
- Against that backdrop of Christ’s victory over death and His recent gift to me of a few more weeks or months in mortality, I bear solemn witness of the reality of eternal life and the need for us to be serious in our planning for it.
Description of His Life.
- Ultimately, we can look to the example of the Savior, who prayed so very, very often.
Description of His Atonement.
- Luke describes Jesus’s descent into His expiation as requiring Him to pray “more earnestly.” How does one who was perfect pray more earnestly? We assume that all of His prayers were earnest, yet in fulfilling His atoning sacrifice and through the pain that attended its universal reach, He felt to pray ever more pleadingly, with the weight of His offering finally bringing blood from every pore.
Words of Christ
- Thou shalt bear record of my name … [and] send forth my word unto the ends of the earth. … Morning by morning; and day after day let thy warning voice go forth; and when the night cometh let not the inhabitants of the earth slumber, because of thy speech. … Arise[,] … take up your cross, [and] follow me.
- “I never knew you”
- “[You] never knew me”

Inspiring Words & Phrases

My beloved sisters and brothers, since that experience, I have tried to take up my cross more earnestly, with more resolve to find where I can raise an apostolic voice of both warmth and warning in the morning, during the day, and into the night.
Brothers and sisters, I testify that God hears every prayer we offer and responds to each of them according to the path He has outlined for our perfection.
It is for reasons known only to God why prayers are answered differently than we hope—but I promise you they are heard and they are answered according to His unfailing love and cosmic timetable.
…If there be any time we feel not to pray, we can be sure that hesitancy does not come from God, who yearns to communicate with His children at any and all times. Indeed, some efforts to keep us from praying come directly from the adversary.
When we don’t know how or exactly for what to pray, we should begin, and continue, until the Holy Spirit guides us into the prayer we should be offering. This approach may be the one we have to invoke when praying for our enemies and those who despitefully use us.
But it has always been intriguing to me that Jesus felt the need to pray at all. Wasn’t He perfect? About what did He need to pray? Well, I have come to realize that He too, with us, wanted to “seek [the Father’s] face, believe his word, and trust his grace.”
Against that backdrop of Christ’s victory over death and His recent gift to me of a few more weeks or months in mortality, I bear solemn witness of the reality of eternal life and the need for us to be serious in our planning for it.

Lists

Three recent experiences that Elder Holland has had:

The death of his wife, Patricia, and an increased value on their sealing.
A near-death experience which left Elder Holland with a conviction that he must return to his ministry, and he has made changes and found new resolve from that experience.
gratitude for the prayers and faith of others on his behalf.

Some things about prayer:

We are to “ask not amiss”
there are no limits to when, where, or about what we should pray
We are to pray always
We are to pray for those around us
We are to believe that sincere prayer of the righteous makes a difference
Our prayers should be vocal when there is privacy
Silent, heartfelt prayer is also appropriate
Prayers are described in the hymn as “motion of a hidden fire”
Prayers are always to be offered to God our Father in the name of Jesus Christ

We should pray:

Individually
in our families
in congregations of all sizes
as a shield against temptation

If there are times we ‘feel not to pray’:

we can be sure that hesitancy does not come from God
some efforts to keep us from praying come directly from the adversary
We should begin to pray and continue until the Holy Spirit guides our prayer

Ways that Jesus prayed:

He retreated from society to be alone
He prayed in the company of a few companions
He would seek heaven on behalf of multitudes
Sometimes prayer glorified His clothing
Sometimes it glorified His countenance
Sometimes He stood to pray
Sometimes He knelt to pray
At least once He fell on His face in prayer.

We need to believe in:

Angels
Miracles
The promises of the holy priesthood
The gift of the Holy Ghost
The influence of good families
The influence of good friends
The power of the pure love of Christ
Revelation
Prophets, seers, and revelators and President Russell M. Nelson
That we can be exalted

Things we can do to be exalted:

Pray
Plead
Be personally righteousness

Invitations/Challenges

Against that backdrop of Christ’s victory over death and His recent gift to me of a few more weeks or months in mortality, I bear solemn witness of the reality of eternal life and the need for us to be serious in our planning for it.
I bear witness that when Christ comes, He needs to recognize us… as thoroughly committed, faithfully believing, covenant-keeping disciples.

Warnings

I bear witness that when Christ comes, He needs to recognize us—not as nominal members listed on a faded baptismal record but as thoroughly committed, faithfully believing, covenant-keeping disciples. This is an urgent matter for all of us, lest we ever hear with devastating regret: “I never knew you,” or, as Joseph Smith translated that phrase, “[You] never knew me.”

Blessings/Promises

Fortunately, we have help for this task—lots of help.
Brothers and sisters, as we repent of our sins and come boldly to the “throne of grace,” leaving before Him there our alms and our heartfelt supplications, we will find mercy and compassion and forgiveness at the benevolent hands of our Eternal Father and His obedient, perfectly pure Son. Then, with Job and all the refined faithful, we will behold a world “too wonderful” to understand.

Stories:

Brothers and sisters, I have learned a painful lesson since I last occupied this pulpit in October of 2022. That lesson is: if you don’t give an acceptable talk, you can be banned for the next several conferences. You can see I am assigned early in the first session of this one. What you can’t see is that I am positioned on a trapdoor with a very delicate latch. If this talk doesn’t go well, I won’t see you for another few conferences.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland shares the deeply personal and painful experience of losing his beloved wife, Pat. He describes her as the greatest woman he has ever known, highlighting her purity, gift of expression, and spirituality. He recounts a talk she gave titled “Fulfilling the Measure of Your Creation,” expressing that she did so more successfully than anyone could have imagined. Elder Holland reflects on the blessing of their 60-year marriage and the hope of being reunited with her for eternity through their sealing.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland recounts a medical crisis he faced just 48 hours after his wife’s burial. Hospitalized and in and out of consciousness for weeks, he had a profound experience that felt like a journey to the edge of eternity. He received an admonition to return to his ministry with greater urgency and focus on the Savior. Inspired by a revelation given to the Twelve Apostles nearly 200 years ago, he resolved to more earnestly take up his cross and raise an apostolic voice of warmth and warning continually.

Application Ideas

Elder Holland invites us to “look to the example of the Savior” and ways that He prayed. Carefully read this section of Elder Holland’s talk (paragraphs 16 and 17), and read the scriptures Elder Holland references. Write in your study journal any thoughts or ideas that come into your mind as you study. Prayerfully choose one aspect of Christ’s prayers that you would like to emulate and make a plan to focus your personal study and prayer on that aspect in the coming week.
Elder Holland warns us that when Christ comes, He needs to recognize us as individuals. He also invites us to become recognizable to Christ by our being “thoroughly committed, faithfully believing, covenant-keeping disciples.” In your study journal or journal, write each of those three items at the top of a column, and number 1-10 below each one. Brainstorm 10 ideas that would help Christ recognize you as thoroughly committed, faithfully believing, and covenant-keeping. Set a goal to do one of those ideas every week. Write your experiences in your journal.
Elder Holland instructs us to “employ prayer as a shield against temptation.” Think about the things you find tempting. Prayerfully read Ether 12:27. As you recognize your own temptations and weaknesses, make those a subject of prayer. Keep in mind this instruction from Wendy Ulrich: “Even when we sincerely repent of our sins, obtain forgiveness, and become clean again, we remain weak. We are still subject to illness, emotion, ignorance, predispositions, fatigue, and temptation. But limitations and inadequacies are not sins and do not keep us from being clean and worthy of the Spirit.” (Wendy Ulrich, “It isn’t a Sin to Be Weak,” April 2015 Ensign)
Read the list “We need to believe in:” (found in the talk here). Over the course of the next week, choose one of those items listed before each of your prayers. Spend a few moments as you compose yourself to prayer, pondering that item. Follow Elder Holland’s advice as you pray about these aspects of testimony: When we don’t know how or exactly for what to pray, we should begin, and continue, until the Holy Spirit guides us into the prayer we should be offering.

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2024 April General Conference, Saturday Afternoon Session

“Be Still, and Know That I Am God”

Elder David A. Bednar
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Main Points

We can be still and know that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior.
We can overcome external commotion – we can recognize the need to tune out the world’s distractions to achieve inner stillness.
We need to build on the Rock of Christ by strengthening our faith and spiritual foundation through Christ.
Sacred Times and Holy Places: Utilizing the Sabbath, temples, and homes as spaces for spiritual renewal.
Promise of Spiritual Stillness: Assurance that a life built on Christ’s teachings brings peace and the strength to face challenges.

Gospel Doctrine & Principles taught

Our Father in Heaven, Jesus Christ, Agency, The Holy Ghost, The Atonement, The Lord’s Covenant People, Covenants

Scriptures

Psalm 46:10, Doctrine and Covenants 101:16, 1 Nephi 14:14, Doctrine and Covenants 101:16, Mosiah 18:9, Moroni 7:28, Mosiah 15:6–9, 2 Nephi 2:27–28, Moroni 7:28, Helaman 5:12, Ether 12:4, Moses 7:18, 21; Doctrine and Covenants 121:45–46, Colossians 1:23; 2:7; 2 Peter 1:12; Doctrine and Covenants 59:9, Mosiah 18:30, 2 Nephi 31:20, Ephesians 1:10, Ephesians 1:10

Related talks:

Neal A. Maxwell, “Overcome … Even As I Also Overcame”

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- Jesus Christ is our Redeemer, our Mediator, and our Advocate with the Eternal Father and the rock upon which we should build the spiritual foundation of our lives.
- God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior.
- I joyfully witness that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Redeemer and the “rock” of our salvation. I so testify in the sacred name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.
Description of His Atonement.
- True faith is always focused in and on the Lord Jesus Christ—in Him as the Divine and Only Begotten Son of the Eternal Father and on Him and the redemptive mission He fulfilled.
Description of His relationship with us.
- He is the ultimate source of the spiritual stillness of the soul that strengthens us to do and overcome hard things.
Words of Christ.
- “Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God.”
- “Let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God.”
- “And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day”

Inspiring Words & Phrases

The world grows increasingly noisy. … The distractions … can impair our ability to hear Him.
The Lord promises spiritual stillness … as we come unto Him.
A life built upon a foundation of Jesus Christ will not fall.
We can experience the peace of the temple in our homes.
Jesus Christ is our Redeemer, our Mediator, and our Advocate with the Eternal Father and the rock upon which we should build the spiritual foundation of our lives.
The foundation of our lives must be connected to the rock of Christ if we are to remain firm and steadfast.
The sacred covenants and ordinances of the Savior’s restored gospel can be compared to the anchor pins and steel rods used to connect a building to bedrock. Every time we faithfully receive, review, remember, and renew sacred covenants, our spiritual anchors are secured ever more firmly and steadfastly to the “rock” of Jesus Christ.
As the foundation of our lives is built upon the Savior, we are blessed to “be still”—to have a spiritual assurance that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior.
The Lord provides both sacred times and holy places to help us experience and learn about this inner stillness of our souls.
On His holy day, our thoughts, actions, and demeanor are signs we give to God and an indicator of our love for Him.
Every Sunday, if we will, we can be still and know that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior.
In His holy house, if we will, we can be still and know that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior.
The principal purposes of sacred time and holy places are exactly the same: to repeatedly focus our attention upon Heavenly Father and His plan, the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement, the edifying power of the Holy Ghost, and the promises associated with the sacred ordinances and covenants of the Savior’s restored gospel.
Our homes should be the ultimate combination of both sacred time and holy place wherein individuals and families can “be still” and know that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior… only as we return to our homes with the spiritual perspective and strength obtained in [other] holy places and activities can we then sustain our focus upon the primary purposes of mortal life and overcome the temptations so prevalent in our fallen world.
Our ongoing Sabbath, temple, and home experiences should fortify us with the power of the Holy Ghost, with an ongoing and stronger covenant connection to the Father and the Son, and with “a perfect brightness of hope” in God’s eternal promises.
As home and Church are gathered together in one in Christ, we may be troubled on every side, but we will not be distressed in our minds and hearts. We may be perplexed by our circumstances and challenges, but we will not be in despair. We may be persecuted, but we will also recognize that we are never alone. We can receive spiritual strength to become and remain firm, steadfast, and true.

Lists

Things in modern life that seem to demand our attention:

Hectic pace
busyness
noise
diversions
distractions
detours

What does it mean to ‘be still’:

More than just not talking or not moving
remember and rely upon Him and His power
- At all times
- In all things
- In all places
reminding us to focus upon the Savior

In Helaman 5:12, Christ is not the foundation – we are admonished to build our foundation on Him. Why a foundation:

The foundation is the part of a building that connects it to the ground.
- A strong and reliable connection between the ground and a foundation is essential if a structure is to remain sturdy and stable over time.
- anchor pins and steel rods can be used to attach the foundation of a building to “bedrock.”
A strong foundation provides protection from natural disasters and many other destructive forces.
A proper foundation also distributes the weight of a structure over a large area to avoid overloading the underlying soil and provides a level surface for construction.

The Lord provides sacred times and holy places to help us experience and learn about this inner stillness of our souls:

The Sabbath is a sacred time
- to remember and worship the Father in the name of His Son
- to participate in priesthood ordinances
- to receive and renew sacred covenants
- to worship the Lord during our home study
- To worship the Lord as “fellow citizens with the saints” during sacrament and other meetings
- To show our love to Him through our thoughts, actions, and demeanor
Meetinghouses and other approved facilities are holy places
- of reverence
- of worship
- of learning
- dedicated by priesthood authority as a place where the Spirit of the Lord may dwell and where God’s children may come “to the knowledge of their Redeemer.”
The temple is a holy place
- specifically set apart for worshiping
- specifically set apart for serving God
- specifically set apart for learning eternal truths
- where we think, act, and dress differently from any other places that we may frequent.

What is the process of anchoring our soul to Christ?:

Faithfully receive sacred covenants
Review our covenants
Remember our sacred covenants
Renew our covenants
The anchoring process is incremental
The anchoring process increases in process of time
Gradually virtue begins to garnish our thoughts unceasingly
We become increasingly more confident in our relationship with God
The Holy Ghost becomes our constant companion
We become more grounded
We become more rooted
We become more settled
We become more established
We are blessed to have a spiritual assurance that
- God is our Heavenly Father
- We are God’s children
- Jesus Christ is our Savior

Invitations/Challenges

I pray the Holy Ghost will enlighten each of us as we consider a higher and holier dimension of stillness in our lives—an inner spiritual stillness of the soul that enables us to know and remember that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior.
This remarkable blessing (an inner stillness of soul) is available to all Church members who are striving faithfully to become “covenant people of the Lord.”
On His holy day, our thoughts, actions, and demeanor are signs we give to God and an indicator of our love for Him.
Our homes should be the ultimate combination of both sacred time and holy place wherein individuals and families can “be still” and know that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior.

Blessings/Promises

Every Sunday, if we will, we can be still and know that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior.
As home and Church are gathered together in one in Christ, we may be troubled on every side, but we will not be distressed in our minds and hearts.
As home and Church are gathered together in one in Christ, we may be perplexed by our circumstances and challenges, but we will not be in despair.
As home and Church are gathered together in one in Christ, we may be persecuted, but we will also recognize that we are never alone.
As home and Church are gathered together in one in Christ, we can receive spiritual strength to become and remain firm, steadfast, and true.
I promise that as we build the foundation of our lives on the “rock” of Jesus Christ, we can be blessed by the Holy Ghost to receive an individual and spiritual stillness of the soul that enables us to know and remember that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, Jesus Christ is our Savior, and we can be blessed to do and overcome hard things.

Stories:

During a temple open house, Elder Bednar led journalists on a tour, emphasizing the celestial room’s representation of heavenly peace. He asked for silence inside, allowing guests to experience its tranquility. Afterward, a journalist emotionally expressed awe at the profound stillness, highlighting the importance of overcoming external distractions to find inner peace. This reaction underscored the powerful impact of spiritual stillness.
In 1833, the Saints in Missouri faced severe persecution, having been driven from their homes in Jackson County. Despite relocating to nearby counties, threats persisted. During these trying times, the Lord instructed Joseph Smith from Kirtland, Ohio, to comfort the Saints with the message: “Let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God.” This revelation emphasized trust in divine control amidst adversity.

Application Ideas

Elder Bednar repeats a variation of the phrase “God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior” 8 different times in his talk. Search out those occurrences and ponder each one. Why do you think Elder Bednar used that phrase so many times? Write your feelings in your journal or share them with someone you trust.
Elder Bednar uses the phrase “if we will” three times in this talk. How would you apply this to your own personal “stillness”? Consider reading 2 Nephi:14-29 or Be 100 Percent Responsible for additional insight.
With Elder Bednar’s description of sacred times and holy places in mind, what changes could you make to your home and schedule that would help it be the “the ultimate combination of both sacred time and holy place wherein individuals and families can “be still” and know that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior”?
Consider how you are ‘striving faithfully to become “covenant people of the Lord.”’ Write of this in your journal.

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2024 April General Conference, Saturday Afternoon Session

Rise! He Calleth Thee

Elder Massimo De Feo
Of the Seventy

Main Points

The gospel is not a way to avoid challenges and problems but a solution to increase our faith and learn how to deal with them.
The biblical story of Bartimaeus provides the framework for teaching us how we can focus on Christ to keep our spiritual vision clear.
The way to (leave the natural man behind, repent and begin a new life) is by making and keeping covenants to rise to a better life through Jesus Christ.
One of the most important lessons in this story is that this man exercised true faith in Jesus Christ and received a miracle because he asked with real intent, the real intent to follow Him.

Gospel Principles taught

Agency, The Atonement, Faith in Christ, Missionary Work, Obedience

Gospel Doctrine taught

Commandments, Covenants

Scriptures

Mark 10:47, Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5; Matthew 21:9, Mark 10:48, Mark 10:50, Mark 10:52

Other Sources

“Charge” – defined: That which is enjoined, committed, entrusted or delivered to another, implying care, custody, oversight, or duty to be performed by the person entrusted.

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- I testify that this gospel is the answer for everything, because Jesus Christ is the answer for everyone.
Description of His Life.
- The story of the healing of Bartimaeus.
Description of His Teachings.
- “Rise!”
Description of His Atonement.
- Acting in faith means to rely on our Savior, believing that through His Atonement, we can rise above everything at His command.
Description of His relationship with us.
- He calls to us
- He invites us
- He heals us

Inspiring Words & Phrases

Living the gospel of Jesus Christ does not remove pain and trials, which are necessary to grow.
The gospel is not a way to avoid challenges and problems but a solution to increase our faith and learn how to deal with them.
It is interesting that this blind man, who didn’t have physical sight, recognized Jesus. He saw spiritually what he couldn’t see physically, while many others could see Jesus physically but were totally blind spiritually.
He (Bartimaeus) acted instead of being acted upon. Despite his limited circumstances, he used his faith to go beyond his limitations.
In this confusing and confused world, we must stay faithful to what we know, faithful to our covenants, faithful in keeping the commandments and reaffirm our beliefs even stronger, like this man did. We need to cry even louder our testimony of the Lord to the world. This man knew Jesus, stayed faithful to what he believed, and was not distracted by the voices around him.
The voices of the world are trying to silence us, but that’s exactly why we must declare our testimony of the Savior louder and stronger.
…the Lord is counting on me and you to declare our testimonies, to raise our voice, and to become His voice. If we don’t do it, who will testify of Jesus Christ? Who will speak His name and declare His divine mission?
We have a spiritual charge that comes from our knowledge of Jesus Christ.
As long as we make excuses to feel sorry for ourselves, sorry for our circumstances and problems, and sorry for all the bad things happening in our lives and even all the bad people who we think make us unhappy, we keep the beggar’s coat on our shoulders.
It is true that at times people, consciously or not, hurt us. But we need to decide to act with faith in Christ by removing the mental and emotional coat that we might still wear to hide excuses or sin and throw it away, knowing that He can and will heal us.
Acting in faith means to rely on our Savior, believing that through His Atonement, we can rise above everything at His command.
He was able to listen to the voice of the Lord in the middle of all other voices. This is the same faith that allowed Peter to walk on water as long as he kept his spiritual focus on the Lord and was not distracted by the winds around him.
For me, keeping a clear spiritual vision is all about focusing on Jesus Christ.
I testify that this gospel is the answer for everything, because Jesus Christ is the answer for everyone.
I am grateful for what I can see as I follow my Savior.

Lists

We keep a clear spiritual vision when we:

focus on Jesus Christ
stay true to what we know to be true
decide not to listen to the voices of the world around us
stay faithful to what we know
stay faithful to our covenants
stay faithful in keeping the commandments
reaffirm our beliefs
leave the natural man behind
repent
begin a new life in Christ
hear the voice of the Lord
allow Him to guide us

The Lord is counting on me and you to:

declare our testimonies
to raise our voice
to become His voice

Choices Bartimaeus made that we can emulate:

He recognized that Jesus was indeed the Messiah
He saw spiritually what he couldn’t see physically
He ignored the voices around him
He acted instead of being acted upon
He used his faith to go beyond his limitations
stayed faithful to what he believed
at the Lord’s command to rise, he acted again in faith
as he threw away his beggar’s coat, he got rid of all excuses

The reason we receive blessings in our lives is to help us follow Jesus Christ. It is about:

recognizing Him
making and keeping covenants with God because of Him
changing our very nature through Him
and enduring to the end by following Him

We “keep the beggar’s coat on our shoulders” (remain in excuses, choose to be ‘acted upon’ instead of acting) when we make excuses to:

feel sorry for ourselves
feel sorry for our circumstances
feel sorry for our problems
feel sorry for all the bad things happening in our lives
feel sorry for ourselves because of all the and even all the bad people who we think make us unhappy (i.e. we blame others for our unhappiness)

I am grateful for what I see.

I clearly see the hand of the Lord in this sacred work
I clearly see the hand of the Lord in my life
I see the faith of many wherever I go who strengthen my own faith
I see angels all around me.
I see the faith of many who don’t see the Lord physically but recognize Him spiritually, because they know Him intimately.

Invitations/Challenges

We need to decide not to listen to the voices of the world around us.
We must stay faithful to what we know, faithful to our covenants, faithful in keeping the commandments and reaffirm our beliefs even stronger, like this man did.
We need to cry even louder our testimony of the Lord to the world.
It is true that at times people, consciously or not, hurt us. But we need to decide to act with faith in Christ by removing the mental and emotional coat that we might still wear to hide excuses or sin and throw it away, knowing that He can and will heal us.
May we cry our testimony of Him louder than the voices around us in a world that needs to hear more of Jesus Christ and not less.
May we remove the beggar’s coat that we might still wear and rise above the world to a better life in and through Christ.
May we get rid of all excuses not to follow Jesus Christ and find all good reasons to follow Him as we hear His voice.

Warnings

The voices of the world are trying to silence us, but that’s exactly why we must declare our testimony of the Savior louder and stronger.
There is never a good excuse to say, “I am the way I am because of some unfortunate and unpleasant circumstances. And I cannot change, and I am justified.” When we think that way, we decide to be acted upon. We keep the beggar’s coat.

Blessings/Promises

I promise that as we hear the voice of the Lord and allow Him to guide us on the Savior’s covenant path, we will be blessed with clear vision, spiritual understanding, and peace of heart and mind throughout our lives.

Stories:

Some time ago I asked my wife, “Can you tell me why, as far as I remember, we have never had any major problems in our lives?” She looked at me and said, “Sure. I’ll tell you why we have never had any major problems; it’s because you have a very short memory!”
A few months ago …I was walking one day and suddenly my sight became blurry, dark, and wavy. I was scared. Then the doctors told me, “If you don’t begin treatment immediately, you may lose your sight even in a matter of weeks.” I was even more scared. And then they said, “You need intravitreal injections—injections right in the eye, wide-open eye—every four weeks for the rest of your life.” Then a reflection came in the form of a question. I asked myself, “OK! My physical sight is not good, but what about my spiritual vision? Do I need any treatment there? And what does it mean to have a clear spiritual vision?”
The story of Bartimaeus in the Gospel of Mark. Though he was blind, he recognized the Savior as the Messiah and called out to him for help.
This humble and faithful man understood that he could rise to a better life at Jesus’s command. He knew that he was better than his circumstances, and the very first thing he did when he heard Jesus calling him was to throw away his beggar’s coat. Again he acted instead of being acted upon. He might have thought, “I don’t need this anymore, now that Jesus has come into my life. This is a new day. I’m done with this life of misery. With Jesus I can start a new life of happiness and joy in Him, with Him, and through Him. And I don’t care what the world thinks of me. Jesus is calling me, and He will help me live a new life.”

Application Ideas

Elder De Feo alludes throughout his talk to Lehi’s counsel to his son Jacob (2 Nephi 2:11-28). Prayerfully consider what it means to “act” versus “to be acted upon”. What does this look like in your own life? Write your impressions in your study journal.
‘There is never a good excuse to say, “I am the way I am because of some unfortunate and unpleasant circumstances. And I cannot change, and I am justified.” When we think that way, we decide to be acted upon. We keep the beggar’s coat.’ Evaluate any areas of your life where you may be ‘keeping the beggar’s coat.’ Choose one thing about yourself that you have been avoiding changing and make a plan to move from where you are to a better place. Pray about your plan and follow any guidance you receive. If you don’t feel you receive any clear direction, just do ‘the next good thing.’
Draw a vertical line down the center of a page of paper. On the left, list excuses you or others commonly use to not follow Jesus. On the right hand side of the paper, list reasons to follow Christ. Keep the list in your scriptures or journal and add to it as ideas come to you. When you are tempted to use an excuse, find the reason to follow Jesus and focus on that.
Make a conscious effort to notice which voices in the world around you are trying to lead you away from Christ – or even just distract you from following Him. Consider ways that you can focus more on Christ than on those voices.

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2024 April General Conference, Sunday Morning Session

The Testimony of Jesus

Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Main Points

My invitation is to act now to secure your place as one who is valiant in the testimony of Jesus.
All but a relatively few individuals are eventually redeemed into one of the three kingdoms of glory.
Our own desires, manifested through our choices, dictate which kingdom we’re redeemed into.
Note that the distinguishing characteristic for the inhabitants of each kingdom is how they relate to “the testimony of Jesus,” ranging from (1) wholehearted devotion to (2) not being valiant to (3) outright rejection. On each person’s reaction hangs his or her eternal future.
Our Father wants all His children who will to enjoy eternal life with Him in His celestial kingdom. Jesus suffered, died, and was resurrected to make that possible. He “hath ascended into heaven, and hath sat down on the right hand of God, to claim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon the children of men.”

Gospel Principles taught

Our Father in Heaven, Jesus Christ, Agency, The Holy Ghost, The Atonement, Final Judgement, Exaltation

Gospel Doctrine taught

The Plan of Salvation, Jesus Christ, Testimony, Exaltation

Scriptures

Doctrine and Covenants 76:39, Doctrine and Covenants 76:89, Romans 8:17, Doctrine and Covenants 76:51, 69; Doctrine and Covenants 76:75, 79; Doctrine and Covenants 76:101; JST, John 1:4, John 1:1–3, Doctrine and Covenants 76:22–24, Doctrine and Covenants 76:51–53, Moroni 7:47, Ephesians 4:13, Alma 27:27, Mosiah 16:12, Moroni 6:4, Mosiah 18:9, John 8:31–32, Doctrine and Covenants 76:75; 58:27, 3 Nephi 27:20; see also verses 16–21; 3 Nephi 11:31–36; Helaman 3:34, Helaman 3:35, Mosiah 5:7; 27:24–31; Alma 5:11–15, 26; Moses 6:59–60, Alma 34:33, Doctrine and Covenants 45:2; see also Helaman 13:38, Alma 35:15, Mosiah 5:12, Luke 14:27 , Moroni 7:27

Other Sources

John H. Groberg, “Writing Your Personal and Family History”

Related talks:

Dallin H. Oaks, “Kingdoms of Glory”
Russell M. Nelson, “Think Celestial!”
Russell M. Nelson, “The Power of Spiritual Momentum”
Neal A. Maxwell, “Settle This in Your Hearts”
Quentin L. Cook “Valiant in the Testimony of Jesus”
Rebecca L. Craven “Careful versus Casual”

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- He is the divine Son of God
- He is the Messiah
- He is the Redeemer
- He was in the beginning with God
- He is the Creator of heaven and earth
- In Him is the gospel
- He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven
- He lives!
- He is the Only Begotten of the Father
- By him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created
- In this Easter season especially, we joyfully, publicly, and unreservedly proclaim our witness of the resurrected, living Christ.
- Jesus is our essential Redeemer
Description of His Teachings.
- “Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.”
Description of His Atonement.
- “There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh.”
- Our Father wants all His children who will to enjoy eternal life with Him in His celestial kingdom. Jesus suffered, died, and was resurrected to make that possible. He “hath ascended into heaven, and hath sat down on the right hand of God, to claim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon the children of men.”
Description of His relationship with us.
- He is the Mediator of the New Covenant; through him, just people are made perfect.
- “In Him was the gospel, and the gospel was the life, and the life was the light of men.”
- The inhabitants (of the worlds) thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.

Inspiring Words & Phrases

God’s plan of redemption constitutes a universal opportunity for all His children, whenever and wherever they may have lived on the earth.
Our Father’s hope is that we will choose—and, through the grace of His Son, qualify for—the highest and most glorious of these kingdoms, the celestial, where we may enjoy eternal life as “joint-heirs with Christ.”
Note that the distinguishing characteristic for the inhabitants of each kingdom is how they relate to “the testimony of Jesus,” ranging from (1) wholehearted devotion to (2) not being valiant to (3) outright rejection. On each person’s reaction hangs his or her eternal future.
The inheritors of the celestial kingdom “receive” the testimony of Jesus in the fullest sense by being baptized, receiving the Holy Ghost, and overcoming by faith.
Beyond this testimony (of Jesus) is the question, What do we do about it?
In this Easter season especially, we joyfully, publicly, and unreservedly proclaim our witness of the resurrected, living Christ.
God does not force us into the better path, the covenant path, but He instructs His prophets to make us fully aware of the consequences of our choices.
It is this mighty change of heart—yielding our hearts to God and being spiritually reborn through the grace of the Savior—that we seek.

Lists

Descriptions of who inherits each Kingdom of Glory:

The Celestial
- they who received the testimony of Jesus
- just men (and women) made perfect through Jesus the mediator of the new covenant
The Terrestrial
- They are essentially good people.
- They are the “honorable men of the earth, who were blinded by the craftiness of men.”
- They “are not valiant in the testimony of Jesus.”
The Telestial
- Those who “received not the gospel, neither the testimony of Jesus.”

The distinguishing characteristic of the inhabitants of each kingdom is how they relate to the testimony of Jesus :

wholehearted devotion
- They don’t just accept the testimony of Jesus; they act on their testimony of Jesus
- They are distinguished by their zeal towards God
not being valiant
- They accept the testimony of Jesus, but they don’t act on it
- A degree of apathy or casualness
- Being “lukewarm”
outright rejection
- Reject the testimony of Jesus
- Reject the gospel
- Reject the covenants
- Reject the prophets
- Live according to their carnal wills and desires
- Not calling on the Lord for mercy

What is the testimony of Jesus?:

It is the witness of the Holy Spirit that He is the divine Son of God, the Messiah and Redeemer.
It is John’s testimony that Jesus was in the beginning with God, that He is the Creator of heaven and earth, and that “in him was the gospel, and the gospel was the life, and the life was the light of men.”
It is “the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, … that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven.”
It is the knowledge that “there is no other name given whereby salvation cometh.”
It is the “testimony, last of all,” given by the Prophet Joseph Smith, “that he lives! … That he is the Only Begotten of the Father—that by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.”

The inheritors of the celestial kingdom “receive” the testimony of Jesus by:

Being baptized
Receiving the Holy Ghost
Overcoming by faith
Allowing gospel principles and truths to govern their priorities
Allowing gospel principles and truths to govern their choices
Manifesting their testimony of Jesus in what they are & what they are becoming
Being motivated by charity, “the pure love of Christ”
Focusing on pursuing “the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.”

What does it mean to be valiant in the testimony of Jesus?:

Nurturing and strengthening that testimony
- prayer, study of the scriptures, Sabbath observance, partaking of the sacrament, repentance, ministering, and worship in the house of the Lord.
Being open and public about one’s witness.
Heed His messengers.
Encouraging others, by word and example, to likewise be valiant, especially those of our own families.
Pursue individual holiness

Invitations/Challenges

President Nelson has urged us to “Think celestial!” by making the celestial kingdom our eternal goal and then “carefully considering where each of [our] decisions while here on earth will place [us] in the next world.”
My invitation is to act now to secure your place as one who is valiant in the testimony of Jesus.
“do not procrastinate the day of your repentance”
Be zealous in keeping your covenants with God.
Do not be “offended [by] the strictness of the word.”
“Remember to retain the name [of Christ] written always in your hearts, … that ye [may] hear and know the voice by which ye shall be called, and also, the name by which he shall call you.”
“settle this in your hearts, that ye will do the things which [Jesus] shall teach, and command you.”
I pray that we may all be blessed with a burning testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ, rejoice and be valiant in that testimony, and enjoy the fruits of His grace in our lives continually. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Warnings

“Do not procrastinate the day of your repentance,” lest “in an hour when ye think not the summer shall be past, and the harvest ended, and your souls not saved.”

Stories:

In 1832, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon received a remarkable vision concerning the eternal destiny of God’s children.
Elder Groberg’s story of a young family in a branch in Hawaii. The daughter had been hospitalized with an unknown illness, and when the father and his son began to prepare the sacrament in church, the branch president jumped up and told them they couldn’t and told them to leave immediately. The family was embarrassed and dejected and left immediately. The father told his family how much he loved them and that they would go back to church and that “We will not allow any man or any hurt or embarrassment or pride to keep us from being together forever.”

Application Ideas

Decide today to make the celestial kingdom your goal. Create a vision board or vision statement reflecting your decision and put it in a prominent place.
Spend some time studying and pondering the word “zeal.” You might include the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary definition of Zeal, and the resources in the index and topical guide. Brainstorm ways that you could show more zeal in keeping your covenants. Act on your ideas.
Ponder what daily repentance looks like in your life. If you have negative feelings or associations with repentance, pray diligently for a greater understanding and desire to repent.
Choose one of the talks Elder Christofferson quotes and incorporate it in your study.

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2024 April General Conference, Sunday Morning Session

Pillars and Rays

Elder Alexander Dushku
Of the Seventy

Main Points

We too can have our own pillar of light—one ray at a time.
No two people experience God’s light and truth in exactly the same way.
Most of us receive truth line upon line, not in one big revelation

Gospel Principles taught

Jesus Christ, The Holy Ghost, Faith in Christ,

Gospel Doctrine taught

Restoration, Prophets

Scriptures

Joseph Smith—History 1:10–13, Joseph Smith—History 1:14–16, Joseph Smith—History 1:17, Joseph Smith—History 1:20, Mosiah 16:9, Doctrine and Covenants 84:46; John 1:9, Doctrine and Covenants 88:12–13, Doctrine and Covenants 6:23, Doctrine and Covenants 8:2; Helaman 5:30, Mosiah 5:2; Doctrine and Covenants 11:12, 2 Nephi 4:21; Helaman 5:44, Doctrine and Covenants 46:13–14, Doctrine and Covenants 18:35–36, Mosiah 2:17; Moroni 7:45–48, 1 Nephi 1:20, Helaman 5:9–12, Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79, Moroni 10:3–4, Doctrine and Covenants 88:40, Alma 32:35, Doctrine and Covenants 50:24, Alma 32:41

Other Sources

Joseph Smith, Journal, Nov. 9–11, 1835, 24

Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith Chapter 23: Receiving a Testimony of Jesus Christ

Related talks:

Russell M. Nelson, “Closing Remarks”
Spencer W. Kimball, in Conference Report, Munich Germany Area Conference, 1973, 77; quoted in Graham W. Doxey, “The Voice Is Still Small”
David A. Bednar, The Spirit of Revelation
Gerritt W. Gong, Ministering
Always Remember Him

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- Jesus Christ “is the light and … life of the world”
- Christ’s “Spirit giveth light to every man [and woman] that cometh into the world”
- His light “fill[s] the immensity of space”
- His light gives “life to all things.”
- I bear witness of Jesus Christ, that He is the light and life of the whole world—and of your personal world and mine.
- I testify that He is the true and living Son of the true and living God and that He stands at the head of this true and living Church, guided and directed by His true and living prophets and apostles.
Description of His Teachings.
- The Lord teaches truth line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little.”
- The Lord’s typical pattern, brothers and sisters. Rather than sending us a pillar of light, the Lord sends us a ray of light, and then another, and another.

Inspiring Words & Phrases

My message is for those who worry about their testimony because they haven’t had overwhelming spiritual experiences.
The Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ began with an explosion of light and truth!
All that, and much more, began with a boy’s desperate prayer and a pillar of light.
One of the great truths of the Restoration is that the heavens are open—that we too can receive light and knowledge from on high. I testify that is true.
One of the great truths of the Restoration is that the heavens are open—that we too can receive light and knowledge from on high. I testify that is true.
But we must be wary of a spiritual trap. Sometimes faithful Church members become discouraged and even drift away because they haven’t had overwhelming spiritual experiences—because they haven’t experienced their own pillar of light.
President Spencer W. Kimball warned, “Always expecting the spectacular, many will miss entirely the constant flow of revealed communication.”
Rather than sending us a pillar of light, the Lord sends us a ray of light, and then another, and another.
The Light of Christ is literally all around us.
Perhaps you were reading in the Book of Mormon and a verse spoke to your soul, as if God had put it there just for you—and then you realized that He did.
Brothers and sisters, I have not seen a pillar of light, but, like you, I have experienced many divine rays. Over the years, I’ve tried to treasure such experiences. I find that as I do, I recognize and remember even more of them.
I remember studying and praying desperately to receive a more certain witness of Jesus Christ. Then one day, as I pled with Heavenly Father, I felt a powerful sense of light and warmth. And I knew. I just knew.
You have had your own experiences—your own light-filled bursts of testimony. As we recognize, remember, and gather these rays “together in one,” something wonderful and powerful begins to happen. “Light cleaveth unto light”—“truth embraceth truth.” The reality and power of one ray of testimony reinforces and combines with another, and then another, and another. Line upon line, precept upon precept, here a ray and there a ray—one small, treasured spiritual moment at a time—there grows up within us a core of light-filled, spiritual experiences. Perhaps no one ray is strong enough or bright enough to constitute a full testimony, but together they can become a light that the darkness of doubt cannot overcome.
In time and through “great diligence,” we too can have our own pillar of light—one ray at a time. And in the midst of that pillar, we too will find a loving Heavenly Father calling us by name, pointing us to our Savior, Jesus Christ, and inviting us to “Hear Him!”
May we recognize and receive His glorious light and then choose Him over the darkness of the world—always and forever.

Lists

We have needs just like Joseph did:

Freedom from spiritual confusion.
Freedom from worldly darkness.
The need to know for ourselves.

The restoration brought a flood of:

Divine revelation
New scripture
Restored priesthood keys
Apostles
Prophets
Ordinances
Covenants
Reestablishment of the true and living church

We are ‘living in revelation’ (worthy to receive these divine rays constantly) if:

We have received the gift of the Holy Ghost
We are striving to exercise faith
We are striving to repent
We honor our covenants

Different ways we experience the light and Spirit of the Lord:

Peace spoken to your mind about something that has worried you
An impression to do something good
A desire to follow Jesus Christ
A desire to be faithful
Felt that the testimony you shared was true
Felt an assurance that God loves you
Someone else’s testimony of Christ touches you and gives you hope
A verse in the Book of Mormon seems to be just for you
Felt love of God as you serve others
Remember past tender mercies

Invitations/Challenges

“Immerse yourself in the glorious light of the Restoration.” (Russell M. Nelson)
May we recognize and receive His glorious light and then choose Him over the darkness of the world—always and forever.

Warnings

But we must be wary of a spiritual trap. Sometimes faithful Church members become discouraged and even drift away because they haven’t had overwhelming spiritual experiences—because they haven’t experienced their own pillar of light.
President Spencer W. Kimball warned, “Always expecting the spectacular, many will miss entirely the constant flow of revealed communication.”

Blessings/Promises

in time and through “great diligence,” we too can have our own pillar of light—one ray at a time. And in the midst of that pillar, we too will find a loving Heavenly Father calling us by name, pointing us to our Savior, Jesus Christ, and inviting us to “Hear Him!”

Stories:

Elder Dushku tells the story of Joseph Smith. “And then, “at the very moment when [he’s] ready to sink into despair and abandon [him]self to destruction,” when he doesn’t know if he can hang on any longer, a glorious brilliance fills the grove, scattering the darkness and the enemy of his soul.” The answer to his question was given when a pillar of light appeared in the grove, with the Father and the Son.
Elder Dushku remembers being a rowdy teenager at a baptism and having the Spirit urge him to sit down and be reverent.
He recounts how he received a more sure witness of Christ before his mission.
“Being awakened one night years later by a feeling of “pure intelligence” telling me I would be called to serve in the elders quorum.”
“I remember a general conference where a beloved member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke the exact words of testimony I had told a friend I hoped to hear.”
I remember kneeling with hundreds of brethren to pray for a dear friend who lay unconscious on a ventilator in a small, faraway hospital after his heart had stopped. As we united our own hearts to plead for his life, he woke up and pulled the ventilator out of his own throat. He serves today as a stake president.
And I remember waking up with strong spiritual feelings after a vivid dream of a dear friend and mentor who passed away far too early, leaving an enormous hole in my life. He was smiling and joyful. I knew he was OK.

Application Ideas

Take some time to think about how you experience the light and Spirit of the Lord. Write your observations in a journal or your study journal. Revisit and revise your comments over time.
Over the next month, spend a week focusing on each of the items under “living in revelation.” Write about your experiences or share them with a trusted friend.
Honestly evaluate whether or not you are being aware of the spiritual trap Elder Dushku mentions. Ask Heavenly Father for a desire to overcome and weakness you may find.

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2024 April General Conference, Sunday Morning Session

All Will Be Well Because of Temple Covenants

President Henry B. Eyring
Second Counselor in the First Presidency

Main Points

There is nothing more important than honoring the covenants you have made or may make in the temple.
The temple brings understanding and peace.
The temple is a place where Christ can come.

Gospel Principles taught

Our Father in Heaven, Jesus Christ, Agency, The Lord’s Covenant People, The Family Can Be Eternal, Eternal Marriage

Gospel Doctrine taught

Priesthood and Priesthood Keys, Ordinances and Covenants, Marriage and Family, God the Father, Jesus Christ, The Holy Ghost, The Covenant Path

Scriptures

Joseph Smith—History 1:39

2 Corinthians 12:7–10

John 14:27

Doctrine and Covenants 59:5

Other Sources

“1976: The Teton Dam Failed, KTVB Captured the Aftermath from the Air,”

Related talks:

Russell M. Nelson, “The Everlasting Covenant”
Thomas S. Monson, “Blessings of the Temple”
Russell M. Nelson, “The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation”
Russell M. Nelson, “Overcome the World and Find Rest”
Russell M. Nelson, “The Everlasting Covenant,”

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- I give you my sure witness that Jesus is the Christ. He lives and leads His Church.
Description of His Teachings.
- ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. … Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid [John 14:27].’”
Description of His relationship with us.
- I know the Lord loves you.

Inspiring Words & Phrases

Whatever the outcome, all will be well because of the temple. We have made covenants with God and have been sealed as an eternal family.
…The sealing ordinances, found only in the house of the Lord and administered by proper priesthood authority, had bound us together as husband and wife, and our children had been sealed to us. There truly was no need to fear…
“The safest place to be spiritually is living inside your temple covenants!”
Qualifying to make sacred covenants is not a one-time effort but a lifetime pattern. The Lord has said it will take our full heart, might, mind, and strength.
When you keep your temple covenants and remember them, you invite the companionship of the Holy Ghost to both strengthen and purify you.
It is through the sealing covenants in the temple that we can receive the assurance of loving family connections that will continue after death and last for eternity.
Trials, challenges, and heartaches will surely come to all of us. None of us are immune from “thorns of the flesh.” Yet, as we attend the temple and remember our covenants, we can prepare to receive personal direction from the Lord.
I give you my sure witness that Jesus is the Christ. He lives and leads His Church. Temples are houses of the Lord. President Russell M. Nelson is God’s living prophet on the earth. I love him, and I love each of you.

Lists

As we attend the temple, we are reminded of:

the eternal nature of our spirits
our relationship with the Father
Our relationship with Christ
our ultimate desire to return to our heavenly home.

President Nelson taught about temples that:

The safest place to be spiritually is living inside your temple covenants!
Everything we believe and every promise God has made to His covenant people come together in the temple.
Each person who makes covenants … in temples—and keeps them—has increased access to the power of Jesus Christ.
Once we make a covenant with God, we leave neutral ground forever.
God will not abandon His relationship with those who have forged such a bond with Him.
All those who have made a covenant with God have access to a special kind of love and mercy.

Invitations/Challenges

Frequent participation in the ordinances of the temple can create a pattern of devotion to the Lord.
It is through the sealing covenants in the temple that we can receive the assurance of loving family connections that will continue after death and last for eternity.
Give children opportunities to pray for each other.
Discern quickly the beginnings of discord
positively recognize acts of unselfish service, especially to one another.
No matter where you are on the covenant path, I urge you to qualify and become eligible to attend the temple.
Visit the temple as frequently as circumstances will allow.
Make and keep sacred covenants with God.

Warnings

Consistent care of brothers and sisters for each other will come only with persistent efforts to lead your family in the Lord’s way.

Blessings/Promises

“As we attend the temple, there can come to us a dimension of spirituality and a feeling of peace.” (Thomas S. Monson)
“ … We will grasp the true meaning of the words of the Savior when He said: ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. … Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid [John 14:27].’” (Thomas S. Monson)
When you keep your temple covenants and remember them, you invite the companionship of the Holy Ghost to both strengthen and purify you.
You may then experience a feeling of light and hope testifying that the promises are true.
You will come to know that every covenant with God is an opportunity to draw closer to Him, which will then create a desire in your heart to keep temple covenants.
Because of our covenant with God, He will never tire in His efforts to help us, and we will never exhaust His merciful patience with us.
Honoring marriage and family covenants made in temples of God will provide protection from the evil of selfishness and pride.
When siblings pray for each other and serve each other, hearts will be softened and turned to each other and to their parents.
I bear witness that there is nothing more important than honoring the covenants you have made or may make in the temple.
No matter the outcome, all will be well because of temple covenants.

Stories:

President Eyring related an experience he and his wife, Kathy, had on June 5, 1976, when he was serving as president of Ricks College. They attended a temple sealing in nearby Idaho Falls, and while they were there, the Teton Dam failed, trapping them in Idaho Falls. They had left their children in Rexburg with a sitter, and they were unable to contact them to find out if they were alright. Even in this situation, Elder Eyring was able to experience calm. He said to his wife, “Kathy, whatever the outcome, all will be well because of the temple. We have made covenants with God and have been sealed as an eternal family.”
President Eyring related his experience of the first time he walked into the Salt Lake Temple. He had a clear thought in his mind “I have been in this lighted place before.” But then immediately there came into his mind in a voice that wasn’t his own: “No, you have never been here before. You are remembering a moment before you were born. You were in a sacred place like this where the Lord could come.”
President Eyring tells about being sealed by (then) Elder Spencer W. Kimball, who counseled, “Hal and Kathy, live so that when the call comes, you can walk away easily.” They followed that counsel and did receive an assignment years later. That counsel in the temple prepared them to accept that calling.

Application Ideas

Ponder President Eyring’s instruction on creating a pattern of devotion to the Lord. Prayerfully plan out a pattern of devotion for your life now. This pattern may include temple attendance, personal prayer and study, and church attendance; pay attention to the promptings of the spirit in choosing what your pattern will include.
Follow President Eyring’s admonition, “No matter where you are on the covenant path, I urge you to qualify and become eligible to attend the temple.” Take the first step!
Pray for your siblings by name. Be aware of their hardships and situations and specifically importune the Lord on their behalf.
“Honoring marriage and family covenants made in temples of God will provide protection from the evil of selfishness and pride.” What marriage and family covenants have you made? How can you better honor those covenants?
Consider the Eyring’s experience with living so that they were ready to accept any calling the Lord should extend to them. Is there any way that you and your family can follow that same advice?

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2024 April General Conference, Sunday Morning Session

Pray, He is There

President Susan H. Porter
Primary General President

Main Points

I invite you to pray to know Heavenly Father is there, pray to grow to become like Him, and pray to show His love to others.
Pray to Know: Encouraging children to pray to understand that Heavenly Father is real, listens to their prayers, and loves them.
Pray to Grow: Highlighting the importance of prayer in seeking personal growth, such as developing patience, courage, and other virtues through divine guidance.
Pray to Show: Advising to pray for opportunities to show Heavenly Father’s love to others, helping and serving them, and being examples of Christlike behavior.

Gospel Principles taught

Prayer, Faith in Jesus Christ, Service, Endurance, Personal Revelation

Gospel Doctrine taught

Prayer, Faith, Service, Endure to the end

Scriptures

John 16:24; 3 Nephi 27:29, Doctrine and Covenants 11:13, Moses 1:6–8, 27–29, 35; 1 Nephi 16:18, 23–24, John 3:16–17, John 13:34–35

Other Sources

“A Child’s Prayer,” Children’s Songbook, 12.

Related talks:

Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives”

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- Sister Porter shares her testimony by affirming, “I know He lives and loves you.”
Description of His Life.
- She mentions that “Heavenly Father loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to show us the way to live.”
- He loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to show us the way to live.
Description of His Teachings.
- “Ask, and ye shall receive.”
Description of His Atonement.
- Sister Porter explains that Jesus “suffered, died, and was resurrected so we can be forgiven of our sins.”
- Jesus suffered, died, and was resurrected so we can be forgiven of our sins and grow to become more like Him.

Inspiring Words & Phrases

Pray to know Heavenly Father is real and loves you.
Pray to grow in virtue and develop Christlike attributes.
Pray to show love and serve others.
Our Savior taught us to pray always.
Through sincere prayer, we draw closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Prayer changes our hearts and brings peace.
Even when we feel alone, we can pray and know that Heavenly Father hears us.
Often the best question to ask Heavenly Father is not why but what.
Heavenly Father does not force anyone to make a choice. He can send us answers to our prayers in other ways.
Perhaps you are praying for blessings for your family and others you love. Don’t give up! Heavenly Father will show you what you can do.

Lists

What do you need to know:

That Heavenly Father is really there
Listen to the feelings in your heart
Listen to the thoughts that come to your mind
Heavenly Father can see us
We are never alone

You can pray for help to show Heavenly Father’s love to others:

Heavenly Father will help you notice someone who is sad so you can comfort them.
He can help you show His love by forgiving someone.
He can give you courage to serve someone and share with them that they are a child of God.
You can help others come to know and love Jesus and Heavenly Father as you do.

Gifts you can pray for:

Pray to know.
Pray to grow.
Pray to show.

Invitations/Challenges

Pray to Know: She invites listeners to pray to know that Heavenly Father is real, loves them, and listens to their prayers.
Pray to Grow: She challenges individuals to use prayer to seek personal growth and develop Christlike attributes.
Pray to Show: She encourages praying for opportunities to show love and serve others, reflecting Christ’s love through actions.
Share with Heavenly Father what is in your heart. As you sincerely ask for His help, you will receive His Spirit to guide you.
Praying every day will fill you with love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. This will help you want to follow Them your whole life!
I invite you to pray to know Heavenly Father is there, pray to grow to become like Him, and pray to show His love to others. I know He lives and loves you.

Warnings

Heavenly Father wants to help you grow!

Blessings/Promises

You can come to know for yourself that He is there and that He loves you.
When you know that Heavenly Father is real and that He loves you, you can live with courage and hope!
Heavenly Father will guide you when you ask Him what you can do and what you can learn.
Through His Spirit, your heart can change, and you can receive strength.
Through His Spirit, Heavenly Father will help you notice someone who is sad so you can comfort them.

Stories:

One day when our granddaughter Ashley was six years old, she was the only one without a friend to play with on the school playground. As she stood there, feeling unimportant and unseen, a specific thought came into her mind: “Wait! I’m not alone! I have Christ!” Ashley knelt down right in the middle of the playground, folded her arms, and prayed to Heavenly Father. The moment she opened her eyes, a girl her age was standing there asking her if she wanted to play. Ashley came to know, “We are important to the Lord, and we are never truly alone.”
When Nephi and his brothers went to hunt for food, Nephi broke his bow. But he didn’t ask why. Nephi made a new bow and asked his father, Lehi, where he could go to get food. Lehi prayed, and the Lord showed them where Nephi could go. Heavenly Father will guide you when you ask Him what you can do and what you can learn.
Jonah shared how he prays to help feel less anxious about going to school.
The story of President Porter’s father, who never joined the church in this life. She prayed for this blessing from the time she was a child until she was a grandmother. After his death, she felt a confirmation that he had accepted the gospel. Her family was sealed together in the temple.

Application Ideas

Over the next few days, read the information found here. As you study, keep your heart open in prayer and ask to feel Heavenly Father’s love for you personally. Write any impressions in your journal.
Consider President Porter’s words: “Perhaps you are praying for blessings for your family and others you love. Don’t give up! Heavenly Father will show you what you can do.” It’s very likely that when you read that, the name of someone you love who is struggling in some way came to your mind. Think of ways that you can “not give up” as you pray for Heavenly Father to show you what you can do to help that person. Take prompt action on any ideas that come to you, even if they seem small.
Pray to grow. Make it a central part of your prayers to understand one thing that you could do right now to come closer to your Heavenly Father and Christ. When you feel you have received an answer, write it down in your scriptures or journal, and then take action on that answer.
President Porter encouraged us to pay attention to the thoughts in our mind and the feelings in our heart. What does this differentiation mean to you? Write in your journal about how God communicates with you.
Think of something you could do right now to show someone you love them. Go and do it!

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2024 April General Conference, Sunday Afternoon Session

Bridging the Two Great Commandments

Elder Gary E. Stevenson
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Main Points

Our ability to follow Jesus Christ depends upon our strength and power to live the first and second commandments with balance and equal devotion.

Gospel Principles taught

Our Father in Heaven, Jesus Christ, Agency, Faith in Christ

Gospel Doctrine taught

Commandments, The Covenant Path

Scriptures

Matt. 22:35; Mark 12:28; Luke 10:25, Matthew 22:36–40, John 14:15, Mosiah 2:41

Other Sources

Bible Dictionary, “Lawyer”

Explanatory footnotes:

Anciently, Jewish scholars had enumerated 613 commandments in the Torah and actively debated the relative importance of one versus the other. Perhaps the lawyer intended to use Jesus’s answer against Him. If He said one commandment was the most important, it might allow an opening to accuse Jesus of ignoring another aspect of the law. But the Savior’s response silenced those who had come to entrap Him with a foundational statement that today is the bedrock for all we do in the Church.

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- May this strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, of which I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Description of His Teachings.
- “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?” The lawyer, “tempting him” and seeking a legalistic answer, with seemingly deceitful intent, received a genuine, sacred, divine response. “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. “This is the first and great commandment.” Hearkening to our bridge analogy, the first tower! “And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
- “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
- Jesus’s parable of the good Samaritan

Inspiring Words & Phrases

Bridges take us places we otherwise would not be able to go.
Love of the Lord is not complete if we neglect our neighbors.
Love of the Lord is not complete if we neglect our neighbors. This outward love includes all of God’s children without regard to gender, social class, race, sexuality, income, age, or ethnicity. We seek out those who are hurt and broken, the marginalized, for “all are alike unto God.” We “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.”
“I often wonder if the Lord picked on you exclusively or if you were just the one who listened.”
President Russell M. Nelson taught: “Giving help to others—making a conscientious effort to care about others as much as or more than we care about ourselves—is our joy. Especially … when it is not convenient and when it takes us out of our comfort zone. Living that second great commandment is the key to becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ.”
There is an important interdependency between loving the Lord and loving one another.
For any suspension bridge to do what it was built to do, its towers must function together in complete harmony. Likewise, our ability to follow Jesus Christ depends upon our strength and power to live the first and second commandments with balance and equal devotion to both.
How do we build our own bridge of faith and devotion—erecting tall bridge towers of both loving God and loving our neighbors? Well, we just start.

Lists

A suspension bridge is likened to:

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind (tower one)
Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself (tower two)
On these hang all the law and the prophets (the remaining elements of the bridge)

“Loving the Lord” condenses the essence of the law embodied in the sacred teachings of the Old Testament.:

love the Lord with all your heart—your very nature.
love the Lord with all your soul—your entire consecrated being
love the Lord with all your mind—your intelligence and intellect
Love for God is infinite and eternal

Ways that we can love Heavenly Father and Jesus:

Prayer
Scripture study
Temple worship
Paying tithes
Keep the Sabbath day holy
Live a virtuous life
Live a chaste life
Be obedient
Use social media to build up instead of tear down
Leave a party/movie/activity if standards are challenged
Show reverence for sacred things

Love your neighbor includes all of God’s children without regard to:

gender
social class
race
sexuality
income
age
ethnicity

Ways we fail to keep the first and second commandments faithfully:

Some are so focused on keeping the commandments that they show little tolerance of those they see as less righteous.
Some find it difficult to love those who are choosing to live their lives outside of the covenant or even away from any religious participation.
Some emphasize the importance of loving others without acknowledgment that we are all accountable to God.
Some refuse entirely the notion that there is such a thing as absolute truth or right and wrong and believe that the only thing required of us is complete tolerance and acceptance of the choices of others.
Either of these imbalances could cause your spiritual bridge to tip or even fall.

Invitations/Challenges

Today I invite you to look at this stately bridge—with its ascending twin towers built on a strong foundation—through a gospel lens.
Can you let go of grudges, forgive enemies, welcome and minister to your neighbors, and assist the elderly? You will each be inspired as you build your tower of love for neighbor.
Just start building your own bridge of loving God and loving your neighbor. It might consist of a few realistic goals to understand the Lord’s gospel more or to vow to judge others less. No one is too young or too old to begin.
In the days ahead, when you pass over a majestic suspension bridge or even when you see a picture, with its soaring towers, I invite you to remember the two great commandments, described by Jesus Christ in the New Testament.

Blessings/Promises

King Benjamin promised remarkable power for those who follow the first great commandment. “I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments. … They are blessed in all things, … and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven … in a state of never-ending happiness.”
May the Lord’s instructions inspire us. May our hearts and minds be lifted upward to love the Lord and turned outward to love our neighbor.
May this strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, of which I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Equations

Loving the Lord → eternal happiness
Giving help to others=our joy

Stories:

Elder Stevenson shared a story of his passion for suspension bridges. “Whether it’s the Rainbow Bridge in Tokyo, the Tsing Ma Bridge in Hong Kong, the Tower Bridge in London, or others I have seen, I marvel at the engineering genius built within these complicated structures.” He also offered condolences to those affected by the recent Baltimore Bridge collapse.
Elder Stevenson shares the story of the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge in California, which is considered one of the engineering wonders of the world. “It is a classic suspension bridge with bookend towers, supported by massive piers. The colossal, majestic weight-bearing twin towers soaring above the ocean were the first elements to be constructed. Together they shoulder the load of the sweeping main suspension cables and the vertical suspender cables, which cradle the roadway below. The extraordinary stabilizing capacity—the power of the tower—is the magic behind the engineering of the bridge.”
The story of collecting fast offerings from Sister Muellar, a German immigrant widow who was in his ward. She was legally blind, and very poor, but paid a fast offering. He could tell that she loved the Lord.
Brother Evans was surprised when he was prompted to stop his car and knock on an unknown door of an unknown family. When a widowed mother of over 10 answered the door, their difficult circumstances and great needs became readily apparent to him. The first was simple, paint for their home, which was followed by many years of temporal and spiritual ministering to this family.

Application Ideas

In view of Elder Stevenson’s statement, “we seek out those who are hurt and broken and the marginalized.” This week, prayerfully watch for those who were hurt and broken and marginalized. Find a way to extend the love of God to them.
Think of the ‘thankful mother’ Elder Stevenson quotes. “I often wonder if the Lord picked on you exclusively or if you were just the one who listened.” Choose a day this week to “be the one who listened.”
This week in your personal and family prayers, ask for a greater love for God and for your ‘fellow man’. Write down and follow any promptings you have.
Ponder this quote from Elder Stevenson, “Can you let go of grudges, forgive enemies, welcome and minister to your neighbors, and assist the elderly? You will each be inspired as you build your tower of love for neighbor.” Examine your own life and situation. Is there a grudge you can let go of? Is there an enemy you can forgive?

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2024 April General Conference, Saturday Afternoon Session

A Higher Joy

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Main Points

May we all seek and find the higher joy that comes from devoting our lives to our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son.
Profound joy and confidence comes from following the Savior and walking in His way.
You were made for this – you were made to experience joy.
To find greater joy in your life, draw near to Christ, look for joy and bear one another’s burdens.

Gospel Principles taught

Jesus Christ, Agency, Faith in Christ, Charity

Gospel Doctrine taught

Jesus Christ, The Plan of Salvation

Scriptures

2 Nephi 2:11, John 11:35, Moses 7:28–37, John 14:27, John 10:10, Luke 2:10, Matthew 11:28–30, 2 Nephi 2:25, Luke 15:11–32, Luke 15:11–32, 59:18,20; 88:63, James 4:8, Mark 5:24–34, Mark 5:28, Matthew 7:7, Galatians 6:2; Mosiah 18:8, Acts 20:35, 1 Kings 17:8–16, Mosiah 2:17, Romans 2:6–7, 10; Luke 6:38, Matthew 25:31–46, Luke 3:10, Philippians 4:7

Other Sources

John Gillespie Magee Jr., “High Flight,” poetryfoundation.org.
Christopher Klein, “10 Things You May Not Know about the Wright Brothers”
Americans are the unhappiest they’ve been in 50 years
“The Great Gloom: In 2023, Employees Are Unhappier Than Ever. Why?”
“Clean and unclean.”

Footnote Commentary

Twenty-four hundred years ago, Aristotle observed that happiness is the one thing all humans desire most. In his treatise Nicomachean Ethics, he taught that the greatest good in life is the thing we pursue as an end itself (as opposed to those things we pursue that are a means to some other end). Happiness, above all else, is just such a thing. “We always desire happiness for its own sake,” he said, “and never as a means to something else” (The Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle, trans. J. E. C. Weldon [1902], 13–14).
If you have any concerns about whether or not your Father in Heaven will accept you and allow you to receive His joy, I invite you to prayerfully read Christ’s parable of the prodigal son (see Luke 15:11–32). In that parable, we learn how our Heavenly Father feels about His children and how He awaits and celebrates our return after we have strayed from Him! From the moment we “come to ourselves” (see verse 17) and begin the journey home, He will see us, for He stands watching and waiting. And what is He waiting for? For us! As we draw near to Him, He will celebrate our return and call us His child.
By bearing each other’s burdens, we “fulfil the law of Christ”
In his Epistle to the Romans, Paul states that God “will render to every man according to his deeds: to them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: … glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good”

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- I have learned that if we draw near to God and reach out to touch Him, we can indeed find healing, peace, and joy.
Words of Christ.
- “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
- “Seek, and ye shall find.”
- “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Inspiring Words & Phrases

“Higher, Orville, higher!”
My purpose today is not to diminish or trivialize mental health issues. If you face such challenges, I mourn with you, and I stand beside you. For some people, finding joy may include seeking help from trained mental health professionals who devote their lives to practicing their very important art. We should be thankful for such help.
Life is not an endless sequence of emotional highs.
Feeling sad is not a sign of failure.
The peace He gives us is not like what the world gives. It’s better. It’s higher and holier.
Joy is the very purpose of God’s plan for His children. It’s what you were created for—“that [you] might have joy”! You were built for this!
Our Father in Heaven has not hidden the path to happiness. It is not a secret. It is available to all!
Our beloved Father in Heaven wants all His children to have as much happiness as possible, so He has filled this world with beautiful, wholesome pleasures and delights…By inviting everyone and sharing the Savior’s good news of great joy, we do not discount any of these sources of joy. We’re simply saying that God has something more to give.
Worldly happiness, by contrast, does not last. It cannot. It is the nature of all earthly things to grow old, decay, wear out, or become stale. But godly joy is eternal, because God is eternal. Jesus Christ came to lift us out of the temporal and replace corruption with incorruption. Only He has that power, and only His joy is perpetual.
Finally, she was within reach. She extended her hand. And she was healed. Aren’t we all somewhat like this woman?
We rarely find something we are not looking for.
Are you looking for joy?
True joy multiplies when it is shared.

Lists

The gospel of Jesus Christ is:

the “good news of great joy”
a message of matchless hope
a message of yoke-bearing
A message of burden-lifting
A message of light-gathering
A message of heavenly favor
A message of higher understanding
A message of holier covenants
A message of eternal security
A message of everlasting glory

Joy is promised to those who:

walk the path of discipleship
follow the teachings of the Savior
follow the example of the Savior
keep the commandments
honor covenants they make with God

Godly joy:

Higher
More profound
Transcendent
endures heartbreak
penetrates sorrow
diminishes loneliness.

Worldly happiness:

Does not last
Is an earthly thing and therefore subject to corruption
Grows old
Wears out
Becomes stale

Beginning steps to get more godly joy in your life:

Draw near to God
Look for it
Bear one another’s burdens

Reasons we hesitate to draw near the Savior:

We may face ridicule or condemnation by others.
Pride.
We may dismiss the possibility of something so simple being of so much value.
We may think that our condition somehow disqualifies us from His healing
We may think that the distance is too great
We may think that our sins are too many.

Bring joy to others by:

Doing simple things for them.
Praying for someone with all your heart.
Giving a sincere compliment.
Help someone feel welcome.
Help someone feel respected
Help someone feel valued
Help someone feel loved
Share a favorite scripture and what it means to you.
Just listen.

Invitations/Challenges

If you feel there could be more of this kind of joy in your life, I invite you to embark on the journey of following Jesus Christ and His Way. It is a journey of a lifetime—and beyond.
During the coming days, weeks, and months, may I invite you to spend time in a sincere, full-hearted effort to draw near to God.
During the coming days, weeks, and months, may I invite you to seek diligently for everyday moments of hope, peace, and joy.
During the coming days, weeks, and months, may I invite you to bring joy to others around you.

Equations

The peace Christ gives us ≩ what the world gives
IF you seek THEN you will find
IF you don’t seek THEN you don’t find

Warnings

If we seek reasons to be angry, to doubt, to be bitter or alone, we will find them too.

Blessings/Promises

if we seek joy—if we look for reasons to rejoice and to happily follow the Savior, we will find [joy].
Are you looking for joy? Seek, and ye shall find.
“When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God,” and God will repay your kindness generously.
The joy you give to others will return to you in “good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over.”
My dear brothers and sisters, dear friends, as you search the word of God for a deeper understanding of God’s eternal plan, accept these invitations, and strive to walk in His Way, you will experience “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,” even in the midst of sorrows. You will feel a greater measure of God’s unsurpassable love swelling within your heart. The dawn of celestial light will penetrate the shadows of your trials, and you will begin to taste the unspeakable glories and wonders of the unseen, perfect, heavenly sphere. You will feel your spirit lifting away from the gravity of this world.
May we all seek and find the higher joy that comes from devoting our lives to our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son. This is my earnest prayer and blessing in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Stories:

The story of Wilbur and Orville Wright. Their father had been afraid of losing both his sons in a plane crash, so they had never flown together. Their father, Milton Wright, finally gave them permission to fly together 7 years after the first successful flight at Kitty Hawk.Then Orville convinced Milton to go on a flight with him. He was exhilarated and shouted, “higher, Orville, higher!”
The story of the woman with the issue of blood, touching the hem of Jesus’ clothes to be healed. She had reasons to hold back and not go near him.

Application Ideas

Think about the phrase, “Reach out to Christ.” The woman with the issue of blood was able to literally reach out to Christ for healing. In your prayers this week, ask Heavenly Father how you can reach out to Christ for healing and peace. Write down any promptings or impressions you have and make a plan to act on them.
Choose seven of the “Bring joy to others” list, and do one each day for the next week. Write your experiences in your journal.
Take Elder Uchtdorf’s counsel to “seek diligently for everyday moments of hope, peace, and joy.” Consider studying the scriptures referenced here, here and here for guidance.

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2024 April General Conference, Saturday Morning Session

Covenant Confidence through Jesus Christ

Elder Ulisses Soares
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Main Points

When we enter the Lord’s house, we embark on a sacred journey of learning to become higher and holier disciples of Christ.
Confidence before God comes from covenant living
The construction of new temples throughout the world serves as a symbol of the expansion of the Lord’s kingdom
‘Holiness to the Lord’ is an invitation to become higher and holier disciples of Christ
We are seeking through covenant to becomes confident in the Lord
The enemy tries to drive doubt and despair, fear and frustration, heartache and hopelessness deep into our hearts, especially when life is hard, trials are long, or circumstances are difficult.

Gospel Principles taught

Our Father in Heaven, Jesus Chrsit, Agency, The Atonement, The Lord’s Covenant People, Faith in Christ, Temple Work

Gospel Doctrine taught

The Atonement of Jesus Christ, Ordinances and Covenants, God the Father, Jehova/Jesus Christ, The Plan of Salvation, The Covenant Path

ScripturesExodus 28:36; 39:30; Psalm 93:5, Doctrine and Covenants 14:7; 132:19–20, 24; Hebrews 10:35, 1 Nephi 3:15, 1 Nephi 4:6–38, 1 Nephi 14:14, Doctrine and Covenants 45:32, Doctrine and Covenants 121:45,

Other Sources

See Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, “bound.”

Related talks:

Russell M. Nelson, “Closing Remarks,”
Russell M. Nelson, “Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints,”
Russell M. Nelson, “The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation,”

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- The Savior desires that we become prepared to understand, with great clarity, exactly how to act as we make covenants with our Heavenly Father in His name. He wants us to be prepared to experience our privileges, promises, and responsibilities; to be prepared to have the spiritual insights and awakenings that we need in this life.
- God lives, Jesus is our Savior, and this is His restored Church on earth. I reverently declare these truths in the sacred name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.
Description of His Teachings.
- we simply cannot and must not have unkind feelings toward anyone.
Description of His Atonement.
- God and Jesus Christ…promise that we can inherit the gift of eternal life.
- Covenants made through the power of Jesus Christ make covenant confidence possible
- “The temple lies at the center of strengthening our faith and spiritual fortitude because the Savior and His doctrine are the very heart of the temple. Everything taught in the temple, through instruction and through the Spirit, increases our understanding of Jesus Christ. His essential ordinances bind us to Him through sacred priesthood covenants. Then, as we keep our covenants, He endows us with His healing, strengthening power. And oh, how we will need His power in the days ahead.”

Inspiring Words & Phrases

[Covenant confidence] confidence is the quiet yet certain assurance of receiving the blessings that God promises for those who keep their covenants and is so needed amid the challenging circumstances of our day.
I wondered if sometimes we get lost in the excitement of having new temples in our cities and communities and neglect the holier purpose of the sacred covenants made in the temple.
As we make covenants in holiness before God and commit to follow the Savior, we receive the power to change our hearts, renew our spirits, and deepen our relationship with Him. Such an endeavor brings sanctification to our souls and forms a sacred bond with God and Jesus Christ, who promise that we can inherit the gift of eternal life. The result of this sacred journey is that we obtain a holier and higher confidence for our day-to-day lives within our covenants made through Jesus Christ.
Those who gain genuine confidence in the covenants made in the house of the Lord through Jesus Christ possess one of the most powerful forces that we can access in this life.
I have seen firsthand the Lord’s loving promises and power flowing into the lives of God’s children, strengthening them to face life’s circumstances.
My dear friends, if there is one thing we could possess—and one thing we could pass on to our children and grandchildren that would help each in the tests and trials ahead—it would be confidence in the covenants made through Jesus Christ.
Preparation isn’t just for those going to the temple for the first time. We all should be perpetually preparing to go to the house of the Lord.
“Home centered, Church supported, and temple bound.”
Bound is an interesting word in that it means focused on a direction, but it also means fastened to or secured by, resolved and determined, sure. So being temple bound secures us to the Savior, giving us proper direction and stability while ensuring we have covenant confidence through Jesus Christ.

Lists

As we make covenants in holiness & commit to follow the Savior:

We receive the power to change our hearts
We receive the power to renew our spirits
We deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ

This endeavor (the above list):

Brings sanctification to our soul
Forms a sacred bond with God
Forms a sacred bond with Jesus Christ
Opens the way for us to inherit the gift of eternal life
Enables us to obtain a holier and higher confidence for our day to day lives

Holy and higher confidence for our lives (which we obtain within our covenants which were made through Jesus Christ):

This confidence is the pinnacle of our divine connection with God
Can help us increase our devotion to Christ
Can help us increase our gratitude to Jesus Christ for his atoning sacrifice
Fortifies our ability to love others
Fortifies our ability to serve others
Strengthens our souls to live in an unholy world
Empowers us to overcome doubt
Empowers us to overcome despair
Empowers us to overcome fear
Empowers us to overcome frustration
Empowers us to overcome heartache
Empowers us to overcome hopelessness

We gain confidence through Jesus Christ:

through humility
By centering our lives on the Savior
By living by the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ
By receiving the ordinances of salvation and exaltation
By honoring the covenants we make with God in His holy house.

Individual worthiness to enter the Lord’s house requires:

spiritual preparation
A total conversion of mind
A total conversion of heart
Conversion to make us more like the Lord
us to be an honest citizen
us to be a better example
Us to be a holier person

Equations

Confidence in the covenants made through Jesus Christ=standing in holy places
IF we change our preparation to enter the temple THEN we will change our experience in the temple;
- IF we change our experience in the temple THEN our lives outside the temple will be transformed;
- IF our lives are transformed THEN “… shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distill upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.”
IF we want the Spirit of the Lord to be unrestrained in our lives THEN we simply cannot and must not have unkind feelings toward anyone.

Invitations/Challenges

My dear friends, if there is one thing we could possess—and one thing we could pass on to our children and grandchildren that would help each in the tests and trials ahead—it would be confidence in the covenants made through Jesus Christ.
Preparation isn’t just for those going to the temple for the first time. We all should be perpetually preparing to go to the house of the Lord.
All of us should intentionally enhance such binding by having our next appointment scheduled with the Lord in His holy house, whether the temple is near or far away.

Warnings

The enemy tries to drive doubt and despair, fear and frustration, heartache and hopelessness deep into our hearts, especially when life is hard, trials are long, or circumstances are difficult.
We also know from the temple that if we want the Spirit of the Lord to be unrestrained in our lives, we simply cannot and must not have unkind feelings toward anyone. Giving place in our hearts or minds for unkind feelings or thoughts will produce unkind words and actions, whether on social media or in our homes, causing the Spirit of the Lord to withdraw from our hearts.

Blessings/Promises

I pray that we may be spiritually renewed by the inspired messages from our leaders this weekend and rejoice in what I love to call “covenant confidence through Jesus Christ.”
I know that when the Lord sees even a spark of desire or a flicker of righteous effort in our willingness to center our lives on Him and on the ordinances and covenants we make in His house, He will bless us, in His perfect way, with the miracles and tender mercies we need.
When we walk out of the temple, transformed by our hope in the promises of the covenants, armed with power from on high, we take the temple with us into our homes and lives. I assure you that having the spirit of the Lord’s house in us changes us, completely.
As we change our preparation to enter the temple, we will change our experience in the temple, which will transform our lives outside of the temple. May this transformation fill us with confidence in our holy covenants made with God through Jesus Christ.

Stories:

Nephi beautifully exemplified the power of this type of covenant confidence through his faithfulness when he faced setbacks and challenges, like getting the plates as commanded by the Lord. Nephi, despite being exceedingly sorrowful for the fear and lack of faith of Laman and Lemuel, remained confident that the Lord would deliver the plates to them. He said unto his brothers, “As the Lord liveth, and as we live, we will not go down unto our father in the wilderness until we have accomplished the thing which the Lord hath commanded us.” Because of Nephi’s confidence in the Lord’s promises, he was able to accomplish what he had been commanded to do.
The story of his wife’s trip to the temple, seeing so many people worshiping in the temple in spite of physical difficulties and personal life circumstances.
A bishop I know refers to the oldest class in Primary not as a “Primary” class but as a “temple preparation” class.

Application Ideas

Make an appointment to attend the temple.
As you reflect on your life, are you able to find specific situations, fears or concerns that consistently seem to affect you and your confidence before the Lord? Prayerfully consider how to resolve these things so that Satan cannot use them against you.
Ponder how you might prepare before each time you go to the temple.

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2024 April General Conference, Saturday Evening Session

Faithful to the End

Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus
Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency

Main Points

Sister Spannaus addressed her remarks to the youth of the Church.
By His hand, you will be able to bring down every Goliath that appears in your life.

Gospel Principles taught

Our Father in Heaven, Jesus Christ, Agency, The Atonement, Faith in Christ, Repentance, Baptism, Sacrament, Obedience.

Gospel Doctrine taught

The Atonement of Jesus Christ, Ordinances and Covenants, Commandments, God the Father, Jesus Christ, The Plan of Salvation, Agency, Other, The Covenant Path.

Scriptures

1 Samuel 17, 1 Samuel 17:40, 45–49, Matthew 22:36–38, Alma 7:11–14 , 1 Nephi 7:12, 3 Nephi 14:24–27, Doctrine and Covenants 6:36, Doctrine and Covenants 6:33–34, Alma 5:46, 1 Nephi 8:19, 30; 15:24–25; Helaman 3:29–30, 3 Nephi 22:13.

Other Sources

For the Strength of Youth, 32, “Young Women Theme” and “Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Theme,”

Related talks:

Russell M. Nelson, “Overcome the World and Find Rest,”
Russell M. Nelson, “Choices for Eternity”
Russell M. Nelson, “The Power of Spiritual Momentum,”
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “For the Strength of Youth: The Savior’s Message to You,”
Dallin H. Oaks, “Testimony,”

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- David chose to put his trust in Jesus Christ.
- Having faith in Jesus Christ means to fully trust His wisdom, His timing, His love, and His power to atone for our sins.
- There is joy in being faithful to the God of the universe, the Savior of the world, the King of kings. There is joy in being a disciple of Jesus Christ. God is our Father. He knows your heart’s desires and your possibilities, and He trusts you. Dear youth, Jesus Christ will help you to be faithful to the end. Of these truths I bear my testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Description of His Teachings.
- Christ taught the difference between a house built on rock and one on sand.
Description of His Atonement.
- When Jesus Christ came to earth, He suffered for our sins, and He took upon Himself our sorrows, our pains, our weaknesses, and our physical and mental illnesses. That’s why He knows how to help us.
- “Repentance isn’t punishment for sin; it is the way the Savior frees us from sin. To repent means to change―to turn away from sin and toward God. It means to improve and receive forgiveness. This kind of change is not a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process.”
Description of His relationship with us.
- Previously, David had fought a lion and also a bear. From his own experience, he knew that God had protected him and made him victorious.
- “God loves you. He is your Father. His perfect love can inspire you to love Him. When your love for Heavenly Father is the most important influence in your life, many decisions become easier.”
- Our personal connection to Jesus Christ will give us the courage and confidence to move forward amid people who do not respect our beliefs or who bully us.
Words of Christ.
- “Look unto me in every thought.”

Inspiring Words & Phrases

I have a message for you, the youth of the Church of Jesus Christ.
While David used only one stone to kill Goliath, he was prepared with five. With five! This makes me think about how I can prepare myself to face the world.
To David, the cause of God was the most important cause. So, full of faith in a God who would not abandon him, he gathered five smooth stones, took up his sling, and went to face the giant.
Loving God is the first great commandment.
Our love for God and our close relationship with Him give us the strength we need to transform our hearts and more easily overcome our challenges.
When Jesus Christ came to earth, He suffered for our sins, and He took upon Himself our sorrows, our pains, our weaknesses, and our physical and mental illnesses. That’s why He knows how to help us.
Having faith in Jesus Christ means to fully trust His wisdom, His timing, His love, and His power to atone for our sins.
We can overcome this fallen world because He overcame it first.
Everything changes when I know who I really am.
Nothing is more liberating than feeling God’s forgiveness and knowing that we are clean and reconciled with Him. Forgiveness is possible for everyone.
The covenants we make with God, such as those we make in the ordinance of baptism, give us access to the power of godliness.
How can we draw upon this power of Jesus Christ? Obeying our covenants and increasing our faith in Jesus Christ are key.
Our testimony is built by personal spiritual experiences in which we recognize the divine influence in our lives. No one can take that knowledge from us. Knowing what we know from having lived our spiritual experiences is priceless. Being true to that knowledge gives us freedom. It gives us joy!
If we love the truth, we will seek it, and once we find it, we will defend it.
There is joy in doing good. There is joy in being faithful to the God of the universe, the Savior of the world, the King of kings. There is joy in being a disciple of Jesus Christ.
God is our Father. He knows your heart’s desires and your possibilities, and He trusts you.

Lists

In the past year since this new Young Women Presidency was called, they have met with youth throughout the world and have:

studied the teachings of Christ together.
sung songs.
made new friends.
served with you in our communities.
been strengthened by listening to your testimonies at youth conferences and world events
worshiped together in the house of the Lord.
Shared a message from our Lord Jesus Christ.

David’s stones represent different strengths we need to be triumphant in our own lives:

My love for God
- Loving God is the first great commandment
- Our love for God helps us build a close relationship with Him.
- Our love for God gives us strength to transform our hearts
- Our love for God gives us strength to more easily overcome our challenges
My faith in our Savior Jesus Christ. Having faith in Jesus Christ means:
- to fully trust His wisdom
- To fully trust His timing
- To fully trust His love
- To fully trust His power to atone for our sins.
My knowledge of my true identity
- My most important identities are as a child of God, a child of the covenant, and a disciple of Jesus Christ.
- Everything changes when I know who I really am.
My daily repentance
- Nothing is more liberating than feeling God’s forgiveness.
- Nothing is more liberating than knowing that we are clean.
- Nothing is more liberating than knowing we are reconciled with Him.
- Forgiveness is possible for everyone.
My access to God’s power
- The covenants we make with God give us access to the power of godliness.
- God’s power is a real power that helps us face challenges,
- God’s power is a real power that helps us make good decisions,
- God’s power is a real power that helps us increase our capacity to endure difficult situations.
- God’s power is a real power that helps us grow in the specific abilities that we need.
- Covenants connect us to Heavenly Father and the Savior.
- Covenants increase God’s power in our lives.
- “A house doesn’t survive in a storm because the house is strong. It also doesn’t survive just because the rock is strong. The house survives the storm because it is firmly attached to that strong rock. It’s the strength of the connection to the rock that matters.” (Uchtdorf)
My testimony
- is built by personal spiritual experiences in which we recognize the divine influence in our lives.
- No one can take that knowledge from us.
- Knowing what we know from having lived our spiritual experiences is priceless.
- Being true to that knowledge gives us freedom.
- Being true to that knowledge gives us joy!

Christ took upon Himself:

our sorrows
our pains
our weaknesses
our physical illnesses
our mental illnesses.

My most important identities are:

I am a child of God.
I am a child of the covenant.
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Thinking about the Savior gives us clarity of mind:

to make decisions
to act without fear
to say no to what is contrary to God’s teachings

There is joy in:

Praying every day
Reading in the Book of Mormon every day
Partaking in the Sacrament every Sunday
Going to seminary
Doing good
There is joy in doing good.
being faithful to the God of the universe, the Savior of the world, the King of kings.
being a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Invitations/Challenges

Christ invites us to keep Him in our thoughts constantly; He tells us, “Look unto me in every thought.”
I invite you to meet with your class, quorum, or family and think about what other strengths you need to acquire to remain faithful to God and, therefore, overcome the world.

Equations

Our love for God + our close relationship with Him = the strength we need

Blessings/Promises

The stone of faith in Jesus Christ will defeat any “giant” in our lives.
“Covenants connect you to Heavenly Father and the Savior. They increase God’s power in your life.”
Thinking about the Savior gives us clarity of mind to make decisions, to act without fear, and to say no to what is contrary to God’s teachings.
Dear friends, Christ is eager to accompany us on the journey of our lives. I promise you, as you hold on to the iron rod, you will walk hand in hand with Jesus Christ. He will be guiding you, and He will be teaching you. By His hand, you will be able to bring down every Goliath that appears in your life.

Stories:

The story of David and Goliath, from the Old Testament. During a battle between the Israelites and the Philistines, a giant Philistine named Goliath made a challenge of single combat every morning and evening. The soldiers would not accept that challenge, but David, a young shepherd, did. He had fought both a lion and a bear and knew by his own experience that the Lord could protect him and give him victory. He selected five stones for his sling and went to battle Goliath. The first stone he threw killed Goliath.
When I doubt my abilities, I often repeat to myself in my mind or out loud, “I am a daughter of God, I am a daughter of God,” as many times as I need until I again feel confident to keep going.
When my day is difficult and I feel like I can’t take any more, thinking about Christ brings me peace and gives me hope.

Application Ideas

Brainstorm a list of ideas of how you might think about the Savior more, especially when you are making decisions. Choose one of those ideas to implement each day this week.
Meet with your class, quorum, or family and discuss what strengths you need to acquire to remain faithful to God and, therefore, overcome the world. Based on your discussion, make a goal together.
Find 6 stones and write one of Sister Spannaus’ powerful words on each one: love, faith, identity, repentance, power (or ‘covenant’) and testimony. Put these stones somewhere that you will see them often throughout the day.
Take the list above “There is joy in” and try an experiment (like in Alma 32) upon Sister Spannaus’ words. Try to prayerfully incorporate this list into your daily life this week. Write about your experience in your journal.

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2024 April General Conference, Sunday Morning Session

God’s Intent is to Bring You Home

Elder Patrick Kearon
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Main Points

Everything about the Father’s plan for His beloved children is designed to bring everyone home.
Our choices really matter, even though God’s plan is designed to bring us home
The purpose of the Father is our salvation; the purpose of the Son is to fulfill the will of the Father.
The Plan of Salvation is brought about by and through the Lord Jesus Christ
God is benevolent
With God’s grace we can do the things we need to do and change the things we need to change in order to come back home.
This is the good news! I am unspeakably grateful for these simple truths.

Gospel Principles taught

Our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, Agency, The Atonement, Faith in Christ, Repentance, Exaltation

Gospel Doctrine taught

The Plan of Salvation, The Atonement of Jesus Christ, Prophets and Revelation, Commandments, God the Father, Jesus Christ, The Plan of Salvation, The Covenant Path

Scriptures

2 Nephi 26:25, 27; Moses 1:39; Moses 7:33; Jacob 6:8; Alma 12:30; Alma 42:15; Alma 42:8, 16; Moses 6:62 ;Doctrine and Covenants 45:4; Doctrine and Covenants 76:50–70; Omni 1:26; Matthew 4:17; Matthew 5:43–44; Mosiah 5:2; Alma 42:13; Mosiah 3:19; John 8:11; John 6:38; 2 Nephi 26:24; Luke 15:4; 2 Peter 3:9; Doctrine and Covenants 18:11–12; 3 Nephi 9:14; 3 Nephi 17:7; see also verse 6; Matthew 7:13–14, 21–25; Matthew 27:50–51; Hebrews 9:6–12

Other Sources

God’s Plan and Your Role in His Work of Salvation and Exaltation

Related talks:

Russell M. Nelson, “Think Celestial!,” Liahona, Nov. 2023
Russell M. Nelson, “The Atonement,”

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- He does not put up roadblocks and barriers; He removes them. He does not keep you out; He welcomes you in. His entire ministry was a living declaration of this intent.
- The Father’s design, His plan, His purpose, His intent, His wish, and His hope are all to heal you, all to give you peace, all to bring you, and those you love, home. Of this I am a witness in the name of Jesus Christ, His Son, amen.
Description of His Life.
- (God) sent His precious Beloved Son to this fallen world to live the full range of the human experience, to provide an example for the rest of His children to follow, and to atone and redeem.
Description of His Teachings.
- Surely one of Jesus’s most consistent invitations and pleas during His mortal ministry was that we change and repent and come unto Him. Fundamentally implicit in all of His teachings to live on a higher plane of moral conduct is a call to personal progression, to transformative faith in Christ, to a mighty change of heart.
Description of His Atonement.
- Christ’s great atoning gift removes every roadblock of physical and spiritual death that would separate us from our eternal home.
- They call it the plan of redemption, the plan of mercy, the great plan of happiness, and the plan of salvation, which is unto all, “through the blood of mine Only Begotten.”
- Christ’s infinite atonement covers all of us. “Infinite” means “infinite.” None are excluded.
- “He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation.”
- Then of course there is His atoning sacrifice itself, which is harder for us to understand, beyond our mortal capacity to comprehend. But, and this is an important “but,” we do understand, can comprehend, the holy, saving intent of His atoning sacrifice.
Description of His relationship with us.
- Jesus’s will is the benevolent Father’s will! He wants to make it possible for every last one of His Father’s children to receive the end goal of the plan—eternal life with Them. None is excluded from this divine potential.
- The Saviour, the Good Shepherd, goes in search of His lost sheep until He finds them.He is “not willing that any should perish.”
Christ’s words.
- “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.”
- “Mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive.”
- “Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you.”

Inspiring Words & Phrases

It is… indeed a great honour to serve the Saviour, in any capacity, and to be engaged with you in sharing the good news of His gospel of hope.
It has been said that behind every new Apostle stands an astonished mother-in-law.
My friends, my fellow disciples on the road of mortal life, our Father’s beautiful plan, even His “fabulous” plan, is designed to bring you home, not to keep you out. No one has built a roadblock and stationed someone there to turn you around and send you away. In fact, it is the exact opposite. God is in relentless pursuit of you. He “wants all of His children to choose to return to Him,” and He employs every possible measure to bring you back.
God is in relentless pursuit of you.
Everything about the Father’s plan for His beloved children is designed to bring everyone home.
Christ’s great atoning gift removes every roadblock of physical and spiritual death that would separate us from our eternal home.
Everything about the Father’s plan for His beloved children is designed to bring everyone home.
The intent of the Father’s great plan of happiness is your happiness, right here, right now, and in the eternities. It is not to prevent your happiness and cause you instead worry and fear.
The intent of the Father’s plan of redemption is in fact your redemption, your being rescued through the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ, freed from the captivity of sin and death. It is not to leave you as you are.
The intent of the Father’s plan of mercy is to extend mercy as you turn back to Him and honour your covenant of fidelity to Him. It is not to deny mercy and inflict pain and sorrow.
The intent of the Father’s plan of salvation is in fact your salvation in the celestial kingdom of glory as you receive “the testimony of Jesus” and offer your whole soul to Him. It is not to keep you out.
God wants for us a radical reorientation of our selfish and prideful impulses, the eviction of the natural man, for us to “go, and sin no more.”
If you are prone to worry that you will never measure up, or that the loving reach of Christ’s infinite Atonement mercifully covers everyone else but not you, then you misunderstand. Infinite means infinite. Infinite covers you and those you love.
He did not cast away the woman with the issue of blood; He did not recoil from the leper; He did not reject the woman taken in adultery; He did not refuse the penitent—no matter their sin. And He will not refuse you or those you love when you bring to Him your broken hearts and contrite spirits. That is not His intent or His design, nor His plan, purpose, wish, or hope.
He does not put up roadblocks and barriers; He removes them. He does not keep you out; He welcomes you in. His entire ministry was a living declaration of this intent.
The veil of the temple was rent in twain when Jesus died upon the cross, symbolising that access back to the presence of the Father had been ripped wide open—to all who will turn to Him, trust Him, cast their burdens on Him, and take His yoke upon them in a covenant bond.
The Father’s plan is not about roadblocks. It never was; it never will be.
Are there things we need to do, commandments to keep, aspects of our natures to change? Yes. But with His grace, those are within our reach, not beyond our grasp.
The Father’s design, His plan, His purpose, His intent, His wish, and His hope are all to heal you, all to give you peace, all to bring you, and those you love, home.

Lists

Our Heavenly Father’s plan:

Is beautiful. (“pleasing the senses or mind aesthetically.”)
Is fabulous. (“extraordinary, especially extraordinarily large.”)
Is designed to bring you home.
Is not designed to keep you out.
Does not have a roadblock.
Does not have someone stationed there to turn people away
Is designed to bring everyone home

God, our Heavenly Father,:

Is in relentless pursuit of you to bring you home to Him
Wants all of His children to return to Him
Employs every possible measure (“a plan or course of action taken to achieve a particular purpose”) to bring you back
oversaw the Creation of this earth
Created the earth so that we could experience mortality

The express purpose for which God created the Earth:

To provide an opportunity for us to experience mortality stretching and refining experiences of mortality,

The purpose of mortality is:

To stretch us
To refine us
To use our moral agency to choose Him
To learn
To grow
To make mistakes
To repent
To love God
To love our neighbor
To return to Him

God sent Christ to the earth:

To live the full range of human experience
To provide an example for us to follow
To atone
To redeem

The prophets call the Heavenly Father’s plan:

plan of redemption
the plan of mercy
the great plan of happiness
the plan of salvation

The intent of Heavenly Father’s plan:

Your happiness, now and in the eternities
Your redemption
your being rescued through the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ
To free you from the captivity of sin and death
Is to extend mercy as you turn back to Him and honour your covenant of fidelity to Him.
Your salvation in the celestial kingdom of glory

The intent of Heavenly Father’s plan is NOT:

to prevent your happiness
to cause you worry
To cause you fear
to leave you as you are
to deny mercy
To inflict pain
To inflict sorrow
To keep you out

Implicit in the Savior’s teachings is:

A call to live on a higher plane of moral conduct
a call to personal progression
A call to transformative faith in Christ
A call to a mighty change of heart.

Jesus opened the way for all to return to the Father to all who will:

turn to Him
trust Him
cast their burdens on Him
take His yoke upon them in a covenant bond

Warnings

Even though the way has been cleared for us through Christ, we still need to keep the commandments and stay true to our covenants.

Blessings/Promises

If you are prone to worry that you will never measure up, or that the loving reach of Christ’s infinite Atonement mercifully covers everyone else but not you, then you misunderstand. Infinite means infinite. Infinite covers you and those you love.
The Saviour, the Good Shepherd, goes in search of His lost sheep until He finds them.

Equations:

redemption=being rescued through the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ

Stories:

From a hotel window, Elder Kearon observed a policeman who was stationed to redirect traffic from a road that was closed. As more and more traffic came, the policeman seemed to enjoy turning the traffic away, and was unsympathetic to travelers who spoke to him.

Application Ideas

Ponder the quote “If you are prone to worry that you will never measure up, or that the loving reach of Christ’s infinite Atonement mercifully covers everyone else but not you, then you misunderstand. Infinite means infinite. Infinite covers you and those you love.” If this sounds like something you are inclined to do, post this quote where you can see it several times a day. Make a point to read the quote several times a day for the next week, and in your prayers ask for a greater witness of how the atonement applies to you personally.
Focus your scripture study this week on the Plan of Salvation. Make a list of all the words you can find that describe the Plan.

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2024 April General Conference, Sunday Afternoon Session

It Is Wisdom in the Lord That We Should Have the Book of Mormon

President Mark L. Pace
Sunday School General President

Main Points

It is my prayer that reading the Book of Mormon this year will be a joy and a blessing for each of us.
Study implies effort.
We can have a personal experience with the love of God by prayerfully studying the Book of Mormon.
We need the Book of Mormon every day.

Gospel Principles taught

Jesus Christ, Agency, The Holy Ghost, Prayer, Scriptures, Second Coming

Gospel Doctrine taught

Prophets and Revelation, Prophets

Scriptures

Doctrine and Covenants 64:33, Doctrine and Covenants 11:13, Moses 5:12–16, Daniel 2:34–35, 44–45; Doctrine and Covenants 65:2, Doctrine and Covenants 50:22; see also verses 17–21, Jacob 1:3–4, Jacob 4:6, 1 Nephi 5:21–22, 1 Nephi 8:14–16, 2 Nephi 25:26, Doctrine and Covenants 6:22–24

Other Sources

Topics and Questions, “Dispensations,” Gospel Library
Conversion Is Our Goal,” Come Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024
Ryan Jensen, “Church Distributes 200 Millionth Copy of the Book of Mormon,” Church News, Dec. 29, 2023
Introduction to the Book of Mormon

Related talks:

Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints
Russell M. Nelson, “The Gathering of Scattered Israel,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2006
Russell M. Nelson, “Opening Remarks,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018
Kevin W. Pearson, “Are You Still Willing?,” Liahona, Nov. 2022
Russell M. Nelson, “The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It?,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- Heavenly Father lives. Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. The Book of Mormon contains His words and conveys His love. President Russell M. Nelson is the Lord’s living prophet on the earth today. I know these things to be true because of the confirming witness of the Holy Ghost, which witness I first received while reading the Book of Mormon as a boy. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Inspiring Words & Phrases

Your daily connection with God and His word has profound consequences.
Now, today, we live in the dispensation of the fulness of times. This is the only dispensation that will not end in an apostasy. It is this dispensation that will usher in the Second Coming of the Savior Jesus Christ and His millennial reign. So, what’s different about this dispensation? What has the Lord provided us today, especially for our time, that will help us draw near to the Savior and never leave Him? One answer that comes to my mind is the scriptures—and particularly the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.
While God has promised there will never be another general apostasy, we need to be mindful and careful to avoid a personal apostasy—remembering, as President Russell M. Nelson has taught, “We are each responsible for our individual spiritual growth.”
Studying the Book of Mormon, as we are doing this year, always brings us closer to the Savior—and helps us stay close to Him.
Sometimes reading the Book of Mormon is just about feeling connected to God today—nourishing the soul, being strengthened spiritually before heading out to face the world, or finding healing after a rough day out in the world.
The great worth and spiritual power of the scriptures continue undimmed in our lives today.
There has never been a people in history with the access to the Book of Mormon and other scriptures that we enjoy today.
The most important copy of the Book of Mormon is our personal copy. It is the copy that we read.
From the time I started reading the Book of Mormon, I felt that Heavenly Father was aware of my efforts. And I felt that I mattered to Him. As I read and prayed, comfortable, peaceful feelings rested upon me. Chapter by chapter, the light of faith was growing brighter inside my soul. In time, I realized that these feelings were confirmations of truth from the Holy Ghost. I came to know for myself that the Book of Mormon is true and that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.
Nephi said it right. It was wisdom in the Lord that we should carry the scriptures with us throughout our lives. The Book of Mormon is the “keystone” that makes this dispensation different from all previous dispensations.

Lists

Reading the Savior’s teachings in the scriptures:

Helps us transform our homes into sanctuaries of faith
Helps us transform our homes into centers of gospel learning
Invites the Spirit into our homes
Enables the Spirit to fill our souls with joy
Enables the Spirit to convert us into lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ

Reading in the holy books of scripture, we find the following pattern in every dispensation:

God restores or reveals the gospel of Jesus Christ through His prophets.
The people follow the prophets and are greatly blessed.
Over time, some people stop heeding the words of the prophets and distance themselves from the Lord and His gospel. This is what we call apostasy.
We see a pattern of restoration and apostasy repeated in the dispensations of Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and others.

President Nelson’s promises to those who study the Book of Mormon prayerfully every day:

You will make better decisions every day
The windows of Heaven will open
You will receive answers to your own questions
You will receive direction for your own life

Invitations/Challenges

It is my prayer that reading the Book of Mormon this year will be a joy and a blessing for each of us and will draw us ever nearer to the Savior.

Warnings

we need to be mindful and careful to avoid a personal apostasy

Blessings/Promises

Studying the Book of Mormon, as we are doing this year, always brings us closer to the Savior—and helps us stay close to Him.
We study the scriptures so the Holy Ghost, the great teacher, can deepen our conversion to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and help us become more like Them.
“Heavenly Father wants you to know for yourself. But you must put in the effort. You need to read the Book of Mormon and pray to know by the Holy Ghost. Heavenly Father will answer your prayers.”
As we study the Book of Mormon and follow the living prophet, there will be no personal apostasy in our lives.

Stories:

The story of Lehi’s vision of the tree of life. This vision teaches us how important it is that we have a personal experience with the love of God. Lehi was an intentional parent – he led his children to partake of the fruit with clear directions so he couldn’t be misunderstood.
President Pace had a similar experience with his mother, who instructed him to work to know for himself that the gospel is true. “Her question ignited in me a desire to know for myself.” He read from the Book of Mormon every night before going to bed, then knelt and prayer to know of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon

Equations:

IF ‘we improve our learning at home’ THEN ‘we improve our teaching at Church’
IF ‘it was wise for Lehi and his family to have the scriptures’ THEN ‘it is just as wise for us today’

Application Ideas

“What has the Holy Ghost taught us this week during our study of the Book of Mormon?” Write your answer in your journal or scripture journal.
Ask yourself, “How does what I studied this week bring me closer to the Savior?” Write your answers in your journal.
How can you have a personal experience with the love of God this week?
How can you increase your experience with the Book of Mormon this week?

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2024 April General Conference, Sunday Afternoon Session

Words Matter

Elder Ronald A. Rasband
of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Main Points

Words set a tone. They voice our thoughts, feelings, and experiences, for good or bad.
God’s words matter. The prophets’ words matter. And our words matter.

Gospel Principles taught

Jesus Christ, Prayer, Scriptures, Personal Responsibility

Gospel Doctrine taught

Marriage and Family, Commandments, Agency, Prophets

Scriptures

Alma 31:5, Genesis 1:3, Matthew 24:35, John 14:23, Luke 1:38, Joseph Smith—History 1:17, 2 Nephi 1:15, Jacob 4:13, Jacob 7:5, Ephesians 2:21, 2 Nephi 32:3, 2 Nephi 32:3, 2 Nephi 32:2, 2 Nephi 33, Isaiah 9:6, John 1:1

Other Sources

“More Holiness Give Me,” Hymns, no. 131
“President Nelson Invites Us to #GiveThanks”
Chapter 6: Sustaining Those Whom the Lord Sustains
News for Temples in Five Nations
Dedicatory Prayer – Bangkok Thailand Temple, 22 October 2023

Related talks:

Russell M. Nelson, “I Studied More Than 2,200 Scriptures about the Savior in Six Weeks: Here Is a Little of What I Learned,”
Russell M. Nelson, “Sustaining the Prophets,”
Russell M. Nelson, “As We Go Forward Together,”
Russell M. Nelson, “Hope of Israel”
Russell M. Nelson, “Let God Prevail,”
Russell M. Nelson, “President Nelson Shares Social Post about Racism and Calls for Respect for Human Dignity,”
Russell M. Nelson, “Overcome the World and Find Rest,”
Russell M. Nelson, “Choices for Eternity”
Russell M. Nelson, “Peacemakers Needed,”
Russell M. Nelson, “Think Celestial!,”
Thomas S. Monson, “Blessings of the Temple,”
Thomas S. Monson, “To the Rescue,”

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- I love the Lord Jesus Christ. He is, in the words of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah, “Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” And as the Apostle John made clear, Jesus Christ Himself is “the Word.”Of this I testify as an Apostle called to the Lord’s divine service—to declare His word—and called to stand as a special witness of Him. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.
Description of His Teachings.
- First and foremost, the Lord’s words matter.
Christ’s words:
- “Let there be light:
- “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”
- “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”

Inspiring Words & Phrases

Words matter a lot. Let me say that again. Words matter! They are the bedrock of how we connect; they represent our beliefs, morals, and perspectives. Sometimes we speak words; other times we listen. Words set a tone. They voice our thoughts, feelings, and experiences, for good or bad.
First and foremost, the Lord’s words matter.
The “word of God” surpasses all other expressions.
When we think celestial, we see “things as they really are, and … really will be.” In this world burdened with confusion and contention, we all need that perspective.
Our words can be supportive or angry, joyful or mean, compassionate or tossed aside. In the heat of the moment, words can sting and sink painfully deep into the soul—and stay there. Our words on the internet, texting, social media, or tweets take on a life of their own. So be careful what you say and how you say it. In our families, especially with husbands, wives, and children, our words can bring us together or drive a wedge between us.
Let me suggest three simple phrases that we can use to take the sting out of difficulties and differences, lift, and reassure each other: “Thank you.” “I am sorry.” And “I love you.” Do not save these humble phrases for a special event or catastrophe. Use them often and sincerely, for they show regard for others.

Lists

Words can be used negatively. Words:

Can be thoughtless
Can be hasty
Can be hurtful
Cannot be taken back once they’re spoken
Can wound
Words can punish
Words can cut down
Words can lead to destructive action
Words can weigh heavily on us

Words can be used positively. Words:

Can celebrate victory
Can be hopeful
Can be encouraging
Can prompt us to rethink
Can prompt us to reboot
Can prompt us to redirect our course
Can open our minds to truth

Ways we “Hear Him” – ways we listen to the word of the Lord:

We “hear Him” in the words of scripture
We “hear Him” in personal revelation
We “hear Him” in promptings from the Holy Ghost
We “hear Him” in answers to prayer
We “hear Him” in those moments when only Jesus Christ, through the power of His Atonement, can lift our burdens, grant us forgiveness and peace, and embrace us “in the arms of his love.”

What words matter?

The word of God
The words of prophets

Memorable words of President Nelson:

Keep on the covenant path
Gather Israel
Let God prevail
Build bridges of understanding
Give thanks
Increase your faith in Jesus Christ
Take charge of your testimony
Become a peacemaker
Think Celestial

Invitations/Challenges

We can say “thank you” on the elevator, in the parking lot, at the market, in the office, in a queue, or with our neighbors or friends. We can say “I am sorry” when we make a mistake, miss a meeting, forget a birthday, or see someone in pain. We can say “I love you,” and those words carry the message “I am thinking about you,” “I care about you,” “I am here for you,” or “You are everything to me.”

Either/Or

Our words can:

Be supportive OR be angry
Be joyful OR mean
Be compassionate OR tossed aside

Warnings

We “hear Him” in the words of scripture, but do we let them just sit on the page, or do we recognize He is speaking to us? Do we change?
Words of the prophet matter to the Lord and to us.
In the heat of the moment, words can sting and sink painfully deep into the soul—and stay there. Our words on the internet, texting, social media, or tweets take on a life of their own. So be careful what you say and how you say it. In our families, especially with husbands, wives, and children, our words can bring us together or drive a wedge between us.
Do not save these humble phrases for a special event or catastrophe. Use them often and sincerely, for they show regard for others. Talk is growing cheap; do not follow that pattern.
“The words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.” We are Heavenly Father’s children and He is our God, and He expects us to speak with “the tongue of angels” by the power of the Holy Ghost.

Blessings/Promises

Believing and heeding the word of God will draw us closer to Him. President Russell M. Nelson has promised, “If you will study His words, your ability to be more like Him will increase.”
(quoting President Nelson) As you think celestial, your heart will gradually change, … you will view trials and opposition in a new light, … [and] your faith will increase.
President Thomas S. Monson used to say, “There are feet to steady, hands to grasp, minds to encourage, hearts to inspire, and souls to save.”30 Saying “thank you,” “I am sorry,” “I love you” will do just that.
I promise that if we
1. “feast upon the words of Christ” that lead to salvation,
2. (feast upon) our prophet’s words that guide and encourage us,
3. and our own words that speak of who we are and what we hold dear,

Then the powers of heaven will pour down upon us.

Stories:

The story of how Alma counseled that they use the word of God because it had a greater effect on the people than anything else.
Reminded us that the “words of God” that Joseph heard in the Sacred Grove were “Hear Him!”
Elder George Albert Smith, long before becoming President of the Church, spoke of sustaining the prophet and heeding his words. He said: “The obligation that we make when we raise our hands … is a most sacred one. … It means … that we will stand behind him; we will pray for him; … and we will strive to carry out his instructions as the Lord shall direct.” In other words, we will diligently act upon our prophet’s words.
Told of his experience in dedicating the Bangkok, Thailand, temple. He had written out the words of the prayer and it had been translated into 12 languages, but the night before the dedication, he felt inspired to add these words to the closing part of the prayer: “May we think celestial, letting Thy Spirit prevail in our lives, and strive to be peacemakers always.”
Story of when he traveled for business, he would call home at the end of every day and he and his wife Melanie would “report in.” These conversations always led to expressing love to each other. “Every day, those words served as an anchor to my soul and my conduct; they were a protection to me from evil designs. ‘Melanie, I love you’ spoke of the precious trust between us.”

Application Ideas

This week, pray for the desire to have the “powers of Heaven pour down” upon you. Ponder what that would mean in your life.
Each day this week, take the opportunity to “feast upon the words of Christ.”
Each day this week, find a way to “feast” upon the words of the prophets. As you are ‘feasting,’ identify the prophet’s words that seem to offer you guidance, and identify the prophet’s words that offer you encouragement. Write those words in your journal.
Pay attention to the way you speak, especially to and about those you love. How can you use your words to illustrate what things, people and relationships you hold dear?
Find one example of how your words have driven a wedge between you and someone else. How can you use your words to mend that relationship? Pray about your situation and follow any promptings you receive.

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2024 April General Conference, Saturday Morning Session

Put Ye On the Lord Jesus Christ
Sister J. Anette Dennis
First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency

Main Points

Through honoring our covenants, we enable God to pour out the multitude of promised blessings associated with those covenants.
As we choose to draw nearer to Him through a covenant relationship, it allows Him to draw nearer to us and more fully bless us.

Gospel Principles taught

God the Father, Our Heavenly Family, Jesus Christ, Agency, The Atonement, The Lord’s Covenant People, Temple Work

Gospel Doctrine taught

The Plan of Salvation, The Atonement of Jesus Christ, Ordinances and Covenants, The Plan of Salvation, Agency, The Covenant Path

Scriptures

Mark 4: 33-34, Matthew 17:20, Luke 15:3–7, Luke 15:11–32, Matthew 13:9, Matthew 13:10–13, John 3:16–17, John 1:29, 1 Nephi 11:20–22, Doctrine and Covenants 133:53, Deuteronomy 7:9, Jeremiah 31:33; 1 Nephi 17:40; James 4:8; Doctrine and Covenants 88:63, Mosiah 5:5; Mosiah 18:8–10, Romans 6:3–4; Colossians 2:12, 2 Nephi 31:13; Moroni 6:3; Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, Galatians 3:27, Luke 22:19–20, John 6:56, 2 Nephi 28:30, Exodus 28; 40:12–13 , Genesis 3:21, Romans 13:12&14, Ephesians 6:10–18, Mosiah 24:13–15; Psalm 119:105; 1 Nephi 17:13, Mosiah 4:24–25, Alma 41:14; John 3:16–17; 15:12–13; Doctrine and Covenants 34:3, Isaiah 49:14–16

Talks & Works Cited

Russell M. Nelson, “The Atonement,” “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Russell M. Nelson, “The Everlasting Covenant,” Muhlestein, God Will Prevail, 9–12; Russell M. Nelson, “The Everlasting Covenant,” Russell M. Nelson, “Let God Prevail,” Russell M. Nelson, “Covenants,” Russell M. Nelson, “Spiritual Treasures,” Russell M. Nelson, “The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation,” Russell M. Nelson, “Overcome the World and Find Rest,” Camille N. Johnson, “Jesus Christ Is Relief,” Dale G. Renlund, “Accessing God’s Power through Covenants,” Jean B. Bingham, “Covenants with God Strengthen, Protect, and Prepare Us for Eternal Glory,” Dale G. Renlund, “Unwavering Commitment to Jesus Christ,” “Sacred Temple Clothing,” David A. Bednar, “Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease,” Neal A. Maxwell, “Swallowed Up in the Will of the Father,” Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Merciful Obtain Mercy,” Jeffrey R. Holland, “None Were with Him,” Russell M. Nelson, “A Plea to My Sisters,” General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Temple Recommends 26.5.1, Temple Ordinances for the Living 27.2.2, Russell M. Nelson, “Closing Remarks”

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- I am so grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. His atoning sacrifice for us became the greatest symbol of His and our Father in Heaven’s infinite love for each of us, with the tangible symbols of that love and sacrifice—the marks in the Savior’s hands, feet, and side—remaining even after His Resurrection.
- I testify that the great blessings of that covenant relationship are well worth the price.
Description of His Teachings.
- Jesus taught through stories and symbols—a mustard seed to teach the power of faith, a lost sheep to teach the worth of souls, a prodigal son to teach the character of God. His parables were symbols through which He could teach deeper lessons to those who had “ears to hear.” But those not seeking the deeper meaning would not understand…
Description of His Atonement.
- When God the Father offered His Only Begotten Son as a sacrifice for us, Jesus Christ Himself became the highest symbol of our Father in Heaven’s undying love for each of us. Jesus Christ became the Lamb of God.
- Jesus Christ is at the center of all covenants we make, and covenant blessings are made possible because of His atoning sacrifice.
- Being immersed in the water and coming up again is symbolic of the Savior’s death and Resurrection to new life.
- The gift of His Atonement is symbolically offered to us each week when a priesthood holder, representing the Savior Himself, offers us the bread and water.
- Everything we do in the temple points to our Father’s plan for us, at the heart of which is the Savior and His atoning sacrifice.
- Our temple garment reminds us that the Savior and the blessings of His Atonement cover us throughout our lives.
- I am so grateful for the privilege of wearing the garment of the holy priesthood to remind me that the Savior and the blessings of His infinite Atonement constantly cover me throughout my mortal journey.
Description of His relationship with us.
- Each person on earth is a beloved son or daughter of God.
- Our Father wants a deeper relationship with all His sons and daughters, but it is our choice.
- He will protect me from evil, give me power and increased capacity, and be my light and guide through the darkness and difficulties of this world.

Inspiring Words & Phrases

When God the Father offered His Only Begotten Son as a sacrifice for us, Jesus Christ Himself became the highest symbol of our Father in Heaven’s undying love for each of us. Jesus Christ became the Lamb of God.
We have the privilege and blessing of being invited into a covenant relationship with God, in which our own lives can become a symbol of that covenant.
When we choose to be part of a covenant, it enhances and deepens our relationship with Him.
As we choose to draw nearer to Him through a covenant relationship, it allows Him to draw nearer to us and more fully bless us.
Jesus Christ is at the center of all covenants we make, and covenant blessings are made possible because of His atoning sacrifice.
As we make covenants with God in the house of the Lord, we further deepen our relationship with Him.
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, those of us who have chosen to make covenants with God in the house of the Lord wear sacred ceremonial outer clothing during temple worship, symbolic of the clothing worn in ancient temple rituals. We also wear the garment of the holy priesthood, both during temple worship and in our everyday lives.
As part of the temple endowment, we are authorized to wear the garment of the holy priesthood. It is both a sacred obligation and a sacred privilege.
It (the garment) also reminds me that as I keep the covenants I have made with God in the house of the Lord, I have symbolically put on Christ, who Himself is an armor of light.
There is deep and beautiful symbolic meaning in the garment of the holy priesthood and its relationship to Christ. I believe that my willingness to wear the holy garment becomes my symbol to Him. It is my own personal sign to God, not a sign to others.
As I keep my covenants and obligations with God, including wearing the garment of the holy priesthood, my very life can become a personal symbol of my love and deep gratitude for my Savior, Jesus Christ, and my desire to have Him with me always.
Through a covenant relationship with God, our own lives can become a living symbol of our commitment to and deep love for our Father in Heaven, our hesed for Him, and our desire to progress and eventually become like our Savior, being prepared to one day enter Their presence. I testify that the great blessings of that covenant relationship are well worth the price.

Lists

Covenants:

Create a relationship with God
that covenant relationship allows God to mold and change us over time
That covenant relationship allows God to lift us to become more like the Savior
Draw us closer and closer to Christ and the Father
Eventually prepare us to enter Their presence.

Our Heavenly Father wants a deeper relationship with us, but choosing that deeper relationship is up to us. We have exercise our agency to choose to draw near to Him. Here is the progression of that relationship:

God sets the conditions and obligations of the covenants.
When covenantal conditions and obligations are met, there are promised blessings attached.
A natural consequence of keeping covenantal conditions and obligations is power to change and become more like Jesus Christ.
When we choose to enter that covenant relationship, we witness our willingness to abide by the conditions He has set.
The way we witness that willingness is through symbols & symbolic actions.
As we honor our covenants, our actions enable God to bless us with the promised blessings.

Symbols in baptism:

Baptism by immersion is the symbolic gate through which we enter into a covenant relationship with God.
Being immersed in the water and coming up again is symbolic of the Savior’s death and Resurrection to new life.
As we are baptized, we symbolically die and are born again into the family of Christ.
When we are baptized, we show our willingness to take His name upon us.
With our baptism, we symbolically put on Christ.
We ourselves embody that symbolism.

Symbols in the sacrament:

The bread and water are symbolic of Christ’s flesh and blood shed for us.
The gift of His Atonement is symbolically offered to us each week when a priesthood holder, representing the Savior Himself, offers us the bread and water.
As we perform the action of eating and drinking the emblems of His flesh and blood, Christ symbolically becomes a part of us.
We again put on Christ as we make a new covenant each week.

Symbols in the temple:

Everything we do in the temple points to our Father’s plan for us.
At the heart of the Plan of Salvation is the Savior and His atoning sacrifice.
In the temple, the Lord teaches us line upon line through symbolism.
The garment of the holy priesthood is deeply symbolic and points to the Savior.

A closer look at the garment of the holy priesthood:

Many religious traditions employ special clothing during worship, symbolizing their beliefs and their commitment to God.
In ancient times, sacred ceremonial clothing was used in temple worship.
In modern times, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have chosen to enter temple covenants wear sacred, ceremonial clothing during temple worship – symbolic of ancient temple worship.
Additionally, those who have covenanted also wear the garment of the holy priesthood, both during temple worship and in daily life.
The garment of the holy priesthood is symbolic.
The garment of the holy priesthood points to the Savior, symbolic of His sacrifice for us.
It also reminds me that as I keep the covenants I have made with God in the house of the Lord, I have symbolically put on Christ, who Himself is an armor of light.
Not because of personal preference, inconvenience, or style, but because of certain medical conditions, for some people, wearing the garment is much more difficult. The Lord knows our hearts and understands our desires to honor our commitments with Him. See, for example, Mosiah 4:24–25.

Sister Dennis’ own experience:

Wearing the garment is a privilege
Wearing the garment reminds me that the Savior and His infinite atonement cover me throughout mortality.
Wearing the garment reminds me that as I keep my covenants, I have symbolically put on Christ.
Christ himself is an armor of light. He will:
- Protect me from evil
- Give me power
- Give me increased capacity
- Be my light through the darkness of this world
- Be my guide through the difficulties of this world
I believe that my willingness to wear the holy garment becomes my symbol to Him. It is my own personal sign to God, not a sign to others.
As I keep my covenants and obligations with God, including wearing the garment of the holy priesthood, my very life can become a personal symbol of my love and deep gratitude for my Savior, Jesus Christ, and my desire to have Him with me always.

Prerequisites for making temple covenants:

Be at least 18 years of age
No longer attending High School (or equivalent)
Be a member of the Church for at least a year.
Meet standards of personal holiness (as reviewed here).

Not prerequisites:

Have a mission call.
Be engaged to be married.

Through a covenant relationship with God, our lives can become:

a living symbol of our commitment to our Father in Heaven.
a symbol for our deep love for our Father in Heaven.
a symbol of our hesed for Him.
A symbol of our desire to progress and become like our Savior.
A symbol of our desire to enter into the presence of Heavenly Father and our Savior.

Equations & Definitions

The armor of light=Jesus Christ
Hesed = a covenant relationship in which both parties are bound to be loyal and faithful to each other
Kaphar = atonement; “to cover”

Invitations/Challenges

Our temple garment reminds us that the Savior and the blessings of His Atonement cover us throughout our lives. As we put on the garment of the holy priesthood each day, that beautiful symbol becomes a part of us.
If you have not yet done so, I invite you to choose a deeper relationship with God by making covenants with Him in the house of the Lord.
Study the talks of our prophet (including the beautiful teachings in the footnotes of his talks, which most conference talks have). He has spoken repeatedly about covenants for years and especially since becoming President of the Church.
Learn from his teachings about the beautiful blessings and increased power and capacity that can be yours through making and keeping covenants with God.
If you have the desire to deepen your relationship with your Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ by making sacred covenants in the house of the Lord, I invite you to speak with your bishop or branch president and let him know of your desires. He will help you know how to prepare to receive and honor those covenants.

Blessings/Promises

The Lord will teach us line upon line through the symbolism of the ordinances and covenants as we open our hearts and prayerfully seek to understand the deeper meanings.

Stories:

Sister Dennis recalled that she had purposely chosen books to read to her children that had symbolism within the story. It was enjoyable to her to help them discover the meaning behind the symbols. She was delighted to find out that her young son had started a new book with the intent of just enjoying the story; but he found himself trying to find a deeper meaning. Sister Dennis was pleased that he was looking for symbols.
President Russell M. Nelson has taught that when we choose to make covenants with God, our relationship with Him can become much closer than it was before our covenant, and it enables Him to bless us with an extra measure of His mercy and love, a covenantal love referred to as hesed in the Hebrew language. The covenant path is all about our relationship with God—our hesed relationship with Him.
When Adam and Eve partook of the fruit and had to leave the Garden of Eden, they were given coats of skins as a covering for them. It is likely that an animal was sacrificed to make those coats of skins—symbolic of the Savior’s own sacrifice for us. Kaphar is the basic Hebrew word for atonement, and one of its meanings is “to cover.”
In the New Testament book of Romans, we read: “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. … Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Application Ideas

Think about symbols: in the scriptures, in talks and books, in your patriarchal blessing, and in your life. Take time to list in your journal what the most powerful symbols are for you and why you feel that way.
Consider the function of agency in making and keeping covenants. You may want to note in your scriptures, journal or study journal what difference it makes in a covenantal relationship ( in any relationship) to “act” and not be “acted upon.” (see 2 Nephi 2)
Brainstorm a list of actions, behaviors, thoughts, deeds and words that you could use to show your Heavenly Father and Christ that you desire a stronger relationship with them. Choose one to focus on for the next week.
Whether you are endowed or not. pray for a greater understanding of the garment of the holy priesthood.
Study President Nelson’s talks (listed above). Consider looking for and highlighting the following things as you look for patterns and instruction in covenants:
1. beautiful blessings promised to those who make and keep covenants
2. increased power granted to those who make and keep covenants
3. Increased spiritual capacity as a natural consequence to making and keeping sacred covenants

Write in your journal any observations you have as well as any promptings you feel for taking action on the prophet’s words.

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2024 April General Conference, Sunday Afternoon Session

Rejoice in the Gift of Priesthood Keys
President Russell M. Nelson
President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Main Points

Priesthood keys govern how the priesthood of God may be used to bring about the Lord’s purposes and bless all who accept the restored gospel.
The Kirtland Temple has unusual significance in the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Several events that took place there had been prophesied for millennia and were essential for the Lord’s restored Church to fulfill its latter-day mission.
The promise Christ gave of the Kirtland Temple on April 3, 1836, applies to every dedicated temple today: “I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house.”
The significance of the restoration of Priesthood keys to the earth cannot be overstated.
Joseph Smith’s dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple is a tutorial about how the temple spiritually empowers you and me to meet the challenges of life in these last days.
Understanding the spiritual privileges made possible in the temple is vital to each of us today.

Gospel Principles taught

Our Heavenly Family, Jesus Christ, Agency, The Priesthood, Priesthood Organization, The Lord’s Covenant People, Missionary Work, The Family can be Eternal, Eternal Marriage, Temple Work & Family History, Gathering of Israel

Gospel Doctrine taught

Priesthood and Priesthood Keys, Ordinances and Covenants, The Restoration, Marriage and Family, Agency, The Covenant Path

Scriptures

Doctrine and Covenants 110:3
Doctrine and Covenants 110:4
Doctrine and Covenants 110:7
Doctrine and Covenants 110:11
Doctrine and Covenants 110:12
Genesis 18:18
1 Nephi 15:18
Malachi 4:5–6
Doctrine and Covenants 110:13–16
Doctrine and Covenants 13
Doctrine and Covenants 27:7–8, 12
Doctrine and Covenants 20:1–4
Doctrine and Covenants 121:28
Doctrine and Covenants 95:8
Doctrine and Covenants 109:22
Doctrine and Covenants 132:45–46
2 Nephi 26:33
Doctrine and Covenants 109:8
Doctrine and Covenants 109:15
Doctrine and Covenants 109:22
Doctrine and Covenants 109:24–26
Doctrine and Covenants 110:12
Doctrine and Covenants 132:29–30

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- The Prophet recorded that the Savior’s “eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters.”
- My dear brothers and sisters, I testify that this is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He stands at its head. We are His disciples.
Christ’s own words.
- “I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father.”
- “I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house.”

Inspiring Words & Phrases

Jesus Christ…declared that He had accepted the temple as His house and made this stunning promise: “I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house.” This significant promise applies to every dedicated temple today.
Then Elijah the prophet appeared. His appearance fulfilled Malachi’s promise that before the Second Coming, the Lord would send Elijah to “turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers.”10 Elijah conferred the keys of the sealing power upon Joseph Smith.
The significance of these keys being returned to the earth by three heavenly messengers under the direction of the Lord cannot be overstated.
The power of these priesthood keys is infinite and breathtaking.
Without priesthood keys, none of us would have access to essential ordinances and covenants that bind us to our loved ones eternally and allow us eventually to live with God.
Priesthood keys distinguish The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from any other organization on earth. Many other organizations can and do make your life better here in mortality. But no other organization can and will influence your life after death.
Priesthood keys give us the authority to extend all of the blessings promised to Abraham to every covenant-keeping man and woman. Temple work makes these exquisite blessings available to all of God’s children, regardless of where or when they lived or now live. Let us rejoice that priesthood keys are once again on the earth!
The sealing power is supernal evidence of how much God loves all of His children everywhere and wants each of them to choose to return home to Him.
How much does it increase your confidence to know that, as an endowed woman or man armed with the power of God, you do not have to face life alone? What courage does it give you to know that angels really will help you?
The temple is the gateway to the greatest blessings God has in store for each of us, for the temple is the only place on earth where we may receive all of the blessings promised to Abraham.

Lists

Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery experienced a series of remarkable visions in the Kirtland Temple on Easter Sunday, April 3, 1836:

Jesus Christ appeared. He affirmed His identity as the Savior and accepted the Kirtland Temple as His House.
Moses appeared. He conferred upon Joseph Smith the keys for the gathering of Israel and the return of the ten tribes.
Elias appeared. He committed the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham to Joseph.
Elijah the prophet appeared. Elijah conferred the keys of the sealing power upon Joseph Smith.

About priesthood keys:

Constitute the authority and power of presidency.
Govern how the priesthood of God may be used to bring about the Lord’s purposes.
Bless all who accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
Gave Joseph Smith authority to organize the Church in 1830.

Different priesthood keys mentioned:

Keys of the Aaronic priesthood
Keys of the Melchizedek priesthood
Keys of the Gathering of Israel
Keys of the Gospel of Abraham
Keys of the Sealing Power

These keys are essential in order to authorize Joseph Smith and all succeeding Presidents of the Lord’s Church

To gather Israel on both sides of the veil
To bless all covenant children with the blessings of Abraham
To place a ratifying seal on priesthood ordinances and covenants
To seal families eternally
make it possible for every covenant-keeping man and woman to enjoy incredible personal spiritual privileges.

Without these keys:

You could not be endowed with the power of God.
The Church could serve only as a significant teaching and humanitarian organization but not much more.
None of us would have access to essential ordinances and covenants that bind us to our loved ones eternally and allow us eventually to live with God.

I invite you to consider carefully the following three statements:

The gathering of Israel is evidence that God loves all of His children everywhere.
The gospel of Abraham is further evidence that God loves all of His children everywhere. He invites all to come unto Him—“black and white, bond and free, male and female; … all are alike unto God.”
The sealing power is supernal evidence of how much God loves all of His children everywhere and wants each of them to choose to return home to Him.

The Temple is:

a house of prayer
a house of fasting
a house of faith
a house of learning
a house of glory
a house of order
a house of God

This list of attributes is much more than a description of a temple. It is a promise about what will happen to those who serve and worship in the house of the Lord. They can expect to receive answers to prayer, personal revelation, greater faith, strength, comfort, increased knowledge, and increased power.

New Temples announced:

Uturoa, French Polynesia
Chihuahua, Mexico
Florianópolis, Brazil
Rosario, Argentina
Edinburgh, Scotland
Brisbane, Australia south area
Victoria, British Columbia
Yuma, Arizona
Houston, Texas south area
Des Moines, Iowa
Cincinnati, Ohio
Honolulu, Hawaii
West Jordan, Utah
Lehi, Utah
Maracaibo, Venezuela

Invitations/Challenges

I hope you will repeatedly study the messages of this conference throughout the coming months.
I invite you to ponder what the Lord’s promise (“I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house.”) means for you personally.
Consider how your life would be different if priesthood keys had not been restored to the earth.
I encourage you to study that prayer (the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple), recorded in Doctrine and Covenants section 109.
How much does it increase your confidence to know that, as an endowed woman or man armed with the power of God, you do not have to face life alone? What courage does it give you to know that angels really will help you?
Let us rejoice in the restoration of priesthood keys, which make it possible for you and me to enjoy every spiritual blessing we are willing and worthy to receive.

Blessings/Promises

This list of attributes (“a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.”) is much more than a description of a temple. It is a promise about what will happen to those who serve and worship in the house of the Lord. They can expect to receive answers to prayer, personal revelation, greater faith, strength, comfort, increased knowledge, and increased power.
Time in the temple will help you to think celestial and to catch a vision of who you really are, who you can become, and the kind of life you can have forever.
Regular temple worship will enhance the way you see yourself and how you fit into God’s magnificent plan. I promise you that.
We are also promised that in the temple we may “receive a fullness of the Holy Ghost.” Imagine what that promise means in terms of having the heavens open for each earnest seeker of eternal truth.
all who worship in the temple will have the power of God and angels having “charge over them.”
“no combination of wickedness” will prevail over those who worship in the house of the Lord.
My dear brothers and sisters, here is my promise. Nothing will help you more to hold fast to the iron rod than worshiping in the temple as regularly as your circumstances permit. Nothing will protect you more as you encounter the world’s mists of darkness. Nothing will bolster your testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement or help you understand God’s magnificent plan more. Nothing will soothe your spirit more during times of pain. Nothing will open the heavens more. Nothing!

Stories:

40 years ago to the day, on April 7, 1984, President Dallin H. Oaks and President Russell M. Nelson were sustained to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
When Russell M. Nelson was born (Sept 9, 1924), there were only six functioning temples in the Church:St. George, Logan, Manti, and Salt Lake City, Utah; as well as in Cardston, Alberta, Canada; and Laie, Hawaii; as well as the Nauvoo and Kirtland temples, which the Saints had to leave when they moved west. The Nauvoo was destroyed by arson, and rebuilt and dedicated by President Gordon B. Hinkley. The Kirtland temple was first desecrated by enemies of the Church, then acquired by the Community of Christ, and now (along with several historic sites in Nauvoo) has been purchased by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Application Ideas

Make a plan of how you personally will follow the Prophet’s instruction to ‘repeatedly study the messages’ of the April 2024 General Conference throughout the coming months.
Accept the prophet’s challenge to ponder what the Lord’s promise to manifest himself to his people in mercy in His house means to you personally. Write your feelings and any impressions you have in your journal or study journal.
Read and ponder D&C 109.
Make an effort to visit a temple this week, even if it’s only the temple grounds. If you don’t live near a temple, you might consider a virtual tour of the Kirtland Temple, the Orem, Utah temple or the Saratoga Springs Temple.
Pray for an increased understanding and love of the temple.

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by Shauna Horne

The “Asking Big Questions” series is made in cooperation with the Wilford Woodruff Papers Project.

General conference is a time for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to hear from the beloved prophet and apostles. Conference weekend is always spiritually uplifting, but preparing beforehand is essential if we want to get the most out of the messages we hear.

President Howard W. Hunter (1907–1995) taught that general conference is a time to strengthen our testimonies and resolve to improve our lives: “Conference time is a season of spiritual revival when knowledge and testimony are increased and solidified.”

CONTINUED HERE

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2023 October General Conference, Sunday Afternoon Session

Jesus Christ is the Treasure
Elder Dale G. Renlund, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Main Points

Taking for granted or undervaluing what is nearby is “looking beyond the mark”
Jesus Christ is our mark; we have to take care not to look beyond him.
The blessings of the sacrament are a treasure that is available to us each time we attend sacrament meeting.
When we take the temple for granted, we ‘miss the mark’ by undervaluing the opportunity to draw closer to the Savior.

Gospel Principles taught

Jesus Christ, The Atonement, Faith in Christ, Repentance, Baptism, the Gift of the Holy Ghost, Sacrament, Sabbath, Temple attendance

Gospel Doctrine taught

The Atonement of Jesus Christ, Commandments, the Covenant Path

Scriptures

Jacob 4:14, 2 Nephi 31:19, Moroni 7:27–28, 2 Nephi 25:26, Alma 33:22, Doctrine and Covenants 76:52, 3 Nephi 18:12–13, Mosiah 2:36, Alma 5:14, 2 Kings 5:9–14, I Know That My Redeemer Lives

Other Sources

Eric H. Cline, “King Tut’s Tomb,” in Archaeology: An Introduction to the World’s Greatest Sites (2016), 60–66.
Howard Carter and A. C. Mace, The Tomb of Tut-ankh-Amen: Discovered by the Late Earl of Carnarvon and Howard Carter, vol. 1 [1923], 124–28, 132).
Zahi Hawass, Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs (2005);
Nicholas Reeves, The Complete Tutankhamun: The King, the Tomb, the Royal Treasure (1990), 80–83
Nicholas Reeves and Richard H. Wilkinson, The Complete Valley of the Kings: Tombs and Treasures of Egypt’s Greatest Pharaohs (1996), 81–82.

Related talks:

David A. Bednar, “Teach to Build Faith in Jesus Christ”
Choices for Eternity
Focus on the Temple

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- I bear my solemn and sure witness that God, the Eternal Father, is our Heavenly Father and that He lives; Jesus is the Christ; He is our kind, wise heavenly Friend; and this is His restored Church.

Inspiring Words & Phrases

During Jesus’s mortal ministry, many looked beyond the mark, beyond Him. They looked past the Savior of the world. Instead of recognizing His role in fulfilling Heavenly Father’s plan, they condemned and crucified Him. They looked and waited for someone else to bring them salvation.
We too can be prone to look beyond the mark. We need to guard against this tendency lest we miss Jesus Christ in our lives and fail to recognize the many blessings He offers us. We need Him.
He is our mark.
If we incorrectly imagine that there is a need for something beyond what He offers, we deny or diminish the scope and power He can have in our lives.
Jesus Christ is our treasure.
In the years since my baptism, I have learned that sins are cleansed by the power of Jesus Christ through His atoning sacrifice as we make and keep the baptismal covenant. Then, through the gift of repentance, we can remain clean.
Only with a robust spiritual foundation can we handle the metaphorical rain, wind, and floods that confront us in our lives.
When we have the Holy Ghost with us, we will be inspired and guided to make and keep other covenants, such as those we make in temples. Doing so deepens our relationship with God.
When we trust God’s prophet on the earth today and act on his counsel, we will find happiness, and we too can be healed. We need to look no further.
The multiple covenants on the covenant path are not just sequential but additive and even synergistic. They facilitate a closer and stronger connection with God. Such a connection allows us to be transformed to the point that His image is in our countenances and our hearts have been mightily and permanently changed (see Alma 5:14). (footnote 15)

Lists

Ways Jesus Christ is our “mark”:

He has claimed the rights of mercy and extends that mercy to us.
He is the ultimate “source [to whom we should] look for a remission of [our] sins.”
He is our Advocate with the Father
He champions what the Father has wanted all along: for us to return to Him as inheritors in His kingdom.

There are many ways to focus on Him intentionally:

Daily repentance
Keeping our baptismal covenant
Partaking of the sacrament
Attending the temple regularly
Trust and follow the prophet
Act on the prophet’s counsel

We can strengthen our spiritual foundation:

Through repentance.
By conscientiously preparing for the sacrament.
Worthily partaking of the sacrament.

Our spiritual foundation is weakened:

When we voluntarily skip sacrament meeting.
When we don’t focus on the Savior during the sacrament.

Invitations/Challenges

Our commitment to attend [the temple] should be at least as strong when the temple is nearby as when it is distant.
I encourage you to remember and always focus on Jesus Christ. He is our Savior and Redeemer, the “mark” to whom we should look, and our greatest treasure.
Treasure the opportunity to repent, the privilege of partaking of the sacrament, the blessing of making and keeping temple covenants, the delight of worshiping in the temple, and the joy of having a living prophet.

Warnings

Paradoxically, as temples become more accessible, it may be easier for us to become more casual about temple attendance.
Nor need we seek counsel from exotic sources, prizing the novelty of the source and thinking such counsel will be more enlightened than that which we can receive from a humble prophet of God.
The sacrament was, however, not instituted as a specific means of securing a remission of our sins (see James E. Talmage, The Articles of Faith, 12th ed. [1924], 175). A person cannot willfully sin on Saturday evening and expect that all he or she needs to do is eat a piece of bread and drink a cup of water on Sunday and magically be cleansed. But the sanctifying effect of the Holy Ghost can cleanse all who repent with a sincere heart and with real intent. (footnote 12)

Blessings/Promises

Through the gift of repentance, we can remain clean.
The sacrament brings a powerful virtuous cycle into our lives, enabling us to retain a remission of our sins.
The Holy Ghost will be our constant companion if we approach the sacrament the way a new convert approaches baptism and confirmation, with a broken heart and contrite spirit and a determination to live up to that baptismal covenant. The Holy Ghost blesses us with His sanctifying power so that we can always retain a remission of our sins, week in and week out.
When we trust God’s prophet on the earth today and act on his counsel, we will find happiness, and we too can be healed. We need to look no further.
As you come to Him, you will be rewarded with strength to face life’s challenges, courage to do what is right, and the ability to fulfill your mission in mortality.
I pray that you will be blessed, prospered, and preserved.

Stories:

The story of Egyptologist Howard Carter who searched for the tomb of King Tutankhamun, funded by the Earl of Carnarvon. They excavated the Valley of the Kings for 5 years without finding anything; Carter realized the only place they hadn’t looked was under the base camp. They began excavating there and within a few days found the steps leading to the tomb, which, after some excavation, yielded the most famous archaeological find of the 20th century. They had overlooked what was literally ‘under their feet.’
When Elder Renlund was eight years old, after his baptism, he was crossing a street with his father. Not paying attention, he stepped out from the curb just as a big truck came by. His father pulled him to safety. He thought at the time that it would have been a good time to be killed, as he was clean from sin from his baptism.
The story of Naaman in the Old Testament. Elisha told him to dip in the nearby river seven times to cure his leprosy. That wasn’t what he expected a miracle to look like, but when he yielded and did as Elisha had instructed, he was healed.

Application Ideas

Consider evaluating your schedule and prioritizing regular temple attendance.
Make a pattern in your life to ponder the Savior and your baptismal covenant each week before partaking of the sacrament.
Think of ways that you can focus on the Savior during the sacrament. This article might give you some ideas to try. You may want to record in your journal your impressions of the different ideas you try, so that you can repeat those that work best for you.
As you celebrate Easter and approach General Conference, prayerfully seek inspiration about how you personally can come closer to Jesus Christ. Write down any guidance you receive.
Find ways to incorporate repentance into your daily life.

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2023 October General Conference, Sunday Morning Session

Our Constant Companion
President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency

Main Points

President Eyring offers a brief letter to his posterity in hopes it will help them when he is no longer with them. This talk is meant to share with them (and us) what he has personally come to know in hopes it will help them in difficult days ahead.
We can be taught by the Spirit line upon line
When a task from the Lord seems greater than our capacity and experience, we can take courage that the Spirit will guide us.
The constant companionship of the Holy Ghost is not easy to achieve.
The Lord sends the Holy Ghost when we turn to Him in faith.
When we are willing to serve the Lord, the Holy Ghost can and will guide us.

Gospel Principles taught

Our Father in Heaven, Jesus Christ, The Holy Ghost, Repentance, the Gift of the Holy Ghost, Sacrament, Service

Gospel Doctrine taught

The Godhead, God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost

Scriptures

Helaman 11:23, 1 Nephi 3:7, 1 Nephi 4:5–6, Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, John 15:26, Doctrine and Covenants 121:45–46

Related talks:

Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives
Lessons from Liberty Jail
We Can Do Better and Be Better

Other sources cited:

At times I have difficulty feeling the Spirit because I feel numb. Does this mean I am doing something wrong and have lost the Spirit?

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- Of all the things of which the Holy Ghost testifies, the most precious for us is that Jesus is the Christ, the living Son of God.
- As a witness of Jesus Christ, I know that He lives and He leads His Church.
Description of His Teachings.
- The Savior promised, “When the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.”
- Jesus Christ did pray to the Father to send the Holy Ghost to guide, comfort, and testify of truth to us.
Description of His Atonement.
- I try to remember the Savior’s sacrifice and His love for me. Then, when I pray to Heavenly Father to give thanks, I feel love and assurance that my prayers are heard and that I will receive whatever is best for me and those I love. It strengthens my testimony.
Description of His relationship with us.
- I testify that the Lord has kept His promise. The Holy Ghost is being sent to the faithful covenant members of the Church of Jesus Christ.

Inspiring Words & Phrases

the Lord speaks to us personally through the Holy Ghost.
We can be taught by and learn from the Spirit line upon line, receiving what we need, and then when we are ready, we will receive more.
Nephi’s experience with the Holy Ghost on that errand has given me courage many times when I have embarked on tasks I knew were assignments from the Lord but which seemed far beyond my past experience and beyond what I saw as my capacity.
We each think and say and do things in our daily lives that can offend the Spirit. When that happens, as it will, we may feel disapproval from the Lord. And we may be tempted to feel we are alone. It is important to remember the sure promise we receive each week as we repent and partake of the sacrament: “That they may always have his Spirit to be with them.”
When I feel distant from the Lord, when answers to my prayers seem delayed, I have learned … to review my life for opportunities to repent.
Our motives need to be driven by the pure love of Christ.
I bear my witness that God the Father lives. He loves you. He hears your every prayer.
I pray that we may have that blessing and the companionship of the Holy Spirit this day and every day of our lives.
I love you.

Lists

The Holy Ghost’s role is to:

Enable us to survive spiritually
Guide us
Direct us
Comfort us
Influence us constantly
Testify of truth

I bear my witness:

God the Father lives.
God the Father loves you.
God the Father hears your every prayer.
Jesus Christ did pray to the Father to send the Holy Ghost.
The Father and the Son appeared to Joseph Smith.
The prophet Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God.
Heavenly messengers restored priesthood keys.
President Russell M. Nelson is the prophet of God for all the earth.
Jesus Christ lives.
Jesus Christ leads His church.

We can have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost as we:

Remember the Savior
Love the Savior
Repent
Ask for the Savior’s love to be in our hearts

Invitations/Challenges

“Daily repentance is the pathway to purity, and purity brings power.” (Nelson)
I pray with all my heart that your confidence will grow.

Equations

Daily repentance →purity→power

Warnings

We each think and say and do things in our daily lives that can offend the Spirit. When that happens, as it will, we may feel disapproval from the Lord. And we may be tempted to feel we are alone. It is important to remember the sure promise we receive each week as we repent and partake of the sacrament: “That they may always have his Spirit to be with them.”
If you want to receive the companionship of the Holy Ghost, you must want it for the right reasons. Your purposes must be the Lord’s purposes. If your motives are too selfish, you will find it difficult to receive and sense the promptings of the Spirit.

Blessings/Promises

As we pray and then heed the Spirit’s promptings, we gain greater insights and blessings to guide us through the increasingly difficult days ahead.
We can be taught by and learn from the Spirit line upon line, receiving what we need, and then when we are ready, we will receive more.
If you have felt the influence of the Holy Ghost today, you may take it as a sweet evidence that the Atonement is working in your life.
If you find yourself having difficulty in feeling the Holy Ghost, you might ponder whether there is anything for which you might repent and receive forgiveness.
You can pray with faith to know what to do to be cleansed and thus more nearly qualify for that constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.
Now, your experiences will be unique, and the Spirit will guide in the way best suited to your faith and capacity to receive revelation for you and for those you love and serve.
You and I have the opportunity to have the Holy Ghost as our constant companion and to have those truths confirmed as we remember and love the Savior, repent, and ask for His love to be in our hearts.

Stories:

Invited us to think about and pray about the story of the sons of Helaman, Nephi and Lehi, and those laboring with them. They faced opposition, served in a wicked place and dealt with deceptions. But they were “taught and guided by a series of experiences with the Holy Ghost.”
Reminded us of Nephi’s experience in being “led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things” he was supposed to do.
The story of a young woman who had moved far from home; her mother and her home teachers had felt concern on her behalf. The home teachers felt inspired that she was about to make choices that would lead to sadness and misery, so they went to see her. Under the influence of the Spirit, they pleaded with her to repent and choose the Lord’s path for her.

Application Ideas

Study the story of the sons of Helaman (Helaman 5 & 11 especially). Take notes in your journal or scriptures. Write down any impressions you have, and then follow President Eyring’s invitation to pray about this story.
After your study and prayer, make a goal of how you can apply this story to your life.
In the last three paragraphs of his talk, President Eyring testifies of many of the fundamental truths of the gospel. Then he says, “You and I have the opportunity to have the Holy Ghost as our constant companion and to have those truths confirmed as we remember and love the Savior, repent, and ask for His love to be in our hearts.” If those truths have been confirmed to you, consider writing those experiences in your journal. If any of those truths have not yet been confirmed to you, consider following President Eyring’s suggestion to love the Savior, repent, and ask for the Savior’s love to be in your heart.
Whenever you feel alone, think of the words of the sacrament prayer: ‘that they may always have His spirit to be with them.’
Reframe how you think about repentance. For the next week, try to notice the things you say and do that may offend the spirit, and ask for forgiveness. Write about your experience in your journal.

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2023 October General Conference, Saturday Evening Session

Brothers and Sisters in Christ
Elder Ulisses Soares Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Main Points

Prejudiced thoughts and actions have no place in the community of Saints
The diversity created by God among his children provides opportunities to value and be blessed by each other in ways we can only find as we begin to see each other without prejudice.
Overcoming prejudice will help us see each other more clearly as sons and daughters of God with divine attributes and potential; as we see others more clearly, we’ll also see ourselves more clearly.

Gospel Principles taught

Our Heavenly Family, Jesus Christ, Charity, Service

Gospel Doctrine taught

The Plan of Salvation, Family

Scriptures

Doctrine and Covenants 76:24, Genesis 1:26–27, Mosiah 7:27, Ether 3:14–17, Moses 2:26–28, Moses 6:9–10, 2 Nephi 26:33, Acts 17:26, Doctrine and Covenants 93:33–35, Ephesians 4:6, Mosiah 18:21, 4 Nephi 1:16–18, Ephesians 4:2–3, Acts 10:38, 2 Nephi 26:33, John 4:4, John 4:7, John 4:9, John 4:25, John 4:29, John 4:6–30, 2 Nephi 26:14–30, 1 Corinthians 2:14, Mosiah 16:5, Alma 42:7–24, 1 Samuel 16:7, 4 Nephi 1:17, 4 Nephi 1:17, Acts 17:26

Sources

1. Church Policies and Guidelines
Punta del Este Declaration on Human Dignity for Everyone Everywhere
President Nelson Shares Social Post about Racism and Calls for Respect for Human Dignity
How you know when a new day has dawned in 2020
Natural Man
Abraham Lincoln, [March 4, 1865] (Second Inaugural Address; endorsed by Lincoln, April 10, 1865)
Children of Christ
Martin Luther King and the Challenges of a New Age

Related talks:

Let God Prevail
Hope in Christ
We Are All Children of God

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- God lives. Jesus is the Savior of the world. President Nelson is the prophet of God in our day. I bear witness of these truths in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Description of His Teachings.
- Jesus asked for assistance from a Samaritan woman, even though the “Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.” He helped her understand that he was the Messiah she was waiting for. “Is not this the Christ?”
Description of His relationship with us.
- During His earthly ministry, Jesus so perfectly exemplified this principle as He “went about doing good”14 unto all people, inviting them to come unto Him and partake of His goodness regardless of their origin, social class, or cultural characteristics. He ministered, healed, and was always attentive to everyone’s needs, especially those who at the time were considered different, belittled, or excluded. He denied none but treated them with equity and love, for He saw them as His brothers and sisters, sons and daughters of the same Father.

Inspiring Words & Phrases

I pray that the Spirit of the Lord continues with us as we rejoice together as true brothers and sisters in Christ.
As a global and ever-growing Church, following this invitation from our prophet (to abandon prejudice) is a vital prerequisite for building the Savior’s kingdom in every nation of the world.
In reality, human dignity presupposes respect for our differences.
(Quoting President Nelson) “The Creator of us all calls on each of us to abandon attitudes of prejudice against any group of God’s children. Any of us who has prejudice toward another race needs to repent! … It behooves each of us to do whatever we can in our spheres of influence to preserve the dignity and respect every son and daughter of God deserves.”
building bridges of understanding rather than creating walls of prejudice and segregation among us.
The light of a new day shines brighter in our lives when we see and treat our fellow beings with respect and dignity and as true brothers and sisters in Christ.
I have deep compassion for those who have been mistreated, belittled, or persecuted by unfeeling and thoughtless people, because, in the course of my life, I have seen firsthand the pain good people suffer from being judged or dismissed because they happened to speak, look, or live differently.
I also feel genuine sorrow in my heart for those whose minds remain darkened, whose vision is limited, and whose hearts remain hardened by the belief in the inferiority of those who are different from them. Their limited view of others actually obstructs their ability to see who they are as children of God.
This conduct (prejudice) is improper for those who are striving to become His true disciples. In fact, my dear brothers and sisters, there is no place for prejudiced thoughts or actions in the community of Saints.
We are all fellow travelers as God’s children, equal in our imperfect state and in our ability to grow.
United in purpose, we see one another with new eyes, and in our oneness, we celebrate our differences as divine children of God.
We move forward as God’s children and as brothers and sisters in Christ, without losing our divine connection, which makes us a unique people and a beloved community.
See one another with new eyes

Lists

The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches:

We are all spirit sons and daughters of heavenly parents
We are truly loved by our heavenly parents
We lived as a family in God’s presence before birth
We are all created in the image and likeness of God
We are all equal before Him
We all have divine nature
We all have divine heritage
We all have divine potential

The world is polarized by strong:

Racial divisions
Political divisions
Socioeconomic divisions

Divisions:

Influence how people think about others
Influence how people act toward others

Prejudice looks like:

characterizing the way other cultures think, act, and speak as inferior
characterizing the way other races think, act, and speak as inferior
characterizing the way other ethnicities think, act, and speak as inferior
making use of preconceived, mistaken, and often sarcastic ideas
attitudes of contempt
attitudes of indifference
attitudes of disrespect
attitudes of prejudice

Prejudiced attitudes have their roots in:

Pride
Arrogance
Envy
Jealousy
Carnal characteristics
Are totally contrary to Christlike attributes

We can eliminate prejudiced behavior by:

Looking at others as Christ sees them
Remembering our common divine identity and kinship
Recognizing that we all have common dreams, hopes, sorrows and pains

Stories:

The tale of the wise rabbi, who said that the way to know that night was over and the day had begun was when you could look at the face of a woman or a man and say, “She is my sister; he is my brother.”
Told of attending the open house for the Brasília Brazil Temple, and telling the vice president of Brazil about the white clothing all wear in the temple, and how it symbolizes our eternal identity and that we are all alike unto God.
Compared us to the Iguaçú Falls: like this system of waterfalls, we share the same spiritual origin and substance. Though we “flow” through different cultures, ethnicities and nationalities, we don’t lose our divine connection.

Invitations/Challenges

As disciples of Christ, we are invited to increase our faith in our spiritual brother- and sisterhood
As disciples of Christ, we are invited to increase our love for our spiritual brother- and sisterhood
As disciples of Christ, we are invited to genuinely knit our hearts together in unity and love, regardless of our differences.
As disciples of Christ, we are invited to promote respect for the dignity of all the sons and daughters of God.
We are invited to walk together, peaceably, with our hearts filled with love toward God and all men—or, as Abraham Lincoln noted, “with malice toward none; with charity for all.”

Warnings

In order to build bridges of understanding, we’ll need to make individual and collective efforts to act with lowliness, meekness, and long-suffering toward one another.

Blessings/Promises

My dear brothers and sisters, may we align our hearts and minds with the knowledge and testimony that we are all equal before God, that we are all fully endowed with the same eternal potential and inheritance. May we enjoy more the spiritual kinship that exists between us and value the different attributes and varied gifts we all have. If we do so, I promise you that we will flow in our own way, as does the water of the Iguaçú Falls, without losing our divine connection that identifies us as a peculiar people, “the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God.”
I testify to you that as we continue to flow this way during our mortal life, a new day will begin with a new light that will brighten our lives and illuminate wonderful opportunities to value more, and be more fully blessed by, the diversity created by God among His children.
We will surely become instruments in His hands to promote respect and dignity among all His sons and daughters.
I can assure you that the light of a new day shines brighter in our lives when we see and treat our fellow beings with respect and dignity and as true brothers and sisters in Christ.

Application Ideas

Pray for an ability to see any of your own attitudes and behaviors that might need to change in order for you to have your heart filled with love for all of God’s children.
Ponder the list “prejudice looks like.” Identify any areas where you could improve.
Elder Soares says that prejudiced attitudes are “totally contrary to Christlike attributes”. Consider participating in this Attribute Activity. Based on your responses, choose one or two attributes that you would like to strengthen in yourself.
Answer this question: “How can I, in my thoughts and actions, show respect and love for those who are different from me?”
Identify a culture, ethnicity or race that you are not familiar with. Set aside some time this week to become better acquainted with them. Pray for guidance and meekness.

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2023 October General Conference, Saturday Afternoon Session

How Great Will be Your Joy
Elder Ronald A. Rasband, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Main Points

The gathering of Israel is what President Russell M. Nelson calls “the most important thing taking place on earth today. Nothing else compares in magnitude, nothing else compares in importance, nothing else compares in majesty.”
Missionary work is about the Law of the Harvest; that those who sow and those who reap may rejoice together.
Many, many more Senior Missionaries are desperately needed.
Serving as a Senior Missionary will bring you great blessings.

Gospel Principles taught

The Lord’s Covenant People, Gathering Israel, Missionary Work,

Scriptures

Doctrine and Covenants 18:10, 3 Nephi 10:18, Doctrine and Covenants 78:18, Doctrine and Covenants 4:3, John 4:36, Doctrine and Covenants 64:29, Alma 5:14, Jude 1:22, Mosiah 4:20, Doctrine and Covenants 18:15, Matthew 13:38–39, Isaiah 55:12, Doctrine and Covenants 123:12, Doctrine and Covenants 18:15, Jude 1:2

Related talks:

Hope of Israel
The Divine Call of a Missionary
Senior Missionary Moments
Senior Missionaries and the Gospel

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- Senior missionaries change the very landscape with their testimony of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
Description of His Teachings.
- “The worth of souls is great in the sight of God.”
- “And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!”
Description of His relationship with us.
- The Gathering of Israel is evidence of God’s love for us
- The Lord needs you
- We are blessed as we go about the Lord’s business

Inspiring Words & Phrases

The gathering is the ultimate recognition that “the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.”
Today I am speaking to the many seasoned seniors in the Church who could serve as missionaries. The Lord needs you.
President Russell M. Nelson has encouraged couples to “get on their knees and ask Heavenly Father if the time is right for them to serve a mission.” Of all the qualifications, he said, “a desire to serve may be the most important.”
There are so many ways senior missionaries can do what no one else can. You are a remarkable force for good, seasoned in the Church, and poised to encourage and rescue God’s children.
Mission fields around the world are pleading for your help.
President Nelson has said of our senior missionaries, “They are young in spirit, wise, and willing to work.”
I have called many couples to serve and watched as the Light of Christ has filled their countenances.
You may be on unfamiliar ground; however, the power of the Spirit will make you feel right at home.
Follow the prophet’s counsel and pray to know what the Lord would have you do.
A mission might be the greatest chapter in a couple’s life. A good title might be “My Lord Will Have Need of Me.”

Lists

We are gathering God’s children:

So they will have the blessings of the covenant
So they will have the promises of the riches of eternity

There are many places Senior missionaries can serve:

Another corner of the world, away from home
A service mission at home
Support others who are serving

A smorgasbord of possibilities to serve:

mission offices
Temples
strengthen young missionaries
bolster small branches
work in FamilySearch centers
work at historic sites
teach institute
provide humanitarian service
work with young adults
help in employment centers
Help on Church farms

On their return, senior missionaries describe:

growing closer to the Lord and closer to one another
feeling the Spirit of the Lord pour down upon them
knowing they are making a difference
a testimony of the joy they found in missionary work

Personal Experiences

In 2015 as a newly called member of the 12, Elder Rasband was helping make missionary assignments. There were requests for 300 Senior Missionary couples, but only 10 new Senior couples to assign.
Elder Rasband’s parents served a mission as a senior couple, and found and taught the Guzman’s, who were baptized and remain active.

Invitations/Challenges

Follow the prophet’s counsel and pray to know what the Lord would have you do.
Senior missionaries change the very landscape with their testimony of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, I ask you to serve as a missionary in the gathering of Israel and perhaps even serve again.
I now invite you to take your know-how, coupled with your time-honored testimonies, and go on a mission.

Other resources

seniormissionary.ChurchofJesusChrist.org

Blessings/Promises

The Lord has said in latter-day scripture, “And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!”
I also promise that as you serve, you will feel the love of the Lord in your life, you will know Him, He will know you, and “how great shall be your joy.”
Your dedicated service to Jesus Christ will inspire and bless your family, your grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. “Peace, and love [will] be multiplied”30 in their lives for years to come. I promise. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Equations

IF (we want to gather Israel) THEN (we need more missionaries)

Application Ideas

If serving a mission at this point in your life is an option, pray and fast to know if this would be a good choice for you.
Consider how you might help to gather Israel right here, right now.
Identify senior missionaries you are acquainted with; send them a note of encouragement and love.
Pray for the missions to have the senior missionary support they need to move the work forward.

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2023 October General Conference, Saturday Afternoon Session

Promptings of the Spirit
Elder Gary E. Stevenson, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Main Points

All gifts, whether spiritual or temporal in nature, require a lifetime of hard work, study and practice to refine.
We can take actions that will increase our opportunity and ability to feel and recognize the Spirit.

Gospel Principles taught

The Holy Ghost, The Lord’s Covenant People, The Gift of the Holy Ghost, Gifts of the Spirit, Developing Talents

Gospel Doctrine taught

The Godhead, Covenants

Scriptures

Doctrine and Covenants 46:13–25, Doctrine and Covenants 46:8–9, 26, Doctrine and Covenants 87:8, Matthew 18:20, Helaman 5:30

Related talks:

Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives
The Candle of the Lord
Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall

Sources Cited:

Chapter 4: Seek and Rely on the Spirit

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- I add my testimony to you, gifted Latter-day Saints, of God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, who bears testimony of Them. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Description of His Teachings.
- The Savior said it this way: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

Inspiring Words & Phrases

The Spirit cannot be restrained from attending a gathering of holy people.
If you hope to feel the Spirit, be with people with whom the Spirit can easily dwell.
Choose to be with people and go to places where righteousness is found. Find your strength in numbers. Find good friends. Be good friends. Support one another wherever you are. Stand with holy people.
The Comforter always shares His voice when we testify with our voice.
The Lord invites us to earnestly seek the best gifts, even spiritual gifts.
A gift alone does not a master make.
Even those gifts received and unwrapped are often accompanied by the dreaded language “some assembly required.”
Exercising spiritual gifts requires spiritual exercise.
As we listen and act on spiritual promptings, the Holy Ghost magnifies our abilities and capacities to far exceed what we can do on our own. These precious spiritual gifts will help us in every aspect of our lives.
The constant companionship of the Holy Ghost is one of the greatest spiritual gifts Latter-day Saints enjoy. How important is this gift? President Russell M. Nelson answered this question categorically when he stated that “in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”
Promptings of the Spirit are very personal and come in different ways.
If you hope to feel the Spirit, be in a place where the Spirit can easily dwell.
Our temples and homes are the most sacred of these dedicated spaces.
Be patient and trust that you will receive what you need when the time is right.

Lists

How to invite and recognize the promptings of the Spirit:

Stand in Holy Places
Stand with Holy People
Testify of Holy Truths
Listen to the Holy Spirit

Gifts of the Spirit bestowed on covenant-keeping members of the Church:

the gift of a testimony of Jesus Christ as our Savior
the gift of the Holy Ghost
the gift of faith to heal
the gift of faith to be healed
the gift of discernment
the gift of receiving miracles
the gift of wisdom
the gift of knowledge

The Lord gives spiritual gifts:

To bless us
For us to use to bless others

Spiritual work required to have the guidance of the Holy Ghost in your life:

fervent prayer
consistent scripture study
keeping your covenants
keeping God’s commandments
worthily partaking of the sacrament each week

The fruits of exercising spiritual gifts are:

promptings from the Spirit that help us face our daily needs
promptings from the Spirit that show us what to do
promptings from the Spirit that show us what to say
blessings of peace
Blessings of comfort

Places where the Spirit can easily dwell:

The temple
Our home
Meetinghouses
Seminary & Institute
Church History sites
Visitor’s centers

Invitations/Challenges

Choose to be with people and go places where righteousness is found.
Find your strength in numbers
Find good friends
Be good friends
Support one another
Stand with holy people
Find a quiet place, a holy space where you can seek to receive direction from the Spirit.
You can cultivate an attitude and an environment that invite the Spirit, and you can prepare yourself, but you cannot dictate how or when inspiration comes.
Often the Lord wants us to use our God-given intelligence and act in ways that are consistent with our best understanding.
(An invitation for all youth) Tomorrow, this week, this year, always, pause as you look at yourself in the mirror. Think to yourself, or say aloud if you like, “Wow, look at me! I am awesome! I am a child of God! He knows me! He loves me! I am gifted—gifted with the Holy Ghost as my constant companion!”

Warnings

(The Spirit) caresses so gently that if we are preoccupied we may not feel it at all.” (quoting Boyd K. Packer)
The noise, clamor, and contention prevalent in the world may overpower still, quiet impressions of the Holy Spirit.
Impressions from the Spirit will align with the scriptures and the teachings of the living prophets.
Be certain that the feelings you receive are consistent with your assignment.
Spiritual matters cannot be forced.

Blessings/Promises

As you seek and take opportunities to share your testimony with others, you will create moments to recognize the Spirit for yourself.

Personal Stories Told:

An experience in the Tokyo Japan Temple celestial room during the open house, when a prominent government official commented, “Even the air that I breathe in this room feels different.”
An experience of a popular sports arena filled with youth commemorating the life of Joseph Smith, where the Spirit was present.
Bearing simple testimony to a taxi driver in New York City.

Equations:

A gift ≠ a master
Listen to spiritual promptings + Act on spiritual promptings = the Holy Ghost magnifies our abilities and capacities
IF we testify THEN the Spirit will testify

Application Ideas

Make a list in your journal of holy places in your life. Find a way to spend more time in those places.
Identify the ‘holy people’ in your life. Think about ways you might become more like them.
Think about what makes a good friend. How can you find good friends? How can you be a good friend?
Write out “Wow, look at me! I am awesome! I am a child of God! He knows me! He loves me! I am gifted—gifted with the Holy Ghost as my constant companion!” and put it on your mirror. Read it every day.

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2023 October General Conference, Saturday Morning Session

Kingdoms of Glory
President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency

Main Points

Our church is different from other Christian churches because we have the fullness of the doctrine of Jesus Christ.
The kingdom of glory we desire to inherit is manifested through our choices.
The observation of eternal law, ordinances and covenants lead to the development of godly attributes. Godly attributes are necessary to realize divine potential.
Eternal marriage will ultimately be available to all the faithful.
We get to choose which kingdom we want to inherit.
We qualify for eternal life through a process of conversion.

Gospel Principles taught

Our Father in Heaven, Jesus Christ, Agency, the Atonement, Obedience, the Family Can be Eternal, Eternal Marriage, Temple Work, Millennium, Final Judgement, Exaltation

Gospel Doctrine taught

The Plan of Salvation, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the Restoration, Prophets and Revelation, Ordinances and Covenants, Marriage and Family, Commandments, Three Degrees of Glory, the Plan of Salvation, Exaltation/Godhood, Agency, the Covenant Path

Scriptures

Doctrine and Covenants 88:36, Doctrine and Covenants 88:23, Doctrine and Covenants 88:22, Doctrine and Covenants 76:89, Doctrine and Covenants 76:82, 103, Doctrine and Covenants 76:79, Doctrine and Covenants 76:77, Doctrine and Covenants 76:75, Doctrine and Covenants 76:62, Doctrine and Covenants 76:56, 58, Doctrine and Covenants 76:43, Doctrine and Covenants 29:11, Doctrine and Covenants 138:57–59, Doctrine and Covenants 132:19–20, Doctrine and Covenants 131:1, 1 Corinthians 11:11, 1 Corinthians 15:40, 1 Corinthians 15:40, 1 Corinthians 15:40, 1 Corinthians 15:40, 1 Corinthians 15:41, JST, 1 Corinthians 15:40, JST, 1 Corinthians 15:40, Ephesians 4:13, Hebrews 12:2, John 14:2, John 15:4–7, 10, Alma 34:32, Moroni 6:4, Abide, The Family Proclamation

Related talks:

The Challenge to Become

“Come, Follow Me”

Works Cited:

Russell M. Nelson, Heart of the Matter (2023)

Chapter 46: Redeeming Our Dead through Temple Service

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- My dear brothers and sisters, I testify of the truth of these things. I testify of our Lord Jesus Christ, “the author and finisher of our faith,” whose Atonement, under the plan of our Father in Heaven, makes it all possible, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Description of His Teachings.
- “In my Father’s house are many mansions.” Christ taught that there isn’t just a heaven for the righteous and eternal suffering in hell for everyone else.
- the Lord’s teachings and commandments were given that we may all attain “the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.”
Description of His Atonement.
- Christ “glorifies the Father, and saves all the works of his hands”
- Because of Jesus Christ and His Atonement, when we fall short in this life, we can repent and rejoin the covenant path that leads to what our Heavenly Father desires for us.
- Through Christ’s sacrifice, the dead who repent will be redeemed and are heirs of salvation.
Description of His relationship with us.
- (At) the Final Judgment of the Lord Jesus Christ… our loving Savior… will send all the children of God to one of these kingdoms of glory according to the desires manifested through their choices.

Inspiring Words & Phrases

It is not even enough to be convinced of the gospel; we must act so that we are converted by it. In contrast to other preaching, which teaches us to know something, the gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to become something.
We must act.
We qualify for eternal life through a process of conversion.
Our Heavenly Father loves all His children so much that He wants us all to live in a kingdom of glory forever. Moreover, He wants us to live with Him and His Son, Jesus Christ, eternally.
“…All the children of God… will ultimately inherit one of three kingdoms of glory, even the least of which ‘surpasses all understanding.’”
Exaltation in the celestial kingdom—is the focus of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The purpose of this restored Church is to prepare God’s children for salvation in the celestial glory and, more particularly, for exaltation in its highest degree.
The mortal family relationship [is] where the most important part of our eternal development can occur.
The Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts—what we have done. It is based on the final effect of our acts and thoughts—what we have become.
The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become.
We have a loving Heavenly Father who will see that we receive every blessing and every advantage that our own desires and choices allow.

Lists

Unique doctrines and practices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

Heavenly Father loves all His children so much that He has prepared a way for all to live in a kingdom of glory forever
The revealed commandments and covenants that offer all the children of God the sacred privilege of qualifying for the highest degree of glory in the celestial kingdom.
We know from modern revelation that “all kingdoms have a law given” and that the kingdom of glory we receive in the Final Judgment is determined by the laws we choose to follow in our mortal journey.
We teach that “gender is an essential characteristic” because eternal marriage is between a man and a woman
The process of measuring up to the stature of the fullness of Christ requires more than knowledge
Missionary work, repentance and redemption continue in the Spirit world.
The Millennium will be a time to perform ordinances for those who didn’t receive them in mortality.

The Plan of Salvation:

Gives us the teachings and opportunity to make choices that assure us of the destiny and life we choose
Provides “many mansions”: three kingdoms of glory
Is God’s plan of happiness for His children
Begins with our life as spirits before we were born
Reveals the purpose and conditions of our chosen journey in mortality
Reveals our desired destination after our mortal journey
Enables all of God’s children to inherit a kingdom of glory where they will be comfortable
Is founded on eternal truth
Requires that exaltation can be attained only through faithfulness to the covenants of an eternal marriage between a man and a woman in the holy temple
Prepares kingdoms of glory that are suited to the laws individuals choose and can comfortably keep
Is a plan that completely honors your agency

Truths we know about the premortal spirit world, mortality and the next life:

Salvation is an individual matter
Exaltation is a family matter
We have a loving Heavenly Father
He will give us every blessing & advantage our desires and choices allow
Heavenly Father won’t force anyone into a sealing relationship against their own will

The Celestial Kingdom:

Is likened to the glory of the sun
Contains three levels; the highest level is “exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom”
The inhabitants of this kingdom:
- Receive the fullness of God the Father
- Are gods
- Are faithful to the covenant of eternal marriage
- Have chosen to keep the law of a celestial kingdom
Is the focus of the commandments and ordinances of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Terrestrial Kingdom:

Is likened to the glory of the moon
Is comparable to the popular concept of heaven
The inhabitants of this kingdom:
- Receive the presence of the Son, Jesus Christ
- Were honorable in mortality
- Were blinded by the craftiness of men in mortality
- Were not valiant in the testimony of Jesus

The Telestial Kingdom:

Is likened to the glory of the stars
Is where the wicked abide, after they have suffered for their sins
The inhabitants of this kingdom:
- Have rejected the Savior
- Have observed no divine limits on their behavior

Equations

Obedience to eternal laws, ordinances and covenants = development of godly attributes
The development of specific godly attributes = realization of divine potential
Divine potential = exaltation in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom
Conversion = a profound change of nature

Invitations/Challenges

The proclamation on the family clarifies the requirements that prepare us to live with God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Blessings/Promises

Eternal marriage will ultimately be available to all the faithful.
The mortal family relationship [is] where the most important part of our eternal development can occur.

Apologetics:

The 1995 proclamation on the family is not a changeable statement of policy but is founded on irrevocable doctrine.
There is much we do not know about the three major periods in the plan of salvation and their relationship to one another: (1) the premortal spirit world, (2) mortality, and (3) the next life.
We also know that He (Heavenly Father) will force no one into a sealing relationship against his or her will. The blessings of a sealed relationship are assured for all who keep their covenants but never by forcing a sealed relationship on another person who is unworthy or unwilling.

Application Ideas

Find new ways to bond with members of your family to make sure Exaltation becomes (or stays) a family matter.
At the end of every week, reflect on and journal things you’ve done to continue your conversion process, and list new things you can do in the next week to continuously improve.
List the ways you’ve used the Atonement in your life and look for patterns that help you strengthen your understanding of and appreciation for our Savior’s mercy.
Spend time in the temple or working on preparing family names for temple work. Consider how this time will bless both you and them in the eternities.

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2023 October General Conference, Saturday Morning Session

The Sealing Power
D. Todd Christofferson, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Main Points

The gathering of Israel is how the covenant promises given to Abraham are realized.
The gathering of Israel is the most important thing taking place on earth today.
The sealing power isn’t just confined to certain temple ordinances, but is necessary to make any ordinance valid and binding beyond death.
The very reason the earth was created was so families could be formed and sealed to each other.

Gospel Principles taught

The Lord’s Covenant People, Missionary Work, The Family Can be Eternal, Eternal Marriage, Temple Work & Family History, Gathering of Israel, Exaltation

Gospel Doctrine taught

The Atonement of Jesus Christ, The Restoration, Priesthood and Priesthood Keys, Ordinances and Covenants, Marriage and Family, Exaltation, The Covenant Path

Scriptures

Isaiah 49, 2 Nephi 10:8, 2 Nephi 10:7, Doctrine and Covenants 115:6, Abraham 2:11, Doctrine and Covenants 132:6, Doctrine and Covenants 110:11, Doctrine and Covenants 110:12, Doctrine and Covenants 84:34, Doctrine and Covenants 110:13–16, Doctrine and Covenants 2:1, Doctrine and Covenants 128:9, Doctrine and Covenants 132:7, Doctrine and Covenants 128:18, Doctrine and Covenants 124:32, Doctrine and Covenants 128:15, Malachi 4:6, Doctrine and Covenants 2:3

Related talks:

Russell M. Nelson and Wendy W. Nelson, “Hope of Israel” (worldwide youth devotional, June 3, 2018)
Russell M. Nelson, “The Everlasting Covenant,” Liahona, Oct. 2022
Russell M. Nelson, “Children of the Covenant,” Ensign, May 1995
Henry B. Eyring, “Families under Covenant,” April 2012 general conference
M. Russell Ballard, “Hope in Christ,” Liahona, May 2021
David A. Bednar, “A Welding Link” (worldwide devotional for young adults, Sept. 10, 2017)

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- I testify that the Atonement of Jesus Christ has made immortality a verity and the possibility of exalted family relationships a reality.
Description of His Teachings.
- “Baptism is the gate that leads to becoming joint heirs to all the promises given anciently by the Lord to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their posterity.” (quoting President Nelson)
Description of His Atonement.
- We now carry the gospel of Jesus Christ—the good news of redemption through Him—to all parts and peoples of the earth and gather all who will into the gospel covenant.
- We have hope in Christ.
- I testify that the Atonement of Jesus Christ has made immortality a verity and the possibility of exalted family relationships a reality.
Description of His relationship with us.
- “When we embrace the gospel and are baptized, we take upon ourselves the sacred name of Jesus Christ.” (quoting President Nelson)
- “In all ages of the world, whenever the Lord has given a dispensation of the priesthood to any man by actual revelation, or any set of men, this power has always been given. Hence, whatsoever those men did in authority, in the name of the Lord, and did it truly and faithfully, and kept a proper and faithful record of the same, it became a law on earth and in heaven, and could not be annulled, according to the decrees of the great Jehovah.” (Doctrine and Covenants 128:9)
- “…Individual salvation and family exaltation (are) universally available to the children of God wherever and whenever they may have lived on the earth… This sealing power is a perfect manifestation of the justice, mercy, and love of God.”

Inspiring Words & Phrases

Highest and holiest
The latter-day gathering into the covenant crosses through the veil.
The gathering is for the purpose of bringing the blessings of salvation and exaltation to all who will receive them. It is how the covenant promises given to Abraham are realized.
We now carry the gospel of Jesus Christ—the good news of redemption through Him—to all parts and peoples of the earth and gather all who will into the gospel covenant.
The power to validate all priesthood ordinances and make them binding both on earth and in heaven—the sealing power—is crucial for gathering and preparing a covenant people on both sides of the veil.
Here we see the majesty and sacredness of the sealing power—it makes individual salvation and family exaltation universally available to the children of God wherever and whenever they may have lived on the earth. No other theology or philosophy or authority can match such an all-inclusive opportunity. This sealing power is a perfect manifestation of the justice, mercy, and love of God.
The commitment to aid one another across the veil can be classified as a covenant promise, part of the new and everlasting covenant.
The highest and holiest manifestation of the sealing power is in the eternal union of a man and a woman in marriage and the linking of humankind through all their generations.
We recognize that in the imperfect present, this [eternal marriage & family] is not the reality or even a realistic possibility for some. But we have hope in Christ.
“Salvation is an individual matter, but exaltation is a family matter. No one can be exalted alone.” (quoting President Nelson)

Lists

The purpose of the gathering of Israel is:

To provide defense against the natural consequences of disobedience
To provide refuge from the natural consequences of disobedience
To bring the blessings of salvation and exaltation to all who will receive them
To fulfill the promises given to Abraham
The building and operation of temples so that
- God can reveal the ordinances of the temple
- God can reveal the glories of His kingdom
- God can teach people the way of salvation

In 1836 in the Kirtland Temple:

Moses committed the keys of the gathering of Israel (to Joseph)
Elias appeared and committed the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham (that in us and our seed all the following generations would be blessed)
Elijah restored the authority and keys to make ordinances binding on earth and in heaven

If you have experienced unhappy/unhealthy family circumstances:

Remember that God’s pattern for families begins with you
Any healthy and happy connections are also important
You can strengthen your family
You may be able to restore some of the broken relationships
The work of family exaltation is accomplished one by one

Invitations/Challenges

If you have experienced heartache or violated trust, remember that God’s pattern for families begins with you.
Turn our hearts to our “fathers” and forge enduring links with them through the sealing power.

Warnings

Without the sealings that create eternal families and link generations here and hereafter, we would be left in eternity with neither roots nor branches—that is, neither ancestry nor posterity. It is this free-floating, disconnected state of individuals, on the one hand, or connections that defy the marriage and family relations God has appointed, on the other hand, that would frustrate the very purpose of the earth’s creation. Were that to become the norm, it would be tantamount to the earth being smitten with a curse or “utterly wasted” at the Lord’s coming.

Blessings/Promises

I promise that as you faithfully seek that privilege [being sealed as a family in the temple], in time or eternity it will surely be yours.
In the latter days, the Lord’s covenant people will be gathered in.

Apologetics:

No other theology or philosophy or authority can match such an all-inclusive opportunity. This sealing power is a perfect manifestation of the justice, mercy, and love of God.

Application Ideas

Consider each of the covenants and ordinances you’ve taken part in. Write in your journal how the sealing power affects those covenants and ordinances.
Create an account on FamilySearch if you don’t have one yet.
Find a way to engage in family history this week. There are some great ideas here.
Spend time in the temple this coming week.
Set a goal that will help you be a strong link in your family.

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2023 October General Conference, Saturday Morning Session
In the Path of Their Duty
David A. Bednar, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Main Points

The real strength of the church is those members who are quietly and consistently trying to live the gospel and do their part, even if they are not well-known. They are “no less serviceable” – just as useful – as those whose service is more conspicuous.
Elder Bednar summarizes his feelings for the church members who are on the covenant path by quoting Samuel the Lamanite – these members are “in the path of their duty.”
There are many ways to serve, and they are all valued.

Gospel Principles taught

Faith in Christ, Charity, Service, Obedience, Work and Personal responsibility

Gospel Doctrine taught

The Covenant Path

Scriptures

Alma 48:17, Alma 48:19, Moroni 10:32–33, Helaman 15:5–6, Mosiah 18:9, Helaman 7:17, Moroni 10:30, 32, 1 Nephi 8:28, Doctrine and Covenants 64:33, Doctrine and Covenants 109:24, 1 Nephi 10:3, 3 Nephi 5:25,, 3 Nephi 20:29, Psalm 30:5, Doctrine and Covenants 90:11,

Romans 10:17, Isaiah 40:31, Doctrine and Covenants 133:45, Mark 9:36–37, Omni 1:26, Helaman 3:35, Doctrine and Covenants 121:29,

Related talks

To Them of the Last Wagon- J. Reuben Clark, July 1997

No Less Serviceable – Howard W. Hunter, Sept 1990

Choose Ye This Day to Serve the Lord – Julie B. Beck, 2011

Missionary Work: Sharing What Is in Your Heart – Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 2019

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- I joyfully witness that Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son live and Their promises are sure, in the sacred name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.
Description of His Teachings.
- Consider the eternal impact of the service rendered by these devoted disciples—and the marvelous blessings promised to those who minister to children. “And [Jesus] took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, “Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.”
Description of His relationship with us.
- The phrase “in the path of their duty” describes righteous individuals who yearn to become yoked to the Savior through the authorized covenants and ordinances of His gospel—but may be prohibited from doing so by factors beyond their control. I promise your personal anguish will be relieved and your obedience and faithfulness to patiently submit your will to God will be rewarded in “the own due time of the Lord.”

Inspiring Words & Phrases

“uncelebrated heroes”
I now express my love, admiration, and gratitude for the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all around the world.
uncelebrated heroes
“They of the last wagon pressed forward, worn and tired, footsore, sometimes almost disheartened, borne up by their faith that God loved them, that the restored gospel was true, and that the Lord led and directed the Brethren out in front.” (Elder Bednar quoting J. Reuben Clark)
“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.” (Elder Bednar quoting Howard W. Hunter)
Your strong faith in Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ and your unpretentious, consecrated lives inspire me to be a better man and disciple.
I love you. I admire you. I thank you. And I commend you.
I have described only a few selected examples of covenant-keeping and devoted disciples of Jesus Christ like you who are pressing forward “in the path of [your] duty.” Millions of additional examples of Latter-day Saints who offer their “whole souls” unto God are found in Christ-centered homes and in Church units around the world.
Coming unto Christ by returning to the covenant path from sinful detours into “forbidden paths” is spiritually essential and righteously rigorous.

Lists

The phrase “in the path of their duty” describes members who:

Look for and sit next to people who are alone
Strive to comfort others without expectation of acknowledgment or praise
Support family members as they serve in callings
Are returning to Christ and their covenants
Desire to come to Christ and make covenants
Translate scriptures and conferences
Raise children or “wait patiently upon the Lord” when those blessings don’t come
Nursery leaders and Primary teachers
Children caring for elderly parents, parents caring for and protecting their children
Set up and take down chairs for activities
Invite others thru inspiration to come to church

By the power of the Holy Ghost you:

Love
Serve
Listen
Learn
Care
Console
Teach
Testify

Invitations/Challenges

You love and serve, listen and learn, care and console, and teach and testify by the power of the Holy Ghost. You fast and pray often, wax stronger and stronger in humility, and grow firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, “unto the filling [your] souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of [your] hearts, which sanctification cometh because of … yielding [your] hearts unto God.”

Blessings/Promises

“…individuals who yearn to become yoked to the Savior through the authorized covenants and ordinances of His gospel—but may be prohibited from doing so by factors beyond their control. I promise your personal anguish will be relieved and your obedience and faithfulness to patiently submit your will to God will be rewarded in ‘the own due time of the Lord.’”
They of the last wagon, all who are no less serviceable, and you who today are pressing forward in the path of your duty are the strength of the Savior’s restored Church.
As the Lord has promised, “all thrones and dominions, principalities and powers, shall be revealed and set forth upon all who have endured valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Application Ideas

Consider prayerfully asking God how you can become “stronger in humility.” Write down and act upon any ideas you receive.
Choose someone who is an “unsung hero” and send them a note of thanks.
Recognize the ways you are “in the path of (your) duty.” Appreciate what you do to serve!
Make a conscious effort to appreciate equally all the ways and degrees that those around you serve in the Church.
Invite the Holy Ghost to be with you to help you know how to “love and serve, listen and learn, care and console, and teach and testify.”

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2023 October General Conference, Sunday Afternoon Session
Think Celestial!
Russell M. Nelson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Main Points

“Thinking Celestial” means to view our choices and the circumstances of our lives with an eternal perspective.

Gospel Principles taught

Obedience, prayer, agency, Law of Chastity, Tithing, Faith, Temple Work

Gospel Doctrine taught

The Plan of Salvation, The Atonement of Jesus Christ

Scriptures

John 6:38; Alma 7:11; Alma 7:12; Doctrine and Covenants 19:18; 2 Nephi 9:40; 2 Nephi 28:7; Alma 34:32–35; 2 Nephi 9:39; Mosiah 4:30; Doctrine and Covenants 132:7; Moroni 7:41; 2 Nephi 2:6–8, 27; 2 Nephi 2:11; Doctrine and Covenants 122:7; Doctrine and Covenants 121:8; Isaiah 1:16–18; Doctrine and Covenants 58:42–43; 1 Timothy 4:1; 1 Timothy 4:2; 2 Timothy 3:12; 2 Nephi 32:5; Doctrine and Covenants 42:61

Related talk: Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- “The Lord is directing us to build these temples to help us think celestial. God lives. Jesus is the Christ. His Church has been restored to bless all of God’s children. I so testify in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.”
Description of His Atonement.
- “The Savior’s Atonement is what makes our Father’s Plan possible.”
- “Think of it! The Savior suffered ‘pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind’ so that He can comfort us, heal us, rescue us in times of need. Jesus Christ described His experience in Gethsemane and on Calvary: ‘Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore.’”
- “Put Jesus Christ first because your eternal life is dependent upon your faith in Him and in His Atonement.”
Description of His relationship with us.
- “Come unto Christ and receive His promise of complete forgiveness as you fully repent of your sins.”

Inspiring Words & Phrases

Heavenly Father’s Plan for us is fabulous
What we do in this life really matters
Mortality is a master class
Obedience paves the way for a joyful life for you today and a grand, eternal reward tomorrow.
When you are confronted with a dilemma, think celestial! When tested by temptation, think celestial! When life or loved ones let you down, think celestial! When someone dies prematurely, think celestial. When someone lingers with a devastating illness, think celestial. When the pressures of life crowd in upon you, think celestial! As you recover from an accident or injury, as I am doing now, think celestial!
The Lord’s perspective transcends your mortal wisdom.
think celestial and…envision an eternal reward rather than focus on the excruciating difficulties of the day.
Any addiction—be it gaming, gambling, debt, drugs, alcohol, anger, pornography, sex, or even food—offends God. Why? Because your obsession becomes your god.
Public opinion is not the arbiter of truth.

Lists

Your choices today will determine three things:

where you will live throughout all eternity,
the kind of body with which you will be resurrected, and
those with whom you will live forever.

To build faith:

Pay tithing
Choose to live a virtuous life
Spend more time in the temple

In the temple:

you are shown how to progress toward a celestial life.
There you are drawn closer to the Savior and given greater access to His power.
There you are guided in solving the problems in your life, even your most perplexing problems.

Invitations/Challenges

I invite you to adopt the practice of “thinking celestial”! (Thinking celestial means being spiritually minded.)
Begin with the end in mind. This means making the celestial kingdom your eternal goal and then carefully considering where each of your decisions while here on earth will place you in the next world.
When you make choices, I invite you to take the long view—an eternal view.
Our prayers can be—and should be—living discussions with our Heavenly Father.
When you make decisions regarding morality, please think celestial.

Warnings

For those who have made covenants with God, immorality is one of the quickest ways to lose your testimony.
There is no end to the adversary’s deceptions. Please be prepared. Never take counsel from those who do not believe. Seek guidance from voices you can trust—from prophets, seers, and revelators and from the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, who “will show unto you all things what ye should do.” Please do the spiritual work to increase your capacity to receive personal revelation.
As you focus on thinking celestial, expect to encounter opposition.
Please do not let an obsession rob you of your freedom to follow God’s fabulous plan.

Blessings/Promises

As you think celestial, your heart will gradually change.
As you think celestial, you will view trials and opposition in a new light.
As you think celestial, your faith will increase.
Your service and worship in the temple will help you to think celestial.

Apologetics

When someone you love attacks truth, think celestial, and don’t question your testimony.

Application Ideas

Make an appointment to serve in the temple this week.
Make time to have a vocal prayer and try to have a “living discussion” with Heavenly Father.
Evaluate the importance of ‘public opinion’ in your life. What do you need to change?
Make peace with those you have contended or are contending with.
Start each day thinking of your end goals in mind and what you will do that day to make sure you’re on the path to reach them.

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Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints look forward to the General Conferences of the church as a time to hear the word of God and listen to His servants as they share messages they have been guided to share. Over the course of the five sessions of Conference, members often feel inspired by the talks, music and spiritual promptings they receive. It’s an amazing experience to be in General Conference…but once General Conference is over, how can you keep it with you? How can you let General Conference change you? Alma the Younger said it this way:

And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now? (Alma 5:26)

As we come closer to April 2024 General Conference, FAIR’s Consider Conference series will examine the messages of the October 2023 General Conference and look for ways to “feel so now.” In each talk, we’ll focus on finding Jesus Christ. We’ll identify some inspiring words, phrases and quotes, as well as main points and doctrine and principles taught. And we’ll brainstorm some actionable ideas of how to apply each talk to your life.

Consider Conference will be in outline format, perfect to print out and insert in your study journal, and to make it easy to use the talk in your teaching and personal study. If you like to study in the Gospel Library, either on your phone or online, you may want to use the Consider Conference outline as a guide for organizing your tags and notebooks.

As you engage with the General Conference talks, whether through Consider Conference or any other way, ask for the Spirit to be with you to help you apply the messages to yourself; ask questions and look for answers. And most importantly, look for Jesus Christ. It’s He who can change hearts and teach us to “sing the song of redeeming love” – not just during General Conference, but all the time.

The post Consider Conference: Keeping the Messages of General Conference With Us appeared first on FAIR.

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FAIR has a service where questions can be submitted and they are answered by volunteers. If you have a question, you can submit it at https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/contact. We will occasionally publish answers here for questions that are commonly asked, or are on topics that are receiving a lot of attention.

Question:In the time since General Conference, we have had several questions about the resurrection – whether our bodies will be resurrected in their perfect form, and what the difference would be between a Celestial versus a Terrestrial or Telestial resurrected body.

Answer from FAIR Volunteer David Smith:Resurrected BodiesIn his October 2023 general conference message, President Nelson reminded us: “Your choices today will determine three things: where you will live throughout all eternity, the kind of body with which you will be resurrected, and those with whom you will live forever.” President Nelson reemphasized scriptural teachings about resurrected bodies, as explained in a Church manual:

The scriptures are clear that all of God’s children will be resurrected (see 1 Corinthians 15:22; Alma 11:42; 40:4). The eternal kingdom inherited by a resurrected person, as well as the nature of a person’s resurrected body, however, will be determined by his or her faithfulness and obedience to God’s laws (see 1 Corinthians 15:40–42; D&C 76:96–98; 88:22–24, 28–31). Those who will inherit the celestial kingdom will have bodies that are celestial, “whose glory is that of the sun” (D&C 76:70). Those in the terrestrial kingdom will have bodies that differ from those in the celestial kingdom, “even as [the glory] of the moon differs from the sun in the firmament” (D&C 76:71; see also D&C 76:78). Telestial bodies will have a lesser glory, “as the glory of the stars differs from that of the glory of the moon in the firmament” (D&C 76:81). (“Chapter 28: Doctrine and Covenants 76:50–119,” in Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual [2018])

Restored to a Perfect FrameWe know from ancient and modern prophets that in the resurrection we shall receive our bodies as they were except in a perfected, flawless state. Here are just a couple of relevant quotes: “The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, . . . and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the body.” (Alma 11:43–44) * “Every fundamental part of every body will be restored to its proper place again in the resurrection, no matter what may become of the body in death. If it be burned by fire, eaten by sharks, no matter what. Every fundamental part of it will be restored to its own proper place.” (Joseph Fielding Smith, “Chapter 3: The Plan of Salvation,” in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Fielding Smith) Procreation Only Among Exalted Beings*We also learn through modern revelation that the opportunity to have children after the resurrection is a privilege available only to those who have an exalted body (see Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–4; 132:16–19). The Prophet Joseph Smith taught:

Except a man and his wife enter into an everlasting covenant and be married for eternity, while in this probation; by the power and authority of the Holy Priesthood; they will cease to increase when they die, that is, that they will not have any children after the resurrection; but those who are married by the power and authority of the Priesthood in this life, and continue without committing the sin against the Holy Ghost, will continue to increase and have children in the celestial glory. (“History, 1838–1856, volume D-1 [1 August 1842–1 July 1843],” page 1551, entry for 16 May 1843, josephsmithpapers.org )

Echoing these teachings, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stated:

So far as the stages of eternal progression and attainment have been made known through divine revelation, we are to understand that only resurrected and glorified beings can become parents of spirit offspring. Only such exalted souls have reached maturity in the appointed course of eternal life; and the spirits born to them in the eternal worlds will pass in due sequence through the several stages or estates by which the glorified parents have attained exaltation. (“The Father and the Son: A Doctrinal Exposition by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles,” reprinted in Ensign, April 2002)

Differences in Resurrected BodiesAlthough we do not have much clear revelation what the difference is between Celestial/exalted bodies and other resurrected bodies, we do know that one difference is the ability (or lack thereof) to have children. President Joseph Fielding Smith taught:

Some of the functions in the celestial body will not appear in the terrestrial body, neither in the telestial body, and the power of procreation will be removed. I take it that men and women will, in these kingdoms, be just what the so-called Christian world expects us all to be – neither man nor woman, merely immortal beings having received the resurrection. (Doctrines of Salvation 2:287–288)

In light of the doctrines quoted above, I interpret this statement by President Smith to mean not that these resurrected bodies will have been changed so that they no longer have any gender but rather that they will not be able to do fundamentally what men and women can do through a difference in gender (i.e., procreate).The post FAIR Questions: What did President Nelson mean by “the kind of body with which you will be resurrected” in his General Conference talk? appeared first on FAIR.

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Evangelical Questions: Heavenly Motherby Jennifer Roach, MDiv, LMHC

Welcome back to Come Follow Me with FAIR: Faithful Answers to New Testament Questions. My name is Jennifer Roach and today we’re going to talk about Heavenly Mother. As you know we’re going through the Come Follow Me readings and addressing common questions that Evangelicals ask about our faith as we go along. Our purpose here is not to fuel debate but to help you understand where your Evangelical friends and family are coming from so that you can have better conversations with them, and perhaps even be able to offer them a bit of our faith in a way they can understand.

Before we get started though I want to let you know about a very cool event coming up. Every year FAIR hosts the most fantastic 3-day party. When I say “party” what I mean is getting to listen to and interact with some of the smartest people in our church. They give a talk on what they’ve been working on – and frequently the FAIR conference is the first place their ideas are presented in public. That’s my kind of party. And maybe it’s yours too. This year the FAIR conference is on August 2-4 (Wed – Friday) at the Experience Event Center in Provo, Utah. You can buy tickets to attend in person, or online by going to https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/conference/august-2023. I will be there all 3 days and would so happy to meet you. I am presenting a talk on one of those days, I don’t know which on yet, but will let you know once the schedule is finalized. 2 of the talks I am very much looking forward to are…1) Michaelbrent Collings is an American horror novelist and he’ll be talking about, “Horror: the Genre of Goodness, Godliness, and Hope.” Horror is not my genre at all, but I am completely intrigued by what he will say. 2) Dr. Janiece Johnson – her specialty is religious history – will be speaking on the Mountain Meadows Massacre. I’ll try to highlight the talks every couple of weeks here – if you enjoy sitting around listening to me, you probably will enjoy sitting around listening to my friends too. Okay, back to our scriptures…

Our scripture this week comes from Luke 13:34:

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!

Evangelical Views

So here we have God compared to a mother hen. The traditional Evangelical conversation around this verse goes something like this….Yes, God is compared to a female chicken, a hen, but this verse does not require us to believe God is female any more than it requires us to believe God is a Cosmic Chicken. Fair enough. No one is asserting that God is a giant chicken.

And for a long time, this was the boundary on thinking about God and gender. God is male, and images in the scripture that refer to God as female such as a hen, a woman looking for her lost coin, a woman in labor, a nursing mother, a mother bear, and a mother eagle….these were just poetic images and not to be taken too seriously. But the boundary has certainly changed in even the last 10 years. It used to be that if you wanted to talk about any kind of feminine identity for God you were being scandalous. Only the most liberal of the Evangelicals would be talking about this. But last year Eerdmans published 2 books on the topic. If you are not familiar with the Evangelical publishing world Eerdman’s is willing to push the boundaries, and that’s been true for a long time. They’re not Zondervan or Lifeway which are going to take a very traditional Evangelical line, and to my knowledge have not, and would not, publish something about a feminine identity for God. But Eerdman’s isn’t ignored by Evangelicals either. So it’s a big step forward that this is being talked about.

The traditional Evangelical view is not all that interesting to talk about. God is male. End of story. So I’m not going to spend much time there, but what I do want to talk to you about is the direction the Evangelical world is headed on this topic – even if all of them aren’t there yet. And that direction takes 2 flavors. In order to get at what those flavors are I’m going to summarize 2 different books – and the reception they’ve received. By the end of this section, you should have a good idea of where the line on this topic has moved to. After that, we’ll compare the Latter-day Saint view.

The first one is, “Women and the Gender of God” by Dr. Amy Peeler. She is a professor at Wheaton College, which they like to say is the, “Harvard of the Evangelical world.” It’s probably closer to the, “BYU of the Evangelical world.” That probably gives you the right feel for it. Peeler’s PhD is from Princeton and she’s very well-liked in the Evangelical world. The biggest point her book is trying to make is that while Jesus Christ was male, he was born of a woman. His flesh does not exist without her flesh. She’s modernizing an argument first made by Augustine when he said, “(Jesus) was born of a woman; don’t despair, men; Christ was happy to be a man. Don’t despair, women; Christ was happy to be born of a woman.” And her book has been very well received by Evangelicals. But as Latter-day Saints you might sort of tilt your head at that and think it’s awful long path to just connect 2 points. Why not just say we have a Heavenly Mother? Evangelicals can’t get there. You can see their longing to – Peeler is brilliant and she works hard in this book to help people make connections to the idea that God is not solely male. But it’s an incredible amount of effort to get to a far less radical point than Latter-day Saints make about Heavenly Mother. But Peeler’s book demonstrates the idea that the boundary on this topic has in fact moved, even if it hasn’t moved all that much.

In contrast, there is another book that shows pushing the line too far will still get you a slap on the hand in the Evangelical world. The book, “God Is” by Mallory Wyckoff is fascinating, but ultimately most Evangelicals appear to reject where she goes. To be fair, Wyckoff does not have the same kind of educational background as Peeler does. So the work is automatically going to be quite different, and that’s okay. I dont think that’s what gets her rejected. Here’s what she does in the book…She takes the idea that God is not merely male and expands on it using a kind of panentheism that says: because God resides in us, we are God. So if God resides in a woman, then God is a woman. And that line is just too far for Evangelicals. When you read some of the Evangelical criticisms of her book you see the logic of G.K. Chesterson (one of the patron saints of the Evangelical world) – he once said, while talking about this idea, that if a man leans too heavily on the idea that God is part of him – and not also something quite separate from him – then he ends up worshiping not God, but self.

You can see from these 2 examples that Evangelicals are very much grappling with ideas about God and gender….but you can also see that they’re in a muddle it’s hard to find a way out of.
I’ll point out one other Evangelical take on this issue. If you watched the “Certain Women” episode a couple weeks ago you heard me talk about what women in leadership or ordained ministry is like for Evangelicals. And an interesting little piece of theology pops up here for the Evangleicals who ordain women. In the past, the Evangelical positon on ordained women could be summed up in something CS Lewis said, which is something like: a woman can not be ordained because it would confuse people into thinking that she represents God, and God is not female. And one of the modern-day reasons why some Evangelicals ordain women is so that their members in their congregation can experience what it is like to see the feminine side of divinity. They can’t make the jump to, “there must be a Heavenly Mother,” but they can say something like: All humans are created in God’s image, therefore God must contian within himself both feminine and masculine. So when a woman is ordained so that the congregation can experience a feminine divine through her, they’re trying to get to the idea of a Heavenly Mother, without ever having to get there. Interestingly enough, in oru Latter-day Saint church we do not ordain women, and looking through this lens, it makes sense why we do not need to.

The take-away here is that your Evangelical friends and family might be more interested in this topic than you think.

If you want to know my first take on hearing about Heavenly Mother, I’ve told you my first experience a few weeks ago back in that “Certain Women” episode. And you might find that interesting.

Latter-day Saint view

So, this is tricky territory. Let’s just acknowledge that. My sense is that 30 years ago that very few people were talking openly about this doctrine, and for understandable reasons. And things have shifted for us too over the years.

There is a resource that if you don’t know about, you should. The BYU Scripture Index – it’s an online site scriptures.byu.edu where you can search general conference talks all the way back to 1830, you can also search “Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith” as well as the “Journal of Discourses” (which can be a tricky reference to wade through – you have to know what you’re looking at in order to not take things wildly out of context) but it’s there and you can search it as well. And you can search for how often certain words or phrases have been used. Pro tip: you might have to do a little research on the historic phrasing of certain words. For example, if you search for “Heavenly Mother” you will only find references going back to the 1970’s, but that’s because before that she was much more likely to be referred to as, “Mother in Heaven.” This doesn’t signal some big theological change as much as it demonstrates how the English language changes over time.

So, anyway, if you use the BYU Index to research Heavenly Mother you find several talks from the last 20 years, a couple in the 1980s and 90s, a couple in the 1970’s, 1 in the 1940’s, and 1 in 1885.

But there have been more things said outside of Conference and the best round-up of those to my knowledge was presented at the BYU Studies symposium in 2011 called, “A Mother There” by David Paulsen and Martin Pulido. It’s a long paper, 28 pages, but it does a great job of tracing the teachings throughout history. We also see Heavenly Mother referenced in the Family Proclamation. And, most notably, Elder Renlund’s talk a couple years ago titled, “Your Divine Nature and Eternal Destiny.”

And, we have our own tension of what can – and can not – be said about her. In the Evangelical world that tension is mostly around, “what is true?” and ours certainly has that element to it but also adds in a layer of, “Even if it is true can it be said?” That layer of carefulness is hard for Evnagleicals to understand as they don’t really have an equivalent dynamic. They don’t have a category called, “sacred things that should be kept private.” Latter-day Saints clearly have that category and the only quibble comes in trying to decide everything that should be in that category.

I do want to take minute to talk about the Catholic perspective here. It’s not my area of research or specialty – for that I would refer you to frequent FAIR speaker Robert Boylan. But there is an interesting thing happening in Catholic theology that Latter-day Saints will find interesting.

You are probably at least vaguely familiar with the idea that Mary the Mother of Jesus has a special place in their theology. Exactly what her position is has changed over the centuries, but her importance has never gone away. Non-Catholics sometimes day that Catholics, “pray to Mary” and while that is sometimes true, it’s probably more accurate to say that they are speaking to Mary and asking her to pray on their behalf. Mary is also sometimes called The Queen of Heaven, or The Mother of God in their theology. The reason I point this out to you is that it revelas the same issue the Evangelicals are trying to grapple with: They long for a feminine divine, but can’t quite work it out theologically how to get there.

Well, we are out of time. We’ll probably pick this topic up another time or two before the year is out. I hope you enjoyed this. Come back next time and we’ll take up another topic.

More Come, Follow Me resources here.

Jennifer Roach earned a Master of Divinity from The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, and a Master of Counseling from Argosy University. Before her conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints she was an ordained minister in the Anglican church. Her own experience of sexual abuse from a pastor during her teen years led her to care deeply about issues of abuse in faith communities.

The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR: Faithful Answers to New Testament Questions – Luke 12–17; John 11 appeared first on FAIR.

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General Conference starts tomorrow! It will be held April 1-2, and will have morning and afternoon sessions on Saturday and Sunday, along with an evening session for everyone on Saturday. More information is available here.

In preparation, we are doing a daily countdown with posts from different people explaining how they feel about General Conference, how they prepare, tips for getting the most out of it, how to deal with associated negative social media posts, etc.

Download FAIR’s General Conference workbook here!

We are going to end our countdown the same way we started, with a video from Jennifer Roach, this time about listening for your own revelation during General Conference:

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General Conference is now just 2 days away! It will be held April 1-2, and will have morning and afternoon sessions on Saturday and Sunday, along with an evening session for everyone on Saturday. More information is available here.

Musings on General Conferenceby Trevor Holyoak

My earliest memories of General Conference are of me and my siblings playing with Legos while our parents tried to watch (and listen) in the same room. I knew it was our church leaders and prophet speaking, but to me it was just an opportunity to not have to go to church in person. As I got older, I paid a little more attention – particularly when my dad would take me to the stake center to watch the Priesthood session, and the times I took a date to Temple Square to watch it – but I didn’t start fully appreciating it until my mission. As a missionary, I fell in love with General Conference. I watched all the sessions all the way through for the first time in my life. Part of it may be that I realized how special this was for the members I watched it with – they spent the entire day at the church, and had a picnic together between sessions – but I think it was the first time I realized just what it was that I was watching: that these leaders were called of God to lead His church, and they were telling us what we needed to hear at that moment.

Since then, I have tried to watch as much of General Conference live as I can. And I have tried to set an example for our children, who have impressed me with being much more interested than I was at their age. I remember one of my daughters, when she was maybe 5 years old, watching Pres. Hinckley talk and asking if he could see us through the TV. When they became old enough to go to Seminary, they began keeping notes. It was probably by assignment, which made me really appreciate their Seminary teachers, but it became a habit that they still do. And I was extremely impressed the time my teenage son invited his friends over to watch a Saturday afternoon session, and they actually sat quietly – somewhat reverently even – and watched together.

I personally have never kept actual notes the way my children do, but I have gotten in the habit of going on Twitter and sending out quotes and impressions throughout a session or two. And I have found myself referring back to them later. As a family we also try to watch one General Conference talk a week during the 6 months between them. It’s funny how I couldn’t necessarily tell you offhand what a particular leader said, but once their talk starts playing, it tends to come flooding back.

I asked my wife if she wanted to say anything for this, and she said all she needs is cinnamon rolls and pajamas. She really enjoys the family time at home as we watch our leaders speak. It is also her that keeps us going on watching talks between Conferences.

One of the talks that I remember most was by Pres. Oaks on “Healing the Sick” in April 2010. Last year I enjoyed reading a biography of him that had just come out, and learned some background related to that talk. He seems to have gained faith in the power of the priesthood early in his life. His father was a doctor and someone once “asked him if he was going to grow up to be a doctor like his father and heal people. ‘No,’ he answered. He was going to be a ‘high priest like my father and bless babies.’” Later, when he was ten years old, he had an experience that “has been a significant influence on my faith in the power of the priesthood.” When he was staying with his grandfather, his younger cousin fell unnoticed into an irrigation ditch and wasn’t found for 20 or 30 minutes. He had been floating facedown and was dead. His grandfather gave him a blessing and he was revived. “‘He suffered no after-effects, filling a mission to Australia, marrying a lovely girl, and living an exemplary life as a Latter-day Saint husband and father. I am witness,’ Dallin concluded, ‘to the miracle of his childhood death and restoration.’” [1]

I appreciate how Pres. Oaks always states things very clearly. Unfortunately, some people don’t seem to appreciate that as much. It should be known that, according to the biography previously mentioned, “Just as he had before his call to the apostleship, he relied heavily on revelation to guide him in what he said to audiences after he became a member of the Twelve. He felt the heavy responsibility of spiritually feeding those who came–or tuned in–to hear him, and he wanted to align his will with God’s in selecting, developing, and addressing topics of importance in advancing the Lord’s purposes.” [2]

It seems to have become common recently for people to expect changes to be announced more frequently in General Conference under Pres. Nelson than in the past. Regarding this, Pres. Oaks said, “Change is almost always exciting… But as I have thought about the many recent changes in the Church, I have felt some caution. The changes we have experienced in our Church meetings and policies should help us, but by themselves they won’t get our members to where our Heavenly Father wants us to be. The changes that make a difference to our position on the covenant path are not changes in Church policies or practices, but the changes we make in our own desires and actions.” [3]

I look forward to watching General Conference this weekend. It always goes by way too quickly, and leaves me wanting more of the guidance and the Spirit that I feel. We are truly blessed to be living in a time when such guidance from church leaders is so accessible. I pray that I can receive what is said in the spirit it was intended, and make those changes in my life that will bring me closer to my Heavenly Father as I am inspired to do so.

_______________________________________________

Here are some comments from a few other FAIR volunteers:

In one sense, I am afraid I don’t to a lot in terms of formal preparation.

I make sure I have set aside uninterrupted time to watch it.

while I try to frequently attune to the Lord in my daily doings, I make a particular effort to try to be receptive during the presentations.
3.I keep in mind that many of the presenters have been praying and trying to be in tune during their preparation and I try to pick-up on that aspect as they are speaking.

I am very aware of the spiritual entrapments of our daily world and am particularly interested in the particular take the General Authorities emphasize at that moment.

Over the years, I have found I more and more keep thinking, “This conference is even better than the last, and the last was great”. Wondering, are they getting better or am I changing?

Stephen Johnsen

I ponder on the things from the last conference, if there are any changes we have managed to make.

I ponder “where we are now,”, what can I expect to hear and find out that my thoughts were wrong or right.

I study the scriptures and pray that I can understand what is being said.

Today I listen to the conference in my room with earphones with the language I wish and my husband listens in his room with his earphones in Norwegian. I need a pen and paper to write down the important or good messages I find in the speeches.

I may think a speech is not “good”… but I think maybe it was good for someone else, I am not the only listener. I am aware that some things may perch my heart, but that is not the fault of the conference or the speaker, but mine and maybe it is right there that I should try to do something. I think we should try to help the person [with negative thoughts] to understand or at least to bear the conflict they have got. There is a difference between misunderstanding something or not having enough knowledge to know your thoughts are wrong against swallowing willfully anti stuff. And even in the last one we can do miracles by changing the surroundings. Like in Montessori pedagogy the environment is highly important and by changing the environment you can change the behaviour of a child.

Maija-Liisa Årsnes, Norway

I have taken to heart something an elders quorum president told me, which is determine an area of my life where I need improvement and prayerfully ask a question related to that with the expectation it will be answered during General Conference. It gets me praying and being mindful of General Conference as well as areas where I can improve.

When it comes to negative peer interactions. I simply reiterate the truths I know. Nothing else I feel I can do.

K. Tommie Martin

[1] Turley, R. E., Jr. (2021, March 1). In the Hands of the Lord: The Life of Dallin H. Oaks. Deseret Book Co., 7, 15, and 17. My full review is here.

[2] Ibid., 322.

[3] Ibid., 361.

Trevor Holyoak is the Vice President of FAIR. He has been actively involved with FAIR for many years and received the John Taylor Defender of the Faith Award in 2014. He graduated magna cum laude from Weber State University with a BS in computer science and now works as a programmer and systems administrator. He is currently serving as a stake emergency preparedness director and in the leadership of the Utah Valley Amateur Radio Club. He and his wife have five children and live in Cedar Hills, Utah.

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General Conference is coming up in 3 days! It will be held April 1-2, and will have morning and afternoon sessions on Saturday and Sunday, along with an evening session for everyone on Saturday. More information is available here.

General Conference Notes Worksheetby Nathan Richardson

This worksheet is for taking notes on during general conference. It combines boxes for writing in, as well as check boxes for quickly giving yourself assignments to do after conference, such as talks you want to re-read, or talks you want to copy quotes from. It’s a great resource for adults or teens.

Download English versionVersions are also available in

Spanish
Chinese

I made this worksheet with my nieces and nephews in mind. I was trying to think of ways to help a teen or youngster get more out of general conference. What would help them learn to start listening to the talks and even taking notes? I decided it might help to add a bit of trivia, just to pique their interest. The worksheet is full of features that might help someone learn little facts about how general conference is run.

If you would like to see an example of how you might use this worksheet, go to my example worksheet page. There you will find the same worksheet, but filled in with blue handwriting. It’s only one of several ways to use this worksheet (and probably more complex than most people would want), but it should give you a few ideas.

Features

The “So what?” column. I divided the notes section into two parts: content/topic, and personal application/plans. I’ve heard many a Church leader, like Elders Scott, Hales, or Bednar, say that we should take notes like this. There’s little point in just summarizing the talk, since it’s going to come out in print form within a month anyway. Instead, we should write down impressions or promptings that come to us, making plans of what we ought to do as a result of hearing the talk. In a way, the purpose of the content/topic part is merely to provide a memory-kick to help us remember the context that prompted us to make the particular goal.
Known and unknown speakers. On one side of the worksheet are the fifteen apostles, who you can always count on to speak at least once in every general conference. On the reverse are spaces for other general authorities and general officers, without pictures because you never know which ones will be speaking. This can lead to a discussion about why that might be (e.g., the apostles hold the keys to receive revelation and direction from the Lord for the entire Church). It’s also handy (and less intimidating) to have your entire conference content on just one sheet of paper.
Seniority sequence. The apostles have been placed in order of seniority rather than order of Church leadership structure. That is, the two counselors in the First Presidency are not at the top, even though members of the quorum of the Twelve take directions from and report to them. This can lead to discussion about prophetic succession and which titles are determined by seniority (presidents; title in a squared box) versus by calling (counselors; title in a rounded box). Also, since the members of the First Presidency virtually always speak more than once, their rows are taller, to leave extra space for notes.
Session schedule. I put selection bubbles (“radio buttons,” like on a multiple choice exam) to mark which session they spoke in, which can help them get familiar with the schedule of conference. It can also raise the question of which apostles speak more than once (only members of the First Presidency; that’s why they have check boxes in their rows, instead of selection bubbles). And that can lead to discussion of why (e.g., we need to pay special attention to their words because they carry the most weight). At first I was going to organize the worksheet according to session, but it would have been an ugly or awkward chart because you never know who’s speaking or how many will speak. Plus, by organizing it according to speaker, it gives the user something to hunt for.
Facial recognition. I left out the names on purpose, so that the kids have to pay attention to their faces on the screen, do a little hunting and matching, and write down the name themselves. This can help them get more familiar with the apostles and come to know them by sight.
Church organizations. On the reverse side, the speakers can also be categorized by which organization of the Church they are serving in. This can lead to discussions about where the conference speakers are generally chosen from. (You don’t actually have to be a general officer; it’s just the typical practice. One time an Olympic athlete spoke in the priesthood session!)
Authority v. Officer. The organization selection bubbles can lead to discussions about the difference between general authorities (shaded column) and general officers (clear column). And of course, technically I can’t say that all members of the quorums of Seventy are general authorities (only the first and second quorums are; the rest are area authorities). But since the web page on Church organization makes the same generalization, I felt OK doing the same. (By the way, I heard that Elder Bednar once made this distinction very clear at a BYU–Idaho devotional when the opening prayer referred to him as a general authority. After the prayer, Elder Bednar was quick to clarify that he was currently not a general authority, but rather just an area authority. I.e, he does not have authority to give directions to all Church members in general, but rather only to those Church members inside his geographical area.)
Session-specific speakers. The session selection bubbles can also be used to point out which leaders typically do and don’t speak in the priesthood session. For example, does the General Sunday School Presidency ever speak in the priesthood session? (I actually don’t know the answer; I just now thought of it. Now I have something to look for in the next several conferences!) [This is currently obsolete, with the change to Saturday Evening sessions.]
To-do checkboxes. Above the name of each speaker is a row of checkboxes that you can use to quickly give yourself assignments for after conference. The L stands for “Like,” meaning it was simply a talk that stood out to you, for whatever reason. The R stands for “Re-read,” when you think you want to study that talk, or if you were distracted or interrupted during the talk and were unable to listen to it (I use that box more often now that I have kids …). The Q stands for “Quote,” meaning there was a statement or two in the talk that you want to copy to your gospel study journal or computer files—especially useful when you’ve been looking for and compiling quotes on certain gospel topics. The S stands for “Share,” when a person comes to mind that you think would really be benefited by reading the talk; use this to remind yourself to email them the talk, etc. (special thanks to Karen for suggesting this checkbox in the comments below). If you have other common to-do tasks that you think should go on this sheet, let me know in the comments section and I may add them.

One tip for how to use the checkboxes: first trace, then check. For example, if you feel prompted to copy a quote to your files, signal this by tracing the lines around the Q box. That lets you know it’s on your to-do list. Then about a month later (after the text of the talks has been published online), you review your worksheet, see an unchecked Q box, copy the quote to your files, and then check off the box.

You’ll notice that much of this worksheet focuses on trivia, or relatively unimportant information. The most important part is taking notes on the talks and receiving spiritual guidance on how to act on them. But I included the other less important matters because youth often need some kind of hook to catch their interest. Anything is good to include if it leads someone to start paying more attention to the inspired leaders at general conference.

Please let me know how you use this sheet and what the results were. I’d love to hear how it goes, as well as any suggestions you have!

Nathan Richardson is a speech-language pathologist who works for a private family in the Middle East. He is also a book designer and has worked for multiple publishing houses, including the BYU Religious Studies Center and BYU Studies, as well as had his own document design business. He is a frequent speaker at BYU-I Education Week. He received a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in communication disorders from BYU, and has published research articles in scholarly journals of audiology. He designs free gospel study aids and a study edition of the scriptures on his website NathanRichardson.com.

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General Conference is coming up in 4 days! It will be held April 1-2, and will have morning and afternoon sessions on Saturday and Sunday, along with an evening session for everyone on Saturday. More information is available here.

General Conference: Answers and Questionsby Edwin E. Gantt

As a Professor of Psychology at Brigham Young University, every day I am blessed with the privilege of interacting with and instructing some of the best young minds the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has to offer. It truly is a pleasure – and a very heavy responsibility – to be entrusted with teaching the youth of Zion. Although my students come from a stunning variety of backgrounds, ethnicities, family situations, races, and cultures – don’t ever let anyone tell you the BYU student body is some homogenous blob – among those things they do happen to share in common is a desire for answers. Indeed, most of my students have chosen psychology as their major area of study is because they assume that the discipline of psychology holds answers to their questions. After spending most of my adult life in the discipline I am not nearly as confident as they are that this is the case, but that is a story for another time. Regardless, it is one of the great joys of my life to be able to time each day with such vibrant, eager, and faithful young people who are so motivated to seek out answers and strive for greater, deeper understanding of themselves, the world, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

There was a time when I, too, was as driven as they are to find answers to my questions, to learn the reasons for why the world is the way it is, why people think and act the way they do, and what it is we need to do to help people live better, more fulfilling lives by making the world a better place. Not a bad thing to desire, all in all, especially when compared with some other, less noble motivations that are easy enough to cultivate. However, over time I have come to find myself much more interested in good questions than in quick answers; at least of the sort of quick answers that my colleagues in psychology seems so eager to provide. While most of us tend to be attracted to answers, especially when we are struggling in some way to make sense of things, I have come to believe that nothing quite engages the whole soul as does a really good question. Answers are the sorts of things that once you have them in hand, the next thing you do is use them to solve problems, fix the things that have gone wrong so you can then move on to the next issue. Answers are, no doubt, on the whole, really good things and definitely worth our time and energy to seek out and find. Still, as I have said, I find myself more and more attracted to good questions, the sorts of questions that come from looking at problems in a new way, from a different angle, deeper and more persistently, the kind of questions that force us to examine not only the problem at hand but ourselves as well. Such questions not only require patience, meditation, and self-reflection, but also push us to take stock of who we are, what our desires and purposes are and ought to be, and why we have been doing what we’ve been doing. A really good question is one that draws us out of ourselves, pulling us from the safe, self-imposed confines of our own narrow agendas and which forces us to confront the world in often uncomfortable, soul-stretching, mind-expanding ways.

What does any of this have to do with General Conference, you may be wondering. Simply this. Most of us look forward to General Conference as a time to hear from the Lord’s anointed, from His chosen prophets and apostles, seers and revelators, and other ordained leaders. We tend to come seeking answers to our questions, answers that will solve some doctrinal puzzle for us or which will bring some balm of Gilead to soothe our pain and fear. And such answers freely flow from the podium to our eager, waiting hearts. This is, without doubt, one of the greatest blessings, and one of the most important purposes of, General Conference. What a joy to be instructed so powerfully, so lovingly, and so clearly twice a year by those who speak for the Lord, and whose speaking brings forth the very answers so many of us desire and for which we so earnestly hope. Seeking answers from the Lord through his ordained ministers is noble, worthy, and good.

I would like to suggest, however, that there may be something more we could do to further enrich and enliven the spiritual feast that is General Conference. While we need not lay aside our desire for answers, I want to suggest that General Conference may well be a time for us to listen more closely, attend more carefully and more intentionally to what is taught that we might thereby discern more clearly what questions the Lord would have us ask ourselves. In addition to approaching General Conference as a time to present to the Lord and those who speak in His name our questions and concerns, and then await the answers we seek, perhaps we might approach it as a time to learn from the Lord what concerns we ought to have, what questions He thinks we ought to be asking. I believe that in doing so we open the door for the Lord to more fully speak to us, inviting Him to orient us in the direction He would have us face, allowing Him to draw our attention more intensely to those things He is concerned about for us. It goes without saying that our Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ are very good at providing the needed answers to any and all of our sincere and genuine questions. What is less often appreciated, though, is how very good they are at framing for us the right questions for us to ask. Indeed, as the Pharisees, Sadducees, and others, including His own disciples, learned for themselves time and again during His earthly ministry, the Savior often responded to the questions posed to Him by turning the questions themselves around, often inside-out and upside down, in order to show that regardless of how sincere or insincere the questioner might have been, they were asking the wrong questions (see, for example, Matthew 22:15-22).

I look forward to General Conference every six months because I have many questions, many concerns of both mind and heart, and I seek answers in the inspired words of prophets, seers, and revelators. Over the years, I have been richly blessed by a loving Heavenly Father by the answers I have found in the teachings in General Conference. More and more recently, however, I have found that General Conference is also a time for learning that sometimes I am asking the wrong questions, worried about getting answers to concerns that are far too narrow and limited. This coming General Conference I look forward to again listening carefully to the Spirit of the Lord that I might learn not so much the answers to whatever questions I may have thought up for myself, but rather that I might learn what questions my Father in Heaven would have me ask of Him, and myself.

Edwin E. Gantt is currently Professor of Psychology at Brigham Young University and a Research Fellow of the Wheatley Institution. He received his doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Duquesne University. He is the author of over 80 scholarly articles and book chapters. His primary research interests revolve around the questions of moral agency and the relationship between religion, science, and psychology. He is co-author (with Richard N. Williams) of Hijacking Science: Exploring the Nature and Consequences of Overreach in Psychology, editor of the textbook series Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Psychological Issues, and Co-Editor of the journal Issues in Religion and Psychotherapy (the official journal of the Association of Latter-day Saint Counselors and Psychologists). He teaches courses in the History and Philosophy of Psychology, Personality Theory, Qualitative Research Methods, Psychology of Religion, and (his favorite) LDS Perspectives on Psychology. He and his wife Anita live in Springville and have four wonderful sons, two amazing daughters-in-law, and two beautiful grandsons.

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General Conference is coming up in 5 days! It will be held April 1-2, and will have morning and afternoon sessions on Saturday and Sunday, along with an evening session for everyone on Saturday. More information is available here.

“Was that a revelation?” General Conference and Agents of the Divineby Steve Densley

Over time, I have come to look forward to General Conference more and more. It seems that now, more than ever, we need the wisdom and guidance that comes from those who have been set apart by God to instruct us.

Of course, I do not always hear what I want to hear. I am often challenged by the words of our leaders and can feel that I will need to stretch, sometimes with some pain, to accomplish what is expected. So I understand when I hear people wonder aloud, “Was that a revelation?” as if to say, “Do I really need to do that?” Or, “Is that really true?”

It would certainly clear things up to know that whenever one of God’s representatives speaks, the words are the very ones that God Himself would use if He were standing at the pulpit. Of course, if a church leader says something we don’t like, it would come as a relief to think that we can ignore it since it was just a mistake.

However, at times when we are troubled by the words of our leaders, we must take account of such scriptures that read: “Why is it that ye receive not the preaching of him whom God hath sent? If ye receive not this in your hearts, ye receive not [His servants]; and if ye receive not [His servants], ye receive not [Christ]” (JST, Matthew 3:34), and: “whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (D&C 1:38).

This latter verse has led many of us to expect that whenever a church leader speaks, it is as though God Himself is speaking. And yet, we have also been told that church leaders can make mistakes. The title page of the Book of Mormon itself warns us that “if there are faults they are the mistakes of men.” So how it is possible that a church leader can speak for God and yet be mistaken?

The answer to this problem may lie in what is known in the law as “agency theory.” This branch of the law relates to the extent to which we can expect a representative, called an “agent,” to speak on behalf of or bind the person who is being represented, called the “principal.” For example, if Elon Musk authorizes someone to act as his agent in selling a Tesla to me, if that agent and I agree to the terms of a sale, then Elon Musk will be bound by those terms. In that case, whether by Elon Musk’s voice or the voice of his agent, it is the same.

That does not mean that the agent will always say exactly what Elon Musk would say. In fact, the agent may actually make a mistake and say something wrong or sell the car at a lower price than Mr. Musk himself would have. But generally speaking, Elon Musk will be bound by the acts and words of his agent.

There are exceptions to this, of course. For example, if the agent were to purportedly sell me Elon Musk’s house when we both knew the agent only had authority to sell a Tesla vehicle, Elon Musk would not be bound to turn over the title to his home.

Similarly, we understand that if church leaders were to take action beyond their stewardship that action would not be binding on us. For example, if a counselor in the Sunday School Presidency were to announce a policy change for the Relief Society, he would be acting outside the scope of his stewardship and “agency.”

Putting the exceptions aside, we can take the actions of the leaders of the Church as binding upon the Church members and, while perhaps not exactly what God would do in their place, at least authorized by God through His delegated authority. On this point, Terryl and Fiona Givens related:

The story is told of a Church official who returned from installing a new stake presidency. “Dad, do you Brethren feel confident when you call a man as the stake president that he is the Lord’s man?” the official’s son asked upon his father’s return home. “No, not always,” he replied. “But once we call him, he becomes the Lord’s man.” The answer disconcerts initially. Is this not hubris, to expect God’s sanction for a decision made in error? Perhaps. It is also possible that the reply reveals the only understanding of delegation that is viable. (Terryl Givens & Fiona Givens, The Crucible of Doubt (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2014), 75-76, citing a personal conversation reported to authors by Robert L. Millet.)

Terryl and Fiona Givens further quote the Anglican churchman, Austin Farrer: “If Peter and his colleagues make law in applying the Lord’s precepts, . . . their law is the law of Christ’s Church, the best (if you will) that God’s Spirit can make with human instruments there and then, and, as such, to be obeyed as the will of God Himself. But to call Peter infallible in this connection is to misplace an epithet.” Ibid., 74-75, quoting Austin Farrer, “Infallibility and Historical Tradition,” in The Truth-Seeking Heart, ed. Ann Loades and Robert MacSwain (Norwich: Canterbury Press, 2006), 83-83.

Of course it is also true that when a church leader speaks by the inspiration of the Spirit, the words are scriptures unto us, of a certain variety. Joseph Fielding Smith taught that “a revelation that is to be given as these revelations are given in [the standard works], to the Church, will come through the presiding officer of the Church; yet, the word of the Lord, as spoken by other servants at the general conferences and stake conferences, or wherever they may be when they speak that which the Lord has put into their mouths, is just as much the word of the Lord as the writings and the words of other prophets in other dispensations” (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954–56], 1:186. See also, D&C 68:4.)

It is important in this regard to recognize that while revelation can come through the visitation of an angel or by Christ Himself, God can also speak to Church leaders as He usually does to the rest of us, through the still small voice, and it is just as authoritative. In describing the way the leaders of the Church receive revelation, President Gordon B. Hinckley said that it is “[u]sually no voice of any kind, but just a perception in the mind. I liken it to Elijah’s experience. When he sought the Lord, there was a great wind, and the Lord was not in the wind. And there was an earthquake, and the Lord was not in the earthquake. And a fire, and the Lord was not in the fire. But in a still, small voice. Now that’s the way it works.” (Lattin, Don, “Sunday Interview — Musings of the Main Mormon.” San Francisco Chronicle, April 13, 1997, by Don Lattin.) We have further been told that “We can tell when the speakers are ‘moved upon by the Holy Ghost’ only when we, ourselves, are ‘moved upon by the Holy Ghost.’” (J. Reuben Clark Jr., “When Are Church Leaders’ Words Entitled to Claim of Scripture?” Church News, July 31, 1954, 9.)

However, even if a church leader is not speaking by inspiration of the Spirit, it is important to determine whether they are speaking within the scope of their calling. If so, a certain authority attaches to their words and actions even if they are not all inspired by God.

So it is exciting to me to hear the leaders of our Church speak in their official capacity at General Conference. While I am often moved spiritually by the words I hear, I am also simply grateful for the direction, guidance, and wisdom we can receive from those who have received the authority to lead God’s Church and to speak on His behalf.

Steve Densley, Jr. is the Executive Vice President of The Interpreter Foundation. He is a Utah attorney (J.D., Brigham Young University). He graduated with University Honors from BYU with a combined B.A./M.A. in public policy and political science. As an undergraduate, he was an assistant editor on the Pi Sigma Alpha Review. In law school, he was a member of the Law Review and the National Moot Court team. He has published articles in the Utah Bar Journal, the Journal of Law and Family Studies, Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship, and Meridian Magazine. He has been recognized in SuperLawyers Magazine as one of the Mountain States Rising Stars and has been listed numerous times in Utah Business Magazine as among the Utah Legal Elite. He was the Executive Vice President of FAIR from 2013-15, recipient of the John Taylor Defender of the Faith Award, and was a producer of FAIR’s podcast when it twice won the People’s Choice Award for Best Podcast in the Religion & Spirituality category. He is also an award-winning photographer and a certified travel agent. He served a Hmong-speaking mission in the California Sacramento Mission. He and his wife Heather are the parents of four children and have one granddaughter.

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General Conference is coming up in 6 days! It will be held April 1-2, and will have morning and afternoon sessions on Saturday and Sunday, along with an evening session for everyone on Saturday. More information is available here.

General Conference for Kidsby Lynn Wilson

The art of motivating children to glean something out of General Conference requires preparation too. I teach them a song to help memorize the twelve apostles by name. I put up pictures so they can identify them more easily when they are speaking. The more I teach them about our leaders, the closer they feel toward them. Sometimes before Conference we talk about themes that might come up in talks. Twelve themes are taped to a cupcake tin. Then during conference I fill each cup with a healthy snack which they get to eat when they identify a theme. This helps the kids (and parents) listen. The Church’s website for General Conference “Bingo,” fill in the blank, word puzzles, and other handouts have been a great help for young ones.

By the time my kids are eight, I encourage them to join in listening to the Saturday sessions too. I have notebooks and pencils for each child. The younger ones draw pictures of what they hear while the older ones take notes. I find dressing them in Sunday clothes helps them to appreciate the sacredness of the experience even if we are staying home. We talk about the Conference talks afterwards at well—during meals, family home evening, and before bedtime prayers. As difficult as it is, the more I sincerely love the messages, the more my children’s interest is piqued.

Lynne Hilton Wilson earned her Ph.D. in Theology and American Religious History from Marquette University. Her doctoral dissertation compared Joseph Smith’s understanding of the Spirit with his contemporaries. Her master’s degree focused on New Testament studies. She attended BYU as an undergraduate and studied nursing and music. She returned to BYU has as an adjunct professor of Religion, and to teach at Education Week. She is presents regularly at the Mormon History Association, Society of Biblical Literature, and the like. She has served in the Church Education System for the past 35 years. Currently she teaches Institute. Previous Publications include: Christ’s Emancipation of New Testament Women, Nativity Narratives, Learning the Language of the Lord: A Guidebook to Personal Revelation, To Witness Easter, and articles in BYU Studies, the Interpreter, Religious Educator, and the BYU Religious Studies Center. She is co-founder of BookofMormonCentral.org. She and her husband, Elder Dow R. Wilson live in Palo Alto, California. They have seven children (all with red hair), and eight grandchildren (blond, ginger, and brown).

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General Conference is coming up in 7 days! It will be held April 1-2, and will have morning and afternoon sessions on Saturday and Sunday, along with an evening session for everyone on Saturday. More information is available here.

How I prepare for General Conferenceby Lynn Wilson

General Conference is one of my favorite weekends of the year. Often my enjoyment of it is directly related to my preparation. When I take the time to reread or relisten to previous conference talks, prepare questions I need help with, and prepare my life to take time off for a full-two-day-religious-holiday, I am more apt to feel empowered by the messages. Perhaps the most important preparation is praying for a meek or teachable heart and the Spirit’s witness that the words are inspired from God.

During Conference, I often take notes to help me focus while listening. This way I can also record spiritual promptings. To help me focus, I try to find a core message and give each talk a “title” (my titles are rarely correct, but it’s still helpful). When I am in-tune with the Spirit I feel that I am learning not just from our General Authorities, but directly from our Lord. I try to listen with both the micro and macro view. On a micro level I listen for answers to my questions. On a macro view I listen trying to put myself in the river of God’s revelation.

To solidify my resolve after General Conference, I talk with friends and family about it. I reread my notes and impressions. I often see things I forgot. I always appreciate the chance to slowly go over the written records when they become available.

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General Conference is coming up in 8 days! It will be held April 1-2, and will have morning and afternoon sessions on Saturday and Sunday, along with an evening session for everyone on Saturday. More information is available here.

Today, Elder Ammon Holyoak talks about how he prepares for General Conference.

Ammon Holyoak is serving as a full-time missionary in the Arizona Mesa Mission. He is from Cedar Hills, Utah.

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General Conference is coming up in 9 days! It will be held April 1-2, and will have morning and afternoon sessions on Saturday and Sunday, along with an evening session for everyone on Saturday. More information is available here.

About Those Conference Predictionsby Benjamin Pacini

Anyone who is making conference predictions is probably just trafficking in conference-mania.

Ask me how I know.

Okay, okay, I’ll tell you: A few years ago I started making conference predictions, and I haven’t been able to quit. I love general conference, and making predictions is a fun, light-hearted way to amp myself (and others!) up for conference.

How much do I love conference? When my wife found out that I wasn’t into sports, she was excited until she realized that I have two Superbowls, one in April and another in October–and yes, the World Report is my half-time show. The audit report? Scintillating. The sustainings? Transcendent. The tie-game among apostles? Riveting.

There are also excellent talks.

I kid–the talks are rather the point, and I guess that’s just it: for all that I love the ceremony and ritual and fun traditions (pancakes!) it’s not really about all those things. General Conference scratches all my favorite itches: organizational changes, administrative details, and big events. (If we had Temple-Square-watchers like there are Vatican watchers, I would be the first in line for the job.) I like making General Conference predictions because they can be a fun way to get excited and prepare my heart for General Conference–but they can also distract from what really matters.

How to balance the two? How to get excited without crossing the line into irreverence–or even offending the spirit? As the guiltiest party, let me offer a few thoughts on what I have started trying to do to keep my predictions thoughtful.

1 – Prepare Your Heart.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with advertising your love of Conference (I certainly hope not!) but one protection is to ensure that your style is outmatched by your substance several fold. If you’re having fun posting on social media, make sure you’re reading old talks, spending time with God, and recommitting to the life He would have you live. If you’re enjoying the Facebook likes more than you’re edifying yourself with personal devotion, you might want to look at your priorities.

I don’t think the Lord minds a little fun, or I wouldn’t do any predicting to begin with (and maybe that’s the holier path–I know some who feel that it’s the right thing to tread somewhat more carefully, and I appreciate them for it). If you do decide to engage in predictions, I’d recommend carefully looking inward to see what your intentions are. The point is to prepare yourself to hear the words of prophets–not to savor those sweet, sweet dopamine hits from likes, ha-has, or retweets.

2 – Contention is Not of Him.

I have many friends who are former members, liberal members, conservative members, you name it. We get along for the most part, and it’s something I want to do well. Part of the answer to that conundrum is to explicitly and deliberately give people space: if someone complains about the Church online, I recognize that it’s not an invitation for my to debate them. They know what I believe, and I know what they do, and it’s easy to get along with others with a good dose of common respect–and a touch of old-fashioned pluralism. I try not to be preachy to them, and only ask that they give me a little space too.

And there’s a handy reciprocity involved when I ask the same of them: when I frame my Conference social media excitement, people tend to be respectful and kind. I’ve started making posts that show my enthusiasm while also clarifying that the goal is to help like-minded folks do something fun together–even if I sometimes love a good debate, this isn’t it. My friends appreciate the clarity, and I enjoy getting to still enjoy something meaningful to me.

3 – Commandments Not A Few.

If you’re looking for the kind of Conference predictions that make me uneasy, consider how many of them are “9% tithing” types: predictions of how much easier the Lord needs to make things. It’s not a perfect rule: two-hour church has fewer logistics involved than three-hour church, for example–but I tend to find that there are far more 9% tithing takes than there are 11% tithing takes.

Given the increasingly difficult and wicked times in which we live, I suspect that the Lord has more demanding commandments in mind for us, not less. It has been my experience that coming closer to God always comes with a greater set of expectations, not a lowered one. As I get better at hearing Him, my thoughts change from “give unto me to sit on thy right hand” to “what lack I yet?”

4 – Avoid Pre-Sniping.

I remember an apocryphal story of a senior church leader enjoying lunch between sessions when the topic came up of a talk that was somewhat less-than-stellar. The church leader supposedly responded, “that man is my brother, and I cannot be present for such talk of my brother.” He then quietly stood and left the room.

I don’t know if the story is true, but the principle certainly is. There are some who use Conference predictions as a way to set their hearts against a certain speaker or topic. I call this “pre-sniping,” setting yourself up to be angry if a given thing happens (which often will). I would warn folks away from such a path.

You can reverse it for rich dividends, however: a list of speakers you look forward to, for example, or a list of topics you’re eager to hear about; most vulnerably, a list of things that you need to be told but might not want to hear.

5 – Beware Idolatry.

Be wary of making General Conference in your own image. I’ve seen some who always seem to predict all the things that they would do if they were in charge. (I’m quite grateful that they aren’t–and even more grateful that I’m not.) If your first thought is how church leaders are enlightened to the degree that they think like you, you might be a little less enlightened than you think.

This is particularly true in terms of your political leanings. We’re in a time of polarization, and God is not so neat as to fit into a contemporary political party. If God happens to be a sturdy, staunch Republican just like you–or a compassionate progressive as the case may be–then you aren’t making predictions, you’re performing mental idolatry.

Again, the fix is with some deliberate inverting of the framing: rather than seek the things that would validate your leanings, seek the things that would overturn them–and open your heart to them.

Benjamin Pacini is faculty at BYU-Idaho in Elementary, Early, and Special Education. He’s a husband, father of four, general conference aficionado, and occasional writer. Tends toward the “obnoxiously happy” extreme of humanity. Really kind of insufferable about it. Talks too much about economics at dinner parties. Has aspirations to be a muppet.

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General Conference is coming up in 10 days! It will be held April 1-2, and will have morning and afternoon sessions on Saturday and Sunday, along with an evening session for everyone on Saturday. More information is available here.

Contextually Concrete Revelationby Samuel Major

When I moved to Chicago to begin my master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, I went with the intention to be unashamed about the gospel and a desire to be fully prepared to defend it. From orientation week forward I made it well known that I was one of those “Mormons” and that my religion was everything to me. I was going to be an intellectual missionary for the church. I would prepare for General Conference with the intention of figuring out new ways to clearly defend the gospel so that I could articulate its precepts to a room full of hostile, secular academics. This meant that I would watch General Conference like I would listen to a university lecture in a philosophy department- organizing notes about gospel doctrines logically and preparing rebuttals for the arguments I anticipated would be brought up in class.

And then something interesting happened. The hostility did not come nearly as often as I thought it would. At least, apart from a few exceptions, hostility due to my religious convictions did not come nearly as often as I thought it would. In fact, many of my classmates routinely expressed interest in my religious beliefs and wanted me to speak to how that affected my views on therapy. A strange schism started to grow between what I thought was most important for me to learn from General Conference (e.g., I thought I needed to be an intellectual missionary), and what the Lord wanted me to learn. Even as I grew intellectually, every conference there was always a clearer prompting to first and foremost be a friendly peacemaker to my classmates. At that time, the Lord did not need me to be an intellectual defender of the Kingdom.

Through the years since then, I have had many similar experiences where I went into General Conference thinking I needed an answer to one thing, but, if I was willing to listen, the Lord would instead prompt me with something else. To be clear, the Lord almost always enlarged and broadened my understanding so that I could speak more clearly and intelligently about the gospel. Primarily, however, the Lord would always accompany such intellectual growth with promptings to do something differently in my life, tailored to my current situation. Sometimes the prompting was in fact to prepare to present or write on a topic intellectually defending gospel doctrines. And sometimes not. Unless the Lord prompted me to do something to defend the gospel, the intellectual clarity I sought seemed to come secondary to promptings to do something different in my life that was needed at the time (e.g., be a better husband). The phrase contextually concrete revelation speaks directly to this lesson I have learned.

The word contextual denotes the idea that personal revelation in General Conference will apply to my current needs and context in life. The Lord almost never gives me revelation for something that has not yet happened, for a context I have not yet found myself in, or for what is not actually happening in my current context even if I think it is occurring or might occur (e.g., the hostility about my religious convictions was not actually happening so how could I receive revelation about it). He mostly speaks to me at this moment of my life. He speaks of the current obligations, covenants, stewardships, and responsibilities that I have.

The word concrete is meant to remind me that revelation received at General Conference is not just an intellectual exercise in which the Lord lectures at me, I decide what I agree with, and I then memorize what He says to store in my memory for later. Even though intellectual growth most often accompanies the revelatory process, revelation seems to be primarily focused on getting me to actually do something. Another way I think about this is that teachings from General Conference are not an abstract set of logical propositions which I choose to believe in and need to prepare myself to lecture about. Rather, revelation at General Conference is meant as direction for how to live my life. God is an active God. A God that does things. The gospel is meant to teach me how to do what He does and live as He lives. General Conference is the place where I learn how to live the gospel, not simply memorize the facts of the gospel so I can trivialize and debate them.

And finally, the word revelation simply reminds me that at General Conference, I am not the one in charge of what I need to hear for my eternal welfare, and I do not decide what revelation will come. The Lord is in charge of all that. By definition the word revelation assumes that God is the one speaking. He speaks wisdom and instruction to me through the voice of the prophet and the Holy Ghost. He is in charge and knows what is best for me. It also means that the revelation I must seek will follow the pattern revelation given to me in scripture and by the mouths of living prophets. I cannot receive revelation for the church. The revelation is for me and how to act in relation to those over whom I have stewardship. I can ask questions, but I cannot dictate or demand answers that I want.

In sum, the principle of contextually concrete revelation reminds us to go to General Conference seeking ways that we can more fully live on the covenant path in our lives now. It does not mean that we never defend the gospel or grow in our understanding of its teachings. It does mean that we shift our priorities though. The priority for General Conference shifts to seeking revelation that deepens conversion in our current life situations. Moreover, we challenge ourselves to put the desire for debates about doctrines and disagreements aside for a moment so that we can “hear Him.” We do this by putting aside our preconceptions about what we will learn at the current General Conference, coming with questions concerning current life struggles, and focusing on seeking revelation about things we can do, not just ways we should think about the gospel. As I’ve shifted my own understanding to adhere to this principle, I’ve received more insight, peace, comfort, and I can hear the Lord’s directions more clearly. My heart has begun to both strengthen and soften so that when the times do come that I must intellectually defend the gospel I can do so with less anger and malice in my heart. And the world needs a little less malice and anger.

Sam earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Brigham Young University, and later earned his master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from Northwestern University in Chicago. He is currently earning a PhD in psychology at BYU. His research interests at BYU focus on critical analysis of the philosophical assumptions and implications of prominent theories in psychology and psychotherapy, and often focuses his work on comparing those theories to the worldview of the Restored Gospel. He currently works as an LMFT at the Center for Couples and Families where he specializes in treating people struggling with compulsive pornography use.

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General Conference is coming up in 11 days! It will be held April 1-2, and will have morning and afternoon sessions on Saturday and Sunday, along with an evening session for everyone on Saturday. More information is available here.

Today Jennifer Roach returns to talk about what you can do to help others that are upset about something they hear in General Conference. And if you missed yesterday’s post, it’s available here.

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General Conference is coming up in 12 days! It will be held April 1 – 2, and will have three sessions on Saturday and two on Sunday that everyone is invited to watch. More information is available here.

Please join us for another Countdown to Conference to help prepare. You might remember some of the posts from last time, but it’s good to review, and you might see something you missed before. Each post will feature someone explaining how they feel about General Conference, how they prepare, tips for getting the most out of it, how to deal with associated social media posts, etc.

Today we will start things off with a video from Jennifer Roach, who has been hosting a new podcast for us this year. She addresses the question “What should you do if you hear something in Conference that you really don’t agree with?”

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By David W. Smith

In the October 2022 general conference, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf announced an updated version of the youth standards guidebook For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices. Elder Uchtdorf explained that the booklet “has been updated and refreshed to better cope with the challenges and temptations of our day.”

With the purpose of pointing youth to Christ, this new version is focused on “teach[ing] you eternal truths of His restored gospel” and “how to make righteous choices based on those eternal truths. . . . It focuses on values, principles, and doctrine instead of every specific behavior.” [1]

Have the Standards Been Relaxed?

Because the updated guidebook lacks many of the behavior-specific instructions of the previous version, some people feel that the new guidebook allows youth to do many things they were previously prohibited from doing. Or in other words, they feel the standards are “being relaxed” or “being weakened.”

For example, one young man approached his father and “said his friends told him that Elder Uchtdorf announced in conference that now tattoos are OK,” and so this young man wanted to get one. [2] This young man thought the standards had been relaxed because the guidebook no longer contained a specific prohibition against tattoos.

However, a lack of behavior-specific instructions does not mean the standards have been relaxed. In fact, the opposite is true: the standards have been enhanced. Young Men General President Steven J. Lund addressed the idea of relaxing standards and responded, “It’s never really been that way, has it? When we speak of a higher and holier way, that calls for us to be more vigilant about making sure that we’re complying to what Heavenly Father would have us do.” [3]

President Lund further explained:

We’re moving to a higher and holier way, where the guidance that we receive from the brethren, from the Church, from each other, is less prescriptive and more spiritually-based. We’re being asked to, you know, not look to somebody else to decide what our standard should be, but recognizing the weight of membership and the weight of holiness that belongs to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will by itself prescribe how we behave and how we are, how we dress and how we comport ourselves.

Sister Michelle D. Craig of the Young Women General Presidency affirmed this: “I think it’s important to know that it’s not a relaxing of standards . . . But now we hope that they’re very intentional about getting on their knees and praying to find out, ‘What does this look like in my life?’” [4]

Instead of having more relaxed standards, the new guidebook requires a more diligent form of discipleship.

Principles and Doctrines

Returning to the experience of the young man: his father invited him to listen to Elder Uchtdorf’s talk (the young man hadn’t watched that session of conference) and read the updated guidebook. After doing so, the son approached his father again:

I [the father] asked, ‘Did Elder Uchtdorf announce that tattoos are OK?’ He [the son] said, ‘No. In fact, he said, The Lord is not saying, “Do whatever you want.”’ I asked, ‘Does the guide say tattoos are OK?’ He said, ‘It says we are supposed to honor the sacredness of our bodies, even when that means being different from the world. It says that we must make wise decisions — especially when they can have lasting effects on our bodies. But, Dad, it doesn’t say we can’t.’

I responded: ‘It doesn’t say we can’t rob a bank either but that doesn’t make it a smart choice. What does your discipleship call on you to do? You know how I feel about it. Maybe it is time to ask how Heavenly Father feels about it?’

At this point the experience ends, and the son may or may not have decided to get a tattoo. But “the point is not what these particular youth decided. Rather, it is to emphasize how these parents used questions to guide the youth toward values, principles and doctrines. Most importantly, they asked their children to seek personal revelation.” And that is the model we should follow for ourselves and when helping others choose how to apply the standards.

President Russell M. Nelson exhorted: “Set a standard for the rest of the world. . . . Embrace being different. The booklet entitled ‘For the Strength of Youth’ should be your standard. It is the standard that the Lord expects all His youth to uphold.” [5]

Role of Parents and Other Adults

So what should parents and other adults do? They first provide counsel and wisdom to youth. The new guidebook encourages youth to “be wise and faithful, and seek counsel from your parents and leaders.” [6]

The guidebook also reminds youth that “having questions is not a sign of weakness or lack of faith. . . . Seek answers in the scriptures, in the words of God’s prophets, from your leaders and faithful parents, and from God Himself. If answers don’t come right away, trust that you will learn line upon line. Keep living by what you already know, and keep seeking for truth.” [7] So parents and others shouldn’t discourage questions or accuse youth of being faithless when asking honest questions. (Of course, there is a difference between faithful questions and faithless questions, or put another way, “the term question is not synonymous with the term doubt.”) [8]

Parents and others can also ask questions to youth to prompt spiritual seeking. The Young Women General Presidency reminded us that “our desire is to see them [the youth] turn to their Father in Heaven for answers and learn ways to strengthen their individual relationship with Him.” [9] As adults ask questions like “What do you already know about the topic or question?” and “How did Jesus Christ live the truth/principle?”, the youth will be inspired to find answers from divine sources.

The Young Women General Presidency also reminded us, “It is important during this process that we are not too quick to give our own responses to their questions.” In fact, the most important thing parents and leaders can do is not give the answers but rather help youth recognize when the Spirit is giving the answers. One young woman noted, “So what can leaders do? They can maybe help us learn what it’s like for you when you feel the Holy Ghost. Talk to us about that and tell us specific stories about it. . . . I think the whole point of ‘For Strength of Youth’ is to learn this lesson so we can make choices based on what the Holy Ghost is telling us.” [10]

One way parents and leaders can help youth recognize the Spirit is to ask “a few simple questions like, ‘What did you learn from that choice? Would you do anything different next time? Did it bring you closer to Jesus Christ or take you further away from Him?’” These types of questions “are essential in helping them continue to process what is happening for them. The Holy Ghost can help them see things ‘as they really are’ (Jacob 4:13) when they pause to take a moment and review what they are learning and experiencing.” [11]

Hope of Israel

So instead of providing long lists of things to do and things not to do, the updated guidebook teaches the doctrine of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and invites youth to seek revelation about how to act on that doctrine. The result will be a generation of members who have more experience than any previous generation in studying Christ’s restored doctrine and seeking revelation for their lives. And that will be sorely needed, as President Russell M. Nelson warned in his April 2018 general conference address on revelation: “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” [12]

We see that this updated guidebook is focused on helping youth “take unto [them] the whole armour of God, that [they] may be able to withstand in the evil day” (Ephesians 6:13). The final piece of the armor is “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). And so we arrive at the imagery in the beloved hymn “Hope of Israel”:

Hope of Israel, rise in might
With the sword of truth and right, . . .
Onward, onward, youth of Zion;
Thy reward the victor’s crown. [13]

Notes

[1] Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Jesus Christ Is the Strength of Youth,” October 2022 general conference.

[2] Young Men and Young Women General Presidencies, “Young Men and Young Women general leaders: Changing how we talk with youth about standards,” The Church News, 26 October 2022.

[3] In Sarah Jane Weaver, “Episode 106: The Young Men general presidency on how the new ‘For the Strength of the Youth’ guide helps youth choose Christ,” The Church News, 18 October 2022.

[4] In Sydney Walker, “‘Parents, we need to be all in,’ Young Women general presidency says of new ‘For the Strength of Youth’ guide,” The Church News, 5 February 2023.

[5] Russell M. Nelson, “Hope of Israel,” worldwide youth devotional, 3 June 2018; as cited in Walker, “Parents, we need to be all in.”

[6] “Your body is sacred,” For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices.

[7] “Truth will make you free,” For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices.

[8] “Answering Gospel Questions,” Gospel Topics in Gospel Library. See also Adam Kotter, “When Doubts and Questions Arise,” Ensign, March 2015.

[9] Young Women General Presidency and advisory council, “Young Women general presidency: Using the ‘For the Strength of Youth’ guide to increase discipleship,” The Church News, 10 February 2023.

[10] In Walker, “Parents, we need to be all in.”

[11] Young Women General Presidency, “Using the ‘For the Strength of Youth’ guide to increase discipleship.”

[12] Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” April 2018 general conference.

[13] “Hope of Israel,” Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1985), no. 259.

David W. Smith has volunteered with FAIR since August 2019. He has had an article published in BYU Studies, and he presented at the Joseph Smith Papers Conference in 2019. He has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a master’s degree in public administration, both from Brigham Young University.

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