Turn to the Lord

This entry is part of my general conference application series.

Turn to the Lord, by Elder Donald L. Hallstrom
Of the Presidency of the Seventy


There is great value in contrast. When two things are compared, it often becomes easier to determine which is better based on the comparison.

Yesterday something reminded me of the classic contrast scenario: A daughter approaches her parents, face looking stricken. In deep anguish, and with tears in her eyes, she tremblingly tells them, "I'm pregnant." The daughter is young, unwed, and in nowise ready for motherhood. Discouragement, disappointment, and remorse settle on the group.

Compare this with an alternate story—it can even be the same characters, only set later: A daughter and her husband approach their parents, faces looking radiant. In pure bliss, and with tears of joy in her eyes, she reverently tells them, "I'm pregnant." This couple is young (but perhaps not as young as in the first scenario), happily married, and in every respect prepared for parenthood. Enthusiasm, rejoicing, and thanksgiving settle on the group.

While the same two words were said, "I'm pregnant," the moods could not be different.

Although contrast is ofter used to illustrate the extremes, it is still effective as an illustrative teaching and analysis tool. In his talk, Elder Hallstrom presents another comparison scenario. His example, likewise, has to do with a small child, but with different results. He compares two families, both of whom encounter great loss when a child and/or mother die due to various complications at or around childbirth. The results of how these families deal with this challenge are, as you now expect, quite different. One family turned away from the Lord and drift to spiritual inactivity. The other family "immediately turned. . . to the Lord and His Atonement." They, and their posterity, found comfort, solace, and inspiration through this tragic experience.

The words of the prophet Lehi are applicable here: "For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things" (see 2 Nephi 2:11). Without opposition, contrast—and it's positive and negative effects—could not be possible:

Throughout the world and among the membership of the Church, there is great joy and great pain. Both are part of the plan. Without one, we cannot know the other.

I'm grateful for the examples of faith and trust at the crux of contrast—during that pivotal time where eternity hangs in the balance. But even more, I'm grateful for Christ and His Atonement, and that we can turn to the Lord and find peace and comfort in our most painful times.


UPDATE:
I just saw a new YouTube "Mormon Messages" video that is entirely applicable:

He Lives! All Glory to His Name!

This entry is part of my general conference application series.

He Lives! All Glory to His Name!, by Elder Richard G. Scott
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles


While I was serving as a full-time missionary, I received a bracelet from my brother-in-law. It simply said, "WWJD."


You are likely familiar with this once popular trend. The bracelet was actually the first I had heard of the WWJD trend. Of course, the meaning was "What would Jesus do?"

At the time, I had difficulty with the phrase. When I was in difficult situations and I remembered the WWJD, I would honestly answer, "Well, I'm pretty sure Jesus would perform a miracle or cast out a demon." My probably-too-literal interpretation kept me from fully embracing the message; I always thought there was a better way to encourage myself (and other people) to be Christlike.

I remembered this WWJD dilemma as I reviewed Elder Scott's talk on the Atonement. The solution I came up with for the WWJD question disconnect was repeated verbatim by Elder Scott: "What would the Lord Jesus Christ have me do?" Instead of asking what Jesus would do, I decided that the way to success would be for me to personalize it with a rephrasing.

It may seem a small thing, but it worked well for me (see Alma 37:6). Instead of asking what Christ would do, I used His teachings as a model as I wondered what He would have me do. Elder Scott agrees:

The best way to make a permanent change for good is to make Jesus Christ your model and His teachings your guide for life.

As I thought of this, I wondered how the Atonement can help us to find success in other aspects of our lives. Sometimes when we encounter successful people, it seems that we can place them in one of two camps: those who place the credit on Christ; and those who think they are successful because there is no God. I want to be successful, but I want to only be so if I can stay in the first camp.

Your understanding of the Atonement and the insight it provides for your life will greatly enhance your productive use of all of the knowledge, experience, and skills you acquire in mortal life.

The desires we all have for success are very real—and by success I mean having a happy, covenant-keeping family. This definition of success may seem difficult to maintain in a world of questionable values. Nevertheless, Elder Scott provides comfort:

As the world becomes more devoid of foundational standards and as honor, virtue, and purity are increasingly cast aside in the pursuit of appetite, our understanding of and faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ will provide strength and capacity needed for a successful life. It will also bring confidence in times of trial and peace in moments of turmoil.

I'm grateful for the hope of success that is made possible through the Atonement of Christ. I'm grateful for the cleansing power of the Atonement, too, but as I reviewed this talk, I was impressed by something I don't hear discussed much: that of Atonement-driven success in life.

It makes sense, though. Strength and power are found in covenants, and Christ's Atonement makes covenants not just valid, but real, lasting, and forever true.

“You Are My Hands”

This entry is part of my general conference application series.

“You Are My Hands”, by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Second Counselor in the First Presidency


The theme of President Uchtdorf's address reminds me of a little quote that my sister wrote in a journal she gave me before I left on my mission. Scattered throughout the journal were various quotes that were handwritten by her. I remember one more than any others: "Wouldn't it be great if God could count on you to answer someone's prayer today?"

Speaking of Christ's example, President Uchtdorf reminded:

As we emulate His perfect example, our hands can become His hands; our eyes, His eyes; our heart, His heart.

I recently attended a conference in San Diego. As we walked to and from the conference center and around town we encountered scores of people asking for "spare change" each day. As always happens, I wondered what I could or should do to help. When I didn't feel comfortable giving money, I would be sure to make eye contact, acknowledging them, and try to share an understanding and caring smile. While it may not have put food on their plate, it may have helped them to feel valued and important.

The request for "spare change" got me wondering: who has spare change anymore? I remember my father always having a small plastic coin purse he would carry in his pocket when I was younger. I think this was in the day when people actually had cash. It seems that so many of my transactions are done electronically (either online or via credit card) that I rarely even have cash, let alone change.

I was thinking about this when I was walking alone. After making a rare cash transaction, I was asked by a woman for spare change. I was thrilled that 1.) I felt that it was a good idea to share with her, and 2.) I actually had change! This time, I not only looked in her eyes and smiled, but I reached my hand in my pocket and gladly gave her all my change.

This talk of money—cash and change—reminds me of something President Uchtdorf shared from a woman who had a hard life:

I have come to realize that I am like an old 20-dollar bill—crumpled, torn, dirty, abused, and scarred. But I am still a 20-dollar bill. I am worth something. Even though I may not look like much and even though I have been battered and used, I am still worth the full 20 dollars.

While many of us have felt like this tired woman, I think it's even more useful to think of the others that we encounter that are feeling this very way when we see them. Do I look on others as being worthless or worth less than they really are? I hope not. I want to be Christlike as I try to do what He would do

Preparation Brings Blessings

This entry is part of my general conference application series.

Preparation Brings Blessings, by President Thomas S. Monson



During a recent work lunchtime conversation, we were talking about skateboarding. I shared experiences from my childhood where my eldest brother was really into the skateboarding scene. In fact, I shared, we had multiple skateboard ramps in our back yard where my brother's friends would all congregate to skate.

At this point, a friend said, "Wow; you must have great parents!"

I admitted that I had never considered this evidence before. I now acknowledge that my parents are wonderful, but for the longest time as a youth I struggled with them. If only I had seen them through the eyes of my work friend—as great parents.

Now, I don't know why they allowed the ramps in our back yard. It is hard to contemplate their reasons, particularly considering our litigious society now. I wonder if they simply wanted my brother to spend more time at home where things could be more under their loving influence. . .

The connection between my parents and President Monson's talk is somewhat circuitous. President Monson's talk reminded me of the For the Strength of Youth (FSoY) pamphlet (link, pdf). Recently my father taught a Sunday School class where he compared current FSoY guidelines with those that he grew up with. His efforts to embrace Church teachings reminded me of how great he and my mother are. This reminded me of the skateboard discussion.

The 1965 FSoY pamphlet seems quite different from that used today. It discusses women wearing slacks and curlers in their hair. For the men, it mentions the appropriate places of sportswear and having the glow of health from meticulous grooming. Also outlined are posture, littering, and dance styling and clever footwork.


Despite the differences in the two booklets, I'm grateful for guidance to supplement the norms of culture and society. Whereas the current principles are more explicit (of necessity) than their 1965 counterparts, they are necessary when going against what is portrayed as acceptable in common media nowadays.

President Monson teaches:

The Lord cuts through all the media messages with clear and precise language when He declares to us, “Be ye clean” (see D&C 38:42).

I'm grateful for the words of prophets and other inspired leaders. Their messages can cover a wide spectrum, but a brief summary is provided by President Monson:

Happiness comes from living the way the Lord wants you to live and from service to God and others.

Act in All Diligence

This entry is part of my general conference application series.

Act in All Diligence, by President Henry B. Eyring
First Counselor in the First Presidency


I was recently asked to give a talk using this talk by President Eyring as a base. Here is my talk, if you're interested:


Opening Story
Picture in your mind the most perfect of summer nights: the temperature is moderate, the humidity is low, the sky is crystal-clear, and there is an unobstructed view of the stars. Can you see it? Have you experienced such a night, perfect for lying on the grass, looking at stars, quietly contemplating? As a teenager, I found this night—the perfect night—with my greatest friend.

In the—as the books put it—“comfortable silence” of star-gazing, we lay looking at the stars. You’ve experienced this, where suddenly everything big in life shrinks in comparison to the wonders of the night. You may find yourself feeling incredibly small. Well, this is where we were, when my friend, almost more to himself than to me, asks aloud, “Who am I? Why am I here? What happens after this life?”

Coming as a surprise to both of us was my reply, “You mean you don’t know?”

He thought I was making light of his openness. As I tried to explain that I wasn’t making fun, I realized for the first time that I knew the answers to his questions. I knew the answers!

Purpose
If I had a colored lens, I could look through it and see things differently. I might see different patterns in the petals of an otherwise plain-looking flower; through a different lens I might be able to see through the reflecting light on the surface of a lake; another lens might magnify things allowing closer inspection.

Today, let’s look at life through the lenses of duty and diligence and see what stands out to us.

Now, I don’t expect much from this talk. I don’t really expect it to be remembered—do you remember what talks were given two weeks ago? Instead, my goal is for the Holy Ghost to whisper to you and to me things that we need to do to better learn our duty and act in diligence.

Much of my talk will be my response to President Eyring’s remarks in the last Priesthood Session of General Conference, from his talk titled, “Act in All Diligence.” That phrase, you’ll recognize, comes from D&C 107 (99-100):

Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence.

Connection
Recall my friend’s questions: “Who am I? Why am I here?” and, “What happens after this life?” He wasn’t the first one to ask these questions, nor was he the last. I imagine many of us have wondered these same things.

Earlier I claimed that I knew the answers. Because of the blessings of the restored gospel, we all know the answers to these questions. Let’s step through them, one by one.

Who Am I?
What is the difference between the questions, “Who am I?” and “What am I?”

Scientists who deal in genetics may say that “what we are” is determined by our genetic makeup—a distinct code unique to each of us. Every child here will tell us that “what we are” is a child of God—they may even sing it to us. These two sources agree that “what we are” does not change.

Who we are, on the other hand, is the result not only of what happens to us, but more importantly, how we choose to react, and what we choose to do. You’ve probably heard someone say, “I’m not the same person that I used to be?” Why are they different? Because of distinct life choices.

As children of a loving Father in Heaven, we’ve each been given the light of Christ to guide us in our decisions. The light of Christ—or conscience—helps us to know what is right, and what is wrong. In addition, we, as members of the Church, do not have a monopoly on the Holy Ghost. Of course, it is only through the ordinances of the priesthood that we can receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost—which entitles us to the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost—but all children of God can receive flashes of insight, instruction, and teaching from the Holy Ghost.

How we respond to these influences—the light of Christ and the Holy Ghost’s promptings—determines who we ultimately are and will become.

In summary, what we are never changes, but who we are never stops changing. Nevertheless, knowing what we are—a child of God—can and should influence who we are, and who we are trying to become.

Why Am I Here?
Once we understand who we are, we may be more equipped to answer “Why am I here?”

In addition to the familiar answers of “to get a body,” “to be tested,” and “to learn,” I would like to add the following: We are here to “learn [our] duty, and to act in the office in which [we are] appointed in all diligence.” This line of instruction comes from the 107th section of the Doctrine and Covenants—listed as a “revelation on priesthood”—where the Lord gives us a pattern for success, or guidance on why we are here.

If we believe that our Father in Heaven has a plan for us—and not just a general plan for all of mankind, but a distinct plan for each of us—then it is understandable that we be expected to learn of that plan and then do our best to accomplish His designs for us.

The scripture says that we are to “learn [our] duty, and to act in the office in which [we are] appointed in all diligence.” What is meant by duty? In the latest conference, Bishop McMullin taught:

The duty of which I speak is what we are expected to do and to be. It is a moral imperative summoning forth from individuals and communities that which is right, true, and honorable. Duty does not require perfection, but it does require diligence. It is not simply what is legal; it is what is virtuous. It is not reserved to the mighty or high in station but instead rests on a foundation of personal responsibility, integrity, and courage. Doing one’s duty is a manifestation of one’s faith.

President Monson said of it: “I love and cherish the noble word duty.” For members of the Church of Jesus Christ, our path of duty is keeping our covenants in daily life.

In conference we were reminded why the youth organizations use Personal Progress and the soon-to-be-released new Duty to God programs. Regarding Personal Progress, President Eyring taught:

President Monson put it this way: we must “learn what we should learn, do what we should do, and be what we should be.” The Personal Progress booklet for young women makes the purpose clear for them: “The Personal Progress program uses the eight Young Women values to help you understand more fully who you are, why you are here on the earth, and what you should be doing as a daughter of God to prepare for the day you go to the temple to make sacred covenants.”

Regarding Duty to God, President Eyring spoke of a “pattern from the new Duty to God booklet. It is to learn what the Lord expects of you, make a plan to do it, act on your plan with diligence, and then share with others how your experience changed you and blessed others.”

Can it really be that simple? Is what I’m claiming true? … that the reason why we are here is to learn our duty and act in diligence?

Yes!

The scriptures are full of examples of righteous men and women who did just that:

Remember Nephi, who after learning of his father, Lehi’s, duties, prayed, received a visit from the Lord, learned his duty, and went and did many great things.

Remember another Nephi (the one who prayed in his garden tower and told the gathering crowd of their chief judge’s murder); he was recently released from prison after the whole chief-judge issue was sorted out and was on his way home when he heard the voice of the Lord. After receiving positive feedback for his “unwearyingness” and empowered with the sealing power, he was given a new duty to “go and declare unto [the] people” that they needed to repent. We read of his diligence:

And behold, now it came to pass that when the Lord had spoken these words unto Nephi, he did stop and did not go unto his own house, but did return unto the multitudes who were scattered about upon the face of the land, and began to declare unto them the word of the Lord which had been spoken unto him (Helaman 10:12).

Remember Abraham, who was “a follower of righteousness, desiring also … to be a greater follower of righteousness,” who wanted “to receive instructions [learn his duty], and to keep the commandments of God” [act in diligence] (v. 2). Because of this, he received the priesthood and survived an attempt on his life where wicked priests tried to sacrifice him on an unholy alter (where three young women had lost their lives earlier because of their virtue and refusal to worship false gods). (See Abraham 1)

Remember Joseph Smith, who three years after the First Vision, sought to learn his duty through repentance. This is when Moroni appeared in his bedroom and proceeded to teach him. You’ll recall that Moroni’s message was given a total of four times. Shortly thereafter, Joseph saw the plates of gold at the Hill Cumorah and began an extended time of training over the next three years before he commenced more fully with acting in his office in all diligence—through translating the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God.

Remember Enos, who was a grandson of Lehi, a nephew of Nephi, and the son of the prophet Jacob. He was not unlike Joseph Smith, who sought repentance—but not for “any great or malignant sins,” no doubt. He received a remission of his sins, was worthy to hear the voice of the Lord, prayed for his people and the Lamanites, learned of his duty, and diligently acted. Enos is famous for his “wrestle… before God,” but perhaps more importantly is that he went among the Nephites, “prophesying of things to come, and testifying of the things [he] had heard and seen.” Through his diligent service, he, with the Nephites, tried to teach the Lamanites. His whole life was dedicated to teaching of Christ.

There are many others who likewise learned their duty and acted in all diligence. You may have thought of some yourself: Peter and Christ’s other apostles who were instructed to “Feed my lambs, … Feed my sheep, … feed my sheep.” Esther who saved an entire race of people because of her diligence. Or even Abish from the Book of Mormon who, with Ammon, played a role in the conversion of King Lamoni’s people.

Consider one final scriptural example of duty and diligence. Remember Samuel the Lamanite, who came to cry repentance to the Nephites. In speaking of the Lamanites’ present state of righteousness, he said:

The more part of them are in the path of their duty, and they do walk circumspectly before God, and they do observe to keep his commandments. … Yea, … the more part of them are … striving with unwearied diligence that they may bring the remainder of their brethren to the knowledge of the truth (Helaman 15:5-6).

Is there any more guidance in this pattern of learning our duty and acting in diligence? Let’s return to the Lord’s charge in the Doctrine and Covenants (107:99-100):

Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence.

He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand.

Ooh… that second verse doesn’t sound very good! [repeat verse] How can we avoid the temptations and tendencies to be lazy? President Eyring has a suggestion:

We are to learn our duty from the Lord, and then we are to act in all diligence, never being lazy or slothful. The pattern is simple but not easy to follow. We are so easily distracted. Studying the daily news can appear more interesting than the priesthood lesson manual. Sitting down to rest can be more attractive than making appointments to visit those who need our [charitable] service.

When I find myself drawn away from my … duties by other interests and when my body begs for rest, I give to myself this rallying cry: “Remember Him.” The Lord is our perfect example of diligence in [charitable] service. He is our captain. He called us. He goes before us. He chose us to follow Him and to bring others with us. … The Savior’s example gives me courage to press on.

Tomorrow is Memorial Day. This is a day when we remember. We remember those who died, striving to walk their path of duty in military service. Earlier I quoted Bishop McMullin, who said: “For members of the Church of Jesus Christ, our path of duty is keeping our covenants in daily life.” We just participated in the sacrament covenant. Elder Holland reminds that “as members of [Christ’s] Church, we pledge every Sunday of our lives to take upon ourselves His name and promise to ‘always remember him.’ So let us work a little harder at remembering Him.”

What Happens After This Life?
We now get to the third question my friend raised: “What happens after this life?” The answer to this question is dependent on the previous two. Who we are (or who we ultimately become) is the result of how well we diligently fulfill our duty. If our duty is to keep our covenants, and “keeping covenants is the safest road to eternal happiness” (Ballard) then we have some indication of where we will end up.

But first, and most importantly, let’s be clear: because of, and only through the Atonement of Christ, we can all qualify to be with, and be like Christ.

From the great chapter on the Plan of Salvation, we read:

For the atonement satisfieth the demands of his justice … and they are restored to that God who gave them breath, which is the Holy One of Israel (2 Ne. 2:26).

In the intercessory prayer, Christ taught while praying to His Father:

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent (John 17:3).

From the vision outlining the qualifications for exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom we learn of those who “[receive] the testimony of Jesus and [believe] on his name” [learned their duty] and “[keep] the commandments” through covenants [act in diligence]:

These shall dwell in the presence of God and his Christ forever and ever (D&C 76:62)

Summed up in section 14, we find:

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 (v. 7).

I’ll always remember when I realized for the first time that I knew the answers to my friend’s questions. I knew the answers! Because of the restored gospel, we all know the answers. We all know the answers.

In walking our path of duty with diligence, the Lord, in the Doctrine and Covenants, invites us to “walk in the paths of virtue,” “lay aside the things of this world,” “and cleave unto [our] covenants.” (Doctrine and Covenants 25:2, 10, 13)

As we always remember Christ, we can find the strength, courage, and fortitude to “learn [our] duty, and to act in the office in which [we are] appointed in all diligence.”