Image: President Thomas S. Monson. From lds.org
Elder Quentin L. Cook, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Verdi's opera Nabucco was inspired by the composer's fascination with the prophet Jeremiah. I will be speaking about spiritual subjugation. The principles taught in the book of Jeremiah are of great importance, and its history serves as a backdrop to the Book of Mormon. Jeremiah was a contemporary of Lehi. God's words to Jeremiah are haunting: Israel had traded the blessings of God for the wages of sin, and their unrighteousness led them to exile and physical bondage. Yet because of God's mercy, Israel's scattering became a means of blessing all the nations of the Earth. People can put themselves into bondage not only to addictive substances but also to sin. I will speak in particular about four: First, substance abuse and addictions. Second, social habits that consume our time and prevent us from properly supporting our families. In my professional life we endeavored to create family-friendly workplace for both women and men. Third, intellectual bondage to worldly trends that substitute the philosophies of men for gospel truths. I am thrilled with the educational, professional and other opportunities now available to women, and that technological advancements have relieved them of much of the backbreaking labor that once consumed their time. But we should not lost sight of the value of the roles of motherhood and homemaking. Wait, that was only 3 kinds of bondage. Did I miss the 4th?
Neal L. Anderson, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
We sometimes overly associate the power of the priesthood with men in the church. The priesthood is the power of God, given to bless every man, woman, and child. A man may open the window, but he is not the source of the sunlight that illuminates and gives warmth to the room within. The ordinances are available to all. If the power and blessings of the priesthood are available to all, why are they administered only by men? When we speak of the priesthood there are many things we do know. But we do not know all things. We know that all souls are equally precious to God regardless of gender, but we also know that men and women were not created to be exactly alike. Gender is an eternal characteristic. We know that in every dispensation God has given the priesthood to men. We know that worthiness is central to receiving priesthood ordinances. Unworthily participating in the administration of priesthood ordinances is taking the name of God in vain. We know that a family led by both a father and a mother is the pattern set by God, but we also know that He eagerly sends children to families in many other circumstances, and has provided ways for them to also enjoy priesthood blessings through the ministrations of others. With time and eternal perspective, we will see things as they really are, and understand his perfect love. We do not determine the callings we receive. Sincerely asking for, listening, and responding to the thoughts and concerns voiced by women is essential to the church, society, and our families. The power of God's priesthood is found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I promise that as you participate in the ordinances available through priesthood power, you will be greatly blessed.
This talk is packed with meaning! Certainly recent events influenced the timing and content of Elder Anderson's message, but the principles also have broader application. It's working on many levels at once.
David M. McConkie, First Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency
I'm a Sunday School teacher, so this message has particular relevance for me.
You have been called by revelation and have been set apart by priesthood authority. That means you are authorized to teach in His name and in His way, and to seek his assistance to carry out your teaching responsibilities. You must not teach your own philosophies, even mingled with scriptures. You are commanded to teach the principles of the gospel as they are found in the standard works, to teach the words of Latter-day prophets and apostles, and to teach as you are directed by the Holy Spirit. The most important part of your service will be your own daily spiritual preparation. Of course you must diligently prepare for each lesson and to lean how to teach effectively, but the most important part of your service is your personal spiritual preparation. Your own testimony of the gospel will grow and your conversion will be deepened. Search the scriptures and treasure them up in your heart, and when you teach you will be blessed with the Lord's power and with his word. Some become experts in merely delivering information. Others neglect their lesson preparation and hope the Lord will help them get through the lesson. You must have both the word and the power of the gospel in your life in order to teach successfully. You must learn to listen. Our students will tell us what they need to hear. Teachers are too focused on delivering comfortable, repetitious content rather than responding to the needs of their students. You must be willing to let go of your outlines and your notes and follow the promptings of the Spirit when they come. When you do this, the words of Christ become your words, and the Holy Ghost will be able to bring all things to your remembrance. You will find yourself saying something you did not plan to say, and then if you are paying attention, you will learn from the things you teach. A teacher is also a student. Finally, you must stand as an independent witness of the things you teach, and not just an echo of the lesson materials or other people. The Holy Ghost will bear witness to you of the truth of the things you teach.
Choir and Congregation: "Called to Serve" Camera pan of the Conference Center exterior: Ooh look, there are still leaves on the trees! They're just beginning to change color. Sigh. I miss Utah. We don't really get "Fall" here in Arizona.
Kevin S. Hamilton, of the Seventy
Those of us who have joined the church have made covenants to obey the commandments, serve the kingdom, and observe and keep personal and congregational worship. We should not neglect any of our Sunday meetings, thinking that only Sacrament meeting is necessary. Each of our Sunday meetings is designed especially to serve the particular needs of those who attend it. We each have to make personal decisions as to how we observe the Sabbath day. The adversary sometimes uses good activities as a way to cheat our souls but getting us to avoid making the better choice of attending all our Sunday church meetings. Our everyday decisions will impact our lives in significant ways.
Adrian Ochoa, of the Seventy
As you pursue your own lives, don't forget to look up. Pay attention to the signs of our times. The internet is a marvelous technology that gives unprecedented access to information, but also can give the false appearance of authority to anybody with a blog, and can also be a portal to pernicious pornographic content. Remember that "by their fruits ye shall know them." We have an ever-increasing need for the spirit of discernment, to recognize what is of worth and what is not. Remember to "look up" for divine guidance and safety. "No one knows when the Lord will come again, but the perilous times are now upon us."
Terence M. Vinson, of the Seventy
How do our attitudes and behavior reflect the thoughts and intents of our hearts? Sometimes the Lord does not solve our problems for us because he expects us to exercise our intelligence and faith to solve them ourselves. When we do all we can, He will add His strength to ours. We ought to know the Lord as our friend, and know that He loves us, and looks after us.
A fly is buzzing around Elder Vinson's head, and just landed on his nose. That's something I don't think I've ever seen in Conference before.
Russell M. Nelson, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Each day is a day of decision, and many of these decisions have significant impact on our physical and spiritual welfare. Our spirits are often housed in imperfect bodies. These physical challenges provide opportunities for spiritual growth. Knowledge that your body is the temple of your spirit should influence your choices about how you care for and use it, and those decisions will affect your eternal destiny. Physical choices influence your spiritual development. Physical self-mastery builds your conscience, which determines your moral character. God implanted strong appetites within us for nourishment and love. When we exercise those appetites within the bounds of God's laws, they bring great joy. It is no wonder the adversary seeks to corrupt those appetites. If we have been subject to our appetites, we can change. The gospel of Jesus is a gospel of change. Freedom from self-slavery is true liberation. The Lord's law of marriage cannot be compromised if we wish to experience the true joy that comes from obedience to it. Sin is still sin in the eyes of God, even if legalized by man. We cannot change God's doctrine--it is not ours to change. It is ours to study, accept, and obey.
Is it just me, or does Pres. Eyring look younger than he used to?
Thomas S. Monson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
We thank those who have been released, and to the choirs that have participated in this conference. I thank you for your prayers in my behalf, and in behalf of the other officers of the church. "May heaven's blessings be with you. May your homes be filled with love, and with courtesy, and with the Spirit of the Lord.... May we show increased kindness to each other, and may we ever be found doing the work of the Lord."
AMEN!
Tabernacle Choir: "Abide with Me, 'Tis Eventide"
President Monson is waving and giving "thumbs up" to the crowd as he exits the Conference Center. Pres. Uchtdorf just blew a kiss toward the audience. Aw! The general authorities file out, arm in arm, or hand in hand, with their spouses. Others stop in the aisles to shake hands or hug, and greet and visit with their fellows. These leaders serve all over the world and for many, opportunities to meet together are few. For many of us who watch Conference from home as well, it's an opportunity for a special kind of gathering with friends and family.
I feel filled to overflowing from all the messages we've heard during this conference. I'd like to take some time to distill my thoughts about them, but at the moment I feel exhausted as well as exhilarated by the 2-day, 10-hour spiritual "marathon" that is General Conference. So, it will have to wait a little while.
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