Is There Ever a Time of Peace and Tranquility?

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday morning session of the October 2002 conference.

A year after the terrorist attacks on September 11, many talks referred to the turmoil and uncertainty of the time. Of course, when you live long enough you can see that there is never a time of peace and unity. Troubles and problems abound, whether personal or global. Evil is constant and grows more pervasive with each generation. Having apostles and prophets to lead us is calming and encouraging.

Elder L. Tom Perry said, "We live in a world that is crying out for righteous leadership based on trustworthy principles." I think it still is! He went on, "When we arrive in the celestial kingdom of God, we shall find the most perfect order and harmony existing, because there is the perfect pattern, the most perfect order of government carried out, . . . and when the government of God shall be more extensively adopted [here], and when Jesus' prayer, that He taught His disciples is answered, and God's kingdom comes on earth, and His will is done here as in heaven, then, and not till then, will universal love, peace, harmony, and union prevail." He spoke further of priesthood leadership in the home and the church. What a wonderful day it will be when only the righteous remain and Zion prevails. In the meantime, we can have mini Zions in our homes and church units for practice.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, at that time of the Presidency of the Seventy, asked, ". . . how many of us permit our fears to take control in this time of international tension, economical and political uncertainties, and personal challenges." Probably many of us. He spoke of listening to and following the living prophet, who speaks in the name of the Lord. "It is our responsibility not only to listen but also to act upon His word, that we may claim the blessings of the ordinances and covenants of the restored gospel." He asks some Alma chapter five type questions: "Are we diligent in living the commandments of God, without running beyond our strength? Or are we just leisurely strolling along? Are we using our time, talents, and means wisely? Are we focused on the things which matter most? Are we following the inspired counsel of the prophets?" It made me stop and consider how I'm doing. As I examine myself I find I'm doing well in some areas and not so well in others. Sometimes I think living the gospel is like holding jello in a mesh bag. I'm always juggling to keep stuff from oozing out. Elder Uchtdorf ended with this tender admonition, "Let us in humility and faith refresh our dedication and our commitment to follow the prophets, seers, and revelators in all diligence. Let us listen and be instructed and edified by those who hold all the keys of the kingdom. And as we attend this conference, may our hearts be changed, that there will be a great desire to do good, and that we will be pioneers in building a spiritual foundation that will establish the Church in our part of the world." This was significant to me because I've been pondering how I can be a better missionary and minister to build up our little branch. I still don't have complete answers but I feel that they will come as I continue to seek.

Elder Neal A. Maxwell gave an eloquent address. He began, "In the churn of crises and the sinister swirl of global events, true disciples will maintain faith in a revealing, loving God and in His plan for redeeming His children, which is the why of all that God does!" Other highlights, "The Atonement was accomplished, bringing a universal resurrection to billions and billions, lifting all from the grave--regardless of how and when we got there!" Such a  comforting reminder in those moments when I'm missing our gone too soon son. ". . . matching our behavior more closely with our beliefs will bring relentless reminders about the ongoing duties of discipleship." Another reminder to examine ourselves to improve. "The doctrines and revelations can likewise lift us--even amid 'wars and rumors of wars.'" And, "Regarding trials, including of our faith and patience, there are no exemptions--only variations." Exactly! No one, absolutely no one, gets through life without trials of some kind. And to outsiders, what might appear to be a gift or blessing, might be a sore trial, and vice versa. Finally, "Part of God's 'ample provision' consists of imperfect people like you and me, committed to shining and serving in our appointed orbits, knowing all the while that we are encircled 'in the arms of [His] love.'" (Which reminded me of Elder Holland's talk in April 2013 where he talked of God having only imperfect people to work with.)

President James E. Faust closed out the session with a wonderful talk about overcoming selfishness. He told of helping to settle the estate of a couple and the disputes that occurred among the heirs. "I learned from this that selfishness and greed bring bitterness and contention; on the other hand sacrifice and giving bring peace and contentment." I know a little of that. After my mother died there were problems and unkind feelings about the disposal of her possessions. My father put a clause into his will that anyone disputing anything would be cut out and not receive a thing. Fortunately, we learned from our mistakes and were much kinder to each other when Dad died. President Faust said, "I have learned that selfishness has more to do with how we feel about our possessions than how much we have." I've struggled with overcoming a scarcity mentality which can be detrimental and cause selfishness due to insecurity. President Faust instructed, "Taking up one's cross and following the Savior means overcoming selfishness; it is a commitment to serve others. . . . nothing is really [ours]--it all come from the Lord--we are only the custodians of what He has given us." Thinking of my possessions in that way helps me let go more easily to share with others. And lastly, "Almost every day brings opportunities to perform unselfish acts for others. Such acts are unlimited and can be as simple as a kind word, a helping hand, or a gracious smile." 

The answers to all the ills of the world, from the very personal and familial, to the global jockeying for power, can be found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the teachings of living apostles and prophets every six months in General Conference. What a blessing to have the miracles of technology to hear, see and read their words. We don't have to be afraid of current or future events when we are founded on the Rock of Our Redeemer. We can have the Savior's peace in our hearts and extend that peace unselfishly to others through our words and actions.