What does it profit?

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Priesthood session of the April 2007 conference.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin asked some pointed questions.

How do we know if we are wise or foolish? When we hear inspired counsel, we obey. That is the test of wise or foolish. What does it profit us if we listen to wise counsel and do not heed the words? Of what use is experience if we do not learn from it? What good are the scriptures if we do not cherish the words and incorporate them into our lives?

Having had a wonderful General Conference weekend earlier this month these questions seem pertinent and timely. 

 

Prophetic Counsel and Warnings

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday morning session of the April 2006 conference.

Some real jewels shone in the talks of this session. I'll share what I think are the highlights.

President James E. Faust: "We believe that the fulness of the gospel of Christ has been restored, but this is no reason for anyone to feel superior in any way toward others of God's children. Rather, it requires a greater obligation to invoke the essence of the gospel of Christ in our lives--to love, serve, and bless others."

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: "Are you confused with gender identity or searching for self-esteem? . . . I testify that the Savior's Atonement lifts from us not only the burden of sins but also the burden of our disappointments. . . . Considering the incomprehensible cost of the Crucifixion and Atonement, I promise you He is not going to turn His back on us now. . . . He knows the way because He is the way."

Elder Earl C. Tingey: "Christ's suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane epitomizes the most magnificent of all the attributes of Christ, His perfect love. Here we see that He truly loved all of us. . . . The word atonement, or 'at-one-ment', means to restore or to come back. In terms of family, it means to be reunited with one another and with God and His Son, Jesus Christ. It means sadness through separation will become happiness through reuniting."

Sister Anne C. Pingree: Speaking of a pair of senior sister missionaries, "They demonstrated true spiritual maturity. . . . Daily prayer and scripture study, adherence to commandments and to covenants made at baptism and in the temple are at the core of growing up unto the Lord. . . . determined service to others, even in difficult circumstances, is required of those who truly desire 'to grow up unto the Lord.'"

Elder Dallin H. Oaks: "But what about 'bond and free?' Bond--the opposite of free--means more than slavery. It means being bound (in bondage) to anything from which it is difficult to escape. Bond includes those whose freedom is restricted by physical or emotional afflictions. Bond includes those who are addicted to some substance or practice. Bond surely refers to those who are imprisoned by sin--'encircled about' by what another teaching of the Book of Mormon calls 'the chains of hell' (Alma 5:7). Bond includes those who are held down by traditions or customs contrary to the commandments of God (see Matthew 15:3-6; Mark 7:7-9; D&C 74:4-7; 93:39). Finally, bond also includes those who are confined within the boundaries of other erroneous ideas. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that we preach to 'liberate the captives.' Our Savior 'inviteth . . . all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; . . . he denieth none that come unto him . . . ; and all are alike unto God.'"

And this little gem of humor from President Gordon B. Hinckley: "I trust that you will not regard what I have said as an obituary. I look forward to the opportunity of speaking to you again in October."

I so love that the messages of General Conference are both timely and timeless. The messengers are not called prophets for no reason. They truly are God's spokesmen on earth. We would be wise to heed their counsel and warnings.

Another Notebook Entry

24 May 2015   I keep hearing "The Lord has His own timeline for us." Today I remembered what President [LeGrand R.] Curtis taught us. "Heavenly Father's goal for us can be brought about only with our full cooperation." Perhaps His timeline would move more quickly [and smoothly] if we were more closely living in harmony with His will.

I served in the Florida Tallahassee Mission under President Curtis from February 1979 to July 1980.

After General Conference

It's been a week now since General Conference. The glow and delicious peace is beginning to fade as the realities of life continue.

I'm attempting to make this year different by studying each talk and writing quotes in a journal dedicated to recording the answers to my conference questions.

My thinking is that by writing down the answers I'll see what actions I need to take to change. For the better, I mean!

The first talk I studied was President Henry B. Eyring's Saturday morning address. I felt so grateful (and got real teary) that I am not alone in my feelings of loss of joy. His counsel was timely and welcome.

"Where and when we feel the closeness of the Savior depend on each of us."

"All us of have had our faith tested by . . . selfish interests that reduced our efforts to cultivate and soften the spiritual depths of our hearts."

". . . make the choices that will create in your heart a more fertile ground for the good word of God to grow and be fruitful."

 ". . . pray with full purpose of heart . . ."

I next chose Elder Steven E. Snow, of the Seventy, whose talk is titled Be Thou Humble.

"Humility is essential to gain the blessings of the gospel."

Towards the end of his address he quotes President Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985, President 1973-1985).

"How does one get humble? To me, one must constantly be reminded of his dependence. On whom dependent? On the Lord. How remind one's self? By real, constant, worshipful, grateful prayer."

I want to improve! I want to feel joy. I know change is not easy, but I can't reach my goals without it. Following the counsel from leaders gives me a good place to begin.