Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve shared an experience from the life of the late President Gordon B. Hinckley.
Elder Bednar spoke in the Sunday afternoon session of the October 2015 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In the experience he shared, President Hinckley was being interviewed by Mike Wallace, a famous journalist, who commented how the church’s leadership consisted of old men.
President Hinckley responded with a statement of gratitude for the organization of the church and that it is wonderful to have men of maturity at the head of the church.
“My purpose is to explain to why indeed it is wonderful to have older men of great spiritual maturity and judgement serving in the senior leadership positions of the restored Church of Jesus Christ and why we should hear and hearken to the teachings of these men.”
Elder Bednar continued by sharing his experiences with members of the Quorum of the Twelve and the First Presidency.
He first shared an experience about spending a Sunday afternoon at Elder Robert D. Hales’ home.
Elder Bednar had asked Elder Hales about the lessons he had learned as he had grown older. Elder Hales responded, “When you cannot do what you have always done, then you only do what matters most.”
Elder Bednar then commented on the opinions of others who suggest that the church needs younger, more vigorous leaders to address the challenges members face in a modern world.
In response to these criticisms Elder Bednar explained that the leadership of the church consists of older and spiritually seasoned men.
“These ordinary men have undergone a most extraordinary development process that has sharpened their insight, engendered their love for people from all nations and circumstances, and affirmed the reality of the Restoration.”
Elder Bednar continued his remarks by remembering the six members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and First Presidency who have passed away while he was serving as an apostle.
He shared the final messages of each of these men whom he served with,and showed his great love an admiration for their service to the members of The Church and Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“These valiant brethren devoted their whole souls to testifying of the name of Jesus Christ in all the world. The totality of their teachings in priceless.”
Other General Conference news:
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Three new apostles to represent Christ throughout the world
English only at LDS General Conference
LDS Quorums of the Seventy now called General Authority Seventies
Slideshow: General Conference Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015
Women’s general session:
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: Now is a part of eternity
Sister Carol F. McConkie: The Lord’s agents
Sister Linda S. Reeves: Rewards will come
Sister Rosemary M. Wixom: Divine nature within you
Saturday morning session:
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: It works!
Elder M. Russell Ballard: God is at the helm
Elder Richard J. Maynes: The joy of living a Christ-centered life
Sister Neill F. Marriott: Yielding our hearts to God
Elder Francisco J. Vinas: The pleasing word of God
Saturday afternoon session:
Elder Dallin H. Oaks: Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ
Elder Bradley D. Foster: It’s never too early and it’s never too late
Elder Robert D. Hales: Meeting the challenges of today’s world
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: Behold thy mother
Priesthood session:
Sunday morning session:
President Thomas S. Monson: Be an example and a light
Elder Ronald A. Rasband: Love one another
Elder Gary E. Stevenson: Fulness of times
Elder Dale G. Renlund: Through God’s eyes
President Russell M. Nelson: A plea to my sisters
Elder Gregory A. Schwitzer: Let the clarion trumpet sound
Elder Claudio R.M. Costa: That they do always remember him
Sunday afternoon session:
President Henry B. Eyring: The Holy Ghost as your companion
Elder D. Todd Christofferson: Why the church
Elder Von G. Keetch: Blessed and happy are those who keep the commandments of God
Sister Carole M. Stephens: If ye love me, keep my commandments
Elder Allen D. Haynie: Remembering in whom we have trusted
Elder Kim B. Clark: Eyes to see and ears to hear
Brother Devin G. Durrant: My heart pondereth them continually
Elder Koichi Aoyagi: Hold on thy way
Elder David A. Bednar: Chosen to bear testimony of my name
Other conference-related coverage:
LDS Quorums of the Seventy now called General Authority Seventies
LDS Church members anticipate counsel on LGBT acceptance
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Music and the Spoken Word: A Mormon gift to the world
Mormons encouraged to review past sessions before General Conference
Slideshow: General Conference Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015
