By Janene Pack
President Gordon B. Hinckley of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints closed the 170th Semiannual General Conference this weekend by admonishing all members of the church to choose to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and be more committed to the gospel.
President Hinckley’s comments summed up the main theme of this October’s conference: Choose to commit yourself to following the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Specific counsel on how to more fully commit yourself to the gospel came in many shapes and sizes.
Elder Alexander B. Morrison, member of the Quorum of the Seventy, counseled LDS Church members to “come and see.”
“Come to see who you really are,” Elder Morrison said. “Come seeking to know Jesus Christ, and you will recognize your divine heritage.”
Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve said to follow the standard works and revelation from the leaders of God.
“Few find the way because they ignore the road maps and the maker of the map,” Elder Nelson said.
David B. Haight of the Quorum of the Twelve emphasized a major theme that many of the brethren focused on — families.
Elder David B. Haight said “The Proclamation of the Family” is a wonderful source to teach your children correct principles about the family.
Elder Haight quoted President Hinckley as saying, “Life is a great chain of generations, don’t be a weak link.”
“It’s the gospel in our lives that makes the difference,” Elder Haight said. “Do not become a weak link in the chain of your family.”
Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve, took this theme a step further in counseling the members about the importance of families in the LDS Church.
“Our success as a church depends a lot on how we live the gospel in our families,” Elder Perry said. “People are more important than programs and should never detract from gospel-centered family activities.”
President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency talked about the home as being the basis of a righteous life.
“Home can be a heaven on earth,” Elder Monsen said. “Family must hold its pre-eminent place in this life.”
President Hinckley also addressed the role of parents during the general priesthood session.
A lot of the responsibility of the righteousness of this generation lies on the heads of the parents, President Hinckley said.
“Spend time with your children and family,” Elder Monson said. “Time is a gift — a treasure not to be put away for the future.”
