By Michelle Woodbury
Speakers at the 173rd Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sounded words of caution and self-edification in order to help members rise above the evils of the world.
President Gordon B. Hinckley urged members of the church to turn away from the world and to prepare to help move the church forward.
“We are an ordinary people in an extraordinary undertaking toward a future we can scarcely imagine,” he said.
Elder M. Russell Ballard, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, issued a voice of warning against the media and the powerful, negative effects it can have on the family.
Elder Boyd K. Packer, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, also warned members of the evils in the world.
“You are inescapably exposed to temptations connected with fornication adultery, pornography, prostitution, perversion, lust, abuse, the unnatural and all that grows from them,” he said.
Other speakers offered self-edification guidance.
Elder Richard G. Scott, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, encouraged youth and adults alike to discover their full potential.
He said one way members are able to discover their potential is through missionary work.
“As a young man, the greatest growth and strengthening experience you can have at this time, bar none, is a worthy full-time mission,” Elder Scott said.
Other instructions of self-edification were offered by Elder Dallin H. Oaks, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who spoke of the need of repentance and change.
“We must change all elements of our behavior that are in conflict with gospel commandments, covenants and culture,” Elder Oaks said.
Elder Richard C. Edgley prompted members to have humility regardless of their social status and to maintain a feeling of gratitude toward the Lord in all circumstances.
In the Sunday afternoon session, President Hinckley told members to be strong and to put on the armor of God. He encouraged members to take on the luster of Christ.
“It is the mission of the church to stand as an ensign to the nations and a light to the world,” President Hinckley said.
Members were told that through increased testimonies of faith, service, trust in the Lord and obedience to God”s commandments, they can turn away from temptation and become closer to Jesus Christ.
Reminded of the reality of the inherent and devious evils in the world, members were taught how to avoid temptation and how to improve their families and personal lives.
