President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Mormon Newsroom)
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency of the Quorum of the Twelve, rallied the men of the church to stay true amidst opposition during the Saturday night priesthood session of the October 2015 General Conference of the LDS Church.
President Uchtdorf introduced this counsel by telling the story of Daniel, a prisoner-student in the ancient city of Babylon.
When Daniel was a boy, he was captured by the Babylonians and forced to study their religion.
“Daniel had been raised a follower of Jehovah,” President Uchtdorf said. “He believed in and worshipped the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He had studied the words of the prophets and he knew of God’s interaction with men.”
Uchtdorf used the analogy to teach priesthood-holders that it can be difficult to remain a believer when in a hostile environment. He said Daniel spent several hours on his knees praying for the strength to preserve his testimony.
“Though his faith was challenged and ridiculed, he stayed true to what he knew by his own experience to be right,” President Uchtdorf exclaimed.
He finished the story by describing the fruits of Daniel's diligence to God. Daniel was given the opportunity to interpret the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar. The king was touched by the wisdom of Daniel and made him a royal counselor, “renowned for his wisdom in all of Babylon.
President Uchtdorf, then challenged the men of the church to be like Daniel and hold strong to the truths of the church.
“My dear friends, let us not take these things lightly,” President Uchtdorf said. 'With these blessings and privileges come great responsibilities and obligations. Let us rise up to them.”
Some of those blessings that current members have are the restoration of complete gospel truths, priesthood power, sacred scripture and access to the teachings of living prophets and apostles.
President Uchtdorf also noted how religious cynicism and skepticism are becoming increasingly popular attitudes.
“Satan, our adversary wants us to fail,” he said. “He slyly suggests that the doubter, the skeptic, the cynic is sophisticated and intelligent, while those who have faith in God and his miracles are naïve, blind or brainwashed.”
Following the warming, President Uchtdorf cautioned men in the church to doubt skepticism before their faith.
“Brethren, let me be clear: there is nothing noble or impressive about being cynical. Skepticism is easy — anyone can do it. It is the faithful life that requires moral strength, dedication and courage.”
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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
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