Leaders of the Church spoke Sunday morning about the power of the doctrine of Jesus Christ, the role of youth in the latter days and seeking guidance through the difficulties in life.
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered Oct. 6 to hear messages of inspiration at the Sunday morning session of the 194th Semiannual General Conference in Salt Lake City. President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, conducted the session.
President Jeffrey R. Holland
President Jeffrey R. Holland, acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve, started the session by speaking about the power that comes into our lives through Jesus Christ. President Holland shared the reaction of the soldiers who crucified Christ as he spoke the words, “I Am He.”
“Just hearing 'I Am He,' the voice of this Refuge from the Storm, this Prince of Peace, and High Priest of Good Things to Come is enough to send antagonists stumbling into retreat, piling them in a jumble, and making the whole group wish they had been assigned kitchen duty that night,” he said.
President Holland added that because of Christ’s charity and obedience, we have access to salvation through his gospel.
Sister Tracy Y. Browning
Sister Tracy Y. Browning, second counselor in the Primary General Presidency, addressed the conference by teaching how to find answers to spiritual questions.
Answers to questions come line upon line, through obedience and by having profound trust in the Lord, she said.
“Reaching to elevate our obedience brings us closer to our Savior Jesus Christ, because obedience to His laws and commandments is effectually reaching out to Him,” she said.
Although it may take time to receive guidance, Sister Browning said such a period can be sacred, and “a place where our greatest spiritual conditioning can occur.”
Elder Brook P. Hales
Elder Brook P. Hales of the Seventy spoke on the purpose of mortality, and how challenges are a necessary part of life.
Sharing his mother’s difficult life story, he explained that the Savior’s Atonement is what allows mortality to be a learning experience and a time to grow. Despite his mother's difficult life, Elder Hales had a dream in which he was assured that his mother was happy and blessed spiritually because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
“Brothers and sisters, mortality works! It is designed to work! Despite the challenges, heartaches and difficulties we all face, our loving, wise and perfect Heavenly Father has designed the Plan of Happiness such that we are not destined to fail,” he said.
Bishop L. Todd Budge of the Presiding Bishopric
Bishop L. Todd Budge invited members to seek to spend more time with the Lord and find quiet, still times to meditate. He said that we can make more time for the Lord through prayer, scripture study, church and temple attendance and participation in ordinances.
He explained that being “still” doesn’t mean simply not moving. He referenced the Japanese word "mui."
“Taken literally, the word could be misinterpreted to mean 'to do nothing' in the same way 'to be still' can be misinterpreted as 'not talking or moving.' However, like the phrase, 'to be still,' it has a higher meaning; for me it is a reminder to slow down and to live with greater spiritual awareness,” he said.
Elder Gary E. Stevenson
Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve started his talk by recalling the early days of the restoration as “days never to be forgotten.” Because of the opportunities to serve and fulfill prophecy, the next decade can be unforgettable for members of the Church, he said.
Elder Stevenson explained events that will take place within the next 10 years, such as new temple dedications, the bicentennial of the organization of the Church in 2030 and the 2034 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. He emphasized the importance of youth in these times.
“For you personally, this will be a decade never to be forgotten. But it will be doubly so, if you actively strive to become a light unto the world of how the glad tidings of the gospel of Jesus Christ can enrich and enhance not only your lives but those of your family, friends, and social media followers,” he said.
Brother Bradley R. Wilcox
Addressing the youth of the Church, Brother Bradley R. Wilcox, first counselor in the Young Men General Presidency, explained that the youth may wonder why they are asked to be different from their peers.
He explained how the youth of today stand apart from the world. These youth, he said, have a birthright. This birthright does not mean that they are better than others, but that they have a duty and responsibility to serve others and to be different from the world.
Using the metaphor of a boat crew, Brother Wilcox said “you are not an ordinary passenger.” He said that today's youth have been entrusted with a birthright, or a responsibility to serve others.
Through Christ’s grace, youth can live up to their duties and receive promised blessings in return, he said.
“Don’t let the world change you when you were born to change the world,” he said.
President Henry B. Eyring
To close the session, President Henry B. Eyring taught of the power of Christ’s word and gospel.
Despite the trials of these days, President Eyring said that through Christ’s simple doctrine, we can find strength. He advised members to teach their loved ones the truths of faith, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.
“As we do our best to teach those we love about the doctrine of Jesus Christ, some may still not respond. Doubts may creep into your mind,” he said. “Don’t give in to those doubts. Turn to God for help.”