My beloved young people—even the very youth of Zion, what a joy it is to be with you today and speak to you about matters of importance. Do not take offence to being called the youth of Zion, anyone under 40 to me is youthful. As I look over this congregation and know that many more are listening in other locations, I tell you most sincerely that I take great comfort in the strength of the rising generations who will be called upon to lead the church and Kingdom of God in these last days.
I’ve been blessed with the privilege in the last few years of sitting at the feet of Prophets and Apostles while being taught the truths of the Kingdom. Today I wish to share with you how those truths have effected my life, even my eternal life—and will effect your eternal life as well. If you listen with real intent the spirit will prompt you by the words or scriptures we discuss. You can receive answers or new insight to that which may be of concern to you. The spirit will testify to you that which you should do. The most important note you take will not be what I say, but what you are prompted to do as you listen to the Spirit. I pray for that Spirit to be with us.
This year we celebrate two very important events in the history of the Church. December 23rd will mark the two hundredth birthday of the Prophet Joseph Smith and this past April 6th we celebrated the 175th anniversary of the organization of the Church. Because of the important and historical significance of these events, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have designated 2005 as a “Year of Celebration.”
Reflecting on the life of the Prophet Joseph has given me focus for my remarks today, which is:
“Living to Receive Spiritual Promptings and Personal Revelation.”
The Savior’s final days and hours of mortality were spent in teaching and preparing his disciples for the time when He would no longer dwell among them in mortality. Perhaps His most important instruction was that He would send them another Comforter. Let’s refer to a few verses of scripture in John Chapters 14, 15 and 16.
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.[1]
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.[2]
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come, but if I depart, I will send him unto you.[3]
The Savior wanted His disciples to rely on the Comforter for their spiritual guidance and direction since He would no longer be with them in the flesh. As the Savior gave that direction to his disciples, so He has given the same to each one of us.
As a young boy, Joseph needed and received spiritual guidance to find the truth. He listened with interest to the doctrines taught by the ministers in several denominations in upstate New York. But the more he heard, the more confused he became.
Continuing his desire to find the truth, he opened the bible and came upon a passage of scripture in James 1:5 and read, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.”
The faith of this lad of 14 is nothing short of miraculous. Joseph sought refuge in a nearby grove of trees to courageously act upon a verse of scripture and utter words that are known as Joseph Smith’s First Prayer. The heavens opened, and he received a visitation of God, the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Joseph did four things that became a spiritually directed process: First, he investigated, second he studied, third he pondered and fourth, he inquired through prayer. His diligence brought forth the single most significant event in this dispensation. What is learned from Joseph’s experience is to the benefit of all of mankind.
There are requirements to receiving spiritual guidance in our lives. We must be worthy of the Gift of the Holy Ghost and exercise faith. We may not have the same manifestation as the young boy prophet, but in worthiness we are entitled to personal revelation and answers to our prayers offered in faith. Even divine intervention pertaining to our own circumstances. “But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.”[4]
It is important to remember that the Holy Ghost communes through our feelings and spiritual impressions. We must treasure with reverence this special gift. “But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong;”[5]
President Hinckley explains it this way:
You recognize the promptings of the Spirit by the fruits of the Spirit—that which enlighteneth, that which buildeth up, that which is positive and affirmative and uplifting and leads us to better thoughts and better words and better deeds is of the Spirit of God.[6]
You have enrolled at this magnificent institution of higher learning. It provides a proper atmosphere to study, work and gain experience that when completed, will prepare you to prayerfully pursue opportunities that come to you in the years ahead. Because of the important decisions that are before you, both in temporal affairs and things of the Spirit, it will be crucial to know what the Lord would have you do.
Quite truthfully, it doesn’t seem that long ago that I too had hair and was at a university studying, working, dating, worrying about finals and my course of study and my future in general. I had served a mission, spent time in the Army and was finally approaching graduation, unfortunately, in a field that no longer held my interest. I was confused and not sure what I should do. A friend at work told me that he had accepted a job with a major Auto Manufacturer in Detroit. I surprised myself by asking him to inquire if they were accepting other applications for employment and if possible to send me an application. He did. I filled it out, sent it in and was called for an interview.
During the interviewing process, I felt an unusual peace and confidence in hoping that my minor in business would be sufficient in place of an unrelated major. I was hired! It seemed they were more interested in personal integrity than educational prowess. This was not a career path that I would have chosen, or even thought of, without divine intervention. The Lord knew what was best for me when I did not. He knew where I could best serve in the Kingdom and where I would learn to rely more on the power of the Holy Ghost .
The story does not end there, however. Some 32 years later after many moves, enjoyable experiences and golden opportunities, I was surprised to be called in for what became my final interview with the company. Rumor was that top management in our Division would be asked to voluntarily retire early, due to reorganization efforts. Apprehensive of what this would mean to my family, with children on missions and some still in college, I decided that I could not end my employment at that time. As the interview approached, I was ready with the reasons why I could not accept their offer of an early out (as it was called). But once again the spirit was very strong and I was filled with a familiar peace that was over whelming—I knew that everything would be okay and I accepted their offer. Doctrine and Covenants 6:23 reads: “Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?”
Only a few weeks later, I was invited to yet another interview by an Apostle of the Lord. This interview resulted in a call to serve as mission president. Truly the Lord knows the end from the beginning.
As we prepare for a profession or the choice of an eternal companion or the direction of our life in the future, it is imperative that we do so under the influence of personal revelation and spiritual promptings. And truly our ultimate goal in this life is to prepare to meet God and achieve the promise of exaltation and eternal life, the greatest of all gifts. All else is ancillary to that goal.
This is a new semester, a new beginning, if you will. What better time to seek for guidance by following the counsel of God’s appointed leaders. This past general conference we had the opportunity to listen to counsel from Apostles and Prophets, general authorities and other general officers of the Church. They spoke plainly the words the Lord would have us hear. By the power of the Holy Ghost, they gave warnings, counsel and direction.
I love their messages. I love to associate with them and call them my friends. As a body of saints, we should emulate them, follow their example—these are not miserable men who bear testimony of the divinity of the Savior and truthfulness of the gospel. They have a joy and peace that passeth all understanding. They are loved of the Lord.
In listening to their counsel, I’m sure that you have noticed we live in perilous times, both spiritually and temporally. Reference to this fact was mentioned in each session. It is advisable that we read every talk again in the May Ensign or listen to a rebroadcast and write down the spiritual promptings we receive while hearing the literal voices of warning.
While living in Asia during the mid 1990’s, we became a little too familiar with “natural disasters.” We experienced long, dark hours of a category 4 Typhoon (Hurricane in this hemisphere). Small earthquakes at times were a weekly occurrence and flooding was common during the monsoon season. Disease and pestilence also took on new meaning. Last December 26th I was again reminded of natural disasters and that these are perilous times while watching in disbelief the Indian Ocean Tsunami with wave after wave of death and destruction, which destroyed cities, families and lives.
A descriptive passage of scripture of the time in which we live is found in Paul’s second epistle to Timothy. As we read, let us ask ourselves, “are any of the undesirable traits identified in these verses found in me?”
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.[7]
As foretold, we witness natural disasters and the iniquity of the natural man. There are many voices calling from every direction, many things that vie for our time and attention. There is much that is good and much that is bad. And bad among the good and good among the bad and sometimes a blurry line between the two. It is easy to become confused unless we are: living to receive spiritual promptings and personal revelation.
It makes one ponder the tragedy of: The loss of a man’s life in a natural disaster—and—The disaster of the life that is lost to the natural man.
Two corollary scriptures explain:
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.[8]
For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit . . .[9]
Mormon explains further in Moroni 7: 13-15:
But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.
Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil.
For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain . . . as the daylight is from the dark night.
Having been called to the newly formed Young Mens General Board gave me renewed responsibility to review the materials available to the youth of the church. Please remember, to me that should be anyone under 40 and maybe even over 40.
I read through the revised edition of the booklet, “For the Strength of Youth” Fulfilling Our Duty to God, several times. I believe it should be renamed “For the Strength of the Saints.” It is based on prophetic counsel and “inviteth and enticeth to do good continually.”
You should remember this booklet from your days in the young men and young woman programs. And according to one of my teenage Granddaughters: “The booklet I keep forgetting to read.”
The table of contents list 17 topics that concisely remind us how we should conduct our life—outlines of appropriate behavior in daily activities. These topics are designed to provide information with clarity and eliminate possible youthful misunderstandings of gospel principles. Also included are the documents for further enlightenment: “The Living Christ, The Testimonies Of The Apostles” and a prophetic and clearly defined document called “The Family, A Proclamation To The World” which clearly defines the roles of men and women. Inherent in this pamphlet is that we must have a desire to keep focused on things that matter most.
As a Bishop, Stake President, Mission President and General Authority, I conducted possibly thousands of worthiness interviews of young and old, brand new and longtime members alike. There were many times where even a small lack of understanding of true accountability to the Lord, affected worthiness.
Let me list at a few of the topics with one or more lines from the text. As we read, let us contemplate in our minds how we understood these topics in years now past, how we understand them now and what changes we should make in our future.
Agency and Accountability:
“You have been given the Holy Ghost to help you know good from evil . . . you are being proven to see if you will . . . show your love for God by keeping His commandments.”[11]
Gratitude:
“You express gratitude to the Lord by the way you live.”[12]
Dress and Appearance:
“Lowering your dress standards sends the message that you are using your body to get attention and approval and that modesty is important only when convenient.”[13]
I wish to comment that it is of great concern that we are falling prey to the escalating disregard for modesty in dress and appearance. Reverence to Deity is shown by our appearance, grooming, choice of clothing, actions and choice of words from our very lips. The world would have us believe that our bodies are for ornamentation, experimentation, advertisement and gratification. All are in direct opposition to the counsel we are given.
Entertainment and Media:
Whatever you read, listen to or look at has an effect on you . . . Offensive material is found in websites, concerts, movies, music, DVDs, magazines, (cell phones) and other media . . . pornography in all its forms is especially dangerous and addictive. What may begin as a curious indulgence can become a destructive habit that takes control of your life. It can lead you to sexual transgression and even criminal behavior. Pornography is a poison that weakens your self-control, changes the way you see others, causes you to lose the guidance of the Spirit, and can even affect your ability to have a normal relationship with your future spouse. If you encounter pornography, turn away form it immediately.[13]
I want to add some rather direct counsel given by Elder Dallin H. Oaks in his April general conference address: We can’t warn enough on this subject! “Patrons of pornography lose the companionship of the Spirit, for pornography produces fantasies that destroy spirituality.”[14]
Dating:
“The Lord has made us attractive one to another for a great purpose. But this very attraction becomes as a powder keg unless it is kept under control . . . ”[15]
Repentance:
“The Savior has promised you forgiveness if you will do what is required.”[16]
Sabbath Day Observance:
“Sunday is not a holiday or a day for recreation or athletic events. Do not seek entertainment or spend money on this day.”[17]
Tithes and Offerings:
“Pay it first, even when you think you don’t have enough money to meet your other needs. Doing so will help you . . . be more receptive to the Spirit.”[18]
Go Forward With Faith:
. . . the lord will make much more out of your life than you can by yourself. He will increase your opportunities, expand your vision, and strengthen you. He will give you the help you need to meet your trials and challenges. You will find true joy as you come to know your Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ, and feel their love for you.[19]
This precious booklet should be carried in your scriptures and actually read from time to time.
President Gordon B. Hinckley gave more excellent counsel during the Priesthood Session of General Conference on gambling—possibly a topic to be listed in the next “For The Strength of Youth.” This practice is very popular on high school and college campuses to the extent that is becoming a favorite activity.
The pursuit of a game of chance may seem like harmless fun. But there attaches to it an intensity that actually shows on the faces of those who are playing. And in all too many cases, this practice, which appears innocent, can lead to an actual addiction. The Church has been and is now opposed to this practice. If you have never been involved in poker games or other forms of gambling, don’t start. If you are involved then quit now while you can do so.[20]
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”[21]
These vices are not new, they have existed since the beginning of recorded history. But in these last days, the adversarial onslaught is cunning and relentless. No deception or denial or cleverly crafted lie on our part can take us beyond the watchful eye of our Savior and Redeemer—We are His—He bought us with a price—He knows of our doings. His Prophets warn to remove all misconceptions. But all too often, when Prophets give counsel, those who need it most rationalize themselves into thinking that the counsel does not apply to them.
And he gave some apostles; and some, prophets . . .
for the perfecting of the saints . . .
that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.[22]
Remember the direction given to the Prophet Joseph Smith while incarcerated in Liberty jail as he petitioned the Lord regarding the beleaguered Saints:
Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?
Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—
That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
. . . but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambitions, . . . in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or authority of that man.[23]
Needless to say, we could spend hours discussing this passage of scripture, but if you can only remember one phrase, let it be: “that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.”[24]
The priesthood in its greatest manifestation of power is directed by spiritual revelation. I have been a participant and a receiver of such and testify of that power.
Unfortunately, some may still contend with statements such as: “Everybody should just lighten up and relax. I need some time to find myself! I just want to live life to its fullest, do it all! I want to have some fun!”
Let me from my vantage point of life and experience explain what fun really and truly is:
Fun is looking back into the rearview mirror of your life and seeing behind you miles of accomplishment with a few tight turns of challenge curving into a straightaway of blessings down a peaceful road less traveled.
And if you are seeking to find yourself—the Lord already knows where and who you are. Seek His guidance for He also knows who you can become.
My young friends, lest I have painted a gloomy picture of our earthly existence in these last days, remember that we shouted for joy in the preexistent realms for the opportunity to gain a body and prove ourselves herewith. A marvelous and exciting life awaits you. It will be enhanced time and time again as you learn to hear and follow the spiritual voices and tune out those that would distance you from the Spirit. And pray continually for the ability to know the difference.
Now, I want to share with you another cute face from our family—the latest in our lineup of extraordinary grandchildren. Fresh and clean and pure, this sprightly little spirit typifies the word angel in every sense. She literally has her Grandpa wrapped around that precious, extended little finger. I am assured that as she entered this earthly existence, she had no doubts about enjoying life, living worthily, having fun and returning to her Father in Heaven at the appointed time. She has such excitement for each new day and spends most of it with that same expression you see on the screen. She seems thoroughly convinced that this is the greatest experience possible.
She just started to crawl and explore her new world and we are quick to go ahead of her and remove anything dangerous in her path. Oh, that I as her grandfather, could do that for her the rest of her life.
I leave you my testimony of the divinity of the Savior, that He lives. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes
[1] John 14:26, emphasis added
[2] John 15:26, emphasis added
[3] John 16:7
[4] Doctrine and Covenants 9:8, emphasis added
[5] Doctrine and Covenants 9:9, emphasis added
[6] Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, 261
[7] 2 Timothy 3:1-5
[8] 1 Corinthians 2:14
[9] Mosiah 3:19
[10] For the Strength of Youth, Page 4
[11] For the Strength of Youth, Page 6
[12] For the Strength of Youth, Page 15
[13] For the Strength of Youth, Page 17-19
[14] Ensign, April 2005
[15] For the Strength of Youth, Page 24
[16] For the Strength of Youth, Page 30
[17] For the Strength of Youth, Page 33
[18] For the Strength of Youth, Page 34
[19] For the Strength of Youth, Page 42
[20] Ensign, April 2005
[21] 1 Peter 5:8
[22] Ephesians 4:11,12,14
[23] Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-37
[24] Doctrine and Covenants 121:36