When the Book of Mormon prophet Alma saw evil in the world around him, he turned to the word of God because he knew it had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto themtherefore Alma thought it was expedient [to] try the virtue of the word of God (Alma 31:5). For this I pray, and leave you my testimony and blessing, in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ, amen. But perhaps there is another way to look at it. My mother and father shared little about this burden with us four children. He would remind you that 2,000 years ago He took those sins upon Himself so that you could repent. Your testimony of Christ, born of the Holy Ghost, can help you look past the disappointing endings in mortality and see the bright future that the Redeemer of the world has prepared. Elder Stevenson teaches about what a testimony is and the importance of keeping your testimony strong and bearing it in word and deed. Viewed in this way, our commitment to Jesus Christ would be one of many things we need to fit into our busy schedules. When we look at our lives and see a hundred things to do, we feel overwhelmed. I've been watching conference since October 2013 and, in between conferences, I think I've listened to every conference from 2005 forward (as well as every talk I can find from Eyring, Holland, and Monson.) Outward appearances would lose their importance. At a time when many churches throughout the world are experiencing significant decreases in numbers, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saintsthough small in comparison with many othersis one of the fastest growing churches in the world. When we see one thingloving and serving God and His children, in a hundred different waysthen we can work on those things with joy. The gospel message they offered transcended politics, history, grudges, grievances, and personal agendas. True, it is important to frequently count our blessingsand anyone who has tried this knows there are manybut I dont believe the Lord expects us to be less thankful in times of trial than in times of abundance and ease. When his brothers tied him up on the shipwhich he had built to take them to the promised landhis ankles and wrists were so sore they had swollen exceedingly, and a violent storm threatened to swallow him up in the depths of the sea. In a way, this is what the Pharisees of Jesuss day tried to do. Years later, following Elder Uchtdorf. To the Lord, the value of the donation was measured not by the effect it had on the treasury but by the effect it had on the heart of the donor. This was the question the multitude asked Jesus on the banks of the Sea of Galilee. They accepted with courage and determination the torture, humiliation, and even death that would come to them because of their testimony.12 They were not deterred from praising and serving their Lord. Elders SpencerW. Kimball and LeGrand Richards extended the call. But somehow, here on earth, it seems more complicated than it ought to be. We love you, President Nelson, and I encourage everyone everywhere to study and heed your words. The Savior would declare, in no uncertain terms, that you are a daughter or son of the Almighty God. You need to put your trust in Jesus Christ. So, my dear friends and beloved fellow disciples of Jesus Christ, let us not be weary in well-doing, for [we] are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of our small things will proceed that which is great.14. Why is this? Clearly, the Lord is building our spiritual capacity. Knowing this, how could we ever murmur or remain embittered? I suppose the Church would be perfect only if it were run by perfect beings. To make this possible, He sent Jesus Christ to be your Savior. We havent even mentioned family history, youth camps, devotionals, scripture study, leadership training, youth activities, early-morning seminary, maintaining Church buildings, and of course there is the Lords law of health, the monthly fast to help the poor, and tithing., The man said, Now Im confused. Contents General conference 1994 - present First Presidency Christmas devotionals 2009 - present CES/worldwide devotionals 2009 - present Jesus Christ is the strength of youth. Focus on your destination. Most of all, those who succeed in balancing on a bicycle learn these important tips: Keep your eyes on the road in front of you. It will be a significant help for making choices in your life. When they read the holy scriptures3 and live the teachings of His prophets, they grow closer to the Savior they love so much. The answer is forward thrust. Throughout history, faithful Saints have sacrificed personal desires, comforts, and even their lives for the Savior. Elder Cook teaches about the importance of gaining our own testimonies of Jesus Christ, repenting of our sins, and staying true to God and His work. Everyones situation is different, and the details of each life are unique. Experts were able to repair most of the statue, but the hands had been damaged so severely that they could not be restored. (See John 6:28 .) He also introduces the new For the Strength of Youth guide. And yet He taught them many of the same things He taught in the Holy Land. Elder Johnson teaches that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can be cleansed of our sins and imperfections. Elder Andersen teaches that we can prepare for the Second Coming by making covenants and strengthening our commitment to the Savior. He has provided instructions that reveal the way back to Him. No, He would ask you to repentto leave your sins behind, to change, so He can forgive you. Born on November 6, 1940, in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia, Dieter F. Uchtdorf had a childhood colored by the horror of World War II. Some might ask, But what about my doubts?, Its natural to have questionsthe acorn of honest inquiry has often sprouted and matured into a great oak of understanding. There is room for you here. See 3Nephi 9:20; Doctrine and Covenants 20:37. But our common, overall objective is to follow the Way of our Master, Jesus Christ, and return to the presence of our beloved Father in Heaven. When he was at the height of his professional career as a heart surgeon, he was called as stake president. Elder Uchtdorf's conference talk is delightful and promises a memorable discussion for your group. Coreyb. A question that creates doubt in some can, after careful investigation, build faith in others. The waiter could scarcely wait for the mans reaction. Ten hours of people giving talks? the man wondered. My dear friends, let me repeat, if the Savior were standing here today, He would express His endless love for you, His complete confidence in you. We are already stretched so thin. . A post shared by Dieter F. Uchtdorf (@dieterfuchtdorf), Subscribe for free and get daily or weekly updates straight to your inbox, The three things you need to know everyday, Highlights from the last week to keep you informed. 15 of 27. The scriptures say that, to God, our sacrifices are more sacred than our accomplishments (see Doctrine and Covenants 117:13). Elder Holland talks about a powerful tool you can use when your faith starts to waiver. It is easy to be grateful for things when life seems to be going our way. While were riding, and Im not huffing and puffing too much, we enjoy the beautiful world around us and even engage in a pleasant conversation. Instead of dwelling on them and feeling irredeemable or hopeless, we can learn from them and feel hopeful.8 The cleansing gift of repentance allows us to leave our sins behind and emerge a new creature.9. Some might say, I know a member of your Church who is a hypocrite. Open your hearts to our Savior and Redeemer, no matter your circumstances, trials, sufferings, or mistakes; you can know that He lives, that He loves you, and that because of Him, you will never be alone. When the Apostles recognized the risen Christwhen they experienced the glorious Resurrection of their beloved Saviorthey became different men. This is the Church of Jesus Christ. During a BYU Education Week devotional on Aug. 17, Elder Uchtdorf, Elder Uchtdorf spoke twice during the Seminar for New Mission Leaders in June on how, In an interview with the Church News, Elder Uchtdorf. The airplane gains no altitude sitting on the runway. When you have questions, Jesus Christ and His restored gospel are the best answer. And yes, we have weaknesses. The Church of Jesus Christ seems to attract the kind and the caring, the honest and the industrious. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him.2. RussellM. Nelson, Let God Prevail, Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 94. In preparing for this message today, I have felt strong promptings to address the young women and young men. Invitations President Nelson has given since he became President of the Church By Sydney Walker Specific rules or applications of those principles work well in some places but not in others. Sometimes we volunteer; sometimes we are volunteered. We see assignments not as burdens but as opportunities to fulfill covenants we gladly make to serve God and His children. I suppose the guide could give you long lists of clothes you shouldnt wear, words you shouldnt say, and movies you shouldnt watch. Anciently, Gods people sacrificed the firstlings of their flocks in honor of the coming Messiah. In the hours following His Crucifixion, they were consumed with despair and grief, unable to understand what had just happened. The process of caring for others allows both rich and poor a way toward refining their characters and leads them both toward exaltation (see Doctrine and Covenants 104:1518). And that is what happens when they join with usthey have many opportunities to transform their talents, compassion, and time into good works. Also see other collected talks. What would that be like? In praising this faithful widow, the Savior gave us a standard to measure our discipleship in all of its many expressions. When we feel insignificant, cast off, and forgotten, we learn that we may be assured that God has not forgotten usin fact, that He offers to all His children something unimaginable: to become heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.2, That we will live forever, receive a fulness of joy,3 and have the potential to inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers.4. They rejoice in the knowledge that God speaks to mankind again. The Costand Blessingsof Discipleship, Protection from Pornographya Christ-Focused Home, If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments. President Ezra Taft Benson taught a similar truth: The Lord works from the inside out. thou hast the words of eternal life.11. The problem is that we dont always see things as clearly as we would like to. Then, when the Savior appeared, they did not recognize Him. You can do your best to keep His commandments. He would recognize and honor honesty, humility, integrity, faithfulness, compassion, and charity. Are You Sleeping through the Restoration? He realized that each religion had much that seemed desirable and worthy. And get pedaling. When the entire truth is eventually known, things that didnt make sense to us before will be resolved to our satisfaction. In this Church that honors personal agency so strongly, that was restored by a young man who asked questions and sought answers, we respect those who honestly search for truth. Posted April 5, 2015. But you can love and serve God. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf speaks at the 191st Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on October 2-3, 2021. Missionary Service Blessed My Life Forever, We Are The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, A Mighty Change of Heart: I Have Nothing More to Give You, Sustaining of General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers, He Is Risen with Healing in His Wings: We Can Be More Than Conquerors, Then Will I Make Weak Things Become Strong, Video: You Are the Women He Foresaw, Covenants with God Strengthen, Protect, and Prepare Us for Eternal Glory, Teaching Self-Reliance to Children and Youth, The Covenant Path: The Way to Eternal Life. 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