April 2014. What unites us is Jesus Christ and the eternal truths He taught, even if specific applications vary over time and across cultures. To me, these young men and women were perfect. I could never join a church that had someone like him as a member.. Isaiah 41:4 - only God is the . Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke during the Saturday morning session of October 2022 general conference. It is the work of loving and serving God. This principle is echoed in the plea of the Book of Mormon prophet Amaleki: Come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Contents. With our heart and soul we yearn to become better with the help of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He would tell you that you can do this. The following is a summary of what he said. They came not to blame, lecture, or shame. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature (Born of God, Ensign, Nov. 1985, 6). Elder Gong teaches that as we follow Gods plan for us, we will find eternal joy with our families. The doubting He would infuse with faith and courage to believe. True gratitude is an expression of hope and testimony. President Nelson exemplified this approach when he taught us about honoring the Sabbath day: In my much younger years, I studied the work of others who had compiled lists of things to do and things not to do on the Sabbath. President Nelson affirms the Lords teachings about abuse and testifies that God is the source of all truth. To sacrifice means to give something up in favor of something more valuable. I suppose the guide could give you long lists of clothes you shouldnt wear, words you shouldnt say, and movies you shouldnt watch. Or we can choose to be like Nephi, whose grateful heart never faltered. Some of our dear members struggle for years with the question whether they should separate themselves from the Church. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, center, gives a thumbs up to a conferencegoer prior to the church's 192nd Annual General Conference at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 2, 2022. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf speaks in the Saturday Afternoon Session of the October 2020 General Conference. Bad things still happen. In these moments, I have listened to my beloved brothers and sisters and grieved with them over their burdens. Gratitude is a catalyst to all Christlike attributes! Sometimes there is a difference of opinion as to what the facts really mean. Similar principles apply when it comes to finding balance in our lives as disciples of Jesus Christ. They willingly gave of their young lives without thought of earthly gain, wanting only to help others find the joy and peace they had experienced. Yet Job responded by saying, Naked came I out of my mothers womb, and naked shall I return : the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.5. They bore the strain and suffering as best they could. 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. 1 This morning we have had the privilege to hear the prophet of God speak to all the world. 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. The world works from the outside in. Another reason a principle-based approach is needed today is the increasing cultural diversity of the Lords Church. We will all become better as a result. But when you earnestly seek the trutheternal, unchanging truthyour choices become much clearer. They changed the world. For examples of pioneers who maintained a cheerful attitude despite intense difficulty, see AndrewD. Olsen, The Price We Paid: The Extraordinary Story of the Willie and Martin Handcart Pioneers (2006), 10, 36667. Our daily walk with Jesus Christ leads to peace and purpose in this life and profound joy and eternal salvation in the world to come. This was the question the multitude asked Jesus on the banks of the Sea of Galilee. Have we not reason to be filled with gratitude, regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves? Struggling? You know what you want to accomplish. I bear witness that our Heavenly Father lives, that Jesus Christ leads His Church, that President RussellM. Nelson is His prophet. The Savior is the motivating power behind all that we do. I plead with all who hear or read these words: Come, join with us. It means that if we want to find balance in life, and if we want the Savior to lift us heavenward, then our commitment to Him and His gospel cant be casual or occasional. Elder Holland talks about a powerful tool you can use when your faith starts to waiver. See Marcus Tullius Cicero, Oratio Pro Cno Plancio, XXXIII, section 80; quoted in JosephB. Wirthlin, Live in Thanksgiving Daily, Ensign, Sept. 2001, 8. He realized that each religion had much that seemed desirable and worthy. We can choose to limit our gratitude, based on the blessings we feel we lack. That with His help, there are no limits to what you can accomplish. Some might say, I know a member of your Church who is a hypocrite. It teaches you how to make righteous choices based on those eternal truths.13. He also introduces the new For the Strength of Youth guide. Romans 8:17; see also Doctrine and Covenants 84:38. Many issues become nonissues! Some struggle with unanswered questions about things that have been done or said in the past. There are many reasons for this, but may I offer a few? See RussellM. Nelson, Hear Him, Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 8892. The Costand Blessingsof Discipleship. You can find confidence, peace, safety, happiness, and belonging now and eternally, because you will find all of it in Jesus Christ, in His gospel, and in His Church. Inspiration Life Help. This is the Church of Jesus Christ. It doesnt make decisions for you. Followers of Jesus Christ do not shame or attack others; they seek to love God and serve their neighbors. What would that be like? In our daily life it is our paramount task and blessed opportunity to encounter God. "Our Heavenly Father asks that we represent Him in the noble work of reaching out and blessing the lives of His children. One of the purposes of the Church is to nurture and cultivate the seed of faitheven in the sometimes sandy soil of doubt and uncertainty. Some might say, I just dont fit in with you people in the Church.. Elder Holland teaches what it means to take up the cross as disciples of Jesus Christ. Doctrine and Covenants 78:19; emphasis added. Tracy Y. Browning Seeing More of Jesus Christ in Our Lives Sister Browning encourages us to see our lives from a gospel perspective in order to see more of the Savior in our lives. Recommended Posts. For this I pray, and leave you my testimony and blessing, in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ, amen. We are all infants compared to the beings of glory and grandeur we are designed to become. It is loving and serving Gods children.13. There is an old story of a waiter who asked a customer whether he had enjoyed the meal. For those who are not, dont worry. . In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen. When you have important choices to make, Jesus Christ and His restored gospel are the best choice. I will always think of them as being bigger than lifeangels of light and glory, ministers of compassion, goodness, and truth. The couple went on to explain about Church callings, home and visiting teaching, full-time missions, weekly family home evenings, temple work, welfare and humanitarian service, and assignments to teach. Elder Pearson teaches that God expects us to willingly place the Savior at the center of our lives. Elder Bednar uses the parable of the royal marriage feast to teach that, through the righteous use of our moral agency, we can choose to be chosen of the Lord. If you define hypocrite as someone who fails to live up perfectly to what he or she believes, then we are all hypocrites. The new version of For the Strength of Youth is available online in 50 different languages and will also be available in print. It teaches you eternal truths of His restored gospeltruths about who you are, who He is, and what you can accomplish with His strength. Elder Uchtdorf's conference talk is delightful and promises a memorable discussion for your group. I realize that He has not doomed His children to stumble through mortality without hope for a bright and eternal future. The following is a summary of what he said. Knowing this, how could we ever murmur or remain embittered? It might sound contrary to the wisdom of the world to suggest that one who is burdened with sorrow should give thanks to God. Once there was a man who dreamed that he was in a great hall where all the religions of the world were gathered. Living Life. Love our neighbor. That is your destiny. In grief, we can still lift up our hearts in praise. Coreyb. This is the way it has always been and will be until the perfect day when Christ Himself reigns personally upon the earth. President Uchtdorf talked about Christ's everlasting love and capability to forgive even the most lost and wandering members and shared the parable of the lost sheep. They are called by inspiration. When we consecrate something, we dont leave it to be consumed upon the altar. It is filled with people who desire with all their heart to keep the commandments, even if they havent mastered them yet. Endings are not our destiny. Throughout history, faithful Saints have sacrificed personal desires, comforts, and even their lives for the Savior. 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. Everyones situation is different, and the details of each life are unique. Come and add your talents, gifts, and energies to ours. We "live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God." 32 And yet we must always remember that "all the law and the prophets" point to the two great commandments. Conflict is inevitable, but contention is a choice. You know the kind of person you want to become.22. How can we balance the many demands of life with our desires to offer our whole souls to the Lord? That is your future. He has provided instructions that reveal the way back to Him. It requires letting some things go and letting other things grow. The fear must have been oppressive, consuming their hours and dampening their hope. Elder Uchtdorf was quick to point out that his family joined the Church through the efforts of a member missionary while his wife's family found the truth through full-time missionaries. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints delivers a message Sunday morning, Oct. 3, 2021, during the 191st Semiannual General Conference held in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. What the Pharisees got wrong was that they thought their rules would save them. The Costand Blessingsof Discipleship, Protection from Pornographya Christ-Focused Home, If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments. Believing in God is commendable, but most people want to do more than listen to inspirational sermons or dream of their mansions above.4 They want to put their faith into practice. We do not shame or attack others. And at the center of it all is His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ,7 and His sacrifice for us. It takes practice. The poor in spirit and honest of heart find great treasures of knowledge here. Elder Uchtdorf posted on Facebook on Aug. 11 about the 60-year anniversary of the beginning of construction on the Berlin Wall. Being grateful in our circumstances is an act of faith in God. Talk summary: God lives and cares about all His children, even in hours of turmoil, confusion and chaos. And yet He taught them many of the same things He taught in the Holy Land. No matter how strong our spiritual experiences have been in the past, as human beings we tend to wander. The former was a sacrifice, which has a purifying effect on the giver. Outward appearances would lose their importance. There is one thing we can do to make life sweeter, more joyful, even glorious. Do members of your church actually do what you have said?, That and more. I am also speaking to those who used to be young, even to those who cant really remember it anymore. Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. It does mean that through the eyes of faith we look beyond our present-day challenges. It is contained in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Brothers and sisters, have we not reason to be filled with gratitude, regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves? None of us is quite as Christlike as we know we should be. In this age of waning faithin this age when so many feel distanced from heavens embracehere you will find a people who yearn to know and draw closer to their Savior by serving God and fellowmen, just like you. When we see one thingloving and serving God and His children, in a hundred different waysthen we can work on those things with joy. 15 of 27. It gave divine answers to important questions we had during these difficult times. Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. You might remember mistakes youve made, times you gave in to temptation, things you wish you hadnt doneor wish you had done better. God is perfect, and His doctrine is pure. His father was conscripted into the German Army, and his mother relocated the family to Zwickau, Germany. Uchtdorf was really on-point this conference. Viewed in this way, our commitment to Jesus Christ would be one of many things we need to fit into our busy schedules. Ultimately, it is our desires that qualify us for the work of proclaiming the word of God (see Doctrine and Covenants 4:3). Important temporal and spiritual choices should not only be based on personal preference or what is convenient or popular.23 The Lord is not saying, Do whatever you want., He is saying, Live in a holier, higher, more mature way., He is saying, Keep my commandments.. Presented by Seagull Book. Others feel they are facing the end of hopethe hope of being married or bearing children or overcoming an illness. The Apostle Paul compared it to looking through a glass, darkly.9 Theres a lot of confusion in the world about what is right and wrong. As Elder DaleG. Renlund taught, Our Heavenly Fathers goal in parenting is not to have His children do what is right; it is to have His children choose to do what is right and ultimately become like Him (Choose You This Day, Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 104). Elder Schmitt teaches us that learning about the many names of Jesus can inspire us to become more like Him. This can be good, but its even better to be known for what we know (the truths that drive our behaviors) and for who we know (the Saviorand how our love for Him inspires our behaviors). (See John 6:28 .) In the cold of bitter sorrow, we can experience the closeness and warmth of heavens embrace. Matthew 14:27; John 16:33; Doctrine and Covenants 61:36; 68:6; 78:18. As followers of Jesus Christ, we follow this example. Many years ago, President BoydK. Packer spoke these powerful words: True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. He is not a rest stop in our journey. We all need them every day. You know what to watch and read, where to spend your time, and with whom to associate. A third reason why people join the Church is because walking the path of discipleship leads to precious blessings. Jesus Christ said, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.11. The important part of Mr. Uchtdorf's message at General Conference is what he didn't say. But some might say, What do I have to be grateful for when my world is falling apart?. When you have important choices to make, Jesus Christ and His restored gospel are the best choice. The problem is that we dont always see things as clearly as we would like to. And, to be perfectly frank, there have been times when members or leaders in the Church have simply made mistakes. The kind of connection the scriptures describe as being yoked together so that, with His help, you can carry any burden.5. Sometimes questions arise because we simply dont have all the information and we just need a bit more patience. a revised version of For the Strength of Youth, Church releases revised For the Strength of Youth guide based on principles, agency, See the full text of Elder Uchtdorfs talk: Jesus Christ Is the Strength of Youth, pilot, captain and corporate executive for the German airline Lufthansa, Elder Uchtdorf, a former refugee, promises Ukrainian refugees in Poland: You are not alone, 2022 Sharing the Gospel broadcast: Invitations from Elder Bednar, Elder Uchtdorf, Elder Cook to love, share, invite, Elder Uchtdorf offers apostolic assurance to FSY participants in Seattle: Your strength is the Savior, Elder Uchtdorf visits Navajo community where the Church is helping bring electricity and water, Elder Uchtdorfs general conference addresses, Read more October 2022 general conference coverage, He met his wife, Sister Harriet Reich Uchtdorf, in their teens while attending a branch in Frankfurt, Germany, soon after she and her family joined the Church. That He speaks to prophets again; that God is among usand is personally involved in our lives and actively guiding His children. Focus on your destination. Sustaining of General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers, BishopsShepherds over the Lords Flock, What We Are Learning and Will Never Forget, Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains, Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution. 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. Elder DavidA. Bednar taught that principles of righteousness help us to look beyond our personal preferences and self-centered desires by providing the precious perspective of eternal truth as we navigate the different circumstances, challenges, decisions, and experiences of mortality (The Principles of My Gospel, Liahona, May 2021, 12324). The following is a summary of what he said. It left its mark upon me. I extend to you my love and blessing at this joyful Easter season. I earnestly pray that your own search for truth will impress upon your heart the desire to come and join with us. And what about the many tasks and responsibilities that make our lives so busy? But we can choose our response. He is not a scenic byway or even a major landmark. That is how we learn. By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf Second Counselor in the First Presidency Regardless of your circumstances, your personal history, or the strength of your testimony, there is room for you in this Church. 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. Elder McConkie teaches about the importance of learning about Jesus Christ and helping one another come unto Him. This is not a gratitude of the lips but of the soul. 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