The devotional this evening was amazing (as always). Each of the members of the First Presidency gave inspiring messages recalling experiences from their lives and sharing spiritual insights. I feel like the season is officially here now that these inspired prophets have ushered it in along with the amazing Mormon Tabernacle Choir! Awesome.

Free is pretty sweet and there are some really good books here. There’s stuff for youth (Weyland and Bytheway) adults (Holzapfel), stuff on parenting (Top) and even a book about maturation and sex.

Check em out!

Deseret Book Free Books: http://deseretbook.com/free

Mirrored in my Google Docs (in case they are taken down in the future): http://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0BzjudQfI411aZGQxZjhmZDAtNTNlMi00MDE2LWJiNDYtMDNlNDY0NDUzYzA5&hl=en

These are some of my favorite moments from General Conference this past several days. It has been great to hear the leaders of the Church impart their counsel and testimonies!

These days there are many pressures on our youth (and everyone else) to “go along with the crowd” and participate in activities that ultimately degrade personal character and erode the foundations of personal worthiness. The Lord Jesus Christ has been very clear (through His prophets) what He expects. The tenets in the pamphlet “For the Strength of Youth” give great council for all of us. While researching the topic I came across this great page.

Nauvoo Temple

Our clan had a great time visiting Nauvoo and Carthage Illinois this summer for our vacation. They have a great pageant in Nauvoo that is put on each year during the month of July as well as other summer programs highlighting the lives and sacrifices of the early members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Many of the buildings of old Nauvoo have been restored and are available for touring daily. The lodging in Nauvoo is more abundant than ever since the rebuilding of the Nauvoo Temple in 2002. President Gordon B. Hinckley stated in November 02 General Conference:

Under the prompting of the Spirit, and motivated by the desires of my father, who had served as mission president in that area and who wished to rebuild the temple for the centennial of Nauvoo but was never able to do so, we announced in the April conference of 1999 that we would rebuild that historic edifice.

Excitement filled the air. Men and women came forth with a desire to be helpful. Large contributions of money and skills were offered. Again, no expense was spared. We were to rebuild the house of the Lord as a memorial to the Prophet Joseph and as an offering to our God. On the recent 27th of June, in the afternoon at about the same time Joseph and Hyrum were shot in Carthage 158 years earlier, we held the dedication of the magnificent new structure. It is a place of great beauty. It stands on exactly the same site where the original temple stood. Its outside dimensions are those of the original. It is a fitting and appropriate memorial to the great Prophet of this dispensation, Joseph the Seer.

How grateful I am, how profoundly grateful for what has happened. Today, facing west, on the high bluff overlooking the city of Nauvoo, thence across the Mississippi, and over the plains of Iowa, there stands Joseph’s temple, a magnificent house of God. Here in the Salt Lake Valley, facing east to that beautiful temple in Nauvoo, stands Brigham’s temple, the Salt Lake Temple. They look toward one another as bookends between which there are volumes that speak of the suffering, the sorrow, the sacrifice, even the deaths of thousands who made the long journey from the Mississippi River to the valley of the Great Salt Lake.

(We were in Nauvoo the last part of June 1999 just after the rebuilding of the temple had been announced)

We enjoyed thoroughly the pageant (we attended 4 nights in a row) and all of the other sites in the Nauvoo area. If you decide to go prepare to have a great time and leave with a much greater appreciation for the lives and times of the early Saints. Nauvoo is indeed a “beautiful place” or “beautiful city” as the Prophet Joseph named it.

Elder David A. Bednar

Elder David A. Bednar of the Twelve and his wife Susan were in Pensacola this last weekend (6-7 Jun 09) for the Stake Conference held there. Inasmuch as our family just moved to Georgia from the Pensacola area, our oldest child lives there, and we wanted to feel the spirit of the Lord, we made the trip. It was a unique and moving experience. Having the opportunity to be in the presence of one of the “special witnesses of the name of Jesus in all the world” is not to be missed!

In the Saturday evening session Elder Bednar spoke for just over an hour or so. He shared information pertaining to the following topics:

Covenants and covenant keeping

Obedience and the importance of “choosing God” (Moses Ch 7)

The covenants of baptism (take upon oneself the name of Jesus Christ, Promise to always remember Him, Keep His commandments)

He made several interesting statements concerning misperceptions by Church members namely that many do not understand “Agency” considering it to be not much more than the “ability to choose”. He cited erring parents who don’t train their children effectively by “allowing them to exercise their agency” often to their detriment. He said if parents did not properly teach and guide their children they would lose them. Satan he said, is “swinging and fighting and throwing everything he’s got” at the youth of today and that if parents aren’t doing precisely the same things, they will lose their children. To underscore this point he related an incident from the life of Elder Bruce R. McConkie wherein he (Elder McConkie) told his son who had decided he was going to “exercise his agency” and not attend Church one Sunday that he “could walk or ride” but to “get his coat because he was coming to Church”!

Those of us who are under covenant often mistakenly believe we “have the ability to choose” when in very fact we have already done so and are therefore left with two options: to honor the covenant or to break it. Years ago a righteous set of parents taught us this principle as it relates to children like this.

“We have told our children that we are a Church-attending family; this is the rule in our home. While living in our home all will attend Church each week as this is what we do.” There is great peace and safety in staying close to and in fidelity with our covenants.

Elder Bednar cited the near constant badgering he received from students who were interested in modifying or skirting (no pun intended) the dress code at BYU Idaho when he was President at that university. He would politely listen for a few minutes and then interject: “are you aware of the dress code, did you receive the packet prior to admission, did you sign the agreement stating you would follow this code, and importantly do you now want to break that commitment? He had very little patience for this and related this in an entertaining yet pointed way.

When we are baptized we commit and covenant to take His name, remember Him always, AND keep His commandments. At this point Elder Bednar stated, our agency has been expended and we either keep the covenant or not. He pointed out the stringent and stinging statements in the scriptures about covenant-breakers were enough to “keep you awake all night”.

Agency expended equals commitment and fidelity. Erelong (and in keeping with the theme of previous speakers) he tied this into the law of the tithe which others had bore testimony of. He reminded all that because you pay your tithing DOES NOT mean there will be a “check in the mail” or that your “troubles are over” or that your gas tank will not run dry (a Young Man had testified earlier that between gas money and tithing he paid his tithing and his car ran on a quarter of a tank for two weeks). This is the exception not the rule he said and cautioned all to recognize the exception is not the rule and we should not think it so. Faithful payment of our tithes may not (and almost always will not) result in miraculous events or circumstances but is nonetheless vital to our spiritual growth and progress. Tithing is not about money. The result may be the ability to be strong and go forward in faith he said.

He cautioned all about the “my will not thy will” syndrome we are all guilty of when petitioning our Heavenly Father. All is His. We have nothing to give Him. Absolutely nothing. The two things He wants from us (Moses 7) is for us to love one another and choose him.

During the course of His remarks I was engulfed by feelings of pure inspiration and edification. It was grand!

PD Laws, “Rise Up, O Men of God”, Kingsland Stake General Priesthood Meeting 17 May 2009

[Invite the Spirit]

In February and April of 1829 The Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith that a

“Marvelous work was about to come forth among the children of men”[1]

this same revelation was given to Isaiah centuries before with the Lord adding (as if for emphasis)

“even a marvelous work and a wonder”[2]

You and I are living in the heart of the “greatest dispensation”[3] in the history of this earth. We are alive when the “good news”, the Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ is being actively preached in 348 missions in many nations by over 53,000 full-time missionaries.[4]

We have all witnessed the rapid and dramatic increase of the printing and distribution of the Book of Mormon with 5 million copies in 106 languages printed annually.[5]

We are blessed to be alive when 129 temples[6] are in operation, with another 17 either under construction or announced.[7]

We live when the Lord’s Gospel plan will roll triumphantly forth “as a stone cut out without hands”[8] until it has “filled the whole earth”[9] when “the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent”[10] until all men will have heard the piercing clarion call of Moroni’s trump.[11]
Each of us here today has a role to play in this great and unfolding plan of our glorious Father and His beloved Son Jesus Christ. The roles we play are facilitated by and through the use of priesthood power.

The priesthood is a set of quorums of servants whose royal birthright prepares them to “receive all things”[12] God has “prepared from the foundation of the world”[13] for His faithful and true sons. It allows Him to tutor us in the process of receiving “all things”.[14] The priesthood is “without beginning of days or end of years”[15] and it “continues in the church of God in all generations”[16]. It allows mortal and immortal men to perform acts of righteous service on behalf of all of God’s children.

In the here and now each of us who has accepted an ordination to its ranks bears solemn responsibility to honor and magnify to strengthen and edify by righteously using its unparalleled power to move this latter day work forward towards its grand and glorious conclusion on this earth. The exciting news in that respect is that when the Lord sent John the Baptist, his cousin and forerunner, to restore the Aaronic Priesthood to the earth, he John, declared,

“this shall never be taken again from the earth”[17].

This power is here, it’s here to stay, and it will prevail over the intentional and persuasive sophistries and treacheries of the evil one. We are on the winning team and only the naïve or foolish would neglect to engage in the move towards sure victory over satan and his followers… after all we have all already committed to fight on the side of Christ in that battle once before.[18]

Along the way to that glorious end are to be found those of the Lord’s fold who have “fallen in battle” i.e. temporarily lost their way, become distracted or offended, or who perhaps have not been properly nourished “by the good word of God”[19]. In any case and every case, the charter and mission of every priesthood holder in every age is to come to the aid of these “lost souls”.

This “call to care” is the essential essence of exercising the priesthood the way the Lord would have us do. He taught:

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.[20]

Several compelling questions arise from a close examination of these verses.

Who are the sheep?

What is the fold?

Which of the sheep is not of the fold?

Which of the “sheep” for which we have stewardship is “not of our fold”?

Which sheep of “HIS fold” does He not desire to have returned to the peace and safety of His EVERLASTING care?

How does OUR GOOD SHEPHERD persuade us to care?

Which am I? Hireling or shepherd?

I think we intuitively and instinctively know the answers to these questions especially when we are “quickened in the inner man”[21] by the Spirit of the Holy Ghost.

In the Stake suite there is a large painting of the Savior with one of His lost sheep. Have you studied it closely? Did you notice anything about the lamb in the Savior’s arms? I will tell you this about the painting: it is entitled “Rescue of the Lost Lamb” and it is by Minerva Teichert (Ti-Curt) who was a member of the Church. One of the great latter-day anthems encapsulating the care of a righteous under-shepherd is the hymn “Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd”. I won’t sing it but listen carefully as I read the potent words penned by Sister Mary B. Wingate (by the way I find it a bit amusing and ironic that a sister authored this hymn… maybe she had trouble getting her husband out to do his home teaching. I’m kidding about that part!):

Dear to the heart of the Shepherd,
Dear are the sheep of his fold;
Dear is the love that he gives them,
Dearer than silver or gold.
Dear to the heart of the Shepherd,
Dear are his “other” lost sheep;
Over the mountains he follows,
Over the waters so deep. …

Dear to the heart of the Shepherd,
Dear are the lambs of his fold;
Some from the pastures are straying,
Hungry and helpless and cold.
See, the Good Shepherd is seeking,
Seeking the lambs that are lost,
Bringing them in with rejoicing,
Saved at such infinite cost. …

Dear to the heart of the Shepherd,
Dear are the “ninety and nine”;
Dear are the sheep that have wandered
Out in the desert to pine.
Hark! he is earnestly calling,
Tenderly pleading today:
“Will you not seek for my lost ones,
Off from my shelter astray?” …

Green are the pastures inviting;
Sweet are the waters and still.
Lord, we will answer thee gladly,
“Yes, blessed Master, we will!
Make us thy true undershepherds;
Give us a love that is deep.
Send us out into the desert,
Seeking thy wandering sheep.”

Out in the desert they wander,
Hungry and helpless and cold;
Off to the rescue we’ll hasten,
Bringing them back to the fold.[22]

Brethren there are many lost sheep in this Stake.

Our mission is a rescue mission. Clearly we don’t see our brothers (and sisters) as our Father does, of that I am sure. If we did there would be much more seeking, calling, searching, and rejoicing. He has reminded us in section 18 of the Doctrine and Covenants about how he (and we) will feel with one soul that repents and turns unto him.[23] If we can only see them as He does!

In this respect what you and I are often seeking is the “greatest miracle of all” the change of a human heart. Elder Dallin H. Oaks in a great talk entitled “Miracles” stated:

A change of heart, including new attitudes, priorities, and desires, is greater and more important than any miracle involving the body.[24]

Though all of us would readily admit restoring someone’s sight or healing some other affliction clearly qualifies as a “miracle” when have you considered a return to activity and fellowship in the same context?

I took a job transfer to Kingsland the end of November of last year, which was a great blessing to our family which at the time was making ends meet but barely. I was called to be a member of the Stake High Council here shortly thereafter. From the time of my call to the present moment there has been one thread that has run through practically every teaching or training moment I have been a part of with President McDonald. His central message, as it pertains to this group (if I have heard and understood correctly) has been several fold. For the interest of time I will emphasize but two key points of this message. I must emphasize at the outset the Spirit of the Lord has borne upon him, he has assigned us, and by extension I assign all men and boys of the priesthood in the Kingsland Georgia Stake with the following two charges:

1)      Increase the spirituality of the Saints in the Kingsland Stake especially with respect to the sacred covenant of the Holy Sacrament.

2)      Reactivating, reinvigorating, and reinstating active priesthood service among all duly ordained and willing brethren of the Stake (including the large prospective Elder population). This is to be done by leading from the front, using correct doctrines and principles, culminating in a sustained and effective push to invite ALL to “come unto Christ”

To be successful in the two charges I personally invite each priesthood holder, regardless of age or office, to remember, recertify, and recommit (3 R’s) to the following two priesthood responsibilities:

1)      Personal Worthiness:

• This is the preeminent prerequisite to enjoying the benefits and blessings that flow from the priesthood. WE are indeed a “kingdom of priests”[25] whose Father delights[26] in the purity of his daughters AND sons. Two quick thoughts here:
• D&C 121:37 says in part (speaking of the rights of the priesthood):

That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, 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 the authority of that man. (by the way this particular “amen” does NOT signify agreement)

• There is nothing the Lord does not know about. The third verse in the Doctrine and Covenants reminds “…the rebellious shall be pierced with much sorrow; for their iniquities shall be spoken upon the housetops, and their secret acts shall be revealed.”[27] Literally interpreted this means to me that not only does the Lord know of our sins but in a future day the rebellious (ie those who will not repent) will have their “secret acts” broadcast  widely. For those ensnared and enslaved in the vicious cycle of pornography and so many other evil enticements this is good information to be aware of. God will indeed “look (upon) sin with the least degree of allowance”[28] or more precisely no allowance!

2) Accountability:

• In the Lord’s house we learn about our Heavenly Father’s plan for the redemption of all mankind who learn, subscribe to, and obey all of his words. In the process we are witness to the accountability model our Heavenly Father uses to manage His divine mandates. Effective priesthood leaders (holders) utilize this process too. I think we can all relate to the sense of ease that is engendered when an assignment (including priesthood assignments) is given and no accounting is required. When I was a very young man (probably 5-10) we had a LP album (who knows what that is anymore) featuring the Old Testament story of Daniel (of Lions Den fame) and Belshazzar the idolatrous king of Babylon[29]. You’ll recall Belshazzar and his followers further desecrated stolen golden vessels plundered from the temple in Jerusalem by drinking wine and praising heathen gods while doing so. At the conclusion of this account (found in Daniel chapter 5) Belshazzar is told by the inspired Daniel: “Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.”[30]. I listed to the dramatized story on that LP hundreds of times. Then and now the finality of the condemnation pronounced upon Belshazzar chills me to the core. I determined as a child that I never wanted to be like Belshazzar. From time to time I wonder if a full accounting of my actions were called for immediately if I would be found “acceptable” or “wanting”. How about you?  In our various roles as priesthood holders we MUST insist upon holding one another accountable for our responsibilities!
  After two tours as a Bishop in the Church I have been “that guy across the desk” from numerous leaders in multiple organizations. It has been my personal experience that I receive much better results from those whom I hold accountable and follow up on assignments with. Whether it’s a Deacons Quorum president I Personal Priesthood Interview with concerning rotation of Bishop’s messengers or the plan for receiving fast offerings, or a Young Men’s President who I ask about the spiritual component of all youth activities or the Elders Quorum President about 100% assignment of families for home teaching or High Priest Group Leader about temple attendance in each and every case by undertaking to follow up and ask these questions I am not only doing things the Lord’s way but I am demonstrating interest in and concern for the accountability these brethren have to the Lord. That being said let me share with you a few key things to remember when conducting a PPI.

1. 1. Meet in private, face to face is preferred, and always begin with prayer. Having an established time and place is helpful though not mandatory. Some brethren may need to be pulled aside spur of the moment though this should be the exception.
2. 2. Have the person with whom you are meeting offer the opening prayer. This will give you the opportunity to get a feel for the types of things that are on their mind. Additionally it will provide opportunity for the spirit to whisper to you as to what should be discussed and in what order.
3. 3. Discuss their stewardship emphasizing the key responsibilities they have.
4. 4. Inquire about those things they are finding challenging or difficult and offer appropriate counsel as the Spirit directs.
5. 5. Offer other direction as given by the Spirit.
6. 6. Express your love and support of/for the brother and seek to address any outstanding issues.
7. 7. Provide the closing prayer offering thanks for the efforts, desires, and goodness of this brother and proffering blessings upon he and his family, those whom he has responsibility/stewardship, and him personally.
8. 8. Briefly the discuss the next meeting and what will be followed up on then (if applicable)

This process produces results! For example, if I am a home teacher and I know there will be a time for accounting each month or two concerning my families with another priesthood holder who is genuinely concerned with me and my families I will strive ever harder to ensure I have something to report! I have heard no end of preaching on the topic of home teaching over the years and yet have found no compelling evidence this produces increased activity in this area. Though tiresome to report we are often afflicted in the Church with what I have heard called the “STP principle”. “STP” stands for “Same Ten People” and is pretty self explanatory. I have also heard this idea quantified like this: 10-20% of the Saints do 80-90% of the work. Both of these may be exaggerations and amusing in an ironic way they do little to address the divine mandate for all men to “come unto Christ and be perfected in Him”[31].

It is well to remember that while personal salvation is succinctly that, and  conversely priesthood work by its very nature is an effort involving two or more persons (and often larger groups) with the ultimate goal being to provide the surpassing blessing of exaltation to each of God’s precious children.[32]

It is my feeling that each holder of the Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods has a sacred and non-transferable responsibility for ever-increasing numbers of God’s children (this being God’s greatest and most surpassing possession). As we demonstrate our willingness to be submissive to Father’s will in priesthood service he entrusts us with more opportunities to influence others for good. All priesthood holders from Deacon onward are called upon by the Lord to “watch over the Church always, and be with and strengthen them”[33] and to “warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ” [34]

With this in mind how could any of us shirk our duty to nurture and provide spiritual succor for His children? If this were so the number shirking would be much lower than it is now! Those “same ten people” would be swallowed in the mass of motivated men!

Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence.

He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand…[35]

Whether or not we account here we will surely account there and so the necessity of “learning our duty” and “acting in the office in which we are appointed in all diligence”

There are many among and around us in the Church who have failed to understand and comprehend the beauty and magnificence the gravity and scope of their priesthood influence. They have failed to remember or may have never known adequately who they are and what’s at stake. They have failed to become fully converted to the Gospel or drink deeply from its simple and elegant doctrines and teachings. They have not “come unto Christ” themselves and are therefore ill equipped to bring others to that sacred space where the finite and the infinite meet facilitated by the Holy Spirit. To those I say along with President Hinckley: “RISE UP, O MEN OF GOD!”

Rise up, O men of God!
Have done with lesser things.
Give heart and soul and mind and strength
To serve the King of Kings.

Rise up, O men of God,
In one united throng.
Bring in the day of brotherhood
And end the night of wrong.

Rise up, O men of God!
The church for you doth wait,
Her strength unequal to her task;
Rise up, and make her great!

Rise up, O men of God!
Tread where his feet have trod.
As brothers of the Son of Man,
Rise up, O men of God![36]

In the meanwhile those of us who are treading the path of discipleship can and must do more! We must lay aside the pride that might lead us to look aside instead of ahead as we tread the path leading to our Father’s everlasting presence. We must respond again to the call of our Lord to be “even as(He) is” we can continue to “wear out our lives”[37] in His service.

He is the one true master of all mankind, He has ransomed every living soul, He holds the keys to enable the unlocking of their eternal potential. He who has all power in heaven and earth to unlock all of the surpassing endowments of the Father through his incomparable Atonement stands ready as our Savior, advocate, mediator, intercessor, and friend. “He knows the way because he is the way”[38]

Without His power we cannot succeed and with it we cannot fail! I know this! I know this! May we earnestly strive every day of our lives “to become even as He is”.

Remember who you are brethren!

Our Father hasn’t forgotten which explains why He is constantly inspiring and repeating to the presiding High Priest of this Stake the spiritual insight needed to change our course to the true and undeviating one that leads to Him. Listen to the shepherd of our souls and listen to his servants. In this there is safety, comfort, and peace.

I care more when I know others care too. I know you brethren here assembled care. I am asking you to “care more”, I am asking you to care more about your personal worthiness, to care more about accounting for AND to one another more, to seek for those lost and misguided brethren on the peripheries of our groups and quorums.

Rise up, O men of God and bring them back!

---

[1] D&C 4:1, 6:1

[2] Isaiah 29:14

[3] Jeffrey R. Holland, “This, the Greatest of All Dispensations,” Ensign, Jul 2007, 52–58

[4] http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1032-1,00.html

[5] Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Testimony Vibrant and True,” Ensign, Aug 2005, 2–6

[6] http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/draper-utah-temple-open-house-reservations

[7] http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/construction/

[8] Daniel 2:34

[9] Ibid vs. 35

[10] History of the Church, 4:540

[11] Revelation 14:6

[12] D&C 132:29

[13] Alma 13:3

[14] D&C 132:19

[15] D&C 84:17

[16] ibid

[17] D&C 13

[18] Revelation 12:7

[19] President Gordon B. HInckley

[20] John 10:11-14

[21] Moses 6:65

[22] Russell M. Nelson, “Shepherds, Lambs, and Home Teachers,” Ensign, Aug 1994, 15 (Hymns, 1985, no. 221; emphasis added)

[23] D&C 18:13, 15-16

[24] Dallin H. Oaks, “Miracles,” Ensign, Jun 2001, 6

[25] Exodus 19:6

[26] Jacob 2:28

[27] D&C 1:3

[28] Alma 45:16

[29] Daniel 5

[30] Daniel 5:27

[31] Moroni 10:32

[32] Moses 1:39

[33] D&C 20:53

[34] Ibid vs. 59

[35] D&C 107:99-100

[36] Hymns, no. 324; third verse in The Oxford American Hymnal, ed. Carl F. Pfatteicher [1930], no. 256

[37] Alexander B. Morrison, “‘Come and See’,” Ensign, Nov 2000, 12–13

[38] Jeffrey R. Holland, “Broken Things to Mend,” Ensign, May 2006, 69–71

17 Mar 2009
Paul D. Laws

How do you tell someone you love that you’re disappointed in their behavior? How do you broach the subject of behavior you know is unacceptable and must be addressed without incurring unwarranted enmity and at length non-compliance? Prophets and leaders through all of recorded time (as recorded in the scriptures) have had mixed results with calling their people to repentance. Today I stand before you as a High Councilor on assignment from the President of this the Kingsland Georgia Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

It is my desire to share with you some things that have been on the mind and soul of President McDonald for some time concerning the Wards and branches of the Stake as expressed to us as a High Council and to some of you in other meetings; in particular a few ways in which we can surely improve ourselves in our pursuit of our Father’s Kingdom.

When providing constructive criticism Doctrine and Covenants Section 121 prescribes the following:

No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;

By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile–

Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;

(D&C 121:41-43)

I am under the impression I likely have your rapt attention as your mind catalogs your personal conduct and you seek to know if you are a part of the reason for this talk, (and more importantly its subject matter) today. I invite you to attend to the feelings and impressions you will receive from the Holy Ghost as we discuss these things and having so received guidance from Him I invite you to change your behavior accordingly. I intend to speak frankly and will say in advance I bear no malice toward any one of you personally or indeed to all of you as a group. If you are offended you have chosen such. It is reported that President Brigham Young once said that

he who takes offense when no offense was intended is a fool, and he who takes offense when offense was intended is usually a fool. …there are two courses of action to follow when one is bitten by a rattlesnake. One may, in anger, fear, or vengefulness, pursue the creature and kill it. Or he may make full haste to get the venom out of his system. If we pursue the latter course we will likely survive, but if we attempt to follow the former, we may not be around long enough to finish it.[1]

I am not foolish enough to think that because I say you ought to do “this” or “that” that you will “jump up” and respond on that authority alone. If so, good for you; listen carefully and apply what I will give you and you will be blessed. Those of you have been in the Ward for any real length of time (a small majority) may find you have heard some of this information before.

For everyone not in that category: stay around long enough (if only that were possible!) and I surely would sound to you as I often sound to myself: the same old record, saying the same old thing, hitting a skip point (in this case based on time) and then repeating myself ad nauseam (ie to the point that everyone including myself is sick of hearing it!).

In order to change your behavior for good clearly divine assistance is requested and likely required. What I say to you will be forgotten this afternoon or this evening and surely in a day or two but what the spirit reveals to you and you accept will be yours for a lifetime.

I am intentionally neglecting to give you an overview of the areas which I plan to address that I might maintain your interest and attention more fully for the duration of my remarks.

I would first like to address Timeliness to Ward Meetings (particularly Sacrament Meeting)

Just over 1 of the 168 hours in any given week is spent in Sacrament Meeting. To me there is no other hour in a week that rivals the hour of Sacrament Meeting primarily because of what happens in Sacrament touches and fortifies every other hour and action so directly so as to overshadow them in importance. Hyrum Smith, brother of the Prophet taught of the Sacramental process as

…bestowing spiritual sustenance enough to “last a whole week.” The ordinance was given, President Brigham Young taught, “in order that the people may be sanctified” (JD 19:91-92).[2]

Sacrament Meeting is the primary worship service for all Latter-Day Saints from infant to the aged. We ALL are commanded by the Lord in D&C Section 59 to “offer up our Sacraments on His holy day” (vs 9)

A Sacrament Meeting was held on April 6^th, 1830 (the day the Church was organized in this dispensation).

In my opinion anyone who is late to Sacrament Meeting needs to seriously consider where their priorities are misaligned and perform an immediate course correction. Being in place 5 to 10 minutes AHEAD of the 9 AM start time should be the norm in the Kingsland Ward.

This allows everyone to get into the mood for a spiritual experience which should also be the norm for this special meeting. Those of you who are habitually late to Sacrament Meeting need to course correct immediately. I think casualness in punctuality to Sacrament belies an awful pride borne of the idea of your time being more important than the Lord’s designated hour for covenant making. He has given us through revelation this special time and place to make and keep sacred covenants with Him. We should make it a special point to be on time and in place as an indication of our love and deference for Him. There are several ironies associated with this woeful trend I would like to quickly share with you:

1. When the Bishopric seek individuals to give the opening and closing prayer it always seems to be the same (ten people) who are available to ask since they are in the appointed place PRIOR to the appointed hour. It is a great opportunity to pray on behalf of the whole congregation and those who are late rarely (if ever) have the opportunity to be called upon to pray.
2. It is disruptive to all assembled when individuals arrive late distracting them from their desire to focus on the spiritual nature of the meeting and the sacred covenants they will shortly be making.
3. Why is it that an employer gets more respect than the God and Father of us all? How is it that he who dispenses remuneration gets punctuality while the giver of ALL GOOD GIFTS gets tardiness?

We can and must do better in this area.

Those of you who are weak in this area or are habitually late know who you are and I would add so do I and all those who sit near you. Most chapels have 4 doors, two in the front and two in the rear. Transiting in and out of the meeting should also be minimized as even the most reverent movement distracts while careless manipulation of the doors is very distracting. Parents, teach your children by precept AND example that in the meeting is the place to be not going for water, or tissues, or bathroom breaks, or something left in the car. While I am not naïve to the necessity from time to time to exit sacrament meeting once it is underway, this should be the exception NOT the rule!

(David B. Haight of the Twelve incident)

What we do (and not do) during the course of the sacrament meeting also demonstrates to our fellow Saints and importantly our Savior and Heavenly Father how we feel about His primary and most frequently offered opportunity to feel His spirit and be instructed from on high. I imagine at least a few of you are thinking something like this:

“yeah OK so I come to Sacrament meeting and it’s “Dry Council” day, or it’s Bro So-and-So or Sister Such-&-Such and they are Sooooo Boring.I NEVER get anything out of their talk”

I ask you to consider this: President Spencer W. Kimball was once asked:

“What do you do if you find yourself caught in a boring sacrament meeting?”

Keep in mind this was a man who served as an Apostle for 30 years (1943-1973) prior to being ordained the President of the Church for 12 years (1973-1985). He literally attended thousands of Sacrament Meetings. His reply to the question “What do you do if you find yourself caught in a boring sacrament meeting?”:

“I don’t know; I’ve never been in one.”[3]

We would be well off to adopt such a humble and teachable attitude and disposition. We all will be required to listen to all sorts of talks on all sorts of topics delivered by individuals with great persuasive speaking ability, and the opposite of that. Keeping in mind that the Spirit of the Lord is the most persuasive teacher eliminates our often detrimental judging of speakers anyway. If we come focused on being edified the Holy Ghost will inspire us more frequently and more meaningfully regardless of who happens to be standing behind the podium. An additional benefit in this regard is that as we are inspired and edified we will surely find Sacrament meeting to be even more desirable to our spirits. If you have not felt spiritually fed in Sacrament meeting recently I invite you to adopt a whole new attitude! I believe you will find you will get much more out of the meeting!

Might I add a word about our families?

I am concerned that we as parents are not taking the time to nurture ourselves and our families appropriately in the principles and commandments of the Church and Kingdom of God on the earth. Our private religious practices are what gives strength and vitality to our personal testimonies and also to those timeless bonds that may exist in the family unit. The proclamation to the world on the Family states:

Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.

Over the years our family has enjoyed prolonged periods when we have daily opened and read the scriptures together and we have also had brief periods where we haven’t gotten it done. There is a notable difference when we fail to read scriptures and engage in family prayer together. I have found satan to have enough footholds in our lives and I believe his influence is diminished considerably when we daily inoculate ourselves from his temptations. Family and personal scripture study are a sure way to ensure he is kept at bay. As I recorded in my journal recently under the heading “Scriptural Inoculation”:

As long as I can remember I have been taught & taught again the merit of a daily dose of scriptures. Unlike us satan and his followers (cast out types anyway) never tire of striving to lead us carefully away from our Father & the inheritance he has in store for each of His faithful children. Taken by sight or hearing the effect of the word is undeniable. Pondering carefully what one has read or heard guarantees a therapeutic dosage. Taken daily by mouth or ear this preventative measure will inoculate the recipient against the wiles of the devil.

Have you had your dose today?

I ask each of you…are you getting a daily inoculation against the wiles of the devil? At least two scriptures provide an encouraging text:

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.                                                                                                                         (Eph  6:11)

Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked–                                                                                                                                                                                    (Hel  3:29)

Several additional observations and encouragement to note:

The term “wile” is defined as “a cunning strategy: a trick or cunning ruse”. The plural is “wiles” and is defined as “cunning behavior intended to persuade somebody to do something, especially in the form of insincere charm or flattery”. Does this sound at all familiar. I know I have been tricked a time or two by the adversary. Please notice the two descriptive terms used in the second verse to describe the word of God. The two key terms are “QUICK” and “POWERFUL” this sounds like the perfect antidote for what ails us when we neglect those things of the Spirit or succumb to temptation.

I encourage and admonish you to read from the Scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, daily as individuals and as families. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve has said in this regard:

No one is immune from Satan’s influence and temptations. Do not be so proud to think that you are beyond the adversary’s influence. Be watchful that you do not fall prey to his deceptions. Stay close to the Lord through daily scripture study and daily prayer. We cannot afford to sit back and take our salvation for granted. We must be anxiously engaged our whole lives.10 These words of President Brigham Young motivate and remind us that we can never give up the fight to endure: The men and women, who desire to obtain seats in the celestial kingdom, will find that they must battle every day [for this sacred goal].[4]

When it comes to family scripture study and Family Home Evening the fruits of our labors may not be fully realized or even savored until erelong we witness the influence in the lives of our grown children. To those of you with small children who wonder if all of the struggle to accomplish it is worth it I say resoundingly: “YES”! It is well to remember that when the word “endure” appears in modern revelation over 75% of the time[5] it is coupled with the phrase “to the end”. This at least gives us an idea of how long we are to continue to strive!

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[1] (Elder Marion D. Hanks, Forgiveness: The Ultimate Form of Love, Ensign (CR), January 1974, p.20)

[2] (Encyclopedia of Mormonism, 1-4 vols., edited by Daniel H. Ludlow (New York: Macmillan, 1992), p.1246)

[3] A. Roger Merrill, “To Be Edified and Rejoice Together,” Liahona, Jan 2007, 38–43

[4] (Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, Press On, Ensign (CR), November 2004, p.101)

[5] 9/12 in the BofM and 7/10 in the D&C

Every 6 months we get the amazing blessing of hearing and being instructed by the Lord’s annointed servants. General Conference is for me a great time to spiritually recharge and prepare for the coming six months. The April conference heralds the arrival of spring and summer and the October conference closes out the year. I am glad I made the commitment many years ago to participate in all of the sessions of GC. While the minutes of the proceedings are available in many formats after the fact receiving the word of the Lord as it is dispensed is the way to go. 10 solid hours of Gospel goodness. It’s an amazing blessing!