In 2 Corinthians 4:18 Paul teaches the importance for modern revelation and modern day prophets. "While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." Because the things of the world are temporal we must focus our eyes on the Lord's teachings, which are eternal and never changing.
This weekend I had the opportunity to be edified and uplifted by the words of the Lord through his prophets and apostles. Here's what I learned.
*Elder Jeffery R. Holland taught, "Christlike love is the greatest need we have on this planet." He talked about the importance of standing firm and strong in our faith, even if the world doesn't believe in what we stand for.
*Elder Ronald R. Rasband taught the importance of following the Savior's perfect example of service by being sincere in our service towards our fellow men. He explained that, "reaching out to each other under any circumstance is an act of love."
While listening to Elder Rasband speak I pondered this question: In our moments of suffering are we wallowing in self-pity or seeking opportunities to serve those around us?
I've learned that great joy comes when we take the time to serve those around us, especially when going through trails and tribulations of our own.
*Sister Linda S. Reeves taught about the importance of protecting our children in a world that continutes to grow increasingly dark.
She explained that we can do this by filtering what our chldren are exposed too.
But the best way we can help our children in this dark, dreary world is to have a strong testimony of our Savior's love for all of His children.
She emphasized that parents should "talk of Christ, rejoice of Christ, preach of Christ, prophecy of Christ...that our children may to what source they may look for a remission of their sins" (2 Nephi 25:26).
*Elder Neil L. Anderson taught that, "challenges will come but as we trust in God our faith will be strengthen." Sometimes it's hard to put our trust in the Lord when our world seems to shatter right before our eyes, but I know that putting our trust in the Lord will carry us through our trials and help us to better understand ourselves and the circumstances around us.
*Elder Henry B. Eyring taught that, "happiness in life comes through family bonds, which continue through eternity." Our happiness in this life can continue if we strive to live the Lord's commandments and do what is right.
He also taught that we shouldn't get discouraged with sharing the gospel because the results aren't always immediate. The people we care about may resist the gospel, but we should endure with patience like the savior.
*Russell M. Nelson taught our "faith in the Lord Jesus Christ can be bolstered as we learn of him and his teachings. Are we tied to God or something else? Are we tied to God or man? Where is our faith? Is it tied to a team, brand or celebrity? There is only one in which our faith won't fade. We need to let our faith shine in the Lord Jesus Christ."
Elder Nelson also taught about the importance of upholding God's standards as our own. He explained that in dealing with controversial issues we must look for God's answers, for his standards. "Although evil, error and darkness are popular they will never be true."
*Elder Robert D. Hales warned us to be careful of who we obey. Are we following the Lord's commandments or are we following Satan? Do we participate in selected obedience? Are we selecting certain commandments and teachings to follow? Elder Hales explained, "When we obey the Lord we accept His sacrifice because we believe that through his atonement all mankind will be saved."
*Claudio D. Zivic asked, "Are we letting ourselves be led by the trends of the world or are we doers of the words of Christ?"
*W. Craig Zwick stressed the importance of using kind words when we speak to others. Do we speak to those around us in a language of contention or compassion? He explained, "The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us to speak kind and civilly to others even when they disagree with us."
*Elder Quentin L. Cook stressed the importance of doing family history work because "it's not only about us, but those on the other side waiting to receive the blessings of salvation."
Listening to the words of the Lord's prophets and apostles strengthens my testimony of His gospel and draws me closer to my Savior. I encourage all who haven't heard the words of the prophets and apostles today to tune in tomorrow and listen to the Lord's guidance for us through His servants.
