Prophetic Counsel

I listened to this talk several times in the car this week, wonderful talk and prophetic counsel from Elder Neal A. Maxwell in October 1992 "Settle This In Your Hearts" - two quotes that particularly stood out to me ~ one at the beginning about how some might, from the porch of the church "cast off on intellectual and behavioral bungee cords in search of new sensations, only to be jerked about by the old heresies and the old sins." That reminded me of some of the recent events. Another one:

"A little criticism of the Brethren, which seems harmless enough, may not only damage other members but can even lead to one’s setting himself up as a substitute “light unto the world.” (2 Ne. 26:29.) Yes, happily, some such prodigals do come back, but they usually walk alone, unaccompanied by those they once led astray!"

The Church is On Course

I listened to a wonderful talk this week in the car. I got some conference tapes randomly at the DI, put in this tape cause I wanted to listen to Elder Maxwell, but the first talk was actually the one I needed to hear ~ to help steady my mind from any stormy concerns that might have arisen from reading posts saying Latter Day saints are more concerned about following the prophet than they are about following of Christ (not true - we follow the prophet because he is such a Christ like example. I mean seriously, what does President Monson do that they don't approve of or think Christ doesn't approve of?) and another post saying similar things, that the brethren who are witnesses of Christ aren't doing what they are supposed to be doing. SO, anyway, this talk just planted my feet once again on a firm foundation and I feel grounded and on solid ground. The Church is on course. "There is a system, a divinely mandated system, under which there is backup and redundancy to move the work and govern the Church in all the world, regardless of difficulties that may befall any of its leaders."


And I'll just post this whole excerpt below, I loved it:

My Brethren of whom I have spoken are Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ. I bear witness of their integrity. I bear witness of their faith. I bear witness of the voice of inspiration and revelation in their calls. Every one is a man of tested strength. But the greatest of these strengths lies in the acknowledgment that he must have divinely given direction and blessing if he is to perform acceptably.

Now, in conclusion, do you believe this body of men would ever lead this Church astray? Remember whose church this is. It carries the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, who stands as its head. His is the power to remove any found remiss in his duty or who is teaching that which is not in harmony with His divine will.

I say for each and all that we have no personal agenda. We have only the Lord’s agenda. There are those who criticize when we issue a statement of counsel or warning. Please know that our pleadings are not motivated by any selfish desire. Please know that our warnings are not without substance and reason. Please know that the decisions to speak out on various matters are not reached without deliberation, discussion, and prayer. Please know that our only ambition is to help each of you with your problems, your struggles, your families, your lives.

May I say, by way of personal testimony, that for more than a third of a century I have served as a General Authority of this Church. For twenty of those years, I sat in the circle of the Council of the Twelve. For eleven-plus years, I have served as a Counselor in the First Presidency. I know how the system works. I know that it is divine in its plan and in its authority. I know that there is no desire to teach anything other than what the Lord would have taught. He has said that “the decisions of these quorums, or either of them, are to be made in all righteousness, in holiness, and lowliness of heart, meekness and long suffering, and in faith, and virtue, and knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity.” (D&C 107:30.) It is in this spirit that we seek to serve.

He further said, concerning that which is taught by His servants, that “those who receive it in faith, and work righteousness, shall receive a crown of eternal life;

“But those who harden their hearts in unbelief, and reject it, it shall turn to their own condemnation.” (D&C 20:14–15.)

Amen. I know Elder Christofferson personally. He is in our ward. He is not retired, he doesn't have free time to go golfing or on cruises or things that other retired people do. He has lost his life and given it to the Lord. He is going to live the rest of his life working and serving in this calling. Really, does any other 69 year old want to trade him places? To say that any of the brethren are aspiring for power or have some agenda or desire for unrighteous dominion is simply false.

I'm thankful to the Lord for the clarity of doctrine taught to me by President Hinckley in this talk. This is Christ's Church. He is at the head, and it is on course for the destination He intends it for.

"Church members have a special rendezvous to keep, brothers and sisters. Nephi saw it. One future day, he said, Jesus’ covenant people, “scattered upon all the face of the earth,” will be “armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.” (1 Ne. 14:14.) This will happen, but only after more members become more saintly and more consecrated in conduct." - Repentance, Elder Neal A. Maxwell October 1991 General Conference

"And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory."
1 Nephi 14:14

This will happen. I will pray and work for the Lord to help Him bring it to pass.