Prophets and Apostles
Posted by Michelle on March 27th, 2007With General Conference around the corner, I wanted to reflect on some of the blessings that are part of our lives because we are led by prophets and apostles. (Feel free to add to the list!)
[Images removed because I just read that the Church doesn’t give legal rights to publish art/pictures from its web site.]
- As Joseph Smith said in the quote from yesterday, prophetic testimony is essential to our faith in the Savior. The testimony of prophets and apostles makes it possible for us to have our own testimonies, for the Spirit verifies the truth of what prophets and apostles teach about Him. These special witnesses also teach us about the true nature of God and about what we can do to come to Christ. We can’t truly have faith without understanding these things.
- We know of the plan of salvation (Jarom 1:2, Alma 24:14), of the Savior’s mission and atonement, or of His teachings. We understand the purpose of life and have perspective, understanding, and hope.
- In the words of prophets, ancient and modern, we have a significant source of and springboard for revelation in our lives. “For when we want to speak to God, we pray. And when we want Him to speak to us, we search the scriptures; for His words are spoken through His prophets.” (Robert D. Hales, “Holy Scriptures: The Power of God unto Our Salvation,” Ensign, Nov 2006, 24–27.)
- We hear the voice of the Lord through prophets and apostles, for “whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:14, 38; see also Doctrine and Covenants 21:5).
- Because of the keys the prophet holds, we enjoy the blessings of priesthood ordinances (including those performed in temples) that can be binding beyond death. Without this binding power, we would have no hope in eternal life or eternal family relationships. Without the priesthood, ”covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations” would have no “efficacy, virtue, or force in and after the resurrection” (Doctrine and Covenants 132:7).
- We have the unifying, faith-building force of prophetic testimonies and teachings, helping us keep from being “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness” (Eph. 4:11-14). The words of prophets are an iron rod to which we can cling through trials, temptations, and tribulations (see 1 Ne. 8; 1 Ne. 15:24). Their words can anchor us spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally.
- We have guidance about what to do in our everyday lives to stay on the path and to become more like the Savior. We know what we can focus on and do in our families, and we also have programs in the Church that can reinforce our efforts at home.
- We can be warned of danger that we ourselves may not be able to see. “There seems to be no end to the Savior’s desire to lead us to safety. And there is constancy in the way He shows us the path. He calls by more than one means so that it will reach those willing to accept it. And those means always include sending the message by the mouths of His prophets whenever people have qualified to have the prophets of God among them. Those authorized servants are always charged with warning the people, telling them the way to safety.” (Henry B. Eyring, “Finding Safety in Counsel,” Ensign, May 1997, 24.) (See also Doctrine and Covenants 101:54; 124:45-46.)
- In addition to being warned about danger, we are also promised protection, as we seek to “give heed unto all [the prophet’s] words and commandments” and receive prophetic guidance ”in all patience and faith.” The Lord promises that “the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory” (Doctrine and Covenants 121:4-6).
How grateful I am to know we are led by prophets and apostles, chosen of the Lord to lead, guide, and bless our lives! My faith is strengthened as I listen to and seek to follow their teachings.
For some reason I’ve never been as excited for a General Conference as I’ve lately been for this weekend’s. It’s so great having Prophets and Apostles on the earth!
Comment # 1 left by Connor on March 27th, 2007
Connor,
It’s contagious!
THANK YOU for sharing that quote! It was one of the many I wanted to work in, but it didn’t work for this post, so I’m so glad you included it. That quote is one that will stick with me for the rest of my life! Thanks for sharing your excitement!
Comment # 2 left by Michelle on March 27th, 2007
A very good list Michelle.
Sometimes I feel sorry for these guys. I wonder what they might talk about if the did not feel they needed to say stuff which ought to be obvious - abuse, pornography, etc. I wonder if they often feel ‘held back’ because of some of us knuckleheads (collectively) who don’t heed what they say.
Comment # 3 left by Eric Nielson on March 28th, 2007
Great post, Michelle, and a wonderful follow-up quote, Connor. Whenever I see a blog comment that indicates that the writer thinks that the Church is run by old men who are hopelessly out of touch, and responding only to Wasatch front concerns, I just shake my head.
Those of us who have spent years living outside of Utah, either in other parts of the U.S., or in foreign countries, have seen continual evidence that our leaders are exactly as Elder Holland described them. I know they are humble, dedicated, inspired servants of the Lord.
Yes, they are human, not perfect, and not puppets; they can occasionally make mistakes. But I firmly believe that the general authorities and officiers of the Church have had their God-given abilities honed by God-given experiences, which are then further magnified by the Spirit as they serve the very best they can.
Thanks for this reminder of the great privilege we have to hear inspiring , timely words of counsel at this time of year!
Comment # 4 left by RoAnn on March 28th, 2007
Every time I study the lives of the Prophets, I see how they are the best leadership for the times they have served. Sometimes it is hard to recognized that while they are living, and other times such as Pres. Hinkley it is easy. That consistancy of important developments during the prophet’s tenures indicates to me an added testimony to their prophetic guidance.
Comment # 5 left by Jettboy on March 28th, 2007
Eric (#3),
Although I would say that the more I seek to follow the prophets in faith, the more ‘knowledge’ I have of their divine calling and the fact that they indeed were called and foreordained for “such a time as this.”
I’ve often wondered that, too.
RoAnn, indeed, it is a privilege. I think sometimes there is a bit too much focus on the fallibility of the prophets because they are men, and not enough focus on the fact that they are called of God and they speak for Him. I think sometimes we forget what blessings are available if we truly sustain them.
Jettboy,
Faith is trusting now what can only be known in retrospect (or something like that), right?
Comment # 6 left by Michelle on March 28th, 2007
Eric, (#3): Of course. Lot’s has been held back. 2/3rd’s of the Book of Mormon has been held back. The 10 Lost Tribes, and their records, and the records of many other people of the Lord (who he visited before and after the Nephites in 3rd Nephi 11) have been held back.
But most of all, we ourselves are responsible for what the Lord holds back from giving us directly and individually. The Lord, through the Holy Ghost, is capable and willing to give us much more than what comes over the pulpit. In other words, when we individually are ready for something, we won’t need a prophet to tell us if we are in tune with the Spirit. The Lord will tell us through the Holy Ghost what we are ready to learn, but only when we are ready for it, and seeking it.
In other words, every one of us should be a prophet for our own lives. I don’t say that to discount what the present prophets/seers/revelators say or admonish us to do. We still need to heed and follow them. But “the mysteries” (all things beyond the basics) are things we should seek for and learn on our own as we are also working on the basics, and always performing the basics.
Comment # 7 left by Bookslinger on March 29th, 2007