As I watch General Conference, I try and look for a “theme” that ties the talks together. Sometimes that theme is obvious, sometimes not so much. Often it is less obvious, but very personal.
Yesterday, I was listening and taking notes, a word popped into my head that I wrote in big letters across the top of the page:
President Packer started it all off in a grandfatherly way, with a sweet little poem, but quickly showed that he has lost none of his fire when he spoke about the danger of the “tolerance trap.” Later in the day, Elder David A. Bednar carried that mantle as he spoke about the importance of virtue – to a world that cares little for virtue.
Both talks were powerful, neither one will be accepted by the world. They were not “politically correct.” Yet neither man was sheepish, or apologetic. They made no excuses for declaring the Lord’s will. Sister Dalton stood with the same boldness as she pleaded for a ‘return to virtue.”
One of the things that always speaks to my soul, is the power of the testimony of an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, when they testify of Him. When someone like President Eyring stands and says that he knows Christ as well as if he had been with Him in Gethsemane, I feel amazed, and strengthened.
In this cynical, areligious world, the idea of men standing and declaring that they are special witnesses, and have an actual knowledge of, and a relationship with Divinity would seem, at best, delusional. But we know better. We feel the power of their testimonies. We marvel that they will stand and declare the truth without fear, and without apology.
Unflinching.
As I was thinking about this last night, one of the great verses of modern scripture came to my mind: Doctrine & Covenants 1:38
Amen!
Just a quick thought: how could Eyring know Christ as well as Joseph Smith, unless he too has seen him? Especial witness.
And now that I have watched conference this morning, isn’t it “coincidental “that the brethren spoke of truth even quoting the song…and of obedience? You people here on this blog must have all had premonitions to what you would encounter in conference today. Truly, the Spirit speaks and it gets better and better. I can hardly wait for the last session and for the post-posts.
Today merely confirms the “unflinching” thoughts. How many talks on obedience and how the commandments are not a buffet that you can pick and choose from?
Absolutely! Nothing gets me fired up than hearing the Lord’s servants being bold and, indeed, unflinching! I saw the importance of family and Priesthood stand out yesterday, and I am grateful. I loved Elder Perry today. Yikes! I would not want to be a part of a church and bent to every whim of the world. Let us be bold!
Good word for a summary! I saw a theme of Power… power in the Priesthood, in righteousness, in covenants, in virtue.
This post makes me think of the song, “Oh say what is truth”. Truth really will out weather the worst, and stay unchanged ever more.
Amen to that is right!
I’ve been feeling the gale-force winds of Satan and his minions a lot lately….so these were the answers I was looking for. I now have a testimony that the prayers of many saints have been passed on to the Brethren in preparation for this conference (and always!)
Loved this post and the comments. Aptly titled
Loved this post and the comments too. Aptly titled
I felt that so much of it had to do with “individual” obedience and relationships with our Savior. Universal peace vs. individual peace, standing for virtue even if you stand alone etc. I have strongly felt that one of Satan’s most powerful tools is his ability to make people believe they are all alone, that they are out numbered/ out powered and that there is no hope. There are many good people in this world, the evil is just so loud and in your face that it can appear that the good are few and far between. Know what I mean?
I do know what you mean, and I think you are absolutely right. What is even better is that much of the focus in conference has been what tools we can have to fight the battle, and to be stronger. That theme carried on into the Priesthood session as well.
When someone like President Eyring stands and says that he knows Christ as well as if he had been with Him in Gethsemane, I feel amazed, and strengthened.
I am amazed and humbled by the strength of this man to stay obedient, to continually repent as needed, his willingness to submit to his Father, the real intent with which he must have prayed, and to overcome temptation designed by the adversary exclusively for him.
I am strengthened by his example. It lets me know those same blessings are in store for me as I strive as he has strived, to repent as he has repented, to submit as he has submitted, to pray as he has prayed, and to overcome as he is overcoming.
He reminds me that with God all things are possible.
Oh, yeah!
Amen to that.
I think the theme that stood out to me was so many aspects of family were addressed. From parenting to youth to sharing the gospel to the Lord caring for our loved ones more than we do and how our choices on personal religious observances ( prayer, scripture study etc) and our obedience to commandments (ex. chastity before marriage and fidelity after) can bless our families. I loved the reminder that forgiveness is not just a one time thing, that the Lord is willing and waiting for us to come back each time – He does not expect perfection from us right from the start. He is more patient with us and our failings than we are with ourselves and our loved ones shortfalls.
Great day of conference – can’t wait for today’s spiritual feast!
Me, too, Tristan.