Sunday Afternoon Session

Elder Quentin L. Cook, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
'Beware of bondage'



Drawing inspiration from the books of Jeremiah, Lamentations and Psalms, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve spoke in the Sunday afternoon session of general conference about the many forms of bondage and subjugation that people struggle with in life. "I will compare some circumstances of our day with those in the days of Jeremiah before the downfall of Jerusalem," he said.

"God intended that men and women would be free to make choices between good and evil," said Elder Cook. "When evil choices become the dominant characteristic of a culture or nation, there are serious consequences both in this life and the life to come."

Bondage, subjugation and servitude come in many forms, said Elder Cook. They can be literal physical enslavement but can also be loss or impairment of moral agency that can impede progress. "Other kinds of bondage are equally destructive of the human spirit," said Elder Cook. "Moral agency can be abused in many ways."

He then listed four ways in today's culture that people fall into bondage. First he mentioned that addictions can impair agency, contradict moral beliefs and destroy good health. "The impact of drugs and alcohol, immorality, pornography, gambling, financial subjugation and other afflictions impose on those in bondage and on society a burden of such magnitude that it is almost impossible to quantify."

Second, addictions that are not inherently evil can use up a precious allotment of time, which could otherwise be used to accomplish virtuous objectives, he said. "These can include excessive use of social media, video and digital games, sports, recreation and many others. …How we preserve time for family is one of the most significant issues we face in most cultures."

"Third, the most universal subjugation in our day, as it has been throughout history, is ideology or political beliefs that are inconsistent with the gospel of Jesus Christ," said Elder Cook. "This is emblematic of our own day where gospel truths are often rejected or distorted to make them intellectually more appealing or compatible with current cultural trends and intellectual bondage."

Fourth, forces that cause righteous people to violate sincerely held religious principles can result in bondage, he said. One of the most invidious forms is when those who feel accountable to God for their conduct are forced into activities that violate their conscience. Latter-day Saints in every country should be good citizens, participate in civic affairs, educate themselves on the issues and vote, said Elder Cook.

"Our challenge is to avoid bondage of any kind, help the Lord gather His elect and sacrifice for the rising generations," he said. We must always remember that we do not save ourselves. We are liberated by the love, grace and atoning sacrifice of the Savior. If we are true to His light, follow His commandments, and rely on His merits, we will avoid spiritual, physical and intellectual bondage as well as the lamentation for wandering in our own wilderness for He is mighty to save."

Elder Neil L. Andersen, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
'Power in the priesthood'



All can live every hour “blessed by the strength of priesthood power,” no matter their circumstance in life.

“We sometimes overly associate the power of the priesthood with men in the Church,” he said. “The priesthood is the power and authority of God given for the salvation and blessing of all — men, women and children.”

Elder Andersen compared the priesthood to a man opening drapes to allow warm sunlight to come into a room. The man does not own the sun or the light or the warmth it brings, showing that “the blessings of the priesthood are infinitely greater than the one who is asked to administer the gift.”

To receive the blessings, power and promises of the priesthood in this life and the next is one of the great opportunities and responsibilities of mortality, he said.

“As we are worthy, the ordinances of the priesthood enrich our lives on earth and prepare us for the magnificent promises of the world ahead,” Elder Andersen taught. ”The Lord said: ‘In the ordinances … the power of godliness is manifest.’ … Through the ordinances of the priesthood ... all of us receive comfort, strength, protection, peace and eternal promises.”

As individuals make and keep sacred covenants they are able to receive priesthood power and blessings.

“Some may sincerely ask the question, ‘If the power and blessings of the priesthood are available to all, why are the ordinances of the priesthood administered by men?’” he asked.

In response, Elder Andersen shared the words of Nephi when he said he knew God loves all of His children, even though he did “not know the meaning of all things.”

Elder Andersen spoke of “things we do know” about the priesthood.

Although God loves all of His children the same, He did not create men and woman exactly the same. Sacred responsibility is given to each gender and, from the beginning, the Lord established how His priesthood would be administered, Elder Andersen said. The power of the holy priesthood takes faith and worthiness, with righteousness as the qualifier for all to invite priesthood power into their lives.

“While we know a lot about the priesthood, seeing through the lens of mortality does not always give a complete understanding of the workings of God,” he said. “But His gentle reminder, ‘my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ reassures us that with time and eternal perspective we will see things ‘as they really are’ and more completely understand His perfect love.”

The keys of the priesthood — held by members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, direct the work of the Lord upon the earth, while specific priesthood keys are conferred upon stake presidents and bishops for their geographic responsibilities.

“They call men and women by revelation who are sustained and set apart to exercise delegated authority to teach and administer,” he said.

Sincerely asking for and listening to the thoughts and concerns voiced by women is vital in life, in marriage and in building the kingdom of God, Elder Andersen said.

Under the direction of President Monson and the First Presidency, there were many discussions with the General Relief Society, Young Women and Primary presidencies about the age change for missionary service, before President Monson’s decision and historic announcement. As bishops follow the example of President Monson, they will feel the guiding hand of the Lord blessing their sacred work more abundantly, he said.

"The power of God’s holy priesthood is found in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," he said. "I testify that as you worthily participate in the ordinances of the priesthood, the Lord will give you greater strength, peace and eternal perspective. Whatever your situation, your home will be ‘blessed by the strength of priesthood power’ and those close to you will more fully desire these blessings for themselves.”

Brother David M. McConkie, 1st counselor Sunday School General Presidency
'Teaching with the power and authority of God'



Brother David M. McConkie said teachers are among the great miracles of the restored gospel.

“There is indeed a secret to becoming a successful gospel teacher, to teaching with the power and authority of God,” said Brother McConkie, first counselor in the Sunday School general presidency. Speaking Sunday afternoon, he said, "I use the word ‘secret’ because the principles upon which a teacher’s success rests can be understood only by those who have a testimony of what took place [in the Sacred Grove].”

The long-awaited restitution of all things had begun and the principle of revelation was everlastingly established in this dispensation, Brother McConkie taught.

“Joseph’s message, and our message to the world, can be summarized in two words, ‘God speaks,’” he said. “He spoke anciently; He spoke to Joseph and He will speak to you. This is what sets you apart from all other teachers in the world. This is why you cannot fail.”

Because teachers in the Church are called by the spirit of prophecy and revelation and have been set apart by priesthood authority, they are different from other teachers.

“It means you are on the Lord’s errand,” he said. “You are His agent and you are authorized and commissioned to represent Him and to act on His behalf. As His agent, you are entitled to His help.”
Brother McConkie said that teachers must ask themselves, “What would the Savior say if He were teaching my class today, and how would He say it?”

Teachers are called to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ — not their own ideas of philosophy, even when mingled with scriptures — as found in the principles taught in the standard works of the Church, modern-day apostles and prophets and from direction from the Holy Ghost.

Living worthily and having daily spiritual preparation — including prayer, scripture study and obedience to the commandments — allow teachers access to the guidance of the Spirit. It is the Spirit, along with a sound understanding of the gospel, that teachers are able to have the power of God as they teach. They must also learn to listen as they teach, be willing to let go when the quiet promptings of the Holy Ghost come as they stand as an independent witnesses of the things taught.

“You must have the courage to set aside your outlines and notes and go where those promptings take you,” he said. “When we do this, the lesson you deliver is no longer your lesson, but it becomes the Savior’s lesson.”

Elder Kevin Scott Hamilton, First Quorum of the Seventy
'Continually holding fast'



Elder Kevin Scott Hamilton of the Seventy recounted story about his grandfather, who one Sunday decided not to attend sacrament meeting and, instead, went for a drive with his family, and eventually left the Church.

"That Sunday afternoon ride in the country was probably an enjoyable family activity, but that small decision became the start of a new direction, which ultimately lead his family away from the Church with its safety, security and blessings and onto a different path," he said.

Elder Hamilton explained the prophet Lehi's dream from the Book of Mormon and the different groups of people; those that were lost and never made it to the tree of life, those who partook of its and were ashamed and those that partook of the fruit and did not fall away.

"Those of us who are members of God's church today have made covenants to follow Jesus Christ and to obey God's commandments," he said.

Elder Hamilton taught of the importance of partaking of the sacrament each week and attending Church meetings.

"Sacrament meeting provides the opportunity to participate in the ordinance of the sacrament," he said.

"Our family has committed to always attend all of our Sunday meetings. We have found that this strengthens our faith and deepens our understanding of the gospel," Elder Hamilton said.

Elder Hamilton spoke about the importance of making the effort to attend all Church meetings.

"Continually holding fast to the rod means that we attend all of our Sunday meetings: sacrament meeting, Sunday school and Priesthood or Relief Society meetings.…We should never pick or choose which meetings we attend," he said.

In addition to attending meetings, Elder Hamilton explained that members must also keep the commandments.

"Continually holding fast to the rod (the word of God) means that we strive to keep all of God's commandments, to have daily personal and family prayer, and to study the scriptures daily."
Elder Hamilton explained that members are covenant people and will receive blessings if they hold to the rod and keep the commandments.

Elder Hamilton cautioned, "Our every day decisions will impact our lives in significant ways. A seemingly small decision such as whether or not to attend a sacrament meeting can have far-reaching, even eternal consequences."

"May we choose to be diligent and gain the great blessings and protections that come from gathering together and keeping covenants," he said.

Elder Adrian Q. Ochoa, First Quorum of the Seventy
'Look up'



Elder Adrian Q. Ochoa of the Seventy began his conference address Sunday afternoon by telling a story from his youth. He and his two cousins were sent to purchase groceries but due to poor weather conditions could not make it home. They had to stay with a family they didn't know, while loved ones searched all night for them. If they would have "looked up" and given attention to the weather, they would have been safe.

"My experience with my cousins taught me to pay attention to the signs of our times. We live in the stormy, perilous days Paul described: 'Men shall be lovers of their own selves, … disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy … false accusers, incontinent, … lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God" (2 Timothy 3:2-4).

One particular sign of the times Elder Ochoa warned about was with technology. "Technology has augmented our freedom of speech, but it also gives an unqualified blogger false credibility based on the number of viewers," he said. "In particular, I caution you not to view filthy images or give your attention to the false accusers of Christ and the Prophet Joseph Smith."

Elder Ochoa then suggested to members who come across anything that causes them to question their testimony of the gospel to "look up." Elder Ochoa said, "Look to the Source of all wisdom and truth. Nourish your faith and testimony with the word of God. There are those in the world who seek to undermine your faith by mixing lies with half-truths."

A way we can know if Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Joseph Smith is a true prophet is by their fruits, said Elder Ochoa. "I know for myself that my Redeemer has forgiven my sins and freed me of my personal yoke. … And I know for myself that Joseph Smith was a prophet … I have applied the simple promise of the Book of Mormon. … In simple words, look up."

Elder Ochoa said, "No one knows when the Lord will come again. But the perilous times are now upon us. Today is the time to look up to the Source of truth and ensure that our testimonies are strong."

Elder Terence M. Vinson, First Quorum of the Seventy
'Drawing closer to God'



Elder Terence M. Vinson of the Seventy began his remarks Sunday afternoon by quoting his 6-year-old grandson, Oli, who said, “Poppy loves me and is one of my best friends, and he takes care of me!”

Elder Vinson said as he has become acquainted with miraculous things that have occurred in the lives of faithful Saints, he agrees with Oli. “I think it’s because those faithful people feel the same way about Heavenly Father and the Savior as Oli feels about me. They love God as a close friend, and He takes care of them.”

“God should be the center of our universe — our literal focal point,” Elder Vinson said. He then asked, “Is He … sometimes far from the thoughts and intents of our hearts?”

Elder Vinson explained that one of the ways the Lord helps individuals remember Him is through adversity. “As I look back at the trials I have faced, it is clear that they have resulted in my growth, understanding and empathy. They have drawn me closer to my Heavenly Father and His Son, with experiences and refining engraved into my heart.”

Using the example of the brother of Jared who was faced with the challenge of providing fresh air and light in the barges he built, Elder Vinson pointed out that the Lord not only left the challenge temporarily unsolved but made clear that He would allow the trials that necessitated its solving. The Lord would send forth the winds, the rains and the floods (Ether 2:20-24).

“And why does He warn any of us to remove ourselves from a source of danger when He could simply stop the danger from happening?” Elder Vinson asked.

He then explained that the Lord, rather than solve the problem Himself, wants individuals to develop the faith to rely on Him in solving problems. “Then we can feel His love more constantly, more powerfully, more clearly, and more personally. We become united with Him and we can become more like Him. For us to be like Him, is His goal. In fact, it is His glory as well as His work” (Moses 1:39).

“Our Savior wants us to really love Him to the point that we want to align our will with His. We can then feel His love and know His glory. Then He can bless us as He wants to.”

Elder Russell M. Nelson, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
'Decisions for eternity'



Each day is a day of decision and decisions determine destiny, said Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve.

“One day each of us will stand before the Lord in judgment,” said Elder Nelson. “We will each have a personal interview with Jesus Christ. We will account for decisions that we made about our bodies, our spiritual attributes and how we honored God’s pattern for marriage and family.

“That we may choose wisely each day’s decisions for eternity is my earnest prayer.”

Speaking during the Sunday afternoon session, Elder Nelson told Church members that the wise use of freedom to make their own decisions is crucial to their spiritual growth, now and for eternity.

“You are never too young to learn, never too old to change. Your yearnings to learn and change come from a divinely instilled striving for eternal progression. Each day brings opportunity for decisions for eternity.”

Elder Nelson said his professional years as a medical doctor gave him a profound respect for the human body. “Created by God as a gift to you, it is absolutely amazing,” he said.

The body protects and repairs itself, he explained. “With your body being such as vital part of God’s eternal plan, it is little wonder that the Apostle Paul described it as a temple of God. Each time you look in the mirror, see your body as your temple. That truth — refreshed gratefully each day — can positively influence your decisions about how you will care for your body and how you will use it. And those decisions will determine your destiny.”

Elder Nelson said some of the decisions that will determine a person’s destiny include: “How will you choose to care for and use your body? What spiritual attributes will you choose to develop?”

Elder Nelson told the worldwide congregation that their Heavenly Father has known them for a long time. “You, as His son or daughter, were chosen by Him to come to earth at this precise time, to be leaders in His great work on earth. You were chosen not for your bodily characteristics, but for your spiritual attributes.”

A pivotal spiritual attribute is that of self-mastery — the strength to place reason over appetite, he said.

“It is not surprising then, that most temptations to stray from God’s plan of happiness come through the misuse of those essential, God-given appetites.”

Elder Nelson said a person can change behavior, but that true change can come only through the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. “He allows you to access His power as you keep His commandments, eagerly, earnestly and exactly.”

Marriage between a man and a woman is fundamental to the Lord’s doctrine and crucial to God’s eternal plan. “Regardless of what civil legislation may be enacted, the doctrine of the Lord regarding marriage and morality cannot be changed. Remember: sin, even if legalized by man, is still sin in the eyes of God.

“While we are to emulate our Savior’s kindness and compassion, while we are to value the rights and feelings of all of God’s children, we cannot change His doctrine. It is not ours to change. His doctrine is ours to study, understand and uphold.”

Elder Nelson said the Savior’s way of life is good. “His way includes chastity before marriage and total fidelity within marriage. The Lord’s way is the only way for us to experience enduring happiness.”