Over the past 7 weeks, I delved into the many teachings from living representatives of God. We are blessed to live in a day and age that allows us to have easy access to God’s word through his chosen mouthpieces and to have such frequent access to this revelation. Throughout this post, I will share some of my favorite quotes for eight topics I believe are of the most importance in today’s society.
Our Divine Identity
“You become a covenant child of God and an inheritor in His kingdom. I can imagine Him saying to you, ‘Thou art my dear child in whom I delight. Welcome home.’” Dale G. Renlund - General Conference April 2023
“You are sons and daughters of God, His children. You have been given divine attributes. To reach your full potential, you must ask for God’s help.” Russell M. Nelson - General Conference October 2022
“You are a child of God. He is the Father of your spirit. Spiritually you are of noble birth, the offspring of the King of Heaven. Fix that truth in your mind and hold to it.” To Young Women and Men - Boyd K. Packer - Ensign: May 1989
“Be careful how you characterize yourself. Don’t characterize or define yourself by some temporary quality. The only single quality that should characterize us is that we are a son or daughter of God. That fact transcends all other characteristics, including race, occupation, physical characteristics, honors, or even religious affiliation.” How to Define Yourself - Dallin H. Oaks - New Era: June 2013
“You are a child of God. He is the Father of your spirit. Spiritually, you are of noble birth, the offspring of the King of Heaven.” How to Define Yourself - Dallin H. Oaks - New Era: June 2013
“The Light of Christ is placed in every newborn child. With that universal gift comes a sense of what is right, a desire to love and be loved. There is an inborn sense of justice and truth in every child of God as he or she comes into mortality.” Henry B. Eyring - General Conference April 2023
“As you come to Christ and are connected to Him and our Heavenly Father by covenant, something seemingly unnatural happens. You are transformed and become perfected in Jesus Christ.” Dale G. Renlund - General Conference April 2023
“Have you ever thought about the tremendous risk our Father in Heaven takes each time He sends a child to earth? These are His spirit sons and daughters. They have limitless potential. They are destined to become glorious beings of goodness, grace, and truth.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf - General Conference April 2023
“Remember, you are a spirit child of Heavenly Father. As the Apostle Paul explains, we are “the offspring of God.” You have lived with your own individual identity long before coming to earth. Our Father created a perfect plan for us to come to earth, learn, and return to Him.” Niel L. Andersen - General Conference April 2023
"Our divine identity as sons and daughters of God gives us the strength and courage to endure life's challenges." Ronald A. Rasband - General Conference April 2022
We live today in a society that rejects more and more the belief in God in our institutions, and this has happened almost simultaneously with the emergence of the mental health crisis in America. What happens when people do not understand who they are or their divine potential is a lost sense of self. When people face challenges, without understanding their divine potential, they have no confidence in their ability to power through and to grow into what God wants them to be. As Elder Rasband said, “Our divine identity as sons and daughters of God gives us the strength and courage to endure life's challenges." It is truly divine inspiration that God’s prophets and apostles have spoken and clearly stated the importance of this knowledge. There is no other identity that is more important than our identity as children of God.
Jesus Christ And Your Covenants
“The term covenant path refers to a series of covenants whereby we come to Christ and connect to Him. Through this covenant bond, we have access to His eternal power. The path begins with faith in Jesus Christ and repentance, followed by baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost.9 Jesus Christ showed us how to enter the path when He was baptized.” Dale G. Renlund - General Conference April 2023
“Those who accept the gospel of Jesus Christ, regardless of lineage, become part of gathered Israel.” Quentin L. Cook - General Conference April 2023
“Third, the Savior promises that as we keep our covenants, we can feel the love of the Father and the Son for each other and for us. We can feel Their closeness in our mortal lives, just as we will when we are blessed to be with Them forever.” Henry B. Eyring - General Conference April 2023
“At baptism and when we partake of the sacrament,12 we witness that we are willing to take on ourselves the name of Jesus Christ.” Dale G. Renlund General Conference April 2023
“We are too diverse and at times too discordant to be able to come together as one on any other basis or under any other name. Only in Jesus Christ can we truly become one.” D. Todd Christofferson - General Conference April 2023
“My prayer at this Easter season is that we will more consciously shape, strengthen, and secure this preeminent thought of Jesus Christ in the chambers of our soul, allowing it to eagerly flow into our mind, guide us in what we think and do, and continually bring the sweet joy of the Savior’s love.” Neil L. Andersen - General Conference April 2023
“You covenant to always remember the Savior. In situations that are highly charged and filled with contention, I invite you to remember Jesus Christ. Pray to have the courage and wisdom to say or do what He would.” Russell M. Nelson - General Conference April 2023
“True discipleship is unfailing commitment, obedience to eternal laws, and love of God, first and foremost. Nothing wavering. The multitude who paid tribute with palms hailed Him as the Messiah. That was exactly who He was. They were drawn to Him, His miracles, and His teachings. But the adulation for many did not last. Some who earlier had shouted, ‘Hosanna,’ soon turned and cried, ‘Crucify him.’” Ronald A. Rasband - General Conference April 2023
“Our testimonies grow as we act upon the principles of the gospel—by exercising faith, by repenting, and by making and keeping sacred covenants.” Quentin L. Cook - General Conference April 2022
“By acknowledging that every good thing comes from Jesus Christ, we will communicate our faith more effectively to others. We will have courage when confronted with seemingly impossible tasks and circumstances. We will strengthen our resolve to keep the covenants we have made to follow the Savior.” Dale G. Renlund - General Conference April 2020
It is often said that to know someone is to love them. I believe that to love someone is to know them. How can you love someone you have never met? Though we cannot physically meet Jesus on this earth life, we can come to know him by living the way he lived and following his teachings. Christ gave us the perfect example through making covenants with our Father in Heaven. Those covenants bind us to Christ because each covenant is centered on him and his atonement. If we truly love our Savior, we will make a covenant to serve him and God in all that we do.
Let God Prevail & Follow His Prophets
“Father’s plan is based on righteousness, keeping His commandments, and receiving sacred ordinances and honoring the covenants we make.” Quentin L. Cook - General Conference April 2023
“Where God prevails in all hearts and minds, the people are described as ‘in one, the children of Christ.’” D. Todd Christofferson - General Conference April 2023
“Embrace prophecy and prophetic teachings, act on promptings of the Holy Ghost, become a true disciple, and seek the healing power of our Lord’s Atonement. That bucket list will take you somewhere you want to go—back to your Father in Heaven.” Ronald A. Rasband - General Conference April 2023
“The Lord is gathering those who are willing to let God prevail in their lives. The Lord is gathering those who will choose to let God be the most important influence in their lives.” Russell M. Nelson - General Conference October 2020"
“The decision to let God prevail in our lives is the choice to walk the covenant path with Him as our guide and mentor.” Neil L. Andersen - General Conference October 2020
“Following the prophet’s counsel, even when it’s difficult, opens us to the blessings that come from trusting in God’s chosen leaders.” D. Todd Christofferson - General Conference April 2019
“When we let God prevail, our lives are filled with peace and purpose, even in the midst of storms.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf - General Conference April 2022
“The invitation to follow the living prophets is an invitation to let God prevail in our personal lives and families.” David A. Bednar - General Conference October 2020
“Our choice to follow the prophets, even when their counsel seems hard, is a sign of our faith and our willingness to let God prevail in our lives.” Henry B. Eyring - General Conference April 2021
“Letting God prevail means putting aside personal desires in favor of following His will and trusting His prophets.” Jeffrey R. Holland - General Conference October 2021
God has provided us with the atonement and His gospel to help guide us back to Him, but he is not physically here to teach us. Since the creation of the world, God has called worthy men to be His prophets to guide His people home. When we hear a prophet speak, we are hearing the messages that God is giving us. By following God’s prophets, we are really following God. Prophets are imperfect people just like us, but just as God can send angels in our lives in the form of imperfect people, he can send his message to us through imperfect men that he has called as prophets. By listening to them and living their teachings, we are letting God prevail.
Teaching Truth with Love
“Your love for your children creates a rich environment for teaching truth and building faith. Make your home a house of prayer, learning, and faith; a house of joyful experiences; a place of belonging; a house of God.5 And ‘pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that [you] may be filled with [His] love, which he [bestows] upon … followers of his Son, Jesus Christ.’” Dieter F. Uchtdorf - General Conference April 2023
“Anger never persuades. Hostility builds no one. Contention never leads to inspired solutions.” Russell M. Nelson - General Conference April 2023
“Followers of Christ should be examples of civility... When we teach truth, we should do so with love and a genuine desire to help, not to harm.” Dallin H. Oaks - General Conference October 2020
“The voice of reason and love must be heard. The truths we teach should bring hope and healing to others, rather than contention.” Jeffrey R. Holland - General Conference October 2018
“We are to stand firm in our testimony of the truth, but always do so in the spirit of love and humility.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf - General Conference April 2014
“As we proclaim eternal truths, we must always act in love, respecting the agency and feelings of others.” Russell M. Nelson - October 2021
“Our efforts to share the gospel must be fueled by love and concern for the well-being of others, not by a desire to prove them wrong.” Dale G. Renlund - General Conference October 2021
“We teach best when we teach with love, seeking to help others see the beauty and importance of gospel principles.” Quentin L. Cook - General Conference October 2019
“The truths of the gospel should be shared with patience and love, never forcing or coercing others to accept them.” Neil L. Andersen - General Conference October 2020
“As we testify of truth, we must also testify of love—love for God, love for His children, and love for the path that leads back to Him.” Ronald A. Rasband - General Conference April 2017
God has entrusted us with the responsibility to share His truth with love, modeling our efforts after the example of Jesus Christ. Teaching truth is not simply about teaching correct principles but doing so in a spirit of compassion, patience, and understanding. Truth, when shared with love, invites hearts to soften and opens the way for change, repentance, and growth. High love means high expectations. We teach truth because we love others. Like the Savior, we should strive to meet others where they are, respecting their agency while offering guidance. As we teach with love, we reflect God's desire for all His children to come unto Him, embracing truth with open hearts.
Take Charge of Your Testimony
“In these simple words, ‘Lord, is it I?’ lies the beginning of wisdom and the pathway to personal conversion and lasting change.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf - General Conference October 2014
“A testimony of Jesus Christ, born of and strengthened by the Spirit, changes lives—it changes the way we think and how we live. A testimony turns us toward our Heavenly Father and His divine Son.” M. Russell Ballard - General Conference April 2023
“I invite you to bear your testimony of Jesus Christ more often. Bear testimony of what you know and believe and what you feel, not just of what you are thankful for. Testify of your own experiences of coming to know and love the Savior, of living His teachings, and of His redemptive and enabling power in your life.” M. Russell Ballard - General Conference April 2023
“We, like the ten virgins, have lamps; but do we have oil? I fear there are some who are just getting by on a thin skiff of oil, too busy with worldly pressures to properly prepare. Oil comes from believing and acting on prophecy and the words of living prophets, President Nelson in particular, his counselors, and the Twelve Apostles. Oil fills our souls when we hear and feel the Holy Ghost and act on that divine guidance. Oil pours into our hearts when our choices show we love the Lord and we love what He loves. Oil comes from repenting and seeking the healing of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.” Ronald A. Rasband - General Conference April 2023
“Spiritual growth cannot be passive; it requires deliberate and continuous effort.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf - General Conference April 2021
“We are agents to act, not objects to be acted upon. We need to seek and nurture our testimony daily.” David A. Bednar - General Conference October 2021
“Do the spiritual work to increase your faith, by praying, studying, and serving.” Russell M. Nelson - General Conference October 2019
“Our testimonies grow as we act upon the principles of the gospel—by exercising faith, by repenting, and by making and keeping sacred covenants.” Quentin L. Cook - General Conference April 2022
“Your testimony needs to be constantly nourished and tended to, or it will diminish over time.” Jeffrey R. Holland - General Conference April 2020
“You must not leave your testimony to chance—regular effort is required to sustain and grow your faith.” Neil L. Andersen - General Conference October 2019
Taking charge of your testimony means actively seeking to strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ and His gospel. Years ago, my cross country coach yelled to me something in a race that I have applied to my gospel life as well: “If you’re not going faster, you’re going slower.” This taught me that whatever I’m not actively trying to improve will dwindle through my ignorance. A testimony, much like any living and growing thing, requires constant nourishment through study, prayer, and obedience. Rather than relying solely on the testimonies of others, we must seek our own spiritual confirmation. As we engage in daily scripture study, attend church, and seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost, our testimony deepens. Challenges and doubts may arise, but when we take ownership of our testimony, we are prepared to face trials with faith and confidence, knowing we are anchored in truth.
Avoiding False Prophets
“It is very common to see these people passing on such comments to others, who repeat what they heard without truly knowing all the circumstances surrounding a situation. Unfortunately, social media encourages this kind of behavior in the name of relative truths and transparency. Without restraint, digital conversation often leads people to personal attacks and heated disputes, creating disappointments, wounding hearts, and spreading flaming hostility.” Ulisses Soares - General Conference April 2023
“A remarkable story in the Book of Mormon tells of a young man, from a prominent family, named Alma, whom the scriptures describe as an idolatrous unbeliever. He was articulate and convincing, using flattery to persuade others to follow him.” Neil L. Andersen - General Conference April 2023
“Jesus Christ declared that those who have ‘the spirit of contention’ are not of Him but are ‘of the devil, who is the father of contention, and [the devil] stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.’ Those who foster contention are taking a page out of Satan’s playbook, whether they realize it or not.” Russell M. Nelson - General Conference April 2023
“Our words must be precise and pure, measured and seasoned, faithful and true. The teachings of the Savior and His prophets cannot be misunderstood.” Jeffrey R. Holland - General Conference April 2004
“We live in perilous times. False prophets and false ideologies beckon for our attention, but in the cacophony of voices, there is one source of truth and light.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf - General Conference October 2004
“False prophets and philosophies seek to draw us away, but those who cling to the rod of iron—the word of God—will not be deceived.” Quentin L. Cook - General Conference April 2008
“The Lord has given us prophets, seers, and revelators to protect us from being deceived by falsehoods.” D. Todd Christofferson - General Conference October 2013
“Many voices vie for your attention today, and false prophets abound. Let the teachings of the living prophet be your guide.” Russell M. Nelson - General Conference October 2003
“Stay close to the teachings of the prophets, for false teachings and counterfeit doctrines surround us.” L. Tom Perry - General Conference October 1998
“False prophets would have us turn away from the simple truths of the gospel, but we must hold firm to the testimonies we have received.” David A. Bednar - General Conference October 2010
Avoiding false prophets is essential to staying on the path of truth in a world filled with spiritual deception. We live in a world where information is passed in the blink of an eye, and anyone with a platform will claim to be speaking truth. In the latter days, we are warned that false prophets will arise, seeking to lead people astray by mixing truth with error. As Latter-day Saints, we are blessed with living prophets and apostles who guide us through the promptings of the Holy Ghost and divine revelation. To discern between true and false prophets, we must remain grounded in the teachings of the restored gospel, study the scriptures, and follow the counsel of living leaders. Personal revelation is crucial; as we live worthily and seek the Spirit, we can receive guidance to distinguish truth from error. False prophets often appeal to pride, popularity, or self-interest, but the true servants of God always invite us to humility, service, and faithfulness to Christ. By clinging to the iron rod and staying close to the teachings of the Church, we can avoid being led astray and remain steadfast in the gospel.
Standing Up for What is Right
“Unlike the Amazon, we can choose whether we yield to heavenly powers or ‘go with the flow.’ Going against the flow may be difficult. But when we yield ‘to the enticings of the Holy Spirit’ and put off the selfish tendencies of the natural man or woman, we can receive the Savior’s transforming power in our lives, the power to do difficult things.” Dale G. Renlund -General Conference April 2023
“An essential part of this missionary effort is for individual members to become beacon-light examples wherever we live. We cannot be in camouflage. Our Christlike example of kindness, righteousness, happiness, and sincere love for all peoples can create not only a guiding beacon light for them but also an understanding that there is a safe harbor in the ordinances of salvation and exaltation of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.” Quentin L. Cook - General Conference April 2023
“Satan will oppose you, distract you, try to discourage you. But every child has received the Light of Christ as a direct line to heaven. And the Savior will help you, guide you, and encourage you. Seek His help. Inquire of the Lord!” Jesus Dieter F. Uchtdorf - General Conference April 2023
“Nephi prophesied that in the latter days, the enemy would rage and stir up people to anger against what is good. The scriptures teach that ‘every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.’” Ulisses Soares - General Conference April 2023
“The Savior’s message is clear: His true disciples build, lift, encourage, persuade, and inspire—no matter how difficult the situation. True disciples of Jesus Christ are peacemakers.” Russell M. Nelson - General Conference April 2023
“Finally, on this Palm Sunday weekend, I testify that being converted to the Lord, bearing testimony of Him, and serving Him are also among the things that matter most.” M. Russel Ballard - General Conference April 2023
“Following the prophet’s counsel, even when it’s difficult, opens us to the blessings that come from trusting in God’s chosen leaders.” D. Todd Christofferson - General Conference April 2019
“Our choice to follow the prophets, even when their counsel seems hard, is a sign of our faith and our willingness to let God prevail in our lives.” Henry B. Eyring - General Conference April 2021
“False prophets and philosophies seek to draw us away, but those who cling to the rod of iron—the word of God—will not be deceived.” Quentin L. Cook - General Conference April 2008
“Our testimonies grow as we act upon the principles of the gospel—by exercising faith, by repenting, and by making and keeping sacred covenants.” Quentin L. Cook - General Conference April 2022
Standing up for what is right is a fundamental principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In a world where moral standards are increasingly challenged, Latter-day Saints are called to be a light, defending truth and righteousness even when it is difficult or unpopular. Like Captain Moroni, who raised the Title of Liberty, we must stand firm in our commitment to uphold God's commandments. This requires courage, humility, and trust in the Lord. Standing for truth doesn’t mean being contentious, but rather showing Christlike love while remaining firm in our convictions. Whether we face opposition at work, in school, or in our communities, we are never truly alone when we stand with God. He promises strength and support to those who are valiant in their testimony. As we choose to defend what is right, we also inspire others to do the same, becoming instruments in the Lord’s hands to build His kingdom and spread His light to a world in need.
Raising a Family
“That is what the scripture promises: ‘Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.’ It will require the one charged with the child’s care and nurturing to be worthy of the gift of peace.” Henry B. Eyring - General Conference April 2023
“Accept this privilege and responsibility courageously and joyfully. Don’t delegate this source of heavenly blessings to anyone else. Within the framework of gospel values and principles, you are the ones to guide your child in the details of daily decisions. Help your children build faith in Jesus Christ, love His gospel and His Church, and prepare for a lifetime of righteous choices. In fact, that is God’s plan for parents.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf - General Conference April 2023
“In his deep despair, he remembered being taught in his youth about ‘the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.’” Neil L. Andersen - General Conference April 2023
“First, a relationship with our Heavenly Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, is most important. This relationship matters most now and in eternity. Second, family relationships are among those things that matter most.” M. Russell Ballard - General Conference April 2023
“In our homes, we help our children know how to approach God in prayer, to recognize His answers, and to hear His voice. We teach them to value the gift of the Holy Ghost, to experience daily joy through faith, and to believe in Jesus Christ, His atonement, and His resurrection.” Neil L. Andersen - General Conference April 2022
“The role of husband and wife, mother and father, is to preside over their families in love and righteousness. This means bringing the teachings of Christ into our homes as the core of family life.” D. Todd Christofferson - General Conference April 2015
“Above all, a loving home is the place where we teach our children that ‘faith, family, and Christlike love are the center of life.’” Jeffrey R. Holland - General Conference October 2015
“The greatest work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own home, with your own children.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf - General Conference April 2010
“As parents, we are to be examples of disciples of Christ in everything we do and say. Our homes should be a refuge for faith.” David A. Bednar - General Conference October 2009
“The family is the foundation for love, peace, and unity that can help heal the world.” Quentin L. Cook - General Conference April 2019
This topic was especially important to me as I prepare to bring a child into this world in February. Given the state of the world where children can be taken from their families because the world disagrees with their values, I am very anxious about the task my Heavenly Father has given me to raise up one of his spirit children. I want to protect my child from the evils of the world, while still allowing them to experience enough opposition to fortify their testimony. Raising a family is one of the most sacred, yet most important responsibilities we have. Families are central to God's plan of happiness, and it is within the family that eternal truths are taught and lived. As parents, we are entrusted with the divine stewardship to nurture and guide our children in the gospel, helping them develop faith in Jesus Christ. This requires consistent effort in teaching, praying, and setting an example of righteous living. Family prayer, scripture study, and regular church attendance create a foundation where the Spirit can dwell, strengthening family unity and testimony. In a world full of distractions and challenges, it is essential to prioritize gospel teachings and the importance of love, forgiveness, and service within the home. As we raise our children in light and truth, we prepare them to face the world with faith and integrity, knowing they are children of a Heavenly Father who loves them. Ultimately, the goal of raising a family is to help each member return to live with God as an eternal family.
Personal Application
I have learned a lot from the living apostles throughout these past few weeks, and when it was time to choose a personal application, I wanted to apply these teachings to something that has been eating at me the last little while. Ever since coming home from my mission, I saw all at once how many people that I looked up to in church had lost their testimonies and will to press forward. It was devastating to me as I realized how fragile a testimony really is. I knew that if I didn’t do what was necessary to fortify my testimony and strengthen it against temptation, I was likely to leave the gospel as well. So I decided I would explore the delicate parts of my testimony. I wanted to find out why I believe, why God wants me to believe, and why other people I know believe as well. So for two weeks, I spent 30 minutes each day writing in my journal about my thoughts on the following topics.
The Garment of the Holy Priesthood
Why do I wear my garments?
I often am hard on myself because I focus on this topic so much. I find it hard to find a happy medium between judging others for what is between them and the Lord, and not caring at all about what my fellow members are doing and let it influence me for bad. My testimony of this topic that I thought was firm was really just weak and blind obedience. I grew up with faithful parents and I never saw them go out without their garments on unless it was to run or swim. I wanted to serve a mission and it wasn’t until after I got my mission call that I realized I had to be endowed. I wasn’t expecting to go through the temple so soon in my life. But I did it because that’s what you do. I wore my garments because my parents did it and because I covenanted to wear them and God will not be mocked. When I came back from my mission, it seemed almost as if the church had made a statement saying that it was okay to wear them only sometimes because so many people my age that had gone through the temple had stopped wearing them. Having never thought about the option of not wearing them, I had to ask myself why I did wear them, and most of all, why God wants me to wear them.
Quotes and truths I found in my journaling journey:
“Our testimonies grow as we act upon the principles of the gospel—by exercising faith, by repenting, and by making and keeping sacred covenants.” Quentin L. Cook - General Conference April 2022
As I continue to wear my garments even when no one else is, my testimony and love for them will be strengthened.“To achieve those holy purposes, we are instructed to wear temple garments continuously, with the only exceptions being those obviously necessary. Because covenants do not ‘take a day off,’ to remove one’s garments can be understood as a disclaimer of the covenant responsibilities and blessing to which they relate.” President Oaks - General Conference April 2024
I learned that there is no justification for taking the day off of my covenants when covenants don’t take the day off for me. Just as you can’t break the covenant of the law of chastity just once and be okay without serious repentance, I need to take my promise to wear those sacred symbols just as seriously.“Unlike the Amazon, we can choose whether we yield to heavenly powers or “go with the flow.” Going against the flow may be difficult. But when we yield “to the enticings of the Holy Spirit” and put off the selfish tendencies of the natural man or woman, we can receive the Savior’s transforming power in our lives, the power to do difficult things.” Dale G. Renlund -General Conference April 2023
I learned that the right thing will never be the easy thing unless we have practiced it so much that it becomes an easy decision. If it wasn’t something hard, would it even be worth doing? Although my peers have decided to go with the flow, I will choose to stand firm and forge the covenant path in my own life.
I explored a lot about my testimony in other aspects of the gospel, but I have already written so much and I have personal experiences that I won’t post to the internet. I am overall so grateful for the spiritual leaders I have in my life today that give me reminders from God and teach me the why behind everything he has asked me to do. I know that it is all for the wellbeing of my soul.