Sunday, September 28, 2014

Obeying Counsel

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I recently attended a broadcast of the General Women's Meeting and there was beautiful counsel given. Most of the evening was devoted to the topic of "Temple Worthiness" and "Being an Example." President Deter F. Uchtdorf gave a powerful talk on how each of us is a blessing in the lives of our family and peers. He spoke of how "Now is the Time to Act" and that each of us is responsible for using our talents to uplift others.
We have all been given special talents and gifts in this life and the best way to show gratitude to God is by serving others and using those gifts to benefit others. We do not all have the same gifts, we each have individual talents both known and unknown. 

"For all have not every gift given unto them; 
for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God." 
-Doctrine and Covenants 46:11

Sister Linda K. Burton spoke of personal worthiness and being virtuous. Spiritual growth cannot be handed out and shared, it must be developed from within and as Sister Burton said, "we must practice virtue and obedience" daily to receive spiritual blessings. God wants us to obey his laws and commandments and that to do so is showing our love for him. 

"If ye love me, keep my commandments." 
- John 14:15

Sister Jean A. Stevens spoke of covenants and family history. She spoke of how each of us makes covenants with God and how we are responsible for keeping true to those covenants and worthy to receive the blessings they hold. In the Temple we make sacred covenants that last through eternity and these "eternal promises provide comfort." We must be prepared for Gods instruction and guidance for our lives and take each opportunity to offer gratitude to Him. As we keep and obey Gods commandments we will leave behind a legacy of strength and faith for our families and peers. 

As we go throughout our daily life we have been counseled to, "give a voice to truth and be a righteous influence to others." As we live worthy lives as examples of Jesus Christ we will be blessed with the Eternal blessings God has for us. 

I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life and the blessing God has given to me. I am grateful that we receive counsel from the Lord through His servants, the Prophet and Apostles, and the opportunity I have to watch General Conference this coming weekend. I know that Jesus Christ lives and that He has provided a way for us to return through His great atoning sacrifice and that I have the ability to repent of my sins. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.