As I have studied and pondered the counsel given at the October 2014 General Conference, I noticed a few consistent themes. A number of talks related to the idea of following a path that leads to Jesus Christ, and making sure that we are facing him.
President Thomas S. Monson, “Ponder the Path of Thy Feet”.
“As we look to Jesus as our Exemplar and as we follow in His footsteps, we can return safely to our Heavenly Father to live with Him forever.”
“Physically walking where Jesus walked is less important than walking as He walked.”
“As we strive to place Christ at the center of our lives by learning His words, by following His teachings, and by walking in His path, He has promised to share with us the eternal life that He died to gain.”
“Nothing else, no other choice we make, can make of us what He can.”
“Ponder the path of thy feet” (Proverbs 4:26).
“The Savior’s example provides a framework for everything that we do, and His words provide an unfailing guide. His path will take us safely home.”
Elder Eduardo Gavarret, “Yes, Lord, I Will Follow Thee.”
“The decision to “come unto me” and “follow me” is personal. When we accept this invitation, our level of commitment is raised, and it is then that we can “walk with Him.” This level establishes a closer relationship with the Savior—the fruit of our accepting the first invitation.”
What steps can we take today to “walk with Him”?
- Feed the desire to be a better follower of Christ.
- Pray for this desire that your faith in Him may grow.
- Obtain knowledge from the scriptures, lighting the way and strengthening your desire to change.
- Make the decision today to act and say, “Yes, Lord, I will follow Thee!” Simply knowing the truth will not change your world unless you turn knowledge into action.
- Persevere in the decision you have made by exercising these principles daily.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson, “Free Forever, to Act for Themselves”.
“The gospel of Jesus Christ opens the path to what we may become.”
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Lord, Is it I?”.
“Is your heart set on the convenient things of this world, or is it focused on the teachings of the diligent Jesus Christ? “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
“Does the Spirit of God dwell in your hearts? Are you “rooted and grounded” in the love of God and of your fellowmen? Do you devote sufficient time and creativity to bringing happiness to your marriage and family? Do you give your energies to the sublime goal of comprehending and living “the breadth, and length, and depth, and height”of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ?”
“May I suggest that the holy scriptures and the talks given at general conference are an effective mirror we can hold up for self-examination.
As you hear or read the words of the ancient and modern prophets, refrain from thinking about how the words apply to someone else and ask the simple question: “Lord, is it I?”
We must approach our Eternal Father with broken hearts and teachable minds. We must be willing to learn and to change. And, oh, how much we gain by committing to live the life our Heavenly Father intends for us.”
Elder Carlos A. Godoy, “The Lord Has a Plan for Us!”.
“We are not here in this life just to waste our time, grow old, and die. God wants us to grow and achieve our potential.”
“I know that the Lord has a plan for us in this life. He knows us. He knows what is best for us. Just because things are going well does not mean that we should not from time to time consider whether there might be something better. If we continue to live as we are living, will the promised blessings be fulfilled?”
Elder Larry S. Kacher, “Trifle Not with Sacred Things”.
“The decisions we make in this life greatly affect the course of our eternal life.”
“Heavenly Father has blessed us with the supernal gift of the Holy Ghost to guide our choices. He has promised us inspiration and revelation as we live worthy to receive such. I invite you to take advantage of this divine gift and examine your choices by asking yourself the question, “Are my decisions firmly planted in the rich soil of the gospel of Jesus Christ?” I invite you to make whatever adjustments are needed, whether small or large, to ensure the eternal blessings of Heavenly Father’s plan for you and those you love.”
Elder Hugo E. Martinez, “Our Personal Ministries”.
“The teachings of our Lord, Jesus Christ, show us the way.”
Elder Jorg Klebingat, “Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence”.
“The decision to change is yours–and yours alone”.
1. Take responsibility for your own spiritual well-being.
2. Take responsibility for your own physical well-being.
3. Embrace voluntary, wholehearted obedience as part of your life.
4. Become really, really good at repenting thoroughly and quickly.
5. Become really, really good at forgiving.
6. Accept trials, setbacks, and “surprises” as part of your mortal experience.
” I testify of a loving Savior who rejoices when we apply His Atonement daily with the calm and happy assurance that we are facing in the right direction.”
Moroni 10:32 “Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.”