Satire: Man who can't remember anything President Nelson said in Conference thinks the prophet is ignoring him

<Satire>

Frank, a 45-year-old shelf replenishing engineer that lives in West Valley and balances his time putting on eyeliner and attacking the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, recently complained about how church President Russel M. Nelson seemed to be ignoring the needs of people in the state.

"We keep asking for the same things," explained Frank in exasperation. "We just want to have gay temple weddings, we want the church to fund gender transitions, and we want to be loved even if we identify as Pokemon on social media... But it's like he doesn't even hear what we're saying. How self-righteous does a person have to be to not even listen?!"

When asked about whether he listened to the prophet, Frank became defensive.

"I don't see what remembering what President Nelson said in General Conference has to do with anything," exclaimed Frank. "It's probably the same stuff like always... Honestly, I don't listen to what he's saying. It's easier when I don't hear it."

When reminded about the prophet's invitations to repent and come to Christ, Frank flipped us off, screamed profanities, and cried until his black eyeliner streaked down his large face.

</Satire>

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 11 - The Prince of Peace declares he is bringing a sword

This week's Come Follow Me curriculum covers Matthew 10-12, Mark 2, Luke 7, 11.

We emphasize the calling of Apostles, how the peace of Christ may not always be accompanied by peaceful circumstances, and why God rewards humble seekers of understanding.

Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-11-the-prince-of-peace-declares-he-is-bringing-a-sword

Youtube:

The Prophet said something I don't like... now what?

God has used prophets in nearly all his dealings with mankind.  From Moses to John the Baptist, and from the Apostle Peter to the Apostle Paul, God has spoken words of counsel, comfort, and correction through his chosen servants.

Sometimes these messages are received, but frequently, these words are rejected.  Prophets are asked to speak unpopular things.  Who wants to hear that they are bad and in need of repentance, especially when there are those who will quote a couple scriptures and tell you about how much you deserve good things?  Samuel, a Lamanite prophet, observed this tendency:

"Behold ye are worse than they; for as the Lord liveth, if a prophet come among you and declareth unto you the word of the Lord, which testifieth of your sins and iniquities, ye are angry with him, and cast him out and seek all manner of ways to destroy him; yea, you will say that he is a false prophet, and that he is a sinner, and of the devil, because he testifieth that your deeds are evil. But behold, if a man shall come among you and shall say: Do this, and there is no iniquity; do that and ye shall not suffer; yea, he will say: Walk after the pride of your own hearts; yea, walk after the pride of your eyes, and do whatsoever your heart desireth—and if a man shall come among you and say this, ye will receive him, and say that he is a prophet. Yea, ye will lift him up, and ye will give unto him of your substance; ye will give unto him of your gold, and of your silver, and ye will clothe him with costly apparel; and because he speaketh flattering words unto you, and he saith that all is well, then ye will not find fault with him." (Helaman 13:26-28)

In modern times, people have found fault with any number of policies.  Prophets who have advocated for defending marriage between a man and a woman (The Family: A Proclamation to the World), or who have warned of the perils of socialism (Ezra Taft Benson), or who have counseled against civil disobedience (Kentucky County Clerk issue).

Of course, prophets are not infallible... they are men, and all men except Jesus Christ have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  Jonah was swallowed by a whale, Moses was reprimanded for handling situations with his family and with Israel, the brother of Jared was chastised for hours because of the infrequency of his prayer, and Isaiah confessed that he was a man of unclean lips.

That having been said, when a prophet speaks as instructed by God, it is intended that their counsel be received and accepted.  Jesus himself taught:

"He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward." (Matthew 10:41)

While there are false prophets, God tends to be a bit more careful about what his actual prophets are permitted to say.  Consider this lesser known story from the book of Kings:

"And, behold, there came a man of God out of Judah by the word of the Lord unto Beth-el: and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense. And he cried against the altar in the word of the Lord, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the Lord; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men’s bones shall be burnt upon thee. And he gave a sign the same day, saying, This is the sign which the Lord hath spoken; Behold, the altar shall be rent, and the ashes that are upon it shall be poured out. And it came to pass, when king Jeroboam heard the saying of the man of God, which had cried against the altar in Beth-el, that he put forth his hand from the altar, saying, Lay hold on him. And his hand, which he put forth against him, dried up, so that he could not pull it in again to him. The altar also was rent, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign which the man of God had given by the word of the Lord." (1 Kings 13:1-5)

At first, this story is fairly straightforward.  Jeroboam the son of Nebat had forsaken the worship of the Lord for political reasons, and a prophet of Judah spoke the words that God had given him.  He had been commanded not to eat or drink, and to travel in a particular way, and because he had done exactly as he had been commanded, the power of God was made manifest.

Recognizing the power of the Lord, Jeroboam asked that the prophet pray for his hand.  When he had, Jeroboam's hand was restored.  Unfortunately, Jeroboam's belief stopped when he had what he thought he needed.  The prophet of Judah began his journey back, and here is where the story takes an unexpected turn:

"Now there dwelt an old prophet in Beth-el; and his sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Beth-el: the words which he had spoken unto the king, them they told also to their father... 

"And went after the man of God, and found him sitting under an oak: and he said unto him, Art thou the man of God that camest from Judah? And he said, I am. Then he said unto him, Come home with me, and eat bread. And he said, I may not return with thee, nor go in with thee: neither will I eat bread nor drink water with thee in this place: For it was said to me by the word of the Lord, Thou shalt eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou camest.

"He said unto him, I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the Lord, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him. So he went back with him, and did eat bread in his house, and drank water.

 "And it came to pass, as they sat at the table, that the word of the Lord came unto the prophet that brought him back: And he cried unto the man of God that came from Judah, saying, Thus saith the Lord, Forasmuch as thou hast disobeyed the mouth of the Lord, and hast not kept the commandment which the Lord thy God commanded thee, But camest back, and hast eaten bread and drunk water in the place, of the which the Lord did say to thee, Eat no bread, and drink no water; thy carcase shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers.

"And it came to pass, after he had eaten bread, and after he had drunk, that he saddled for him the ass, to wit, for the prophet whom he had brought back. And when he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slew him: and his carcase was cast in the way, and the ass stood by it, the lion also stood by the carcase." (1 Kings 13:11-24)

Because God expects his children to follow his prophets, he carefully ensures that they represent him properly.  As Wilford Woodruff taught, "The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray. It is not in the programme. It is not in the mind of God. If I were to attempt that, the Lord would remove me out of my place, and so He will any other man who attempts to lead the children of men astray from the oracles of God and from their duty."  This means you don't have to worry that the Prophet is leading you down the wrong path.

So if the Prophet of the Lord has said something that makes you feel uncomfortable, or suggested an idea that is not in harmony with your political or social beliefs, or has advocated for anything else that you don't like... it's a good bet that following the prophet is the best way to feel better about it.  

God did not send you to earth only to hear pleasant things, or have a leisurely life, but to help you reach your ultimate potential.  The path of Christ was never meant to be easy, why should the words of his prophets always be easy to hear?  He himself said: "And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me." (Matthew 10:38)

Those who have heeded the counsel of Christ's prophets and apostles, whether they liked it or not, will be those who are prepared for his return.

Being like a sheep

Most Christians do not take issue with the idea that Christ is like a shepherd, which is good because Jesus was the source of this analogy:

"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine." (John 16:11-14)

The point with which many Christians seem to take issue is the idea of the sheep.  I have personally been called a "sheep" and a "blind follower."  I know many people who have been ridiculed for not questioning church leaders, and I have seen those that do rebel against their religious authorities defend themselves by asking if they are "not allowed to question."

I would like to tell a story to illustrate a point regarding sheep:

Once there was a good shepherd that had a flock of sheep.  He kept watch over them with the help of a faithful sheep dog.  Together, they spent their time in a beautiful meadow near a cool clear river of water.  The sheep loved grazing and being with the shepherd in the sunshine, and they trusted his care as they slept at night.

Not far from the meadow was a dark thick forest that frightened the sheep.  There were odd creaks and groans that echoed from within the mysterious darkness, and the sheep were certain that there were dangerous predators in the wood.

After many days, the shepherd turned to the sheep and spoke to them saying: "follow me into the woods."  He then turned and walked toward the dark forest.  The sheep whispered among one another, but after a few moments, the dog began encouraging the sheep to follow, and the majority of the sheep headed toward their shepherd.  There was a group of sheep that became angry at the situation, and resolved to remain behind.  They called to the other sheep telling them that they would be killed in the forest, and that it was madness to follow the shepherd with no reason.

Eventually, the sheep dog came back and confronted the group of defiant sheep.  He told them that the shepherd had asked them to go to the woods, and that they should follow.

"Why?" asked one of the sheep.

"Trust in the judgement of the shepherd, and trust in his power to protect you," encouraged the dog.

"That's it?" snorted the sheep.  "Just blindly follow?!  Am I not allowed to ask questions?!"

"Of course you're allowed to ask questions," said the dog.  "But do not let your questions keep you from following the shepherd."

"But I don't even know that he has our best interests at heart," replied the sheep.  "There could be dangerous creatures in the wood.  Also, there is not enough sunlight for grass to grow on the forest floor... what would we eat?  What would we drink?"

"Has the shepherd ever given you reason to think he does not care for you?" asked the dog.

"He has now," replied the sheep defiantly.  "If he has good reason, let him come and explain himself."

"He has good reason," said the dog.  "Go to him and see it if you will..."

"We will stay where it is safe," replied the sheep.  The dog shook his head in sorrow.

"I hope you will reconsider," said the dog.  The dog turned and rushed into the woods.

The sheep that remained returned to the grazing, the water, and the sunshine.  They felt free from having to follow blindly, and they laughed at the foolish sheep that were likely starving or dead in the ominous forest.  Their happiness persisted for several days, and their friendships with one another seemed to strengthen.  They were happy that they had left the shepherd.

One night as they slept, they were awakened by noise.  As they opened their eyes and looked around, they found themselves surrounded by orcs with sharp teeth and drawn swords.  One of the orcs stepped up and shouted.

"Looks like meat's back on the menu boys!"

Of course, this is obviously made up.  The idea is that the blindly obedient were spared and the defiant questioners were consumed.  The counsel of the scriptures was not trust in your critical thinking skills with all your heart but instead "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:4-5)

Of course it is allowed to have questions, but do not let questions keep you from following the shepherd.  In the end, he will save those that trust in him.

Restoration and the Strait and Narrow Path

Shortly after returning from my mission, I recall hearing about a scandal in the Catholic Church where their clergymen were participating in and covering up heinous crimes.  On one occasion, I watched a news program that had a number of guests.  One of these guests was a representative of an organization of members of the Catholic church that actively worked to affect change in doctrine, policy, and practice.  I could hardly believe that such an organization would exist... I mean, if you believe that the leadership of your church is inspired, and receives direction from God himself, why would you want to form a group that wants to alter such inspiration?

At the time, I thought to myself how glad I was to be a part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, after all, for the most part we understood that the church was led by revelation, and that organizing groups to affect change was completely foolish.  Of course, about ten years later, I have learned of the existence of a number of groups of "Mormons" that actively try to alter the doctrines, policies, and practices because they are under the impression that the leadership of the church could be more inspired if it listened to them.  

Some of these individuals have even gone to the length of being excommunicated from the church to promote their views.  To me, this seems completely idiotic.  It's like Frodo giving the One Ring to a Nazgul, because they can bring it to Mordor faster than a hobbit.  It's like cutting off your own hand to convince people that Captain Hook wasn't such a bad guy.  It's like eating at McDonald's...  That's all I had for that one, but that's pretty bad, right?

Anyway, back when I heard about the Catholic controversies, I was under the impression that apostasy and restoration were best described as events.  These events had happened more than a century previously.  What I have come to recognize as I have seen some members of our own faith openly fighting against the prophets and apostles they claim to sustain, is that apostasy and restoration are better described as forces.  They represent two factions of a very real and very ancient conflict.  They are not limited to a pair of events in relatively recent history... but even now, the forces of apostasy are seeking to displace the forces of restoration.

To add to the difficulty in this conflict, apostasy seems to have the upper hand.  Less than 1% of humans alive today are members of the restored Church of Jesus Christ, and while the church is growing, there are so many ways that the forces of evil can lure people away from the blessings of restoration.  Some individuals get hung up on century-old statements, others are offended by things like misspellings in revelations, or others by who is allowed to hold the priesthood.

On the other hand, there is a very specific path that must be followed in order to receive the blessings of restoration.  The pattern that is repeated over and over again in restoration is this: 1. Search the scriptures.  2. Pray.  3. Believe in the power of God.

Consider the First Vision: Joseph Smith searched the Bible and came across James 1:5, then he went to the sacred grove to pray...  While he may not have anticipated the appearance of the Father and the Son, he knew that God had power to answer his questions, and grant him the wisdom he lacked.

Consider the Restoration of the Priesthood: Joseph found passages in the Book of Mormon describing the authority to baptize, then he went and prayed with Oliver Cowdery...  While they did not know that John the Baptist would appear and restore this power, they believed that God was the ultimate source of authority.

Consider the methods our missionaries invite people to use to gain testimonies: They read select passages from the Book of Mormon, they are asked to pray to ask God what is true, and if they ask with faith and real intent, then the truth is manifested by the power of the Holy Ghost, just as Moroni promised.

With many ways that lead to apostasy, and only one that leads to the truth of the restoration, it is just as Jesus said: "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way which leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.  Because strait is the gate and narrow the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be which find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)

Because restoration is not a one time event, it is worth discussing each of these steps that lead to the strait and narrow path.  

First: search the scriptures.

I have heard many stories of individuals that had questions or trials and flipped open their scriptures to find a verse that provided the perfect words to help them.  I have never personally experienced this, and I propose that more often, the answers that we need come from regularly searching the scriptures... not just reading... but searching the scriptures.

With more scripture available to us in this dispensation than ever before, the question should be for what should I search?

Let us return to the example of Joseph Smith.  Here is his description of what he found after reading James 1:5:

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know..."

I suggest that the feeling that came to him is the thing for which we should search.  The connection to Christ that comes from reading the Word of God is what led Joseph to the grove of trees.

Please also note that the same scripture that inspires one individual, may not be the most inspiring scripture for another.  This is by design.  Some people need to know of the love of God, and stories of mercy such as Christ blessing the Nephite children, or the mercy that God extended to Nineveh after Jonah's preaching, or the pleading of God that Israel return to him to be healed.

For me, I find confidence in God as I read stories of him sending fire from heaven, or dividing the red sea so that there was a wall of water on either side of the Israelites, or in the way he saved Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego from Nebuchadnezzar's burning fiery furnace when they boldly held to their faith.

The more that individuals search for and find the scriptures that help them to feel a connection to God, and an assurance that he is real, the easier it becomes to recognize the blessings of the restoration, and walk the strait and narrow path of which Christ spoke.

Second: Pray.

Jesus was not the sort of person that needed a lot of answers or understanding, but even he was a huge advocate of prayer.  He not only preached of it, but he practiced it... and he practiced it frequently.  It makes his advice on the subject the most valuable of any.

Jesus taught:

"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. 

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." (Matthew 6:5-13)

After giving advice on how to make prayer effective, he then offered an incredibly bold promise:

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matthew 7:7-11)

As the greatest expert on prayer, Christ was clear in saying that God answers them, and that the answer is probably a yes.  It is not necessary to distinguish between "not now" answers and "right now" answers...  When a prayer is offered in the manner which he taught, the answer is yes.  Praying to have a family, or that your family will receive help, or that sickness or infirmities will be removed will result in an answer of yes.

Is it any wonder that prayer is so important in the force of restoration?

Third: Believe in the power of God.

There are people who read the scriptures and offer prayers, but that can come away with the impression that participation in the true Church and the blessings of the restoration are unimportant.  That is undoubtedly why Joseph Smith was persecuted when he shared his experiences with individuals in a community where religious devotion was important in the lives of every person.  Prayer and scripture study were known throughout the region, but the power of God was not.

Mormon taught on this subject in Moroni 7:33-37:

" And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me. And he hath said: Repent all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, and have faith in me, that ye may be saved. And now, my beloved brethren, if this be the case that these things are true which I have spoken unto you, and God will show unto you, with power and great glory at the last day, that they are true, and if they are true has the day of miracles ceased? Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved? Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain."

Please do not misunderstand me.  I am not suggesting that you should demand an angelic visitation, or that you should withhold your faith until you have experienced a miracle.  Sign-seeking is bad.

I am saying that when you are on the Lord's errand, the Lord can help you... and not just by offering comfortable speech or the type of motivation you find on a pretty picture in a corporate office... he has real power.  The gift of tongues, prophecy, revelations, visions, healings, and the interpretation of tongues do not even scratch the surface of what God is capable of giving to you if you take part in the divine work of restoration.

Whether your role in this work emphasizes restoring those that have passed on to the blessings of ordinances in the House of God, or undoing the damage of apostasies ancient and modern by proclaiming the gospel to those around us, or in striving to bring our families and ourselves closer to Christ, the power of God will aid those that are engaged in his divine work... and that believe in him.

With so many apostate influences seeking to bring men away from the restored truths, it is important to know how to find the path that leads to God.  It is just as Christ taught: "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way which leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.  Because strait is the gate and narrow the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be which find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)

It is also important to note that the methods of searching the scriptures, prayer, and believing in the power of God are not the path... they are methods to find the path, or to stay close to it if it has already been found.  The path is something separate... Oh, it leads people back to God... but it has a different name.

The name of the Strait and Narrow Path that leads to God is Jesus Christ.  He is the way, the truth, and the life... and no man cometh unto the Father but by him.

For those that accept his invitation to enter at the strait gate... for those that strive to forge bonds with him through searching the scriptures, prayer, and believing in his power, and persist in following him, he will lead them back to the presence of our Heavenly Father, never more to part.

Didn't the prophet say the same thing last conference?

When I attended singles wards, after Priesthood sessions of conference, it was common for us to be asked by women what the prophet had said, or what had happened in conference.  Of course, they were rarely satisfied with answers such as “keep the commandments.”  The mature and responsible thing to do would have been to pay closer attention to the messages to give a better accounting, but in an effort to prolong conversations with women, I would respond that the church was planning to send proselyting missionaries to Iran, or that a Temple had been announced in Jerusalem, or some other completely false but faith-promoting rumor.

Ultimately, prophets and apostles really were persistently asking us to keep the commandments.  Whether that meant moral cleanliness, magnifying our callings, studying the scriptures regularly, or repenting of our sins, the overall message was always familiar and repetitive. 

In our last conference, (April 2013) we again heard the words of prophets and apostles.  There were no earth-shattering doctrines announced; while new temple locations were given, they did not include the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.  We do tend to hear similar information each time we listen to the prophet speak. 

Certainly the most obvious reason for repetition is that members of the church are not doing this well enough.  The repetition is frustrating to some people.  After all, isn’t the definition of insanity to do the same thing over and over again expecting different results? 

Of course one thing to note is that conference does not contain any Jedi mind tricks.  No prophet or apostle waves their hands and says “these aren’t the droids you’re looking for… oh and do your family history…”  The church leaders are not saying the same things each conference to control you… they are trying to persuade you… to plead with you to change yourself.  They expect you to find ways to heed the call to come unto Christ from your own unique circumstances and background, and provide tools to help you do it.

It is with a kind voice and with a gentle tone that President Monson said: “The knowledge which we seek, the answers for which we yearn, and the strength which we desire today to meet the challenges of a complex and changing world can be ours when we willingly obey the Lord’s commandments.”

Naturally, all of us have various challenges with this request.  Probably the majority of people that watch conference keep a large number of commandments, but they may struggle with a few, or even feel that a few are ‘unrealistic’.  Consider the Israelites as they approached the land of Canaan.  Moses sent twelve spies into the land.  Unfortunately, ten of them decided that they were not spies, but a feasibility committee.  Though they reported that the land flowed with milk and honey, they also reported that the people of the land made them feel like grasshoppers because of their size.

Keep in mind, the same God that had smitten Egypt with blood, frogs, lice, flies, the death of their cattle, boils, hail and fire, locusts, darkness, and the destroying angel, and delivered them from what was arguably the most powerful army in the ancient world by miraculously dividing the waters of the red sea, and then swallowing the chariots of Pharaoh, was the one that had sworn he would give the land to them.  Still, they were convinced that they could not possess Canaan because there were “big” people there.

Of course, it is easy for us to say that they were short-sighted.  The same short-sightedness may been seen in us though when a priesthood leader extends to us a calling or assignment.  For some people, they transform into their own “feasibility committee” and find numerous reasons why the same God that through his prophets has declared whom he calls he qualifies may not be thinking through the situation.  Certainly in some circumstances, leaders are able to follow the Spirit more accurately when they have all the information, but ultimately, we believe that a man must be called of God, by prophesy.  Those of us who have been baptized have sworn a covenant to keep the commandments.  Accepting, fulfilling, and magnifying callings are fundamental to this commitment.

Fulfilling assignments allows members to cooperate one with another in the great work of the Kingdom of God.  Even if there seems to be little value, little appreciation, and large amounts of work required, the prophets have never made a secret of the rewards that accompany obedience.  As President Monson said, “The knowledge which we seek, the answers for which we yearn, and the strength which we desire today to meet the challenges of a complex and changing world can be ours when we willingly obey the Lord’s commandments.”

Of course, it is not always a big, intimidating calling that represents the biggest challenge.  There are some people that go to great lengths to provide meaningful service, but are more easily beset by smaller obstacles.

Consider the story of Naaman, the Syrian captain.  He had been stricken with the terrible disease leprosy.  He became desperate to find healing.  One of his servants was acquainted with a Hebrew prophet named Elisha, and suggested that he might be able to help.  Naaman prepared a caravan with gold and silver and apparel to go and meet the man of God.  When he drew close to the land of Israel, instead of meeting the captain personally, he sent his servant Gehazi to meet him bearing only a few simple instructions: bathe seven times in the River Jordan.

At first, Naaman felt insulted.  He had not even been permitted to speak to the prophet directly, in spite of his journey and his prestige.  Furthermore, he preferred the fountains of his own country to the filthy water in the Jordan.  He went to leave for his home when one of his servants suggested that if the prophet had bid him do some great thing, he would have done it.  Why should he neglect this simple task?

Persuaded by the wisdom of his servant, he went to the River Jordan.  He dipped himself into it again and again as Elisha had instructed.  After the seventh time, when he arose from the water, he found that no trace of the disease remained with him.  He had been completely cleansed of the disease.  (2 Kings 5)

There are also examples demonstrating the consequences of ignoring the simple commandments.  We learn in the Book of Mormon that there were many Israelites that would not look at the brazen serpent that Moses had set up to be healed of their wounds because it was so simple, and that they perished for their neglect. (1 Nephi 17:41)

Certainly among the most basic tasks that are recommended by the prophet is daily scripture study.  Perhaps Harry Potter has more drama than 2^nd Nephi.  Perhaps it seems unimportant that Arphaxad begat Salah who begat Eber who begat Peleg who begat Reu who begat Serug who begat Nahor who begat Terah.

I might compare these attempts to read the scriptures to Naaman dipping himself in the Jordan River the first six times.  Persistence will eventually lead to eye-opening experiences.  To this day, nothing is as bold or powerful as Elijah calling down fire from heaven on Mount Carmel and humiliating the priests of Baal.  The confidence of David shouting down Goliath, or Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego holding their ground in the face of Nebuchadnezzar and his fiery furnace gives me confidence.  The humility of Gideon who wanted to be certain that he was doing what the Lord wanted when he fought the Midianites persuades me to seek the will of God in my dealings.  I understand the feeling that Joseph Smith had when he was moved by James 1:5 as much as I understand why the people were astonished at the power of Jesus Christ himself after he delivered the Sermon on the Mount.

Perhaps the most remarkable use of scripture is that of Jesus Christ himself when he was tempted by Satan.  Though he was the God that had given the law and inspired the prophets, he answered every request of the devil with words from the Holy Scriptures.  He used them as a shield against evil.

It could be said that “The knowledge which we seek, the answers for which we yearn, and the strength which we desire today to meet the challenges of a complex and changing world can be ours when we willingly obey the Lord’s commandments.”

Seeing the importance of commandments large and small inevitably causes us to reflect on our pasts.  Only Christ lived every commandment without mistake.  Repentance is a principal as old as time.  Prophets have always been instructed to call people to repentance… and have even gotten into trouble when they have not.

Consider the experience of Jonah.  He was called by God to go to Nineveh and proclaim repentance.  Perhaps he thought that it was a dangerous task, but whatever his reason, he decided to run away.  He boarded a ship for Tarshish as if he could flee from the Lord.  Of course he could not.  God sent a terrible tempest that threatened the ship and its passengers.  Reluctantly, the others on board cast Jonah off the ship.  A great fish swallowed Jonah, and after three days, spit him out on the land again.  God again called Jonah to preach repentance to Nineveh, to which Jonah responded obediently.  He warned Nineveh that if they did not repent, they would be destroyed.  To Jonah’s surprise, they did repent, and they were spared.

God knew the value of the people of Nineveh even if Jonah did not immediately see it.  He has never sent his prophets to mince words regarding the importance of returning back to him.  Said Lehi to Jerusalem: repent or be destroyed.  Said Jeremiah to Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah: repent or be destroyed.  Said Isaiah in the reign of Manasseh: repent or be destroyed.  Said Moses to the children of Israel: repent or be destroyed.  Said Noah to the world: repent or be destroyed.  Warned the apostles to the fledgling church: repent or be destroyed.  Of course we know that when Christ returns, it will not be to have a big discussion.  Those that do not repent, will be destroyed.

In spite of our proximity in the fullness of times to the return of Jesus Christ and his victory over evil in the earth, he surprisingly does not send his prophets to warn “repent or be destroyed.”  I do not recall President Monson warning about how our enemies will invade… our old men will bury our young men… our mothers will bury their infants...  I recall no warning of plagues, famines, droughts, and disasters as consequences for sin or for failing to repent in time.

The perception that conference seems to be dull, repetitive, or redundant is largely shaped by context… but only the context of other conferences.  In the context of all time… it becomes clear that Jesus Christ is sending his prophets to say something new and different before he returns…  He sends them to say ‘please try a little harder’, ‘please be a little kinder’, ‘please be more forgiving’, and ‘please believe that God loves you.’  He sends them to say ‘please take advantage of Christ’s sacrifice.’

Essentially, Jesus Christ, the most High God that is coming in power and glory to reign and establish a paradise that has not been known since the days of Eden, is begging us to accept the very thing for which we should be begging him.

It is my hope that we will do as he asks… that we will be receptive to his pleadings… that we will magnify our callings… that we will diligently study our scriptures… that we will sincerely repent of our sins… that we will truly keep his commandments to take advantage of the promise of his living prophet:

“The knowledge which we seek, the answers for which we yearn, and the strength which we desire today to meet the challenges of a complex and changing world can be ours when we willingly obey the Lord’s commandments.”