. These realities will not go away simply because we have different opinions about them. Finally, my dear sisters, may I suggest to you something that has not been said before or at least in quite this way. O that we had repented before this great and terrible day, and then would our brethren have been spared . It was the most monumental and celebrated revelation in the Church in its time. But we cannot allow ourselves to slumber. The late Elder JohnA. Widtsoe wrote: The place of woman in the Church is to walk beside the man, not in front of him nor behind him. ? For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. been destroyed from generation to generation according to their iniquities; and never hath any of them been destroyed save it were foretold them by the prophets of the Lord 2 Ne. While he was president, he dedicated twenty-one temples, including the Washington, D.C. Temple. When he was three years old, his father accepted a call to preside over a stake in Thatcher, Arizona. And then he gave the parable of the fish and the net: Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy Ex. But finally the net was in shallow water and the fish began to jump frantically, trying to escape. We are greatly heartened by your presence not only tonight but in this portion of this dispensation wherein your talents and spiritual strength are so desperately needed. The midnights of life are the times when heaven comes to offer its joy for man's weariness. Copyright 2023 My Life By Gogo Goff | Trellis Framework by Mediavine, Doctrine of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, Ezra Taft Benson: A Time of Crisis in America April 1968 General Conference, Eldred G. Smith: Can you endure to the end for two hours? LDS doctrinal teachings about the atonement, repentance, and the plan of salvation. 5:20 Men have rationalized themselves into thinking that they are not so bad. Are they fully ripe? They learn to cast all their cares upon the Lord. Just because something is in our midst does not mean that we have been in the midst of it. While we do not now remember the particulars, this does not alter the glorious reality of what we once agreed to. Finally, in 1978 he announced that he had received a revelation which extended the holding of the priesthood to all worthy male members of the Church, also extending temple blessings regardless of race. Because of World War I, he served in the Central States Mission instead. if they will but serve the God of this land who is Jesus Christ Ether 2:12 There is only one way. It has had shorter periods of good health, but longer ones of ailing. They had been warned all their lives. He served diligently despite various severe health problems. I remember coming to this tabernacle as a boy from Arizona, with my father, to attend general conference. Many have found it too difficult and they slumber without due preparation. They merely procrastinated, not knowing when the bridegroom would come. . I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 25:9 And modern prophets are warning frequently, constantly. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. A Sabbath show or a game or a race replaces solemn worship. Spencer W. Kimball: A Prophetic Warning To the World - Oct. 1961 Peace be with you. Your poweryour supremacyyour pride in superioritywill be broken. Of such the Lord said: And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. The trouble with rejecting the prophets because they lack prestige is that Paul, who knew something of rejection, forewarned us when he said, speaking of the work of God, For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called. (1Cor. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 17:2832. They knew the way but gave only a small measure of loyalty and devotion. The Lord has given us this parable as a special warning. Jesus spoke of famines and pestilences and we remember Biafra and Bangladesh. Source: LDS Living | ldsliving.com Tags Prophets Share About the Author And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. These men are among the prophets of God, just as were the prophets of the Book of Mormon and of the Bible. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. They are houses, lands, bank accounts, leisure. They had the saving, exalting gospel, but it had not been made the center of their lives. On October 7, 1943, both Benson and Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985) became members of the church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, filling two vacancies created by the deaths of apostles that summer. Absolute Truth - Spencer W. Kimball - BYU Speeches Can they not see that, pushed by pleasure, they will become more and more distant from joy? I should like first to pay special tribute to the divinely inspired Primary organization of the Church. He gave us another parable to try to make clear the importance of being always prepared. Sometimes people let their hearts get so set upon things and the honors of this world that they cannot learn the lessons they most need to learn. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Early in his childhood, Spencer W. Kimball suffered the pain that comes with the death of loved ones. "Heave ho!" They suffered the fulfillment of every dire prophecy. This is not true, for the decision is ourswe may accept or reject, comply or ignore[However,] we cannot avoid the penalties of disobedience to law (Spencer W. Kimball, The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, pp. Their examples helped him gain a testimony of their callings as ministers of Jesus Christ. Other rebellious people were destroyed in the convulsions of the earth in the meridian of time, and they who were more righteous were saved. By one means or another, the swiftest method of rejection of the holy prophets has been to find a pretext, however false or absurd, to dismiss the man so that his message could also be dismissed. As one jars loose and begins to roll down hill, still another breaks loose, whether it is an increase in homosexuality, corruption, drugs, or abortion. When they have belatedly sought to fulfill the requirements and finally reach the hall, the door is shut. With no warning, no last-minute preparation is possible. Pray carefully over all your decisions. The testimonies of the holy prophets of God have been written in the scriptures but also have often been written in red because these individuals are the Lords prophets. Remember, too, as we focus on the glories and importance of family life here, that all of us belong to the eternal family of our Father in Heaven. Why must men rely on fortifications and armaments when the God of heaven yearns to bless them? I plead with men everywhere to Come, listen to a prophets voice and hear the word of God from our living prophet who sits with us here today. Even if the plot of soil you cultivate, plant, and harvest is a small one, it brings human nature closer to nature as was the case in the beginning with our first parents. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. Thou shalt not steal Ex. But while there are various excuses for rejection, theres a certain cause for this sad record. Protection is not in walls nor mountains nor cliffs, yet foolish men still lean on the arm of flesh., The walls of Babylon were too high to be scaled, too thick to be broken, too strong to be crumbled, but not too deep to be undermined when the human element failed Dan. Now may I make a few further comments to let you know some of my concerns for us as a people who live in such challenging times. This was not selfishness or unkindness. In multiple scriptures the Lord has indicated that he will perform his work through those whom the world regards as weak and despised. They knew they should have oil. BYU Studies Quarterly Volume 25 Issue 4 Article 14 10-1-1985 Spencer W. Kimball at College Edward L. Kimball Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq They help us to see the end from the beginning. This is substantially better than the average, but we are chagrined that there should be any divorce following a temple . If we are of the masses who are casual, passive, irreligious, irreverent, unholy, immoral, ungodly, then we must repent or suffer D&C 19:4. It cannot remember its previous illnesses nor the cure which was applied. I do not remember ever feeling that these men pulled any punches or that their counsel went unheeded. The boats had spread the nets far out, and now we began to pull in the nets. He gave us the parable of the farmer who sowed good seed in his ground but whose enemy planted tares in the field. We have the general warning that comes from these world conditions, but we have no precise timetable. While bombs are detonated and tested, and fallout settles on the already sick world, we continue in idolatry and adultery. Mountains of arms and ammunitions will not guarantee safety, for enemies can also build fortifications and missiles and bomb shelters. 1:9, It shall be free from all nations under heaven., There shall be no enemies come into this land., It shall be free from bondage Ether 2:12, There shall be no kings upon the land 2 Ne. . In addition to those basic and vital skills which go with homemaking, there are other skills which can be appropriately cultivated and which will increase your effectiveness in the home, in the Church, and in the community. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. "The statement, "As a man thinketh, so is he," could equally well be rendered "As a man thinketh, so does he." If one thinks it long enough he is likely to do it.". 10:12, He that fighteth against Zion shall perish 2 Ne. The Savior said, "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself" (John 7:17). (Matthew 25:1-13.) The man said to himself: Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 2:27). It is the humble Primary leaders who through their teaching and personal example instill in the hearts and minds of these wonderful little children, in their sensitive and formative years, love for the Savior, the Church, and for its leaders. The brethren are not out of touch nor asleep. From that humble beginning has grown a worldwide organization that has touched the lives of millions of people. The householder said: Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. He has even said it would be so. Those who seem to flout the institution of marriage, and who regard chastity before marriage with fidelity after as old-fashioned, seem determined to establish a new fashion on their own and impose it upon others. I bear testimony to the divinity also of this great work which is the greatest thing in the world, as was said by one of the Brethren. They had heard of his coming for so long, so many times, that the statement seemingly became meaningless to them. Experience is a dear teacher but fools will learn by no other. But we continue on in our godlessness. I am confident there is not one within the sound of my voice who has not had his or her life influenced for good by the teachings of the devoted officers and teachers of this Primary organization. 4 Miraculous Stories from President Nelson's Life - LDS Living ), David was a local boy and was ignored until he could no longer be ignored. They had four children who recall that their home was one of support, encouragement, and appreciation between family members. There will be faintness of heart and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase you into flight and you will fall when none pursueth. In our day the routing is from Palmyra to Paris, not the reverse. From whom else could you learn of our Father in Heavens glorious plan of happiness? When he was eight years old, his sister Mary died shortly after her birth. While armies are marshaled and march and drill and officers teach men how to kill, we continue to drink and carouse as usual. It is so easy for leisure to turn into laziness. Spencer W. Kimball - "Preparedness - the Ten Virgins" - Reading For example, the Presiding Bishopric was given stewardship over the temporal affairs of the Church so that the Quorum of the Twelve could focus on spiritual needs. I believe that the Ten Virgins represent the people of the Church of Jesus Christ and not the rank and file of the world. People are destroyed by their own acts. On occasions when you ache for that acceptance and affection which belong to family life on earth, please know that our Father in Heaven is aware of your anguish, and that one day he will bless you beyond your capacity to express. Eventually, sweating and straining and puffing, we pulled the catch up on the sand. As the net load came closer to the shore, it was fuller and heavier and the unruly waves covered us many times. "Be Ye Therefore Perfect" | Spencer W. Kimball - YouTube No light had we; for that we do repent; 20:9 italics added). (See Jacob 1:19). War clouds gather, fear heightens; tenseness increases, yet there need be no fear and worry and sleepless nights. With bulging eyes and gasping mouths they struggled. This saintly soul realizes there is one thing left undone to make him a totally honest man. (See Alma 4:19.) He describes himself as a lad whom the people despised and who was slow of speech; yet he did his duty in love and compassion with stunning success. The masses of the people are much like those who escaped destruction in the ancient days of this continent. Let us assume the counsel given applies to us, to me. 1:7, They shall never be brought down into captivity 2 Ne. He, too, devoted his life to the service of God and his fellow man and influenced thousands of others to do the same. And the fulness of his wrath cometh upon them when they are ripened in iniquity Ether 2:9. For instance, we read that war, pestilence, plagues, famine, etc., will be visited upon the inhabitants of the earth, but if distress through the judgments of God comes upon this people, it will be because the majority have turned away from the Lord., The worlds living prophet has warned and pleaded that the people return to God, who has said again: I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise D&C 82:10. Feeling a special love and concern for those in the lands of the Book of Mormon, President Kimball conducted several area conferences in South America. It was not simply a call to repentance, but it felt like Spencer W. Kimball was raising a prophetic voice effectively saying "YOU HAVE NO EXCUSE, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED" so as to wash his garments clean from the blood and sins of our generation. Do we twentieth century people have reason to think that we can be immune from the same tragic consequences when we ignore the same divine laws? Partly due to his work in Brazil and other South American countries, he was led to question the Churchs policy of restricting priesthood and temple blessings from those of African descent, a practice which had begun during the time of Brigham Young. We read of the increased portion of our children who are being reared by a single parent and wonder again about what will come when the law of the harvest operates. We do reap what we sow. We have the general warning that comes from these world conditions, but we have no precise timetable. Journals are a way of counting our blessings and of leaving an inventory of these blessings for our posterity. Spencer W. Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness. Once the carnal in man is no longer checked by the restraints of family life and by real religion, there comes an avalanche of appetites which gathers momentum that is truly frightening. We love you sisters. The ways of the world will not prevail, for the ways of God will triumph. Divorce, ever on the increase, jumping from one divorce for thirty-six weddings in Civil War days now has reached somewhere near one to four. He later became the church's president . How can one witness so many of those who ought to be good examples becoming bad examples and not cry out? For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceivedverily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day. 11:11). Read this chapter in its entirety at truthwillprevail.xyz . And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins. He learned from diligent and faithful parents to work hard on the farm and in school and to love the gospel. not have been buried 3 Ne. Decadence is very demanding and dogmatic, and it is no friend of liberty. Still others of you now know the uncertainty of being young as you ponder your place in the eternal scheme of things. (Published as Spencer W. Kimball, "'When the World Will Be Converted,'" Ensign, October 1974, 3-14.) Perhaps they judged Paul by the timbre of his voice or by his style of speech, not the truths uttered by him. I can transform my own life till it is perfected and then influence others when thus transformed. Yet work goes on, merchandise is sold, athletic entertainments, fishing, hunting go forward without regard to commandments. A month later, Spencer's parents sensed that five-year-old Fannie, who had been suffering for several weeks, would soon pass away. These excuses for rejection of the prophets are poor excuses. Interesting Quotes on Temporal Preparedness & Food Storage! Within those great assurances, however, our roles and assignments differ. In 1914, he graduated from the Gila Academy with highest honors. I beg of you to listen and act, in the name of Jesus Christ. One stroke of his omnipotent hand could make powerless all nations who oppose and save a world even in its death throes. One major plot of the book involves a character named Brigham . The gospel answers are the only true answers to the questions which women and men, over the centuries, have raised about themselves, about life, and about the universe. Do we lose faith, do we lose patience, do we lose hope, do we get weary in waiting, because the day is long and the event delayed? . The disdain for work among some today may merely signal the return of harshness and wildnessperhaps not to our landscape but to some people. and to hear all the other brethren who have given of their rich lives? Even if the tomato you eat is a $2.00 tomato, it will bring satisfaction anyway and remind us all of the law of the harvest, which is relentless in life. 26:14-43. Regardless of your particular circumstances, as you become more and more familiar with the truths of the scriptures, you will be more and more effective in keeping the second great commandment, to love your neighbor as yourself. 10:13, But these promises, glorious though they be, desirable as they are, can come only . But when the cry sounds, there is no time for preparation. President Kimball was an instrument in the Lords hands to bring about these and other progresses, and through his devoted and loving leadership the lives of countless Saints, then and now, have been blessed. The cause is not lost. Today is another day, but history repeats itself. The trouble with using obscurity as a test of validity is that God has so often chosen to bring forth his work out of obscurity. It is so hard to wait and be prepared always. I was thrilled at their utterances and took their warnings seriously, even as a young man. and our mothers and our fair daughters, and our children . In the Church there is full equality between man and woman. Everybody expresses opinions, but few approach the real cause or the real cure. That book, which went up through President Kimball's first year as president, set the standard at the time for Latter-day Saint biography. The responsibility was each for himself. Correspondence, Spencer W. Kimball to Andrew Kimball, July 14, 1976. Nothing less will do under those conditions. His was not a long-distance leadership. Spencer W. Kimball | BYU Speeches April 1966 General Conference, Ezra Taft Benson: Our God-given Rights October 1968 General Conference. I have heard many amazing sermons, calls to repentance, prophetic warning, and string testimonies. It is just a hundred years ago that Bishop Hess, with the approval of the First Presidency, called Aurelia Spencer Rogers to organize the first Primary in Farmington, Utah. 5 likes. In an ancient situation somewhat comparable to our own, there was a great destruction, and when the quiet came, those who were spared were wailing: . 20:14 italics added). Even the foolish ones trimmed their lamps, but their oil was used up and they had none to refill the lamps. Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? (John 1:46.) Yet ever-increasing hours of leisure provide ever increasing opportunities for Sabbath breaking and commandment ignoring, and strikes and lobbying go on to increase damaging leisure and decrease work hours further. 10:11, I will fortify this land against all other nations 2 Ne. From what other source can you learn about your own uniqueness and identity? 218 University Press Building All that is taught in Primary is virtuous, lovely, and of good report, and praiseworthy. Spencer W. Kimball From an address delivered at a Regional Representatives Seminar on Thursday, 4 April 1974. Our national and international authorities should know that men have . (Matthew 24:29-31, 36. ) You need, more and more, to feel the perfect love which our Father in Heaven has for you and to sense the value he places upon you as an individual. A closer look at Spencer W. Kimball's The Miracle of Forgiveness - MRM Would he ever come? The day of the marriage feast approaches. The Redeemer stated further: Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. While leaders quarrel, and editors write, and authorities analyze and prognosticate, we break the Sabbath as though no command had ever been given. We understand further that as families are raised, the talents God has given you and blessed you with can often be put to effective use in additional service to mankind. This America is no ordinary country. 1942, p. 161). I suspect that many people have let their insurance lapse. Why should there be spiritual blindness in the day of brightest material vision? If, in the short term, we are sometimes dealt with insensitively and thoughtlessly by others, by imperfect men and women, it may still cause us pain, but such pain and disappointment are not the whole of life. Where it is permitted, though, which is most of the world, we should listen to the counsel of the Brethren and to the Lord." (President Spencer W. Kimball) We call upon priesthood bearers to store sufficient so that you and your family can weather the vicissitudes of life. They are chosen from among the people, not transported from another planet, dramatic as that would be! He loves. Prophets have a way of jarring the carnal mind. Now, too late, they were becoming conscious of the tragedy of unpreparedness. 17:45-47 and Israel won many battles when they were righteous. I will give no protection against enemies. There has been denial because the prophet came from an obscure place.
Soldier, Statue Flag Holder Cracker Barrel,
Uber Interview Rejection Call,
Jasmine Thiara Funeral,
Sago Poeding Met Ideal Melk,
Articles S
