Friday, April 30, 2010

Conference Quote of the Day

"While the priesthood is presently all over the world, we call on every elder and high priest, every holder of the priesthood to stand, like Gideon’s small but powerful force of 300, in his own place. We now must awaken in every elder and high priest, in every quorum and group, and in the father of every home the power of the priesthood of the Almighty." President Boyd K. Packer: President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

I also like the quote he used from President Joseph Fielding Smith: “While it may be said . . . that we are but a handful in comparison with . . . the world, yet we may be compared with the leaven of which the Savior spoke, which will eventually leaven [or lift] the whole world.”

That made me think of President Hinckley when he said, "We cannot expect to lift others unless we stand on higher ground ourselves."

It's funny, I started this post just wanting to share a simple quote that pricked my heart, and now I cannot help but think of related thoughts. For example, Elder Holland's counsel can help us stand on higher ground:

"Exercise more control over even the marginal moments that confront you. If a TV show is indecent, turn it off. If a movie is crude, walk out. If an improper relationship is developing, sever it. Many of these influences, at least initially, may not technically be evil, but they can blunt our judgment, dull our spirituality, and lead to something that could be evil. An old proverb says that a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, so watch your step."

I think about how blunt my judgment is. I watch some T.V. and movies - not a lot - that might be considered marginal - characters take the name of the Lord in vain, sometimes inappropriate jokes are made, some of the movies have scenes of violence. None are rated R, but does the fact that I think taking the name of the of God in vain is "marginal" or that I tolerate it in the shows I watch an example of blunt judgment or dull spirituality?

And that leads me to think of the consequences of having dulled spirituality and Elder Bednar's talk on seeing warning signals:

"We also are blessed by spiritual early warning signals as a source of protection and direction in our lives...a spiritual early warning system that can help parents in Zion to be watchful and discerning concerning their children."

A loss of sensitivity to spiritual things by not exercising more control over "marginal" moments in my day not only impacts my own well-being, but also my ability to be the watchman on the tower for my family.

I am just impressed with the focus this conference had on teaching in the home and lifting our standards of living in closer alignment to God's standards. I have been trying to "watch my step" each day so that the Spirit can come at any time to prompt me or help me as a husband and father. I know He will, and I am grateful for the reminder from Brother Beck:

"God’s words to Moses are for you today: 'Behold, thou art my son; . . . and I have a work for [you].'" I know that I am; and I am trying my best to do the work I have been asked to do.