Using the example of the white tepary bean, a hardy plant that grows in adverse conditions in northwest Mexico, Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin urged Church members to emulate these sturdy plants.

"We should send our roots deep into the soil of the gospel," Elder Wirthlin of the Council of the Twelve counseled in his Saturday morning address. "We should grow, flourish, flower, and bear good fruit in abundance despite the evil, temptation, or criticism we might encounter. We should learn to thrive in the heat of adversity."The challenges faced today are different than those faced by ancestors, Elder Wirthlin pointed out. Wealth and affluence can lead to complacency, he warned.

"Rather than seeking ease, we must plant, cultivate and nourish within ourselves the seeds that will enable us to withstand the winds and heat of temptation, sin, and evil, and will help us live successful, happy and pure lives."

The apostle suggested several seeds that should be planted in the hearts of members.

"First, we should plant and nurture the seed of faith in the Lord. We each should develop the faith of Nephi to do the things the Lord has commanded (1 Ne. 3:7), knowing that all commandments are given for our good. . . .

"Next, let us nurture the seed of faith which gives us the courage to follow the prophets. . . .

"We should sow within our hearts the seed of charity, the pure love of Christ," Elder Wirthlin continued. "He is the perfect model of charity. . . . His every act reflects absolute, unequivocal love for all mankind and for each one of us.

"I believe our progress toward exaltation and eternal life depends upon how well we learn and live the principle of charity."

Elder Wirthlin also counseled listeners to nourish the seeds of love, harmony and unity in homes and families. "Parents can plant seeds in the hearts and minds of their children only if they know where the children are and what they are doing," he explained. "Parents should not leave the teaching of their children to chance. They should be in charge of their homes and families. . . .

"Finally, I suggest that we plant in our hearts the seed of testimony," said Elder Wirthlin. "A firm, unwavering conviction of the truthfulness and divinity of the gospel that we can share freely with power and persuasion. Humble, fervent testimonies borne as prompted by the Spirit can have far-reaching effects."

Elder Wirthlin then shared a story about President Ezra Taft Benson, who, while traveling in Russia, bore a strong testimony to a gathering in the Central Baptist Church in Moscow. Many wept as they listened to the prophet's testimony, and years later the minister of that church, Father Alexander, told a Finnish Latter-day Saint that of all the notable people who had signed the guest register at the church, Ezra Taft Benson was the greatest.

"President Benson was visiting Russia as a high official of the United States government, but Father Alexander recognized him as a great spiritual leader," Elder Wirthlin explained.