Share wise counsel- Lead with purpose

As members face inevitable moments of fear or "feeble knees," it is vital that they not face them alone, said Elder Marvin J. Ashton of the Council of the Twelve.After referring to the Lord's admonition to Frederick G. Williams to "strengthen feeble knees" (D&C 81:5), Elder Ashton in his Sunday afternoon address remarked:

"Today . . . there is no doubt in my mind that the admonition to strengthen feeble knees is more apropos than ever. Who among us has not experienced feeble knees or fear and uncertainty over the responsibilities we encounter in this mortal existence?

"It would seem that no one escapes some uncertainty, insecurity, doubt, and even fear. This mortal existence is invariably challenging and unpredictable.

"Always it is helpful and comforting to be able to confide in a loving and trusted friend or relative who empathetically listens to our uncertainties. We often find that our confidant has experienced similar fears, and we may even share in their wise counsel.

"Life is never easy, and we cannot escape our own case of feeble knees from time to time. It is thus essential that we love and support one another."

Elder Ashton continued, "As we look for ways to strengthen friends and loved ones who may have feeble knees, it would be well to examine ourselves. Do we have feeble knees wherein by word and action we can weaken ourselves and our associates?"

He then shared "a few of today's subtle trends and enticements" that may not cause apostasy by themselves, but can cause knees to become feeble and lose the strength to face the realities and fears of life.

"Some of us may be inclined to study the word with the idea in mind that we must add much where the Lord has said little! Feeble knees are strengthened by those who lead with purpose rather than with personal interpretations.

"Controversy and contention are other weakening habits," he continued. "If Satan can succeed in creating in us the pastime of arguing, quarreling, and contention, it is easier for him to bind us with heavier sins which can destroy our eternal lives. Anger is a poor substitute for self-mastery and compassionate service."

Many have weakened themselves as they have sacrificed principles of honesty and integrity to climb an artificial ladder of accomplishment, he added.

"It has been my experience over the years that feeble knees are not a byproduct of work and commitment to goals. Work is a necessary pattern in the solid life.

"Constant criticism can wear one down and weaken knees. When we point out faults or mistakes others may have made, in no way will we strengthen their feeble knees or hold up hands that hang down.

"May God help us to strengthen the feeble knees of ourselves and those about us by daily improvement in our attitudes and examples," he said.