At one point in the midst of his afflictions, Job uttered a poignant plea for an understanding of his plight: "Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred." (Job 6:24.) Ultimately, Job's craving for light and understanding came to him and he triumphed through faith. But to overcome, he needed to be taught.

This plea to "teach me" has been reiterated through the ages, and it is our fervent plea today as well.In response the Lord does teach us. His instructions come to us through His living prophet on the earth. In fact, the word "prophet" comes from the Greek prophetes, which means "inspired teacher." (See "Prophets," Encyclopedia of Mormonism, p. 1164.) From this same reference we also learn: "The living prophet . . . serves as the principal teacher of the Church, instructing its members in doctrine and in righteous living." (Ibid., p. 1165.) The principal teacher of the Church today has just concluded another period of instruction and has certainly brought forward the mind and the will of the Lord for us to hearken and obey.

The inspired teachings of President Gordon B. Hinckley in this past weekend's general conference need to be studied and pondered, for they are surely truths for our time.

His instructions actually began the week before general conference when he addressed the General Relief Society Meeting, and issued a stirring proclamation reaffirming the standards, doctrines and practices relative to the family.

This vital declaration should guide us in understanding our gender roles, in preparing for marriage, in living together as husbands and wives with love, and in resisting the evils of the world that would destroy pure love.

As he began general conference President Hinckley taught us that we are all one great family in the Church, bonded together by our testimonies of the Lord Jesus Christ with no political boundaries separating the hearts of the children of God regardless of where they may live.

In the general priesthood meeting he taught us that prepared youth and mature couples are urgently needed in missionary work. He testified of the worth of souls and the mission of the Church to preach redeeming truths to all the world.

He then enlightened us about his strong feelings on temples, and the redemption of those who have passed beyond the veil of death without saving ordinances. He spoke of the 47 operating temples, six being constructed, six in the planning stages, six more where sites are being investigated, and the announcement of two new temples to be built in Boston, Mass., and White Plains, N.Y., with a possibility of a third in Venezuela. He clearly portrayed his burning desire for temples to be located within reasonable access to Latter-day Saints throughout the world. There is no doubt that he will vigorously pursue this goal.

As its earthly leader President Hinckley gave a status report of the Church, reviewing programs and activities, affirming that the Church is in good condition, and that there is a bright future ahead. There will be problems, he admitted, but they will be faced and the work will move forward.

With fervor he educated us on Sunday morning about staying the course and keeping the faith. "I have a strong, uplifting sense of optimism concerning this work," he declared. "I have lived long enough to have seen the miracle of its growth. . . . Everywhere it is growing stronger. Everywhere it is touching an increasing number of lives for good."

He admonished those of small vision to look beyond their indifference, apathy, or fears, and embrace the gospel and its good news with enthusiasm. He again opened the arms of his love to those who have drifted away, pleading with them to come back to the strong and solid moorings of the Church. "The Church will never fail to move forward," he promised. "Together we shall stay the course and keep the faith."

As he concluded the conference President Hinckley summarized the messages of the 28 speakers as having been woven together into a beautiful fabric of faith and testimony. Even as he said he would be a better person by putting into his life the messages of the conference, so we can be better people ourselves as we respond to the inspired teachings given by this great prophet of God.

The mantle of his calling has truly fallen on this humble servant of God. He is an inspired teacher. He is our exemplar and leader. It is his mission to help prepare the world for eternal life and for the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Follow this prophet of God. He truly knows the way.