"Lord, to whom shall we go?" was the question Elder Hans B. Ringger of the Seventy posed during the Sunday afternoon session.

Referring to John 6:68, he explained: "This question is as relevant and urgent today as it was 2,000 years ago. As Latter-day Saints, we believe that Christ shows us the way and place to go and what we must do to find Him. It is up to each of us to recognize Christ's way and to follow it."In his last general conference address as a General Authority, Elder Ringger, who received emeritus status during the Saturday afternoon session, related: "A few months ago I had the privilege to hear a powerful testimony from a man searching for the truth. Through the gospel his eyes were opened to the eternal, and he was able to redirect his life. At the same time, I learned that a faithful member of the Church had distanced himself from the gospel and had changed his beliefs.

"What can be the cause of such opposing actions?" Elder Ringger asked. "I believe that words and actions are rooted in our thoughts, and that our thoughts determine our deeds. Our daily decisions, planned or spontaneous, are the result of our thoughts and we are responsible for them.

"Our happiness and our peace in this life, as well as in the life after, depends on our readiness to base our thoughts and actions on God-given laws. True peace of mind and everlasting happiness comes from being in harmony with God. If we are to be one with Deity, then it is we who must change - and not God."

Elder Ringger counseled: "It is essential to know God so that we can gain the eternal blessings and salvation through living in accordance with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Gaining a knowledge of Christ is a prerequisite for a true understanding of our mission in life. We learn of God through Christ's life, we know God through following Christ's example.

"My dear brothers and sisters and friends and listeners, let us truly know our Savior and His Father. We should ask ourselves if our decisions are in accordance with the example of Christ, that we may follow in Christ's footsteps. Let us not be deceived or dissuaded from Christ's way, but let us reap the blessings of peace and eternal joy through following Him."

Continuing, Elder Ringger advised that God's commandments must be kept without compromise or exception. "We are at times tempted to place less importance on the teachings of Christ in our lives for the sake of convenience, or we let external circumstances pollute our faith.

"To follow His commandments will bring freedom, independence, strength and true happiness," Elder Ringger added. "Let us decide to follow Christ and be His true disciples, not offended by His message of truth but rejoicing in it."