In the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, the Savior relates the parable of the sower to His apostles. He explains to them that He speaks in parables because, while His followers understand the "mysteries of the Kingdom," others to whom He preaches do not have that same spiritual depth or insight.

The Savior, through His words, is sowing seeds of truth. Not all will fall on fertile ground. The depth of the soil limits the growth of the seedlings. Thorns — worldly distractions — often get in our way. But what is hoped for is that His words do reach fertile ground, even those "that are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience." (Luke 8:15.)

As general conference convenes in the historic Tabernacle on Temple Square, many gospel seeds will be sown our way. Are we the "good ground" the Savior speaks about? Have we made the commitment to hear the words of the prophets or are we distracted by our worldly pursuits? Do we take seriously the Savior's warning: "Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have." (Luke 8:18.)

In a rapidly changing world, the one constant is the gospel of Jesus Christ and its teachings. President Brigham Young declared, "Our religion is not merely theory; it is a practical religion, to bring present enjoyment to every heart." (Journal of Discourses 8:33.)

Each prophet of this dispensation has lifted his voice in testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, from Joseph Smith's firm assurance that Christ's Church has been restored to the earth to President Gordon B. Hinckley's sense of urgency to bring the blessings of the temple to more and more Latter-day Saints worldwide. We can also hearken back to other Church leaders' messages.

Their words of encouragement, warning and testimony reverberate through the decades, whether it be Brigham Young's fervent words amid the turmoil of the 19th century, President Heber J. Grant's counsel during the economic perils of the Great Depression or President Spencer W. Kimball in the 1970s urging us to lengthen our stride. Each message was geared for those times and those circumstances.

Now, as the 21st century nears, it is appropriate that Latter-day Saints look ahead to a new millennium. The growing number of LDS people from many cultures turn their attention to Church leaders to receive instruction and reminders of the Savior's mission. The messages delivered at general conference can inspire us to do better in our families, in our callings and in our neighborhoods, if we will but heed them.

At the October 1972 conference, President Harold B. Lee observed: "The trouble with us today is that there are too many of us who put question marks instead of periods after what the Lord says." (Conference Report , October 1972.)

For the seeds of the gospel to sprout within us, we need to ensure we are filled with the Spirit to allow good works to spring forth and assist those around us. Hearing is only the first step; doing the will of the Lord is essential, also.

As we are reminded of Christ's mission on behalf of each of us, we can act upon the messages of our leaders and know for a surety that their words speak to us of eternal life. Their messages are as current as today's headlines, as timeless as the eternities.

Last April in his opening address at general conference, President Hinckley told Church members: "We must never forget that we are all individuals with our own needs and problems, our own hopes and dreams, our own faith and convictions. Some are strong, some weak, but we all try. We need one another, to build and strengthen each other. We must never lose sight of the fact that we are to "succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees." (D&C 81:5.)

It does not matter if we hear the words over the pulpit or airwaves or read them electronically or from the printed pages. What does matter is the fact that messages sown in the seeds of Christ's love have not changed: God lives and loves us; families can be together forever; and the fullness of the gospel is contained in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

As we build upon the heritage of those who went before us in this work, we are confident what we do today can inspire those who come after us to heed the words of the Lord. If we can inspire our posterity to build upon our legacy as we have pushed along the legacy of others, the future is secure.