Elder L. Tom Perry drew on his father's recollections of his acquaintance with President Joseph F. Smith to illustrate "a man in whom the Spirit of God is." (Genesis 41:38.)

Elder L. Tom Perry

Speaking in the priesthood session, Elder Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve said his father as a priest-age young man worked for President Smith in Salt Lake City, tending his cows. He quoted his father as saying of President Smith: "Each common everyday act added inches to his greatness. To me he was prophet even while washing his hands or untying his shoes."

Times have changed, Elder Perry noted. "I don't think my father even imagined our modern-day computers. . . . I also don't think he ever imagined the evil that Satan can do with these same, marvelous technologies. Through his evil ways, Satan has been able to spread many new, infectious viruses. These viruses will inflict great damage on our spirits if we do not have powerful ways of defending against them. This causes me to think of the greatest anti-virus program of all — the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Another man named Joseph, he who was sold into Egypt, is an example of one "who relied on the Spirit of the Lord so completely that even a man who was blinded by the practice of idolatry, namely Pharaoh, recognized his unusual countenance and strength," Elder Perry observed.

He related the account in Genesis of Joseph prospering in the service of Potiphar and of his withstanding the temptation presented by Potiphar's wife.

"We learn a great lesson from Joseph," he said. "When he was presented with a temptation, he immediately separated himself, from even the appearance of evil. . . . When we are confronted with that which is evil and degrading, whether it is the wrong kind of music, television programs, or the Internet, which places us in the wrong environment, how strengthening it will be to remember the story of Joseph. . . . He removed himself from the temptation."

Photo by Scott G. Winterton

Men's chorus comprised of students from BYU-Idaho provides music during general priesthood session.

Later, Elder Perry related, Joseph was able to interpret the dream of Pharaoh. "You will notice in each situation in which Joseph found himself, that the Lord was with him. It is easy to recognize the special spirit in him because of the way he lived and heeded the voice of the Lord to direct him.

"That same recognition will surely be with each of us as we are led and directed by His Holy Spirit. Listen to the still small voice when you are faced with a time of decision. It will surely be a strong voice of warning to tell you to turn off the wrong kind of suggestive music, to flee from the degrading television programs, or to get out of a web page that will only bring evil thoughts to your mind. The Holy Spirit will let you know when you are in forbidden territory.

"I promise you, if you will heed the voice of warning of the Holy Ghost, and follow His direction, you will be blessed with the ministering of angels, which will add wisdom, knowledge, power and glory to your life. Remember the Lord is bound by solemn covenant to bless our lives according to our faithfulness. Only He can turn us into men in which the Spirit of God, namely the Holy Ghost, is.