For generations, families have attended general conferences of the Church. When the weather is pleasant, as it was earlier this month during the 174th Annual General Conference, many families gather on the grounds of Temple Square where they spread blankets or quilts and listen to conference proceedings either via an amplification system or on portable radios.

Seeing so many families gathered near the temple brings to mind the occasion when King Benjamin of Book of Mormon times addressed the faithful Nephites. So anxious were they to hear his counsel, the multitude "pitched their tents round about the temple, every man having his tent with the door thereof towards the temple, that thereby they might remain in their tents and hear the words which king Benjamin should speak unto them" (Mosiah 2:6).

Extensive efforts were made in order that the people could receive his counsel. A high tower from which he could speak was erected, yet "they could not all hear his words because of the greatness of the multitude; therefore he caused that the words which he spake should be written and sent forth among those that were not under the sound of his voice, that they might also receive his words" (Mosiah 2:8).

He proclaimed his desire to serve his people, to lead them in righteousness "that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God" (Mosiah 2:17).

He counseled the people pertaining to many things. His words had a powerful effect upon the people; they fell upon the ground in humility and cried unto God to purify their hearts and forgive them of their sins through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ.

Among the last of his words of which we have record are these: "Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen" (Mosiah 5:15).

There's a part of our natures, as Latter-day Saints, that moves us to gather to hear counsel from our leaders. Often, we are moved spiritually and emotionally upon hearing the words of the Lord's apostles and prophets. We learn much, gain inspiration, and grow in testimony. We leave conference sessions with promises to ourselves that we will be better Latter-day Saints, be more diligent in keeping all the commandments, and that we will live exemplary lives. We leave with good intentions.

Time tests our resolve. Some adhere very well to covenants made with the Lord and remain faithful throughout their lives. Others might stumble from time to time but manage to regain spiritual footings and, for the most part, find their way back to the straight and narrow path. Yet others slip and lose their way.

Why do some remain faithful while others do not? A great portion of the answer is found in what an angel of the Lord said to King Benjamin:

"For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father" (Mosiah 3:19).

President Heber J. Grant taught that there are two spirits striving with all men — one telling them what to do that is right, and the other telling them to do that which will please themselves, that will gratify their own pride and ambitions. One spirit, he said, tells us, "Oh, You do not need to do that; it is a waste of time. . . . On the other hand, there is a still small voice telling us what is right, and if we listen to that still small voice we shall grow and increase in strength and power, in testimony and in ability not only to live the gospel but to inspire others to do so" (Improvement Era, December 1937, p. 735).

To which will we listen? From the Conference Center at headquarters to tiny rooms in far-flung corners of the worldwide Church, President Gordon B. Hinckley and other divinely called emissaries of the Lord plead with members to live in accordance with the teachings of our Creator. They counsel, persuade and direct members to rise above carnal enticings, to aim for celestial pursuits. May we listen and follow, keeping a firm resolve.