Be more attentive to counsel of leaders
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PROVO, Utah — Following the Lord's prophets is one of three very strong elements of holding fast to the iron rod, Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Presidency of the Seventy told young adults during a Church Educational System fireside Sunday, March 4.
Elder Andersen told the congregation gathered in the BYU Marriott Center, as well as those watching by satellite broadcast in other ares of the world, that two other recent addresses by General Authorities dealt with holding fast to the iron rod.
Elder Andersen reminded listeners that Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve spoke in the previous month's CES fireside of reading and studying the scriptures as a way to hold fast to the iron rod. Then he said that President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve, in a BYU devotional on Jan. 16, said the word of God comes through personal revelation and inspiration, specifically through the Holy Ghost. Those who listen can feel their way through life.
"My subject tonight is the third element, a critical addition intertwining with the other two," Elder Andersen said. "We must also hold fast to the word of God as delivered by the living prophets.
"My prayer is that from our time together tonight we will increase our attentiveness to what the living prophets are teaching, accelerate our response to what we are learning, and deepen our understanding of what it means to hold fast to their words."
To help them determine if they could be more attentive to the living prophets, Elder Andersen asked the young adults how they would respond to several questions:
"Could you tell me the names of the three members of the First Presidency, and each of the names of those who comprise the Quorum of the Twelve? ...
"If we were to hold up a picture of these Brethren, would you recognize each of them? We rarely pay close attention to someone we do not recognize or know.
"Could you share with me the counsel given by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve from last October's General Conference? And, could you identify the concerns (in the First Presidency messages) of the Ensign and Liahona during the first three months of this year?
"Perhaps more important, could you share with me a recent decision where you changed something in your life because of counsel received from one of these 15 men?"
To be attentive to their words and change behavior following their counsel is holding fast to the iron rod and reaching safely the tree of life, he explained.
Elder Andersen asked, "How do we seek out and hold fast to the counsel of our living prophets? Let's consider the question by thinking more deeply about the three words we use in sustaining these men — prophets, seers and revelators."
Prophets. "Prophets testify of Christ," Elder Andersen explained. "Their sure witness of the living Christ is one of their greatest blessings to the Church and to the world."
He said at times when mists of darkness bring doubt or discouragement, "do not underestimate what we each can receive from the solemn, sure testimony of the Savior, borne by His special witnesses. That witness, received in a spirit of faith, will strengthen us in moments of difficulty and give us a firm footing as we move along the path toward the tree of life. Hold fast to the words of the prophets. Ponder them. Believe them. Trust them. Follow them."
Seers. Illustrating the role of seers, Elder Andersen displayed a photo showing a serene, gentle river. Then he revealed an additional portion of the photo that showed the river going over a violent waterfall.
"Spiritually, seers see the wider view," he said. "They see what we sometimes cannot see. Their words and counsel help us to see the larger view. If we heed their counsel, holding fast to the iron rod, we will be safe."
Revelators. "As revelators, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve make known the Lord's specific concerns for us, and what we need to do to respond.
"Moreover, with so many choices and decisions available to us, revelators help direct our attention to what is most important in our journey through mortality. They help us focus."
He recalled President Hinckley's challenge given in August 2005 to read the Book of Mormon by the end of the year and the blessings which would accompany the effort.
"Were we not blessed just as the prophet promised?" Elder Andersen asked.
He reminded the young adults that President Hinckley has revealed the Lord's will concerning their seeking education.
"Thousand are holding fast to the iron rod, trusting in President Hinckley, and pursuing their education," he said.
Elder Andersen invited his wife, Kathy, to tell of a time she went to a copy center to make copies of conference talks for all members of their family so they could study them in family home evening each week. She said she was a little sick to her stomach when she was told the cost of the copies was $50.
She said, "At that moment, brothers and sisters, this thought pierced my heart: 'What is it worth to you and your family to have the words of God's prophets?'
"I knew then but I know with even greater certainty now that it is worth everything to us and to our family. It is worth everything to you and to your future families."
Elder Andersen then noted that April general conference is approaching and asked listeners if they are spiritually preparing to listen to the messages of the prophets.
He re-emphasized, "The iron rod is the word of God. The scriptures, the words of the living prophets and the gift of the Holy Ghost are powerful in their ability to keep us safe. Let us hold fast to the words of the prophets. Let us hold fast to the iron rod."
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