'Love the Lord'
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President Thomas S. Monson is accustomed to addressing members in congregations throughout the world. On Sept. 14, he spoke to some he counted as neighbors. His home stake, the Salt Lake Holladay North Stake, was in the geographical area included in the Salt Lake City North Stake Conference Broadcast that originated in the Conference Center and was carried to 77 other buildings.
The stake conference proceedings were translated into French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Mandarin, Cambodian, Laotian, Cantonese, Japanese, Thai, Samoan, Swahili and American Sign Language, and included closed captions.
In addition to President Monson, speakers were Elder Richard G. Hinckley of the Seventy, who conducted the meeting, Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve and Primary General President Cheryl C. Lant.
Accompanying them were their spouses, Sisters Frances J. Monson, Barbara B. Ballard and Jane F. Hinckley, and Brother John G. Lant Jr. Sister Ann M. Dibb, President and Sister Monson's daughter and second counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, also attended.
President Monson spoke of the Savior's response that the great commandment in the law is, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (Matthew 23:37-39).
"His was a gospel of love, not of hate," said President Monson. "It was one of encouragement, not of finding fault or being critical. However, more than just teaching the law of love, Jesus lived that law.
"It was said of Him that He 'went about doing good... for God was with him.' He 'increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.'
"His beckoning plea to you and to me was 'Follow thou me.'
"This, then, is our responsibility: to follow the Savior of the world, the Son of God, even Jesus Christ. We must respond to that plea, 'Come, follow me."'
President Monson said, "The Savior cautioned us concerning our relationships with each other. If we refer to the book of Third Nephi, we find His declaration: 'There shall be no disputations among you.... Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away."'
President Monson then gave prophetic counsel:
"Let there be no anger among us, brothers and sisters. Let there be love among the membership of this great Church."
He quoted Doctrine and Covenants 88:119, in which the Lord is speaking of temple building and in particular, the building of the Kirtland Temple: "Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God."
President Monson asked, "Where could we find a better blueprint for you and for me as we build the temple which we occupy? You will recall with me that it was the Apostle Paul who said, 'Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?'
"The same elements the Lord set forth for the blueprint of the Kirtland Temple are essential to us in the blueprint for the foundation of our lives."
After he spoke of each element in turn, President Monson noted, "The Lord said, 'Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence' (Doctrine and Covenants 107:99).
"Such will help us build a house of God. This, then, is our building project. We are master builders of eternal houses, even 'temples of God."'
As he concluded his address, President Monson expressed his love for the members and added, "We have beautiful temples in this valley, with others currently under construction. I pray that you will visit them as often as possible. The temple is a House of the Lord. If you do not yet qualify to attend the temple, I pray that you will work diligently to become qualified."
Following the Savior's
plea
"This, then, is our responsibility: to follow the Savior of the world, the Son of God, even Jesus Christ. We must respond to that plea, 'Come, follow me."'
Proceedings
translated
Proceedings were translated into French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Mandarin, Cambodian, Laotian, Cantonese, Japanese, Thai, Samoan, Swahili and American Sign Language, and included closed captions.
