Elder M. Russell Ballard: Learning the lessons of the past
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When young members are willing to listen and learn, some of life's most meaningful teachings come from those who have gone before them.
That was the counsel offered by Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve during the Saturday afternoon session.
"[Such predecessors] have walked where you are walking and have experienced many of the things you are experiencing," he said. "If you listen and respond to their counsel, they can help guide you toward choices that will be for your benefit and blessing, and steer you away from decisions that can destroy you.
"As you look to your parents and others who have gone before you, you will find examples of faith, commitment, hard work, dedication and sacrifice that you should strive to duplicate."
For the answers to the most important questions of eternity, young people can search the scriptures and listen to the words and testimonies of apostles and prophets.
"The fact that these words come largely from older men, past and present, doesn't make them any less relevant," Elder Ballard said. 'In fact, it makes their words even more valuable to you because they come from those who have learned much through years of devout living."
The scriptures capture the repeated pattern of history where a cycle of righteousness is followed by wickedness. Spiritual darkness is a natural consequence of bad choices by individuals, communities, countries and entire civilizations.
Elder Ballard said that the 179 years that have passed since the restoration of the Church have been an extraordinary period of scientific and technological progress.
"These advances have helped to facilitate gospel growth and expansion throughout the world. But they have also contributed to the rise of materialism and self-indulgence, and to the decline of morality."
Members today live in an era where the boundaries of good taste and public decency are being pushed to the point where there are no boundaries at all, he said. God's commandments have taken a beating. Certain factions of society seem mistrustful of anyone who lives according to religious belief.
"And when people of faith attempt to warn others of the possible consequences of their sinful choices, they are scoffed at and ridiculed and their most sacred rites and cherished values are publicly mocked," Elder Ballard said.
Every young person, he added, must decide if they will ignore the past and suffer the painful mistakes that have befallen previous generations that made bad choices.
"How much better your life will be if you follow the noble example of the faithful followers of Christ such as the sons of Helaman, Moroni, Joseph Smith and the stalwart pioneers and choose as they did to remain faithful to your Heavenly Father's commandments."
When young people learn the lessons of the past, they can walk boldly in the light without running the risk of stumbling in darkness," said Elder Ballard.
"Nourished by testimony and watered with faith, the lessons of the past can take root in your hearts and become a vibrant part of who you are."
And how, he asked, does one gain a strong testimony?
"The process hasn't been changed. It comes through desire, study, prayer, obedience and service."
