President Thomas S. Monson: Until we meet again
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In the final moments of the Church's 179th Annual General Conference, President Thomas S. Monson expressed gratitude for the restoration of the gospel in this dispensation and for all the blessings that have come into the lives of Church members as a result.
"We are a blessed people, for we have a sure knowledge that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ," he said Sunday afternoon.
During the last of four conference addresses, President Monson asked Church members to strive to live closer to the Lord and to remember to pray.
"To you parents, express your love to your children. Pray for them, that they may be able to withstand the evils of the world. Pray that they may grow in faith and in testimony. Pray that they may pursue lives of goodness and of service to others.
"Children, let your parents know you love them. Let them know that you appreciate all that they have done and continue to do for you."
President Monson then expressed a word of caution to all — "both young and old, both male and female."
"We live at a time when the adversary is using every means possible to ensnare us in his web of deceit, trying desperately to take us down with him," he said. "There are many pathways along which he entices us to go — pathways that can lead to our destruction. Advances in many areas that can be used for our good can also be used to speed us along that heinous pathway. I feel to mention one in particular, and that is the internet. On one hand, it provides nearly limitless opportunities for acquiring useful and important information. Through it we can communicate with others around the world. The Church, itself, has a wonderful Web site, filled with valuable and uplifting information and priceless resources.
"On the other hand, however ?— and extremely alarming — are the numbers of individuals who are utilizing the internet for evil and degrading purposes, the viewing of pornography being the most prevalent of these purposes. My brothers and sisters, involvement in such will literally destroy the spirit. Be strong. Be clean. Avoid such degrading and destructive types of content at all costs ?— wherever they may be! I sound this warning to everyone, everywhere. I add — particularly to the young people — that this includes pornographic images transmitted via cell phones."
Under no circumstances should Church members allow themselves to become trapped in the viewing of pornography, said President Monson. "And if you have allowed yourself to become involved in this behavior, cease now. Seek the help you need to overcome and to change the direction of your life. Take the steps necessary to get back on the strait and narrow, and then stay there."
President Monson said the Church has built temples throughout the world and will continue to do so. "To you who are worthy and able to attend the temple, I would admonish you to go often. The temple is a place where we can find peace. There we receive a renewed dedication to the Gospel and a strengthened resolve to keep the commandments.
"What a privilege it is to be able to go to the temple, where we may experience the sanctifying influence of the Spirit of the Lord. Great service is given when we perform vicarious ordinances for those who have gone beyond the veil. In many cases we do not know those for whom we perform the work. We expect no thanks, nor do we have the assurance that they will accept that which we offer. However, we serve, and in that process we attain that which comes of no other effort."
President Monson said he is deeply grateful that the Church continues to extend humanitarian aid to areas of the world where there is great need. "We have done much in this regard and have blessed the lives of thousands upon thousands of our Father's children who are not of our faith as well as those who are. We intend to continue to help wherever such is needed. We express gratitude to you for your contributions in this regard."
In closing, President Monson prayed heaven's blessings to be with Latter-day Saints worldwide. "May your homes be filled with harmony and love. May you constantly nourish your testimonies, that they might be a protection to you against the adversary.
"As your humble servant, I desire with all my heart to do God's will and to serve Him and to serve you.
"Now, my brothers and sisters, conference is over. As we return to our homes, may we do so safely.
"I love you. I pray for you. I would ask that you would remember me and all the General Authorities in your prayers. Until we meet again in six months' time, I ask the Lord's blessings to be upon all of us."
