'If It's On the Prophet's Mind, It Matters'
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Benjamin J. Knowlton taught a class Aug. 19 at BYU Education Week called "If It's On the Prophet's Mind, It Matters."
The class highlighted and discussed several themes that have recently shown up in addresses and articles written by the Church's president, Thomas S. Monson.
"I don't know if you can prioritize the prophets, seers and revelators," Brother Knowlton said. "It's very difficult. You have this group of 15 men that we sustain as prophets, seers and revelators, and all of them [speak] prophetic words. We know their warnings are all prophetic, we know what they would have to say is what the Lord would like us to hear.
"But when it comes right down to it, you have to say the president of the Church and what he is saying has really got to make a difference and we've got to find a way to prioritize it."
Brother Knowlton suggested duty is one of President Monson's favorite topics to speak about.
"No matter what [President Monson] talks about, he's going to talk about certain things," Brother Knowlton said. "You can guarantee it. You can almost mark your words and just think, 'OK, I wonder when he's going to bring this up.'
"Every Conference I always think to myself, 'When is he going to say this four-letter word we call duty?' He loves it."
Since 1999 President Monson has quoted the same verse of scripture 12 times during General Conference addresses. That scripture, Doctrine and Covenants 107:99, reads: "Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence."
At April 2009 General Conference President Monson said, "Each must strive to learn his duty and then to do it to the best of his ability."
In addition to the discussion of duty, Brother Knowlton also highlighted several passages from President Monson's Conference addresses over the past two years. Those excerpts included the following:
- "We provide the means by which our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus
Christ, can accomplish Their work here upon the earth. It is we who are
Their representatives here" (May 2009 Ensign, 67).
- "This is our one and only chance at mortal life — here and now.
The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief.
Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the
greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are
lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not.
I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you
plan for that illusive and non-existent future when you will have time to
do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey — now"
(November 2008 Ensign, 85).
- "It would be easy to become discouraged and cynical about the future
— or even fearful of what might come — if we allowed ourselves
to dwell only on that which is wrong in the world and in our lives. Today,
however, I'd like us to turn our thoughts and our attitudes away from the
troubles around us and to focus instead on our blessings as members of the
Church. … My beloved brothers and sisters, fear not. Be of good
cheer. The future is as bright as your faith" (May 2009 Ensign, 92).
- "Now, 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. There are many pathways along which he entices us to go—pathways
that can lead to our destruction. … 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.
… On the other hand, however—and extremely alarming—are
the reports of the number 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" (May 2009 Ensign, 113).
Brother Knowlton, a seminary principal, concluded his presentation saying, "I am grateful for this prophet of ours. What a blessing to live in his day; what a blessing to know of such a man."
