What Is True?
My beloved brothers and sisters, thanks to all for this inspiring session! Since our conference last April, we have witnessed many world events, ranging from the heartbreaking to the sublime.
We are delighted with reports of large youth conferences being held throughout the world.1 At these conferences, our noble youth are learning that no matter what happens in their lives, their greatest strength comes from the Lord.2
We rejoice that more temples are being built across the world. With the dedication of each new temple, additional godly power comes into the world to strengthen us and counteracts the intensifying efforts of the adversary.
Abuse constitutes the influence of the adversary. It is a grievous sin.3 Footnote:
Doctrine and Covenants
34 Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. The Lord is teaching us that imperfect men are called even when they will not act as they would if they were "chosen" And why are they not chosen?
35 Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—
36 That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.
As President of the Church, I affirm the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ on this issue. Let me be perfectly clear: any kind of abuse of women, children, or anyone is an abomination to the Lord. He grieves and I grieve whenever anyone is harmed. He mourns and we all mourn for each person who has fallen victim to abuse of any kind. Those who perpetrate these hideous acts are not only accountable to the laws of man but will also face the wrath of Almighty God.
For decades now, the Church has taken extensive measures to protect—in particular—children from abuse. There are many aids on the Church website. I invite you to study them.4 abuse.ChurchofJesusChrist.org
These guidelines are in place to protect the innocent. I urge each of us to be alert to anyone who might be in danger of being abused and to act promptly to protect them. The Savior will not tolerate abuse, and as His disciples, neither can we.
The adversary has other disturbing tactics. Among them are his efforts to blur the line between what is true and what is not true. The flood of information available at our fingertips, ironically, makes it increasingly difficult to determine what is true.
This challenge reminds me of an experience Sister Nelson and I had when we visited a dignitary in a country where relatively few people have heard of Jesus Christ. This dear aging friend had recently been quite ill. He told us that during his many days in bed, he often stared at the ceiling and asked, “What is true?”
Many on earth today “are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it.”5 Some would have us believe that truth is relative—that each person should determine for himself or herself what is true. Such a belief is but wishful thinking for those who mistakenly think they will not also be accountable to God.
Dear brothers and sisters, God is the source of all truth. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints embraces all truth that God conveys to His children, whether learned in a scientific laboratory or received by direct revelation from Him. The "science" reference is a tricky one, because what we call "fact" based on "science" is ever changing...
From this pulpit today and tomorrow, you will continue to hear truth. Please make notes of thoughts that catch your attention and those that come into your mind and stay in your heart. Prayerfully ask the Lord to confirm that what you have heard from the Spirit is true. Not necessarily that all that is spoken by each speaker is absolute truth, but what the Spirit speaks IS truth. Ask that what you are calling "truth" from the Spirit is in fact, true; that you have understood the Spirit correctly.
I love you, my dear brothers and sisters. I pray that this conference will provide the spiritual feast you are seeking. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Lessons Learned:
No matter what happens in life, your greatest strength comes from the Lord
Temples add godly power to the world and strengthen us and counteract the intensifying efforts of the adversary.
Abuse comes from the influence of Satan and is a grievous sin and abomination to the Lord .
Footnote: “Many are called but few are chosen” is specifically calling out men who hold the priesthood who abuse others.
Those who perpetrate these hideous acts are accountable to the laws of man and will face the wrath of Almighty God.
See abuse.ChurchofJesusChrist.org for aid in protecting others from abuse. Study them.
Be alert to anyone who might be in danger
Act promptly to protect them.
Abuse will not be tolerated by the Savior or His disciples.
Satan is trying to blur the line between true and lies. The internet makes it harder to determine what is true.
Truth is not relative. All will be accountable to God whether they believe they will be or not.
God is the source of all truth.
Embrace all truth no matter where it comes from.
Learn truth from the Spirit and write it down. Notice what catches your attention and stays in your heart.
Prayerfully ask the Lord to confirm what you have heard
The Lord will provide a spiritual feast from this conference if you are seeking it.
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