The 187th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was held on April 1-2, 2017. Messages from the latest conference centred around the need for members to commit themselves to the principles of the restored gospel.
The event gave members time to receive counsel from The First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and from the other General Authorities and General Officers of the Church. Conference is also a time to receive personal revelation as living prophets give counsel and direction.
During the Saturday and Sunday conference sessions speakers touched on topics including:
- The importance of drawing strength from the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Family History – turning the hearts of the children to those of their fathers by participating in sacred temple ordinances.
- Teaching and preserving in our families the language of the gospel.
- Understanding the call to serve versus a call to a place: missionary work.
- Following the counsel of the prophets.
- Striving to be charitable in exercising the Priesthood.
The following are excerpted quotes from some of the talks:
“We do not honour the priesthood of God if we are not kind to others.” – President Thomas S. Monson
“…love being and remaining worthy. Be worthy. Stay worthy.” – Elder David A. Bednar, of The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
“…strengthen the essential link that unites the two priesthoods of God. Empower your Aaronic Priesthood youth to prepare the way before you.” -- Bishop Gérald Caussé, Presiding Bishop
“God’s greatest reward goes to those who serve without expectation of reward.” -- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency
“Brethren, our ordination to the priesthood is an invitation from the Lord to walk with Him.” -- President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency
“Through His prophets, Heavenly Father constantly reminds us that righteousness is happiness.” -- M. Joseph Brough, Second Counselor in the Young Men General Presidency
“I testify that Christ has the power to answer your questions, heal your pains and sorrows, and forgive your sins.” – Elder Weatherford T. Clayton, Of the Seventy
“Our role is also to help and bless, lift and edify, and replace fear and despair with hope and joy.” -- Elder Dale G. Renlund, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
“If we are steadfast and do not waver in our faith, the Lord will increase our capacity to raise ourselves above the challenges of life.” -- Elder Ulisses Soares, Of the Presidency of the Seventy
“… The Light of Christ will help us see others through the Savior’s eyes. … It will help us understand the great plan of happiness more fully and see how we all fit into that great loving plan. …” -- Elder Mark A. Bragg, Of the Seventy
“Brothers and sisters, now more than ever, we cannot be “part-time disciples.” -- Elder Robert D. Hales, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
“When we are complacent with our covenants, we are complicit with the consequences.” -- Elder Gary B. Sabin, Of the Seventy
“As we learn to see others as the Lord sees them rather than with our own eyes, our love for them will grow and so will our desire to help them.” – Elder S. Mark Palmer, Of the Seventy