175th Semiannual General Conference
by Walter D. Bowen, Larry E. Dahl, Brent L. Top, Follow the Living Prophets.
| We listen to a prophet's voice, and hear the Savior too. With love he bids us do the work the Lord would have us do. The Savior calls his chosen seer to preach the word of God, that men might learn to find the path marked by the iron rod. —Hymns, #22 |
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General Conference:
A Season of Revelation and Renewal
In an April 1830 revelation the Lord said: “The several
elders composing this church of Christ are to meet in conference once in three
months, or from time to time as said conferences shall direct or appoint; and
said conferences are to do whatever church business is necessary to be done at
the time” (D&C 20:61-62). Since then, many church conferences have been held,
both locally and for the general church. There we assemble, as President
Spencer W. Kimball expressed it, “to worship the Lord, to feast upon the words
of Christ, and to be built up in faith and testimony” (Ensign, May 1978,
p. 45).
General conference is the Lord’s conference-a conference wherein he
instructs his people, as he himself stated at one such conference, “by mine own
voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (D&C 1:38). The Lord in
fact refers to general conference as “my conference” (see D&C 124:88)-a
conference at which the revealed will of the Lord is made manifest “by the
voice of the conference” (D&C 73:2; see also 72:7).
General conference, as a season of revelation and renewal, is not unique to
the Church in this last dispensation. Throughout time there have been many
significant gatherings and conferences of the Lord’s people in which the “voice
of the Lord” was manifested through inspired instruction and profound spiritual
outpourings. One of the earliest great conferences was the gathering of Adam,
Eve, and their righteous posterity in the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman (see D&C
107:53-57). Prior to the Savior’s glorious second coming another momentous
conference of the Lord’s faithful Saints will be held in that same valley (see
D&C 116; also Dan. 7:9-10, 13-14; H 3:386-87). Throughout the scriptures
we are able to catch glimpses of and teachings about other significant
gatherings of God’s people. Elder Alvin R. Dyer compared modern conferences of
the restored Church to the feasts and festivals of ancient Israel.
In ancient biblical times, “the feast” was a time of gathering, a
time of harvest, a time of rejoicing, and what is more particularly
significant, “the feast” was designated by the Lord as a time of remembrance.
These observances were established among the people for various reasons. “Three
times,” said the Lord, “thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year”: the feast
of the harvest, the feast of the weeks, the feast of tabernacles, and there
were others (see Ex. 23:14, 16; 34:22; Lev. 23:34; Deut. 16:10, 16). But in all
of these there seemed to be a central motive, a time of the renewal of spirit,
of regeneration, that the people might continue with gratitude and sacrifice to
fulfill the purposes of the Lord, which were intended for their good and
blessing.
There are “feasts” that we observe at which we also gather to rejoice and be
renewed in spirit and in thought, and to which we too bring the harvest of our
achievements to evaluate, and then, with renewed determination, go forward to
do better. Here, as in all the “feasts” of ancient times, is to be found the
need of the people themselves, seeking the strength and the fortitude to push
on. From such occasions will come this strength, if our hearts and minds can be
brought in tune with the Spirit of God. (In Conference Report, October 1966, p.
133.)
In the Book of Mormon we read of two such gatherings where souls were
strengthened and renewed and where revelations were abundantly poured out upon
the Saints as the “dews from heaven.” King Benjamin gathered his people
together to bless them as well as teach them. His inspired words were written
down and distributed to those who could not hear them, so that they could be
read, reread, pondered, and discussed (see Mosiah chapters 1-5). When the
resurrected Christ appeared among the Nephites, he too gathered them together
on more than one occasion to teach them, pray for them, and bless them (see 3
Nephi chapters 9-27). In each of these gatherings revelations of such
overwhelming magnitude were communicated that the people were overcome with
joy, and mortal words could not adequately record them. Souls were
strengthened, covenants were renewed, sins were forgiven, hearts were changed,
and personal resolves to be “steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good
works” (Mosiah 5:15) were fortified.
For us today the purposes of the general
conference and the blessings that flow therefrom are much the same. As we
understand the value and objective of the Lord’s conferences, prepare for them,
and apply them to our lives, we too can experience a similar outpouring of the
Spirit. The following counsel of King Benjamin to his people remains for us a
clarion call to likewise gather and be nourished by the “bread of life” and
the “living waters” that abound at general conferences: “My brethren, all ye
that have assembled yourselves together, you that can hear my words which I
shall speak unto you this day; for I have not commanded you to come up hither
to trifle with the words which I shall speak, but that you should hearken unto
me, and open your ears that ye may hear, and your hearts that ye may
understand, and your minds that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to your
view” (Mosiah 2:9).
Just as the presence of Jehovah attended the ancient camp
of Israel and an angel instructed King Benjamin in what he should teach his
people, so too are the Lord’s servants today inspired in their exhortations,
receiving guidance from beyond the veil in their preparation. As in times past,
the Lord does not leave his servants alone as they instruct us; he is not
absent from his conference. “The Lord has magnified each one who has
spoken,” President David O. McKay observed at the concluding session of a
general conference, “to the end that his words have emanated from the presence
of our Father” (Improvement Era, December 1965, p. 1161). Like King
Benjamin of old, PresidentJoseph Fielding Smith instructed us on the
significance of general conference as a time to be trained by the Lord, and
invited all Saints everywhere to prepare their ears to hear, their minds to
understand, and their hearts to hearken to the voice of the Lord.
It is our prayer that all those who are present and all those who
hear the broadcasts will have their hearts open to the great truths which will
be presented and the words of wise counsel which will fall from the lips of
those who shall speak to us.We are the servants of the Lord. We have
received light and truth and revelation from him. He has commanded us to
proclaim his truths and live his laws. And so now, in harmony with his mind and
will, and as guided by his Holy Spirit, we give counsel and direction to the
Saints, and to the world.
Now there is much more that the Lord would have us
hear and know and do, and I shall rely upon [the First Presidency], upon the
members of the Council of the Twelve and the other General Authorities to
counsel further with you by the power of the Spirit about these things.
(Ensign, July 1972, pp. 27-28.)
Purposes of General ConferenceAs the Church has
expanded into an international entity and as its programs and members have
diversified, the nature of conference (format, length, and so forth) has been
altered. However, the fundamental purposes as stated in the revelations have
remained constant. The scriptures and latter-day prophets have identified
several important functions of general conference that serve to further the
kingdom of God on earth and to strengthen individual members.
1. To Transact Church Business
As the first quoted scripture in
this chapter indicates “conferences are to do whatever church business is
necessary to be done at the time” (D&C 20:62). In the earliest days of the
Church, when membership was small and concentrated, manyof the matters that are
handled today in wards and stakes were taken care of as part of the general
conferences. Today the business that is transacted in general conference is
composed of those matters that affect the entire membership of the Church. Such
Church business includes canonization of new scriptures, reorganization of the
presiding quorums or of auxiliaries, callings and releases of general officers
of the Church, and announcement of changes in policies or programs. In the
future the transaction of Church business may change somewhat to reflect the
contemporary needs of the Church, but one of the fundamental functions of
general conference will remain-”to do whatever church business is necessary to
be done at the time.”
2. To Receive Reports and Church Statistics and
Commend True Merit
Closely related to the transaction of Church business
is the presentation of reports. These reports come in a variety of ways-some
formal and others less formal. The formal reports that are annually presented
for the information of the Church (typically in the April conference) include
the statistical report for the previous year and the auditors’ financial
report. The financial report assures the membership of the Church that sacred
tithing funds and other donations are being expended according to the inspired
policies and procedures of the Church, as administered under the direction of
the First Presidency, the Twelve, and the Presiding Bishopric (see D&C 120).
The audit of Church finances and the subsequent report to the general
membership ensures institutional integrity and helps to establish financial
stability in order “that the church may stand independent above all other
creatures beneath the celestial world” (D&C 78:14). Other reports that are less
formal and are given periodically would include stewardship reports from Church
leaders and/or reports concerning special assignments or ministries that have
impacted the Church in some manner. Sometimes the significant and exemplary
service of prominent Church members is acknowledged and commended. President
David O. McKay stated that such reports, as given in general
conference, “inform the membership of general conditions-whether the Church is
progressing or retrogressing, economically, ecclesiastically, or spiritually”
(in Conference Report, October 1954, p. 7).
The statistical report is not delivered in general conference in order to
boast or to impress the world with our growth as a church, but to report
progress to the members. It also is a means of showing the fulfillment of
Daniel’s prophecy that the kingdom of God that started as a small stone is
rolling forth and filling the earth. Seeing such rapid growth and recognizing
in the modern church the fulfillment of ancient prophecies should instill in us
a sense of gratitude for the blessings of the Lord, not a sense of pride in our
own accomplishments. Reporting the growth of the Church and all the related
statistical information also serves as a reminder to us that there is yet much
work to be done and that, as President Spencer W. Kimball declared, “we have
paused on some plateaus long enough” (in Conference Report, April 1979, p.
114). He further explained how an acknowledgment of the growth of the church
should bring with it an increased sense of gratitude and obligation.
I rejoice with you in the progress and expansion of the Lord’s
earthly kingdom in almost all parts of the free world. We are constantly
opening up new areas, and we are continually establishing new missions and
dividing others.This growth is a cause for thanksgiving and praise to the
Lord for divine direction of this program of saving souls and bringing them
into the fold of Christ. While much has been done and accomplished, much more
remains to be done. We must go forward in courage and great boldness to
proclaim Jesus Christ as the resurrected Lord and the Redeemer of mankind. (In
Conference Report, October 1978, p. 4.)
3. To Approve or
Disapprove of Names Proposed
“And a commandment I give unto you,” the
Lord declared through the Prophet in Nauvoo, “that you should fill all these
offices and approve of those names which I have mentioned, or else disapprove
of them at my general conference” (D&C 124:144). From the time of the
organization of the Church on April 6, 1830, sustaining those people who have
been called of God to preside over and direct the affairs of the Church has
always been one of the fundamental purposes of the conference. “All things
shall be done by common consent in the church, by much prayer and faith” (D&C
26:2; see also D&C 20:65). Aswas discussed in chapter 5, the sustaining vote of
common consent is in reality a personal covenant to sustain, strengthen,
assist, be loyal to, pray for, and in all ways support those who are called to
preside over and serve in the Church. For this reason we participate in a
sustaining vote at each conference (ward, stake, and general), whether or not
there have been changes in the officers since the previous conference. In this
way each member of the Church is given the opportunity to renew that covenant.
Just as the sacrament is administered in every sacrament meeting for the
renewal of our baptismal covenants and is a central feature of our worship, so
also the renewal of our covenant of common consent is critical to our gaining
the spiritual insight and uplift that is central to general conference.
4.
To Receive Revelation, Inspired Instruction, and Counsel
In the early
days of the Church, leaders and missionaries, as well as the general
membership, were often called to gather for a conference in which the Lord
would give them instructions concerning the personal and collective challenges
they were facing (see D&C 58:56, 61-62; 124:88). The commandment was issued to
the Saints to gather from all directions to be taught from on high and to be
strengthened in their callings and responsibilities. Accompanying the
commandment to convene a conference were promised institutional instructions,
as well as spiritual blessings for the Church.
Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you my servants, it is expedient
in me that the elders of my church should be called together, from the east and
from the west, and from the north and from the south, by letter or some other
way.
And it shall come to pass, that inasmuch as they are faithful, and exercise
faith in me, I will pour out my Spirit upon them in the day that they assemble
themselves together.
And it shall come to pass that they shall go forth into the regions round
about, and preach repentance unto the people.
And many shall be converted, insomuch that ye shall obtain power to organize
yourselves according to the laws of man;
That your enemies may not have power over you; thatyou may be preserved in
all things; that you may be enabled to keep my laws; that every bond may be
broken wherewith the enemy seeketh to destroy my people. (D&C 44:1-5.)
General conference today fulfills this commandment. And although it is
somewhat different from that conference in 1831, the purpose is the same-the
spiritual outpouring still flows, inspired counsel is still delivered, and the
magnification of individual leaders and members still results. Concerning this
revealed purpose and blessing of general conference Elder Marion G. Romney
stated: “We have come to this conference from many nations of the world-not,
however, as representatives of the governments of these nations. We are here
representing the leadership of the kingdom of God. This Church is the literal
kingdom of God in the earth. We did not come to argue, to jockey for position,
to compromise differences and establish policies. We came here to hear and
learn the word of God as he has and does now reveal it through his appointed
servants, and to take it back and teach it to our people.” (In Conference
Report, April 1961, p. 117.)
President Spencer W. Kimball also spoke of the manifold long-term benefits
that come from the veritable spiritual harvest that attends the Lord’s
conference of his people.
My dear brothers and sisters, we came together to wait upon the
Lord, to be cleansed and edified by his Spirit, and to know in our hearts the
spirit of true worship. We have not been disappointed. The Lord has been with
us by the power of his Spirit, and it has been good for us to be here.
I hope we will go forth now, believing the doctrines that have been
preached, taking the counsels of the Brethren, and basking in the same spirit
that has uplifted and edified us while here. Now this system of revealed
religion which has come to us by revelation is a very practical religion. It
deals with flocks and herds and properties; it teaches us how to get along with
each other here and now; it is a way of life that turns a dreary and drab
mortal existence into a glorious and exhilarating experience. (Ensign,
November 1978, p. 71.)
As circumstances in the world change, the challenges facing the Saints and
the spiritual and temporal needs of the Church also change. For this reason,
general conference has become a vital link between the eternal principles
revealed in the past and the current application of those principles. Having
made reference to the innumerable conferences and conventions held for various
secular purposes, Elder Kimball observed: “All the conferences and conventions
combined of all the years could not possibly be as important as [the] recent
three-day conference of the Lord’s Church. Let no arrogant, self-assured, self-
styled intellectual discard the truths there taught and the testimonies there
borne, nor argue with the messages and instructions there given.” (“In the
World but Not of It,” p. 2.)
Sometimes the counsel and instructions given are
very direct and specific to contemporary challenges, societal trends, and
personal problems. “We’ve never had a conference,” President Harold B. Lee once
said of general conference, “where there has been so much direct instruction,
so much admonition, when the problems have been defined, and also the solution
to the problem has been suggested… I think you have never attended a conference
where… you have heard more inspired declarations on almost every subject and
problem about which you have been worrying.” (In Conference Report, October
1973, p. 170.) President Spencer W. Kimball made a similar comment concerning a
conference over which he presided. “The sermons from the Brethren have
developed almost every theme and subject, and they have been rich and full of
meat” (in Conference Report, October 1976, p. 163). Such observations perhaps
could be made concerning every general conference. The Lord is eternally
mindful of our need for unceasing guidance. “It is my humble opinion,”
President Joseph Fielding Smith testified, “that we are receiving counsel by
inspiration, or revelation, at every general conference of the Church”
(Answers to Gospel Questions 2:205).
Sometimes, however, the messages
of general conference may be more general in nature, reemphasizing long-held
beliefs and reminding the Saints of those things that they already know and
have been taught to do. One must not minimize the significance of or ignore
these inspired reminders and reiterations just because they do not appear to be
new or unique. President Kimball taught:
Some may wonder why General
Authorities speak of the same things from conference to conference. As I study
the utterances of the prophets through the centuries, their pattern is very
clear. We seek, in the words of Alma, to teach people “an everlasting hatred
against sin and iniquity.” We preach “repentance, and faith on the Lord Jesus
Christ” (Alma 37:32-33). We praise humility. We seek to teach people “to
withstand every temptation of the devil, with their faith on the Lord Jesus
Christ” (Alma 37:33). We teach our people “to never be weary of good works”
(Alma 37:34). Prophets say the same things because we face basically the
same problems. Brothers and sisters, the solutions to these problems have not
changed. It would be a poor lighthouse that gave off a different signal to
guide every ship entering a harbor. It would be a poor mountain guide who,
knowing the safe route up a mountainside, took his trusting charges up
unpredictable and perilous paths from which no traveler returns. (In Conference
Report, April 1976, p. 7.)
Earlier in this dispensation the Lord promised that at general
conference “it shall be made known unto you what you shall do” (D&C 73:2). As
stated, this promise is fulfilled with each and every conference. Although the
issues and problems may change and temptations may take on a new face, the
living prophets provide the guidance on both temporal and spiritual matters
that will enable us to stand “steadfast and immovable” amidst the storms of the
day. “We meet together often in the Church in conferences,” President Spencer
W. Kimball testified, “to worship the Lord, to feast upon the word of Christ,
and to be built up in faith and testimony… The purpose of this conference is
that we may refresh our faith, strengthen our testimonies, and learn the ways
of the Lord from his duly appointed and authorized servants. May we take this
opportunity, then, to remind each other of our covenants and promises and
commitments.” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 521.)
5. To
Proclaim the Gospel to the World
“The main purpose of general conferences,” President N. Eldon Tanner
stated, “the main purpose of this conference, is to sound the voice of
warning. You who hear and are warned must warn your neighbors. If we fail to
heed the warnings given, or fail to warn our neighbors, we all may be lost.”
(In Conference Report, October 1976, p. 124.) One of the primary missions of
the Church-the earthly kingdom of God-is to proclaim the gospel and to take its
message to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. Likewise, it is the
obligation of every member to “stand as witnesses of God at all times and in
all things, and in all places” (Mosiah 18:9). General conference instructs and
inspires us so that we can be spiritually enlarged and in turn teach and
inspire others. “That ye may be prepared in all things,” the Lord declared
concerning the school of the prophets and elders held in the early days of the
Church and which also applies to general conferences today, “to magnify [your]
calling… I sent you out to testify and warn the people.” (D&C 88:80-81.)
Today general conference is able to fulfill an institutional charge by
proclaiming the gospel through the use of current technologies such as radio,
television, satellites, videos, and so forth. In the early days of the Church,
general conference was used to teach and motivate members and missionaries to
go forth and share the gospel with family, friends, and neighbors. That is
likewise a desired outcome today, but with the advent of these modern
inventions the Church is also able to proclaim the gospel directly to the world
in general conference. It is not uncommon, therefore, to hear some of the
Brethren address those who are not members of the Church. Perhaps in the future
the missionary objective of conference will be expanded as technology increases
the accessibility of the Church’s general conferences throughout the world.
6. To Bring About a Spiritual Revival and Personal Rededication
The Lord promised the early Saints that “as they are faithful, and exercise
faith in me, I will pour out my Spirit upon them in the day that they assemble
themselves together” (D&C 44:2). The promise is the same for us today. When the
much-awaited spiritual outpouring is realized in conjunction with general
conference, hearts are changed, spirits are revived, souls are strengthened,
and personal resolves of greater righteousness are renewed. Whether or not
anything new is revealed or set forth in the conference, the fruits of the
Spirit always include an individual rejuvenation and a rededication to those
principles taught and testified of in general conference. Declared President
Howard W. Hunter:
Conference time is a season of spiritual revival when knowledge and
testimony are increased and solidified that God lives and blesses those who are
faithful. It is a time when an understanding that Jesus is the Christ, the Son
of the living God, is burned into the hearts of those who have the
determination to serve him and keep his commandments. Conference is the time
when our leaders give us inspired direction in the conduct of our lives-a time
when souls are stirred and resolutions are made to be better husbands and
wives, fathers and mothers, more obedient sons and daughters, better friends
and neighbors. (In Conference Report, October, 1981, p. 15.)
At the conclusion of one of the general conferences over which he presided,
President Spencer W. Kimball spoke of the personal impact that conference had
had on him and of his new resolve to apply its messages to his life. His humble
and unassuming example taught the Saints that if the prophet of the Lord can
find impetus for improvement in the inspired messages and personal, spiritual
promptings that accompany each general conference, they, too, should find ample
room for growth.
Many suggestions have been given that will help you
as leaders in the perfection of your work. Many helpful thoughts have been
given for the perfection of our own lives, and that, of course, is the basic
reason for our coming.While sitting here, I have made up my mind that when I
go home from this conference this night there are many, many areas in my life
that I can perfect. I have made a mental list of them, and I expect to go to
work as soon as we get through with conference. (In Conference Report, October
1975, p. 164.)
Differing Responses to General
ConferenceWhether it be the transaction of Church business, the
renewal of our covenant of common consent, the reception of inspired
instruction, or the proclaiming of the gospel to the world, each of the
purposes of general conference is spiritual in nature and intended to uplift
and motivate each member of the Church. The success of any given general
conference in fulfilling these purposes and achieving the Lord’s overall
objectives will be determined not only by quality or content of the talks given
by the Brethren, but also, and chiefly, by our individual responses to the
messages and the promptings of the Spirit which accompany them. Elder Marion G.
Romney described the diversity of response to general conference that he had
observed while visiting stake conferences. He then pointed out why such
differences exist and, in so doing, affirmed to us what is required to enjoy
the abundant outflow of the Spirit and to be strengthened and encouraged by
general conference.
A number of the speakers had just attended for
the first time a general conference. Their reports were soul stirring. One
bishop wished that every member of his ward might attend just one conference in
the tabernacle. Another, when he stood with the vast congregation for the first
time, was so moved that tears ran down his cheeks, and his voice so choked that
he could not join in the singing. A third was impressed with President Grant’s
closing remarks. He said as he finished his talk: “Three times the President
said, ‘I bless you, I bless you, I bless you.’”In another outlying stake, an
ex-bishop said to me that conference was nothing but a political convention. In
another a man said that whether he would follow the counsel of the leaders
depended upon what subject they discussed.
How are these different responses accounted for? I will tell you. The
members of one group were observing and keeping the commandments of God, and
the others were not; one group was walking in the light of truth, and the other
was in the dark; one group enjoyed the Spirit of the Lord, and the others did
not. (In Conference Report, April 1942, p. 19.)
How
to Gain the Most from General Conference
Just as personal revelation is not received in a vacuum-that is, without
individual effort and diligence-effectively recognizing and receiving the
inspired messages of general conference also requires considerable effort on
the part of each Church member. The extent to which general conference helps us
acquire doctrinal knowledge and gospel insight, receive personal inspiration
for meeting life’s challenges, and achieve spiritual strength to resist
temptations and more fully live the teachings of the Master will be
commensurate with our own personal preparation for and study of general
conference. These and many other “fruits” of general conference will be ours as
we put forth our best efforts to obtain them before, during, and
after each general conference.
1. Make Personal Spiritual Preparation
Our perception of the spiritual success of any conference depends not so
much upon the preparation and skill of the speakers as on our own preparation
for the conference (see Boyd K. Packer, “Follow the Brethren,” Appendix E). It
is not uncommon for a family or individual to exert considerable effort, time,
and resources in preparing for a much-awaited vacation or personal project, yet
we often approach general conference with little thought or effort. One of the
ways in which we should prepare for general conference is to pray for the
Brethren. “When the Brethren arise to speak,” President Lorenzo Snow
counseled, “you should ask the Lord to let them say something that you want to
know, that they may suggest something to you that will be of some advantage. If
you have any desire to know certain matters that you do not understand, pray
that these brethren in their talks may say something that shall enlighten your
mind in reference to that which troubles you, and we will have a grand and
glorious conference, a better one than we have ever had before.” (The
Teachings of Lorenzo Snow, p. 89.)
It is true that we should and often do pray, both personally and with our
families, for the Brethren as they prepare for conference. Yet we
sometimes fail to seek the Lord’s influence as we prepare ourselves. Just as
the quality of the produce from a farm or backyard garden is largely dependent
upon the preparation of the soil, so too must our hearts and minds be prepared
to become fertile receptors for the seeds of the gospel which are sown during
general conference.
One significant thing we could do to enable us to gain
the most from general conference is to prepare our hearts and minds in the
weeks and days prior to conference through prayer and, in some cases, fasting.
This will not only help us to focus on the true intent of general conference
but it will also create an attitude of spiritual anticipation in that we will
look forward to the conference “hungering and thirsting after righteousness.”
Rather than passively viewing it as a televised substitute for Sabbath meetings
wherein our obligation to worship is fulfilled simply by watching or attending
the Sunday morning session, we will be filled with spiritual cravings to hear
and live by “every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4).
All spiritual experiences in life are enhanced through proper personal
preparation, and general conference should receive the same type of
consideration. We usually prepare for patriarchal blessings through fasting and
prayer so that the experience will have greater significance in our lives.
Missionaries enhance their effectiveness dramatically when they diligently
prepare to teach the gospel through conscientious scripture study and personal
prayer. Temple ordinances become more instructional and covenants and promises
become more meaningful as daily guides in life when a person has prepared
himself to be “taught from on high” (see D&C 43:16). Preparation precedes
power. With general conference, it is no different.
The success of any
general conference for us as individuals begins well before the first weekends
in April and October. “In a few days there opens another general conference of
the Church,” said Elder Boyd K. Packer at a BYU Devotional just days before the
commencement of general conference. “The servants of the Lord will counsel us.
Â... What you shall gain will depend not so much upon their preparation of the
messages as upon your preparation for them.” (That All May Be Edified,
p. 244.) If, like the sons of Mosiah, we give ourselves to “much prayer and
fasting” in preparation for general conference, we too can be filled with “the
spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation” (see Alma 17:3) and be
magnified in our callings and spiritually strengthened individually.
2. Listen Carefully to the Speakers and the Spirit
Attendance at
general conference-whether it be in the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City or
watching the telecast via satellite in stake centers or on the television in
our homes-provides the capstone to one’s personal preparation. As we attend
conference, in whatever manner or capacity, we receive both instruction by the
speakers and inspiration by the promptings of the Spirit. “You have heard many
sermons in [general conference], many sermons that could be of great value to
you,” President Spencer W. Kimball taught. “But it isn’t so much what has been
said that is important as it is what you have heard.” (The Teachings of
Spencer W. Kimball, p. 522.) It becomes imperative, therefore, that we pay
close attention not only to what we hear but also to what we feel.
One of the ways in which we learn and retain something is to take notes on
what we hear and are taught. This practice is a valuable instructional tool and
a significant spiritual exercise in listening to and learning from general
conference. It may not be necessary to write down extensive notes on every
presentation, inasmuch as the talks are soon published in their entirety. What
notes should we take, then, as we attentively listen to conference? President
Kimball encouraged the Saints to make “copious notes of the thoughts that have
come to your mind as the Brethren have addressed you” (in Ensign,
November 1975, p. 111). The actual words of the talks are the same for
everyone, but the spiritual insights and the promptings and proddings of the
Spirit will not be the same for all. Therefore the most important notes to
record in our journals would be those personal “flashes” of insight and
inspiration-when we learn something new, when something that has personal
relevance and application is spoken to the mind and heart, or when the Spirit
prompts us to make changes in our life. As we listen to the speakers we can, as
Nephi said of the scriptures, liken their words to ourselves, our unique
circumstances, the needs and desires of our hearts. In this manner general
conference is transformed from institutional instruction to inspiration of
individuals.
3. Diligently Study the Conference Issue of the Ensign
King Benjamin had his great discourse written and distributed among the
people so that those who could not hear would have access to his important
counsel and teachings. Besides making them accessible to those who didn’t or
couldn’t attend or hear conference, there is an additional value to having the
conference discourses published and available to all the Saints. Thereby we may
refresh in our memories the words we heard, the feelings we felt. We also gain
new insights and “hear” and feel new promptings as we study the printed talks
again and again. In this way we continue to be blessed and taught by general
conference long after the last sermon and the closing prayer.
Through the years several of the Lord’s prophets have urged the Latter-day
Saints to make general conference a continual blessing by re-reading the
messages and studying the conference reports just as we would study the
standard works. “If you want to know what the Lord would have the Saints know
and to have his guidance and direction for the next six months,” declared
President Harold B. Lee, “get a copy of the proceedings of this conference, and
you will have the latest word of the Lord as far as the Saints are concerned”
(in Conference Report, October 1973, p. 168). President Spencer W. Kimball
counseled us on several occasions to carefully study the talks that were given
in general conference. To students at BYU he said: “I hope you young people all
heard the messages of the ages delivered [in the previous general conference].
There will be other conferences every six months. I hope that you will get your
copy of [the Ensign containing the conference talks] and underline the
pertinent thoughts and keep it with you for continual reference. No text or
volume outside the standard works of the Church should have such prominent
place on your personal library shelves.” (“In the World but Not of It,” p. 3.)
While serving as President of the Church, he likewise often closed general
conference with counsel to the Saints to continue to study, ponder, and live
the principles that were set forth in the conference. “I urge you to take much
thought in your return home from this conference and think again of the things
that have been brought to your attention,” he declared on one occasion (in
Conference Report, October 1977, p. 113). At another conference he said, “May I
stress again the value of reading the addresses given at our general
conferences in the Ensign magazine” (in Ensign, May 1978, p. 77).
At the conclusion of the April 1988 general conference, President Ezra Taft
Benson stated: “I commend my Brethren of the General Authorities for the
excellent addresses they have given. My humble prayer is that all of us will
follow the counsel and instruction we have received. As we have felt the Spirit
and made new and sacred resolves, may we now have the courage and fortitude to
carry out those resolves. For the next six months your conference edition of
the Ensign should stand next to your standard works and be referred to
frequently.” (In Conference Report, April 1988, p. 84.)
As with the study of the scriptures, our reading and marking of the
conference addresses can continue to bless our lives and those of our families
and friends when we use those messages in talks and lessons and in counseling
and conversation in the Church and at home. President Kimball encouraged
us, “Let the messages and spirit of this conference radiate and find expression
in all that you do henceforth-in your homes, in your work, in your meetings,
and in all your comings and goings” (Ensign, November 1978, p. 73).
4. Hearken to the Words of the Prophets
Preparation, attention, and note-taking are of limited consequence if what
is said and done in general conference does not translate into increased
obedience and personal righteousness. Hearing conference is of little value if
we do not also hearken to the words of the prophets and the promptings of the
Spirit.
Throughout the scriptures, the term hearken is inextricably linked to
obedience. Different terms were used in the Hebrew text whenever reference was
made to hearing without implied obedience (see Russell M.
Nelson, “Listen to Learn,” Ensign, May 1991, pp. 22-25). General
conference “will have been lost motion,” President Spencer W. Kimball boldly
declared, “a waste of time, energy, and money if its messages are not heeded”
(“In the World but Not of It,” p. 2). James the Apostle commanded the early
Saints, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.” His charge is
relevant to the Saints today. “For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a
doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he
beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of
man he was.” (James 1:22-24.) Let us not go our way after general conference
and forget to implement the lessons we learned from the speakers as well as
from the Spirit. Our most important, even imperative, duty with regard to
general conference is not merely to hear and know but also to do.
Of the importance of general conference and the eternal significance of our
response to it, Elder Mark E. Petersen testified:
A general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints is far more significant than most people realize. The spirituality which
characterizes these conference sessions leaves its stamp indelibly upon many
who see and hear. It is different from the religious worship to which most
people are accustomed, and is impressive to say the least.
And so it should be, for it is one of the most important events of the
present day. Many do not so regard it, even among the Latter-day Saints. But
for those who appreciate its true significance, it is of transcending
importance, for in it prophets of God speak, living prophets. When God
gives a message to mankind, it is not something to be lightly cast aside.
Whether He speaks personally or through His prophets. He Himself said, it is
the same.
And in this conference His prophets speak!
Shall we not take our modern prophets seriously and accept them as the
servants of God? Will we choose to follow the wisdom of the world or the wisdom
of these inspired men? Will we consider worldly deductions of greater value
than the advice of our spiritual leaders?
We of today do not kill our
prophets, nor do we put them into prison as was the case with Jeremiah and his
contemporaries. But do we believe them? Or do we nullify what they say by our
indifference? When the prophets of God speak today it is as significant as when
Moses or Jeremiah spoke. Their words are as valid and as binding as were the
teachings of the prophets anciently.
In general conference the modern prophets speak to a modern world, by modern
facilities, with a modern message. And that message is the Gospel of Christ,
brought to earth once again in its purity. It alone can save. (Why the
Religious Life, pp. 203-6.)
“We should learn to accept counsel. All of us need counsel. If you can receive
counsel, and will seek it, you will prosper in the work; if you cannot, you
will not be magnified. I have come to see that receiving counsel is a test of
obedience by which the Lord magnifies His servants.” —Ezra Taft Benson,
The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson
