Sometimes, reading past General Conference talks fills me with renewed hope and understanding. We need to be reminded that Jesus Christ really does watch over His church and His people. Otherwise, there is no way these talks would be applicable just as much today as they ever were. Our prophets speak truth and that rings true at any age and time. I’m going to briefly mention each of the talks during the first session of the October 1988 conference and you can see for yourself the truth that rings true.

 

Ezra Taft Benson—Flooding the Earth with the Book of Mormon

Once again, our prophet, then Pres. Benson, advocates reading the Book of Mormon and spreading it across the world. He mentions a new video that had recently come out entitled, How Rare a Possession. Great flick! Worth watching.

This year, Come Follow Me has focused on the Book of Mormon. The pattern of the church is to read through all the books of scripture in a four-year cycle, but he says, “however, [that cycle] must not be followed by Church members in their personal and family study. We need to read [the Book of Mormon] daily. He even explains why we should read it daily. He says,

Is the Book of Mormon the mind and will and voice of God to all men? We testify that it is.

We need to know and recognize the mind and will and voice of God constantly. Therefore, we must read the Book of Mormon constantly.

 

Russell M. Nelson—Addiction or Freedom

We’ve all heard the stories of people addicted to coffee or cigarettes, or even pornography, and when they gain even the smallest view of eternal perspective they are able to quit their addiction cold turkey. Truth rings true to them and they are able to give themselves to Jesus Christ, who is able to change them through His atoning sacrifice. This is the blessing Elder Nelson leaves with us during his talk:

For relief of an ailment, as a doctor of medicine I might write a prescription. As an ordained Apostle, I would invoke the spiritual blessing of eternal perspective.

The few real and true glimpses I’ve had in really seeing eternal perspective through personal revelation, I have felt free from the confines of this world.

 

Robert D. Hales—Making Righteous Choices at the Crossroads of Life

Elder Hales speaks of having an eternal plan. Do you remember being taught that if we make a good decision before we actually face that decision, we will always stay on the path? This is good advice and speaks of really living our truth. Here is his secret to making good decisions:

First, we must have an eternal plan with objectives that we are committed to achieve. Second, we need to study and pray on a daily basis about our decisions for feelings of spiritual guidance, courage, and commitment. And third, we need to examine our motives each time we make a decision.

The first two line up perfectly with the first two talks. If we have an eternal plan, we can overcome our addictions or bad habits and we can form good habits, like reading our scriptures every day. And in order to get on the path we need to examine our motives. How badly do we want to return to our Heavenly Father?

 

James E. Faust—The Supernal Gift of the Atonement

When we decide to follow the eternal plan that has already been laid out for us, through our Savior, Jesus Christ, we will recognize the truth that surrounds us. We can learn to tap into it anytime we need it. Elder Faust says,

So it is that the humblest and newest believer, the child, youth, or adult can come to have a personal conviction of the truth of eternal life.

Truth rings as we learn about our Savior, and what He has done for us. And because of Him, we can follow a defined path back to our Heavenly Father. Even though we are not perfect, through Jesus Christ we can be perfected. That’s pretty amazing! And it’s true!

 

Marvin J. Ashton—The Measure of Our Hearts

Desire is an important word to ponder. What do we desire in life? The scriptures teach we must first desire God, then go and tell our neighbor about Him (Matt. 22:36-40). Elder Ashton asks,

If our works and the desires of our hearts are the ultimate criteria of our character, how do we measure up? What kind of heart should we seek? … What does the Lord require for service?

He answers these questions with this: “A willing heart and intense desire.”

Truth is worth pondering. If our hearts are a little resistant, it takes time to melt them down a bit. As truth soaks in, our heart turns to God and an intensity begins to burn as truth wants to sing His praises to others. In this way, truth will always ring true to us and to others.