Using our Time Wisely: Prophets Counsel on Limiting our Media Time

President Hinckley, BYU Speeches, 16 October 1990

We are constantly reminded that there is cause for alarm in our nation. It is shocking to read, for instance, that illiteracy is on the rise. ...One of the reasons for this condition lies in the way in which so many spend much of their time. I deplore the terrible waste of the intellectual resources of so many people of this nation who devote countless hours watching mindless drivel.

In the Wall Street Journal was a column written by the former editor of the Chicago Tribune. He wrote of certain aspects of television and then asked:

What is the mystery...about a society that has the manners of a rock band, the morals of a soap opera, the decision-making ability of the Simpsons and wants to pay for government with Visa and American Express? Why should we be surprised that our underlying culture is constructed from the ratings-based, give-them-what-they-want, remote-controlled, quick-zap world of commercial television? [Jim Squires, “Television’s Civil War,” Wall Street Journal, 8 October 1990, p. 10]

To you I say, don’t be a couch potato. Be a man or a woman with a mind and a will and a bit of discipline, with a zest for learning.

Elder M. Russell Ballard, “Be Strong in the Lord,” Ensign, July 2004.

“One of the ways Satan lessens your effectiveness and weakens your spiritual strength is by encouraging you to spend large blocks of your time doing things that matter very little. I speak of such things as sitting for hours on end watching television or videos, playing video games night in and night out, surfing the Internet, or devoting huge blocks of time to sports, games, or other recreational activities.

“Don’t misunderstand me. These activities are not wrong in and of themselves (unless, of course, you are watching salacious programs or seeking out pornographic images on the Internet). Games, sports, recreational activities, and even television can be relaxing and rejuvenating, especially in times when you are under stress or heavily scheduled. You need activities that help you to unwind and rest your minds. It is healthy to go onto the soccer field or the basketball court and participate in vigorous physical activity.

“But I speak of letting things get out of balance. It is not watching television, but watching television hour after hour, night after night. Does not that qualify as idling away your time? What will you say to the Lord when He asks what you have done with the precious gift of life and time? Surely you will not feel comfortable telling Him that you were able to pass the 100,000-point level in a challenging video game.

“One devastating effect of idling away our time is that it deflects us from focusing on the things that matter most. Too many people are willing to sit back and let life just happen to them. It takes time to develop the attributes that will help you to be a well-balanced person.”

COUNSEL TO YOUTH

Gordon B. Hinckley, “Rise Up, O Men of God,” Oct. 2016

Young men, rise up and discipline yourself to take advantage of educational opportunities. Your education will strengthen your service in the Church.”

Gordon B. Hinckley “A Prophet’s Counsel and Prayer for Youth” Ensign, Jan. 2001

You are moving into the most competitive age the world has ever known. All around you is competition. You need all the education you can get. Sacrifice a car; sacrifice anything that is needed to be sacrificed to qualify yourselves to do the work of the world. That world will in large measure pay you what it thinks you are worth, and your worth will increase as you gain education and proficiency in your chosen field.

You belong to a church that teaches the importance of education. You have a mandate from the Lord to educate your minds and your hearts and your hands.

                 

 “We cannot waste time entertaining ourselves when we have the chance to read or to listen to whatever will help us learn what is true and useful. Henry B. Eyring

Elder M. Russell Ballard “Raising the Greatest Generation of Missionaries,” 2003 BYU Women’s Conference

1. Limit the amount of time spent playing computer or electronic games. How many kills or baskets or points one can score in a minute with a computer game will have zero effect on children’s ability to be a good missionary and may, in fact, dull their senses, emotions, and receptivity to the Spirit.
2. Limit the time watching television, and go to movies, and watch videos. And beware—be fully aware of what our youth are watching on all kinds of media.
3.  Accepting responsibility for decisions and master self-control.

4.         Learn not to waste time. Focus on things that matter most, such as how to serve and find joy in putting the happiness of others ahead of our own.

“Of the time that is allotted to man here on the earth there is none to lose or to waste. After suitable rest and relaxation there is not a day, hour or minute that we should spend in idleness, but every minute of every day of our lives we should strive to improve our minds and to increase the faith of the holy Gospel.” (Discourses of Brigham Young, 290)

Elder David R. Bednar, “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn,” October 2011

It is no coincidence that FamilySearch and other tools have come forth at a time when young people are so familiar with a wide range of information and communication technologies. Your fingers have been trained to text and tweet to accelerate and advance the work of the Lord—not just to communicate quickly with your friends. The skills and aptitude evident among many young people today are a preparation to contribute to the work of salvation.

As you respond in faith to this invitation, your hearts shall turn to the fathers. Your testimony of and conversion to the Savior will become deep and abiding. And I promise you will be protected against the intensifying influence of the adversary. As you participate in and love this holy work, you will be safeguarded in your youth and throughout your lives.

Young people increasingly need to be learners who act and thereby receive additional light and knowledge by the power of the Holy Ghost—and not merely passive students who primarily are acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:26).

You will count your many blessings as young people devote more time to family history work and temple service and less time to video games, surfing the Internet, and Facebooking. 

President Spencer W. Kimball, “On Cheating Yourself,” New Era, April 1972

I have interviewed many young men for missions, and I have asked them this question: “What were your grades in high school or college?” A little embarrassed, many have answered, “Oh, about a C average.” I have then asked, “Was that the best you could do?” And almost without exception their answers have been, “No, I was capable of better work. I fooled around and wasted my time quite a bit.” Such young men then realize that they have cheated themselves. 

Book of Mormon Themes: Being Directed Continually by the Hand of the Lord

When I look at the big picture of the stories from the Book of Mormon, one the lessons they illustrate for me is how to receive the Lord's guidance so I navigate through life better. This is especially apparent in the stories of Lehi's family and the story of the Brother of Jared.

1 Nephi 16:16, 28 And we did follow the directions of the ball, which led us in the more fertile parts of the wilderness. I Nephi, beheld the pointers which were in the ball, that they did work according to the faith and diligence and heed which we did give unto them.

1 Nephi 17:13 I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments; wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led.

1 Nephi 18: 1-3 And the Lord did show me from time to time after what manner I should work the timbers of the ship. Now I, Nephi, did not work the timbers after the manner which was learned by men. And I, Nephi, did go into mount oft, and I did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things.

Ether 2:5-6 And it came to pass that the Lord commanded them that they should go forth into the wilderness, yea, into that quarter where there never had man been. And it came to pass that the Lord did go before them, and did talk with them as he stood in a cloud, and gave directions whither they should travel. And it came to pass that they did travel in the wilderness, and did build barges, in which they did cross many waters, being directed continually by the hand of the Lord.

Ether 2:24-25 For behold, ye shall be as a whale in the midst of the sea; for the mountain waves shall dash upon you. Nevertheless, I will bring you up again out of the depths of the sea; for the winds have gone forth out of my mouth, and also the rains and the floods have I sent forth. And behold, I prepare you against these things; for ye cannot cross this great deep save I prepare you against the waves of the sea, and the winds which have gone forth, and the floods which shall come.

Ether 3:2-3 O Lord, thou hast said that we must be encompassed about by the floods. Now behold, O Lord, and do not be angry with thy servant because of his weakness before thee; O Lord, thou hast given us a commandment that we must call upon thee, that from thee we may receive according to our desires.

Ether 6:7-8 7 And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them; therefore, when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters. And it came to pass that the wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land while they were upon the waters; and thus they were driven forth before the wind.

Wandering in the Wilderness due to Iniquity – i.e., if we are righteous, we won’t have to wander through life, we can take a more direct course.

1 Nephi 17:4 And we did sojourn for the space of many years, yea, even eight years in the wilderness.

Alma 37:41-43 41 Nevertheless, because those miracles were worked by small means it did show unto them marvelous works. They were slothful, and forgot to exercise their faith and diligence and then those marvelous works ceased, and they did not progress in their journey; Therefore, they tarried in the wilderness, or did not travel a direct course, and were afflicted with hunger and thirst, because of their transgressions. And now, my son, I would that ye should understand that these things are not without a shadow.

Ether 3:3 Behold, O Lord, thou hast smitten us because of our iniquity, and hast driven us forth, and for these many years we have been in the wilderness; nevertheless, thou hast been merciful unto us. O Lord, look upon me in pity, and turn away thine anger from this thy people, and suffer not that they shall go forth across this raging deep in darkness; but behold these things which I have molten out of the rock.

Book of Mormon Theme: Taking a Direct Path Through the Wilderness of Life

As we go through life, there are so many choices to make. I try to weigh my options and make a well-thought-out decision, but I have learned for myself that the scripture in Isaiah  55:8-9, is one of the most important principles to remember:

Isaiah 55: 8 For my ^athoughts are not ^byour thoughts, neither are your ^cways my ^dways, saith the Lord.

Isaiah 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ^aways ^bhigher 

than your ways, and my ^cthoughts than your thoughts.

So this is what I think is one of the important related scriptural themes:  When we receive and follow promptings from the Holy Ghost we will take a more direct course in our lives and we do not suffer so much “in the wilderness.”  It is found throughout the scriptures including the stories of Lehi and his family and the story of the Jaredites:

 Read in Alma 37:40-42 where he talks about the Liahona:

40 And it did work for them according to their ^afaith in God; therefore, if they had faith to believe that God could cause that those spindles should point the way they should go, behold, it was done; therefore they had this miracle, and also many other miracles wrought by the power of God, day by day.

41 Nevertheless, because those miracles were worked by ^asmall means it did show unto them marvelous works. They were ^bslothful, and forgot to exercise their faith and diligence and then those marvelous works ceased, and they did not progress in their journey;

42 Therefore, they tarried in the wilderness, or did not travel a direct course, and were afflicted with hunger and thirst, because of their transgressions.

THEME: He points out that “they forgot to exercise their faith and diligence and then those marvelous works ceased and they did not progress in their journey; therefore they tarried in the wilderness or did not travel a direct course. 

·      Lehi’s family didn't have to be in the wilderness for 8 years!  (See 1 Nephi 17:4)

So again, this is what I think is one of the important scriptural themes:  When we receive and follow promptings from the Holy Ghost we will take a more direct course in our lives and not suffer so much “in the wilderness.” 

Here is an example from my “Journal of Spiritual Promptings” that illustrates what I have learned:

12/17/2011  I was remembering tonight that a year ago this fall I was applying at BYU.  I had the application all filled out and called our executive secretary to set up my appointment with the bishop for my ecclesiastical endorsement, which was the final step in the application process.  As soon as I hung up the phone I had a very negative feeling.  I called him back and canceled my appointment and decided it must not have been the right time to start back to BYU.  I didn’t know why, but I knew it wasn’t the right time. Tonight as I remembered the incident, I realized that if I had continued with my application to BYU last year then I would have been starting classes two weeks after our daughter’s accident.

[Our oldest daughter, Tricia, and her family were traveling to Utah for our son’s wedding when they were in a car accident. Their 3-year old daughter was killed, and our daughter was in ICU with a broken back, punctured lung, and shattered knee. After 10 days in the hospital, we had a hospital bed and a wheel chair brought into our home and I took care of her and her other 2 girls while her husband returned to work. I wouldn’t have been able to attend BYU that semester.]

Here is an earlier example, also from my journal:

3/2/2007  Now that all of the kids are in school, I have been working towards going back to school at BYU to finish my bachelor’s degree. I have spent a lot of time researching majors and careers and how much they would pay and be flexible.  My application is officially turned in at BYU and I should hear back any time.   I was really excited when I decided to do the Marriage, Family and Human Development major because they are all classes about parenting and families.  I would be a social worker.  I went down to campus yesterday and talked with a MFHD counselor and declared that as my major.  But after I walked out of the office I felt that it wasn’t the right major for me.

[I worked on some general online classes, but it took more months of research and time before I chose to major in Family History-Genealogy. I now have only 4 classes left to graduate and I love this major; so grateful for the prompting that redirected the direction I was taking.]

In looking back on these two experiences, I think of how much harder things would have been if I hadn't listened to the promptings. The Holy Ghost gives us promptings that make our lives easier. Especially if we are in tune enough to hear them.

A few of the other scriptures in the Book of Mormon which I feel really fits this theme include:

   Ether 2:5

And it came to pass that the Lord commanded them that they should go forth into the wilderness. , yea, into that quarter where never had man been. And it came to pass that the Lord did go before them, and did talk with them as he stood in a cloud, and gave directions whither they should travel.

 Ether 3:3

Behold, O Lord, thou hast smitten us because of our iniquity, and hast driven us forth, and for these many years we have been in the wilderness; nevertheless, thou hast been merciful unto us.

[The whole story of the Brother of Jared and his family’s journey in the wilderness is a parable of life.]

Mosiah 2:36

And now, I say unto you, my brethren, that after ye have known and have been taught all these things, if ye should transgress and go contrary to that which has been spoken, that ye do withdraw yourselves from the Spirit of the Lord, that it may have no place in you to guide you in wisdom’s paths that ye may be blessed, prospered, and preserved.

Mosiah 1:16-17

And the ball or director, which led our fathers through the wilderness, which was prepared by the hand of the Lord that thereby they might be led, every one according to the heed and diligence which they gave unto him.

Therefore, as they were unfaithful they did not prosper nor progress in their journey.

I have pages in my journal filled with similar experiences of how the Holy Ghost blessed me to take a better path. I can’t put into words what great blessings I have received and how much these blessings help me feel how much my Heavenly Father loves me.

Book of Mormon Themes: The Methods of Satan and the Effects of Sin

I.        Statement of Principle: Satan uses subtle ways to tempt us:

·         The Book of Mormon brings men to Christ through two basic means. First, it tells in a plain manner of Christ and his gospel.  Second, the Book of Mormon exposes the enemies of Christ. It confounds false doctrines and lays down contention. (See 2 Ne. 3:12.) It fortifies the humble followers of Christ against the evil designs, strategies, and doctrines of the devil in our day. God, with his infinite foreknowledge, so molded the Book of Mormon that we might see the error and know how to combat false educational, political, religious, and philosophical concepts of our time. Ezra Taft Benson, “The Book of Mormon Is the Word of God,” Ensign, May 1975, 63

• 2 Nephi 28:2 And the things which shall be written out of the ^abook shall be of great ^bworth unto the children of men FOR IN THAT DAY: (2 Nephi 28 lists many of Satan’s methods)

Reference                Subtlety of Satan                                                         

Isaiah 5:20               Woe unto them that call ^aevil ^bgood, and good evil

Isaiah. 47: 10           Thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None ^aseeth^• me.

1 Nephi 3:5               Sometimes we say it is a hard thing the Lord requires of us

1 Nephi 13:9            He wants us to desire the praise of the world

2 Nephi 2:18            Satan desires all men to be miserable

2 Nephi 2:29            The will of the flesh is sometimes evil

2 Nephi 26:22          Satan starts with small things:  he leadeth them by the neck with a flaxen cord, until he bindeth them with his strong cords forever.

2 Nephi 28:5            They say unto the people: there is no God today

2 Nephi 28: 7-8       Eat, Drink and be merry for tomorrow we die and it shall be well with us

2 Nephi 28:20          Satan stirs people up to anger against good                                                                          

2 Nephi 28:21          Satan will lull us away into carnal security so we think all is well in Zion    

2 Nephi 28:22          He wants us to think there is no devil

2 Nephi 32:8            For the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray

Jacob 2:13                 Because of the costliness of your apparel, ye persecute your brethren

Alma 10:25              Why hath Satan got such great hold upon your hearts that he may have power over you, to...

Alma 30:15               Ye cannot know of things which ye do not see.

Alma 46:8                 Thus we see how quick the children of men do forget the Lord, yea how quick to do iniquity

Helaman 2:8            It was the object of all those who belonged to his band to gain power

Helaman 12:2          They do harden their hearts and do forget the Lord, and this because of their ease and exceeding prosperity.

Moroni 7:17             For the devil persuadeth no man to do good, no not one.

II.     Statement of Principle: There are effects from sin:

·          2 Nephi 9:47 Ye look upon me as a teacher, it must needs be expedient that I ^bteach you the consequences of sin. 

·          Enos 1:23 And there was nothing save it was exceeding ^aharshness, ^bpreaching and prophesying and continually

reminding them of death, and the duration of eternity, would keep them from going down speedily to destruction.

Reference            Consequence                                                                     

2 Peter 1:1-9       But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off

1 Nephi 16:2        The wicked take the truth to be hard

2 Nephi 4:27        He destroys my peace

Mosiah 2:36         If ye should transgress, that ye do withdraw yourselves from the Spirit of the Lord, that it may have no place in you to guide you in wisdom’s paths that ye may be blessed, prospered, and preserved

Alma 41:11           They have gone contrary to the nature of God; therefore they are in a state contrary to the nature of happiness

Helaman 4:13      Because of their great wickedness, and their boastings in their own strength they were left in their own strength

Helaman 4:24      The Spirit of the Lord did no more preserve them; yea it had withdrawn from them because the Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples

Mormon 2:13       The Lord would not always allow them to take happiness in sin.

Mormon 5:18       They are led about by Satan as a vessel without sail or anchor or anything to steer

Moroni10:22        And if ye have no hope ye must needs be in despair; and despair cometh because of iniquity

III.    Statement of Principle: We can overcome the temptations of Satan:

Helaman 3:29 Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the ^aword^• of God, which is ^bquick^• and powerful, which shall ^cdivide^• asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and ^dnarrow^• course across that everlasting ^egulf^• of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked

Reference            Solution                                                                              

Isa. 58: 6               Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the ^abands^• of wickedness

1 Nephi 15:3        Things are hard to understand if we don’t inquire of the Lord

2 Nephi 1:13        We need to “awake from a deep sleep”, or take a look at where we are at

2 Nephi 4:31        Wilt thou make me that I may shake at the appearance of sin?

2 Nephi 8:7           Fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings

2 Nephi 9:49        Behold, my soul abhorreth sin, and my heart ^adelighteth in righteousness

Jacob 2:8               The pleasing word of God, yea, the word which healeth the wounded soul

Mosiah 3:19         The natural man is an enemy to God, and will be forever unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit^.

Mosiah 5:2           Because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty ^achange in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.

Mosiah 18:10       Ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?

Alma 5:57             Come ye out from the wicked, and be ye ^bseparate, and touch not their unclean things

Alma 13:28          But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and ^awatch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear

Alma 31:5             Preaching of the word had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword or anything else.

Alma 38:12           See that ye bridle all your passions.

Alma 39:14           Seek not after riches nor the vain things of this world; for behold, you cannot carry them with you.

Alma 48:11,17     Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ.  If all men were like unto Moroni, the very powers of hell would have been shaken, yea the devil would have no power

Alma 53:20           They were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted

Alma 62:41           And many were softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God

Helaman 3:35      Nevertheless they did ^afast and ^bpray oft, and did wax firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, yea, even to the ^dpurifying and the ^esanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their ^fyielding^• their hearts unto God.

Helaman 5:9        Remember that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the ^batoning^• blood of  Jesus Christ, who shall come; yea, remember that he cometh to ^credeem the ^dworld.

Helaman 5:12      Remember, remember that it is upon the ^arock^• of our Redeemer, that ye must build your ^bfoundation^•; that when the devil shall send all his hail and his mighty ^cstorm^• it shall have no power over you

3 Nephi 18:7        And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you

3 Nephi 18:15      I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always, lest ye be tempted by the devil.

Mormon 9:28       Ask with a firmness unshaken, that ye will yield to no temptation.

Ether 6:7               When they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again

Ether 12:27          If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness.  For if they humble themselves before me and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong.

Moroni 6:4           They might be nourished by the good word of God

Moroni 7:13         That which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually.  Do not judge that which is evil to be of God.

Moroni 7:27         Wherefore my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased?

3 Nephi 18:32      Come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I shall heal you.

 

Other Insights into How Satan Works:

By reclaiming an erring brother, we save both him and ourselves. Our sins are hidden (remitted) because we ministered for the salvation and blessing of another member of the kingdom. In principle this special reward for Christ's ministers applies also to those who preach the gospel and bring souls into the kingdom. The minister is rewarded with salvation and, of necessity, in the process, is freed from his own sins. (D&C 4:1–4.) (Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966–73], 3:279.)

James E. Faust – Ensign, June 2006

Today we are barraged by multitudes of voices telling us how to live, how to gratify our passions, how to have it all. At our fingertips we have software, databases, television channels, interactive computer modems, satellite receivers, and communications networks that suffocate us with information. There are fewer places of refuge and serenity. Our young people are bombarded with evil and wickedness like no other generation. As I contemplate this prospect, I am reminded of the poet T. S. Eliot’s words: “Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge? Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?”11

It may be harder for our rising generation to be faithful, perhaps in some ways even more challenging than pulling a handcart across the plains. When someone died in the wilderness of frontier America, that person’s physical remains were buried and the handcarts continued west, but the mourning survivors had hope for their loved one’s eternal soul. However, when someone dies spiritually in the wilderness of sin, hope may be replaced by dread and fear for the loved one’s eternal welfare.

Many in the younger generation have been conditioned by the world to want it all and to want it now. They do not want to save or work. Such self-centered, impatient desires make them susceptible to temptation. [In 1 Nephi 22:23] the Book of Mormon identifies four categories of enticements that Satan appeals to:

• Getting gain.

• Gaining power over the flesh.

• Gaining popularity in the eyes of the world.

• Seeking the lusts of the flesh and the things of the world.

Marion G. Romney, “The Price of Peace,” Ensign, Oct 1983, 3

I know that there are some in the world who deny the existence of a personal Satan. This denial is false, being sponsored by the father of lies himself, but there is nothing new about it.” 

Richard G. Scott, BYU Aug. 1997

Recognizing that you are a person who wants to live worthily and be obedient to Father in Heaven, how would Satan strive to lead you from the path to happiness? Surely he would not be successful by tempting you to commit serious transgression—at least not initially. He would more likely fill your mind and heart with visions of many, many worthwhile things—none of which could be criticized as being wrong, but, taken together, they would so occupy your time that you would not do those things that are absolutely essential for eternal life with Father in Heaven and his Beloved Son. Nephi warned of that approach.

 

Jeffrey R. Holland, “‘Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence’,” Ensign, Mar 2000, 7

“The reminder is that we cannot sign on for a battle of such eternal significance and everlasting consequence without knowing it will be a fight—a good fight and a winning fight, but a fight nevertheless. I suppose every returned missionary and probably every convert reading these words knows exactly what I am talking about.”  

James E. Faust, “Ten Things to Know Before You Go,” New Era, Jul 2002, 4

You must know that Satan will oppose you, and be prepared for his opposition. Do not be surprised. He wants you to fail. Discouragement is one of the devil’s tools. Have courage and go forward. Recognize that the gospel has been preached with some pain and sorrow from the very beginning of time. Do not expect that your experience will be otherwise.  

Sin is addictive; self-degenerating; conducive to other strains of corruption; deadening to spirituality, conscience, and reason; blinding to reality; contagious; destructive to mind, body, and spirit. Sin is spiritually corrosive. Unrestrained it becomes all-consuming. It is overcome by repentance and righteousness.

Richard G. Scott, "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance", Ensign, Nov. 2009

I share a warning. Satan is extremely good at blocking spiritual communication by inducing individuals, through temptation, to violate the laws upon which spiritual communication is founded. With some, he is able to convince them that they are not able to receive such guidance from the Lord.

Book of Mormon & Prophets & Apostles: How to Become Sanctified

Mosiah 4:2 They had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ.

Mosiah 4:11 If ye have known of his goodness and have tasted of his love, and have received a remission of your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls, even so I would that ye should ... always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own nothingness, and his goodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come, which was spoken by the mouth of the angel.  And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the love of God, and always retain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the knowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and true.

Alma 13:11-12 And were sanctified and their garments were washed white through the blood of the Lamb. Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence.

Helaman 3:34-35 The more humble part of the people to suffer great persecutions, and to wade through much affliction. Nevertheless, they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.

3 Nephi 24:3 (Malachi 3) And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.

3 Nephi 27:20 Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.

Moroni 10:32-33 Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.

And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot

Teaching of Lorenzo Snow, Pg.117 ‑ Pg.118

There is no other way in which the Saints can make spiritual improvement and be prepared for an inheritance in the celestial kingdom than through tribulation. Take it individually or take it collectively, we have suffered and we shall have to suffer again; and why? Because the Lord requires it at our hands for our sanctification. (7 October 1857, JD, 5:323.)

Elder Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 

 Pg.675 SANCTIFICATION

To be sanctified is to become clean, pure, and spotless; to be free from the blood and sins of the world; to become a new creature of the Holy Ghost, one whose body has been renewed by the rebirth of the Spirit. Sanctification is a state of saintliness, a state attained only by conformity to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. The plan of salvation is the system and means provided whereby men may sanctify their souls and thereby become worthy of a celestial inheritance.

   Sanctification is a basic doctrine of the gospel (D. & C. 20:31‑34); indeed, the very reason men are commanded to believe, repent, and be baptized is so they "may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost," and thereby be enabled to stand spotless before the judgment bar of Christ. (2 Ne. 27:19‑21.)

Elder Bruce R. McConkie, A New Witness for the Articles of Faith

There are also numerous other sacred occasions when the saints may get in tune with and receive the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. The receipt of this heaven‑sent boon always attests that the recipient has forsaken the world and is no longer encumbered by its wicked ways. One of these occasions may attend a proper anointing and blessing of the sick. "Is any sick among you?"James asks. "Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed." (James 5:14‑16.) 

If the Spirit of the Lord rests upon one who is being blessed by the elders, in connection with this or any other ordinance, it automatically follows that the one blessed receives a remission of his sins; otherwise the Spirit would not be present. We do not want for occasions upon which sins may be remitted. Our problem is one of so living that we are worthy to have the companionship of the Spirit in our lives.

Scriptures which Teach about our Responsibility for Caring for the Poor and Needy

The Poor

A few weeks ago we finished reading the Old Testament as a family. One of the things that stood out to me was how often the Lord spoke of our responsibility to care for the poor and needy. We know from modern scriptures how our own salvation depends on how we care for the poor and needy, but the Old and New Testament writers taught the same principle.

"Few, if any, of the Lord’s instructions are stated more often, or given more emphasis in the scriptures than is the commandment that we members of his church take care of the poor."
            --Elder Marion G. Romney in “Caring for the Poor: A Covenantal Obligation”  

I think if we prayerfully study these and other scriptures on caring for the poor, we will come to a better understanding of what we personally should do.

2 Nephi 28:13 They rob the poor because of the fine sanctuaries; they rob the poor because of their fine clothing;

Mosiah 4:26-27 For the sake of retaining a remission of your sins from day to day, that ye may walk guiltless before God – I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor ... both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants. And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength.

Alma 1:27, 30 And they did impart of their substance, every man according to that which he had, to the poor, and the needy, and the sick, and the afflicted; and they did not wear costly apparel, yet they were neat and comely. And they did not set their hearts upon riches.

4 Nephi 1:3 And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift.

Mormon 8:36-37 I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts; and there are none save a few only who do not lift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of very fine apparel, unto envying, and strifes, and persecutions, and all manner of iniquities. For behold, ye do love money, and your substance, and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted.

D&C 42:29–31 And behold, thou wilt remember the poor, and consecrate of thy properties for their support … with a covenant and a deed which cannot be broken. And inasmuch as ye impart of your substance unto the poor, ye will do it unto me.

D&C 52:40 Remember … the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple.

D&C 56:16 Wo unto you rich men, that will not give your substance to the poor, for your riches will canker your souls; and this shall be your lamentation in the day of visitation, and of judgment, and of indignation: The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved!

Deuteronomy 15:11 For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.

Isaiah 3:15 What mean ye that ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor? saith the Lord God of hosts.

Isaiah 58:6-9  Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer.

Matthew 25:34–40. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in, Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

See also:

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf “Providing in the Lord’s Way”

President Henry B. Eyring, “Is not this the Fast that I have Chosen?”

Elder Jeffery R. Holland, “Are We Not all Beggers?”

What the Prophets have Said about Hanging Out, Dating and Kissing

As parents, we are trying to give our teenagers the best guidance we can. One area that often brings a lot of discussion is hanging out, dating and affection and how much is O.K. Over the years we have studied what the prophets and apostles have said on this topic and put together these quotes so we can share them with our children.

WHY STAY MORALLY CLEAN?
1. “Truly, you are a chosen generation. Peter speaks of “an holy nation,” [and] Peter’s final description—“a peculiar people.”  Of course you are peculiar. If the world continues its present trend, and if you walk in obedience to the doctrines and principles of this church, you may become even more peculiar in the eyes of others.”       

             Gordon B. Hinckley, “This Favored Season,” Liahona, Sep 1995 

 2. “Lehi’s dream or vision of the iron rod has in it everything a young Latter-day Saint needs to understand the test of life. The great and spacious building was filled with people pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit. One word in this dream or vision should have special meaning to you. The word is after. It was after the people had found the tree that they became ashamed, and because of the mockery of the world they fell away.”      Boyd K. Packer, “Lehi’s Dream and You”, Jan 2007

3. “Within the enduring covenant of marriage, the Lord permits husband and wife the expression of the sacred procreative powers in all their loveliness and beauty.  One purpose of this private, sacred, intimate experience is to provide the physical bodies for spirits to experience mortality. Another reason for these powerful and beautiful feelings of love is to bind husband and wife together in loyalty, fidelity, consideration of each other.  Within the sacred covenant of marriage, such relationships are according to His plan. When experienced any other way, they are against His will. They cause serious emotional and spiritual harm. Even though participants do not realize that is happening now, they will later.”
        Richard G. Scott, “Serious Questions, Serious Answers,” New Era, Oct 1995

4.  “And now just a word on the most common and most difficult of all problems for you young men and young women to handle. It is the relationship that you have one with another. You are dealing with the most powerful of human instincts. Only the will to live possibly exceeds it.  The Lord has made us attractive one to another for a great purpose. But this very attraction becomes as a powder keg unless it is kept under control. It is beautiful when handled in the right way. It is deadly if it gets out of hand.”
              Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Prophet’s Counsel and Prayer for Youth,” Ensign, Jan. 2001

IS IT O.K. TO STEADY DATE IN HIGH SCHOOL/ BEFORE A MISSION?

1. “Avoid steady dating with a young man prior to the time of his mission call. If your relationship with him is more casual, then he can make that decision to serve more easily and also can concentrate his full energies on his missionary work instead of the girlfriend back home. And after he returns honorably from his mission, he will be a better husband and father and priesthood holder, having first served a full-time mission.”

                    Ezra Taft Benson, “To the Young Women of the Church,” Ensign, Nov. 1986

2. “God has planted in you, for a purpose, a divine urge which may be easily subverted to evil and destructive ends. When you are young, do not get involved in steady dating. When you reach an age where you think of marriage, then is the time to become so involved. But you boys who are in high school don’t need this, and neither do the girls.  Have a wonderful time with the young women. Do things together, but do not get too serious too soon. You have missions ahead of you, and you cannot afford to compromise this great opportunity and responsibility.”       
             Gordon B. Hinckley, “Some Thoughts on Temples & Missionary Service,” Ens Nov. 1997

3. “If you are old enough to date, you are old enough to know that your parents have not only the right but the sacred obligation, and they are under counsel from the leaders of the Church, to concern themselves with your dating habits. If you are mature enough to date, you are mature enough to accept without childish, juvenile argument their authority as parents to set rules of conduct for you.

“When are you old enough? Maturity may vary from individual to individual, but we are convinced that dating should not even begin until you are 16. And then, ideal dating is on a group basis. Stay in group activities; don’t pair off. Avoid steady dating. Steady dating is courtship, and surely the beginning of courtship ought to be delayed until you have emerged from your teens.

“How foolish is the youth who feels that the Church is a fence around love to keep him out. Oh, youth, if you could know! The requirements of the Church are the highway to love and to happiness, with guardrails securely in place, with guideposts plainly marked, and with help along the way.“              
                  Boyd K. Packer, “You’re in the Driver’s Seat,” New Era, June 2004

4. “The Lord has made us attractive one to another for a great purpose. But this very attraction becomes as a powder keg unless it is kept under control. It is beautiful when handled in the right way. It is deadly if it gets out of hand.  It is for this reason that the Church counsels against early dating. This rule is not designed to hurt you in any way. It is designed to help you, and it will do so if you will observe it.
“Steady dating at an early age leads so often to tragedy. Studies have shown that the longer a boy and girl date one another, the more likely they are to get into trouble.  It is better, my friends, to date a variety of companions until you are ready to marry. Have a wonderful time, but stay away from familiarity. Keep your hands to yourself. It may not be easy, but it is possible.”
                        Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Prophet’s Counsel and Prayer for Youth,” Ensign, Jan. 2001

HANGING OUT


1. “Many LDS teens are moving away from the traditional date and instead they are just hanging out—getting together informally and doing whatever—usually watching TV or a movie or talking. The words we use to describe associating with people of the opposite sex may change, and the trends in socializing may change, but principles and guidelines for our behavior stay the same.

“Don’t play with definitions. Some LDS teens think it’s okay to pair off exclusively with one person before they are 16 because they call it hanging out instead of dating. It’s still spending time alone with one person. If you pair off, the attractions and emotions you will feel toward that person are the same whether you call it dating, going out, going steady, or hanging out.

“Church leaders have given us wise counsel to help us deal with these attractions and emotions in For the Strength of Youth. Let’s look at some of the counsel they have given for dating, and see how it applies to hanging out.

“Do not date until you are at least 16 years old. Dating before then can lead to immorality, limit the number of other young people you meet, and deprive you of experiences that will help you choose an eternal partner.” The same can be said for hanging out with one person a lot.

“Avoid going on frequent dates with the same person.” A major reason for that advice is to avoid spending too much time with one person, which is exactly what hanging out often leads to. “                  
                  “Q&A: Questions and Answers,” New Era, Apr 2002

KISSING

1. In any healthy, long-lasting relationship, affection is an essential element—not as an end in itself, but as an expression of genuine feeling. Speaking of affection in courtship, President Spencer W. Kimball has described an appropriate courtship kiss as “like the kiss between a mother and a son or a daughter and a father.” 

              Spencer W. Kimball, In Sydney Australia Area Conference Report, 29 Feb. 1976

2. Satan tempts one to believe that there are allowable levels of physical contact between consenting individuals who seek the powerful stimulation of emotions they produce, and if kept within bounds, no harm will result. As a witness of Jesus Christ, I testify that is absolutely false. When you are mature enough to plan seriously for marriage, keep your expressions of feelings to those that are comfortable in the presence of your parents.
                     Richard G. Scott, “Serious Questions, Serious Answers,” New Era, Oct 1995

3. “What is miscalled the soul kiss is an abomination and stirs passion that results in the eventual loss of virtue. Even if timely courtship justifies a kiss, it should be a clean, decent, sexless one. … If the soul kiss with its passion were eliminated from dating, there would be an immediate upswing in chastity and honor.  With the absence of the soul kiss, necking would be greatly reduced. Its younger sister, petting, would be totally eliminated. Both are abominations of their own right and kind.”
            Spencer W. Kimball, Sydney Australia Area Conference, 29 Feb. 1976

HOW FAR IS TOO FAR?


1. “They always tell us we shouldn’t become sexually involved, but they never tell us the limits. What are they?  Any sexual intimacy outside of the bonds of marriage—I mean any intentional contact with the sacred, private parts of another’s body, with or without clothing—is a sin and is forbidden by God. It is also a transgression to intentionally stimulate these emotions within your own body.

2. “Satan tempts one to believe that there are allowable levels of physical contact between consenting individuals who seek the powerful stimulation of emotions they produce, and if kept within bounds, no harm will result. As a witness of Jesus Christ, I testify that is absolutely false.  When you are mature enough to plan seriously for marriage, keep your expressions of feelings to those that are comfortable in the presence of your parents.”                                       Richard G. Scott, “Serious Questions, Serious Answers,” New Era, Oct 1995

3. Necking and Petting: “Among the most common sexual sins our young people commit are necking and petting. Not only do these improper relations often lead to fornication, pregnancy, and abortions—all ugly sins—but in and of themselves they are pernicious evils”

 “In interviewing repenting young folks, as well as some older ones, I am frequently told that the couple met their defeat in the dark, at late hours, in secluded areas. … The car was most often the confessed seat of the difficulty”
                   Spencer W. Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 225