Living the gospel of Jesus Christ is a daily effort and one we should consciously strive to do. In this closing session of the October 1984 General Conference, Elder Pinnock mentions how Elder Fyans shared his method of studying the scriptures. Because his stake conference assignments kept him away from his ward’s Gospel Doctrine class, he and his wife used the Sunday School manual to study at home together when it was more convenient to them. In this way, they were able to study together and mark their scriptures as they read along.
How interesting that this is the way the entire church studies its scriptures now.
This week, as a church, we are reading about Paul’s missionary travels. He converts people, strengthens them, and then moves on to other places. These Saints are left to carry on with what testimonies they have in place.
In one city, Paul’s parting words are that “grievous wolves [will] enter in among you” (Acts 20:29). These Saints who are left to carry on the work of the gospel of Jesus Christ are being warned that members will fall away and actually try to take other members with them. My husband asked me how I would feel to hear that warning from an apostle, the only leader of my new faith that I may never see again. We agreed that it would make us stronger and more aware to guard against apostasy.
The talks during this session all seemed to focus on the idea that we must live the gospel of Jesus Christ with more faith and more determination because we must all guard against the possibility of falling away.
David B. Haight—Personal Morality
Pornography was just getting started when this talk was given. Today, it is an epidemic and causes many to forego their membership. Elder Haight says, “Satan leaves his fingerprints” and indeed he does. Elder Haight encourages us to act. To fight against pornography in our communities and to recognize the evil forces around us and guard our homes.
Hugh W. Pinnock—Learning Our Father’s Will
Where do we learn about our Father’s will? In the scriptures. If we are not reading the scriptures and studying the truth that is found in them, we will fall away from the church. There are too many dissenting voices out in the world that will catch us off our guard. As members, we have been given a beautiful gift—a “doctrinal endowment.” What a sweet phrase to say that God loves us and gives us everything we need to return to Him.
Spencer H. Osborn—Service in the Church
I’ve heard of some people leaving the church because they feel it asks too much of its members. These people must not realize what Jesus Christ did for them. He gave His life. All we are being asked to do is give Him our sins and our devotion. Whatever we are asked to do in His church is small recompense for the blessings He continues to offer us.
Philip T. Sonntag—The Faith of Our People
Reporting on the South Pacific Saints, he gives examples of the great spirit that is in that part of the world. I just saw The Other Side of Heaven, Part II, and there is something very special about those Saints.
All of us have been asked to give what we can in building the kingdom of God. It is possible for each one of us to be so solid in the faith that the spirit completely surrounds us and all those we come in contact with.
John H. Groberg—The Power of Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy
The man himself (from The Other Side of Heaven Part I & II), reminds us that Tonga is the first country in the world to greet the holy Sabbath as the sun rises.
He shares a story of crossing Cache Valley, Utah on a Sunday morning. Everywhere he looks there are fields with giant machinery standing still on that Sabbath day. It’s clear that farmers are in the middle of their work but pause on Sunday ready to return to their work on Monday morning.
We just drove through Texas last week. Traveling on a Sunday to get to our destination I noticed that all the small towns we passed through were quiet, businesses were closed, and few cars were out and about. As we reached the larger cities, unfortunately, the bustle of a regular day continued through that Sunday. It was just an interesting observation.
Bruce R. McConkie—The Caravan Moves On
Using Paul’s words, Elder McConkie invites us to examine ourselves (see 2 Cor. 13:5). In fact, he offers ten questions we can ask to see how well we are living the gospel. I invite you to look at these questions and ask how you feel you can live the gospel better. We all can.
Gordon B. Hinckley—Live the Gospel
Finally, President Hinckley closes the session with his usual positivity. He and his missionary companion used to wake up every morning, shake hands and say, “Life is good.” Life really is good for us when we keep the commandments, use our faith to press forward, and bring light into the world. This is living the gospel of Jesus Christ.