Outlook Dominated by Skepticism, Cynicism, Criticism...the Spirit Cannot Be With Us

When we do not do what is right or when our outlook is dominated by skepticism, cynicism, criticism, and irreverence toward others and their beliefs, the Spirit cannot be with us. We then act in a way that the prophets describe as the natural man.

Robert D. Hales, "Seeking to Know God, Our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 29–32

The Love of God Does Not Supersede His Laws and His Commandments

I begin with four examples which illustrate some mortal confusion between love and law.

• A young adult in a cohabitation relationship tells grieving parents, “If you really loved me, you would accept me and my partner just like you accept your married children.”
• A youth reacts to parental commands or pressure by declaring, “If you really loved me, you wouldn’t force me.”

In these examples a person violating commandments asserts that parental love should override the commandments of divine law and the teachings of parents.

The next two examples show mortal confusion about the effect of God’s love.

• A person rejects the doctrine that a couple must be married for eternity to enjoy family relationships in the next life, declaring, “If God really loved us, I can’t believe He would separate husbands and wives in this way.”
• Another person says his faith has been destroyed by the suffering God allows to be inflicted on a person or a race, concluding, “If there was a God who loved us, He wouldn’t let this happen.”

These persons disbelieve eternal laws which they consider contrary to their concept of the effect of God’s love. Persons who take this position do not understand the nature of God’s love or the purpose of His laws and commandments. The love of God does not supersede His laws and His commandments, and the effect of God’s laws and commandments does not diminish the purpose and effect of His love. The same should be true of parental love and rules.

Dallin H. Oaks, "Love and Law", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 26–29

How Can We Hear the Father's Voice

As you reach out to your Heavenly Father, as you pray to Him in the name of Christ, He will answer you. He speaks to us everywhere.

As you read God’s word recorded in the scriptures, listen for His voice.

During this general conference and later as you study the words spoken here, listen for His voice.

As you visit the temple and attend Church meetings, listen for His voice.

Listen for the voice of the Father in the bounties and beauties of nature, in the gentle whisperings of the Spirit.

In your daily interactions with others, in the words of a hymn, in the laughter of a child, listen for His voice.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Love of God", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 21–24

We Need to Consistently Do More of What We Know Is Right

As disciples of the Savior, we are not merely striving to know more; rather, we need to consistently do more of what we know is right and become better.

David A. Bednar, "More Diligent and Concerned at Home", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 17–20

Abuse and Addictions Can Make Home Anything But a Heaven On Earth For Innocent Family Members

Abuse and addictions can make home anything but a heaven on earth for innocent family members.

L. Whitney Clayton, "That Your Burdens May Be Light", Ensign, Nov. 2009, 12–14

Sin is...Blinding to Reality

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, 6–9

Young People Can Detect Hypocrisy As Easily As They Can Smell The Wonderful Aroma of Freshly Baked Bread

You have heard the phrase “Your actions speak so loudly, I cannot hear your words.” Our actions indeed speak volumes about us. We need to stand tall in following the counsel of the prophets to attire ourselves modestly. “Immodest clothing includes short shorts and skirts, tight [form-fitting] clothing, shirts that do not cover the stomach, and other revealing attire” (For the Strength of Youth [2001], 12). Clothing that is modest, neat, and clean uplifts. Immodest clothing degrades. If there is any question, ask yourself, “Would I feel comfortable with my appearance if I were in the Lord’s presence?” (For the Strength of Youth, 13). Mothers, you can be our examples and conscience in this important matter. But remember, young people can detect hypocrisy as easily as they can smell the wonderful aroma of freshly baked bread. Parents, counsel your sons and daughters and then join with them in standing tall against immodesty.


H. David Burton, "Standing Tall", Ensign, Nov. 2001, 65–66

The Savior's Sternest Rebukes Were To Hypocrites

The Savior’s sternest rebukes were to hypocrites. Hypocrisy is terribly destructive, not only to the hypocrite but also to those who observe or know of his or her conduct, especially children. It is faith destroying, whereas honor is the rich soil in which the seed of faith thrives.

D. Todd Christofferson, "Reflections on a Consecrated Life", Ensign, Nov. 2010, 16–19

The Commandment Not To Covet Is Meant To Keep Us From Hurting Ourselves.

Most “thou shalt not” commandments are meant to keep us from hurting others, but I am convinced the commandment not to covet is meant to keep us from hurting ourselves.

Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Other Prodigal", Ensign, May 2002, 62–64

What You Do Speaks So Loud That I Cannot Hear What You Say

As Ralph Waldo Emerson is believed to have said, “What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say” (see Ralph Keyes, The Quote Verifier [2006], 56).