While AI can be a useful tool for online research, editing, translation, and other tasks, we should not use AI to create or write our initial drafts or final versions of our spiritual messages.

If AI can help your work, please consider using it. But please recognize the difference between AI helping tutor you to enhance your understanding and you simply having AI do your homework with little benefit to your learning. If we let it, AI can let us slip into being lazy, dependent, perhaps dishonest. Please do not let AI replace you in work that would otherwise help you stretch and grow. And please do not take credit and claim as your own work what you know AI has primarily done.

When we apply the principle of individual growth through our work and effort, AI can enhance, deepen, enliven our creativity and capacity. As a tool well used, AI can help us. This is especially true when we’re doing and growing through our efforts and work, specifically in a religious setting. We do not grow spiritually if we let AI write our talks or lessons or do our seminary or institute homework.

While AI can be a useful tool for online research, editing, translation, and other tasks, we should not use AI to create or write our initial drafts or final versions of our spiritual messages.

 Faith, Dignity, and Human Flourishing: Hearing God's Voice in an Age of Artificial Intelligence Elder Gerrit W. Gong June 7, 2026.

Treasure Up in Your Minds

 I will tell you the first thing I used to do when I went preaching, particularly when I went to a [new] place—and that was to go aside to some place, anywhere I could get, into a field, a barn, into the woods, or my closet, and ask God to bless me and give me wisdom to meet all the circumstances with which I might have to contend; and the Lord gave me the wisdom I needed and sustained me. If you pursue a course of this kind, he will bless you also. Do not trust in yourselves, but study the best books—the Bible and Book of Mormon—and get all the information you can, and then cleave to God and keep yourselves free from corruption and pollution of every kind, and the blessings of the Most High will be with you.

Chapter 16: Strengthening Our Relationship with God

John Taylor

Teachings of Presidents

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/teachings-john-taylor/chapter-16?lang=eng&verse=#p

Stand In Front of Them With Your Scriptures In Your Hand...Let [them] See Where You Find Your Inspiration

 Please teach the scriptures to your missionaries,” Elder Holland said. “Stand in front of them with your scriptures in your hand. Let those elders and sisters see where you find your inspiration. …

“Make your testimony of and from the scriptures so obvious that nothing negative your missionaries will face in their marriages, in their universities, or in their professions … will ever deflect them from the course on which you have set them.”

Jeffrey R. Holland, July 2021, New Mission President Seminar

Tags:  Physical Scriptures

This Jesus should not be a fictional Jesus, or a simplistic Jesus, or a bodiless Jesus, or a casual Jesus, or an unknown Jesus, but a glorified, omnipotent, resurrected, exalted, worshipful, powerful Only Begotten Son of God,who is mighty to save.

 We need to infuse the Light of Jesus Christ into every corner of our lives. If we are not testifying to the veracity of His premortal godhood, His divine mission, and His prison-bursting Resurrection in our homes and in every single meeting of this Church, then our messages of love, service, honesty, humility, gratitude, and compassion can become nothing more than a jaunty pep talk of thoughtful living. Without Jesus Christ there is no power to change, no purpose to aspire to, and no reconciliation of the travails of life. If we become casual in our discipleship of Jesus Christ, it could be catastrophic for our children.

When we tell our children we love them, are we also telling them that their Father in Heaven and Savior Jesus Christ love them? Our love may comfort and inspire, but Their love can sanctify, exalt, and heal.

This Jesus should not be a fictional Jesus, or a simplistic Jesus, or a bodiless Jesus, or a casual Jesus, or an unknown Jesus, but a glorified, omnipotent, resurrected, exalted, worshipful, powerful Only Begotten Son of God,who is mighty to save.

Thou Art the Christ

April 2025

General Conference

Amy A. Wright

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/32wright?lang=eng&verse=#p

One of the surest ways to avoid even getting near false doctrine is to choose to be simple in our teaching.

 It is tempting to try something new or sensational. But the Holy Ghost will reveal the spirit of truth only as we are cautious and careful not to go beyond teaching true doctrine. One of the surest ways to avoid even getting near false doctrine is to choose to be simple in our teaching. Safety is gained by that simplicity, and little is lost.

Simple Is the Doctrine of Jesus Christ

October 2024

General Conference

Henry B. Eyring

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/10/47eyring?lang=eng&verse=#p

There are many things to teach about in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ—principles, commandments, prophecies, and scripture stories. But all of these are branches of the same tree, for they all have one purpose: to help all people come unto Christ and be perfected in Him

 There are many things to teach about in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ—principles, commandments, prophecies, and scripture stories. But all of these are branches of the same tree, for they all have one purpose: to help all people come unto Christ and be perfected in Him (see Jarom 1:11; Moroni 10:32). So no matter what you are teaching, remember that you are really teaching about Jesus Christ and how to become like Him” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way: For All Who Teach in the Home and in the Church [2022], 6).

Preserving the Voice of the Covenant People in the Rising Generation

October 2023

General Conference

Jan E. Newman

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/10/23newman?lang=eng&verse=#p

What appropriately can and cannot be said regarding the temple experience outside of the temple

Indeed, temple preparation is most effective in our homes. But many Church members are unsure about what appropriately can and cannot be said regarding the temple experience outside of the temple.

President Ezra Taft Benson described why this uncertainty exists:

“The temple is a sacred place, and the ordinances in the temple are of a sacred character. Because of its sacredness we are sometimes reluctant to say anything about the temple to our children and grandchildren.

“As a consequence, many do not develop a real desire to go to the temple, or when they go there, they do so without much background to prepare them for the obligations and covenants they enter into.

“I believe a proper understanding or background will immeasurably help prepare our youth for the temple … [and] will foster within them a desire to seek their priesthood blessings just as Abraham sought his.”

Two basic guidelines can help us achieve the proper understanding emphasized by President Benson.

Guideline #1. Because we love the Lord, we always should speak about His holy house with reverence. We should not disclose or describe the special symbols associated with the covenants we receive in sacred temple ceremonies. Neither should we discuss the holy information that we specifically promise in the temple not to reveal.

Guideline #2. The temple is the house of the Lord. Everything in the temple points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ. We may discuss the basic purposes of and the doctrine and principles associated with temple ordinances and covenants.

President Howard W. Hunter counseled: “Let us share with our children the spiritual feelings we have in the temple. And let us teach them more earnestly and more comfortably the things we can appropriately say about the purposes of the house of the Lord.”

Prepared to Obtain Every Needful Thing

April 2019

2010–2019

David A. Bednar

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/04/54bednar?lang=eng&verse=#p

Preach Them Over and Over Again

In the Articles of Faith, the Prophet Joseph Smith taught that “through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.”

The first principles of the gospel are faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. His brother Hyrum taught: “Preach them over [and over] again: you will find that day after day new ideas and additional light concerning them will be revealed to you. You can enlarge upon them … to comprehend them clearly. You will then be able to make them more plainly understood by those [you] teach.”

The True, Pure, and Simple Gospel of Jesus Christ

April 2019

General Conference

M. Russell Ballard

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/04/23ballard?lang=eng&verse=#p

Preach the first principles of the Gospel—preach them over again

Preach the first principles of the Gospel—preach them over again: you will find that day after day new ideas and additional light concerning them will be revealed to you. You can enlarge upon them so as to comprehend them clearly. You will then be able to make them more plainly understood by those [you] teach.”

Hyrum Smith, in History of the Church, 6:323.
The Power of Teaching Doctrine, Douglas D. Holmes, Ensign March 2017

Understand Doctrine Is Understanding the Why of Obdience

President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015), President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, frequently taught: “True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.”...we underst[and] doctrine, we underst[and] the “why” of obedience, not simply the “what” and “how.”

The Power of Teaching Doctrine, Douglas D. Holmes, Ensign March 2017

We should not worry that we are not professionally trained gospel teachers. No training class or manual is as helpful as personally studying our scriptures, praying, pondering, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Parents and grandparents, we tend to bemoan the state of the world—that schools are not teaching moral character. But there is much we can do. We can take advantage of the teaching moments in our own families—that means now. Don’t let them slip by. When an opportunity comes to share your thoughts about the gospel and the lessons of life, stop everything, sit down, and talk with your children and grandchildren.

We should not worry that we are not professionally trained gospel teachers. No training class or manual is as helpful as personally studying our scriptures, praying, pondering, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit will lead you along. I promise you: the calling to be a parent includes the gift to teach in the ways that are right for you and for your children. Remember, God’s power to influence us righteously is His love. “We love him, because he first loved us.”11

Some of our most impactful Christian service is given by holding family scripture study, family prayer, and family council meetings. For more than a hundred years, Church leaders have called us to set aside uninterrupted time each week. But many of us are still missing the blessings. Family home evening is not a lecture from Mom and Dad. It is our family time to share simple spiritual concepts and experiences, to help our children learn to care and share, have fun together, bear testimony together, and grow and progress together. As we hold family home evening every week, our love for one another will grow stronger and we will suffer less.

"'Come, Follow Me' by Practicing Christian Love and Service",  Elder Robert D. Hales, October 2016 General Conference

What It Means to Magnify Your Calling

I recently met a sister in Mexico who understands what it means to magnify her calling with faith. Marffissa Maldonado was called to teach a youth Sunday School class three years ago. She had 7 students attending when she was called, but she now has 20 who attend regularly. I asked her, in amazement, what she had done to bring about such an increase in numbers. She modestly said, “Oh, it wasn’t just me. All the class members helped.” Together, they saw the names of the less-actives on the roll and began to go out together and invite them to come back to church. They have also had a baptism because of their efforts.

Sister Maldonado set up a social media site just for her class members called “I Am a Child of God,” and she posts inspirational thoughts and scriptures several times a week. She regularly texts her students with assignments and encouragement. She feels it is important to communicate in the ways they best relate to, and it is working. She told me simply, “I love my students.” I could feel that love as she told me of their efforts, and her example reminded me of what one person of faith and action can accomplish in this work with the help of the Lord.

"Rise Up in Strength, Sisters in Zion",  Bonnie L. Oscarson, October 2016 General Conference

The Church Is Not A Debating Society

“Teachers in the Church represent the Lord in their teaching. The Church is the Lord's; the doctrine is the Lord's. Teachers speak at the invitation of the Lord and are appointed to say what he wants said, nothing more and nothing less. There is no freedom to teach or speculate contrary to the revealed will. Those who desire to express views contrary to gospel truth are at liberty to find other forums or to organize churches of their own. But in God's church, the only approved doctrine is God's doctrine. The Church is not a debating society; it is not searching for a system of salvation; it is not a forum for social or political philosophies. It is, rather, the Lord’s kingdom with a commission to teach his truths for the salvation of men. Anything contrary to or short of this standard is not of God”

Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [1965–73], 3:71

Teach We Do Must Be So Indelible, Effective, and Impressive That It Cannot Be Erased

The teaching we do must be so indelible, effective, and impressive that it cannot be erased.  Then if it is covered over temporarily by falsehoods or wickedness, a good scrubbing will still leave our work intact and perhaps even a little brighter. We must teach and teach well, and teach permanently.  As parents, as teachers, as officers in the Church, that is our obligation and our opportunity.

Boyd K. Packer, "Mine Errand from the Lord" p. 320

Similar to what is taught by Sister Julie B. Beck
https://quotestokeep.blogspot.com/2020/07/live-and-teach-with-so-much-clarity.html

How to Know You Are Speaking Under the Inspiration of the Holy Ghost

I always know when I am speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost because I always learn something from what I’ve said.

Marion G. Romney, in Boyd K. Packer, Teach Ye Diligently (1975), 304.

You Cannot Travel Down What Lehi Called "Forbidden Paths" and Expect To Guide Other to the "Straight and Narrow One"

 No missionary can be unrepentant of sexual transgression or profane language or pornographic indulgence and then expect to challenge others to repent of those very things! You can’t do that. The Spirit will not be with you, and the words will choke in your throat as you speak them. You cannot travel down what Lehi called “forbidden paths”⁵ and expect to guide others to the “strait and narrow”⁶ one—it can’t be done.

 October 2011 General Conference -  We Are All Enlisted  -  Jeffrey R. Holland

It Is In The Application Of Doctrine That The Purifying Flame Of The Gospel Grows And The Power Of The Priesthood Ignites Our Souls

Let us be the ones to act and not be acted upon. Preaching is fine, but sermons that do not lead to action are like fires without heat or water that cannot quench thirst.

It is in the application of doctrine that the purifying flame of the gospel grows and the power of the priesthood ignites our souls.

 April 2012 General Conference -  The Why Of Priesthood Service   -  President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Preaching Hell-Fire

I am not going to drive a man or a woman to heaven. A great many think that they will be able to flog people into heaven, but this can never be done, for the intelligence in us is as independent as the Gods. People are not to be driven and you can put into a gnat’s eye all the souls of the children of men that are driven into heaven by preaching hell-fire (DBY,64).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 70–77

Are You Fulfilling Your Mission?

We frequently call the brethren to go on missions to preach the Gospel, and they will go and labor as faithfully as men can do, fervent in spirit, in prayer, in laying on hands, in preaching to and teaching the people how to be saved. In a few years they come home, and throwing off their coats and hats, they will say, “Religion, stand aside, I am going to work now to get something for myself and my family.” This is folly in the extreme. When a man returns from a mission where he has been preaching the Gospel he ought to be just as ready to come to this pulpit to preach as if he were in England, France, Germany, or on the islands of the sea. And when he has been at home a week, a month, a year, or ten years, the spirit of preaching and the spirit of the Gospel ought to be within him like a river flowing forth to the people in good words, teachings, precepts, and examples. If this is not the case he does not fill his mission (DBY, 328–29).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 242–50

Nothing Short Of A Testimony By The Power Of The Holy Ghost Would...Bring Them In Their Hearts To Repentance.

I had only traveled a short time to testify to the people, before I learned this one fact, that you might prove doctrine from the Bible till doomsday, and it would merely convince a people, but would not convert them. You might read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, and prove every iota that you advance, and that alone would have no converting influence upon the people. Nothing short of a testimony by the power of the Holy Ghost would bring light and knowledge to them—bring them in their hearts to repentance. Nothing short of that would ever do. You have frequently heard me say that I would rather hear an Elder, either here or in the world, speak only five words accompanied by the power of God, and they would do more good than to hear long sermons without the Spirit. That is true, and we know it (DBY, 330).

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, (1997), 242–50