October 2018 General Conference

My Conference To-Dos

“A friend told me that while reading the general conference messages, he makes a list of what our Church leaders have asked us to do. Then he uses the list to set goals that will help him follow their counsel. I decided to start my own list. It has made a difference for me as I ponder the messages and consider what action I need to take. It really helps me focus on what’s most important.”

—Edna Washburn, Utah, USA

Answers to Questions

I used to have a testimony, but lately it has been harder to believe God is there. Can my faith ever be as strong as it once was?

“For some, the act of believing is difficult. Sometimes our pride gets in the way. Perhaps we think that because we are intelligent, educated, or experienced, we simply cannot believe in God. And we begin to look at religion as foolish tradition.

“In my experience, belief is not so much like a painting we look at and admire and about which we discuss and theorize. It is more like a plow that we take into the fields and, by the sweat of our brow, create furrows in the earth that accept seeds and bear fruit that shall remain.

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. This is the promise to all who seek to believe.”

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Believe, Love, Do,” Ensign, Nov. 2018, 47.

Christ sitting with child from Bible videos

Diving Deeper

Taking His Name

President Russell M. Nelson reminded us of the importance of taking the Savior’s name upon ourselves—both as disciples of Christ and as members of His Church. “When we omit His name from His Church, we are inadvertently removing Him as the central focus of our lives,” he said.

“Taking the Savior’s name upon us includes declaring and witnessing to others—through our actions and our words—that Jesus is the Christ” (“The Correct Name of the Church,” Ensign, Nov. 2018, 88). Many other leaders also invited us to ponder how we might better take His name upon ourselves.

President Henry B. Eyring invited us to ask ourselves two questions: “What must I be doing to take His name upon me?” and “How will I know when I am making progress?” (“Try, Try, Try,” Ensign, Nov. 2018, 91).
Elder Robert C. Gay offered three ways we can take the Savior’s name upon ourselves (see “Taking upon Ourselves the Name of Jesus Christ,” Ensign, Nov. 2018, 97–99).
Elder Paul B. Pieper taught what it means to truly take the name of Jesus Christ (see “All Must Take upon Them the Name Given of the Father,” Ensign, Nov. 2018, 43–45).

Consider recording in your journal your thoughts and feelings while studying what it means to take the Lord’s name upon you.