A Time to Stand Tall

By Bishop H. David Burton

Presiding Bishop

Adapted from an October 1998 general conference address.

When Sister Burton and I were first married, we lived in the southeast part of the Salt Lake Valley. On occasion, as we bought groceries from a small neighborhood store, we saw President and Sister Joseph Fielding Smith in the same store, making their purchases. President Smith (1876–1972) was the tenth President of the Church.

I finally mustered the courage to ask President Smith why he traveled all the way from downtown, past a dozen grocery stores, to shop at this one. Looking over the tops of his glasses, he declared, “Son! Sister Smith and I patronize establishments that keep the Sabbath day holy.”

I know it’s hard for young people to choose to observe the Sabbath day when athletic teams on which they so much want to play schedule games on Sunday. But I also know that remembering to keep the Sabbath day holy is one of the most important commandments we can observe in preparing to receive the whisperings of the Spirit.

I testify of a living Father in Heaven and of His Son, our Savior and our Redeemer, who love us unconditionally and are eager for us to seize the many opportunities They have provided. This is a time to stand tall and be counted among the faithful who obey this great commandment.

Illustrated by Steve Kropp