Fulfilling Our Duty

The effect of God’s commandments and laws is not changed to accommodate popular behavior or desires. If anyone thinks that godly or parental love for an individual grants the loved one license to disobey the law, he or she does not understand either love or law.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Spirituality yields two fruits. The first is inspiration to know what to do. The second is power, or the capacity to do. … That’s why Nephi could say, “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded” [1 Nephi 3:7].

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Our testimony of gospel truth should be reflected both in our words and in our deeds. And our testimonies are proclaimed and lived most powerfully in our own homes. Spouses, parents, and children should strive to overcome any hesitancy, reluctance, or embarrassment about bearing testimony. We should both create and look for opportunities to bear testimony of gospel truths—and live them.

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

We follow Jesus Christ. We try to emulate what He has asked us to do, both by His teachings and His example.

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

More Diligent and Concerned at Home

In my office is a beautiful painting of a wheat field. The painting is a vast collection of individual brushstrokes—none of which in isolation is very interesting or impressive. In fact, if you stand close to the canvas, all you can see is a mass of seemingly unrelated and unattractive streaks of yellow and gold and brown paint. However, as you gradually move away from the canvas, all of the individual brushstrokes combine together and produce a magnificent landscape of a wheat field. Many ordinary, individual brushstrokes work together to create a captivating and beautiful painting.

Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brush stroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results. “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33). Consistency is a key principle as we lay the foundation of a great work in our individual lives and as we become more diligent and concerned in our own homes.

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

I really enjoyed Elder Bednar’s talk about consistency. I have often found this difficult in my life, and he really made me feel motivated. I absolutely loved being able to hear so many Apostles and the prophet speak, and I honestly learned a lot.

Heather B., 13, Tennessee

From Lehi’s vision we learn that we must take hold of this safety railing—this iron rod, found alongside our individual straight and narrow path—and hold tight until we reach our ultimate goal of eternal life with our Heavenly Father. …

I invite you to read again the full accounts of this inspired vision. Study them, ponder them, and apply them to your daily life. In modern terms we might say we are invited to “get a grip.” We must hold on tight to the iron rod and never let go.

Ann M. Dibb, second counselor in the Young Women general presidency

One of my favorite talks was Sister Ann M. Dibb’s on how to face challenges in our day. I liked the examples of how prayer and scriptures can be our safety equipment and that the rod of iron is the safety railing we can grab hold of.

Rachel A., 13, Arizona

An incredulous female friend asked a young adult woman, committed to living the law of chastity, how it was possible that she had never “slept with anybody.” “Don’t you want to?” the friend asked. The young woman thought: “The question intrigued me, because it was so utterly beside the point. … Mere wanting is hardly a proper guide for moral conduct.” …

… Perhaps our moral discipline, if we will cultivate it, will have an influence for good and inspire others to pursue the same course. We may thereby have an impact on future trends and events. At a minimum, moral discipline will be of immense help to us as we deal with whatever stresses and challenges may come in a disintegrating society.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles