Know Jesus Christ
Conform to His teachings- Be prayerful
"The only way to find peace, happiness and security and to overcome the evil of the world and the temptations of this generation is in the gospel of Jesus Christ," said Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Council of the Twelve.
Speaking Saturday morning, Elder Wirthlin said, "I would like today to emphasize the divinity of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
"We live in a day when Lucifer's influence is greater than we ever have known in our lifetimes. In terms of the sin, evil and wickedness upon the earth, we could liken our time to the days of Noah before the flood. No one is immune to affliction and difficulty, whether it be economical, emotional or spiritual. Immorality, violence and divorce, with their accompanying sorrows, plague society worldwide."
Continuing, Elder Wirthlin explained: "Jesus is the head of His Church, the Creator of the universe, the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind, and the Judge of the souls of men. Who He is and what He does affected each of us before we were born and will affect us each day of our mortal lives and throughout the eternities.
"I am grateful to know that our Lord and Savior stands at the head of this Church and directs it through His servants. This is the Lord's Church; it is not a Church of men. The Brethren of its presiding councils are called of God; their only motive is to serve according to His will in humility `with all their heart, might, mind, and strength.' ((D&C 4:2.) This Church bears His name because it is His Church."
Elder Wirthlin referred to a conversation between God and Moses, during which God said, "For behold, this is my work and my glory - to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39.)
"The immortality and eternal life of man is brought to pass by the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. It is an act of love for which we should be more grateful than for any other blessing or gift of God. The Atonement provides immortality to every person; immortality is infinite and universal.
"Considering all that Jesus is and all that He does for us, what should we be doing to show our appreciation? We should go far beyond knowing about Jesus, and about His attributes and mission. We should come to `know . . . the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent.' " (John 17:3.)
Elder Wirthlin counseled, "One underlying principle runs throughout the Savior's life, mission and teachings: we are to love one another.
"Imagine for a moment the result if everyone were to love one another as Jesus loves His disciples. We would have no bickering, quarreling, strife or contention in our homes. We would not offend or insult one another either verbally or in any other way. We would not have unnecessary litigation over small matters. War would be impossible, especially war waged in the name of religion."
In closing, Elder Wirthlin promised that Christ "is with us, and we can feel His influence in our lives if we are obedient, conform to His teachings and are prayerful."
