Excerpts from recent addresses by President Gordon B. Hinckley.
This work stands as an anchor of stability, an anchor of values, in a world whose values are shifting. We stand for something. Our values find their roots in the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. These are unchanging. They are today as they were when Jesus walked the roads of Palestine. They are as applicable now as they were then. They have been tested in the cauldron of human history, and they have not been found wanting. We expect great things of our people. This religion is demanding. It requires self-discipline. It requires study and courage and faith. People are responding to this as they feel the ground under them shake with uncertainties in a world of crumbling values. - From Salt Lake Institute Fireside, Jan. 21, 1996.
BOOK OF MORMON
No one, I am satisfied, can prayerfully read the Book of Mormon without coming to a knowledge that it is what it purports to be, and that it is another witness of the Lord Jesus Christ speaking out of the dust to those of this generation concerning the Redeemer of the world. - Ricks College Regional Conference, Oct. 29, 1995.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT
Watch what you choose to do. For instance, someone might want you to smoke. Never forget that I told you - don't do it. Say no. That can of beer that somebody wants you to try, don't do it. Don't you ever do it. That drug that someone might want you to use, don't touch it. Stay away from it. It can destroy you. - From St. George Youth Fireside, Jan. 14, 1996.
COVENANTED PEOPLE
We are a people who have taken upon us a solemn covenant and the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us strive a little harder to keep the commandments, to live as the Lord has asked us to live. We are His children. He delights in our good behavior and I think He grieves when we misbehave. - From St. George Utah Pineview Stake Conference, Jan. 14, 1996.
DESTINY OF THE CHURCH
The picture never looked brighter. The opportunities were never greater. This is a marvelous season in the history of the Lord's work. We are on stage, you and I, at this glorious season. We have so much to do, so very, very much to do to move forward the work of the Lord toward the marvelous destiny which He has outlined for it. - From Salt Lake Institute Fireside, Jan. 21, 1996.
HOLD TO THE CHURCH
This is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is `the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth,' according to the word of revelation. Here lies the truth. Here lies the priesthood. Hold to the Church. Do not ever lose sight of the fact that the Church must ever remain preeminent in your lives if you are going to be happy as the years pass. Never let yourselves be found in the position of fighting The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You cling to it and be faithful to it. You uphold and sustain it. You teach its doctrine and live by it. I do not hesitate to say that your lives will be the richer and the happier because of that. You cannot find happiness fighting the work of God. Those who have done so have gone down to a dismal end. - Ricks College Regional Conference, Oct. 29, 1995
LIFT, SUSTAIN OTHERS
There isn't a bishop here who isn't aware of the fact that there are so very many people with problems and our job is to help them. That's why we're here. There's no other reason for our being here when all is said and done. We have to lift and sustain and strengthen people. The Lord's going to hold us accountable for what we do. - From priesthood leadership session, Corpus Christi Texas Regional Conference, Jan. 6, 1996.
LIVE THE GOSPEL ALWAYS
The religion of which you are a part is seven days a week, it isn't just Sunday; it isn't the block plan, it isn't just three hours in Church; it isn't just the time you spend in seminary, it's all the time - 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. - From Parowan Youth Fireside, Jan. 13, 1996.
PORNOGRAPHY
"Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly." There is so much of filth and lust and pornography in this world. We as Latter-day Saints must rise above it, and stand tall against it. You just cannot afford to indulge in it. You have to keep it out of your heart. Like tobacco it's addictive; like drugs it's addictive, and it will destroy those who tamper with it. "Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly." - From Fireside, Dublin, Ireland, Sept. 1, 1995.
SABBATH DAY
If you have any doubt about the wisdom, the divinity of observing the Sabbath Day, stay away from the stores on Sunday, stay away from the markets, stay home and gather your family about you, teach them the gospel, enjoy yourselves together on the Sabbath Day, come to your meetings, participate. You will know that the principle of the Sabbath is a true principle which brings with it great blessings. - From Promontory Branch Sacrament Meeting, Oct. 15, 1995.
SENDING MISSIONARIES
There is not a home from which missionaries come that will not be enriched and blessed because of their service in the cause of the Lord. What a wonderful thing this great program is. How grateful every father and mother ought to be who has a missionary in the field. What a wonderful service it is. - From Sandy Utah Cottonwood Creek Stake Conference, Dec. 3, 1995.
SPIRITUALITY
I think our people know a lot about the Word of Wisdom, they know a lot about paying their tithing, they know a lot about MIA, and they know a lot about seminary and they know a lot about the mechanics of our meetings. But I worry and am deeply concerned about whether they are being fed spiritually. That's my deepest concern. - From priesthood leadership session, Corpus Christi Texas Regional Conference, Jan. 6, 1996.
