Harness power of prayer
Develop sense of humor- Learn compassion
Church members can draw upon President Gordon B. Hinckley's example in order to improve their own spiritual capacity, said Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve.
Speaking Saturday morning, Elder Nelson emphasized, "We must never lose sight of the Savior's enduring standard as the ultimate for each of us. But we can also learn much from a man who has spent his entire lifetime in striving to be more like the Lord."
Elder Nelson said President Hinckley has developed many spiritual capacities, including "faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, and diligence." (D&C 4:6.)
He explained that while one's body may reach the peak of its maturation in a few years, the development of the spirit may never reach the limit of its capacity, because there is no end to progression.
"President Hinckley's personality, manner, and native intelligence have always been uniquely his," Elder Nelson continued. "To these inborn attributes, however, he has added spiritual capacities and they are continuing to increase."
He said that long ago President Hinckley harnessed the power of prayer. "I have watched him pray over many weighty matters and receive inspired answers," he said.
Continuing, he noted President Hinckley's love of learning is catalyzed by curiosity. "He grasps every opportunity to learn from others." He also said that through the years President Hinckley has developed a remarkable sense of humor, and among President Hinckley's many spiritual attributes is that of compassion. "He is sympathetic to people and feels a strong urge to help them.
"While I focus upon President Hinckley, Sister Hinckley should also be included," Elder Nelson explained. "They have been married for 60 years and have long been one in spirit, while maintaining their individuality. They do not waste time pondering the past or fretting about the future. And they persevere in spite of adversity."
President and Sister Hinckley, he said, "have demonstrated that the capacity to understand increases as one learns and then teaches with diligence. Unless illness interferes, age does not diminish - it augments - the capacity for spiritual development."
Elder Nelson noted that each president of the Church inherits an enormous workload at an age when most men would be retired. "President Hinckley has set a pace that is unprecedented. In 1996, he visited missionaries, members, and friends of the Church in 23 nations on four continents. During that year, he gave more than 200 major discourses. His stride in 1997 continues to follow that same pattern."
He explained that the prophet's strenuous schedule is driven by his determination to be anxiously engaged in building the kingdom of God. "Unshakable faith, hard work, and contagious optimism epitomize our prophet," he said.
Elder Nelson concluded: "While we follow prophetic teachings, we can develop our spiritual capacities by emulating one such as President Gordon B. Hinckley."
