Consistently and patiently living the gospel as disciples of Jesus Christ is the one sure path to lasting happiness, taught President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, during the Sunday morning session of conference.
He began his address by noting that the day on which he was speaking was Palm Sunday, reminiscent of that Sabbath nearly 2,000 years ago that Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem during the final week of His mortal life. A great multitude greeted the Master and laid before Him palm leaves, flowering branches and even their own garments, and shouted praises (see Luke 19:36 and Matthew 21:9).
"It is fitting that during this week, from Palm Sunday to Easter morning, we turn our thoughts to Jesus Christ, the source of light, life and love. The multitudes in Jerusalem may have seen Him as a great king who would give them freedom from political oppression. But in reality He gave them much more than that. He gave us His gospel, a pearl beyond price, the grand key of knowledge that, once understood and applied, unlocks a life of happiness, peace and fulfillment," President Uchtdorf said.
"The gospel is the good news of Christ. It is the revelation that the Son of God came to earth, lived a perfect life, atoned for our sins and conquered death. It is the path of salvation, the way of hope and joy, and the assurance that God has a plan of redemption and happiness for His children. The gospel is the way of discipleship. As we walk in that way, we can experience confidence and joy — even during times of peril, sorrow and uncertainty."
In these times when many fret about the future and hunger for deeper meaning in their lives, the world is quick to offer up man-made plans for happiness that can contain elements of truth but ultimately fail to satisfy the soul, President Uchtdorf noted.
"The world," he said, "is not bashful in offering numerous new answers to every problem we face. People run from one new idea to the next, hoping to find something that will answer the burning questions of their souls. They attend seminars and buy books, CDs and other products. They get caught up in the excitement of looking for something new. But, inevitably, the flame of each new theory fades, only to be replaced by another 'new and improved' solution that promises to do what the others before it could not."
President Uchtdorf juxtaposed the fallibility of the world's wisdom against the perfectness of the gospel plan.
"The gospel of Jesus Christ has the answers to all of our problems," he said. "The gospel is not a secret. It is not complicated or hidden. It can unlock the door to true happiness. It is not someone's theory or proposition. It does not come from man at all. It springs from the pure and everlasting waters of the Creator of the universe, who knows truths we cannot even begin to comprehend. And with that knowledge, He has given us the gospel — a divine gift, the ultimate formula for happiness and success."
Discipleship requiring patience, commitment, obedience and consistency is the means by which the gospel of Jesus Christ can fully take root.
"We don't acquire eternal life in a sprint — this is a race of endurance. We have to apply and reapply the divine gospel principles. Day after day we need to make them part of our normal life."
Further, he proclaimed, "Discipleship is a journey. We need the refining lessons of the journey to craft our character and purify our hearts. By patiently walking in the path of discipleship, we demonstrate to ourselves the measure of our faith and our willingness to accept God's will rather than ours. ...
"Discipleship is not a spectator sport. We cannot expect to experience the blessings of faith by standing inactive on the sidelines any more than we can experience the benefits of health by sitting on a sofa watching sporting events on television and giving advice to the athletes. And yet for some, 'spectator discipleship' is a preferred if not a primary way of worshipping."
Some points President Uchtdorf placed great emphasis upon are that no exclusionary prerequisites exist to preclude anybody from embarking upon the pathway to discipleship, and it is never too late for less active Church members to recommence their respective quests to follow in the Master's footsteps.
"To those who feel inadequate because they have not been members of the Church all their lives, to those who feel that they can never make up for the time they have lost, I testify that the Lord needs your specific abilities, talents, and skills. The Church needs you; we need you. It is always the right time to walk in His way. It is never too late."
President Uchtdorf said there is no limit to the healing effect discipleship and the gospel of Jesus Christ can have on the wounded soul.
"Let us remember on this Palm Sunday, during this Easter season, and always, that the restored gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has the power to fill any emptiness, heal any wound, and bridge any vale of sorrow. It is the way of hope, faith, and trust in the Lord. The gospel of Jesus Christ is taught in its fullness in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This Church is led by a living prophet, authorized by the Lord Jesus Christ to provide direction and guidance to help us face the challenges of our day, as serious as they may be."
