Notable quotes:
“When people love God with all their hearts and righteously strive to become like Him, there is less strife and contention in society. There is more unity.”
“We live in a moment of particularly strong divisions. However, the millions who have accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ have committed themselves to achieving both righteousness and unity.”
“The clarion call to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to strive to be a Zion people who are of one heart and one mind and dwell in righteousness.”
Summary points:
- Righteousness and unity are profoundly significant.
- Unity and diversity are not opposites.
- Unity exemplifies the first and second great commandments to love God and love our fellowmen.
Talk summary:
Latter-day Saints should commit themselves as members of the Lord’s Church “to live righteously and be united as never before.”
Righteousness and unity are “profoundly significant,” because when people love God with all their hearts and righteously strive to become like Him, there is less strife and contention in society.”
Unity is enhanced when people are treated with dignity and respect even though they are different in outward characteristics.
“As leaders, we are not under the illusion that in the past all relationships were perfect, all conduct was Christlike, or all decisions were just. However, our faith teaches that we are all children of our Father in Heaven, and we worship Him and His Son, Jesus Christ, who is our Savior. Our desire is that our hearts and minds will be knit in righteousness and unity, and we will be one with Them” (Doctrine and Covenants 45:71).
This is a moment of particularly strong divisions. “The millions who have accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ have committed themselves to achieving both righteousness and unity. We are all aware that we can do better, and that is our challenge in this day. We can be a force to lift and bless society as a whole.”
With the Church’s all-inclusive doctrine, “We can be an oasis of unity and celebrate diversity. Unity and diversity are not opposites. We can achieve greater unity as we foster an atmosphere of inclusion and respect for diversity. …
The Savior’s ministry and message have consistently declared “all races and colors are children of God. We are all brothers and sisters.”
Church culture comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ. “Our members and new converts often come from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds. … Yet we can be united in our love of and faith in Jesus Christ.”
In the news:
- In a Sept. 10 devotional broadcast to elders and sisters preparing for service in home missionary training centers, Elder Cook described missionaries as “spiritual pathfinders and influencers” taking the lead on proclaiming the gospel in an internet-connected world.
- Efforts at Brigham Young University should be driven by “a laser-like focus on our responsibility to help build faith,” Elder Cook told faculty during BYU’s annual university conference on Aug. 24
- Elder Cook spoke during the 2020 Mission Leadership Seminar in June about the Lord’s charge to all mission leaders: “You shall build up my Church.”
- Revelation has guided “an interlocking pattern of strength” that now sustains the Church during COVID-19, Elder Cook told the Church News in an interview in April.
About the speaker:
- Elder Quentin L. Cook was born and raised in Logan, Utah.
- He was sustained a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on Oct. 6, 2007.
- While Elder Cook was in high school, his brother was pondering whether or not to serve a mission. They both decided to search for the answer through prayer and received a positive answer that shaped Elder Cook’s testimony for the rest of his life.
- He currently serves as chairman of the Priesthood and Family Executive Council.
- He married Mary Gaddie on Nov. 30, 1962. They are the parents of three children and have 11 grandchildren.
Recently on Social:
- Elder Cook posted on Twitter on Sept. 18 about the beginning of Rosh Hashanah — 10 days of introspection and repentance ending on Yom Kippur, the day of Atonement. “To my dear Jewish friends, I admire your faith and commitment. Your faith enriches mine,” he wrote.
- Elder Cook turned 80 years old on Sept. 8 and posted a photo of a “Happy Birthday” banner from his grandchildren. “I have missed my grandchildren this year as the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented Sister [Mary] Cook and me from seeing them as much as we would like,” he wrote on Instagram.
- In an Aug. 24 Instagram post, Elder Cook wrote about the importance of maintaining a laser-like focus on one’s responsibility to build faith in Jesus Christ and His restored Church.
- On July 12, Elder Cook posted a picture, taken several years ago, of he and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland with their mission president, President Marion D. Hanks. “He instilled in his missionaries a love of the Book of Mormon,” wrote Elder Cook.
- Elder Cook tweeted about personal revelation on April 5. He wrote, “My humble plea today is that each of us will seek continuing revelation to guide our lives and follow the Spirit as we worship God the Father in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. #HearHim”
