This week on social media, Church leaders talked about the power of the Book of Mormon, Joseph and Hyrum Smith’s martyrdom anniversary, and trusting in the Lord, among other insights.
On June 25, President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, posted a video of him and his wife, Sister Kristin Oaks.
President Oaks answered the question: “How do I balance my various responsibilities?”
Part of his response was describing some students’ mistakes to either over-prioritize school work or Church service. His solution: “to not select one of those and give it all your time.”
General Relief Society President Camille N. Johnson allowed those on social media to join her in a day at the office in a video she posted on June 27. She asked people what they would like to see — and received over 360 comments in response.
On Facebook, President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor in the First Presidency, said, “Because of the Savior’s atoning sacrifice, we can be cleansed and changed.”
He continued that, because of Jesus Christ, “We will have the strength to endure any challenge we are presented with and keep the commandments without compulsion.”
Sharing a piece of her experience speaking at the BYU Women’s Conference on June 25, Sister Kristin M. Yee, second counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, said, “No matter our marital status or background, the Lord desires us to partner with Him in a powerful way. To be “one” with Him in “all our doings” (Alma 37). As we cry unto the Lord for our support, our lives can be filled by this beautiful covenant bond.”
On the 179th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith, President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, posted on Facebook, “Their courage and faith combined with their dedication to serve Jesus Christ and fulfill their earthly missions are traits I have learned from and admired throughout my life.”
He linked his 2023 New Mission Leadership Seminar talk for others to read: ”Joseph and Hyrum: Exemplary Missionary Companions”
On Instagram, June 23, President Ballard also posted, “Joseph and Hyrum were prophets of the living God, and we must powerfully carry what they have given to us into the lives of our Father’s children wherever we find them. The principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ they taught are essential in our preparation for the Second Coming of the Savior.”
Sister Michelle D. Craig, first counselor in the Young Women general presidency. posted on June 29, “Have you ever felt inadequate in the Lord’s work?”
She then said, “We all have weakness. But I have found that when we trust God and allow Him to prevail in our lives, the end result will be better than we could possibly imagine.”
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, praised the impact that his mission president from 60 years ago had on his testimony and life.
“That rebirth and dedicated life came ultimately from my Father in Heaven, but His earthly agent was my mission president, Elder Marion D. Hanks. He opened the scriptures. He opened my eyes. He believed in me and led me to the Lord Jesus Christ,” said Elder Holland in his June 23 post.
Sister Rebecca L. Craven, second counselor in the Young Women general presidency, shared a story of when she got a splinter in her eye in an Instagram post, June 25.
“Let’s avoid any pain or impairment to our spiritual eyes by seeking for and seeing the good in others!” She counseled.
On June 23, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “When I read the scriptures, I’m impressed with how much of the Savior’s work has to do with bringing people together.”
“Unity is a powerful testimony of the Savior’s influence. Jesus Christ declared that the world would believe in Him when they saw the unity of His servants,” he said.
Elder Uchtdorf continued, “The unity we seek is not to have everyone see things in the same way; it’s to have everyone look in the same direction — toward Jesus Christ.”
“All of us should avoid speculating about subjects on which little or nothing has been revealed, perpetuating unsubstantiated claims and rumors, and substituting personal opinions and experiences for the word of God,” said Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on June 23.
He counseled members to “pay the price to learn and understand the doctrine and principles for ourselves by the power of the Holy Ghost: we must ‘own it!’”
Primary General President Susan H. Porter created a joint post with Sister Tracy Y. Browning, second counselor in the Primary general presidency, on June 30 about their remarks from BYU Women’s Conference. “Sisters, we testify that as you focus on the Savior and doing what He asks you to do, your offering will be enough! You can find peace in Him.”
Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles praised the Book of Mormon for the powerful influence it has had on his life in a June 24 Facebook post.
“The Book of Mormon has been instrumental in my own conversion,” the Apostle said.
Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared five important missionary principles he spoke about during the recent New Mission Leaders Seminar in a June 24 Instagram post.
On June 23, Elder Ronald A Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared a story of a disappointed missionary and said, “As those who share the gospel of Jesus Christ, we don’t always see the future consequences of our efforts to share the gospel. What we do might not bring immediate results, but they may have unseen, lasting impacts.”
Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared his gratitude for the announcement of the second edition of “Preach My Gospel” in a June 23 Facebook post. “[It] will elevate the work done by missionaries,” the Apostle said.
Talking about his professional life as a cardiologist, Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles compared the use of a stethoscope to receiving revelation from the Spirit in a June 25 Instagram post. “Revelation requires similar concentration and elimination of distractions,” he said.
“The joy baptism brings cascades through generations,” said Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on June 23.
From strengthening their testimonies of Christ to having pure motives, Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared principles members could use when faced with challenging tasks, with a promise that, “emphasizing these principles will help you to accomplish the work that your Heavenly Father has given you.”
Young Men General President Steven J. Lund, on June 27, told a story of two young boys who became lost on their way home. In the end, the boys made it back safely along with a little fish in a bag and a heartwarming story of relying on prayer and being blessed by the goodness of others.
Brother Michael T. Nelson, second counselor in the Young Men general presidency, posted a picture of him and his wife, Sister Barbara Nelson, on Facebook on June 27: “When my wife, Barbara, and I were mission leaders in the California San Bernardino Mission, we experienced firsthand the remarkable faith of young people. You are so much more than the world believes you can be!”
He continued, “Young men and women, you are capable of choosing to do incredible things!”
Sunday School General President Mark L. Pace said that receiving the Holy Ghost as a constant companion is “the quest of a lifetime!” in a June 29 Instagram post.
Brother Milton Camargo, second counselor in the Sunday School general presidency, spoke of the unjust treatment Jesus Christ endured up to His Crucifixion. “Despite understanding the greater purpose of His atoning sacrifice for us,” he said, “those were still difficult chapters to read without being deeply touched.”
Brother Camargo then spoke of the deep joy he feels because Jesus Christ lives.
Brother Bradley R. Wilcox, first counselor in the Young Men general presidency, posted a video on June 30 talking with a recently returned missionary about how others can decide if a mission is right for them.