Notable quotes:
Summary points:
- The gospel can bring peace, joy and happiness even in times of struggle.
- All that God expects of His children is to try their best each day, to learn of Him and to grow in the knowledge of His plan for them.
- Keep the gospel and it's practice simple.
Talk summary:
While worldly troubles and external forces such as poverty, war and natural disasters can cause pain and struggles in this mortal life, those who strive to follow Christ "can find peace, joy and happiness."
Our Father in Heaven simply asks us to "do the very best we can each day." If you can do that, "you will come to realize that your Heavenly Father knows you and that He loves you. And when you know that — really know it — your life will have real purpose and meaning, and you will be filled with joy and peace."
The Lord's "work and glory" is to "bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of [men and women]." And while sin and transgression "dim the light of Christ in our lives," the "true, pure, simple gospel" of Christ is the "saving doctrine of Christ" which is available to all God's children.
Inspired changes implemented in the last several months have been introduced to simplify and return focus to "[preaching] the first principles of the gospel — faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end." Repetition and practice by learning and teaching these basic principles can reveal additional light and understanding to those who seek it.
Fostering simple testimonies, focused on the gospel of Christ, will provide spiritual renewal to God's children as they share their faith and knowledge with one another. The purpose of the Church is to help all members "work in a balanced effort to rescue individuals, strengthen families … and gather Israel through conversion, retention, and activation." Keep it simple, and in that simplicity, all can find peace, joy and happiness.
In the news:
- President Ballard joined with President Russell M. Nelson in March 2019 in meeting Pope Francis at the Vatican. It was the first time a Church leader has had an audience with the pope. Watch a video about the meeting here.
- In a February 2019 devotional, President Ballard spoke about how to find answers to life’s questions. He also talked about the importance of relying on the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
- On October 7, 2018, Elder Ballard laid to rest his wife Sister Barbara Ballard, who passed away on Oct. 1, 2018. During October 2018 general conference, Elder Ballard said of his wife, “How grateful I am today to know where my precious Barbara is and that we will be together again with our family for all eternity."
About the speaker:
- President M. Russell Ballard has been a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since 1985 and was set apart as Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve on Jan. 14, 2018.
- President Ballard’s great-great-grandfather is Hyrum Smith, a brother of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
- President Ballard and Barbara Ballard are the parents of five daughters and two sons.
Recently on social:
- In one of his more recent Facebook posts, President Ballard re-emphasized the significant and necessary influence of women in the Church and urged priesthood leaders to include and respect women leaders in their wards and stakes.
- In an Instagram post from Valentine’s Day, President Ballard cautioned against comparing one's life to others on social media, stressing that the Savior is interested only in one's personal growth.
- In a tweet, President Ballard invited others to turn their hearts to the Lord and to serve Him.