...each individual must ask and answer this question.
Hello dear sisters and brothers,
What does the phrase “follow the prophet” mean to you?
In every dispensation, the people of that day have been faced with this question. And in the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times, we are no exception.
Ultimately, this is a question each individual must ask and answer.
In a landmark speech by then Elder Ezra Taft Benson, in 1980, he gave fourteen fundamentals about following the prophet. I highly recommend studying his message.
https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/ezra-taft-benson/fourteen-fundamentals-following-prophet/
Recently, as part of a special meeting I attended with Elders Holland and Christofferson, the topic of following the prophet was addressed very pointedly by Elder Holland. He shared the example of Naaman, the Syrian captain who went to Elisha, the prophet, seeking a cure for his leprosy. (2 Kings 5)
Naaman was a great military leader and was used to being treated as such. Right off the bat, Naaman was offended because instead of personally greeting him, Elisha sent a servant with instructions…
“Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.”
The message given by the servant offended Naaman even more. The scriptures say he “went away in a rage.”
“Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean?”
Later, though, one of Naaman’s servants finally prevailed upon him with wisdom.
“My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?”
Naaman humbled himself and was miraculously cured. He returned to the prophet Elisha with a completely different perspective.
What spiritual truths had Naaman learned through this experience?
At our most recent Taylorsville Coordinating council meeting, our Area Seventy, Elder Huntsman, returned to this topic. One of the questions that crossed my mind was…
How can I become more like the humble version of Naaman who returned to thank Elisha?
It is unlikely any of us will ever experience what it feels like to be the prophet…the person who speaks for God on earth…
But it would be good for us to consider how much weight we give (or not) to our prophet’s urging…his pleading.
Because of these recent discussions and training, I felt a desire to re-study the conference talks President Nelson has given since he became the president of the church.
As I have done this, I have felt a strong reassurance and peaceful witness from the Spirit of his calling. I have felt gratitude for his teachings and testimony.
For any who would like to join me in this effort, I have made a list below with the links to the talks for easy access.
And here is a link to the stake web page where the links and text of all of President Nelson’s talks since becoming President can be accessed.
If you feel so impressed, I’d love to hear about your experience in re-studying any or all of his talks.
All my love,
President Gardner
April 2018 - 45 Minutes
Introductory Remarks 3 min
Ministering with the Power and Authority of God 14 min
Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives 20 min
Ministering 2 min
Let Us All Press On 6 min
October 2018 - 45 Minutes
Opening Remarks 6 min
Sisters' Participation in the Gathering of Israel 16 min
The Correct Name of the Church 15 min
Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints 8 min
April 2019 - 40 Minutes
We Can Do Better and Be Better 15 min
“Come, Follow Me” 18 min
Closing Remarks 7 min
October 2019 - 52 Minutes
Witnesses, Aaronic Priesthood Quorums, and Young Women Classes 4 min
Spiritual Treasures 18 min
The Second Great Commandment 18 min
Closing Remarks 12 min
April 2020 - 56 Minutes
Opening Message 7 min
Opening the Heavens for Help 12 min
Hear Him 24 min
Hosanna Shout 3 min
Go Forward in Faith 10 min
October 2020 - 47 Minutes
Moving Forward 5 min
Embrace the Future with Faith 17 min
Let God Prevail 19 min
A New Normal 6 min
April 2021 - 43 Minutes
Welcome Message 5 min
What We Are Learning and Will Never Forget 15 min
Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains 16 min
COVID-19 and Temples 7 min
October 2021 - 31 Minutes
Pure Truth, Pure Doctrine, and Pure Revelation 6 min
The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation 19 min
Make Time for the Lord 6 min