Doers of the Word – Charity, Virtue, and Daily Discipleship

I’m so happy to be here today. Thank you for coming. I’m so grateful for President and Sister Kush and their dear friendship. I’m so happy that they invited me here, along with the Ensign College staff who helped and supported me. That was such a touching testimony and a beautiful song. So thank you to everyone who has so graciously welcomed me and my family today.

Quite some time ago, at the start of World War II, a future apostle and member of the First Presidency, Hugh B. Brown, was given a challenge. A little background: Hugh B. Brown was an accomplished attorney, educator, and military officer during World War I.

During his time as president of the British Mission, a member of the House of Commons challenged him to present a legal brief of why Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. The judge made this challenge because he thought believing in Joseph Smith and in modern prophets was absurd.

President Brown did his homework, and as he started to present his case, he had this dialogue with his colleague:
“Do you believe that God ever did speak to anyone?”
“Certainly. All through the Bible we have evidence of that.”
“Then I am submitting to you, in all seriousness, that it was standard procedure in Bible times for God to talk to man.”
“I think I will admit that. But it stopped shortly after the first century of the Christian era.”
“Well, why do you think it stopped?”
“I can’t say.”
“You think that God hasn’t spoken since then?”
“I’m sure He hasn’t.”
“Well, there must be a reason. Can you give me a reason?”
“I do not know.”
“May I suggest some possible reasons? Perhaps God does not speak to man anymore because He can’t—He has lost the power.”
The judge said, “Of course, that would be blasphemous.”
“Well then, if you don’t accept that, perhaps He doesn’t speak to men because He doesn’t love us anymore and is no longer interested in the affairs of men.”
“No,” he said, “God loves all men and He is no respecter of persons.”
“Well then, if He could speak and if He loves us, the only other possible answer, as I see it, is that we don’t need Him anymore. We have made such rapid strides in science and we are all so well educated that we don’t need God anymore.”

And then he said this, and his voice trembled as he thought of impending war:
“Mr. Brown, there was never a time in the history of the world when the voice of God was needed as it is now. Perhaps you can tell me why He doesn’t speak.”

President Brown’s answer was:
“He does speak. He has spoken—but men need faith to hear Him.”

President Brown went on to make a well-thought-out case and completed his assignment, “A Profile of a Prophet.” He included characteristics and accomplishments of ancient prophets and then compared that profile to Joseph Smith. Among a list of accomplishments, President Brown shared: organizing a church, taking the gospel to nations, gathering thousands of people, building temples, and bringing scripture to the world—including the miracle of the Book of Mormon, which Joseph Smith said was translated by the gift and power of God.

Here is what President Brown shared after presenting his legal brief:
“Perhaps some of you were wondering how the judge reacted to our discussion. He listened intently. He asked some very pointed and searching questions. And at the end of the period, he said, ‘Mr. Brown, I wonder if your people appreciate the importance of your message. Do you?’‘If what you have told me is true, it is the greatest message that has come to this earth since the angels announced the birth of Christ.’”

This judge was a great statesman, an intelligent man. He threw out the challenge:
“Do you appreciate the importance of what you say? He added, “I wish it were true. I hope it may be true. God knows it ought to be true. I would to God,” he said—and he wept as he said it—“that some man could appear on earth and authoritatively say, ‘Thus saith the Lord.’”

I testify that we do indeed have living prophets and apostles on the earth today who lead us to Jesus Christ, to eternal life, and to exaltation. In this dispensation, Joseph Smith was the first prophet—the prophet of the Restoration. I have loved studying the Restoration in this year’s Come, Follow Me materials and was deeply touched by the account of the First Vision. I had some meaningful takeaways.

From Joseph Smith—History 1:16–18:
16.“...Exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction... just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.
17. It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me, I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other, ‘This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him.’”
18. My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join.No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)—and which I should join.
19. I was answered that I must join none of them.

My takeaways: The First Vision really happened. This is a true account of the Father speaking in this dispensation to the boy prophet, Joseph Smith. What a miracle! He answers prayers. Another takeaway: We can be delivered by Jesus Christ. He has the power and perfectly knows how to individually deliver us. My third takeaway and the one I want to share more thoughts on: The gospel and Church of Jesus Christ, from the very beginning of the Restoration, require action.

Think about it—what did Joseph Smith do? He read scriptures, he pondered them, he prayed, and he acted. In his own words: “At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and confusion, or else I must do as James directs—that is, ask of God.”In other words, I must remain where I am, or I must take action. This is great advice from the prophet Joseph Smith if any of us feel stuck.

The heavens that opened in the Sacred Grove remain open today. God continues to speak through living prophets and apostles who show us how to act in faith in our own time. As I’ve reflected on that truth, I’ve asked myself: What actions are they inviting me to take? To answer that, I’ve studied their recent teachings and looked for ways to apply them in my life.

To start, I want to share some things taught by President Russell M. Nelson. In his last General Conference address, he taught us how to have confidence in the presence of God. I interpreted this as what actions can I take to have that confidence.

From President Nelson’s address, “There’s the key! In the Lord’s own words, charity and virtue open the way to having confidence before God! Brothers and sisters, we can do this! Our confidence can truly wax strong in the presence of God, right now!” From President Nelson’s teachings, there are two things that we can work on, charity and virtue.

I want to talk about charity first. The Bible Dictionary defines charity as “the highest, noblest, strongest kind of love, not merely affection; the pure love of Christ.”

One thing that has helped me show charity is to strive to see others as the Savior does. Romans chapter 8, verses 16-18 has helped me better understand this principle.

16 “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
18. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

I hope each of us takes this scripture to heart and remembers that truth when we think about our identity. I also hope we see others the same way—as children of God and potential heirs to the celestial kingdom, instead of seeing them as their challenges or sufferings.

As I’ve pondered my actions, I’ve asked myself when do I not do this? When do I struggle to see others as who they really are. The answer for me is simple. I’ve noticed, in times of conflict, I sometimes focus more on the stress and the situation than on the people involved. When I catch myself and try to see others as the Savior does in these circumstances, it changes everything. I’m still learning to do that.

Showing charity directly relates to our discipleship. President Nelson shared:
“His true disciples build, lift, encourage, persuade, and inspire—no matter how difficult the situation. True disciples of Jesus Christ are peacemakers.”
Part of charity is striving to see and treat others as the Savior does—an action we can take.

Now, moving to virtue. I wanted a good definition, so of course, I asked ChatGPT.Virtue is a habitual and firm disposition to do good. It involves consistently choosing what is morally right. I liked that—striving to be good. Words associated with virtue from the Topical Guide include: chastity, cleanliness, goodness, holiness, modesty, purity, and sacredness.

What does this look like in action? A while ago, I started listening to more hymns. I do this when driving, while at home, as I rest, and even sometimes when I work out. I have learned that the hymns soothe my soul and bring peace. They bring the Spirit.

I think my wife has noticed this too, because after a stressful day, she’ll bring me my phone and say, “Do you think you need to listen to hymns right now?” My kids have also noticed this recent change to what playlist I’m listening to. They wondered if I would turn every car ride into choir practice and if they needed to talk to me about the music I was listening to. However, I’ve noticed many times after listening to hymns with them, they are either humming and even sometimes whistling the sacred music. The hymns are in their minds throughout the day.

Another example of virtue was shared by President Camille N. Johnson at President Russell M. Nelson’s funeral. She had a daily devotional with President Nelson by listening to at least one of his General Conference talks with special attention to ones while he was prophet.

President Johnson said, “I took him on many walks. I felt like I was walking with Jesus.”These devotionals planted the words of a prophet in her heart. She listened to the prophet’s talks over and over and became familiar with his words and his prophetic voice.

What happened because of this? Her ability to discern the Spirit was enhanced. Her focus is better fixed on the Savior. She has more joy in challenging circumstances. She is better prepared to be a peacemaker. She also mentioned that her optimism in the face of uncertainty increased, along with her confidence—even when we don’t have an answer to every question. I found her experience meaningful and a terrific example of taking action that will result in increased virtue or doing good.

Again, the gospel and Church of Jesus Christ require action. And those efforts will bring us closer to our Savior. President Dallin H. Oaks taught us about the “great assistances provided by the Lord to help us choose what is right as part of the plan of salvation.”He taught about commandments that define the path to our Heavenly Father marked out for us to progress toward eternal life.

He also taught that ordinances and covenants are part of the law that defines the path to eternal life. In the same address, President Oaks shared the importance of personal prayer, regular scripture study, and frequent repentance. The Lord loves us so much that He showed us and provided for us what is needed to return to Him.

All of these things are actions that we can take to grow closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ. Think about those actions, commandments, covenants, repentance, scripture study, and prayer. Everyone in this room, including myself, can take those actions. Think of the actions that Joseph Smith took that led to the First Vision and how closely they tie what President Oaks invited us to do.

He is not asking us to do the impossible. President Oaks is asking us to do things each day that matter. We may have to make changes or give up things to take these actions. That is why the miracle of repentance is real and needed. Also, I recognize the need for the promised blessings that are associated with these actions.

Elder Gary E. Stevenson taught:
“To help you become all that the Lord wants you to become, kneel each morning and night in prayer to your Father in Heaven… Study the scriptures each day and apply what you read to your life... Strive each day to be obedient… In all circumstances, follow the teachings of the prophets... Be humble and willing to listen to the Holy Ghost.

As you do these things, the Lord will make much more out of your life than you can by yourself. He will increase your opportunities, expand your vision, and strengthen you. He will give you the help you need to meet your trials and challenges. You will gain a stronger testimony and find true joy as you come to know your Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ, and feel Their love for you.”

I need the Lord to make much more out of my life than I can by myself. I need Him to increase my opportunities. I need Him—and all of those promises—so I do my best to take actions that bring me closer to Him.

In closing, I want to emphasize three things.
First, we have living prophets and apostles today. Doctrine and Covenants 1:17 says,

“Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments.”

President Dallin H. Oaks is the Lord’s prophet today and his teachings will bring us closer to Jesus Christ and help us through the “calamity that will come upon the inhabitants of the earth” in our day.

I was deeply moved and felt a range of emotions by the recent events, the passing of President Russell M. Nelson, the apostolic interregnum, and the calling of President Dallin H. Oaks. Through all of this, my witness that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is at the head of this Church was strengthened.

To answer the questions of the good judge that were shared earlier, I do appreciate the importance of living prophets and apostles and the messages they share.

Second, what a glorious truth that the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ is real. Joseph Smith truly is the prophet of the restoration. What he said happened, happened, it’s real—it is all true. We can learn from him and his experiences. My life is richly blessed because of the restored gospel and Church of Jesus Christ.

Third, the gospel and Church of Jesus are about taking action. I testify that doing something brings real blessings. No matter where you are, no matter what you are going through, there are actions that you can take. The Lord meets you where you are and makes more out of us than we can by ourselves. I testify, as part of our actions, the importance to focus on our Savior, Jesus Christ, to follow living prophets and apostles, and that living the gospel of Jesus Christ is joyful.

We are involved in the work of Christ, in the work of joy, this really is his Church. To quote 2 Nephi 31, which teaches us about the Doctrine of Christ, in verse 21 it states: “And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way⁠; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father⁠, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God⁠, without end. Amen.”

The Lord needs all of us now. Each of us has something unique to offer Him. He invites us into his joyful work of discipleship. Small daily efforts matter, and we don’t have to be perfect. Being in college and in this stage of life is not a holding pattern of life. Real life is now, and the Lord needs you.

I know as you listen to the Holy Ghost to determine what actions you need to take and as you follow those impressions, the Lord will work miracles with you. I’ve seen that in my own life, and I know you will too. Have faith that the Lord is already working through you. All of you have what it takes. And if you ever doubt, remember that the Savior can take even our smallest offerings and turn them, and us, into what He needs. I testify that He still speaks. He still leads. And when we act in faith, He still works miracles in us.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.