On March 30 and April 1, 2012, a living prophet of God will speak to the world. His words will be carried live by hundreds of television, radio, satellite, and cable stations, and will be translated into over 70 different languages. The prophet’s name is Thomas S. Monson. He is the President and Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes referred to as the “Mormon Church” by the media).

God Speaks to Us through His Prophets

All throughout recorded history, God has called prophets to speak His words to His children. Ancient prophets included Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Isaiah. Peter and Paul were prophets. Prophets have always received and taught God’s word to His children in every age, calling their people to repentance and testifying of Jesus Christ, both before and after His mortal ministry. They lead God’s people in their day. They warn their people of the specific dangers of their time. Most of all, they point the way back to God. In good times and in bad, prophets of God provide a moral beacon to show us the way to go in an often confusing world. Amos, an Old Testament prophet, put it this way:

Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets (Amos 3:7).

Hosea spoke about how prophets lead and bless the lives of their people:

I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets (Hosea 12:10).

And by a prophet the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved (Hosea 12:13).

Aside from the words of Jesus Himself, everything we know about God comes from the words of His prophets, throughout all the ages of the world. Moses wrote about the creation of the earth, and recorded the Ten Commandments he received from God on Mount Sinai. Even our knowledge of our Savior, Jesus Christ comes to us through the writings of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, Peter and Paul. The words of the prophets are essential to our eternal lives.

The Prophet on the Earth Today

When God restored His ancient Church through revelation in modern times, He called and ordained a new prophet, Joseph Smith, to once again reveal God’s will to His people. Like all the prophets of old, Joseph Smith called the people of his day to repentance and testified of the Savior, Jesus Christ. He warned the early Mormons of danger and showed them the way to return to God. God commanded Joseph Smith to organize The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1830. Since then, the Church and the world have been blessed with living prophets to guide us in modern times, just as in times of old.

Thomas S. Monson has been called of God to be His prophet today. Thomas S. Monson is the current President of the Church of Jesus Christ. He has been ordained a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator through the priesthood authority passed down from Joseph Smith. President Monson is a humble and loving man who is worthy and willing to carry the heavy burden of being the Prophet of the Lord. Mormons know that he listens to what God says to him, and then passes it on to us. He always testifies of Jesus Christ to the world, no matter what the personal cost. If we listen to and do what Thomas Monson teaches us, he will help light the way for us to return again to our Father in Heaven.

General Conference: Come, Listen to a Prophet’s Voice

President Monson will preside over the 182nd annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He will speak several times. Mormons will listen attentively to what God, through His living prophet today, has to tell us. A Mormon hymn speaks of the blessings of listening to the prophet:

Come, Listen to a Prophet’s Voice

Come, listen to a Prophet’s voice,

And hear the word of God,

And in the way of truth rejoice,

And sing for joy aloud.

We’ve found the way the Prophets went

Who lived in days of yore.

Another Prophet now is sent,

This knowledge to restore.

 

The gloom of sullen darkness, spread

Through earth’s extended space

Is banished by our living Head

And God has shown His face.

Through erring schemes, in days now past,

The world has gone astray,

Yet Saints of God have found at last

The straight and narrow way.

(Hymns #21, verses 1 and 2)

Come listen yourself to the voice of God’s living prophet on the earth today. You can tune in to Mormon General Conference by finding a local TV, radio, or cable station. Or you can listen by going to lds.org. You will be blessed by following the words of the prophet. He will help you understand the gospel of Jesus Christ, and help light the way through the confusing landscape of the modern world.

Additional Resources:

182nd General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Study by Topic: Prophets

Christ’s Church

Elder Carl B. Cook, a member of the Quorum of Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes inadvertently referred to as the “Mormon Church” in the media), recently recounted a story about Church President Thomas S. Monson. Elder Cook (high-level administrators in the Church are given the title of “Elder”) was leaving his office one day, weighed down by his heavy responsibilities and heavy briefcase. While gazing at the elevator floor on the way down, he heard a voice he recognized: that of Thomas S. Monson:

“What are you looking at down there?” I recognized that voice—it was President Thomas S. Monson.

I quickly looked up and responded, “Oh, nothing.” (I’m sure that clever response inspired confidence in my abilities!)

But he had seen my subdued countenance and my heavy briefcase. He smiled and lovingly suggested, while pointing heavenward, “It is better to look up!” As we traveled down one more level, he cheerfully explained that he was on his way to the temple. When he bid me farewell, his parting glance spoke again to my heart, “Now, remember, it is better to look up” (Elder Carl B. Cook, October 2011 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).

Thomas S. Monson: Prophet, Seer, and Revelator

Thomas S. Monson is more than just the President of the Church. He is a living prophet, seer, and revelator. As the Lord’s spokesman on the earth today, he holds the priesthood responsibility to communicate God’s will to individuals, to the Church, and to the world. He is not just the prophet for Mormons; he is the prophet for all humankind. His brief communication to Elder Cook helped Elder Cook look to God, and find in his Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ the comfort that he needed. This is the role of a prophet:

Since then I have pondered this experience and the role of prophets. I was burdened and my head was down. As the prophet spoke, I looked to him. He redirected my focus to look up to God, where I could be healed and strengthened through Christ’s Atonement. That is what prophets do for us. They lead us to God (Elder Cook, October 2011).

Prophets: Look to God and Live

There are many stories in the scriptures of prophets looking to God, and directing the people to do the same. Elijah looked to the heavens to call down fire to consume his offering, and rain to end the drought. Stephen, “being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God” (Acts 7:55). Elder Cook talks about Moses, who was commanded to raise a brass serpent on a pole when the children of Israel were dying after being bitten by poisonous serpents. All who were willing simply to look at the brass serpent, which represented our Savior, Jesus Christ, were healed.

Nephi, a prophet who lived in the Americas just prior to the coming of Jesus Christ, taught his people to look to the Savior for life, healing, and forgiveness. In The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ, Nephi used the story of the brass serpent to try to convince his people to have faith in Christ. Speaking of Moses, Nephi said:

Yea, did he not bear record that the Son of God should come? And as he lifted up the brazen serpent in the wilderness, even so shall he be lifted up who should come.

And as many as should look upon that serpent should live, even so as many as should look upon the Son of God with faith, having a contrite spirit, might live, even unto that life which is eternal (The Book of Mormon, Helaman 8:14-15).

Looking to Jesus Christ

President Thomas S. Monson, like all the prophets before him, is asking us to look to Jesus Christ for direction and for encouragement. He works diligently every day of his life to communicate to us how important it is to look to our Savior always, in good times and in bad. Through the atonement of Jesus Christ, we can find the strength to repent of our sins, keep the Lord’s commandments, and endure the trials of life. The prophet’s words can communicate the words and the love of Christ to us, and it is through the love of God that we can experience our greatest joys here on earth. The prophet’s testimony of Christ also plants in our hearts the hope of eternal life to come. As President Thomas S. Monson said in a speech given on Easter Sunday, 2010:

My beloved brothers and sisters, in our hour of deepest sorrow, we can receive profound peace from the words of the angel that first Easter morning: “He is not here: for he is risen” (Matthew 28:6).

He is risen! He is risen!

Tell it out with joyful voice.

He has burst his three days’ prison;

Let the whole wide earth rejoice.

Death is conquered; man is free.

Christ has won the victory! (“He Is Risen!” Hymns, no. 199)

As one of His special witnesses on earth today, this glorious Easter Sunday, I declare that this is true, in His sacred name—even the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior—amen.

Additional Resources:

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

Modern-day Prophets

The Organization of the Church of Jesus Christ

Thomas S. Monson is the prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose members are sometimes called Mormons. He is called to share God’s word and to teach Mormon beliefs. In the following quotes, he talks about morality and the importance of holding on to God’s moral standards, even when the world mocks you for doing so.

Evil Surrounds Us

Many years ago, on an assignment to the beautiful islands of Tonga, I was privileged to visit our Church school, the Liahona High School, where our youth are taught by teachers with a common bond of faith—providing training for the mind and preparation for life. On that occasion, entering one classroom, I noticed the rapt attention the children gave their native instructor. His textbook and theirs lay closed upon the desks. In his hand he held a strange-appearing fishing lure fashioned from a round stone and large seashells. This, I learned, was a maka-feke, an octopus lure. In Tonga, octopus meat is a delicacy.

The teacher explained that Tongan fishermen glide over a reef, paddling their outrigger canoes with one hand and dangling the maka-feke over the side with the other. An octopus dashes out from its rocky lair and seizes the lure, mistaking it for a much-desired meal. So tenacious is the grasp of the octopus and so firm is its instinct not to relinquish the precious prize that fishermen can flip it right into the canoe.

It was an easy transition for the teacher to point out to the eager and wide-eyed youth that the evil one—even Satan—has fashioned so-called maka-fekes with which to ensnare unsuspecting persons and take possession of their destinies.

Today we are surrounded by the maka-fekes which the evil one dangles before us and with which he attempts to entice us and then to ensnare us. Once grasped, such maka-fekes are ever so difficult—and sometimes nearly impossible—to relinquish. To be safe, we must recognize them for what they are and then be unwavering in our determination to avoid them.

Constantly before us is the maka-feke of immorality. Almost everywhere we turn, there are those who would have us believe that what was once considered immoral is now acceptable. I think of the scripture, “Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness.”  Such is the maka-feke of immorality. We are reminded in the Book of Mormon that chastity and virtue are precious above all things.

When temptation comes, remember the wise counsel of the Apostle Paul, who declared, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

Thomas S. Monson, “True to the Faith,” Liahona, May 2006, 18–21

 Personal Responsibility for Morality

Dr. Karl Menninger, the brilliant scientist who founded and developed the world-renowned psychiatric center in Topeka, Kansas, stated that the only way our suffering, struggling, anxious society can hope to prevent its moral ills is by recognizing the reality of sin. That’s the theme of his famed publication, Whatever Became of Sin? a plea to mankind to stop and look at what we are doing to ourselves, to each other and to our universe. Dr. Menninger referred to Socrates, who wondered, “How is it that men know what is good, but do what is bad?” Said Dr. Menninger, “I have come to the conclusion that the ‘Everyone is doing it’ morality which characterizes our public-business world is crippling people. We must believe in our personal responsibility to correct our individual transgressions—the white lies, the petty cheating, the apathy, which characterize our passive existence.” He further stressed, “If the concept of personal responsibility and answerability for ourselves and for others were to return to common acceptance and man once again would feel guilt for sins and repent and establish a conscience that would act as a deterrent for further sin, then hope would return to the world.”

Let me share with you a lesson learned in childhood. Our family has owned a summer cabin at Vivian Park in Provo Canyon for five generations. The months of July and August for me meant hiking; fishing; and swimming daily at the swimming hole, featuring a big rock from which we dived, and maneuvering through the swift current which roared by it and formed dangerous whirlpools. Most swimmers would plunge into the icy waters and swim with the current, rapidly passing the big rock, and be eventually carried to the slower waters and the welcome bank of river sand. That is, all but one swimmer. His name was “Beef” Peterson. His swimsuit carried the emblem of “Life Saver,” and his physical body reflected great strength. Beef would, like others, swim rapidly down the current through the whirlpools, then suddenly turn and swim back upstream. For a few feet, his mighty strokes carried him forward, but then the swiftness of the current held him steady as he pitted his strength against that of the river. Gradually Beef would tire, drop back, and then swim effortlessly to the bank, exhausted. Swimming against the current became Beef Peterson’s trademark.

My brothers and sisters, I’m certain our duty and responsibility is frequently to swim upstream and against the tide of temptation and sin. As we do so, our spiritual strength will increase, and we shall be equal to our God-given responsibilities.

Thomas S. Monson, “Happiness—The Universal Quest,” Ensign, Oct 1993, 2

 Courage to Stand for Righteousness

In the four decades since the end of World War II, standards of morality have lowered again and again. Today there are more people in jail, in reformatories, on probation, and in trouble than ever before. From padded expense accounts to grand larceny, from petty crimes to crimes of passion, the figures are higher than ever and going higher. Crime spirals upward; decency careens downward. Many are on a giant roller coaster of disaster, seeking the thrills of the moment while sacrificing the joys of eternity. We conquer space but cannot control self. Thus we forfeit peace.

Can we somehow muster the courage and that steadfastness of purpose which characterized the pioneers of a former generation? Can you and I, in actual fact, be pioneers today? A dictionary defines a pioneer as “one who goes before, showing others the way to follow.” Oh, how the world needs pioneers today!

We forget how the Greeks and Romans prevailed magnificently in a barbaric world and how that triumph ended, how a slackness and softness finally came over them to their ruin. In the end, more than they wanted freedom, they wanted security, a comfortable life; and they lost all—security and comfort and freedom. From the confusion of our modern world, sincere persons searchingly ask themselves: “To whom shall we listen? Whom shall we follow? Whom shall we serve?”

Today, chronic strife permeates even the personal province of the Prince of Peace. Contention thrives, though he declared, “Contention is not of me, but is of the devil.” (3 Ne. 11:29.)

But if we have ears that truly hear, we will be mindful of the echo from Capernaum’s past. Here multitudes crowded around Jesus, bringing the sick to be healed. Here a palsied man picked up his bed and walked, and a Roman centurion’s faith restored his servant’s health.

Many turn away from our Elder Brother, who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), and follow blindly after that Pied Piper of sin who would lead us down the slippery slopes to our own destruction. Satan cunningly calls to troubled souls in truly tempting tones.

Do not yield to his enticements; rather, stand firm for truth. The unsatisfied yearnings of the soul will not be met by a never-ending quest for joy amidst the thrills of sensation and vice. Vice never leads to virtue. Hate never promotes love. Cowardice never gives courage. Doubt never inspires faith.

Some find it difficult to withstand the mockings and unsavory remarks of foolish ones who ridicule chastity, honesty, and obedience to God’s commands. But the world has ever belittled adherence to principle. When Noah was instructed to build an ark, the foolish populace looked at the cloudless sky, then scoffed and jeered—until the rain came.

Thomas S. Monson, “‘Come, Follow Me’,” Ensign, Jul 1988, 2

Thomas S. Monson is the president and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose members are sometimes known as Mormons. In his office hangs a painting of Jesus by Heinrich Hofmann. Of

this painting, he says:

 Positioned on the wall of my office, directly opposite my desk, is a lovely print of the Savior, painted by Heinrich Hofmann. I love the painting, which I have had since I was a 22-year-old bishop and which I have taken with me wherever I have been assigned to labor. I have tried to pattern my life after the Master. Whenever I have a difficult decision to make, I have looked at that picture and asked myself, “What would He do?” Then I try to do it. We can never go wrong when we choose to follow the Savior

Mormon beliefs emphasize that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God. Although we are all God’s children, because He created our spirits, He is literally Jesus’ father. Jesus’ father is God, and His mother is the mortal Mary. This paired heritage is what made it possible for Jesus to atone for the sins of the world.

Prior to our life on earth, we lived with God in Heaven as spirits. When God explained to us that in order to progress further, we would need to live on earth, out of God’s presence, He said we would need a Savior. None of us, with our fully mortal heritage, would be able to live a sinless life.

Jesus offered to do this for us. He promised to come to earth and willingly live a perfect life and then suffer for each of our sins—an act known as the atonement. Then he would die for us. All of this was done voluntarily, which is one of the requirements of the atonement.

“The time came when He stood alone. Some Apostles doubted; one betrayed Him. The Roman soldiers pierced His side. The angry mob took His life. There yet rings from Golgotha’s hill His compassionate words, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”

Earlier, perhaps perceiving the culmination of His earthly mission, He spoke the lament, “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” “No room in the inn” was not a singular expression of rejection—just the first. Yet He invites you and me to receive Him. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

Who was this Man of sorrows, acquainted with grief? Who is the King of glory, this Lord of hosts? He is our Master. He is our Savior. He is the Son of God. He is the Author of our Salvation. He beckons, “Follow me.” He instructs, “Go, and do thou likewise.He pleads, “Keep my commandments.”

Let us follow Him. Let us emulate His example. Let us obey His word. By so doing, we give to Him the divine gift of gratitude.

Thomas S. Monson, “Finding Joy in the Journey,” Ensign, Nov 2008, 84–87

Jesus, as worshipped by the Mormons, is the Jesus portrayed in the Bible, rather than the one defined in counsels of men long after His death and resurrection. They teach He is completely unified in doctrine and purpose, but is not one in substance with God. Unity of substance is not a Biblical concept, and the word trinity is not found there, but was chosen later in debates over the nature of God.

Mormons teach that Jesus is the center part of the restored gospel, even holding the central spot in the true name of the Church: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is only through Jesus Christ that one can be saved, and return to live with God someday. His atonement allows each person to be risen from the dead, and to live forever. This is grace and is available to all who live on earth, without any acts at all, not even that of accepting Jesus as our Savior. It is a completely free gift. Exaltation, the next step, is also available to those who love God enough to want to submit their will to His. Jesus’ followers are baptized and taken on themselves the name of Christ. As such, they work to represent Him well by keeping the commandments and doing all good things out of love for God. Those who obey the commandments, doing so entirely out of love for God and not simply through expectation of reward will be permitted to enter into His presence someday.

Mormons love and worship the Savior as the foundation of all they hold sacred in their faith. At baptism they take on His name and work to share His gospel with others. They teach even their smallest children to pray in His name and to love Him. They honor Him as the creator of the earth and the Savior of mankind.

Thomas S. Monson is the current president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Mormons, as they are sometimes known, have a reputation for having strict moral standards for their members, both male and female. Following are some of the prophet’s thoughts on a subject most of the world considers unimportant or a restriction on freedom in today’s morally lax world.

Precious young people, make every decision you contemplate pass this test: What does it do to me? What does it do for me? And let your code of conduct emphasize not “What will others think?” but rather “What will I think of myself?” Be influenced by that still, small voice. Remember that one with authority placed his hands on your head at the time of your confirmation and said, “Receive the Holy Ghost.” Open your hearts, even your very souls, to the sound of that special voice that testifies of truth. As the prophet Isaiah promised, “Thine ears shall hear a word … saying, This is the way, walk ye in it” (Isaiah 30:21).

The tenor of our times is permissiveness. A most popular feature of one of the leading newspaper Sunday supplements portrays the idols of the movie screen, the heroes of the athletic field-those whom many young people long to emulate-as flouting the laws of God and rationalizing away sinful practices, seemingly with no ill effect. Don’t you believe it! There is a time of reckoning-even a balancing of the ledger. It’s called Judgment Day, even the Big Exam of Life. Are we prepared? Are we pleased with our own performances?

Thomas S. Monson, “Standards of Strength,” NewEra, Oct 2008, 2-5

I turn next to the courage you will need to be chaste and virtuous. You live in a world where moral values have, in great measure, been tossed aside, where sin is flagrantly on display, and where temptations to stray from the strait and narrow path surround you. Many are the voices telling you that you are far too provincial or that there is something wrong with you if you still believe there is such a thing as immoral behavior.

Isaiah declared, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness.”4

Great courage will be required as you remain chaste and virtuous amid the accepted thinking of the times.

In the world’s view today there is little thought that young men and young women will remain morally clean and pure before marriage. Does this make immoral behavior acceptable? Absolutely not!

The commandments of our Heavenly Father are not negotiable!

Powerful is this quote from news commentator Ted Koppel, host of ABC’s Nightline program for many years. Said he:

“We have actually convinced ourselves that slogans will save us. ‘Shoot up if you must; but use a clean needle.’ ‘Enjoy sex whenever with whomever you wish; but [protect yourself].’

“No. The answer is no. Not no because it isn’t cool or smart or because you might end up in jail or dying in an AIDS ward-but no, because it’s wrong. …

“What Moses brought down from Mt. Sinai were not the Ten Suggestions, they are Commandments. Are, not were.”5

My sweet young sisters, maintain an eternal perspective. Be alert to anything that would rob you of the blessings of eternity.

Thomas S. Monson, “May You Have Courage,” Ensign, May 2009, 123-27

Because sexual intimacy is so sacred, the Lord requires self-control and purity before marriage, as well as full fidelity after marriage. In dating, treat your date with respect, and expect your date to show that same respect for you. Tears inevitably follow transgression. Men, take care not to make women weep, for God counts their tears….

From ancient times comes an example which emphasizes this truth. Darius, through the proper rites, had been recognized as legitimate king of Egypt. His rival, Alexander, had been declared legitimate son of Ammon; he, too, was Pharaoh. Alexander found the defeated Darius on the point of death and laid his hands upon his head to heal him, commanding him to arise and resume his kingly power, concluding, “I swear unto thee, Darius, by all the gods, that I do these things truly and without fakery,” to which Darius replied with a gentle rebuke, “Alexander, my boy … do you think you can touch heaven with those hands of yours?”

Brethren, are we prepared to touch heaven as we fill our priesthood callings?

Thomas S. Monson, “That We May Touch Heaven,” Ensign, Nov 1990, 45

Permissiveness, immorality, pornography, and the power of peer pressure cause many to be tossed about on a sea of sin and crushed on the jagged reefs of lost opportunities, forfeited blessings, and shattered dreams.

Anxiously you ask, “Is there a way to safety? Can someone guide me? Is there an escape from threatened destruction? The answer is a resounding yes! I counsel you: Look to the lighthouse of the Lord. There is no fog so dense, no night so dark, no gale so strong, no mariner so lost but what its beacon light can rescue. It beckons through the storms of life. It calls, “This way to safety; this way to home.”

The lighthouse of the Lord sends forth signals readily recognized and never failing. These words of warning, these safety standards, are printed in a small booklet soon to be distributed and entitled For the Strength of Youth.

May I share with you the introduction to the booklet, prepared by the First Presidency of the Church:

“Our beloved young men and women,

“We want you to know that we love you. We have great confidence in you. …

“We desire everything in this world for you that is right and good. You are not just ordinary young men and women. You are choice spirits who have been held in reserve to come forth in this day when the temptations, responsibilities, and opportunities are the very greatest. You are at a critical time in your lives. This is a time for you not only to live righteously but also to set an example for your peers. …

“God loves you. … His desire … is to have you return to Him pure and undefiled, having proven yourselves worthy of an eternity of joy in His presence. …

“We counsel you to choose to live a morally clean life. …

“You cannot do wrong and feel right. It is impossible! Years of happiness can be lost in the foolish gratification of a momentary desire for pleasure. …

“You can avoid the burden of guilt and sin and all of the attending heartaches … as you keep the standards outlined in the scriptures and emphasized in this pamphlet. …

“We pray that you-the young and rising generation-will keep your bodies and minds clean, free from the contaminations of the world, that you will be fit and pure vessels to bear triumphantly the responsibilities of the kingdom of God in preparation for the second coming of our Savior.” (For the Strength of Youth, 1990, p. 1.)

Thomas S. Monson, “The Lighthouse of the Lord,” Ensign, Nov 1990, 95