In a recent talk to Mormons, Thomas S. Monson, the Mormon prophet, spoke about how God answers both large and small prayer requests. Mormon is a nickname for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He told of three thousand teenagers, gathered to present the traditional cultural festival program before the Mormon temple in Kansas was to be dedicated to the Lord. This is an important event at each temple. The teenagers from all over the area served by the temple meet in their own congregations to practice their portion of the program. Only on the day of the performance do they all get to have a rehearsal all together in the place where they will perform.

Unfortunately, there were technical issues at the theater that day. The jumbotron was not working. It was a large video screen that tied each performance together and also introduced the next act. The teenagers could not rehearse while it was being repaired. The work went on and on and the technicians could not find the problem. Not only did they miss their rehearsal, but it began to look as though they might not get to perform, either. They informed the teenagers of the problem and the 3000 youth knelt on the hard floor and began to pray for the technicians. They also prayed that they would be able to perform properly even though they had been unable to do a run-through. They had done all they could, but they needed God to make up the difference. Very soon after the prayer ended, the technicians announced the problem had been solved.

President Monson was in attendance—one of the reasons the teenagers were so excited to perform—and by the time he entered, there was no evidence of the trial that had gone on. The performance ran perfectly, with each teenager somehow knowing how to properly enter and exit and how to interact with the other groups, despite never having done so in practice.

An amateur show by a group of enthusiastic teenagers might not seem that important in the eternal scheme of things, but God took time to take care of the problem anyway. He understood that while it might not change the world, it mattered to the world of these young people.

President Monson said:

“I never cease to be amazed by how the Lord can motivate and direct the length and breadth of His kingdom and yet have time to provide inspiration concerning one individual—or one cultural celebration or one Jumbotron. The fact that He can, that He does, is a testimony to me.

My brothers and sisters, the Lord is in all of our lives. He loves us. He wants to bless us. He wants us to seek His help. As He guides us and directs us and as He hears and answers our prayers, we will find the happiness here and now that He desires for us.”

Read the talk:

Thomas S. Monson, Consider the Blessings, October General Conference, 2012

Terrie Lynn Bittner

The late Terrie Lynn Bittner—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—was the author of two homeschooling books and numerous articles, including several that appeared in Latter-day Saint magazines. She became a member of the Church at the age of 17 and began sharing her faith online in 1992.

President Monson told of a study done in which teens were asked to describe a time when they faced a moral dilemma. Most of them could not remember such a time or they talked about situations that didn’t involve morality at all. It appeared to the researchers no one had ever bothered to teach these teens how to make moral decisions—or even that some situations involve morality. If this is the case, it also appears no one has bothered to give the teens moral values from which to draw.

When we fail to teach our teens to have values and to recognize moral dilemmas, we fail to prepare them for adulthood. It is essential that teenagers go into the world with a firm set of standards they will not violate. They might choose to raise their standards, but they should never be willing to lower them.

While some teach that children should be free to set their own standards, we know that is impossible. They need a foundation for their moral decisions and children and teens do not often have the skills to evaluate the morality of the world around them, particularly in a time of moral relativism. Too many people preach that anything is okay as long as it makes us “happy” without bothering to explain the disastrous consequences of being so “me” centered.

When we don’t give children moral values, we also deprive them of the opportunity to stand up for what is right. Standing alone requires courage and when teens learn at a young age to stand for what is right even if they are the only one, it gives them confidence and self-assurance that will benefit them all their lives. This centers them and helps them know more than ever who they really are. It allows them to reach beyond their own small world into the larger one that encompasses not just their own needs, but the needs and well-being of others.

President Monson related a story found in the Book of Mormon, which Mormons use in addition to the Bible. A Book of Mormon prophet who lived in ancient times had a vision in which he saw a wonderful tree with rich fruit. It represented the love of God.

There was a path that took people to the tree and many people followed it. However, some got distracted by a large and spacious building off to the side. It was filled with people in fancy clothing mocking those who were trying to do the right thing. Some people had the courage to ignore the mockers, but others became embarrassed at doing the right thing. They felt that pleasing the well-dressed crowd was more important than making eternally significant choices. They left the path and joined the mocking crowd, anxious to fit in with the “in-crowd.” In the process they traded eternity and true joy for a few years of popularity.

President Monson shared several stories of times when he had to make a choice about blending in or standing up for his faith. In the military, his commanding officer instructed everyone to meet together by religion for services. He called the Catholics, the Jewish people, and the Protestants, one group at a time, to come forward and sent them off to meet. President Monson wondered what he should do. Mormons do not consider themselves part of any of these religious groups. He decided to stand firm and not go with them, regardless of whatever the consequences might be. A moment later he was surprised to discover there were several other Mormons behind him, all of whom had made the same choice. It was certainly easier when there were also others, but he had been prepared to stand alone if he’d needed to.

In today’s world, there are many opportunities to decide whether to hide our faith or to stand for it. The best time to decide what you will do is before you have to do it. Your choice will demonstrate just who you really are.

Read Dare to Stand Alone.

Terrie Lynn Bittner

The late Terrie Lynn Bittner—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—was the author of two homeschooling books and numerous articles, including several that appeared in Latter-day Saint magazines. She became a member of the Church at the age of 17 and began sharing her faith online in 1992.

President Monson advised his listeners, who filled the Marriot Center on campus, to become examples of the believers, as counseled by the apostle Paul in the Bible:

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity (1 Timothy 4:12).

Paul also called on us to be a light unto the world. President Monson defined light as something that illuminates. When we are examples of righteousness, we illuminate a dark world.

Every person is given the light of Christ, which helps us to discern truth when we hear it. Moroni, a prophet whose writings are found in the Book of Mormon, taught a similar truth:

“For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God” (Moroni 7:19).

President Monson said many people have let outside influences dim their lights until they are almost out, and we must be careful not to let that happen. We have a responsibility to keep our light strong so it can shine for others. We need to strengthen our testimonies and recognize our reliance on God. Too many think they are in need of nothing greater than themselves.

President Monson shared a story of Clayton Christiansen, a well-known professor at Harvard. HE received a scholarship to Oxford after leaving Brigham Young University. He realized it would be hard to live the gospel at Oxford, given the demands for meetings and activities the scholarship demanded. He had read the Book of Mormon seven times, but felt he had not yet received an answer as to whether or not it was true. He felt he needed to know the church was true in order to remain strong in the church during this time. Previously, he had only read the Book of Mormon when assigned to do so, and his goal had merely been to complete the assignment. He decided he needed his own testimony, not one based on his parents’ faith.  He decided to read the Book of Mormon every night from eleven to midnight. He didn’t know if he could afford to spend a full hour on this, but he committed to do it—for himself this time. He began by promising God that if God would tell him it was true, he would dedicate his life to the gospel, and if it wasn’t true, he’d dedicate his life to finding what was true. Night after night he read and prayed. When he finished 2 Nephi, he received a personal testimony of the Book of Mormon. He continued reading each night, and each time the Spirit confirmed to him the truthfulness of the book.

To be a light to others, we first have to strengthen our own testimony, or to gain it, as Clayton Christiansen did. Then we can share that with others. Those who are good examples are witnesses of Christ’s teachings through their own actions and can have a powerful impact on the lives and faith of others. Thomas S. Monson admonished the students to always be known as followers of Christ, not afraid to share their beliefs and always showing others how a follower of Christ lives.

Quoting the Lion King movie, he said, “Look inside yourself. You are more than you have become. Remember who you are.”

Watch the entire address by Thomas S. Monson.

Terrie Lynn Bittner

The late Terrie Lynn Bittner—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—was the author of two homeschooling books and numerous articles, including several that appeared in Latter-day Saint magazines. She became a member of the Church at the age of 17 and began sharing her faith online in 1992.

One missionary became extremely sick and doctors believed he might not survive the surgery he required. His parents were contacted and soon arrived to be with him. President Monson and the father of the young missionary gave him a priesthood blessing. This is done by having the men place their hands on his heads and praying for God’s will to be accomplished.

The missionary, Elder Davidson, was in a hospital room with five other husky and usually hungry men. While he was having his surgery, the nurse arrived with breakfast, a larger than usual portion because the men always wanted more than they were given. However, when she tried to serve it to the first man, he refused it. Each of the other four patients also refused breakfast that morning. When the nurse asked what the problem was, they explained that Elder Davidson had told them a lot about his religious beliefs. One thing they had learned was that he believed that if people fasted and prayed, they could bring about miracles. They had decided to fast and pray that day for Elder Davidson, even though they weren’t Mormon themselves.

Not only was the surgery a success, but when Thomas S. Monson tried to pay the surgeon, he refused to take any money. He said that it was the first time he’d ever done a surgery where he felt his hands were guided by a higher power. Because of this, he felt it inappropriate for him to take payment.

Read the complete story:

Crisis at the Crossroads by Thomas S. Monson

Mormons follow the Biblical teachings of fasting and prayer. Let’s look at fasting first.

For Mormons, fasting means to go without food or drink of any kind, even water. They do this once a month if they are physically able to do so, usually the first Sunday of the month. They fast for twenty-four hours, which requires them to miss only two meals if they time it properly. During this time, they spend extra time in prayer, and often choose a purpose for their fasting, just as the men in the above story focused their fast on helping their friend survive surgery. Mormons might fast to gain a testimony of a particular doctrine, to help a struggling family member or friend, or to give them strength to confront a challenging situation in their own lives.

Fasting allows them to focus on spiritual matters and also humbles them, making them more receptive to God’s teachings. During the fast, they will pray and then wait for answers and because they are making this sacrifice, they are better able to recognize the answers given.

As an interesting side note, when Mormons fast, they donate the money they would have spent of food and drink—and often an additional sum as well—to a special fund used only to help the poor. None of the money is used for administrative costs, so all of it goes to feed someone who would otherwise be hungry, homeless, or without other necessities.

Jesus taught that fasting could strengthen us spiritually and allow us to bring about miracles that cannot be accomplished any other way. (See Matthew 17:14-21.)

Prayer is a critical part of the fasting process. Jesus taught his followers to pray and he prayed to His Father Himself, sometimes publicly to set the example. Mormons are noted for the number of times they pray to God in a given day. They are taught to pray each morning and evening in a personal prayer, a couple prayer if married, and in a family prayer if they have children or others living in their homes. In addition, they pray prior to meals and before scripture study. Then, of course, they also talk to God at any time during the day when they feel a need or desire to do so. Many keep an ongoing conversation going all day long.

The Mormon religion started with a prayer, making that doctrine especially meaningful to its members. When Joseph Smith, the first prophet, was fourteen, he read James 1:5 in the New Testament. It said that if you lacked wisdom—needed to know something—you could ask God and it promised God would respond. He took the scripture to heart and went into the woods to pray, where God and Jesus Christ appeared to Him to answer His question about which church to join.

Of course, most people don’t get quite that direct an answer to their prayers; however, God does promise to answer every meaningful and righteous prayer. He may answer in three ways—yes, no, or not yet—but He always answers.

To receive answers to prayers, Mormons follow a prescribed pattern. They do not use written and recited prayers except in a few formal situations and never in their personal prayers. (Recited prayers are reserved for situations like blessing the sacrament, similar to communion, or baptism.) Although there aren’t exact words, there is a pattern which is very simple.

Mormons begin their prayer by addressing God by name. They use a simple phrase such as, “Dear Heavenly Father” or “My Father in Heaven.” Next, they offer thanks for the blessings God has given them. In this way, before they start asking for things, they are reminded of the good He has already done and of His attentiveness to their needs. They also demonstrate to God they are paying attention themselves and that they are not taking these gifts for granted.

These expressions of gratitude can be followed by requests for help, although Mormons sometimes offer thanks and nothing else. Mormons believe they should not treat God like Santa Claus, asking Him for things they can do for themselves. A person who needs a job will still sit at the computer looking for work, rather than going off to play and expecting God to drop a job in his lap. He will trust God to show him where to look for the job he needs, but he will continue to look. A Mormon will also act as if he expects his prayer to be answered. For instance, if he prays for an opportunity to introduce someone to Jesus Christ, he will begin to learn more and to decide how to discuss the Savior, even though he can’t yet think of anyone who doesn’t already know about Jesus.

Mormons close their prayers in the name of Jesus Christ, because we pray to God through Him. The prayer is then ended with the traditional “Amen.”

For Mormons, prayer serves many purposes. It helps them make God a partner in their lives, a part of everything they do. It also allows them to build a close, personal relationship to Him so that when they return home, they know Him well. They build trust in God and learn to recognize how He communicates with them.

God promised, in James 1:5, that He would answer our prayers. Mormons believe God keeps His promises and that if He says he will give us wisdom, He will do so in a way we can recognize. Although some religions teach people not to pray for truth because they won’t know who is answering the prayer, Mormons trust that God can do anything—including making His answers identifiable. For that reason, after they pray, they are taught to remain quietly on their knees, waiting to see if God would like to speak with them. Prayer is not a one-way communication.

Mormons generally research their problems first and come to a conclusion on their own. Then they go to God for confirmation of their choices. When we have made the right choice, God fills our heart with a feeling of peace and joy. Satan cannot create peace or joy. When we are wrong, we often feel confusion or a “stupor of thought.” This tells us we need to start over with the study process.

The more we pray and turn to God in faith, the greater our faith grows and the closer our relationship to Him will be.

Terrie Lynn Bittner

The late Terrie Lynn Bittner—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—was the author of two homeschooling books and numerous articles, including several that appeared in Latter-day Saint magazines. She became a member of the Church at the age of 17 and began sharing her faith online in 1992.

President Monson often offers analogies to help listeners understand his message. In this address, he used the analogy of a bridge to suggest the bridges the graduates will have to cross in their paths to successful lives. He based this analogy on a poem called The Bridgebuilder, by Will Allen Dromgoole. President Monson is well-read and is known for his ability to have a poem or literary quote for any occasion. This poem tells of an elderly man crossing a deep and wide chasm. When he makes the challenging journey across the chasm, he stops and builds a bridge behind him. Someone asks him why he is bothering since his journey is nearly over and he won’t need to cross that chasm again. He explains that a young person will be crossing this chasm soon and while he managed the chasm successfully, it might turn out to be a pitfall to the young person crossing in dim light. He is building the bridge for that person. Thomas Monson offers three bridges of his own to help the young people to whom he is speaking.

The first bridge he offered was that of attitude.

Said American psychologist and philosopher William James, “The greatest discovery of my generation is that men can alter their lives by altering their attitude of mind.”

Attitude can make all the difference in our lives, and we control our attitude. It can make us miserable or happy, content or dissatisfied. To a great degree, it can make us strong or weak.” He reminded listeners that William James said if you want a virtue, act as if you already have it.

Thomas Monson told two stories that illustrated the importance of attitude. One told of John James Audubon, the great ornithologist, painter, and naturalist. President Monson has raised homing pigeons since childhood and is very fond of birds. He said that Audubon once went on a business trip. When he returned, he found rats had nibbled through a box with more than 200 of his drawings of birds. The drawings were destroyed and he was, for weeks to come, devastated at this destruction of so many years of work. Finally, he realized his attitude was destructive and he needed to take a new approach. He wrote in his journal that he was happy to have a chance to redo the drawings because this time, he could do them even better. Nothing had changed in terms of his life situation and yet when he changed his attitude, he changed his feelings about the event, thus improving his life.

The second bridge President Monson built was that of integrity, a quality that seems to be less important to many today. He said many people try to justify dishonesty.

Being true to oneself is anything but easy if the moral standards of one’s associates conflict with his or her own. The herd instinct is strong in the human animal, and the phrase “Everybody else is doing it” has an insidious attraction. To resist what “everybody else” is doing is to risk being ostracized by one’s peers, and it’s normal to dread rejection. Nothing takes more strength than swimming against the current. You, my friends, are strong and must at times decide to swim against that current.

Perhaps the surest test of an individual’s integrity is his or her refusal to do or say anything to damage his or her self-respect. The cornerstone of one’s value system should be the question, “What will I think of myself if I do this?”

President Monson told his listeners that there is no point in gaining fame and glory if you can’t look yourself in the mirror with pride.

The third bridge Thomas S. Monson offered was that of service. Thomas Monson is widely known for his compassion to those with challenges in life. As a very young bishop (a lay minister) he was assigned to a congregation with many, many widows. One of his responsibilities was to see that their needs were met. Mormon bishops have non-religious careers of their own choosing and they have families, which means their ecclesiastical work must be done after work and on weekends and must be balanced with family life. Despite this challenge, he kept a close eye on the widows, even visiting each one personally at Christmas with a fresh chicken for their holiday dinner. He spoke at all their funerals, even when he become a high level Mormon leader who traveled extensively. He often speaks of his mother, who served the men who rode the rails during the depression, and who, with the rest of the family, took gifts to families in need at Christmas time. Service is a centerpoint of President Monson’s life.

There are opportunities to serve which are open to everyone. The blind and the handicapped need friendship; the aged are hungry for companionship; the young need understanding guidance; the gifted are starved for encouragement. These benefits can’t be conferred by reaching for your checkbook. Personal service is direct and human.

Said a wise man many years ago, “We can’t do everything for everyone everywhere, but we can do something for someone somewhere.”

Our service to others may not be dramatic, but we can bolster human spirits, clothe cold bodies, feed hungry people, comfort grieving hearts, and lift to new heights precious souls.

He told students that while they may become rich or famous, their real success in life will be measured by how much they serve. This level of service is what will bring them true satisfaction, not the money and fame.

This graduation was the 100^th anniversary of the university, which began as the Saint George Stake Academy and was created by the Mormons. In 1933, the Church turned it over to the state, which considered closing it in 1952. However, voters rescued the college. It was once a high school and college combined. In time, the high school became a separate school and the community college eventually began to add four-year degrees. It is working toward university status now.

Read Thomas Monson’s address to Dixie State College.

Temples date as far back as the exodus of the Israelites under the leadership of Moses. The Israelites were commanded by God to create a portable temple, called a tabernacle, they could take with them from place to place. Knowing that God did not want them even to travel without a temple tells us just how important temples are in God’s plan. The Old Testament also mentions the Temple of Solomon and the Temple of Zerubbabel, while the New Testament mentions the Temple of Herod, a place we often found Jesus. The people of the Book of Mormon also built temples. Unfortunately, temples, like other parts of God’s plan, disappeared from the earth during the great apostasy. It was not until the gospel was restored that temples returned to the earth.

Joseph Smith received his first revelation about temples in 183, with instructions to build a temple in Kirtland Ohio, followed by one in Missouri. Today, temples can be found around the world. There are 131 temples currently built, with 21 more currently being built and five that have been announced.

Temples are different from ordinary meetinghouses. Mormon meetinghouses, found in neighborhoods around the world, are open to the public. Sunday worship services, religious education, and weekday activities are held in them. Temples, however, are open only to those who have been found worthy by their leadership to enter. Except in special circumstances, full attendance is open only to adults, with limited access available to teenagers.

Inside the temples, Mormons make covenants (sacred two-way promises with God), learn the gospel, and perform sacred ordinances. The temple focuses on the gospel of Jesus Christ and is especially important to the sanctity of family life.

In his conference address, Thomas Monson focused on the sacrifices many have made in order to obey God’s commandment to attend the temple. He spoke of a group of 100 Mormons deep in the heart of the Amazon in Manaus, Brazil who were determined to get to the temple to do their sacred ordinances for the first time. At that time, the closest temple was 2500 miles away. This did not daunt the members, who had been saving their money for many years. They first traveled the Amazon River by boats for four days. This was followed by three days of travel on busses and bumpy roads with little to eat. After attending the temple, they had to make the same trip in reverse. They arrived home with little money, but their hearts were filled. They knew they had been doing the Lord’s work and they were happy to make whatever sacrifices were called for. Today, a temple is being built in their own area.

“Why are so many willing to give so much in order to receive the blessings of the temple? Those who understand the eternal blessings which come from the temple know that no sacrifice is too great, no price too heavy, no struggle too difficult in order to receive those blessings. There are never too many miles to travel, too many obstacles to overcome, or too much discomfort to endure. They understand that the saving ordinances received in the temple that permit us to someday return to our Heavenly Father in an eternal family relationship and to be endowed with blessings and power from on high are worth every sacrifice and every effort.”

President Monson addressed the Rome, Italy temple, now under construction. Mormons were very excited about the announcement of this temple.

“Every temple is a house of God, filling the same functions and with identical blessings and ordinances. The Rome Italy Temple, uniquely, is being built in one of the most historic locations in the world, a city where the ancient Apostles Peter and Paul preached the gospel of Christ and where each was martyred.

Last October, as we gathered on a lovely pastoral site in the northeast corner of Rome, it was my opportunity to offer a prayer of dedication as we prepared to break the ground. I felt impressed to call upon Italian senator Lucio Malan and Rome’s vice-mayor Giuseppe Ciardi to be among the first to turn a shovelful of earth. Each had been a part of the decision to allow us to build a temple in their city.

The day was overcast but warm, and although rain threatened, not more than a drop or two fell. As the magnificent choir sang in Italian the beautiful strains of “The Spirit of God,” one felt as though heaven and earth were joined in a glorious hymn of praise and gratitude to Almighty God. Tears could not be restrained.

In a coming day, the faithful in this, the Eternal City, will receive ordinances eternal in nature in a holy house of God.”

Read, watch, or listen to The Holy Temple by Thomas S. Monson.

Thomas Monson, Mormon Prophet

The word “Christian” appears only a few times in the Bible, always as a term non-Christians use to describe followers of Jesus Christ. They were first called Christians in Antioch by the other people who lived there, and this event is recorded in the Book of Acts, after Jesus’ death. Therefore, researching the Bible for what it says about who is a Christian is not helpful. However, we can look to see what the Bible says about being a disciple of Jesus Christ.

The word trinity is not found in the Bible and the concept is not taught there. Trinity is an inappropriate evaluation tool for Christianity since it was invented after Jesus’ death.

What did Jesus say on the subject of being a Christian, then?

In Jesus’ own time, the term “disciple” was used to describe the twelve apostles. His explanation of what a disciple is can help us decide what he considered to be the definition of a Christian, since the term disciple refers to following Christ. A Mormon prophet is a disciple of Christ, and the things Jesus said about His disciples in ancient times apply also to Thomas Monson.

Acknowledge God and Jesus

Jesus’ first criteria is that you must acknowledge Christ and His Father are both real and that you must honor them both. These scriptures show that they are different beings and must both be acknowledged:

Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [but] he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. (1 John 2:23)

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life

That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. . (John 5: 23-24).

Keep the Commandments

Another requirement for being a disciple of Jesus Christ is to keep the commandments. The New Testament has numerous references to God’s requirement that we obey His commandments.

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;” (John 8:31.)

If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15)

Love One Another

The third requirement found numerous times in the New Testament is to love one another and to treat everyone like family—family you love.

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:35).

We can see the Bible really doesn’t offer a list of specific doctrine to be believed in if you want to be a Christian. What it does say is that we must love Jesus Christ and God, acknowledge their reality and divinity, treat others well, and live the gospel.

Thomas S. Monson, the Mormon prophet, has been a Christian all his life. He was raised in a family that practiced Christian charity on a regular basis. Homeless men riding the rails knew they could find a good meal in his mother’s kitchen. He helped his parents take food and gifts to those in need. As a young boy, he offered his testimony to the heartbroken mother of a young soldier who died, assuring her that Jesus Christ’s sacrifice had saved her son and would allow him to live again.

As an adult, President Monson continued the pattern his parents taught him. He is known for the loving care he gave to 85 widows in the congregation over which he presided as a young adult. He made sure they each had a fresh chicken for their Christmas dinner. He visited them in their homes and later in their nursing homes. He spoke at each of their funerals. Thomas Monson rounded up food, clothing, and other necessities for those in need who were under his care in his congregation.

Read: Thomas S. Monson: In the Footsteps of the Master

Throughout his life, he has preached the need for great love and kindness toward others, particularly those who are in need. He testifies often of Jesus Christ and encourages members of the Church to follow the example set by Him. He encourages Mormons to read the Bible and to learn about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

In 1990, Thomas S. Monson gave a talk called The Search for Jesus. In it he said,

Down through the generations of time, the message from Jesus has been the same. To Peter by the shores of beautiful Galilee, he said, “Follow me.” To Philip of old came the call, “Follow me.” To the Levite who sat a receipt of customs came the instructions, “Follow me.” And to you and to me, if we but listen, shall come that same beckoning invitation, “Follow me.”

He outlined the efforts people make in their own personal search for Jesus throughout history. Some mistakenly turn to idols or went on Crusades or debated truth in councils, like the one in Nicaea.

President Monson reminds us this is not how we find Christ.  We don’t find Christ or truth in debates, votes, or worldly patterns. The way to find Christ is by following the pattern given us by Christ Himself:

The formula for finding Jesus has always been and ever will be the same—the earnest and sincere prayer of a humble and pure heart. The prophet Jeremiah counseled, “Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” (Jer. 29:13.)

Before we can successfully undertake a personal search for Jesus, we must first prepare time for him in our lives and room for him in our hearts. In these busy days there are many who have time for golf, time for shopping, time for work, time for play—but no time for Christ.

Lovely homes dot the land and provide rooms for eating, rooms for sleeping, playrooms, sewing rooms, television rooms, but no room for Christ.

Do we get a pang of conscience as we recall his own words: “The foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” (Matt. 8:20.) Or do we flush with embarrassment when we remember, “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7.) No room. No room. No room. Ever has it been.

As a disciple of Jesus Christ, Thomas Monson works to encourage people to find more time for their personal search for Christ. He also helps people understand the process of making that search.

Prayer, Thomas Monson reminds us, is a key factor in finding Christ. As we pray, we build our relationship with Jesus Christ and with God and learn to recognize when They are speaking to us. We learn to distinguish Their voices from all others, knowing that in James 1:5 of the New Testament, we are told God promises to give us wisdom if we ask for it with faith, and God always keeps His promises.

Thomas S. Monson reminds people to have a clear concept of the Jesus Christ they are seeking. They aren’t looking for the baby in the Christmas story. We are seeking the grown and resurrected Jesus Christ, Son of God, and Redeemer of Mankind.

The Mormon prophet tells us that once we find Jesus Christ, we must bring Him gifts. The Wise Men brought gold, frankincense and myrrh, but from us, Christ asks for a different type of gift. He wants us to give ourselves to Him. This requires a greater depth of gift-giving. How do we give ourselves to Jesus Christ? A Christian will note the Bible, as shown above, says one way is to serve others. The Book of Mormon says that when we serve others we are in the service of God.

The Book of Mormon outlines another responsibility for those seeking to become Christians and to give of themselves to Jesus Christ. It says when we are baptized we covenant (promise) to stand as a witness of God.

9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—

10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you? (Mosiah 18 in the Book of Mormon)

This scripture tells us a true Christian serves others compassionately. It also tells us we are called to be witnesses of God at all times. This is, for many, the most challenging part of being a Christian.

Being a true Christian is not about sitting in church for a few hours each Sunday, although that is part of it. It is not just about getting baptized or a one-time “being saved” action. It is about living every moment of our lives for Christ, being witnesses to Him. We take on ourselves His name when we’re baptized and that means we have a responsibility to wear the name well, to represent Him honorably even when it involves personal sacrifice.

Sometimes being a Christian and even more often being a Mormon Christian means facing discrimination, persecution, and hardship. It means occasionally facing name calling, discovering that despite laws you are denied a job or the same treatment in your career others receive. Sometimes it means a teacher will attack your faith in class. However, these are temporal concerns. For a Christian, the eternal perspective is the one that counts. When viewed from the eternal scheme of things, the challenges of being a Christian are minimal compared to the blessings of being a Christian.

The Mormon prophet has given most of his life to teaching about and serving Jesus Christ. He has spent untold hours in volunteer service as a leader in a lay church. He is noted for untold hours spent serving individuals as well as the church as a whole.

Is the Mormon prophet a Christian?

16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth devil fruit.

18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 7)

Read The Way of the Lord.

Mormons have a unique welfare program, one that was praised by Ronald Reagan. This system allows each person in the Church to contribute to a special fund, called a Fast offering, to care for Mormons in need. They also volunteer their time to help. Then, should they find themselves in need someday, they can utilize this fund, contributing additional service hours to help “pay” for what they receive. This allows them to retain their self-esteem and self-sufficiency.

The Mormon welfare program begins with fast offerings. Once a month, Mormons volunteer to go without food or drink for twenty-four hours. This is usually done the first Sunday of each month and actually only requires a person to miss two meals. During this time, which is called fasting, they pray and try to focus as much as possible on spiritual things. The Bible teaches us that fasting can increase our spirituality. We might recall that Jesus fasted at the start of His mission. That Sunday, they donate at least the amount of money they saved by not eating or drinking to the Fast Offering fund. This money is used exclusively to care for Mormons in need. (A separate fund, through the Humanitarian Aid program, provides humanitarian care for people who are not LDS.)

Mormons are encouraged to do all they can to assist themselves. One way they do this is to store a year’s supply of everything they might need to survive for a year of unemployment or other hardship. They are also encouraged to assist their own families. However, if Mormons exhaust their personal resources and family cannot help, they can turn to the Mormon Church for assistance. They meet with their bishop (similar to a pastor) to determine their needs and to discuss their budgets. Mormons in difficult times are not helped to maintain their previous standard of living, but only to stay alive and reasonably comfortable. They are expected to make as many budget cuts as possible prior to asking for help. The bishop then determines what is needed and authorizes it. Recipients are not given cash. Instead, necessary bills are paid for them and an authorization form to the storehouse is given.

Bishop’s storehouses are a key to this program. They look like small grocery stores, but the checkout counter does not have a cash register. Recipients select the groceries they need from a list and the bishop reviews it and makes changes as needed. (These changes might give them less, but it just as often gives them more than they asked for if they were too cautious.) They take the form to the storehouse where volunteers assist them in “shopping” from the shelves, collecting the items they were approved to receive. These items involve high quality fruits, milk, juices, vegetables, meats, baking supplies, hygiene materials, cleaning supplies, baby supplies and other things needed to meet the needs of the family. They are given enough to last two weeks. Instead of a cash register, the recipient simply reviews the list with a volunteer to make sure they didn’t forget anything on their list. Surplus food is donated to food banks in the local community. In addition, the canneries used to preserve the food are often donated to other organizations, such as the Red Cross, to use in serving the general population.

In exchange for these services, Mormons are asked to take on additional volunteer responsibilities as they are able. Many work for an hour at the storehouse before filling their own order. Many volunteer to assist in welfare assignments—the church operates its own canneries and farms in many areas to prepare the food and this work is done by volunteers—or do other types of service. The service doesn’t equal what they have received, but it gives them a feeling of having contributed to their own well-being and allows them to feel more comfortable accepting help. And of course, they have contributed to the well-being of others in need during their more prosperous times.

In addition to these services, Mormons can learn how to get a job, improve their literacy skills, and develop other skills that will help them better care for themselves in the future.

Thomas Monson said of the program:

No member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who has canned peas, topped beets, hauled hay, or shoveled coal in such a cause ever forgets or regrets the experience of helping provide for those in need. Devoted men and women help to operate this vast and inspired program. In reality, the plan would never succeed on effort alone, for this program operates through faith after the way of the Lord.

President Monson offered a Biblical example of the commandment to share what we have with others, even at great sacrifice to ourselves. In 1 Kings, we read about a humble widow living in the midst of a terrible drought. She was very nearly out of food, with barely enough to make one last meager meal for herself and her son, and then anticipated that they would then simply wait for death. At this critical moment, the prophet Elijah arrived and asked her to make him a meal. She explained their circumstances, but he persisted.

Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.

“For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth.

“And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days.

“And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail.” (1 Kgs. 17:9–11, 13–16.)

President Monson asks us to imagine the courage it took for this widow to walk into her home and do what was asked, knowing it was the last of their food. This willingness to care for others at great sacrifice is a necessary component of any humanitarian effort. For Mormons, if they choose to give only what they saved, there is no financial loss, but there is a physical sacrifice that comes from going without food. Most Mormons choose to give more than they saved, or to imagine they would have had a feast, not bargain meals during that time of fasting.

He told of a man who contacted him when he was a bishop to say he was sending a semi-truck filled with produce from his farm to the storehouse. He wanted them to know it was coming so they could prepare, but he did not want anyone to know who was sending it.

He mentions visiting an elderly disabled friend and discovering the house was cold because the man couldn’t afford to heat it and that things were generally falling apart. He contacted a local bishop to see if there might be volunteers available to help out. The bishop quickly lined up people eager to contribute to the project. One month later, President Monson returned to the home:

The sidewalks which had been uprooted by large poplar trees had been replaced, the porch of the home rebuilt, a new door with glistening hardware installed, the ceilings lowered, the walls papered, the woodwork painted, the roof replaced, and the cupboards filled. No longer was the home chilly and uninviting. It now seemed to whisper a warm welcome. Lou saved until last showing me his pride and joy: there on his bed was a beautiful plaid quilt bearing the crest of his McDonald family clan. It had been made with loving care by the women of the Relief Society. Before leaving, I discovered that each week the Young Adults would bring in a hot dinner and share a home evening. Warmth had replaced the cold; repairs had transformed the wear of years; but more significantly, hope had dispelled despair and now love reigned triumphant.

All who participated in this moving drama of real life had discovered a new and personal appreciation of the Master’s teaching, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35.)

The difference between a government welfare program and the LDS program is one of love. Mormons are giving what they have to those in need because of their love for other people. Those who receive do what they can to repay what is given and to give to others in return. It is a unified cycle of people voluntarily helping people.

Read Preparation Brings Blessings.

President Monson urged the young men to monitor their behavior to meet the exacting standards to which God holds us. The standards are not random rules; they have the purpose of helping us to grow up safely.One standard addressed by President Monson was to prepare for marriage. Preparation for marriage is really a lifelong effort and the teen years are critical in that preparation. Thomas Monson advised the young men who live in countries where dating is appropriate to avoid dating until age sixteen, when they are more mature and able to date wisely. He reminded the boys that they really don’t have to date during their teen years if they don’t want to, even if all their friends are. He advised them, during their teenage years, to date in groups and to avoid pairing off into couples or to become involved in romantic relationships at this age. The younger teens are when they begin having relationships, the more difficult it becomes to maintain appropriate standards. In addition, he encouraged them to find friends with similar standards, regardless of their specific religious faith. Having friends with similar standards provides protection as they help each other resist the temptations of the world and encourage each other to improve and grow.

The guidelines President Monson offered here come from a pamphlet called For the Strength of Youth, written to guide teenagers safely through their teenage years. It gives sensible advice to everyday issued faced by teens in the areas of morality, family life, friendship, and education.

Thomas Monson also advised teens to dress appropriately. Appropriate dress, he explained, shows respect for God and for ourselves. Mormons hold their members to a strict dress code, a code that applies equally to men and to women. Although they may wear ordinary and fashionable clothes, the clothes are to be modest and not be extreme.

The way you dress sends messages about yourself to others and often influences the way you and others act. Dress in such a way as to bring out the best in yourself and those around you. Avoid extremes in clothing and appearance, including tattoos and piercings.”

Honesty is another part of preparation for adulthood addressed by Thomas Monson. He told a story of a classmate in a class in business law President Monson took as a college student. This classmate never came to class prepared and was unable to participate in class discussions. However, when it came time for tests, he scored extremely well. His unique method involved putting glycerin on his toes and wearing sandals to class, even in the midst of winter. He had trained his toes to turn pages, and since his textbooks were placed on the floor, he was able to move through the chapters and find the answers. (Imagine if he’d spent that training time studying instead.) However, he soon learned that cheating eventually did not pay because when he showed up for the cumulative exam, the teacher unexpectedly announced the test would be given orally and the student failed. This student really only cheated himself. President Monson explained how a worthy young man will live.

He is honest with others. He is honest with himself. He is honest with God. He is honest by habit and as a matter of course. When a difficult decision must be made, he never asks himself, “What will others think?” but rather, “What will I think of myself?”

President Monson spent considerable time discussing the 13^th Article of Faith. Early in Mormon history, Joseph Smith was asked what Mormons believe. He outlined thirteen basic beliefs which became known as the Articles of Faith. The last one reads:

We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

Many different factors go into living this principle. In order to live it, a person must keep his mind and body pure. Without that purity, he cannot have the spirit to guide him—his spiritual senses dull and are less receptive to spiritual promptings. For this reason, the Mormon prophet advised teens to avoid drugs, alcohol, and other things that would harm their bodies and minds. He instructed them to avoid media that is demeaning to their spirits, to have the courage to walk out of a movie theater or get rid of a CD or book that did not meet their standards.

He advised them to stay morally pure, refraining from inappropriate physical relationships. Mormon beliefs teach the eternal value of chastity for both men and women. He warned that actions begin with thoughts and so thoughts must be kept pure. This means to avoid pornography and to make sure they are busy doing things that keep them focused on pure goals, including serving others.

The Mormon prophet also reminded them of the sacred gift of repentance. Should a person stray from the things he is taught, he can return to God’s good graces by following the steps of repentance made possible through the atonement of Jesus Christ.

“If any has stumbled in his journey, there is a way back. The process is called repentance. Our Savior died to provide you and me that blessed gift. Though the path is difficult, the promise is real: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”

Don’t put your eternal life at risk. Keep the commandments of God. If you have sinned, the sooner you begin to make your way back, the sooner you will find the sweet peace and joy that come with the miracle of forgiveness. Happiness comes from living the way the Lord wants you to live and from service to God and others.”

It was not that Jesus needed their gratitude. It was that the men needed to be grateful. Being thankful and noting that their blessings come from God, not their own doing, helps them to continue on the path to their Heavenly Father. Only when we recognize His hand in our lives can we become everything God wants us to be.

My brothers and sisters, do we remember to give thanks for the blessings we receive? Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love.

My beloved friend President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “When you walk with gratitude, you do not walk with arrogance and conceit and egotism, you walk with a spirit of thanksgiving that is becoming to you and will bless your lives.”

In the book of Matthew in the Bible, we have another account of gratitude, this time as an expression from the Savior. As He traveled in the wilderness for three days, more than 4,000 people followed and traveled with Him. He took compassion on them, for they may not have eaten during the entire three days. His disciples, however, questioned, “Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?” Like many of us, the disciples saw only what was lacking.

“And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And [the disciples] said, Seven, and a few little fishes.

“And [Jesus] commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.

“And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.”

Notice that the Savior gave thanks for what they had—and a miracle followed: “And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.”

We have all experienced times when our focus is on what we lack rather than on our blessings. Said the Greek philosopher Epictetus, “He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”

President Monson reminds listeners that everyone has somethng to be grateful for. It’s not always easy to see what those things are, but if we take some time to look around us, there is something good to be found.

This is a wonderful time to be on earth. While there is much that is wrong in the world today, there are many things that are right and good. There are marriages that make it, parents who love their children and sacrifice for them, friends who care about us and help us, teachers who teach. Our lives are blessed in countless ways.

We can lift ourselves and others as well when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues. Someone has said that “gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.”

Thomas S. Monson explained how to achieve that gift of gratitude. He quoted an earlier Mormon prophet who taught that a prayerful life is the key to living a life of gratitude. When we pray to God, being careful to credit Him for every good thing, we pay more attention to what is good in our lives. It also allows the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit to be in our hearts, alerting us to blessings. He encourages us to stop taking ordinary blessings for granted and to be certain we thank others for the good they provide in our lives.

He admonished listeners that as they seek to recognize blessings, they should focus a special alertness to the blessings given us by Jesus Christ, our Savior. Through Him we receive every blessing worth having, and those are the blessings with eternal significance, as well as the ones that help us get through mortality. By strengthening our relationship with God and Jesus Christ, by following the example Jesus gave us and by keeping the commandments, we make life a wonderful and meaningful experience.

As I close this morning, it is my prayer that in addition to all else for which we are grateful, we may ever reflect our gratitude for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His glorious gospel provides answers to life’s greatest questions: Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where do our spirits go when we die? That gospel brings to those who live in darkness the light of divine truth.

He taught us how to pray. He taught us how to live. He taught us how to die. His life is a legacy of love. The sick He healed; the downtrodden He lifted; the sinner He saved.

Ultimately, 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.”

Who was this “man of sorrows, . . . acquainted with grief”? “Who is this King of glory,” this Lord of lords? 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 words. By so doing, we give to Him the divine gift of gratitude.

My sincere, heartfelt prayer is that we may in our individual lives reflect that marvelous virtue of gratitude. May it permeate our very souls, now and evermore. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, amen.

Read The Divine Gift of Gratitude

Watch Thomas S. Monson deliver this sermon on gratitude: