For those who are not aware, in the eyes of a few, President Nelson was apparently way out of line in one of his General Conference talks in April of 2021.
This occurred when President Nelson, in his Sunday Morning address, Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains, said the following:
Your mountains may be loneliness, doubt, illness, or other personal problems. Your mountains will vary, and yet the answer to each of your challenges is to increase your faith. That takes work. Lazy learners and lax disciples will always struggle to muster even a particle of faith.
Can you guess which words caused an uproar?
The internet was ablaze with people complaining about his harsh tone and name-calling – for some reason feeling his words were directed at them.
We uploaded President Nelson’s talk to our YouTube channel and received multiple comments from people who were shocked to hear a prophet say what President Nelson did.
One viewer, Phillip, commented: “Name calling as a prophet of God? Lazy learners and lax disciples? Why would he say that. He should know that this is almost never the case.”
Another viewer, Tim, said: “Calling people lazy learners and lax disciples is not helpful and only increases the stigma with which we treat those who have left the church.”
These are just two examples of many expressing outrage on social media that a prophet of God would call them out (though he never called out any specific group of people as lazy learners or lax disciples).
That Which Ye Call Anger Was the Truth
When Lehi gave his final plea to Laman and Lemuel, one of the topics he addressed was their attitude towards the words Nephi had spoken to them. Nephi called them to repentance, and they clearly didn’t like it. Here was Lehi’s response to their murmuring found in 2 Nephi 1:26:
And ye have murmured because he hath been plain unto you. Ye say that he hath used sharpness; ye say that he hath been angry with you; but behold, his sharpness was the sharpness of the power of the word of God, which was in him; and that which ye call anger was the truth, according to that which is in God, which he could not restrain, manifesting boldly concerning your iniquities.
Laman and Lemuel didn’t like a few things about Nephi’s words:
- they were plain
- they were sharp
- he seemed angry
Nephi also responded to his brother’s allegations that his words were hard against them. He said:
Do not say that I have spoken hard things against you; for if ye do, ye will revile against the truth; for I have spoken the words of your Maker. I know that the words of truth are hard against all uncleanness; but the righteous fear them not, for they love the truth and are not shaken.
The righteous love the truth, and are not shaken.
Lazy Learners and Lax Disciples
When President Nelson used the terms lazy learner and lax disciples for those who can barely muster any faith at all, those who make prophets an offender for a word did their thing.
It brings to mind the oft-quoted scripture in 1 Nephi 16:2:
And it came to pass that I said unto them that I knew that I had spoken hard things against the wicked, according to the truth; and the righteous have I justified, and testified that they should be lifted up at the last day; wherefore, the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center.
We live in a society where people are afraid to hear the truth. If it doesn’t fit their agenda, it agitates them. If it doesn’t align with “their truth”, they feel attacked and need to find a safe space to hide. If they are told that their effort isn’t good enough, they don’t want to take any responsibility for their actions. Since the prophet is the mouthpiece of the Lord, the fountain of all truth, this invariably causes conflict and contention.
In an address given at Brigham Young University in 1980 by President Ezra Taft Benson titled Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet, he spoke of the “grand key” of following the prophet. His 12th fundamental states:
The prophet will not necessarily be popular with the world or the worldly. As a prophet reveals the truth it divides the people. The honest in heart heed his words but the unrighteous either ignore the prophet or fight him. When the prophet points out the sins of the world, the worldly either want to close the mouth of the prophet, or else act as if the prophet didn’t exist, rather than repent of their sins. Popularity is never a test of truth. Many a prophet has been killed or cast out. As we come closer to the Lord’s second coming you can expect that as the people of the world become more wicked, the prophet will be less popular with them.
We can expect to see the world’s opposition more and more in the coming years. President Oaks is on the receiving end of plenty of hatred and vitriol, and President Nelson has been getting his fair share recently. Following the prophet, and catching stones that are cast their way in the last days, are just a few of our responsibilities as disciples of Jesus Christ and defenders of the faith.
Jesus Called People Names
Clearly President Nelson calling people “lazy learners” and “lax disciples” got some riled up – as they fought back with the argument that he shouldn’t be name calling. While we are on the topic of name calling, do you want to know who else threw around of few zingers to those who needed some correcting? Jesus. Here are a few of the things he said during his mortal ministry to those who were living lives of iniquity.
- Hypocrites, child of hell (Matt. 23:15)
- Ye blind guides (Matt. 23:16)
- Ye fools (Matt. 23:17)
- Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees…for ye are like whited sepulchres…full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness (Matt. 23:27)
- Ye serpents (Matt. 23:33)
- Ye generation of vipers (Matt. 23:33)
- Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! (Luke 11:44)
- Ye are as graves which appear not (Luke 11:44)
[Compiled by J. L. Meredith, Meredith’s Big Book of Bible Lists, (Inspirational Press, NY; 1980), p. 137]
Obviously, Jesus’ name calling was done with a purpose. He wanted to call out wickedness and hypocrisy, and he also wanted to protect his sheep. It is no different with President Nelson.
His call to lazy learners and lax disciples was a call to repent, to study in faith, and to choose to believe in Christ. Many have humbled themselves based on his words and realized they need to step it up – while others have put up the defensive and taken no responsibility for their lack of action.
President Nelson wants us to discover truth on their own. He doesn’t want people to stop learning and discovering when they hit a speed bump of doubt. His call is for those with doubt to continue believing and continue seeking for truth from the Lord himself. He said:
If you have doubts about God the Father and His Beloved Son or the validity of the Restoration or the veracity of Joseph Smith’s divine calling as a prophet, choose to believe and stay faithful. Take your questions to the Lord and to other faithful sources. Study with the desire to believe rather than with the hope that you can find a flaw in the fabric of a prophet’s life or a discrepancy in the scriptures. Stop increasing your doubts by rehearsing them with other doubters. Allow the Lord to lead you on your journey of spiritual discovery.
Should a Prophet Call People Out?
In an article published by John W. Robbins titled The Virtue of Name Calling, Robbins addresses the misconception that name-calling by a prophet is somehow not within their right as servants of God.
Unfortunately, most professed Christians today seem never to have gotten past Matthew 7. That’s too bad, for they should proceed to read Matthew 23. In that chapter alone, Christ calls the scribes and Pharisees names 16 times. The names are “hypocrites” (7 times), “son of Hell” (once),”blind guides” (twice), “fools and blind” (3 times), “whited sepulchres” (once), “serpents” (once), and “offspring of vipers” (once). Since Christ was without sin, we may deduce by good and necessary consequence that name-calling as such is not a sin. Since everything Christ did was righteous and virtuous, we may deduce by good and necessary consequence that accurate name-calling is a virtue.
Name-calling, accurately done, is not only not a sin, it is a virtue. It is identifying a person for what he is, and this cannot be done except by doing it. – John W. Robbins
Robbins continues in a charge to Christians to call out those who are wolves in sheep’s clothing.
False teachers must be named, and the pusillanimous habits [showing a lack of courage or determination; timid] of Christians broken. Good etiquette, like peace and unity, must yield to the primacy of truth. Accurate name-calling is a virtue, not a sin. Just as Adam was given the task of naming the animals as an exercise of his rational faculties, so Christians are called upon to identify correctly the false teachers who prey upon the innocent and unlearned.
I am grateful for a living prophet. He sees things we do not. He knows things we do not. He cares about our eternal welfare. As we hear his words, may we stand with him and follow his lead.
To those who take offense at his words, know that they are spoken out of love and a desire for you to make positive changes in your life. In a society where nothing is wrong and no one will hold you accountable for anything, be accountable for your actions to the Lord. Admit your weaknesses. Seek repentance. Both steps are a sign of strength and faith. Know that the prophet of God will always point you towards a loving Heavenly Father and a gracious Savior who are ever willing to extend their arms of love and mercy.
Surprise surprise. A religion that is extremely close minded doesn’t understand other people’s perspective.
“We live in a society where people are afraid to hear the truth. If it doesn’t fit their agenda, it agitates them. If it doesn’t align with “their truth”, they feel attacked and need to find a safe space to hide. If they are told that their effort isn’t good enough, they don’t want to take any responsibility for their actions.”
This is ironic as I finally feel free to be myself leaving the church. I feel like I finally see the truth and this is a quote that I would use to describe active members and their beliefs.
As we study about the church, we can fill our hearts with faith, or we can fill our hearts with doubt. I study quite a bit, and there have been some things in church history that surprised me. Never-the-less, there is a peace and a practicality in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints that is hard to find anywhere else. I don’t mind being called lazy or lax. I know I can always do better and be better. It is sad think I am all I can possibly be, and there is no room for improvement. We are to follow Christ and learn to become like him. If we have a chip on our shoulder, it makes it that much harder to carry our cross and repent.
President Nelson didn’t mention people who were leaving when he used the phrase “lazy learners.”
Have you read his talk?
I was just reading a proprietary report prepared for uchtdorf about why people leave. The vast majority weren’t lazy or lax. They had callings and many found their way out in research for a lesson or talk. The more you know, the less you can believe mormon leadership/curriculum/bs.
That report was sent to the quorum in 2019. Nelson knew he was lying when he said people who were leaving were lazy
Were is the church’s example now as it has had to face it’s lies having been caught out. Who are now The lazy learners Lax disciples.
@Ben Arkell, I think it’s interesting that you stare someone is making a generalization when that is literally what almost every comment on this post has been towards other people- complete generalizations. Generalizations usually equate to
unrighteous judgments of others, which Christ clearly taught against.
People I know who have left the church are some of the most knowledgeable people around when it comes to church doctrine and scripture. They also put in some of the most valiant efforts I have ever seen in trying to reconcile their beliefs in the church.
In some cases much more valiant efforts than those who stay in the church. Going through the motions and looking the party without any actual study is promoted heavily among church members. THAT is lazy learning.
Whoever you are, you are part of the problem. Name-calling has no business in any church. If you claim Christ says its OK to do such things who are actually calling out false prophets in the first place, His teachings have been misconstrued or are false altogether. Abuse is not part of God’s plan.
Jesus caused a few rifts himself. That’s what often happens when you speak truth.
@Mathew Lowry, I’m glad to see that your “prophet” is not longer attempting to cause rifts between groups of people.
What makes a lazy learner? Why must I muster a particle of faith when there are so many facts that I can learn and know instead? See, those of us who left don’t need faith. We don’t to believe. There are things that we know. And we have earned that knowledge through hard work and effort. It seems to me that the lazy ones are the people who choose not to learn but brainlessly follow with no work whatsoever.
IT never even occurred to me that he was name calling or calling out anyone. Simply stating the answer is always to increase your faith and that takes effort. The opposite holds just as true. I am saddened to see that so many were offended. Even if the Prophet would have called me out by name in General Conference, I would have cried like a baby, then went to work to figure out how to do better. That is just my nature. I will go, and I will do. Always. I sustain our Prophet and all of our leaders 10000%.
@Deana, Amen! We all get a little too comfortable where we are, or in a rut sometimes. It’s always nice to get a wake up call once in a while.
When I heard President Nelson say that it never occurred to me that he was “name calling”. If you are standing in a street and someone warns you that a car is coming you don’t get offended….. you check your positioning and move if you are in danger!! I am always grateful for fair warnings, especially from Prophets of God. Thank you President Nelson, and all the General Authorities, for always having my back!!
@Jeremy Nicoll, Thank you! Love the perspective you presented.
I find that when people speak up about name calling it is because they know that the truth hit home. They do have choices that they can make. Fight back or stand up and stay yes you are right and do something about it. Maybe they feel guilty for having this pointed out, that they could do better. Maybe it is a way for them to question they church before they leave. We should be thankful that the prophet draws our attention to the fact that perhaps we could do better. I love God and Jesus Christ with all my heart, and I have been lax in reading scriptures and I thank him for letting me know that I need to do better.
He must have hit a nerve. Perhaps those that think he was too harsh fit the mold.
Great article. President Nelson’s words come from a place of love.
I think there was a huge misunderstanding by some to think that president Nelson was calling those who leave the church lazy and lax. He was not. He was referring to learners and disciples and people who have chosen not to keep their covenants are neither.
People leave the church for several different reasons. There are of course those that stop believing in God altogether and some who do not wish to keep the commandments. But for many it is more complicated than that. A lot of people have their own idea of what the church and members should be and when they cannot reconcile their assumptions with what actually happened/happens, they reject it. There are those who want to reconcile the gospel and their own view of the world and become frustrated when they realize that is not possible.
Staying in the church has always demanded that much of us. John 6 speaks of the time when Christ gave a talk that made many of his disciples leave. It requires a lot of faith and patience to stay when we don’t fully accept or agree. The conversation Christ and his disciples have from verse 66 to the end of the chapter is very enlightening.
@David, if you look at church history through the eyes of the “gospel” you’ll see what the “church” wants you to see.
Sounds like Lax and lazy people are still looking for an excuse to be lax and lazy. Get up and do your job and quit worrying about what others think of you.
@Bobbi Bischoff, Absolutely well put, we all see from different points of view! Be kind, but in all things be truthful!
@Jeremy Nicoll, Nailed it! Seems like somewhere in the last 40+ yrs that I have remembered (can’t access all all the) the Brethren have always talked directly to me, and I needed every bit of that counsel everytime! #justsayin
@Lorene Crowe, 👌👍🤘
@Scott, 👍, as said previously, it applies to all, save the perfect! We’re all at different levels, reach out and help one another, it’s a journey worthy of all our attentions and refocusing! It’s a choice, goats or sheep for me!
If you accept the prophet as just that — a PROPHET who speaks for God, then his words should not offend, but inspire us to be better and do better.
@David Starr, we’ll said! I was thinking the same thing. We have been told that in the Last Days many will fall away from the church and if we start attacking the Prophet because we don’t like what he’s asking us to do, that is the beginning of the road to Apostasy!! Follow the Prophet, don’t go astray!!!
I think the ones making the biggest stink about this are exactly the people the prophet is speaking to, if you are not that person then get over it! I don’t know what is wrong with people these days It seems like anytime someone takes a stern tone or there is a clear cut right and wrong to an issue and you chose the right someone has to take offense. I think its time to start thinking about the hard times to come and you probably need to get a thick skin and stop being so sensitive if our Pioneer ancestors and for fathers whined about every little slight or took offense to everything that was said we would all be sitting under the thumb of the British and God’s work in this land would have never happened!
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Anyone who is not humble, will not values on to the words of the prophet. President Nelson, me and my family, we love and appreciate you so very much
Well, I guess the truth hurts for snowflakes
And this is why HOME TEACHING went down to the 30% range and no one felt like doing it ☹️☹️
ALL of US whoever he/she is is sometimes a lazy learner and a lax disciple. So we all need to improve. Is anyone here is already PERFECT this lazy learner and lax disciple DOES NOT APPLY.- Willy Canlas, MBA
@Jeremy Nicoll, 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
@Gary,
The truth is always hard to bear. I always try to examine any prophet’s message “as a whole.” When taken in context, I think President Nelson’s words should not offend anyone.
Matthew 23: 13-39
@Lucia B., u don’t know what ur saying most people commenting r members that #1 don’t fit into ur standards of hypocrisy Jesus myself doesn’t like anyone saying negative at me. I’ve walked as Jesus full time for over 7 -8 years the hypocrisy from sinners 2 Saints is mind blowing unless u walk as Christ’s u wouldn’t understand anything about others judgment upon ur best efforts for gods will it’s different totally
The fact is those who do not teach others to walk as Christ’s in all that they do & say. Everyone will be judged as Christ’s & frankly I’m tired of all people who don’t see Jesus in others it’s basic of Christ’s words hypocrites R your evil stake Presidents & those who call them selfs judge’s hypocrisy beyond comprehension. Because it’s a system of money 💰 in & nothing back lots of fake fronts like ihc hospitals 🏥 non profit my ass! Get to be Christ’s kings & Queens honoring Mothers and fathers and no false idols. Christ’s r relevant always I love President Neilson & would be upset u all r lax Christ’s at min Christ’s tell all others they R Christ’s and be better ones. I get tired of hypocrites non stop. Nothing has changed be Christ’s. Period
I sustain President Nelson …. in the world today people are easily offended. I am a simple woman with value and heart….I praise God that He gave us a Prophet that is humble, one who speaks the truth and is guided and exemplifies our Savior in a message meant to refine our souls by challenging us to draw upon and exercise the great gift of repentance. Thank you President Nelson for the warning, speaking directly to me! It was a wake up call! 😔
Jesus was about “repent and come unto me” – which encapsulates President Nelson’s message.
Slight generalization there. There are probably many who don’t research, and there are many who do.
Willing to bet 90% of the people commenting in this have never been on the other side of the church. Very ironic, there is so much lack of empathy, compassion and love. Which is what Jesus was all about. And when he called “names” it was towards people (Pharisees) who were trying to put religious pressures and manipulate people that didn’t worship like them 🤷♀️
I mean the lazy learner comment was towards all the members. Y’all don’t research for shit. “The righteous love the truth” is another way of say ignorance is bliss. Just saying 🤷🏼♀️
I wasn’t a bit offended for I love our dear prophet and the general authorities when they gave us counseling in the general conference
I support Russell M Nelson as our prophet, I know that the Book of Mormon is another testament of the divinity of Jesus Christ for I have lived the teachings of it and I finally have found happiness in this life
We’re the ones that are on trial here. Not the Prophet!
Why are we quoting John w Robbins?
Esp. Without identifying who he is?
Lol, Matthew 23 was directed at the leadership who thought they knew better, not the ordinary folks. I’ve certainly met some in leadership over the years who would fit those names. Thank you for reminding me of this chapter!
Just a heads up; the 14 fundamentals talk that Benson gave at BYU was not appreciated by President Kimball, The first presidency, nor the quorum of the twelve apostles. Benson gave a lot of talks that his fellow apostles did not appreciate, and I’m pretty sure that this is one where he had to go and apologize to the entire quorum after it was given
At first read I agree with the John Robbin’s quote, it seems like you can only describe someone by describing them. However what John misses is that we are poor judges of what someone IS, we are much better judges of what people DO though and I think to be accurate and skillful, I would suggest that we do as president Nelson does and describes the behaviour. He called people disciples and learners. He condemned (described) the type of disciples and learners that struggle to find even a particle of faith.
At the end of the day we need to consider context and role. Is president Nelson a man declaring his opinion or a prophet declaring truth? If he represents more then his own opinion I would suggest knowing, understanding and aligning with it.
@Thadius Greer, ❤️
@Jeremy Nicoll, Boom!
@Paul, Like Dick Byrnes. I’ve spent 40 years studying church doctrine and a decent amount of that has been church history. And how you process that information depends on which lens you look at it.
If you look at church history through the eyes of the world, you’ll see what the world wants you to see. If you look at church history through the eyes of the gospel, you’ll see what the Savior wants you to see. It just depends which lens you choose to look through.
By the way, I sure am grateful the Lord brought about the Book of Mormon. It’s my “iron rod” that keeps me on the covenant path, regardless of the other distractions that Satan likes use to throw us off course.
@DG, Perfect! We can choose to be offended, or we can repent and do better. The Prophet is calling us to do better, because the “time is close at hand.” So thankful for President Nelson at this time! ❤
@Jeremy Nicoll, I love this comment!!!
I thought he was supposed to guide us. What is wrong with him pointing out the truth? I will follow the Prophet as I have been taught. He knows what he is talking about. He is not a man of deception and what he says can apply to all of us when we are not doing all we can. I know our Prophet is a man of God and I am sure these are things that needed to be said.
I think Its a wake up call for us. We thank thee O God for a Prophet to guide us in these latter days🥰.
@Paul, I guess it is how you contextualise the information- I have spent most of my life studying church history and find it both fascinating and faith promoting how the Lord uses imperfect people to further his cause much like he has always done, the Old Testament is a witness of that. Historical revision is a subjectivist endeavour driven by personal bias and agendas.
I am an inactive member and I’m not offended by his words. I find it more of a wake up call. And if I remember correctly I was taught to pay attention in general conference because there would be something, somebody would say, that would resonate for me personally (which happened). Could it be the same for the people who complained? I don’t know of course and who am I say to suggest such?
I have often wanted to tell people if you want to sit on your hands and not help build the kingdom maybe you should look elsewhere
I think the issue is that many people spend years studying the history of the church deeply, only to find that much of the history and structure of the church doesn’t hold up to scrutiny. Meanwhile, lots of folks stay active and believing by never researching outside of the most shallow church-approved sources, thus never having to do the work of questioning anything. Which one of these groups would best be described as “lazy learners”?
No I’m not the Phillip being referenced.
My observation is that the prophet actually didn’t do any name calling. He was referring, IMO, to broad groups of people who are lax and lazy. We all know such people exist, whether that group includes you or I, or not. Thus, referring to general traits of such unnamed broad groups hardly constitutes name calling. My take is that he was simply making a statement that such people – wherever they exist – will have a tendency to not exercise faith.
A statement made to the masses (millions of listeners) hardly targets any one individual or even any specific subgroup. Since I am subject to human frailties and because I know that lax and lazy people do exist, his comments are therefore to me only a warning to not be nor become lax nor lazy, because that course would incline me to not exercise faith.
The prophet can call me any thing he wants. Unfortunately I am one he needed to call out and provide advice to. I need it quite often and appreciate the friendly and accurate reminders.
Thad
So very grateful for a Prophet that keeps us on the Covenant Path. Love yo President Nelson
The Brother of Jared was chastised by the Lord for 3 hours. 3 hours! Because he had forgotten to call on the Lord’s name. What if he had decided to become offended because the Lord had called him a lax disciple and a lazy learner? He would have missed out on one of the greatest miracles in his life on top of the mountain (and been stuck somewhere on the East Pacific coastline). Some people might be focusing on the harsh words used by President Nelson. What if those are ACTUALLY the words of God, given to us through His prophet, so that we can get up the mountain and across the sea? What if our coach is trying to get us to make another strong push with 2 minutes left in the 4th Quarter. This warning voice of the prophet is not just not mean, it is a great blessing, proof that God loves us and cares enough to help us. We thank thee O God for a prophet!
When I first heard his talk I immediately thought of myself and how I need to improve in faith and trust. I didn’t think he looked mean, I thought he looked whimsical, as grandfathers sometimes do. He was reminding us how to get through the challenges of our lives, challenges which he knows are getting more difficult in ways we never dreamed. I am glad he cares, all I felt was fatherly advice. Toughen up, get strong, the ride is going to get bumpy.
Ben Arkell’s article did make goods points about Christ using strong words when people were being wicked, judging and demanding. I think we all got something different from his talk….isn’t that how it should be.
I love president Nelson talk and I didn’t see anything wrong with it at all people need to get a life and work together and become one
Truth is “Truth”. The prophet shares the words of Heavenly Father. Heavenly Father desires all of His children to return to be with Him. Some of us my require more help then others. However, some my think they are more in tune an with the Spirit then the Prophet. The “truth” is they are not. Pride is a tool use by the adversary. To those of you who are upset with President Nelson’s comments, look into a mirror, ask yourselves, do I actually think you know more then the prophet? Then question yourselves about your service, caring and love for all of the Lord’s people. Are you really doing all you can to share the gospel, uplift others and improve your own spirituality?
Be faithful, humble and pray for yourselves and others to learn of and understand how much Heavenly Father wants for us to return to be with Him. To accomplish everlasting life and eternal salvation, Follow the Prophet.
@Ben Arkell, your article sparked another thought. Like you stated, Jesus was without sin, so using “labels” to identify the true character of certain people was not only “OK”, but also helpful to others in identifying “wolves” disguised as sheep. We use labels all the time to help us identify things; like canister in a pantry might be labeled on the outside; SUGAR, FLOUR, CHOCOLATE CHIPS, etc. These labels help us to know what is inside, since it is not always possible to tell by looking at the outside. I think the message is that it is good to be able to discern the true character of others and to be able to identify the traits that are harmful. I like to think that Jesus was using descriptive words to identifying negative traits. A person who is hypocritical is a hypocrite. A person who acts foolishly is a fool. A person who seeks to kill others spiritually is like a deadly viper. I think it is wise and helpful
to “call a spade, a spade!”
PERFEITO!!!!
Great article!!!
We are children of Our Heavenly Father
who speaks directly to Our Living Prophet President Russell M Nelson, so if anyone finds his words harsh then perhaps it’s time for them to stand on their knees and pray for repentance and act on his words and direction. Our Living day prophet President Nelson only wants whats best for us and sometimes he may be required to remind us of the covents we made to Heavenly Father so the windows of heaven will open to all who diligently follow his guidance to the best of their ability. He only wants whats in our best interest and we are so blessed having him to guide us honestly without ever having to question his words. He speaks openly and honestly to all who will listen. I know this to be true and say so in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
I love our Prophet! I KNOW he speaks truth. I do not doubt his words his example his faithfulness or his leadership! I am grateful to Heavenly Father and our Savior for giving him to us and pray every day every second for our brothers and sisters to hear and be obedient to his admonition. I try to be obedient for I know his admonition comes directly from Heavenly Father! I pray for those members and nonmembers each and everyone!!!
If one is offended they need to look deep inside and see the truth. We have been given a loving prophet who loves us. We need to heed his word.
@Diane Godbout,
@Ben Arkell, Thank you!
I to am so greatfully and cinsearly humbled by the prophet Nelson’s remarks.sometimes I get laxed at going out on home teaching and therefore put it of till next time unknown that someone is excited and waiting anxiously for my presence.i feel so bad when I look at this outcome..so thank you president Nelson for you surely have lifted my faith in your speech..
I support and sustain our living Profit President Nelson and the Apostles ,Seers and Revelators. May Heavenly Father Bless each one, so that we can know what God desires of us. Thankyou President Nelson for all of your revelations and hard work. Please know that the truth will never OFFEND us.
.
Wow. I loved that talk and after reading some of the complaints I love it even more. The prophet is not your mother but the servant of the lord to call us to repentance. I have many areas to improve as I can be lazy but I so appreciate His open and direct statements. I will follow the prophet even when it hurts a little.
Those who are offended in the words of president Nelson the living prophet must repent and reconcile with God.
I agree with the Prophets words! The truth hurts people and they don’t want to hear it. Amen🧎♀️
Awesome article!
Every truly converted and transformed member does not feel offended. He/she reflects and contemplates every word that is heard, spoken, and read. “Lazy learner and a lax disciple” are challenging words for each one to prove that he/she will be better and not to settle only on “what is good enough.”
Every member has his/her own perspectives and constructs due to individual differences or diversities. He/she can have a different interpretation of any statement. It is a matter of respecting what he/she thinks and feels. It is a matter of choice to accept and decline such (perspectives and constructs). The “prophets receive modern revelations” that direct every member and Holy Scriptures nourish the spiritual hunger of each one. The prophets and the Holy Scriptures are parallel for the reason that both center on the words of God for each member to be aligned and focused. When each member is focused and aligned with the words of God, positivities rule all over.
@Wendy White, I agree 100%.
It is simple. Those who are lazy and lax disciples will know who they are. Those who are not, will know they are not. When the Church was first restored in 1830 many joined enthusiastically, but then backed off a bit, and in some cases backed off a lot. However, when a team is called on to lift a load, each member should give the utmost effort. Even Oliver Cowdry was disciplined, despite his proximity to the very coming forth of the Book of Mormon. Later, he repented and was accepted back.
Every one of us has a lazy learner and a lax disciple inside of us. President Nelson is encouraging us to rise above those tendencies and be our best selves.
@Richard, I agree!!! If we doubt our Prophet, it is the same to say we doubt God. We are no different than the people in the scriptures. We need to cry repentance and Trust Christ with everything we have. The question is, Do we want to follow Christ or be offended. I choose Christ always!!
It has been made very clear by the Prophet and Apostles about reading and studying the Book of Mormon every day because it will get us through these last days before the 2nd coming. There are so many leaving the church because they have lost their faith, and all they had to do is spend time in the scriptures to keep their faith. It’s the Prophet’s job to call people to repentance and tell them what they need to do whether or not people think it’s harsh. The “very elect” will fall and it is happening now. They wouldn’t be offended if they were listening and doing what the prophet asks. He is begging people to be safe through these times because he loves us.
Yeah, typically you find these responses on social media ;)
You bet! Thanks for the kind words.
It can get disheartening at times, but then I read comments on this post and see so many who heard the call to repentance, admitted they were wrong, and are going to try and do better. That is awesome!
Lisa, your comparison with the description of the 10 virgins was spot on. Well said.
Five of the Ten Virgins were called “foolish” by the Lord. Is it fair to say that those five were “lazy and lax?” Absolutely! But church members don’t seem to criticize the Savior for telling that parable. Five of the Ten Virgins didn’t even make the effort to “put oil in their lamps” even though they knew that the Bridegroom was coming! Could that be due to laziness and lax discipleship? Since the Ten Virgins are analogous to members of the church, it can be assumed that many (about half?) of church members are not “engaged in the wrestle” as learners and are lax followers of Christ. We can ALL do better – without being offended if we are included in the group of those who put in minimal effort as seekers of truth and as followers of Christ. We can “do better and be better” – together.
There will come a time in the near future where the lazy and lax are going to be even MORE offended as they hear things that are contrary to THEIR belief system. Many Prophets have spoken words that are hard for members to accept. I’ve had lengthy discussions with members who are offended by the Prophets’ words claiming that things they have said were merely the Prophet’s “opinion” and not doctrine or Church teachings. Socialism is one of the things that has been taught by the Prophets as evil. Some members say, “Well, that was so and so’s opinion and it doesn’t apply now”, or that that Prophet was wrong, even though that current teaching manuals STILL call socialism evil.
Being called “lazy” and “lax” is our Prophet’s call for us to do better, to align ourselves with the teachings of the Church and therefore Christ, to distance ourselves from the teachings of Man.
Yes, I’m including myself in that statement. I have much to learn from our Prophet’s. Time to FOLLOW THE PROPHETS.
Thank you! I read many of the comments on your video and was dumbfounded. It really scares me that I’m seeing so many members, online as well as in church that are so offended by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the 12. The Wheat and the Tares is happening right now. It’s a little disheartening.
I, myself, AM a lazy learner and relaxed disciple. I am not offended by his words! It just reminded me to step up MY game. Thank you President Nelson!
There are many of us who are lazy learners and lax disciples. We want to know the truth but we don’t want to work to receive the answers. President Nelson spoke the truth and I know it because I am one of them.
If what he said is true, then you should do something about it. If it doesn’t apply to you, you should be happy about that. Making people feel comfortable is not what the gospel is about. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we should always be seeking ways to improve. Denying the truth is never helpful to anyone. As Joseph Smith said, “I teach them correct principles and let them govern themselves.” Stop being offended and work on where you can improve. Stagnation is a person without improvement.
I am so glad to have a living prophet and mouthpiece who talks directly with the savior about how to lead and guide his church and tell us what we need to hear. I know that because he talks to god, god talks to us through him. I’m also grateful that god is constantly changing whenever we get a new prophet so that we can always learn and grow and change. Finally, I’m grateful for the knowledge now that god knows people who find it hard to have faith after reading church history and applying only small amounts of “critical thinking” are in fact lazy and lax and struggle with doubt because of it. Grateful that those who choose to simply believe and ignore all doubt are on this earth as they’re truly more diligent, earnest, and worthy of emulation than those who cannot muster even a particle of faith. I testify we need more people in the world who can choose to believe a given position and only look to support that position for the remainder of their lives. The world would be a much better place. Amen.
I will follow the prophet!
I was not offended my Pre Nelson’s remarks, I was mad at myself for being one of these lazy and lax people. I realized I have much to be grateful for. I am thankful to be able to hear the words of my prophet. I thank Heavenly Father every day for Pres Nelson.
@Monica Kaufmann, Amen!
I know that I am often lazy or lax, but I was not offended with Pres. Nelson’s words because they told me things I already knew. It was simply a reminder that I need to do better.
Oh my gosh! Those who are offended need to look within themselves for why they were offended. I only feel guilt/offended when truth catches me. Maybe truth has caught up with them. Being offended is a choice. I was not offended by the words of our living prophet. I was inspired to look deeper into myself and improve where I am lacking. I love our prophet and I am constantly looking forward to hear Him through our prophet.
Do a scripture search and see how many times the words “awake and arise” occur. Same thing. We need to wake up to the dire necessity of strengthening our faith. This general conference was full of chastizement. There’s a reason and we need to take it seriously.
I love the Saviour of the world with the depth of my soul . I also love our prophet very dearly he stands as a witness to God and Jesus. I also respect what you have said Ben that if we are looking to be offended we will always find it, but if we are studying our scriptures and our faith is growing daily in LOVE then we should have peace in all that President Nelson our beloved prophet says. As the Saviour loves us so dose his mouth piece on this earth love us. Both of them would never ever hurt us in anyway. Be that peacemaker with a topping of love that’s what the world deeply needs now and forever.
Walk into the light not the darkness and find joy in having a blessed true prophet on the earth . Just don’t forget he is human.
I took Prophets Speech as I need to expand my faith trust the lord he will help me with my trails & weakness. I am glad he gave me this challenge to improve my life.
I loved those words from President Nelson. They really had an impact on me but not in a negative way. What Ii heard was that if I wanted something I needed to be more diligent because I am kind of lax in my studying. Studying has never been easy for me but that does not excuse me from putting forth a greater effort. President Nelson did not get to where he is temporally or spiritually by being lax or lazy. I rather liked his choice of words because it resonated with me. It is confusing to my mind that it was taken out of context.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I did want to thank you for your article Ben. There are people in society today, and probably throughout time, that only look for that which offends so they can spread negativity and hatred. Sadly, this even happens when a Prophet of God speaks. I think you presented your thoughts very precisely and very well! Thank you so much for the work that you do!
The stories in the scriptures are coming to pass..this incident compounds it!
Satan is working overtime to penetrate the hearts of the people..I’m proud to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints..so grateful my parents were early members and passed it down to my family..
I have many regrets over the years but my faith in Jesus Christ and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has never faltered for a minute..
I’m sad to hear there was much contention over this incident..
I..myself..found much comfort and encouragement from this particular talk given by Russell M Nelson..
Thank you President Nelson..may we meet up some day..❤💖
We have two choices when a prophet speaks, we can either learn from it and apply it to our lives, or we can become offended. If we become offended, then it is usually because we are the guilty of which Nephi spoke about. President Nelson has said several times since becoming the prophet that we might not survive the coming days if we don’t prepare ourselves spiritually. If we took offense to his words in this last conference, then maybe instead of being offended we need to humble ourselves and learn from what he said. We need to, at times, take a step back and do a really honest assessment of where we are spiritually and make changes accordingly. President Nelson gave us very sound advice of where to start with that assessment.
@Robert Carpenter, I also love the story of Brigham Young being rebuked face-to-face by Joseph Smith. After the Prophet Joseph had finished speaking to him, Brigham humbly said in reply: “Brother Joseph, what would you have me do”? Even though Brigham was known to be heavy-handed and harsh, he was also a very humble servant.
I think this is interesting. I heard those words and didn’t take offense – I took it to heart and thought about the ways that I am lazy and lax in my study efforts. In my inability to keep a regular journal. Those amongst my many other “weaknesses” that will become strengths eventually. Every General Conference I am excited to hear the words of the Prophet and other leaders. But know this, I am always chastised because I have not overcome the natural man (or woman rather) that I am! President Nelson is doing what all Prophets have done, and that is to warn us to be more prepared for the coming of the Lord so that we are not sifted away like chaff. I am grateful that they continue to teach us that God’s Love is more powerful than any other force. And I am grateful that we get the opportunity to recommit and strive to do better after every General Conference and every Sunday.
Love this response to those who apparently took those words to be hard. I wasn’t aware that anyone was considering those words to be more than a justified wakeup call…but I know where to refer them if I come across any! Thank you for your thoughts!
When President Nelson spoke of lazy learners and lax disciples I knew it was a call to all of us to evaluate our commitment to the gospel and to Jesus Christ. Prophets through the ages have used strong language to call the people to repentance. I sustain and support the prophet who tells it like it is for our eternal welfare.
Like several others who have commented, I felt the prophets words were simply to help me evaluate my own life, to wake me up and keep me on track with my faith. Those being offended are simply showing their true self and where they stand in relation to their faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. I am SO VERY GRATEFUL to have a living prophet who ‘tells it like it is’. This is another simple example of how in these last days we are not able to be fence-sitters; we will either follow the Lord and His prophet, or we will turn away from Them.
@Diane Godbout, I agree. I just stopped and took a good look at myself. I love President Nelson an know by following his council I can become a better learner and person.
@Sharon Fagan, The wicked take the truth to be hard,, remember laman and lemuel got mad at lehi and nephi,,,etc.
@Heather Arnett, agreed!
If someone is offended by this then they won’t like being referred to as fools by Brigham Young: “Only a fool takes offense where none was intended.”
Interesting the vitriol and unChristlike characteristics that come out of refuting that the prophet (the prophet we believe to be God’s mouthpiece!) is having stones thrown at him. This is why Lehi was told to leave and many prophets stoned for their words. That part of his talk did not stand out to me as a rebuke, but rather an invitation to assess where we are at on the covenant path and make changes. He didn’t call anyone out by name but perhaps the Spirit did to those who became offended? We know ourselves and our short comings. A proud individual will refute, the humble will repent. It’s sad that we can’t be unified in supporting our prophet as he gives warnings, messages, and guidance. We can do better and to those who “choose to be offended” at a prophet, you will find other reasons to be offended. Be grateful, not hateful, about the messages we are being given. It is our opportunity, should we take it, to change and become better.
It is imperative that we wake up and obey. The prophet is giving us warnings he received from God. We should take heed, for the end days are coming. Do not be offended by the truth, but change your ways. I’m trying. No one knows when the Lord will come, but it will come as a thief in the night and take us by surprise.
Amen…those who were offended maybe felt the sting of truth. This life can be tough…not all truth is roses and laughter.
I testify the the Prophet is the voice of God on this earth. He was speaking to me as a lazy disciple. It was a wake-up call.
I for one, do not think of it as “name calling” it is describing the event, place in gospel, where we stand on the path of life, the offense we have perpetuated, etc. I am glad to be called out for my offenses and then I can work on them to better myself for my place in the gospel plan.
How can anyone be offended by the Prophet of God, Russell M. Nelson! He was speaking the words with his beautiful spirit of love, but the Holy Ghost was speaking to our spirit bodies. My family and I are far from being close to the caliber of President Nelson but we believe in following the Prophet. “He knows the way.” Remember, the Prophet is the mouthpiece of God. He is the only person in the world who cannot lead us astray. We all need to listen to the still small voice rather than our loud ego. XO