The Book of Mormon – Another Testament of Jesus Christ clearly teaches the important role of prophets. This verse found in 3 Nephi 6:20 states the central role of prophets:
And there began to be men inspired from heaven and sent forth, standing among the people in all the land, preaching and testifying boldly of the sins and iniquities of the people, and testifying unto them concerning the redemption which the Lord would make for his people, or in other words, the resurrection of Christ; and they did testify boldly of his death and sufferings.
While that central role of prophets and apostles is to testify boldly of the sins of the people and how redemption comes through Jesus Christ, there are many other valuable and practical things that prophets teach.
Unusual and Dangerous Extremes
David A. Bednar, a modern apostle, emphasized the importance of honoring our physical bodies as part of God’s plan.
“Satan also strives to entice the sons and daughters of God to minimize the importance of their physical bodies. This particular type of attack is most subtle and diabolical. I want to provide several examples of how the adversary can pacify and lull us away into a sense of carnal security (see 2 Nephi 28:21) and encourage us to put at risk the earthly learning experiences that caused us to shout for joy in the premortal existence (see Job 38:7).
For example, all of us can find enjoyment in a wide range of wholesome, entertaining, and engaging activities. But we diminish the importance of our bodies and jeopardize our physical well-being by going to unusual and dangerous extremes searching for an ever-greater and more exhilarating adrenaline “rush.” We may rationalize that surely nothing is wrong with such seemingly innocent exploits and adventures. However, putting at risk the very instrument God has given us to receive the learning experiences of mortality—merely to pursue a thrill or some supposed fun, to bolster ego, or to gain acceptance—truly minimizes the importance of our physical bodies.”
Missionary Receptions
In a 2002 Priesthood Session address, President Gordon B. Hinckley adjusted the “farewell” and “homecoming” format for missionary programs – essentially limiting it to a talk by the missionary, and also gave this additional invitation.
“We hope also that holding elaborate open houses after the sacrament meeting at which the missionary speaks will not prevail. Members of the family may wish to get together. We have no objection to this. However, we ask that there be no public reception to which large numbers are invited.”
I’ve seen many families follow this counsel, and do so in interesting ways. I saw a Polynesian family host a Saturday night celebration for a returning elder, inviting friends and family. They also invited everyone to the full two-hour church meeting on Sunday to hear the elder report on his mission.
Rise and Shine
Safeguarding Powerful Emotions
President Spencer W. Kimball stated, “Kissing has … degenerated to develop and express lust instead of affection, honor, and admiration. To kiss in casual dating is asking for trouble. What do kisses mean when handed out like pretzels and robbed of sacredness?” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 281).
What a Blessing
I enjoy reading and learning from this website. I wanted to ask if there’s a photo of Pres. Russell M.Nelson sitting with the past prophets dress in white, please?
I’m teaching our Stake YSA institute and we’re studying about the “Presidents of the Chiurch”.
Thanks again for sharing some very useful stories and about the gospel principles.
Thank you 🙏