I’ve had the remarkable experience of meeting several members of the Twelve throughout my life. I, of course, remember each meeting as an individual event. While they, of course, meet hundreds and thousands of Church members on their ministering path.
In a recent Relief Society lesson, we discussed the prophets of God, and what sets a prophet apart from a regular man (see Gospel Principles manual, chapter 9). But more importantly, we discussed the reverence and allegiance other religions have for the ancient prophets, such as Moses.
Do we feel the same way about our latter-day prophets?
When I turned eight years old, my family was living in Egypt. The debate came up as to where I should be baptized. The options were minimal, leaving my choices to the public swimming pool, the Nile River (polluted, not to mention the presence of crocs and hippos), or the Red Sea, which was a designated military zone.
My father was able to get special permission from the border patrol for a one-day pass to the shores of the Red Sea. It was an incredible sight. Miles of pristine, empty beaches, where my family were the only occupants.
The day was warm, but the water cold. As I stood shivering in the salty water, I thought of the prophet Moses. A prophet who even a scrawny eight year old had been taught about. In the very sea I was being baptized in, Moses led the children of Israel on their exodus out of Egypt. The chariot marks, the horses hoof imprints, and the Israelite footprints have long since been covered by blowing sand and sea water. Yet the journey to their promised land remains a lesson to us all. Their journey wasn’t a few days or a few months, but many years. In fact, only a handful of the original Israelites even lived to see the day upon which they arrived at their final destination.
As I look back on my baptism day, the day where I took upon the name of Christ, I know I’ve only lived a portion of my own journey. My final destination isn’t quite in sight, but I wonder who I will be at the end. Will I be one of the faithful who followed the prophets? Or will I turn my eyes away, drawn instead toward a bright golden idol?
Do I marvel at the words that come out of our modern-day prophets’ mouths as the world marvels at the ancient prophets? It’s extraordinary to think that we have such close access to a true man of God-a man who holds the keys and speaks for God (Luke 1:70), knows things of the past and the future (Mosiah 8:16-18), and receives revelations for our Church, for me and for you. Or will it take me “forty years” to obey?
Some recent admonitions from our modern-day prophets include:
“I urge you . . . to look to the condition of your finances. I urge you to be modest in your expenditures; discipline yourselves in your purchases to avoid debt to the extent possible. Pay off debt as quickly as you can, and free yourselves from bondage.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “To the Boys and to the Men,” Ensign, November 1998)
What have we done with our finances over the past twelve years? Have we been modest in our expenditures and avoided debt? Have we freed ourselves from bondage, or are we still slaves to an Egyptian Pharaoh?
“I plead with you to control your tempers, to put a smile upon your faces, which will erase anger; speak out with words of love and peace, appreciation, and respect.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Slow to Anger,” Ensign, November 2007)
Have we worked on our tempers? Have we taken a more thoughtful approach how we react to the upsets in life? Have we lived our days with more patience and greater understanding?
“We must first read [the Book of Mormon] and gain a testimony for ourselves. Men may deceive each other, but God does not deceive men. Therefore, the Book of Mormon sets forth the best test for determining its truthfulness-namely, read it and then ask God if it is true.” (Ezra Taft Benson, “A New Witness for Christ,” Ensign, November 1984)
When is the last time we read the Book of Mormon-cover to cover? Have we fallen out of habit, or decided that sitting through Gospel Doctrine counts as weekly scripture study?
“As we leave this conference, I invoke the blessings of heaven upon each of you. As you return to your homes around the world, I pray our Heavenly Father will bless you and your families.
May the messages and spirit of this conference find expression in all that you do-in your homes, in your work, in your meetings, and in all your comings and goings.” (Thomas S. Monson, “A Word at Closing,” Ensign, May 2010).
The final words from President Monson at April’s conference were to remember the messages of the conference-to use them in our homes, our places of work, in all aspect of our daily lives. Have we done this? Have we re-read the messages from the leaders of our Church-the ones that speak of God’s will, or prayed over those messages and used them to make our lives better?
We will not be led astray as long as we do follow our modern-day prophets. And hopefully, our journey will end in the Promised Land.
