“In Tune with the Music of Faith”

Elder Quentin L. Cook

April 2012 General Conference

What it’s about:

Elder Cook spoke about how we can move faithfully in a forward direction, doing what we need be doing in order to keep our lives in line with God’s will.  He even took this beyond an individual need to “be in tune” with God’s will, and counseled us regarding what we can do to help our families to grow strong and full of faith. 

Quotes:

“Finally, there are those who are in tune with the music of faith. You know who you are. You love the Lord and His gospel and continuously try to live and share His message, especially with your families. You are in harmony with the promptings of the Spirit, have awakened to the power of God’s word, have religious observance in your homes, and diligently try to live Christlike lives as His disciples.”

“Our great desire is to raise our children in truth and righteousness. One principle that will help us accomplish this is to avoid being overly judgmental about conduct that is foolish or unwise but not sinful. […]it [is] important to distinguish between youthful mistakes which should be corrected and sins that require chastening and repentance. Where there is lack of wisdom, our children need instruction. Where there is sin, repentance is essential.”

“Religious observance in the home blesses our families. Example is particularly important. What we are speaks so loudly that our children may not hear what we say. […]Mothers and fathers praying with children may be more important than any other example.”

“The essential doctrine of agency requires that a testimony of the restored gospel be based on faith rather than just external or scientific proof. Obsessive focus on things not yet fully revealed, such as how the virgin birth or the Resurrection of the Savior could have occurred or exactly how Joseph Smith translated our scriptures, will not be efficacious or yield spiritual progress. These are matters of faith. Ultimately, Moroni’s counsel to read and ponder and then ask God in all sincerity of heart, with real intent, to confirm scriptural truths by the witness of the Spirit is the answer. In addition, when we inculcate into our lives scriptural imperatives and live the gospel, we are blessed with the Spirit and taste of His goodness with feelings of joy, happiness, and especially peace.”

What it means to me:

I was drawn in by how Elder cook delivered a simple message that addressed everyone’s circumstances and where they are in their journey down, around, away from, or returning to the narrow path of righteousness.  The quotes above were all just really good and contained clear council that I felt was good to note.  Though nothing really reached out and shook my soul about this talk, it did testify  to me that Heavenly Father has not made things terribly complicated in regards to what we need to do to return to Him and live with our families for eternity.