Here’s why we should always remember the prophet’s latest message.
I recently heard a story about a member of the Church who was asked by a friend if God spoke to people in the church. This member responded, “Yes, he speaks to us through the living prophet.” The friend then asked about the most recent thing God has counseled us to do. Unfortunately, the member couldn’t recall the last thing the prophet had spoken about. As I listened to this story, I asked myself if I knew the answer to the friend’s question. I didn’t.
After pondering this realization, I read President Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s article “Why Do We Need Prophets?” Reading his words, I realized what a blessing it is to have a living prophet on the earth who acts as God’s mouthpiece. The current prophet receives the most up-to-date and relevant revelation for our day. He helps us prepare for whatever the future may hold. He knows what we need and gives us guidance. He tells us what we need to do to make our lives better and be able to live with our Heavenly Father again.
Photo by Mihis Alex
I remember watching the April 2007 general conference as a kid and hearing the words of President Gordon B. Hinckley. In 2005 he had encouraged everyone to read the entire Book of Mormon before the end of that year. At the 2007 conference, he reminded us of that challenge and encouraged younger children to participate. Although I was young, with the help of my mom I made a habit of reading the scriptures every day before school. Even at a young age, I recognized the blessings that President Hinckley promised come from daily scripture reading. The prophet’s words have had a lasting impact on me: my scripture-reading habit has continued and has helped me gain faith in the prophet.
Now that I better understand the importance of applying the prophet’s words, I’ll put forth the effort to always remember the instruction that he gives us from God. I hope we’ll all attentively listen to the prophet’s words—in general conference, special broadcasts, Church magazines, and other formats—take them to heart, and apply them to our lives.
Check out President Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s talk “Why Do We Need Prophets?” to learn about the purpose of prophets.
Source: Liahona
—Catherine Watson, Mormon Insights
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Find more insights
Read “Led By A Living Prophet,” by Christy Ripa, to learn about her experience with and personal testimony of prophets.
Check out the video “Special Witness” for Elder Gary E. Stevenson’s explanation of how prophets help us in modern times.