To the Seven Churches

In the Revelation of St. John the Divine, the beloved apostle sees the resurrected Savior:

And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man... His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength...

And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last; I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore (Revelation 1:13-18).

The Lord appeared to John in this apocryphal vision with personalized messages for seven churches or congregations in Asia. These congregations are compared to candlesticks holding up the gospel as a light in the unenlightened world (see Revelation 1:20). The seven stars are the seven angels or servants of the seven churches. These leaders of the church in Asia were held in the Lord's right hand to show their divine authority and approval (see Mark 16:19).

It is insightful to understand that the number seven, particularly in apocryphal texts, represents perfection or completeness and is closely associated with God and covenants. Thus, the world was created in seven days, the Sabbath was traditionally the seventh day of the week, and so on. John's assignment as the last remaining apostle and president of the ancient church at this time was to relay the word of God, which is sharper than a two-edged sword (see Hebrews 4:12), to these congregations specifically and to the complete church and its leaders. The exact words for this medieval General Conference-by-mail were dictated directly from the Lord himself.

The Lord uses the same four-step pattern in addressing each of the churches. First, he introduces himself and establishes his credibility. Next, he praises the saints for what they have done well. Third, he reproves the churches for their sins. Finally, he promises blessings to those who remain faithful.

Though he follows the same general pattern in delivering his message, the Lord personalizes his counsel and demonstrates a knowledge of the unique circumstances, challenges and needs the members of the church are facing in each region. His words have been preserved for our benefit as well as those who lived anciently.

The Lord commands John to write first to the servant of the church at Ephesus:

These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars; And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; to him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God (Revelation 2:1-7).

The Lord testifies that he knows the Ephesians and commends them for their faithfulness. He endorses their rejection of false apostles and Nicolaitan preaching of grace for sexual sin. He admonishes the people of Ephesus because they have become somewhat casual or complacent in their worship, having drifted from the diligence they had when they first learned to love the gospel. Finally, the Lord promises salvation to those who press forward.

Each of the six remaining churches received counsel from the Lord. To the Saints in Smyrna, the Lord shared:

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life (Revelation 2:10).

Scholars believe this revelation was received between 80 - 100 A.D. The Great Apostasy was already beginning. The Lord warned the people of Smyrna that they would be persecuted for ten days. In Hebrew, the number ten represents "all". Though their tribulations would last their entire lives, the Lord promises that those who are faithful to the end of their lives will "not be hurt of the second death" (Revelation 2:11).

Pergamos was the center of the religion of emperor worship imposed by Rome. The Lord acknowledged this challenge in the lives of the saints in Pergamos and praised the faithful martyrs who were killed because they would not deny the faith. He admonishes:

I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam... so hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:14-15).

The doctrine of Balaam refers to an account in Numbers of a man who agreed to curse Israel by preaching idolatry, sexual permissiveness and other false doctrines in exchange for money, power and influence. The Lord warns that those engaging in these behaviors must, "Repent; or else I will come unto them quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth" (Revelation 2:16).

Following the same pattern as used with the other churches, the Lord then promises:

To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it (Revelation 2:17).

Just as the ancient Israelites survived in the desert because of the daily bread, or manna, provided by the Lord, Christ is the "bread of life" that sustains spiritual life (John 6:35, 48). Some of the doctrines of Christ are reserved for the faithful and taught only in the temple or through personal revelation. Paul explained:

Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory (1 Corinthians 2:6-8).

The Lord revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith:

The white stone mentioned in Revelation 2:17, will become a Urim and Thummim to each individual who receives one, whereby things pertaining to a higher order of kingdoms will be made known; And a white stone is given to each of those who come into the celestial kingdom, whereon is a new name written, which no man knoweth save he that receiveth it. The new name is the key word (D&C 130:10-11).

To those challenged by a community embracing priestcraft and false doctrines, the Lord offered a personal tutoring in truths and doctrines inaccessible to those who are not on His errand. Those faithful who continue to follow Christ are provided both wisdom to refute the falsehoods all around them and a promise of exaltation in the celestial kingdom of God.

In Thyatira, the Lord praises the people for their great faith, charity and works, but vehemently rejects a particular false prophetess who had seduced many into idolatry and fornication. The Lord states that they will have "none other burden" but to be pure in heart and counsels the saints:

But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations" (Revelation 2:25-26).

In Sardis, the Lord cautioned those who, though living, were spiritually dead:

I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful therefore, and strengthen those who remain, who are ready to do: for I have not found thy works perfect before God... He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels (Revelation 3:1-2, 5).

For the saints in Philadelphia, the Lord establishes himself as the holder of the key of David. This is the key to the temple, or symbolically the key to God's presence. He commends the saints for not denying his name. He warns that there are those among them who pretend to have taken the Lord's name upon them but, in reality, are lying members of "the synagogue of Satan". He promises:

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name (Revelation 3:12).

Finally, to the Laodiceans, the Lord commands John to write:

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth...

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame and am set down with my Father in his throne (Revelation 3:15-16, 19-21).

In each case, the Lord is mindful of the challenges of his people and offers blessings to offset those challenges for the faithful. He makes knowledge available to those surrounded by false teachings, offers the presence of God in the temple to those living in an environment that is not uplifting, and promises eternal life to those who give their lives for the gospel.

Likewise, the Lord knows the challenges in each of our lives. He has made the fullness of the gospel available in our day so that the light of our faith may continue to shine in a wicked and cynical world. He teaches us through his spirit and directs his church through revelations to inspired leaders. Sometimes the messages we hear from those leaders build our faith in Christ or share things that we are doing well. Often, the same leaders call us to repentance and give us hope that we can receive the blessings the Lord has in store for us.

Those who overcome are promised that they will see the Lord, as John the Beloved did in the meridian of time. Perhaps our experience will be similar to what Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery experienced in the Kirtland Temple:

The veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were opened. We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber.

His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying: I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father.

Behold, your sins are forgiven you; you are clean before me; therefore, lift up your heads and rejoice (D&C 110:1-5).

Constant Preparation for War

Around 74 B.C., an epic battle broke out between rival Native American nations. The battle became a war that lasted seventeen years and defined a generation on both sides of the conflict. Throughout the war, prophet-historians recorded many details that can help us in our fight against evil today.

The two nations were the progeny of four brothers who emigrated to the American continent more than five hundred years earlier: Laman, Lemuel, Nephi and Sam. When their father died, the two older brothers wanted dominion and absolute power over the entire family. The two younger brothers were unwilling to surrender their faith and eventually fled with their families for their own safety.

Five centuries later, the Lamanites still fought for power and dominion. They believed Nephi and Sam had stolen their right to govern and passed a tradition of hatred toward the Nephites from generation to generation. They sought now to use their armies to compel the Nephites into slavery. The Nephites, meanwhile, fought to defend their families and preserve their freedoms.

As the first battle commenced, the more numerous Lamanites attacked in large numbers. They were also slain in large numbers. The Nephites had an advantage: while the Lamanites wore only their loin cloths into battle, the Nephites had made breastplates, thick clothing and shields to deflect their enemies' blows.

The Nephites soon gained the advantage, and when they did their chief captain, named Moroni, called for a pause in the action. He offered to end the battle if the Lamanites would leave their weapons and depart with an oath of peace. The Lamanites fought a while longer before accepting the terms and returning to their own land.

Two years later, the Lamanites returned with the same body armor they had observed on the Nephite armies. Believing they would now overwhelm the Nephites, they approached a border city they had easily conquered in the past.

But behold, how great was their disappointment; for behold, the Nephites had dug up a ridge of earth round about them, which was so high that the Lamanites could not cast their stones and their arrows at them that they might take effect, neither could they come upon them save it was by their place of entrance...

And behold, [the] chief captains durst not attack the Nephites at the city of Ammonihah, for Moroni had altered the management of affairs among the Nephites, insomuch that the Lamanites were disappointed in their places of retreat and they could not come upon them (Alma 49:4, 11).

Determined to conquer the Nephites, the Lamanite captains swore an oath to attack the next city, which they found even more heavily fortified than Ammonihah. Yet, they had sworn an oath, so they attacked. As they did so, they discovered the Nephites were ready for them.

Thus [the Nephites] were prepared, yea, a body of their strongest men, with their swords and their slings, to smite down all who should attempt to come into their place of security by the place of entrance... And it came to pass that the captains of the Lamanites brought up their armies before the place of entrance, and began to contend with the Nephites, to get into their place of security; but behold, they were driven back from time to time, insomuch that they were slain with an immense slaughter.

Now when they found that they could not obtain power over the Nephites by the pass, they began to dig down their banks of earth that they might obtain a pass to their armies, that they might have an equal chance to fight; but behold, in these attempts they were swept off by the stones and arrows which were thrown at them; and instead of filling up their ditches by pulling down the banks of earth, they were filled up in a measure with their dead and wounded bodies.

Thus the Nephites had all power over their enemies; and thus the Lamanites did attempt to destroy the Nephites until their chief captains were all slain; yea, and more than a thousand Lamanites were slain; while, on the other hand, there was not a single soul of the Nephites which was slain (Alma 49:20-23).

Soon, Moroni had commanded that all the Nephite cities should have "heaps of earth round about"; and not just dirt mounds, but "timbers built up to the height of a man" along the ridges, a strong and high frame of pickets on top of the timbers and towers overlooking it all from which they could attack enemies approaching the city. "And now it came to pass that Moroni did not stop making preparations for war, or to defend his people against the Lamanites" (Moroni 50:1-6).

In a similar way, we are each engaged in the battle for our souls. Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has taught:

Brothers and sisters, we are at war with Satan for the souls of men. The battle lines were drawn in our pre-earth life. Satan and a third of our Father in Heaven's children turned away from His promises of exaltation. Since that time, the adversary's minions have been fighting the faithful who choose the Father's plan.

Satan knows his days are numbered and that time is growing shorter. As crafty and cunning as he is, he will not win. However, his battle for each one of our souls rages on (Ensign, May 2019).

We must not stop making preparations for this war, or to defend ourselves and our families against Satan and his minions. To prevail in this battle, each of us must put on the armor of God, as the Apostle Paul admonished the ancient Ephesians:

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feed shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints (Ephesians 6:11-18).

This armor is essential but no longer sufficient on its own. Just as the Lamanites replicated the Nephite armor, Satan is a master of imitation and deception. For every temple covenant, there are dark oaths and secret combinations. For every advancement in technology to speed the work of family history, there is a plague of spiritual disease and distraction using that same technology. For all the armor we can and must put on, there is an attempt by the minions of Satan to find the weak spots.

The prophets of our day have been inspired to alter the management of the affairs of the faithful to stay ahead of the enemy of our souls. They have, in particular, re-emphasized the need to focus on our families and gospel instruction in the home. "For our safety," Elder Renlund continued, "we must build a fortress of spirituality and protection for our very souls, a fortress that will not be penetrated by the evil one."

After handily defeating the Lamanites the first time, it would have been easy to feel safe. Some may have even resented Moroni's command to begin digging up mounds of earth around their cities. What for? They had won!

It can be just easy for us to become complacent about our spiritual preparation. It is not enough to enter into covenants, to attend church, or to be casual about the way we live the gospel. Satan is not concerned about collateral damage in his pursuit of power and dominion. We must join with Captain Moroni-- in memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children-- in the constant preparation for war.

Settle This in Your Hearts

People have all kinds of reasons for not doing all kinds of things in life. Some won't go to war. Some don't want to work. Some excuse their way out of responsibility. Some claim to be too tired, ill, busy, poor, or self-conscious to get involved. Some claim self-importance and talent only for bigger things. There are those content to let somebody else do it and others who simply talk up a storm about love or peace or investing one's humanity. Yes, there are all kinds of reasons and all kinds of people.

That is the introductory paragraph to an article by Leon R. Hartshorn about President Heber J. Grant (New Era, January 1972). President Grant was the seventh president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and widely known as a man without excuses. "If it wasn't an easy task," Hartshorn explained, "he worked to bring about the proper result anyway. He tackled the impossible with enthusiasm, rising to the challenge in seeming glee."

One of the best-known stories about President Grant is about how he learned to play baseball. As the only child of his widowed mother, President Grant wrote of his childhood that he "grew more or less on the principle of a hothouse plant, the growth of which is 'long and lanky' but not substantial. I learned to sweep, and to wash and wipe dishes, but did little stone throwing and little indulging in those sports which are interesting and attractive to boys, and which develop their physical frames."

As a result, when he finally joined a baseball club he was assigned to play with boys two age groups younger than his own because he didn't have the strength to run, bat or even throw a ball to the next base. He was teased by the other boys and it would seem he had many good reasons to quit. He wasn't very athletic and clearly baseball wasn't his thing. Besides, did he really need to endure the verbal abuse of his peers or the embarrassment of playing with kids much younger than himself? Wouldn't his time be better spent helping his widowed mother or developing talents he was already inclined to do well?

People have all kinds of reasons for not doing all kinds of things in life, but not Heber J. Grant. He later stated, "So much fun was engendered on my account by my youthful companions that I solemnly vowed that I would play baseball in the nine that would win that championship of the Territory of Utah."

President Grant started saving his tips from shining shoes and soon had enough to buy a baseball. "I spent hours and hours throwing the ball at Bishop Edwin D. Woolley's barn, which caused him to refer to me as the laziest boy in the Thirteenth Ward. Often my arm would ache so that I could scarcely go to sleep at night. But I kept on practicing and... eventually played in the nine that won the championship of the territory and beat the nine that had won the championship for California, Colorado, and Wyoming" (Presidents of the Church Student Manual, (2012), 122-29).

President Grant's unwillingness to excuse himself from difficult tasks aided his rise in business and helped him to be a trusted instrument in the Lord's work. This principle of success is illustrated again in the Parable of the Great Supper. Speaking to a group of lawyers and Pharisees, Christ taught:

A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.

And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.

So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.

And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper (Luke 14:16-24).

There may be times when our reasons are valid and we ought to excuse ourselves; but when it comes to living the gospel, we will always forfeit blessings when put other priorities above the Lord. In the Savior's words, "Whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. Wherefore, settle this in your hearts, that ye will do the things which I shall teach, and command you" (JST Luke 14:27-28).

President Grant solemnly vowed to play on the baseball team that won the territorial championship before he could throw a ball to the next base or swing a baseball bat, but he was successful because he began with end in mind and worked diligently toward his goal. Just as a surgeon doesn't make an incision without a plan for closing it and a track star doesn't start a race without knowing where the finish line is, we should settle in our hearts what our lives will be about. Will we accept the Lord's invitation to be his disciples or will we make excuses to justify our absence? Though we will not speak at our own funerals, we determine to a large degree what others will say by the way we live our lives with or without excuse.

If we decide to be disciples of Christ, there will certainly be hard times ahead. That path has never been easy. We bear our cross when we face those challenges we don't want to face with faith in God's plan for us. Christ did not say he would suffer in Gethsemane as long as he didn't miss the game or die for us unless it would embarrass him in public. Rather, he put aside even his best excuses to do the will of the Father. As the cross is a symbol of Christ's death, we bear our cross when we live and die for him, for others, and for the gospel.

People have all kinds of reasons for not doing all kinds of things in life. The Lord challenges us to settle in our hearts now whether we will follow him when the prophet says something we don't like, when we're tempted to watch popular but offensive movies and television shows, or when we need to repent of our sins or forgive someone else. He challenges us to settle in our hearts now whether we will be disciples like President Grant or if we're too tired, ill, busy, poor or self-important to attend the Great Supper of blessings he has prepared for us.

Yes, there are all kinds of reasons and all kinds of people. Who are you going to be?

None Else Save God Knowest

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe in modern revelation; that is to say that we believe that God speaks to men and women on earth today. The ninth of thirteen articles of faith, written to outline the pillars of the LDS faith by Joseph Smith in 1842, states:

We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

Revelation may come in visions, blessings or angelic manifestations, but much more often comes through thoughts and impressions of the Holy Ghost to our minds and hearts. Revelation can provide needed guidance, information, comfort, or warnings. When revelation comes to a prophet for the benefit of the people of God, it is often recorded as scripture.

Given the nature of revelation, consider its ability to guide and protect us as we observe the case of Oliver Cowdery.

In the beginnings of the Church in this dispensation, Oliver Cowdery was among its most prominent members. He worked diligently on the translation of the Book of Mormon and was one of twelve witnesses to the reality of the golden plates from which it was translated. Oliver was the second elder of the Church, like an associate president. He experienced visions, revelations, and many other intensely religious experiences that came as a part of the restoration of the gospel and authority of Christ in our day.

In 1838, Oliver Cowdery resigned from the Church ahead of a hearing that would have questioned his membership. Though he would never deny the spiritual experiences he had, including his witness to the Book of Mormon, Oliver "disagreed with the Prophet [Joseph Smith]'s economic and political program and sought a personal financial independence [from the] Zion society".

After his resignation, Oliver lived primarily in Ohio and Wisconsin and practiced law. He wrote on several occasions between 1838-1848 of his regret of the differences that existed between himself and the Church and his hope to move West to Salt Lake. He expressed his firm belief in Christ, the Book of Mormon and the Church, and that he was hurt by the rejection of the Church. As early as 1842, Oliver Cowdery also sought reconciliation.

Reconciliation eventually came and Oliver Cowdery was baptized back into the Church on November 12, 1848. He died in March 1850.

Oliver Cowdery's experience outside the fellowship of the Church he helped to restore, caused primarily by disagreements with Joseph Smith on various topics including consecration, the role of priesthood leaders and plural marriage, could have been prevented. A decade before any problems arose, Oliver was warned and admonished by the Lord in a revelation given to Joseph Smith and recorded in scripture as Doctrine and Covenants section 6.

This section of scripture is addressed to Oliver Cowdery in 1829. The Lord tells Oliver:

Seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion; Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you (v. 6-7).

If thou wilt do good, yea, and hold out faithful unto the end, thou shalt be saved in the kingdom of God (v. 13).

There is none else save God that knowest the thoughts and the intents of thy heart. I tell thee these things as a witness unto thee--that the words or the work which thou has been writing are true. Therefore be diligent; stand by my servant Joseph, faithfully, in whatsoever circumstances he may be for the word's sake. Admonish him in his faults, and also receive admonition of him (v. 16-19).

Behold, thou art Oliver, and I have spoken unto thee because of thy desires; therefore treasure up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God (v. 20).

The Lord knew how Oliver would be tested and warned him well in advance how he needed to prepare. Had Oliver been willing to stand by Joseph Smith "in whatsoever circumstances," it is easy to speculate a very different outcome for his life. Perhaps Oliver Cowdery would have also been martyred in Carthage in 1844; or perhaps Oliver Cowdery would have succeeded Joseph Smith as the second president of the Church. In any event, nearly a decade of regret could have been avoided.

As with Oliver Cowdery, so it is with us. The Lord warns us and forewarns us of challenges that are coming our way. He doesn't often tell us what is coming, but rather tells us how to prepare. We exercise our faith in Christ by acting upon the warnings and guidance that come from God through the Holy Ghost.

Our patriarchal blessings are a special revelation given to us much like D&C 6 was given to Oliver Cowdery. None else save God knowest the thoughts and desires of our hearts, and he will warn and admonish us to avoid pitfalls and tragedies that may be ahead.

God lives. He speaks to prophets on the earth today; he also speaks to each of us, his children, through various means. We should be familiar with the warnings and guidance God has given to us. We should review them often and be humble enough to act upon the revelation given for us. As with Oliver, the Lord has many blessings in store for us if we will be faithful and diligent in our response to revelation.

Moments That Matter Most

We would do well to slow down a little... focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most... Strength comes not from frantic activity but from being settled on a firm foundation of truth and light. It comes from paying attention to the divine things that matter most... Diligently doing the things that matter most will lead us to the Savior of the world.

~President Dieter F. Uchtdorf