Sustaining the Prophet

Today in General Conference there were a few people who stated their opposition in sustaining the Prophet, his counselors, and the 12 Apostles.

While it saddens me to see those of our faith struggle to sustain the leaders of the church, I am grateful to belong to a church that not only allows its members to express their concerns and doubts, but also directs them to those who can listen to their specific concerns, and help them in resolving these issues, if they so desire.

Truly "...the worth of souls is great in the sight of God". (D&C 18: 10)

I sustain the Prophet, his councilors, the 12 Apostles, and the other General Authorities of the church. These men and women have been called by God. 

The principles they teach are true.

They teach us to be clean and virtuous, to have integrity, to respect and honor our bodies, to respect and honor those around us, to be temperate, and to rely on God. When we follow the council of the prophets we become more like our Savior; we become disciples of Christ.

Following the prophet can often be a challenge. “A prophet doesn’t take a poll to see which way the wind of public opinion is blowing” (“Follow the Prophet”, Glenn L. Pace, April 1989). The things the prophet teaches us are often not popular with the world. The prophets share the same intent as Nephi and the other ancient prophets: “For the fullness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved. Wherefore, the things which are pleasing unto the world I do not write, but the things which are pleasing unto God and unto those who are not of the world.” (1 Nephi 6:4)

Of this President Harold B. Lee (former President and Prophet) said: “You may not like what comes from the authority of the Church. It may conflict with your political views. It may contradict your social views. It may interfere with some of your social life … Your safety and ours depends upon whether or not we follow … Let’s keep our eye on the President of the Church.” (Conference Report, October 1970, p. 152–153.)

Following the prophet is ultimately an act of faith. President Ezra Taft Benson once said, “How we respond to the words of a living prophet when he tells us what we need to know, but would rather not hear, is a test of our faithfulness.” (“Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet”, Ezra Taft Benson)

I sustain the Prophet, his counselors, the 12 Apostles, and the General Authorities of the church. These men and women are called by God.

President Monson is God’s chosen prophet and president of the church. His counselors and the Twelve Apostles are prophets of God. Their words and their examples will guide us to Jesus Christ and help us to partake of His atonement in our lives. God speaks through these men, and as we listen to and apply their words we will be guided safely through the struggles and challenges of our day.  God has commanded us to listen to and follow His Prophet.