President Boyd K. Packer
President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Speaking at the Forest Bend Ward, Salt Lake City UT Sunday, October 12, 2008
President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Speaking at the Forest Bend Ward, Salt Lake City UT Sunday, October 12, 2008
Last weekend's General Conference was different than any before.
There is great financial crisis and we've seen something that hasn't happened in the last 60 years: the world's financial markets are collapsing.
As a pair of shoes we were wearing would wear out or break down, we didn't throw them out. We would use a shoe from that old pile as spare parts to repair our shoes or make new ones.
There's a scripture that says "Yet learn we obedience by the same things we suffer." It seems sometimes that we don't learn until we need to turn and rely upon the Lord.
The hunting story lesson> (Don't count on other people to come to your rescue!) The old man's story lesson> "I need to work. You don't have to pay me, but I need to work."
Now I am the old man giving counsel to you.
In the Great Depression, people were frightened and growing more so. They began to be very resourceful. They had to be. Looking forward, we're all going to learn that lesson, one way or another.
Some will come to the Bishop seeking financial aid and counsel. And as judges in Israel, the Bishop will respond.
The time for financial largess in our ward activities is over.
The Church is sound and is able to provide these types of aid (aid for disasters) as a back-up where there is need.
We [as members and in our individual wards] are the back-up position of the Church.
Learn to apply the old Pioneer adage – "Eat [use] it up. Wear it out. Make do, or do without."
We're going to have to learn to do without. Again, "Eat it up. Wear it out. Make do, or do without."
Even if we have the resources, we need to do more to be thrifty.
Others will rely on us. The Church will rely on us.
It is our responsibility and duty to be caring for ourselves, our family, and those around us.
Be watching for need. Set something by that we can be of help to others when the time comes.
Trust in the counsel of our wise elders/older people.
Consider if we have the resources that there may be others who don't and who have a need. .
Those who need our help may not always ask us.
It's about time the Lord taught us a lesson. A great catastrophe is coming. Now I probably shouldn't say that because then it will happen. But it is going to happen. That's what it will take to turn our hearts to the Lord. And we will learn from it.
Our prayers will be different, less selfish.
The scripture says "If ye are prepared, ye need not fear." Renew your prayers.
Carry a prayer in your heart throughout the day.
Learn to pray for that which is of worth. Another scripture says "…do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy." (2 Nephi 9:51) That can be applied both spiritually [to prayer] and physically. Use what we have. If something is broken, fix it.
Our young people are going to see different times than what they are used to.
To you teenagers, your life will be different. Things are changing. You will have to do without some of the things you are used to expecting.
Don't be afraid. Change your life to do without the extravagances and luxuries that you've expected.
Learn to pray. There's a difference between 'saying prayers' and praying.
A wonderful time is coming – it's not going to be easy, and it's not going to be short. But don't be afraid.
Take care of what we've got. Begin to save. The rainy day is coming.
Reset our expectations. Give up selfishness.
Wickedness is all around us. In today's world, it's not safe for children to be outside alone. We need to be ever watchful. We need to protect ourselves from the wickedness, avarice, and greed in the world.
Read the scriptures and the revelations. The guidance and counsel are there. Read with new eyes, and the scriptures, the Book of Mormon, will take on new meaning.
As President Bush and world leaders gather in the coming week and the weeks ahead, there will be no easy answers or solutions. Hard times are ahead and it's difficult for them to see what to do.
It's important to listen to the Spirit. We are led by prophets and apostles. We can see ahead. We can be and are prepared.
I pronounce upon you an Apostolic blessing. Comfort our children. Little children can be afraid of things we might not think of. Comfort them and strengthen our families.
Turn off the television and focus on family.
Pay your tithing. The promise is there – pay your tithing and you'll be watched over. You'll be alright. None of us is exempt from trials. If hard times come upon you and your income dwindles, remember that tithing is equitable for everyone: 10%. If you have nothing, then it's 10% of practically nothing. Pay your tithing, do what you're supposed to do. You'll be comforted.
Sure trials will come. Because of them, faith will increase. Happiness will increase. Security will increase. You'll be glad to be alive at this time. It's a good time to be living. To be raising children.
