But we cannot allow ourselves to slumber. Even though the eternal roles of men and women differ, as we indicated to you a year ago, this leaves much to be done by way of parallel personal developmentfor both men and women. In an ancient situation somewhat comparable to our own, there was a great destruction, and when the quiet came, those who were spared were wailing: . But real as these challenges are, all of you need to drink in deeply the gospel truths about the eternal nature of your individual identity and the uniqueness of your personality. Later, Kimball became Mormonism's twelfth president. No wonder we who bear the plan of salvation feel a special urgency in sharing the gospel, because we love our own neighbor. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. Of such the Lord said: And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 1:7, They shall never be brought down into captivity 2 Ne. But, on the scale of eternity, the missing of these blessings shall be but a small moment (see D&C 121:7). I am so grateful that prophets do not crave popularity. And the earth shall be given unto them for an inheritance; and they shall multiply and wax strong, and their children shall grow up without sin unto salvation. There is a cure for the earths illness, an infallible one. By President Spencer W. Kimball From an address delivered to the Young Presidents organization, Sun Valley, Idaho, 15 January 1977 Spencer W. Kimball, "Jesus: The Perfect Leader," Ensign, Aug. 1979, 5 There are far more things to be said about the Lord Jesus Christ's remarkable leadership than We love you sisters. The wise had to go, else the bridegroom would have gone unwelcomed. The trouble with rejecting the prophets because they lack prestige is that Paul, who knew something of rejection, forewarned us when he said, speaking of the work of God, For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called. (1Cor. I ask you: What value is a car without an engine, a cup without water, a table without food, a lamp without oil? Even if the plot of soil you cultivate, plant, and harvest is a small one, it brings human nature closer to nature as was the case in the beginning with our first parents. For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceivedverily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day. Great women and men are always more anxious to serve than to have dominion. You will be better mothers and wives, both in this life and in eternity, if you sharpen the skills you have been given and use the talents with which God has blessed you. This university is not of the world any more than the Church is of the world, and it must not be made over in the image of the world. Do we twentieth century people have reason to think that we can be immune from the same tragic consequences when we ignore the same divine laws? God will fight our battles if we honor him and serve him with all our hearts, might, mind, and strength. Fear would vanish, and enemies would be subdued. The man said to himself: Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. Apparently, the bridegroom had tarried for reasons that were sufficient and good. They are too kind to be so cruel. When the world is full of tribulation and help is needed, but it seems the time must be past and hope is vain, then Christ will come. (Hebrews 10:35-37.) The trouble with rejection because of personal familiarity with the prophets is that the prophets are always somebodys son or somebodys neighbor. It is the humble Primary leaders who through their teaching and personal example instill in the hearts and minds of these wonderful little children, in their sensitive and formative years, love for the Savior, the Church, and for its leaders. In the daytime, wise and unwise seemed alike; midnight is the time of test and judgmentand of offered gladness. Do not, however, make the mistake of being drawn off into secondary tasks which will cause the neglect of your eternal assignments such as giving birth to and rearing the spirit children of our Father in Heaven. People are destroyed by their own acts. 26:46 The Israelites failed to heed the warning. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. From what other source can you learn about your own uniqueness and identity? At only age nineteen, just before he was called to serve in the Swiss-Austrian mission, he was ordained as a general authority seventy. Spencer W. Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness. With no further adieu, from the General Conference Archives here is Spencer W. Kimballs full Oct. 1961 address (minus the first paragraph that was simply a greeting): Our world is in turmoil. Spencer Woolley Kimball (March 28, 1895 - November 5, 1985) was an American business, civic, and religious leader who was the twelfth president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). His eldest brother was peeved at the presumptuousness of David for even being at the front where Goliath taunted the armies of Israel. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. For many years, this book has been widely read by the membership and even recommended at general conferences. We have been commanded to follow the signs of the times and that is all the warning we need or will be given, but the membership is asleep. I know that God lives, that Jesus is his Only Begotten Son, the Redeemer of the world, and that this is the Church of Jesus Christ, with him as its head. He desires the happiness and well being of all his children. Conventions, unnecessary travel, family picnics, the Sabbath is violated generally. The writer of Hebrews warns: Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. Like. Paul wrote: For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. . It is because of their love and integrity that they cannot modify the Lords message merely to make people feel comfortable. This ugly deviation is found among youth and married people. 26:14-43. There is one principle, a modern prophet said, (that we should) understand:that is of blessings and cursings. The taverns are full, the beaches crowded, the grandstands packed, man servants, and maid servants hired to duty, the ski lifts busy, canyon picnic tables loaded. I'm grateful He let me choose Him. His was not a long-distance leadership. The masses of the people are much like those who escaped destruction in the ancient days of this continent. The physicians have had summit consultations, and temporary salve has been rubbed on afflicted parts, but it has only postponed the fatal day and never cured it. Granaries and barns will bulge in seed time and harvest. I would not wish to talk longer but just say, the Lord bless you, my brethren and sisters, as you return to your homes. It is aging toward senility. Its symptoms are carelessness, casualness, covetousness, slothfulness, selfishness, dishonesty, disobedience, immorality, uncleanness, unfaithfulness, ungodliness. The gospel, which is the only concern of the Church, was devised by the Lord for men and women alike (Improvement Era, Mar. (Matthew 24:29-31, 36. ) "Rationalizing is the bringing of ideals down to the level of one's conduct. When they have belatedly sought to fulfill the requirements and finally reach the hall, the door is shut. Still others of you now know the uncertainty of being young as you ponder your place in the eternal scheme of things. As the net load came closer to the shore, it was fuller and heavier and the unruly waves covered us many times. If we would but believe the prophets! I should like first to pay special tribute to the divinely inspired Primary organization of the Church. Concerning Jerusalem the Lord said: I will defend this city 2 Kgs. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain Ex. It seems that while remedies have been applied, staph infection has set in, and the patients suffering intensified. We can daily drive by a museum or an art gallery but know nothing of what is inside. They are boats, cars, and luxuries. 25:9 And modern prophets are warning frequently, constantly. It was consecrated as a land of promise to the people of the Americas, to whom God gave these great promises: It will be a land of liberty to its people 2 Ne. When President Snow called a girl back from the dead: An incredible account of the spirit world, The Pillar of Light That Saved Joseph Smiths Body After He Fell From Carthage Jail, The Strange, Strange Power of A Three-Day Fast, The Great Calling of the Priesthood: Coming Clean From the Blood and Sins of this Generation. Yet this common sin and idolatry run hand in hand. Old man rationalization is with us. Some of you have lost your husbands through death, others through divorce. The disdain for work among some today may merely signal the return of harshness and wildnessperhaps not to our landscape but to some people. . And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there by any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 1:7, And there shall be none to molest them 2 Ne. not have been buried 3 Ne. Changes can come best if we take one item at a time.https. In God is protection, safety, peace. Your enemies will be astonished at the barrenness, sterility, desolation of the land they had been told was so choice, so beautiful, so fruitful. 31:13 Men golf and boat and hunt and fish rather than to solemnize the Sabbath. That faith in Christ is a choice we can make. So long had it been since they began expecting him that they were rationalizing that he would never appear. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be. (See Moses 6.) (1 Thessalonians 5:2, 6-7.) And learning this the bridegroom will relent. President Boyd K. Packer indicated that Elder Kimball felt that his father came to him in this dream to let Spencer know that he approved of his life. The way to become perfect is to change your lifeto substitute the good for the evil in every case. .He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. What is wrong is wrong, and trends do not make something right which is at variance with the laws of God. . It is a choice land, choice above all other lands 1 Ne. If we are of the masses who are casual, passive, irreligious, irreverent, unholy, immoral, ungodly, then we must repent or suffer D&C 19:4. This is my personal read it later solution. . 26:4-6,8, The land will be barren, (perhaps radioactive or dry from drought.). The holy prophets have not only refused to follow erroneous human trends, but have pointed out these errors. Both a righteous man and a righteous woman are a blessing to all those their lives touch. Too late, too late, ye cannot enter now. (Matthew 13:30.) It must not be passed over. 17:2832. Education for Eternity They're not too much this or too . and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 2:20 It has a tragic and bloody past, but a glorious and peaceful future if its inhabitants really learn to serve their God. And the fulness of his wrath cometh upon them when they are ripened in iniquity Ether 2:9. And there are many among us who are not ready for the great and glorious event. For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. In 1957, he had to have some of his vocal cords removed due to throat cancer. BYU Studies Quarterly Volume 25 Issue 4 Article 14 10-1-1985 Spencer W. Kimball at College Edward L. Kimball Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq Nuclear races get swifter. Many have found it too difficult and they slumber without due preparation. We wonder why those of coarse and profane conversation, even if they refuse obedience to Gods will, are so stunted mentally that they let their capacity to communicate grow more and more narrow. (Matthew 24:43-44.) At his first address as prophet of the Church, in April Conference of 1974, President Kimball's talk became the watch cry of his presidency". Of course, rejection of the holy prophets comes because the hearts of people are hardened, as people are shaped by their society. Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? (John 1:46.) The householder said: Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. He served in the Quorum of the Twelve for thirty years and became the president of the Church in 1973. The Lord and David slew Goliath 1 Sam. 10:11, I will fortify this land against all other nations 2 Ne. 7:1-25 The thirteen colonies gained a permanent victory over superior forces, and America was born. But this talk, by Spencer W. Kimball, was different. He is a white-haired saint whose life has been dealt harshly with by law and justice but who was inspired by a "bishop" to be better. Hunger scaled the walls; thirst broke down the gates; immorality, cannibalism, idolatry, godlessness stalked about till destruction came. Hundreds of thousands of us today are in this position. But it can be only through a great repentance and transformation. For those who heed the warning and make their preparations, for those found at midnight with the oil of righteousness in their lamps, for those with patience, long-suffering, and full dedication, the promise is that they shall sit down at the banquet with their Lord. Yet today we worship the gods of wood and stone and metal. By President Spencer W. Kimball Read by his wife, Sister Camilla Kimball My beloved sisters: I have been looking forward for months to the pleasure of meeting with you dear sisters once again in a worldwide conference of the women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Even in the true Church numerous of its people fail to attend their meetings, to tithe their incomes, to have their regular prayers, to keep all the commandments. The pioneers thought it would be soon and watched for signs; our grandparents watched for the sprouting of the fig tree; our parents watched for the reddening of the sky; and we ourselves have heard all our lives that the Second Coming is near. He has said, I will fight your battles D&C 105:14 But his commitment is on condition of our faithfulness. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. Be assured, too, that all faithful sisters, who, through no fault of their own, do not have the privilege during their second estate of being sealed to a worthy man, will have that blessing in eternity. He learned from diligent and faithful parents to work hard on the farm and in school and to love the gospel. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. These excuses for rejection of the prophets are poor excuses. It was unlike any other talk Ive ever listened to. 218 University Press Building 2:27). Spencer W. Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness 1 likes Like "We would all be well advised to avoid the motivation to the evil thought. Rushing for their lamps to light their way through the blackness, half of them found them empty. Experience is a dear teacher but fools will learn by no other. But we continue on in our godlessness. The responsibility was each for himself. All of the virgins, wise and foolish, had accepted the invitation to the wedding supper; they had knowledge of the program and had been warned of the important day to come. 20:9 italics added). They had cheated themselves. 45:1. Precisely at the darkest hour, when least expected, the bridegroom came. Who, for instance, a scant twenty years ago would have foreseen the massive use of abortion in society today, like all the diseased doctrines of the devil. 8:24-25. The radios whine. Partly due to his work in Brazil and other South American countries, he was led to question the Churchs policy of restricting priesthood and temple blessings from those of African descent, a practice which had begun during the time of Brigham Young. Regardless of who is getting the adversarys special attention at any given time, he seeks to make all people miserable like unto himself (2Ne. I recall my first trip to Hawaii. The time of the reapers is near at hand. It seems that rather than fast and pray, we prefer to gorge ourselves at the banquet tables and drink cocktails. May I stress again the value of reading the addresses given at our general conferences in the Ensign magazine. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Scriptures are read little, and the holy day becomes a holiday. Fasting, family prayer, home teaching, control of bodily appetites, preaching the gospel, studying the scriptureseach act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store. The righteous were saved in Enochs day and the wicked were drowned in the flood. We rejoice in your devotion. From whom else could you learn of our Father in Heavens glorious plan of happiness? President Kimball, the 12thPresident of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has spoken forthrightly to members of the Church, warning of the deceits of Satan and pointing out the road back for those who have erred and who yearn for reconciliation with the Lord. (Matthew 13:47-48.) The Morning Breaks; the Shadows Flee, The Primary Enriches the Lives of Children, Grieve Not the Holy Spirit, Lest We Lose It, I Did Not Reach This Place By Myself, Strengthening the Familythe Basic Unit of the Church, Solving Emotional Problems in the Lords Own Way. As a boy I saw how all, young and old, worked and worked hard. We read of those who have yielded to the fashion of the time and lived together without being legally married and wonder why such people do not realize that there can be no finding of their identity nor any real sense of belonging while they trample underfoot the commandments of God. It was not simply a call to repentance, but it felt like Spencer W. Kimball was raising a prophetic voice effectively saying "YOU HAVE NO EXCUSE, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED" so as to wash his garments clean from the blood and sins of our generation. As we follow the teachings of Christ, we will feel the Spirit testify the truth of the things we do. Each began as an appetite that needed to be checked but which went unchecked. If we need a reminder of harsh realities and the dangers of duty which prophets face, Jonah gives us a glimpse in relation to his call to the exceeding great city of Nineveh, which took three days just to walk through, its size was so intimidating. 5 likes. While bombs are detonated and tested, and fallout settles on the already sick world, we continue in idolatry and adultery. Sometimes people let their hearts get so set upon things and the honors of this world that they cannot learn the lessons they most need to learn. Certainly, there are today false Christs and deceivers in the land such as were spoken of by the Lord from the heights of the Mount of Olives. The dignity and self-esteem that honest work produces are essential to happiness. In the parable, oil can be purchased at the market. And he that sat upon the throne said. For instance, we read that war, pestilence, plagues, famine, etc., will be visited upon the inhabitants of the earth, but if distress through the judgments of God comes upon this people, it will be because the majority have turned away from the Lord., The worlds living prophet has warned and pleaded that the people return to God, who has said again: I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise D&C 82:10. Midnight is so late for those who have procrastinated. and the four new members of the First Quorum of the Seventy who poured out their hearts in those moments they had? But to what extent have we repented? Perhaps they judged Paul by the timbre of his voice or by his style of speech, not the truths uttered by him. A relatively few people attend their church services, pay their tithing, serve their fellow men. The Samoan and Hawaiian Saints were gathered together in a grand celebration. Sometimes to be tested and proved requires that we be temporarily deprivedbut righteous women and men will one day receive allthink of it, sistersall that our Father has! I can transform my own life till it is perfected and then influence others when thus transformed. Various excuses have been used over the centuries to dismiss these divine messengers. 13:55.) His young faith and dedicated family were great sources of strength when Spencers mother, Olive, passed away, Spencer being only eleven years old. (See Jacob 1:19). While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. Confidence has been dulled and patience worn thin. Your poweryour supremacyyour pride in superioritywill be broken. In his October 1954 general conference address, Elder Spencer W. Kimball, then a member of the Council of the Twelve, spoke of the kind of faith needed to heed the Lord's commandments: "It was not blind faith when the patriarch Noah built an ark some 42 centuries ago or when the prophet Nephi built a boat about 25 centuries ago. This is not true, for the decision is ourswe may accept or reject, comply or ignore[However,] we cannot avoid the penalties of disobedience to law (Spencer W. Kimball, The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, pp. Yet here are bribery, fraud, deceit, theft, padding of expense accounts, tax evasion, installment buying beyond ability to pay, and gambling running into the billions. The places change but the turmoil continues. To them Jesus said, before he ascended, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. While leaders quarrel, and editors write, and authorities analyze and prognosticate, we break the Sabbath as though no command had ever been given. 20:3 italics added). After serving in stake presidencies and as a stake president, in 1943 Spencer W. Kimball was ordained an apostle. As one jars loose and begins to roll down hill, still another breaks loose, whether it is an increase in homosexuality, corruption, drugs, or abortion. 2:7.) Thus it will be that female exemplars of the Church will be a significant force in both the numerical and the spiritual growth of the Church in the last days. Among the real heroines in the world who will come into the Church are women who are more concerned with being righteous than with being selfish. Not always are they in the form of a golden calf, but equally real as objects of protection and worship. Remember, in the world before we came here, faithful women were given certain assignments while faithful men were foreordained to certain priesthood tasks. "The statement, "As a man thinketh, so is he," could equally well be rendered "As a man thinketh, so does he." If one thinks it long enough he is likely to do it.". The foolish virgins were not averse to buying oil. Can they change? On the morning program was a hukilau. . It is the parable of the Ten Virgins, a powerful warning to all men. 11:11). Thou shalt not steal Ex. Throughout my experience in leaving Disney, I pondered and searched this quote from President Spencer W. Kimball: "Security is not born of inexhaustible wealth but of unquenchable faith."1Our true security and peace is born of faith in Jesus Christ. I bear testimony to the divinity also of this great work which is the greatest thing in the world, as was said by one of the Brethren. At midnight, the vital cry was made, "Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him." The grandson of early Latter-day Saint apostle Heber C. Kimball, Kimball was born in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory.He spent most of his early life in Thatcher, Arizona, where his . President Kimball commissioned extensive study of the scriptures in regard to the matter, and after hearing from Elder Bruce R. McConkie that there was nothing in the scriptures to necessitate the restriction, he made it a matter of fervent and exhaustive prayer in the temple. 1:9, It shall be free from all nations under heaven., There shall be no enemies come into this land., It shall be free from bondage Ether 2:12, There shall be no kings upon the land 2 Ne. When Spencer was twenty-nine, his father passed away and Spencer was called to the stake presidency that his father had served in for three decades. God is all powerful. We need men and women who think of things that have never been thought of and who dream of things that have never been dreamed of, and who ask, "Why not?" (See Jonah 3:3.) It was baptized by water, and its sins were washed away. And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight (see Lev. One stroke of his omnipotent hand could make powerless all nations who oppose and save a world even in its death throes. The first area presidents outside of the United States and Canada were also set apart. Far from freeing those involved, sin is an admission of surrender to the herd. How special it is for Latter-day Saint women to be given the lofty assignments they have been given by our Father in Heaven, especially those of you who have been privileged to be born in this part of this last dispensation. (Matthew 24:21-22.) I know he is Gods recognized prophet. The testimonies of the holy prophets of God have been written in the scriptures but also have often been written in red because these individuals are the Lords prophets. Let us assume the counsel given applies to us, to me. My beloved sisters: I have been looking forward for months to the pleasure of meeting with you dear sisters once again in a worldwide conference of the women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He promised to the children of Israel: The land shall yield her increase and trees their fruit. From that humble beginning has grown a worldwide organization that has touched the lives of millions of people. The people have ignored him, disbelieved him, failed to follow him. Just because something is in our midst does not mean that we have been in the midst of it. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. Ye shall dwell in your land safely and none shall make you afraid. (Matthew 24:27.) Now, too late, they were becoming conscious of the tragedy of unpreparedness. Time had passed, and he had not come. We have confidence in you. Eventually, sweating and straining and puffing, we pulled the catch up on the sand. I have heard many amazing sermons, calls to repentance, prophetic warning, and string testimonies. As we approach the general conference with its priesthood session, we will be no less loving or direct with the brethren, for our counsel will be similar. Ponder upon these great truths, especially in those moments when (in the stillness of such anxiety as you may experience as an individual) you might otherwise wonder and be perplexed. There will be faintness of heart and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase you into flight and you will fall when none pursueth. We are greatly heartened by your presence not only tonight but in this portion of this dispensation wherein your talents and spiritual strength are so desperately needed. 5:1-31 When the protectors sleep and the leaders are incapacitated with banqueting and drunkenness and immorality, an invading enemy can turn a river from its course and enter through a river bed Isa. Would he ever come? Christianity did not go from Rome to Galilee; it was the other way around. The edible ones were saved and the catch was brought to the fire for the feast. Spencer W. Kimball reports that David O. McKay had said "that in his view homosexuality was worse than heterosexual immorality; that it is a filthy and unnatural habit." (20) 1959- Advise and Consent published. (See 1Sam. I beg of you to listen and act, in the name of Jesus Christ.
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