In one of the monthly General Authority fast and testimony meetings, I heard President James E. Faust say, The older I get, the less judgmental I become. That wise observation gives us a standard to live by in the matter of judgments. , I do not need to condemn or judge my abusers nor be part of the punishment. 46:19. When we do thisand there is great temptation to do sowe hurt ourselves and the person we pretend to judge. They should always remember the Saviors teaching that we bless them that curse [us], do good to them that hate [us], and pray for them which despitefully use [us], and persecute [us] (Matthew 5:44). . This is an analysis of a general conference talk given by Elder Oaks titled Opposition in All Things, where he warned against taking opposition against the church. What does it mean to always remember our Savior? Second, a righteous judgment will be guided by the Spirit of the Lord, not by anger, revenge, jealousy, or self-interest. Did you enjoy these Dallin H. Oaks quotes? Come, Follow Me 2023: New Testament Resources. One who understands that principle will not look upon his or her calling as giving or presenting a lesson, because that definition views teaching from the standpoint of the teacher, not the student. When practiced by those around us, it can be private behavior or something we are asked to condone, sponsor, or facilitate. I believe the United States Constitution contains at least five divinely inspired principles. He is a native of Provo, Utah (born in 1932). The Savior gave this same teaching on another occasion, when he said to the Pharisees, And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world (John 12:47). When she answered no, Jesus declared, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more (v. 11). . The fact that we only witness to our willingness suggests that something else must happen before we actually take that sacred name upon us in the most important sense. In another essay, William George Jordan wrote: There is but one quality necessary for the perfect understanding of character, one quality that, if[a]man have it, he maydare to judgethat is, omniscience. 5. In attempting to answer the question "What have I learned and what ought I to have learned?" I've learned just how incredibly difficult it is to arrive at a consensus in a group without the assistance of a leader, teacher, or arbiter. This is shaping the attitudes of many young Americans who are taking their places as the teachers of our children and the shapers of public attitudes through the media and popular entertainment. Her 1986 memoir, Goodbye, I Love You, is considered a landmark in discussions of homosexuality and Mormonism. Do not be deceived; behind that faade is heartache, unhappiness, and pain. Through the prophet Moses the Lord commanded Israel, Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour (Leviticus 19:15). For them, almost anything goes. President Oaks said religious liberty faces serious challenges around the world, such as secularism, authoritarianism, political correctness and deteriorating attitudes toward religion. Many areas of the law are based on Judeo-Christian morality and have been for centuries. That's definitely what we want. We can acknowledge the sincerity of those whose positions we cannot accept. In the quiet heart is hidden In case you want to follow along, here are the quotes we're discussing today: Quote #1: "Despite all that our Church does directly, most humanitarian service to the children of God worldwide is carried out by persons and Having discussed the balancing of truth and tolerance in our personal behavior and in our relations with associates, I come to a different and more difficult circumstance. Legal experts, including a former federal judge and a former Utah Supreme Court justice, examine the General Conference talk by Latter-day Saint apostle Dallin H. Oaks on the U.S. Constituiton. Tolerance requires a similar refraining in our judgment of others. What can one person do to promote world peace? Elder Dieter F. Ucthdorf back in 2017 said, To help us develop the godly attributes and the change in nature necessary to realize our divine potential, the Lord has revealed doctrine and established commandments based on eternal law. We can set and act upon high standards for ourselves or our homes without condemning those who do otherwise. It will refrain from declaring that a person has forfeited all opportunity for exaltation or even all opportunity for a useful role in the work of the Lord. After the class, one of them came to me and apologized that she hadnt explained to me before class that her friend was deaf. . [Matthew 11:2830]. 272. I am listing below all President Dallin H. Oaks talks, not just those that he gave when he was as a General Authority of the Church, but also those given by him before, with the links to the text, video, or audio available. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become. That is my Lord whose names you revile. (Improvement Era, May 1953, p. Similar to our article with Russell M. Nelson quotes, this piece includes Dallin H. Oaks quotes from every general conference. I cannot change the past. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. October 2021. A leavenyeastis hidden away in the larger mass until the whole is leavened, which means raised by its influence. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. This Christmas, as with every Christmas, we focus on loving one another just as our Savior loved us. Are we our brothers keepers? It is too vast, too arduous, for any one people. As members of the restored Church, we need to be more aware and more appreciative of the service of others.Quote #2: Modern revelation teaches that our Savior, Jesus Christ, is the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world. By this, all the children of God are enlightened to serve Him and one another to the best of their knowledge and ability. Content licensed under CC BY 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Recall the survey data I mentioned earlier, suggesting that about three-quarters of all college seniors believe thedifference between right and wrong is relative. Some influential voices even question the extent to which our constitution should protect the free exercise of religion, including the right to practice and preach religious principles. (Church Newsroom), New BYU opera professor performs as featured soloist for Tabernacle Choir, Orchestras summer concert, Video of the Day: West Virginia city adopts stray cat as mascot, Gov. . All of this is part of Gods work for His children., Jesus Christ is the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world(John 1:9). Those of us with more of Martha than of Mary in us . Check out our dallin h oaks selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. Reverend Dr. Andrew Teal on Finding Christ Through Suffering, Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship, Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution, Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ, Loving Others and Living with Differences, Priesthood Authority in the Family and the Church. A Relief Society worker visiting a sister in her ward asked whether the womans married children ever visited her. Our duty to truth requires us to seek relief from some behavior that is wrong. You will need to understand how our efforts in the public square are informed by the balance between truth and tolerance. He simply told her that he did not condemn herthat is, he would not pass final judgment on her at that time. The Four Horsemen of The Apocalypse by John Gottman. If a person you have trusted with your property has been indicted for embezzlement, would you continue to leave him in charge of your life savings? I am responsible for my actions and what I do with my knowledge. Christian believers are under command to love their neighbors (see Luke 10:27), to forgive (see Matthew 18:2135), and to do good to those who despitefully use them (see Matthew 5:44). In doing so we stand with angels. Alwi Shihab, Building Bridges to Harmony Through Understanding, BYU forum address, 10 October 2006); http://speeches-dev.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=11324. We are enriched by associations with different peoples, which remind us of the wonderful diversity of the children of God. Most of us are troubled by packed shopping centers and other commercial activities on the Sabbath. I testify of Jesus Christ, whose light and Spirit guides all the children of God in helping the poor and distressed throughout the world.. In this sensitive matter we should first consider whether or the extent to which we should communicate to our associates what we know to be true about their behavior. President Dallin H. Oaks was sustained and set apart as first counselor in the First Presidency and president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sunday, January 14, 2018. Dec 2015 A Savior Is Born Ensign. Alsosee other collected talk by Church Leaders. The Book of Mormon teaches that every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God. For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil;Links:Our General Conference talk schedule: https://kristenwalkersmith.com/conference-on-the-go-episode-list/The Conference Talk checklist: https://bit.ly/3eHJGEIThis weeks phone wallpaper: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z9cJGCePDNy9ccHnDzVrzkxkf4UXnJ4_/view?usp=sharingHelping the Poor and Distressed by Dallin H. Oaks By Intellectual Reserve, Inc.This material is neither made, provided, approved, nor endorsed by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We Latter-day Saints are sometimes accused of being self-righteous and intolerant of others, especially where we are in the majority or where others are in the majority and our beliefs cause us to oppose them. How can I keep my covenant to stand as a witness and not offend these people?13. . Copyright 2017-2023 Kurt Manwaring, All Rights Reserved. I kept glaring at them, hoping that they would take the hint, but they didnt seem to notice. The desires we act on determine our changing, our achieving, and our becoming. In fact, one of her children visited her at least daily, and all of them helped her in many ways. I begin with three absolute truths. bid her therefore that she help me. Forgiveness is a companion principle to the commandment that in final judgments we judge not and in intermediate judgments we judge righteously. That is a wise judgment of a situation, not a person. Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible (JST), President Nelson Quotes from Every General Conference. President Dallin H. Oaks speaks at the 192nd Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 2-3, 2022.President Oaks t. Lord, I would follow thee. I am devoted to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Oh Say, What Is Truth?Hymns,2002, no. . Most people study character as a proofreader pores over a great poem: his ears are dulled to the majesty and music of the lines, his eyes are darkened to the magic imagination of the genius of the author; that proofreader is busy watching for an inverted comma, a misspacing, or a wrong font letter. The Lord obviously did not justify the womans sin. How should we react toward and communicate with them? These subjects were not chosen because they are uniquely your concern as young adults, like the dating, hanging out, and marriage I described to this audience some years ago. In an essay titled Sitting in the Seat of Judgment, the great essayist William George Jordan reminded us that character. Jointly published by the Deseret News and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its content supports the doctrines, principles and practices of the Church. Collection: Jesus Christ, Our Savior and Redeemer, BYU Speeches They are directions away from pitfalls, and they are invitations to blessings. From these we magnify a mood into a character and an episode into a life. We see this in the account of the woman taken in adultery. President Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was invited to speak at the Notre Dame Religious Liberty Summit on July 20. Today were diving into Helping the Poor and Distressed by Dallin H. Oaks.In case you want to follow along, here are the quotes were discussing today:Quote #1: Despite all that our Church does directly, most humanitarian service to the children of God worldwide is carried out by persons and organizations having no formal connection with our Church. As described by an attorney supporting a Lutheran school in a case now before the United States Supreme Court, the big concern is the ability of people of all faiths to work out their relationship with God and one another without the government looking over their shoulder.10That is why we need understanding and supportincludingyourunderstanding and supportwhen we must contend for religious freedom. In such circumstances we do the best we can, relying ultimately on the teaching in modern scripture that we should put our trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do goodyea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously (D&C 11:12). I close with this assurance and this testimony: The Bible teaches that one of the functions of a prophet is to be a watchman to warn Israel (see Ezekiel 3:17; 33:7). Because of His atoning experience in mortality, our Savior is able to comfort, heal, and strengthen all men and women everywhere, but I believe He does so only for those who seek Him and ask for His help. On August 25, 2000, he married Kristen M. McMain in the Salt Lake Temple. This is a vital matter on which we who believe in a Supreme Being who has established absolute right and wrong in human behavior must unite to insist on our time-honored constitutional rights to exercise our religion, to vote our consciences on public issues, and to participate in elections and debates in the public square and in the halls of justice. The Saviors Golden Rule says we are. He has an eye trained for the imperfections, the weaknesses. . Our Savior applied this principle. Dallin H. Oaks was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when this CES devotional address was given on 11 September 2011. Today more than ever before, the blessings of the temple are avail- able to faithful Saints around the world. fatal car accident knoxville tn today young and the restless recap today He has given 87 general conference talksincluding 18 addresses as a member of the First Presidency. She died July 21, 1998. Well all help, and by the way, that centerpiece looks lovely? 4. April 2022. That's amazing. It is important to remember that the illumination and revelation that come to an individual as a result of the gift of the Holy Ghost do not come suddenly or without seeking. President Oaks gives a powerful talk about service, and all of the amazing good works going on around the world. Our tolerance and respect for others and their beliefs does not cause us to abandon our commitment to the truths we understand and the covenants we have made. We meet on 9/11, the tenth anniversary of an event that has profoundly influenced our lives and thinking and will do so for many years to come. . In the words of President Joseph F. Smith: In the words of President Joseph F. Smith: We believe in all truth, no matter to what subject it may refer. Josephs candor about his shortcomings is evident in the fact that one of the first revelations he recorded in writing and published to the world was a crushing rebuke he received from the Lord. Our Savior gave Himself in unselfish service. With the increased understanding we have received from the Restoration, Latter-day Saints understand the final judgment as the time when all mankind will receive their personal dominions in the mansions prepared for them in the various kingdoms of glory (see D&C 76:111, John 14:2, 1 Corinthians 15:4044). He was set apart as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in April 7, 1984. How Did Freemasons Influence the Temple Ceremony? . cannot be judged as dress-goodsby a yard or so of sample unrolled from a bolt on the counter. For example, we must all deplore murder or other terrorist behavior, even when done by extremists in the name of religion. Some of these intermediate judgments are surely among those the Savior referred to when he taught that the weightier matters of the law include judgment (Matthew 23:23). If your so-called friends urge you to do anything you know to be wrong,yoube the one to make a stand for right, even if you stand alone.14. On the foundation belief in right and wrong, there is an alarming contrast between the older and the younger generations. That judgment is the Lords, not ours. How can we have the Spirit of the Lord to guide our choices? King Benjamin taught: Perhaps thou shalt say: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just. I am waiting further evidence. [Moroni 7:18]. President Oaks and his late wife, Sister June Dixon Oaks, are the parents of six children. Our Savior also taught that His followers will have tribulation in the world, that their numbers and dominions will be small (see 1 Nephi 14:12), and that they will be hated because they are not of the world (John 17:14). By falling short of righteous standards, we place ourselves in jeopardy of being judged by incorrect or unrighteous standards ourselves. Second,when believers seek to promote their positions in the public square, their methods and their advocacy should always be tolerant of the opinions and positions of others who do not share their beliefs. But diversities in cultures and values also challenge us to identify what can be embraced as consistent with our gospel culture and values and what cannot. And, in all of this, we must remember the command to forgive. Dallin H. Oaks: Kindness Is Powerful. I will leave it in his hands. Our civilization is based on morality and cannot exist without it. In this context the wordcondemnapparently refers to the final judgment (see John 3:17). The Lord did not go into the kitchen and tell Martha to stop cooking and come listen. I testify of the power and blessings of the priesthood of God, available for His sons and daughters alike. I no longer view myself as a victim. We also need focus to avoid what is harmful. What Was Brigham Youngs Swift Pony Express? Remember that God loves His children and will surely do what is best for each of us. See the full text of President Oaks talk: Helping the Poor and Distressed, 19th latter-day Apostle to reach the age of 90, evidence of Gods saving love for His children. The most fundamental principle is contained in the Saviors commandment that we judge not unrighteously . 320.). For example, it is one thing to ignore serious sins when they are private; it is quite another thing to be asked to sponsor or impliedly endorse them, such as by housing them in our own homes. We must also stand shoulder to shoulder with other believers to preserve and strengthen the freedom to advocate and practice our religious beliefs, whatever they are. 21 Oct 1975 . If given in the right way and for the right reasons, that service will reward us beyond anything we have given. For example, even though religious beliefs are behind many criminal laws, and some family laws, such laws have a long-standing history of appropriateness in democratic societies.