In the most recent general conference (Oct. 2023), Elder John C. Pingree gave a talk called “Eternal Truth.” While the focus was on the revelatory patterns our Heavenly Father uses to make truth available to His children, Elder Pingree also outlined the important role that prophets play in making truth known.

Key Points

• Because understanding truth is important to our eternal progress, we can consider these questions: What is truth, and why is it important? How do we find truth? When we find truth, how can we share it?
• Truth is revealed through relationships between Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, prophets, and us.
• Prophets receive and share truth from God.
• Our responsibility is to seek and act upon truth and grow in our relationship with God and Christ.
• In this process, we must be responsive to the Holy Ghost and align ourselves with prophets.
• Questions that help us discern eternal truths: Is the concept taught consistently in the scriptures and by living prophets? Is the concept confirmed by the witness of the Holy Ghost?
• Doctrines are fixed and eternal; policies can change. “The Lord works through His prophets to uphold His doctrine and to modify Church policies according to the needs of His children.”
• When truths we long for have not yet been revealed, we should patiently wait on the Lord and not complain.

Reflection Questions

How can I know if teachings from prophets and apostles are true? What sources can witness of their truth?

How can I show patience and faith while waiting for truths to be revealed?

If revelation comes through relationships between Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, prophets, and me , how can I strengthen those relationships?

This is part of a series sharing talks and resources related to the role of living prophets in our personal lives and in the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I attempt to share reliable sources and accurately represent what the Lord and His authorized servants have taught, but my insights are my own and I am not an official Church representative.

In October 2014, before Russell M. Nelson was the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or even President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, he gave a talk called “Sustaining the Prophets.” He clarified how authority in the Church differs from authority in the world and what it really means to sustain prophets, seers, and revelators.

Key Points

• When he performed heart surgery on Elder Spencer Kimball, Russell Nelson felt the spirit testify that he (Kimball) would be the prophet. He knew the Lord was preserving and preparing him.
• We don’t cast votes to choose church leaders; we agree to sustain them.
• Common consent means we acknowledge that Jesus Christ’s authority is in the Church.
• Sustaining is binding upon us to uphold and defend prophetic priorities.
• Unanimously seeking the Lord’s will among 15 authorized servants protects the membership of the Church.
• The organization of the Church allows for the Lord’s direction and proper use of priesthood keys under any circumstance, even when a prophet is ill or disabled.

Reflection Questions

How does the church leadership differ from leadership in the world? In whom do I put my trust, and why?

What does my sustaining vote really mean? Do my words and actions show evidence that I sustain the prophet and apostles?

This is part of a series where I plan to share talks and resources related to the role of living prophets in our personal lives and in the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I intend to share reliable sources and accurately represent what the Lord and His authorized servants have taught, but my insights are my own and I am not an official Church representative.

This week I want to share with you a BYU-Hawaii Devotional given by Sheri Dew on November 2, 2022 called “Prophets Can See Around Corners.” She since gave a follow-up message at BYU Women’s conference in 2023, and I believe wrote a book about it as well. She shares a lot of personal experiences about her interactions with prophets and apostles in her work and callings, and testifies of their divine calling and the blessings that can come into our lives as we trust their teachings. I really enjoy her perspective and have personally found a great deal of confidence by turning to prophets and apostles for direction.

Key Points

• Prophets are seers, and can therefore “help us see dangers we cannot yet see and opportunities we can’t even imagine.”
• Prophets have been historically rejected and cast out, often because they cry repentance, and today is no different.
• Prophets and apostles are not infallible; they are mortals with human weakness, but they are special witnesses with unique spiritual privileges.
• The Lord has organized His church with safeguards in place so that it cannot be led astray and its members are protected. He, Jesus Christ, is the head of the church.
• Following the prophet is showing trust in Jesus Christ.
• She addresses four questions:
  • Who exactly are prophets, seers, and revelators?
  • Is there anyone you trust to give you more inspired advice unaffected by personal agenda than the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles?
  • Do you know fifteen smarter men who care about you more and who have purer motives?
  • Are there any other leaders of whom the Holy Ghost unfailingly bears witness?

Reflection Questions

How can a seer help my limited vision?

What voices do I turn to the most for counsel and direction? How can I prioritize prophetic counsel?

How comforting is it to know that Jesus Christ leads His church?

This is part of a series where I plan to share talks and resources related to the role of living prophets in our personal lives and in the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I intend to share reliable sources and accurately represent what the Lord and His authorized servants have taught, but my insights are my own and I am not an official Church representative.