Digital Only: Answers from an Apostle
Who Are You Listening To?
As you continually listen to the voices of truth, you will remain spiritually safe.
From a commencement address given at Brigham young University—Idaho on Apr. 7, 2022
There has never been a time in the history of the world quite like the one we are living in.
My message for you is to frequently reflect on this question: “Who am I listening to?”
The answer will shape your future and your eternal destiny. The Apostle Paul said, “There are … so many kinds of voices in the world.”
Will you largely be influenced by virtuous, motivating, righteous, insightful, and spiritually sensitive voices, or will you be influenced more by negative, complaining, flattering, cynical, and carnal voices?
These voices are now amplified by the internet and social media. Don’t allow the less important voices of technology to crowd out the voices so important to your eternal welfare.
I pray that you will use the power of your agency, discipline, and precious time to listen to the voices that matter most. They will help you become even more than you are today. I know you desire to be lifelong followers of the Savior. May I suggest a few of the important voices to keep active in your mind and in your spirit?
Prophets and Apostles
Listen to those who truly love you and honestly want you to have eternal life in the presence of God. The words spoken in general conferences of the Church, if listened to and followed, will keep you centered firmly on the path of righteousness and happiness. The instruction we receive from the Lord in general conference is what we need to know and do right now. Listen to the words of the Lord’s prophet and apostles.
The Lord has said concerning His prophet: “Wherefore, … thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments. … For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth. … [and] by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good.” Who better could you listen to?
If you are listening to the prophet of God and following his counsel, you will have greater ability and capacity to do your life’s work. He speaks the truth. He speaks the voice of the Lord.
Those Who Love You Most and Are Full of Faith
I would also suggest that you listen to those who love you most and who are full of faith. Listen to family and friends who are full of faith and are concerned about your eternal life.
Someone who had a powerful impact upon my life was my grandmother, Mary Evans Keller. She lived a simple life in Preston, Idaho, with few of the luxuries so many enjoy. She dealt with disappointment and sadness in her life. She wrote to me on my mission: “Neil, do keep always your wonderful testimony. Nothing in this world will bring you greater joy and help for you over discouragement and trouble that may sometimes come into your life.”
I listened to my grandmother. I trusted her. I knew she loved me, and her words gave me strength.
The Holy Spirit
Listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. The voice of the Holy Ghost comes as we have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and as we keep His commandments. It is a priceless gift promised to all those who have been baptized in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and are determined to follow the Savior. The voice of the Spirit is calm and gentle. The Lord has promised that we will each be enlightened as we “[hearken] to the voice of the Spirit.”
I know this voice. I remind you of President Russell M. Nelson’s warning: “If most of the information you get comes from social or other media, your ability to hear the whisperings of the Spirit will be diminished. If you are not also seeking the Lord through daily prayer and gospel study, you leave yourself vulnerable to philosophies that may be intriguing but are not true. Even Saints who are otherwise faithful can be derailed by the steady beat of Babylon’s band.”
On another occasion, President Nelson declared, “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”
The Savior
Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. I plead with you to listen to His words and follow Him. You listen to Him by studying His words and putting His commandments in your heart.
The Savior invites us to come unto Him, to accept His matchless power and glory, and to feel His love. He bids us to keep His commandments and to find happiness and joy in our mortal journey. “Feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.” He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Listen to the words of the Savior. Believe His words. Listen daily as you read the holy scriptures. Pray unto the Father in the name of Christ. Follow Him. I bless you that as you are believing and as you keep the commandments, you will be led to listen to the voice of the Savior.
In the great days ahead, you will be a light and strength in this ever-changing world. I give you my promise that as you continually listen to the voices of truth, you will remain spiritually safe.