Stay in Balance

By Elder Edward Dube

First Counselor in the Africa South Area Presidency

Being encircled by the Lord’s arms, to me, is like enjoying gospel freedom in which I am guided on all sides.

While trials and temptation always come, the safe and sure way for me to find joy and success in life has been embracing “the tender mercies of the Lord [which] are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance” (1 Nephi 1:20), and to be “encircled about eternally in the arms of his love” (2 Nephi 1:15). Being encircled by the Lord’s arms, to me, is like enjoying gospel freedom in which I am guided on all sides. I picture myself in the centre of a box. Guiding me from the top is the Lord; on the right side I am guided by prophets and apostles; on the bottom are my local Church leaders: parents, mission and stake presidents, bishops, branch presidents and organizational leaders; and on the left side I have the scriptures and the General Handbook.

My invitation to you is that you will enjoy the freedom and the joy of staying within the box. Stay in balance and enjoy the tender mercies of the Lord.

The Lord

The Lord’s invitation to us is an invitation to see beyond the daily limitations and to rise to a higher level. He invites us to let go of the things which might be holding us back: “Old things are done away, and all things have become new” (3 Nephi 12:47). These words inspire me each day to want to do better. The following words really lift my perspective: “Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect” (3 Nephi 12:48). I am far from perfect, but I am encouraged by the progress I strive to make each day. Sometimes I feel as though I am going backwards, but President Russell M. Nelson’s observations help me to pick myself up and to keep stumbling forward: “We need not be dismayed if our earnest efforts toward perfection now seem so arduous and endless. Perfection is pending. It can come in full only after the Resurrection and only through the Lord. It awaits all who love him and keep his commandments. It includes thrones, kingdoms, principalities, powers, and dominions. It is the end for which we are to endure.” ¹

It is a bittersweet end to endure, knowing that I am not alone. His tender and assuring invitation provides the strength needed to endure: “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not” (Doctrine & Covenants 6:36). Having the Lord at the top of my box gives me protection and courage to face the challenges of life, knowing that I have access to the teachings and guidance of the Holy Ghost and of prophets.

Prophets and Apostles

During the three years I spent in Salt Lake City, where I saw, and interacted frequently with, the fifteen men we sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators, I felt the love of the Savior Jesus Christ for humankind through these men. They love the Lord and His children; their lives and purpose are devoted to the Lord and His children.

As you apply their teachings in your life, you will come to know, as I know, that these men speak the will of the Lord and the mind of the Lord (see Doctrine & Covenants 68:4). We find protection and safety in following their counsel. One of these great men, Elder Ronald A. Rasband, taught us about following the prophets and apostles in a recent general conference: “We are distinguished as a Church to be led by prophets, seers, and revelators called of God for this time. I promise that as you listen and follow their counsel, you will never be led astray. Never!” ² .

In following the counsel of the prophets and apostles we should also be willing to follow our file leaders.

Local Church Leaders

The mission and stake presidents, bishops and branch presidents have been called by the Lord. Follow them closely; they hold the keys. President Joseph Fielding Smith (1876–1972) explained: “These keys are the right of presidency; they are the power and authority to govern and direct all of the Lord’s affairs on earth. Those who hold them have power to govern and control the manner in which all others may serve in the priesthood. All of us may hold the priesthood, but we can only use it as authorized and directed so to do by those who hold the keys” ³ . These leaders are given the keys of the priesthood so we can be led in an orderly way and receive the necessary ordinances of the gospel. We accept opportunities to serve in the Church through these leaders and desire to be “instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work” (see Alma 26:3).

The fourth side of the box are the scriptures and handbooks.

Scriptures and Handbooks

The Lord’s counsel and promise to Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery and John Whitmer a few months after the Church was organized shows his tender mercies for us all; “Behold, I say unto you that you shall let your time be devoted to the studying of the scriptures.” Then listen to the blessings, “and then it shall be made known what you shall do” (Doctrine & Covenants 26:1). It shall be made known what we shall do in our lives, and as we strive to make a difference in life.

Indeed “it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to [us] a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for [Lehi and his family] to give heed to [the] compass, which would point unto them a straight course to the promised land” (Alma 37:44). President Howard W. Hunter (1907–1995) counseled, “It is certain that one who studies the scriptures every day accomplishes far more than one who devotes considerable time one day and then lets days go by before continuing. Not only should we study each day, but there should be a regular time set aside when we can concentrate without interference” ⁴ .

Staying in balance has helped me feel the Lord’s hand in the details of my life.

Elder Dube was called as a General Authority Seventy in April 2013. He is married to Naume Keresia Salizani. They are the parents of four children.