Discipleship and Duty

More Important Than a Grade

In the Philippines, I met Karen, who shared an experience she had as a Laurel while studying for a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management. A teacher required that every student learn to make and taste the variety of drinks that would be served in their restaurants. Some of the drinks contained alcohol, and Karen knew it was against the Lord’s commandments for her to taste them. In the face of serious consequences, Karen found courage to arise and shine forth, and she did not partake of the drinks.

Karen explained: “My teacher approached me and asked me why I was not drinking. He said, ‘Miss Karen, how will you know the flavor and pass this important subject if you do not at least taste the drinks?’ I told him that I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and as members, we do not drink things that are harmful to us. Whatever he expected of me, even if it meant receiving a failing grade, I would understand, but I would not fail to live my personal standards.”

Weeks passed, and nothing more was said about that day. At the end of the semester, Karen knew her final grade would reflect her refusal to taste the drinks. She hesitated to look at her grade, but when she did, she discovered that she had received the highest grade in the class.

She said: “I learned through this experience that God … will surely bless us when we follow Him. I also know that even if I had received a failing grade, I would not regret what I had done. I know that I will never fail in the Lord’s sight when I choose to do what I know to be the right thing.”

Ann M. Dibb, second counselor in the Young Women general presidency

Deliverance

We can be delivered from the ways of evil and wickedness by turning to the teachings of the holy scriptures. The Savior is the great deliverer, for He delivers us from death and from sin (see Romans 11:26; 2 Nephi 9:12).

Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Qualify Now

It is difficult for youth to understand how present actions will prepare them for or disqualify them from future service opportunities. … The purpose of both temporal and spiritual self-reliance is to get ourselves on higher ground so that we can lift others in need.

Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Your Discipleship

Jesus asked the Pharisees, “What think ye of Christ?” [Matthew 22:42]. In the final assessment, our personal discipleship will not be judged by friends or foes. Rather, as Paul said, “We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ” [Romans 14:10]. At that day the important question for each of us will be, “What thinks Christ of me?”

Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Fully Converted

The Lord wants the members of His Church to be fully converted to His gospel. This is the only sure way to have spiritual safety now and happiness forever.

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom of the Presidency of the Seventy

Our Daily Challenge

God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, but we are not. Each day, ours is the challenge to access the power of the Atonement so that we can truly change, become more Christlike, and qualify for the gift of exaltation and live eternally with God, Jesus Christ, and our families.

Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Reflect and Record

As we seek answers from God, we feel the still, small voice whisper to our spirits. These feelings—these impressions—are so natural and so subtle that we may overlook them or attribute them to reason or intuition. These individualized messages testify of God’s personal love and concern for each of His children and their personal mortal missions. Daily reflecting upon and recording the impressions that come from the Spirit serve the dual purposes of helping us (1) to recognize our personal encounters with the divine and (2) to preserve them for ourselves and our posterity. Recording them is also a formal recognition and acknowledgement of our gratitude to God.

Elder Paul B. Pieper of the Seventy

Our Sacrifices

For most followers of Christ, our sacrifices involve what we can do on a day-to-day basis in our ordinary personal lives. …

Just as the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ is at the center of the plan of salvation, we followers of Christ must make our own sacrifices to prepare for the destiny that plan provides for us.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Video Highlights

For short video clips of conference messages for youth, go to lds.org/go/52B.

Every talk was amazing. I felt a special spirit during each one of them. Though I loved all the talks, Elder Perry’s was my favorite. The way he taught that the Book of Mormon has a theme of deliverance really struck me. That was something I had never noticed before, and I felt a strong feeling that it was true.

Jordan B., 17, South Carolina, USA

I really enjoyed listening to Elder Neil L. Andersen’s talk about being a disciple of Christ. If I become a better disciple of Christ, then I’m arising and shining forth.

Jennifer G., 16, Texas, USA