Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

by Jim Greer

LW Contributor

In a BYU devotional given Nov. 14, 2017, Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke of a time when the Prophet Joseph Smith answered 20 questions. The answers to those questions were published in the church’s newspaper, the Elders’ Journal, in July 1838.

One important question asked of the prophet was, “What are your religion’s fundamental principles?” The Prophet Joseph replied, “The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the apostles and prophets concerning Jesus Christ, that he died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended up into heaven; and all other things are only appendages to these, which pertain to our religion.”

Before his address, Elder Ballard received 767 questions from BYU students, a few of which he answered during his speech. As a prelude, he emphasized that “it is important to remember that I am a general authority, but that does not make me an authority in general! The Lord called the apostles and prophets to invite others to come unto Christ—not to obtain advanced degrees that may be useful in answering all the questions we may have about scriptures, history, and the church. Our primary duty is to build up the church, teach the doctrine of Christ, and help those in need of help.”

Elder Ballard echoed the Lord’s counsel to those asking questions in D& C 88:118, “Seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.”

Ballard then offered suggestions for all who seek answers to Gospel questions. He counseled that while searching, studying, and praying for answers, we should be living right to get the answers we seek.

The apostle reminds us to take time to “be still, and know that I am God,” as nearly all of our concerns are answered by the spirit in those quiet times of thinking, praying, and reaching out to deity. The Lord’s guidance, peace, and joy come to us readily as we strive to fully live the gospel.

In his closing statement and testimony, Elder Ballard pronounced a blessing of peace and an increased love of the gospel. He promised that as we honor our heavenly father and strive to keep his commandments, we would find it easier to repent and find the answers to the personal questions we place upon his altar.