Haven't posted here for a very long while (other than drafts) but feel that I should record a few thoughts after being challenged to record experiences and conversations of note.
Went on a hike Saturday (8 May 2021) and while hiking had a good chat with Aaron D (also my 1st counselor). We were talking about the importance to follow the living prophet - particularly in polarizing, difficult days. Aaron shared his experiences with the importance and benefits of sustaining the line leader. He referenced a talk in General Conference titled "Which Way Do You Face?" He told of an experience he had early in his service as a Bishop where there was a youth activity planned at a stake level that was difficult and not being organized in the way that he would have done it and had some strong feelings that led to a sour attitude. When the time of the activity - which spanned multiple nights - came he was ready to go but didn't have his full heart in it. On the first stage of the hike, a member of the Stake Presidency was struggling and asked for a priesthood blessing. Between this experience and some conversations at the first night's campfire, Aaron saw the bigger vision and his heart was softened to understand the concept of "my ways are higher than your ways" (Isaiah 55:8-9). He's remembered this as a key pillar in his testimony to follow the line leader - the one with the keys - the prophet.
I shared how that the most powerful witness of a prophet came in Jerusalem when I was a student at the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies. It was less than 2 years following the death of President Howard W. Hunter. President Hunter had spent a significant amount in Jerusalem working among the people and was instrumental in the establishment of the BYU Jerusalem Center - locally known as the Mormon University - and the Orson Hyde Memorial Garden on the Mount of Olives. He was loved and respected by so many. Israeli or Palestinian -- Jew, Muslim, or Christian.
In the building, there is a gathering area that can be used for games and has a basketball hoop. One day I walked by that room and saw some of the kids of the visiting professors playing in the recreation room. They were taking turns pushing each other in a wheelchair going really fast with quick turns where the chair would get on one wheel. I didn't think too much of it.
Behind me I heard a frustrated voice yell, "What are you doing?!" It was a member of the custodial staff at the Center. He was a Palestinian man who had worked there for years. He generally had a quiet but friendly manner. He yelled again.
"Stop!!"
"What are you doing! Stop right now!"
The boys answered that they were just having some fun.
"Do you not know whose wheelchair that is?! That is President Hunter's wheelchair. President Hunter is a Prophet of God. You should treat his wheelchair with respect just as you should treat him with respect. Always remember God's prophet."
For a Muslim man to declare that there was another prophet was astonishing to me. I will never forget the intensity in his face. The connection and love of God that he had felt through President Hunter had never left him. I knew that he knew the importance of living prophet.
Today there are many - even who have membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who seek to set aside the importance of a prophet. They would say that these men don't understand the challenges that the people face today. This attitude often seeks to amend the standards that God has set. "Trying to please others before pleasing God is inverting the first and second great commandments." When we do this we hide from the truth and light that has been given to us. Of this attitude, Nephi wrote "from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have." (2 Ne. 28)
I am grateful for counsel to remember which way I should face -- especially when it is difficult. I am grateful for counsel to record important memories. I know that Christ stands at the head of His Church. He speaks through prophets today. Russell M. Nelson is the only one to hold all of the priesthood keys. I can find joy - even through tribulation - if I follow his counsel. When I Give Thanks and Let God Prevail as President Nelson admonishes, I come closer to Christ and feel His presence in my life more fully.
Update: I think that one thing about this concept that weighs on me is that I hold keys of presidency with a responsibility to help other people and to direct key aspects of the Kingdom of God in our area. I am a very flawed man and not likely to get it perfect the first time. How can I live my life in a way that others will sustain my decisions that impact them? What obstacles to discipleship of Christ does my personality in the position place in others paths?
