1

Lazarus, Come Forth!:

- C. Michael Stewart
Delivered June 8, 2014


Speech delivered on June 8
th
2014 to a congregation of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-
Day Saints in Orem, Utah. While this speech is delivered in the capacity of a sermon, it in no way reflects
the opinions nor doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints extant; but it is written
according to the understanding, limited in many ways, of the author and, therefore, all ideas, beliefs,
and doctrines as here-in contained are accordingly to be understood as such. Having said that, I hope
that all who read this will understand that this is only some of the things which we, as members of the
Lord's church, are required to do on our end - but that in no way negates the grace and glory of God. As
my friend Boyd put it, "Salvation is a gift", not so much a reward. It is a reward only in that we have to
choose it by daily taking up our own cross and bearing the shame of it. Thank you
- C. Michael Stewart, Orem, Utah, May 30
th
2014



2



Lazarus is dead
1
- Long Live Lazarus:

In the eleventh chapter of the Book of John we receive the account of the illness, the death, and
the raising of Lazarus. We hear Martha, and then Mary, tearfully exclaim: Lord, if thou hadst been here,
my brother had not died.
2

For many of us that tearful statement is the testimony underlying the question loud and
resounding in our mind and in our heart: Lord, why is my child wandering?
3
Have I not been a good
mother/father/sister/brother? Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my [child+ had not *wandered+. This
has been a question asked by many a good parent and friend; and many have shed great tears in behalf
of their loved one
4
each tear a prayer more potent than incense.
5
My friends, the Lord hears your
prayers
6
, and He sees your sacrifice
7
in their behalf.
8

Since the story of the raising of Lazarus has much personal significance to me I would like to
spend our remaining time together discussing, not the events, but the personal application, and I would
like to address each of these points individually as a way for us to understand what it is that we can (and

1
John 11:14

2
John 11:21, 32

3
Why Is My Boy Wandering Tonight?, N. Eldon Tanner, CR Oct 1974

4
2 Ne. 33:3

5
Rev. 8:4 (3-4)

6
Mosiah 27:14

7
Richard C. Edgley When the Lord wants to bless someones life or help someone in need, He often sends a
neighbor, friend, or family member. This is one way He brings support and salvation to others. By doing so, He
helps us understand the great commandment, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself (Matthew 22:39). This
Is Our Religion, to Save Souls, Erich W. Kopischke, Ensign Sept. 2009; A Disciple, a Friend, Richard C. Edgley , CR
April 1998

8
Faithful Parents and Wayward Children: Sustaining Hope While Overcoming Misunderstanding, David A.
Bednar, Ensign March 2014

3

cannot) do in order to aid the Lazarus of our own acquaintance
9
; therefore I have titled my talk today,
Lazarus, Come Forth! I invite the Holy Ghost to be with us as we discuss these important principles.
In April 1993 Elder J. Richard Clarke taught, The Prophet Joseph Smith shared a profound
insight which Ill rephrase in the form of a question: Is it any more incredible that one could be raised
from the dead than to be spiritually reborn?
10

The late film producer Cecil B. DeMille is quoted as saying: One day as I was lying in a canoe, a
big black beetle climbed up to the canoe. I watched it idly for some time.
Under the heat of the sun, the beetle proceeded to die. Then a strange thing happened. His
glistening black shell cracked all the way down the back. Out of it came a shapeless mass, quickly
transformed into beautifully, brilliantly-colored life. There gradually unfolded iridescent wings from
which the sunlight flashed a thousand colors. The blue-green body took shape.
Before my eyes had occurred a metamorphosisthe transformation of a hideous beetle into a
gorgeous dragonfly. I had witnessed a miracle. Out of the mud had come a beautiful new life. And
the thought came to me that if the Creator works such wonders with the lowliest of creatures, what may
not be in store for the human spirit!
11

Too often, it seems, we mortals tend to look on the outward countenance, *while+ the Lord
looketh on the heart.
12
There are those who sin because they have been taught false traditions, and,
therefore, do not know (or understand) the will of God concerning them the Lamanites
13
; there are
those who believe that they are doing the right thing, but are incorrect in their traditions and ideas and,
because of this, they do sin- the Sauls
14
; and there are those who are hardened to the Spirit (spiritually
dead
15
) to the point that they commit grievous sins and go on in their rebellion the Almas
16
; all of

9
While all things are dependent upon the mind and will of the Lord (Mosiah 2:21, 4:19, for example), and upon the
agency of man (2 Ne. 2:27), we are still, even so, required to do all that we can to aid one another on our path back
into the kingdom of God hence missionary work, service, sustaining one another, temple work, etc.

10
The Lord of Life, J. Richard Clarke, CR April 1993

11
Quoted in The Lord of Life, J. Richard Clarke, CR April 1993

12
1 Sam. 16:7

13
Mosiah 10:11-17; Cf. D+C 123:12

14
Acts 22:3-4 (1-21)

15
But there is another type of separation known in scripture as spiritual death. (See 2 Ne. 9:12; Alma 12:16; Alma
42:9; Hel. 14:16, 18.) It is defined as a state of spiritual alienation from God. (Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of
Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 195456, 2:217.) Thus, one can be very
much alive physically but dead spiritually. Spiritual death is more likely when goals are unbalanced toward things
physical. Paul explained this concept to the Romans: If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the
Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. (Rom. 8:13.) If physical death should strike before moral
wrongs have been made right, opportunity for repentance will have been forfeited. Thus, the *real+ sting of death
is sin. (1 Cor. 15:56.) Even the Savior cannot save us in our sins. He will redeem us from our sins, but only upon
4

whom can, like the beetle ugly and dying, crack open and reveal a beautiful dragonfly of the soul, if we
will but have some patience and a whole lot of love.
17



Take Ye Away The Stone
18
Sanctification Through Personal
Repentance:
19


My dear brothers and sisters, there are many people in this world who are as Lazarus, needing
only the impediments removed from their path their stones of doubt, anger, discouragement,
confusion, fear, etc. so that they may hear the voice of the Lord calling to each of them, individually.
Now, while there are many issues which we cannot resolve and many questions which we cannot
answer (at least not sufficiently), there are many things which we can do. For example, we do not often
consider the effects of our actions on the testimony and conversion process of others for our actions
can do much to aid others (or to hinder them) in their returning to Christ.
20

In some cases the uppermost impediment for those spiritual Lazarus is that of the Saints
themselves; said President David O. McKay: The Church is little, if at all, injured by persecution and
calumnies from ignorant, misinformed, or malicious enemies. A greater hindrance to its progress comes
from faultfinders, shirkers, commandment-breakers, and apostate cliques within its own ecclesiastical
and quorum groups
21

Thus, each of us, in order to follow Christs injunction to remove the stone, must first remove
the stone of sin from our own lives. For some of us, we need to drop the load we bear, and cease to

condition of our repentance. We are responsible for our own spiritual survival or death. (See Rom. 8:1314; Hel.
14:18; D&C 29:4145.), - Doors of Death, Russell M. Nelson, CR April 1992

16
Mosiah 27:8-16 (1-37); Said James, the mortal brother of Jesus Christ, *He+ who knoweth to do good, and doeth
it not, to him it is sin (James 4:17)

17
To the Rescue, Thomas S. Monson, CR April 2001; Cf. D+C 123:11-15; Alma 6:6 3 Ne. 18:22-25 4 Ne. 1:3-4

18
John 11:39

19
Sanctify Yourselves, Jeffery R. Holland, CR Oct 2000; Cf. Three Important Questions, ElRay L. Christiansen, CR
April 1974; How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life, Richard G. Scott, CR April 2012

20
Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, Lesson 8: Living What You Teach; Loose
Him, and Let Him Go, Eric B. Shumway, BYU Speeches March 26 2002; Cf. If Ye Love Me, Keep My
Commandments, Robert D. Hales, CR April 2014

21
David O. McKay in CR, Oct. 1967, p. 9; quoted in The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles: Chap. 53: For
There Are Certain Men Crept in Unawares

5

pick it up. In short, we must confess
22
and forsake.
23
For those who are relatively good at not committing
sin, but who tend to omit the weightier matters
24
, it is not so much a matter of forsaking, but of
taking of taking *His+ yoke
25
and His name upon us.
26
As my mother found out when she was
praying for my safe return to the fold: we cannot expect others to give up their entire life while we
remain comfortably the same.
Where do we begin? President Harold B. Lee had this to say, The most important of all the
commandments of God is the one that youre having the most difficulty keeping today. *+ Today is the
day for you to work *+ until youve been able to conquer that weakness. Then you start on the next one
thats the most difficult for you to keep.
27

Hand in hand with this is the understanding that, while we need to help, love, encourage, and
bless others, we are not to aid or condone them in their sins.
28
The Christ, while always forgiving of
those who sought forgiveness, never condoned sin, not even once.
29
Thus, even if we are not acting in
anyway unbecoming of a Saint, if we applaud, encourage, enable, or provide access to another, we may
cause another to falter or fall.
30
Said the Lord: Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people,
and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor. Therefore, they are left
without excuse, and their sins are upon their own heads.
31
Otherwise, as Jacob taught us, the sins are
turned upon our own heads; and we dont want that.
32


22
D+C 58:43 (42-43) ; Cf. Why and What Do I Need to Confess to My Bishop? , C. Scott Grow, Ensign Oct 2013

23
We see so much unnecessary suffering, so many who cripple themselves spiritually carrying burdens which
could be put down. Many suffer from real misfortune and injustice. Sadly, some only imagine that they do. In
either case, self-inflicted penalties soon become cruel and unusual punishment. If the burden is guilt, then
repentance is the Balm of Gilead. Balm of Gilead, Boyd K. Packer, CR Oct 1987

24
Matt 23:23

25
Matt 11:29-30

26
Mosiah 18:10; 3 Ne. 27:5; Moroni 4:3 (D+C 20:37)

27
Harold B. Lee, Californians Hear President Lee, Church News, 5 May 1973, pg. 3; quoted in Repentance:
Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood Part A, chap. 28, pg. 213

28
To Help a Loved One in Need, Richard G. Scott, CR April 1988

29
The Costand Blessingsof Discipleship, Jeffery R. Holland, CR April 2014

30
1 Cor. 8:9-12 (7-13); Cf. 1 Tim 4:12; Why Do We Continue to Tolerate Sin? Spencer W. Kimball, CR April 1975

31
D+C 88:81-82
32
Jacob 1:19; Cf. John Taylor, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor, pg. 164; Cf. 2 Ne. 4:6; Jacob
2:2, 3:10 (7-10) If you do not magnify your callings, God will hold you responsible for those whom you might
have saved had you done your duty.

6

Yes, as the German playwright, poet, and statesman Goethe once said, If I accept you as you
are, I will make you worse; however if I treat you as though you are what you are capable of becoming, I
help you become that
33

Having said that, might I speak a little more consolingly? We do not have to be perfect in order
to receive the Holy Ghost.
34
The Lord understands that we are mortal and, as mortals, we are fallen,
imperfect and fallible beings
35
that is why He sent His Only Begotten Son
36
to weave the Crimson
Thread of the Atonement throughout our lives and throughout all eternity!
37
Let us recall the words in
the Sacrament prayer that we witness unto [God the Eternal Father] that [we] are willing to take upon
[us] the name of [His] Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath
given [us], that [we] may always have his Spirit to be with [us].
38
We see that it indicates a willingness;
not an absolute. So I ask, Are we doing our very best?
39

And, to those of you who may feel shy or under-equipped to speak and to teach the gospel of
the kingdom, remember these words of Sister Eliza R. Snow, If you are endowed with the Spirit of God,
no matter how simple your thoughts may be, they will be edifying to those who hear you.
40


33
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, http://thinkexist.com, Access date: 05/15/14

34
Chapter 6: Becoming Perfect before the Lord: A Little Better Day by Day, Lorenzo Snow, Teachings of the
Presidents of the Church

35
While we are dependent upon the grace of God for salvation for it is not of works lest any many should boast
(Eph. 2:9), the scriptures are still very clear on the matter of our working out our salvation in fear and trembling
(Philip. 2:12). Additionally, while we are, indeed, saved by grace (Eph. 2:8; Cf. Acts 5:11) it is, even still, after all that
we can do (2 Nephi 25:23) for faith without works is dead (James 2:26 (14-26). Nevertheless, said a close
personal friend, Boyd Curtis No matter how obedient we are the commandments, we cannot save ourselves.
Only Christ can save us through His grace and the Atonement. In the end, it is simply His gift to us. No amount of
seminars or personal effort can do what His Atonement does for each one of us.

36
John 3:16-17; 3 Ne. 27:14

37
Wilford Woodruff You have never seen a day; you never will see a day, in time or in eternity, when you can
get beyond the need of the protection and care of God. Quoted in Teachings of the Presidents of the Church:
Wilford Woodruff, Chapter 10: Humble Reliance on God

38
Moroni 4:3; 5:2; D+C 20:77, 79 (75-79); Cf. D+C 20:75-84; 1 Cor. 11:27-34 (16-34); 3 Ne. 18:28-33 (1-39)

39
Find the Lambs, Feed the Sheep, Gordon B. Hinckley, CR April 1999; Cf. 2 Ne. 25:23

40
Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society, Chapter 4: A Wide and Extensive Sphere of
Action, Eliza R. Snow; Cf. Daughters in My Kingdom, Spencer W. Kimball I stress the deep need each
woman has to study the scriptures. We want our homes to be blessed with sister scriptorianswhether you are
single or married, young or old, widowed or living in a family. Regardless of your particular circumstances, as you
become more and more familiar with the truths of the scriptures, you will be more and more effective in keeping
the second great commandment, to love your neighbor as yourself. Become scholars of the scripturesnot to put
others down, but to lift them up! After all, who has any greater need to treasure up the truths of the gospel (on
7


Comfort Them Concerning Their Brother
41
Sustaining and
Supporting:

Sometimes, in our quest to approach those we perceive as spiritual lepers we get confused or
scared, for it seems, to our minds, when we see them, that they are silently crying, Unclean!
Unclean!
42
Might I suggest that we put ourselves into their shoes, remembering that we are all in this
together, and we are all falling to heaven.
43
Therefore, we might ask of ourselves: How are we as
they who are addicted to drugs or alcohol or over-eating or pornography (to name a few common
addictions)? Said Paul, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by
his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."
44

Brother Larry Barkdull shared this insight: When Jesus first announced his mission to the
Nephites, he declared that he had drunk out of the bitter cup, which the Father hath given me. But
whose bitter cup was it? We often say that it was Jesus cup, since he was the one who drank from it.
But according to Isaiah, that is not true. Thus saith thy Lord, the Lord and thy God that pleadeth the
cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, even the dregs of the
cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again. The bitter cup was our cup, and Jesus drank it so we
would not have to. In the place of the bitter cup or the cup of trembling, he gave us another cup to
drink: the sacramental cup. If we return and come to him, if we offer up our sacraments on his holy day,
if we sacrifice our sins and our hearts are broken and contrite, we will never taste the bitter cup, only
the sweet Living Water in the sacramental cup.
45

One great lesson, which I learned while in rehab, is that of unity in sobriety. Why do so many
people crash (or collapse) after leaving rehab? Is it not one of two things? Either they are unwilling to
leave their old friends behind and, so, return to their old lifestyle; or they do not go to 90 meetings in

which they may call in their moments of need) than do women and mothers who do so much nurturing and
teaching?
41
John 11:19

42
Washed Clean, Boyd K. Packer, CR April 1997

43
Falling to Heaven: The Surprising Path to Happiness, James L. Ferrell (Desert Book: 2012)
44
Romans 3:23-24; Cf. Isa 51:21-22 (21-23)

45
See Taking Another Look at the Sacrament, Larry Barkdull, Meridian Magazine, May 14 2014, access date:
05/15/14 http://ldsmag.com/article/1/14339
8

90 days.
46
In other words, they do not have a support system. How many of us are like that? How many
of us wrestle with the natural man on a daily basis; and, just when we think we got him licked, he stands
back up for another round? Thus, from those who maintain their sobriety, we can learn many lessons.
Two primary lessons are: 1) they not only avoid those places, people, and things which lead them into
temptation, but they also seek to improve their lives by developing healthier relationships, hobbies, and
talents, among other things. By attending their meetings they are able to be with like-minded people,
who are seeking, as they are, for continued sobriety one day at a time. But this is not all 2) they
sponsor and they are sponsored. In other words, they support and sustain one another; they rally
around one another and provide a place where those who are new, struggling, or confused can go to
learn the points of continued recovery. There are few places in the world where you'll find more
honesty, courage, and support than in a 12 step meeting.
47

Which brings us to the second point: sustaining our priesthood leaders by accepting and
magnifying our callings, and assisting them in their own as we are invited to serve.
48
This, to me, is
striking as an evidence of the importance of sustaining our priesthood leaders and other authorized
servants of the Lord
49
, for now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath
pleased him.
50
If we want the Lord to hearken to our prayers to bring our loved one back into the
gospel fold, we, of necessity, will learn that we are asking the Lord to bring others into their lives who
will support and sustain, particularly as they begin to make the motions of returning.
51

Do we not, then, see the impact, not only upon ourselves, but upon all others when we are lax
in our callings; or shuffle with our heads down when asked to serve? Or, contrariwise, do we see the
power of a united effort the sum being greater than the parts?
52
My dear brothers and sisters, we are

46
28 Days, Betty Thomas, 2000

47
http://www.addictionsandrecovery.org/12-step-groups.htm, access date: 05/27/14; Cf. Alma 6:6

48
For a Bishop Must Be Blameless, L. Tom Perry, CR Oct. 1982 extant

49
Alma 10:7, 10-11; D+C 43:12-13 (1-14). Cf. Miracles, Matthew CowleySpeaks, Matthew Cowley, pg. 237-
249

50
1 Cor. 12:18 (12-27); Cf. Lorenzo Snow, JD 5:312-317 And some men will at once fall into the channel of
obedience, while it takes other men quite a length of time to learn that principle and carry it out. While a man is
full of the Spirit and power of the Almighty, he perceives the line of duty in a moment. There are men who will
follow the counsel of President [Monson] in every particular; but set such a man to preside over men who have not
that fullness of light that he has, and he will find difficulty in governing those men: they have to think about it and
study about it. It requires more energy and more strength of purpose in a man to follow out the counsel of one
who is just above him than it is to follow a man that is a long way ahead of him.

51
Mosiah 27:22; Cf. D+C 38:27; Chapter 6: Sustaining Those Whom the Lord Sustains, George Albert Smith,
Teaching of the Presidents of the Church: George Albert Smith; His Arm Is Sufficient, Barbara Thompson, CR
April 2009

52
Aristotle, https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/20103-the-whole-is-greater-than-the-sum-of-its-parts, access
date: 05/29/14; Cf. Be Anxiously Engaged, M. Russell Ballard, CR Oct 2012
9

all in this together we are here to support and to aid one another as we each, individually, work the
12 Steps of Repentance.

If Thou Wouldest Believe:
53


Over the course of this past year in particular I have been deeply interested in these things,
being led to the scriptures many times in the spirit of fasting and prayer. I have asked, repeatedly, How
do I gain such power? How do I obtain such faith? Do you want to know what the Lord taught me?
Obtain the constant guiding influence of the Holy Ghost and you will have all the understanding
which you need in order to do what I would have you to do.
54
Stick with the basic, primary answers, and
be content therewith.
55
Study the scriptures consistently
56
, pray with a sincere heart and real intent
57
,
serve others
58
and magnify your callings
59
, love others including those who ridicule and belittle you
60
,
attend church meetings
61
, sustain your leaders as they speak under the influence of my Spirit.
62
Do not


53
John 11:40

54
2 Ne. 32:5

55
Brigham Young, Now, brethren, preach the things that we verily believe, and when we come to points of
doctrine that we do not know, even if we have good reason to believe them, if our philosophy teaches us they are
true, pass them by and teach only to the people that which we do know. Brigham Young, JD 13:265, quoted
Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. John A. Widtsoe. Cf. The Lords Way, Stanley G. Ellis, CR April 2013

56
Alma 17:2; Cf. Diligent scriptures study familiarizes us with the Lords voice. Comment made by Nate
Ferguson in an Elders quorum meeting May 18, 2014

57
Moroni 10:4

58
Alma 34:28

59
Magnify Your Calling, Gordon B. Hinckley, CR April 1989

60
Matt 5:44

61
The Latter-day Saint Woman: Basic Manual for Women, Part A, Lesson 17: Church Meetings

62
Henry D. Moyle, Revelation: Yesterday and Today, Improvement Era June 1962 We can tell when the
speakers are moved by the Holy Ghost only when we ourselves are moved upon by the Holy Ghost. Therefore, it is
essential that the membership of the Church be just as diligent in their faith as their leaders. Quoted, Duties and
Blessings of the Priesthood: Part A, Lesson 30, pg. 228

10

go ahead of them, but be submissive and humble, taking counsel and direction from them
63
and if you
will hearken to me, you will recognize my voice when they speak for me.
64

What was my response to the Lord when He revealed this to me? I continued to fast and to pray
for understanding. That is too simple. To my mind it should be much harder I was looking beyond the
mark.
65

One day, many weeks after the Lord first spoke to me concerning the above, I received this
personal revelation; the revelation which is the basis for this talk: Chris, what is a greater miracle: the
raising of the dead to life a length of not many years or the saving of a soul from hell?
66
A sufficient
rebuke when the Lord gave it let me assure you! Therefore, how do I obtain the faith sufficient to raise
the physically dead?
67
The same way that I obtain the faith sufficient to go to the temple, to pay my
tithing, to do the basic, primary answers
68
I go and I do
69
; for is not a testimony often found in the
bearing of it
70
and powerful faith found in the grain of a mustard seed?
71
Therefore, oftentimes, it takes
greater faith to be obedient in the small things, in the simple things, than in the grandiose
72
; to illustrate,
I would like to tell you about an experience I had as I was walking onto Temple Square:

63
Wilford Woodruff, the very moment that men in this kingdom attempt to run ahead or cross the path of their
leaders, *+ they are in danger of being injured by the wolves. [] I have never in my life known it to fail. JD
5:83; quoted Behold the Enemy is Combined (D+C 38:12), Neal A. Maxwell, CR April 1993

64
John 10:2-4, 26-27

65
Jacob 4:14

66
Consecrate Thy Performance, Neal A. Maxwell, CR April 2002

67
We would do well to remember that all things which are given of God are for the glory of God (John 11:4) and
for the exaltation of individuals (Mormon 7:9); not the aggrandizement of the self and this goes for the holy
Priesthood of God, as well as the ordinances, blessings, and performances thereof.(D+C 121:37).

68
I like the term primary over Sunday School because these things should be the primary, or first, things that
we do in our lives, rain and shine. Cf. The Basics Have Not Changed, David B. Haight, CR April 1997

69
1 Ne 3:7

70
The Candle of the Lord, Boyd K. Packer, Ensign Jan 1983

71
Matt. 17:20

72
For an example, we need only look at Nephi and his brothers by comparing the quest to obtain the plate of brass
(1 Ne. 3-4) vs. the gathering of Ishmael and his family (1 Ne. 7): the plates not only had little or no value for Laman
and Lemuel, but the evidence that they were going to be able to obtain them from such a wicked and powerful
man was negligible at best; but, with Ishmaels family, women are a big motivator for men the immediate reward
was self-evident, thus requiring far less faith (and narrative!) than being led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand
the things which *we+ should do (1 Ne. 4:6). Cf. Wilford Woodruff, Teachings of the Presidents of the Church:
Wilford Woodruff, Chapter 15: Living by Faith.
11

One day, freshly into my conversion, I was thinking/praying that I would love to be a martyr; so
exuberant was I that I was willing to die for Christ! As I walked onto the Square, I looked at the
magnificent temple and the thought came into my mind:
If I told you to tear down this temple and rebuild it with your bare hands, would you do it?
Of course I would you told Nephi, Noah, and the Brother of Jared how to build a ship, so you
could tell me how to do that.
If I asked you to die for me, would you?
Of course I would. You know that!
Good. Will you live for me?
Huh?
Will you be obedient in the small and simple things? That is what I am asking of you. It is an
easy thing to die, but it is a harder thing to live. Will you live for me? Will you be a witness of my name
wherever I send you?
Lord Ill get back to you on that

How simple is it to have the faith to raise the dead? It is as simple as the children of Israel
looking to Moses when he raised his staff with the brazen serpent
73
; as simple as sustaining our brethren
and sisters in their callings that they, too, might be able to lift where they stand.
74
We each must look

Lorenzo Snow, JD 5:312-317 The Lord has established certain constitutional desires and feelings in our
bosoms; and it is so with all mankindwith the whole human family. There are implanted and interwoven in their
constitutions certain desires and capacities for enjoymentdesires for certain things that are in their nature
calculated to promote our peace and well-being, that answer their feeling and promote their happiness. But how
to obtain the gratification of those capacities and desires, the world do not know nor understand. But the Lord has
seen fit to put us in the channel and in the way of understanding those things by being faithful and walking in the
light of the Holy Spirit, and receiving truth, and eventually coming in possession of everything that our hearts
desire in righteousness, to promote our peace and happiness and the highest things that pertain to glory and
exaltation in the eternal worlds.

73
Num. 21:9 (6-9); Helaman 8:14-15. Cf. Alma 37:38-47 concerning the Liahona; 1 Ne 16:23-24 (18-29) this
example is of interest in that, while Lehi had complained according to our record, while Nephi had not, Nephi still
went to his priesthood authority and sustained him. As a result, Lehi was chastened and gained understanding,
was sustained and supported in his call, and Nephi was able to gain support from they who followed him into the
wilderness later in the account of his traveling. Lesson: we cannot expect others to follow us if we are unwilling to
follow others He who cannot be a good follower cannot be a good leader. Aristotle.

74
Lift Where You Stand, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, CR Oct 2008

12

to God and live and, then, we must encourage (and help) others to do the same.
75
My friends, as we do
these things as we live for Him- we have the Lords promise that we will have His Spirit to be with us
76
,
to guide us in the more fertile parts of *our+ wilderness.
77



Parenthetically, brothers and sisters, as I have studied the scriptures searching for information
and revelation on this matter, I have come across this interesting bit of information regarding those
who have had their dead returned to them: While these occurrences were literal and physical (and
required the ministration of a priesthood bearer
78
), there is an underlying point of interest here: In each
scenario they had sustained, literally in many cases, the priesthood authority who performed the
miracle.
79



Blessed art thou: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto
thee, but my Father which is in heaven:
80


Thus the next thing we have to ensure in our removing the stone from the spiritual tombs of
our loved ones, after qualifying for the companionship of the Holy Ghost (for, without the Holy Ghost,
we cannot truly teach),is to allow for the agency of the loved one.

75
Alma 37:47

76
See, for instance: And upon the Handmaids in Those Days Will I Pour Out My Spirit, Julie B. Beck, CR April 2010

77
1 Ne. 16:14

78
Miracles, Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign June 2001 Miracles worked by the power of the priesthood are always
present in the true Church of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon teaches that God has provided a means that man,
through faith, might work mighty miracles (Mosiah 8:18). The means provided is priesthood power (see James
5:1415; D&C 42:4348), and that power works miracles through faith (see Ether 12:12; Moro. 7:37). The
scriptures contain many accounts of such miracles. Elijahs raising the widows son and Peters healing of the lame
man are two familiar examples from the Bible (see 1 Kgs. 17:824; Acts 3), and there are many others.

79
1 Kgs. 17:8-24; 2 Kgs. 4:8-37; Acts 9:36 (36-42). Lastly Luke 10:38-42 and John 12:1-3 calumniating in John 11
extant. In point of fact, the sustaining of Priesthood leaders by the sisters, particularly their wives, is so important
that a mans wife is looked at before he is even considered to for the bishopric (see For a Bishop Must Be
Blameless, L. Tom Perry, CR Oct. 1982). Now, while it may be that it requires the Priesthood authority to call the
dead back to life, even still, there is much merit in the understanding that in holy writ, it is quite often the women
who have the faith requisite to ask for, and obtain, such a powerful miracle.

80
Matt. 16:17; Cf. John 11:27

13

For, while the Holy Ghost carries the truth down to the heart of the student, it is the student
that must be willing to let the Spirit enter
81
hence why the Lord stands at the door and knocks
82
He
will never, never, never force, coerce, or interfere in our lives.
83
Just as in each case of the literal raising
of the dead the person who was dead having their agency to return to their mortal body, or to remain
in the Spirit World
84
, so, too, do we each have our agency which the Lord will not impugn, but honor.
85

Each of us has the agency given of God to decide if we will follow after the invitation to come
forth or not.
86
Therefore, in our reaching out to the souls of others, we must be wary that we do not
force them to anything; as Alma cautioned his son Shiblon: Use boldness, but not overbearance.
87

Thus, while we are required to bring up *our] children in light and truth
88
, the Lord wants conversion
without intimidation
89
which requires patience balanced *by our+ reproving betimes with sharpness,
when moved upon by the Holy Ghost
90
sharpness meaning clarity, not ferocity.
91

Even so, past experience teaches us that, as we begin to reach out, we likely will find, many
who, at first, will be hardened and recalcitrant to our out-stretched hand, even snapping at it in
suspicion; nevertheless, sometimes reaching out is like trying to pat a porcupine, said Elder Neal A.
Maxwell. And we can be consoled in the knowledge that, as we continue to extend ourselves, in

81
D+C 50:17-24; Cf. Seek Learning By Faith, David A. Bednar, Address to CES Educators, Feb 3 2006, Jordan
Institute of Religion; 2 Ne. 33:1-2

82
Rev. 3:20

83
Alma 12:9-11; 3 Ne 26:9-10; Ether 4:8; D+C 60:2-4, 93:39; Matt 25:29-30

84
Loose Him, And Let Him Go, Eric B. Shumway, BYU Speeches, March 26 2002

85
The War in Heaven being largely over the use of agency Moses 1:1-4; Cf. The War We Are Winning, Gordon
B. Hinckley, CR Oct 1986

86
2 Ne 2:27 (4-29)

87
Alma 38:12

88
D+C 93:40

89
Content with the Things Allotted Unto Us, Neal A. Maxwell, CR April 2000. Can you imagine, for instance, the
sorrow Father Lehi must have felt when his two eldest sons refused to partake of the fruit of the tree (1 Ne. 8:17-
18)? Or when he mentions Nephis need to rebuke them time and again (2 Ne. 1:26)?

90
Behold, the Enemy Is Combined (D&C 38:12), Neal A. Maxwell, CR April 1993

91
Sharpness meaning with clarity or specificity see As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten, D. Todd
Christofferson, CR April 2011 Parents can and must correct, even chasten, if their children are not to be cast
adrift at the mercy of a merciless adversary and his supporters. President Boyd K. Packer has observed that when a
person in a position to correct another fails to do so, he is thinking of himself. Remember that reproof should be
timely, with sharpness or clarity, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an
increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy

14

patience and genuine love, desiring to improve our human relationships *+ The accumulated quill
marks are evidence that our hands of fellowship *like Christs own+ have been stretched out, too!
92

Shall we not, then, prayerfully ponder and search out the best way to help those we love? Being
patient, not only with them, but with ourselves and others
93
as we learn and grow; line upon line and
precept upon precept?
94
I testify that, as we do these things seeking the Spirit of God to guide and
direct our steps
95
we will know the best things to do; and we will be led into joy.
My dear friends, discipleship, like missionary work, is work; it is not for the half-committed, nor
the faint of heart; but if we will labor all [our] days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring,
save it be one soul unto [the Lord], how great shall be [our] joy with him in the kingdom of [our]
Father!
96
And if we desire
97
the joy of Ammon to the exhausting of *our+ strength
98
it will likely
come because, as Lehi testified so clearly, we suffered as greatly beforehand.
99


92
According to the Desire of *Our+ Hearts, Neal A. Maxwell, CR Oct 1996; Behold, the Enemy Is Combined (D&C
38:12), Neal A. Maxwell, CR April 1993; Cf. Consecrate Thy Performance, Neal A. Maxwell, CR April 2002 In a
way, discipleship is a contact sport, as the Prophet Joseph testified: I am like a huge, rough stone and the only
polishing I get is when some corner gets rubbed off by coming in contact with something else, striking with
accelerated force. Thus I will become a smooth and polished shaft in the quiver of the Almighty (Teachings of
the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith *1976+, 304).

93
Lorenzo Snow, JD 5:312-317 You all perceive more imperfections in those around you than you do in
yourselves.

94
Isa. 28:10; Cf. 2 Ne. 28:30

95
Ezra Taft Benson The Holy Ghost causes our feelings to be more tender. We feel more charitable and
compassionate with each other. We are more calm in our relationships. We have a greater capacity to love each
other. People want to be around us because our very countenances radiate the influence of the Spirit. We are
more godly in our character. As a result, we become increasingly more sensitive to the promptings of the Holy
Ghost and thus able to comprehend spiritual things more clearly; Seek the Spirit of the Lord, Ezra Taft Benson,
Ensign, Apr. 1988; quoted Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, Lesson 5: Seeking
the Spirit

96
D+C 18:15

97
According to the Desire of *Our+ Hearts, Neal A. Maxwell, CR Oct 1996

98
Alma 27:17

99
2 Ne. 2:11-13, 23 (4-29); Brigham Young said, God never bestows upon his people, or upon an individual,
superior blessings without a severe trial to prove them, to prove that individual, or that people, to see whether
they will keep their covenants with him, and keep in remembrance what he has shown them. Then the greater the
vision, the greater the display of the power of the enemy. (Moses 1:10-16) Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed.
John A. Widtsoe; Cf Alma 17:4-5, 11; 36:21; But For A Small Moment, Neal A. Maxwell, BYU Speeches, Sep 1 1974
If it is also true (in some way we don't understand) that the cavity which suffering carves into our souls will one
day also be the receptacle of joy, how infinitely greater Jesus' capacity for joy, when he said, after his resurrection,
Behold, my joy is full. How very, very full, indeed, his joy must have been!

15

Additionally, we will oftentimes find that it is what we do, even more than our words, which will
have the impact. For example, in the epic classic, Les Miserables, the criminal Jean Valjean, steals the
silverware from the Bishops home and is subsequently apprehended, being brought back to be accused
as a process of justice. After telling the gendarmes that he had given Valjean the silver
100
, the Bishop of
Digne (din-yay) then bestowing the candlesticks upon him as well, speaks with simple, forgiving, yet
earth-shattering, words: Dont forget, dont ever forget that you promised me to use this silver to
make an honest man of yourself. Jean Valjean, who had no memory of ever having promised a thing,
remained stunned. *+ Jean Valjean, my brother, you belong no longer to evil but to good. It is your soul
that I am buying for you; I am taking it away from black thoughts and from the spirit of perdition, and I
am giving it to God.
101

Later we discover the man that Valjean becomes when, after waging a war within himself, we
are told: Was there a voice that whispered in his ear that he had just passed the most solemn moment
of his destiny, that there no longer remained a middle course for him; that from now on, he would
either be the best of men or he would be the worst of men; that he now had to rise higher, so to speak,
than the bishop or fall even lower than the galley slave; that if he wanted to be good, he had to be an
angel; that if he wanted to stay bad, he had to be a monster from hell? *+ One thing was certain, and
he himself did not doubt it: that he was no longer the same man, that already everything about him had
changed, and it was no longer in his power to act as though the Bishop had not spoken to him, had not
touched him to the quick.
102

How powerful is the influence of a righteous man or womans example? When I first spoke to
the missionaries, I told them, There are only two true Christians on this planet my mom and my little
sister. And I meant it! Did I act like I cared? No; but I was watching, learning, and admiring; even if it
was from a far off.
103
Brothers and sisters, a righteous example and a heart full of love are paramount to
the softening of a sin-hardened heart!

100
Joseph Smith said, I charged the Saints not to follow the example of the adversary in accusing the brethren,
and said, If you do not accuse each other, God will not accuse you. If you have no accuser you will enter heaven,
and if you will follow the revelations and instructions which God gives you through me, I will take you into heaven
as my back load. If you will not accuse me, I will not accuse you. If you will throw a cloak of charity over my sins, I
will over yoursfor charity covereth a multitude of sins. Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, 7 vols., 4:445

101
Les Miserables, Victor Hugo, pg. 90 (Modern Library Edition, trans. Julie Rose (2008)

102
Les Miserables, Victor Hugo, pg. 95

103
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor, John Taylor, Chapter 17: Revelation through the Holy
Ghost In regard to the operation of the Spirit upon man, let me draw your attention to a fact that is generally
understood by all reflecting men, and that is, no matter how wicked a man may be, how far he may have departed
from the right, such a man will generally admire and respect a good man, an honorable man, and a virtuous man;
and such a man will frequently say; I wish I could do as that man does, but I cannot: I wish I could pursue a correct
course, but I am overcome of evil. They cannot help respecting the good and the honorable, although they may
not be governed by principles of honor and virtue themselves.

16

This humble Bishop (Monseigneur Bienvenue) never learns the full extent of his forgiveness and
charity, for it is not the result that motivates him, but the love held in his heart. Yes, while we can never
fully know how far our influence, whether spoken or shown, can extend, nor how many lives we can
touch, we can still extend ourselves like Abinadi, even laying down our lives if necessary
104
; for a mans
life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
105
For it is not the amount of
souls we save, but it is the effect which it has upon our souls that is the important thing.
106


Lazarus, Come Forth!:
107


My brothers and my sisters, how important it is for us to have the Spirit of God in our lives to
have the Spirit of discernment to know whether the Lazarus before us needs the silver candlesticks
of forgiveness and mercy; to hit rock bottom
108
; or the continually extended hand of fellowship,
accumulated quill marks and all.
109

Said Brother Hugh Nibley, The gospel of repentance is a constant reminder that the most
wicked are not yet beyond redemption and may still be saved. And that is what God wants: Have I any
pleasure at all that the wicked should die? (Ezekiel 18:23). There are poles for all to see, but in this life
no one has reached and few have ever approached either pole and no one has any idea at what point
between his neighbor stands. Only God knows that.
110

Therefore, as with Valjean s convicted saintliness, so too, said Brother Ted L. Gibbons speaking
of Paul, at the time of his conversion, such power and potential were not apparent. When the Lord

104
Mosiah 11:20-17:20

105
Luke 12:15

106
For example: Your Mission Will Change Everything, David F. Evans, CR April 2006

107
John 11:43

108
Neal A. Maxwell In meeting these recited challenges, spiritual submissiveness is fortunately and helpfully
adroitsometimes helping us to let go of things, even mortal life [or a wayward child], other times to hold
fast, and still other times to use the next stepping-stone (see 1 Ne. 8:30). Consecrate Thy Performance, Neal A.
Maxwell, CR April 2002

109
For ours is not the prerogative whether we will or will not forgive that belongs to the Lord alone (D+C 64:9-
11); for not only did He suffer for the victim, but also the offender, but He also knows far more than we can ever
understand or comprehend in this life (Alma 7:13 (11-13); Cf. According to the Desires of *Our+ Hearts, Neal A.
Maxwell, CR Oct 1996).

110
Of All Things! Classic Quotations from Hugh Nibley, compiled and edited Gary P. Gillum, pg. 6, quoted Ted L.
Gibbons, Paul as a Witness of the Work of God, Go Ye Into All the World, pg. 30

17

called Ananias to heal Saul, Ananias debated the issue. *+ However, Ananias learned, as would so many
others, that Saul was a chosen vessel unto *the Lord+ (Acts 9:15) who would suffer great things for the
name of Christ (Acts 9:16). This reality was invisible to Ananias as it would have been to all of us. *+ God
knew Paul. He knew what Paul was and what he could become, and even though the potential hidden in
this tentmakers son was at first imperceptible to Ananias, it was nevertheless real. Paul knew that what
God found embodied in him might also be veiled in the hearts of others. Therefore, as Paul
demonstrated on the stairs of the Antonia Fortress, he was determined to deliver his witness to
everybody at all times.
111

Are there not, right here among us, even in our own families, those who would grow and
become more than we can imagine of them, if we would but roll back the stone and let the light of Life
and Love shine in? Yes, there are those among us who, more than we can now imagine, only appear to
be dead and we place them in the sepulcher, believing that they stink!
112
when they need only to
hear Christ call to them by the voice of His authorized servants Lazarus, come forth!
113
And that
requires, beyond our having the Holy Ghost as our companion, our ability to discern the angel beneath
the marble.
114
Often that requires the love, patience, and faith of a mother, and, perhaps, the example
of a loving little sister.
Beyond my mother (remember what we said about sustaining to be sustained?), the
missionaries also did not see the leather, tattoos, and haze of smoke perpetually around me; they did
not hear the swearing, the argument the debate they saw, beneath the exterior, what God saw: a
man dressed in white standing at the veil with tears in his eyes. They looked, not on the outward
countenance, but on the heart
115
; and they saw what, even I, could not see: a man of faith, a righteous
priesthood holder, and a worthy husband and father. They saw the true me, and they chipped at the
marble until they had set free the angel within. They saw me as I could become even as I really was,
veiled beneath my thorny exterior.
When I prayed and received my own, personal witness, in response to my confused question:
Why didnt you destroy me long ago? The Savior replied: Man looketh on the outward
countenance, but I look upon the heart. I do not see you as you are right now; not even as you see

111
Ted L. Gibbons, Paul as a Witness of the Work of God, Go Ye Into All the World, pg. 29-30

112
Alma 19:4-5 (1-11); John 11:39

113
John 11:43

114
Michelangelo,
http://thinkexist.com/quotation/i_saw_the_angel_in_the_marble_and_carved_until_i/153680.html, access date:
05/23/2014; Cf. See Others as They May Become, Thomas S. Monson, CR Oct 2012; Johann Wolfgang von
Goethe, http://thinkexist.com, Access date: 05/15/14 If you treat an individual as he is, he will remain how he
is. But if you treat him as if he were what he ought to be and could be he will become what he ought to be and
could be.

115
1 Sam. 16:7

18

yourself. I see you for who you are going to become for my name is Eternal. The future you is standing
before me dressed in white.
My dear brothers and sisters, faith and conversion do not come by signs and miracles, nor will it
come by coercion, Bible-bashing, philosophical debate
116
and sophisticated opinion
117
; no, the Holy
Ghost will not bear testimony to opinion, but to truth, to doctrine correctly understood (by the teacher),
and taught without embellishment.
118
Said St. Francis of Assisi, The preacher must first draw from
secret prayers what he will later pour out in holy sermons; he must first grow hot within before he
speaks words that are in themselves cold.
119

I, myself, received a sign, which I had demanded, and it did nothing to me. In fact, I was worse
off after the event than I had been previously. It was not until I exercised faith, even a particle no bigger
than a mustard seed, and prayed, that I gained the witness which has been burning in my soul ever
since, with a greater and greater brilliance as I have acted. And, just so, a testimony will not come but
by faith
120
, trust, obedience
121
, and the incremental use of stepping stones.
122

My dear friends, a testimony is but half of the conversion process; it is but one hand clapping, if
we do not act upon that which we have learned.
123
For it is in the action that our testimony becomes
solidified and leads to the life-long conversion we see in such individuals as Paul, the two Almas, the

116
The Mission and Ministry of Jesus Christ , Russell M. Nelson, Ensign April 2013; Andrew C. Skinner, The
Impact of the Doctrinal Restoration, Joseph Smith and the Doctrinal Restoration, pg. 17 Neither Joseph Smith
nor Paul attempted to engage their critics in debate over the philosophical possibility of resurrection or visions
involving divine beings. Rather, they both humbly offered the strongest evidence possible, evidence against which
there is no philosophical or logical counter: they saw the resurrected Lord for themselves! (italics in original)

117
Incidentally, the word Sophisticate has, as its root, Sophist; a word which means, A subtle, tricky,
superficially plausible, but generally fallacious method of reasoning. Subtle but unsound or fallacious reasoning.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sophistry, access date: 05/27/14

118
Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching, Lesson 7: Teaching with Testimony,
Lesson 11: Keeping the Doctrine Pure; Cf. Miracles, Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign June 2001 Before we are too
critical of such techniques, we should remember that we engage in similar deceptions whenever we exaggerate a
happening in order to dazzle an audience into thinking we have experienced a miracle or to enhance our stature in
other ways.

119
St. Francis of Assisi, http://thegospelcoalition.org/article/factchecker-misquoting-francis-of-assisi/, access date:
05/23/14
120
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

121
James 1:22

122
Consecrate Thy Performance, Neal A. Maxwell, CR April 2002

123
James 1:22
19

Anti-Nephi-Lehies, and others.
124
And, so, as with the Apostle James, I echo the words, Be ye doers of
the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
125


Loose Him, and Let Him Go:
126


Finally, while the women in my life have had the greater impact upon my coming forth than,
perhaps, the men; even so it was the priesthood authority to whom I sent, after my prayer
127
, to make
an accounting, and to receive instruction as to how I could best make restitution for my sins that they
church would know that I had been, not only forgiven, but made whole converted to the way of the
Lord.
128
It was confession to a priesthood authority which allowed for me to be loosed from my grave
clothes which loosing I could not do for myself
129
; and which loosing was delegated by the Savior to His
authorized servants.
130
And if the Lord and His church have forgiven, then it is not within the rights of
the church to recall to their minds, or to the minds of the offender, the past transgression.
131
And, even
if the offender has not yet completely begun to walk the path, let us follow the admonition of Christ to
the Nephites: Nevertheless, ye shall not cast him out from among you, but ye shall minister unto him
and shall pray for him unto the Father, in my name; and if it so be that he repenteth and is baptized in
my name, then shall ye receive him, and shall minister unto him of my flesh and blood.
132
My brothers


124
The Challenge to Become, Dallin H. Oaks, CR Oct 2000; Cf. Personal Strength through the
Atonement of Jesus Christ, Richard G. Scott, CR Oct 2013
125
James 1:22

126
John 11:44

127
Follow Through Is Important, "Peter Griffiths Columns" - http://www.lib.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=4c7739b4-
1752-4401-82ff-fecef385e1f0, access date: 05/30/14

128
Acts 9:26 (26-31); Mosiah 27:35

129
2 Ne. 2:8; Cf. Job 40:9,14 After asking Job a series of questions which Job could not answer, the Lord speaks
rhetorically to him, saying, Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him? *+ Then will I
also confess unto thee that thine own right hand can save thee.; Loose Him, and Let Him Go, Eric B. Shumway,
BYU Speeches March 26 2002 The acts of helping to remove someones graveclothes, as it were, are the
essence of a Latter-day Saints errand from the Lord. You may ask yourself, Am I an unbinder or am I a binder? Do
I help loose or remove the graveclothes of others, or do I wrap their graveclothes more tightly around them?

130
See, for example, Why and What Do I Need to Confess to My Bishop?, C. Scott Grow, Ensign Oct 2013

131
"Remember Lot's Wife", Jeffery R. Holland, BYU Speeches, Jan 13 2009

132
3 Ne 18:32
20

and my sisters, it is not our job, nor is it our prerogative, to judge others particularly based on our
limited understanding of things; that is the Lords choice
133
, and the office of a bishop or they who hold
the keys.
134

One last word about our friend Valjean: in a fictional letter to Madame de Boischevron the
Bishops sister writes: During the meal and throughout the evening, my brother did not once say
anything, apart from a few words about Jesus when he first arrived, that would remind the man who he
was or reveal to the man who my brother was. On the surface, it was a perfect occasion to get in a bit of
a sermon and for the bishop to lean on the galley slave in order to give him something to think about.
Anyone else, if he had had this poor unfortunate in his hands, might have seen it as an opportunity to
feed the mans soul at the same time as his body and to deliver a reprimand seasoned with morality and
advice, or else a touch of commiseration with the exhortation to behave himself better in the future. *+
Isnt there *+ something truly evangelical in the sort of delicacy that abstains from sermons, moral
lessons, allusions, and isnt it the highest form of pity, when a man has a sore spot, not to touch it at
all?
135

My dear brothers and sisters, shall we not feel the same towards they who are all around us?
C.S. Lewis, that indissoluble author, not of our faith, had this to say: It is a serious thing to live in a
society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest most uninteresting person you
talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship,
or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are,
in some degree helping each other to one or the other of these destinations. It is in the light of these
overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and the circumspection proper to them, that we should
conduct all of our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics. There are no
ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations - These are
mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals that we joke with, work with,
marry, snub, and exploit - immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.
136


Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd:



133
D+C 64:10

134
D+C 107:74 (68-76); Cf. Confession and Forsaking: Elements of Genuine Repentance, James A. Cullimore, CR
Oct 1971

135
Les Miserables, Victor Hugo, pg. 68-69

136
The Weight of Glory, Quotable Lewis, C.S. Lewis, pg. 246
21

Finally, what about those of us who are not so fortunate to see a child, or another loved one,
return to the fold as did the Prodigal who finally came to himself?
137
Remember, my dear brothers and
sisters, while these men and women, youthful and aged, may be our friends, our parents, our children,
our siblings, or even our enemies they are also our brothers and sisters, spiritually begotten by our
Heavenly Parents. Brothers and sisters, before these young children were ours to nurture and cherish,
they were Gods; and they are still under His loving watch-care. For, though we know not when, nor to
what degree they will turn, we do know that only those who become Perdition are lost.
138
And, while we
may not know the influence we will have over another; that is no reason to shirk our appointed duty, for
we do not know to whom the Lord will have us go and minister for all souls, not merely some souls,
are precious unto Him and He redeems all who will draw near to Him.
139
Remember; remember that
many times our influence may not bear fruit for many years even long after we have lost contact with
them.
140

To you parents who have a child lost and wandering in the wilderness of sin, might I quote Elder
Orson F. Whitney?
The Prophet Joseph Smith declaredand he never taught more comforting doctrinethat the eternal sealings of
faithful parents and the divine promises made to them for valiant service in the Cause of Truth, would save not
only themselves, but likewise their posterity. Though some of the sheep may wander, the eye of the Shepherd is
upon them, and sooner or later they will feel the tentacles of Divine Providence reaching out after them and
drawing them back to the fold. Either in this life or the life to come, they will return. They will have to pay their
debt to justice; they will suffer for their sins; and may tread a thorny path; but if it leads them at last, like the
penitent Prodigal, to a loving and forgiving fathers heart and home, the painful experience will not have been in
vain. Pray for your careless and disobedient children; hold on to them with your faith. Hope on, trust on, till you
see the salvation of God.
141


137
Luke 15:11-32; A Robe, A Ring, and A Fatted Calf, Jeffery R. Holland, BYU Speeches Jan 31 1984

138
John 17:12; Cf. D+C 76:44; Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, Brigham Young,
Chapter 40: Salvation through Jesus Christ How many shall be preserved? All who do not deny and defy the
power and character of the Son of Godall who do not sin against the Holy Ghost (DBY, 387). All nations are
going to share in these blessings; all are incorporated in the redemption of the Savior. He has tasted death for
every man; they are all in his power, and he saves them all, as he says, except the sons of perdition (DBY, 388).

139
Every Soul Is Precious, Joseph Fielding Smith, Ensign Oct 2001

140
For example, there was a young lady I went to High School with many years ago, Mary West by name. One day
she came up to me after French class and simply asked me, Are you happy? This question, after the ensuing
conversation, was powerful and has been planted firmly in my heart since that afternoon a question which I
could not answer for many, many years because I simply was not sure I was happy. And, while she may never
know her influence on my life, it was as the Bishop to Valjean overpowering in its simplicity and love, borne of
the Spirit and couched in a proper example. But now I can answer the question posed so many years ago: Yes,
Mary, I am happy; and great shall be your joy in heaven when we have passed on (D+C 18:15).

141
Elder Orson F. Whitney, In Conference Report, Apr. 1929, 110.; quoted President James E. Faust, Dear Are the
Sheep That Have Wandered, CR April 2003.

22

My dear brothers and sisters said the Jews when Jesus wept over Lazarus, Behold how he loved
him!
142
Indeed! How dear to the heart of the Shepherd are those who are lost?

Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd:
143


1. Dear to the heart of the Shepherd,
Dear are the sheep of his fold;
Dear is the love that he gives them,
Dearer than silver or gold.
Dear to the heart of the Shepherd,
Dear are his "other" lost sheep;
Over the mountains he follows,
Over the waters so deep.

[Chorus]
Out in the desert they wander,
Hungry and helpless and cold;
Off to the rescue he hastens,
Bringing them back to the fold.

2. Dear to the heart of the Shepherd,
Dear are the lambs of his fold;
Some from the pastures are straying,

142
John 11:36

143
Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd, Hymn 221, Mary B. Wingate;
https://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/dear-to-the-heart-of-the-shepherd?lang=eng, access date 05/30/14
23

Hungry and helpless and cold.
See, the Good Shepherd is seeking,
Seeking the lambs that are lost,
Bringing them in with rejoicing,
Saved at such infinite cost.

3. Dear to the heart of the Shepherd,
Dear are the "ninety and nine";
Dear are the sheep that have wandered
Out in the desert to pine.
Hark! he is earnestly calling,
Tenderly pleading today:
"Will you not seek for my lost ones,
Off from my shelter astray?"

4. Green are the pastures inviting;
Sweet are the waters and still.
Lord, we will answer thee gladly,
"Yes, blessed Master, we will!
Make us thy true under-shepherds;
Give us a love that is deep.
Send us out into the desert,
Seeking thy wandering sheep."

Out in the desert they wander,
24

Hungry and helpless and cold;
Off to the rescue we'll hasten,
Bringing them back to the fold.

Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And
out of small things proceedeth that which is great.
144
For, as a Lazarus in my own rite, I testify that we
will be blessed whether in this life or in the next
145
- for the Lord will wipe the tears from off of all
faces.
146
In the most sacred and holy name of the Shepherd of Israel, even Jesus Christ, do I declare my
testimony, my witness, and my desire to so do. Amen. [End]


144
D+C 64:33

145
D+C 18:15-16 (10-16)

146
Isa. 25:8; Cf. Rev. 7:17, 21:4