Deiter Uchtdorf

Uchtdorf is the only member of the quorum of the twelve who is not from the American west, Utah or Idaho. His accent is fun to listen to, and my brother thinks he's a bit of a new order mormon. He certainly has a lot more energy than the members of the quorum who are 80 and 90 and have one foot in the grave. He also seems to talk more about Jesus than the others. It actually sounds like a christian topic.

Jesus gave us his gospel, the key of knowledge, atonement, hope, joy, confidence, even in peril and sorrow and uncertainty. People are worried about the future and their livelihood. There is personal misfortune and sadness. The world is not bashful in offering answers to problems. People run from one idea to the next to answer burning questions of their souls. People are looking for something new; new theories fade, but are replaced by new solutions. These worldly options contain elements of truth, but all fall short of lasting change we seek in our lives. Hollowness remains, we are still looking.

In contrast, the gospel of jesus christ has the answer to all our problems. It is not complicated or hidden. It doesn't come from men at all, springs from creator of universe who knows all truth. Gospel is a divine gift, ultimate formula for joy and success. When we hear gospel, we are happy.

Faith and repentance lead to baptism, where we covenant to follow christ. We want to lead purified and holy life. The baptism of fire, gift of the holy ghost, the comforter. The more we are filled with spirit, the more we extend ourselves to other. We are peacemakers, we help others, having grace and patience. These are the first steps along the true way of life. This is the way of the follower of jesus christ.

This is not a quick fix or an overnight cure. It is hard to keep testimony strong and vibrant. There are things you can do. We have to stay with it, endure. Apply and reapply the divine gospel principles, make them part of our normal life. It grows like a plant. Alma compared the word of god to a seed, and it grows gradually. We must have patience and be diligence. We can tell the seed is good because it grows. We cannot receive fullness of blessings if we neglect the tree. Seed must be nourished with great care. Only then can we partake of the fruit that is perfect and pure.

Walk the path of discipleship. It is our willingness to accept gods will. It is not enough to speak of Jesus Christ, we can't just surround ourselves with symbols of religion, it is not a spectator sport. It is not enough to watch. We have to do, it's not a second hand religion. We can't just observe the good that others do.

First step is right here. We don't have to prequalify to take that first step. You don't have to be educated or perfect or well mannered. We can walk this path of discipleship today. Express our desire to be close to god. Serve the lord by serving others. Actively participate in your ward. Contribute to your family. Have a temple recommend, read the scriptures, have Family Home Evening. Be grateful for restoration, book of mormon, priesthood.

Those who have left the path can come back. It is always right and the right time; it is never too late. You are not inadequate for not being BIC. Lord needs your abilities. The church needs you. Let us remember on this palm sunday that the gospel has the power to fill any emptiness, heal any wound. It is hope and faith and trust in the lord.

Church has the fullness of the gospel, to face the challenges of our day. Jesus lives.

Editor's note: you know, I don't really have problems with this talk. If you want to talk about Jesus, that's better than worshiping Smith.