President Packer talks at BYU

President Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke at BYU today at the weekly devotional. Below are some of my notes from his talk:

• When he was in institute, he decided to live the gospel and not be ashamed of it.
• He talks about serving in the war, and how he was involved in an activity of destruction without becoming destroyed spiritually himself.
• He says that we are involved in a spiritual war that will never end. There is nothing innocent about our war. The world seems to be turned upside down. Rules of basic morality are ignored. We have decisions every day to follow the trends of the world or not.
• Tells story of Joseph F Smith after his mission as a mail carrier and how he confronted a mob of drunks by standing up for his convictions.
• Talks about the iron rod. Important word: after. After implies consequences. Answer: we heeded them [the wicked] not.
• One his classmates graduated and rose to position of prominence, and started following the ways of the rule. Finally he let go of the iron rod. He fell away and was lost.
• Largely because of television: we can live inside the great and spacious vision.
• Sometimes things are as simple as dressing nicely and modestly.
• Did Joseph Smith write the tree of life vision story. Unlikely. He was only 24 when the book was published.
• Ways to hold on: Dress modestly, honor the priesthood, honor parents, read scriptures, pray: always pray. An unseen power will hold your hand as you hold to the iron rod.
• We can feel our way ahead through live through the power of the Holy Ghost.
• We live in a time of spiritual war. Moroni warned us of secret combinations and they are had among all people.
• Atheists make non-belief their religion and attack faith and belief. They pursue political power and we will hear much from and about them. They mock religion. Their arguments are not indifferent from those of the antichrists in the book of mormon
• All of the mocking does not come from outside of the Church. Be careful not to fall into that category.
• We live in an interesting generation with constant temptations.
• Never be ashamed or embarrassed about the standards of The Gospel.
• You have the advantage to be assured that you can be inspired in all your decisions (including finding an eternal companion).
• The Lord has reserved special spirits at this time to ensure His kingdom is protected.

The full text and audio will someday be posted at speeches.byu.edu.

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