Look to the First Presidency

Provident Principles and Practices
© David Edwards, 2009

PRINCIPLES: “Look to the Presidency and receive instruction. Every man who is afraid, covetous, will be taken in a snare. The time is soon coming when no man will have any peace but in Zion and her stakes.” – Joseph Smith, History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, vol. 3, 1905, edited by B.H. Roberts, and published by the Church, p. 391.

Harold B. Lee, speaking in General Conference in April 1943, averred that we as Church members will have security only to the extent that we obey God's commandments, live in such a way that we are entitled to a close and comforting association with the Holy Ghost, give heed to the instruction of the Lord's servants, and follow the instructions given to the Church.

Nearly three decades later, Harold B. Lee said further that there will be only one way to have safety, and that will be to follow explicitly the counsels and commandments of the President of this Church, ‘as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me . . . as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.’” (D&C 21: 4-5) – Harold B. Lee, General Conference, October 1970

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In General Conference, October 1973, Ezra Taft Benson reminded us of the Savior's prophecy in Matthew, chapter 24, wherein we are promised “famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes . . . ” (Matt. 24:7). Yet, despite these calamities, the Lord has said: “. . . if ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (D&C 38:30). President Benson gave us the key for becoming ready for these calamities, referring to Doctrine and Covenants, Section 1, when he said that this key was to listen to and pay attention to the word of the Lord through his the prophets, which will guide us as to how we may best prepare.

Bruce R. McConkie told us in General Conference in April 1980 what we must do for all things, from the perspective of eternity, to combine to effect good in our lives. What is required on our part for this to happen? We must take a stand backing the Church on every point, whether spiritual or political, listen to and obey the Holy Gost, and follow the counsel of the prophets and apostles.

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Speaking in General Conference in October 2005, Keith B. McMullin instructed us that we will be blessed as we heed the counsel of the prophets, keeping our expenses under our incomes, staying away from debts not necessary for us to contract, and storing enough of the necessities of life to support our families for a year or more. As we do so, living these principles fully to the extent of our ability, that which we have stored will be blessed to provide abundantly for our needs.

PRACTICES: Perilous times are upon us. The only safety is in following the Lord Jesus Christ and His servants. Look to the First Presidency and receive instruction. Listen to these men whom God has called to preside. They will show us how to prepare for calamities now and in the future. Obey their counsel. Live within your means, avoid debt, and store necessities of life to sustain yourselves and your families for at least a year. As you do this, all things will work together for your good.

Graphics:

Joseph Smith: www.loc.gov/loc/lcib/0506-8/images/smith.jpg

Ezra Taft Benson: www.usda.gov/img/content/benson.gif