Learning from General Conference

Every April and October, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints throughout the world gather for a two-day global conference. We receive instruction from church leaders and hear inspiring music. We remember that we are part of an international community engaged in a common cause.

For me, general conference is also an opportunity for introspection and goal-setting. I take the opportunity to think about how things are going and what I can do better. I write down the impressions that come to my mind and make plans to act on them.

As I prepare for general conference this weekend, several principles taught by the apostle Paul are on my mind:

1. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17; see also Galatians 3:2, 2 Nephi 33:1, Alma 31:5). We can certainly experience growth through private meditation and prayer, but there is something powerful about hearing the gospel preached by servants of God.
2. “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14; see also 2 Nephi 9:28, Mosiah 3:19). Our attitude as we approach the experience will largely determine our receptiveness to the light and knowledge God wants to give us.
3. “God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts…. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7; see also 2 Nephi 33:4, 11). The people who will speak to us are called of God, but they are people. We must see past their mortal limitations if we are to experience the light which God has given them to share with us.
4. “Do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10; see also 1 Nephi 6:5, 2 Nephi 5:32). We don’t attend conference to be told how well we’re doing. We attend to hear what the Lord wants us to do. We must expect to be challenged to think and act differently.
5. “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12; see also 3 Nephi 12:1). Church leaders are called to serve us. They prepare these messages to help us live better, serve more effectively, and uplift one another.

This week, I will remember these principles as I prepare to hear the words of prophets. I will strive for an open mind and heart. I will plan to be both enlightened and challenged. I will be grateful for church leaders, chosen by God to serve me and to strengthen my faith in Jesus Christ.