From Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. . . . May we keep the gospel simple as we take upon us our divinely appointed responsibilities.
Today I hope to describe two elements of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, followed by four stirring accounts from Latter-day Saints around the world demonstrating the application of these principles. The first element of the restored gospel—God’s work of salvation and exaltation—focuses on divinely appointed responsibilities. The second element reminds us that the gospel is plain, precious, and simple.
Divinely Appointed Responsibilities
To receive eternal life, we must “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him.”1 As we come unto Christ and help others do the same, we participate in God’s work of salvation and exaltation, which focuses on divinely appointed responsibilities.2 These divine responsibilities align themselves with priesthood keys restored by Moses, Elias, and Elijah, as recorded in the 110th section of the Doctrine and Covenants,3 and the second great commandment given to us by Jesus Christ to love our neighbor as ourselves.4 They are found on the first two pages of the updated General Handbook, available to all members.
If hearing the words “General Handbook” or “divinely appointed responsibilities” causes you to shudder in fear of complexity, please don’t. These responsibilities are simple, inspirational, motivating, and doable. Here they are:
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Living the gospel of Jesus Christ
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Caring for those in need
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Inviting all to receive the gospel
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Uniting families for eternity
You might view them as I do: as a road map to return back to our loving Heavenly Father.
The Gospel Is Plain, Precious, and Simple
It has been said that the gospel of Jesus Christ is “simply beautiful and beautifully simple.”5 The world is not. It is complicated, complex, and filled with turmoil and strife. We are blessed as we exercise care not to allow complexity, so common in the world, to enter into the way we receive and practice the gospel.
President Dallin H. Oaks observed: “We are taught many small and simple things in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We need to be reminded that in total and over a significant period of time, those seemingly small things bring to pass great things.”6 Jesus Christ Himself describes that His yoke is easy and His burden is light.7 We should all strive to keep the gospel simple—in our lives, in our families, in our classes and quorums, and in our wards and stakes.
As you listen to the following stories I will share with you, recognize that they have been carefully chosen to inspire on the one hand and to inform on the other. The actions of each of these Latter-day Saints becomes a model for each of us in applying the gospel in plain, precious, simple ways while fulfilling one of the divinely appointed responsibilities just introduced. ~To appreciate Elder Stevenson’s complete talk, click. . . .Simply Beautiful—Beautifully Simple or turn to page 47 of the November 2021 Liahona.
