M. Russell Ballard
M. Russell Ballard
Melvin Russell Ballard, Jr.has been a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saintssince 1985. As a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, Ballard is accepted by church members as a prophet, seer, and revelator. Currently, he is the fourth most senior apostle in the church...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionClergyman
Date of Birth8 October 1928
CountryUnited States of America
differences making-a-difference energy
Spend your energy on things that make a difference.
mistake thinking agency
Because the eternal principle of agency gives us the freedom to choose and think for ourselves, we should become increasingly able to solve problems. We may make the occasional mistake, but as long as we are following gospel principles and guidelines, we can learn from those mistakes and become more understanding of others and more effective in serving them.
attitude failure-in-life
When we learn to expect more success than failure in life, we soon will develop an attitude of success.
diversity appreciate understanding
Be involved; be informed. Try to be understanding and tolerant and to appreciate diversity.
jesus understanding christ
If we are truly disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we will reach out with love and understanding to all of our neighbors at all times.
struggle judging important
Friends and family are vitally important for an individual who is struggling to return to the gospel path. Those around such a person must refrain from judging. They must do all they can to show love.
real missionary involved
We can all be more consistently involved in missionary work by replacing our fear with real faith.
steps needs lord
The Lord needs women who will step forward in righteousness and say, 'Here am I, send me.'
meaningful contribution-to-society involvement
Be involved; be informed. Make meaningful contributions to society through service and involvement.
light feelings church
As disciples of Christ, we need to feel genuine charity for one another. As we do, new light will come into our own lives. This charity is essential in missionary work, but we must never allow ourselves to treat our neighbors only as potential converts. We have had the sad experience of seeing members of the Church who attempted to convert their neighbors and friends and, when they did not respond, withdrew their friendship and neighborliness. We must not be so anxious to share the gospel that we become insensitive to the feelings of others.
spiritual strong mistake
There is a big difference between an honest mistake made in a moment of spiritual weakness and a willfull decision to disobey persistently the commandments of God. Those who deliberately choose to violate God's commandments or ignore the standards of the Church, even when promising themselves and others that someday they will be strong enough to repent, are stepping into a dangerously slippery slope upon which many have lost their spiritual footing.
real challenges balance
The answer is, of course, to simplify, to prioritize, and in some cases, to use a well-known phrase, "Just say no!" But actually doing it may prove to be one of the real challenges in our complicated, overheated lives.
light christ should
We should seek at all times to purify ourselves and to lead such worthy lives that the Light of Christ emanates from us in all that we say and do.
encouragement exercise journey
Let us remember that the Savior is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and there can be no greater promise than to know that if we are faithful and true, we will one day be safely encircled in the arms of His love (see D&C 6:20). He is always there to give encouragement, to forgive, and to rescue. Therefore, as we exercise faith and are diligent in keeping the commandments, we have nothing to fear from the journey.