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
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.
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.
mistake believe political
But one thing is certain: the commandments have not changed. Let there be no mistake about that. Right is still right. Wrong is still wrong, no matter how cleverly cloaked in respectability or political correctness. We believe in chastity before marriage and fidelity ever after. That standard is an absolute standard of truth. It is neither subject to public opinion polls nor dependent upon situation or circumstance. There is no need to debate it or other gospel standards.
forward giant people step taken
We have taken a giant step forward in correcting some of the misconceptions people have about the church. I think that we've made a lot of friends.
writing divine-guidance goal
Set goals that are well balanced-not too many nor too few, and not too high nor too low. Write down your attainable goals and work on them according to their importance. Pray for divine guidance in your goal setting.
mother heart role-models
My dear young women, with all my heart I urge you not to look to contemporary culture for your role models and mentors. Please look to your faithful mothers for a pattern to follow. Model yourselves after them, not after celebrities whose standards are not the Lord's standards and whose values may not reflect an eternal perspective. Look to your mother.
heart people priorities
Sometimes we need a personal crisis to reinforce in our minds what we really value and cherish. The scriptures are filled with examples of people facing crises before learning how to better serve God and others. Perhaps if you, too, search your hearts and courageously assess the priorities in your life, you may discover, as I did, that you need a better balance among your priorities.
teacher teaching believe
I believe that every human soul is teaching something to someone nearly every minute here in mortality.
adversity righteousness
Righteousness has never precluded adversity.
mean doe simplify
To innovate does not necessarily mean to expand; very often it means to simplify.
strong prayer couple
There is great power in prayer. I strongly encourage personal and family prayer, which are important in building strong families. I'm wondering if many of you parents, you couples, have lost that essential moment of kneeling together at the end of the day, just the two of you, holding hands and saying your prayers. If that has slipped away from your daily routine, may I suggest you put it back-beginning tonight!
life children light
It is almost impossible for children and youth to find their way through the seas of life without the guiding light of a good example.
life attitude shapes
We each shape our own life, and the shape of it is determined largely by our attitude.
church fundamentals missionary
Proclaiming the gospel to all mankind is a fundamental part of the mission of the Church.