It was the best of times...

Our Heavenly Father saved a royal generation to come to earth in the last days when the fulness of the gospel extends throughout the earth. Tremendous hardship and challenges face the world in our day, as well.

That is why your being where you are when you are needed is such a testament to your value and important roles as disciples of Jesus Christ in our day. Prophecies fill the scriptures of the great and terrible events to occur right before the Second Coming of the Savior Jesus Christ. You were saved to be tools in the Lord's hand to fulfill these promises and to bring about His purposes in this day. What an honor to have the privilege of rearing each one of you to this great purpose: ushering in the Second Coming of the Son of God. Your mother and I are humbled to be associated with you. You are the royal generation.

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness; it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity; it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness; it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair; we had everything before us, we had nothing before us; we were all going directly to Heaven, we were all going the other way."

Thus, Charles Dickens opens his novel The Tale of Two Cities. I would say that it articulates the confusion that was not only rampant at that time, but today as well. But my message to you is that despite the uncertainty that exists in our day, we needn't be confused or unsure of the direction we should go. We have living apostles and prophets to guide us, leaders to help us, and parents and family to support us...each of these blessings testify of the love our Heavenly Father has for us and the blessed gift of his Son.

I have included a sermon from President Faust at the end of this message. He delivered this address in 1984 (28 years ago). The counsel he gives was appropriate for that time and warned people from falling into the the deceptive temptations resulting in debt and hardship. The principles are just as true and appropriate today as they were in the time when these words were spoken. They persist throughout the gospel of Jesus Christ--the principles were true when they were first delivered, they are true today, and they will be true long after our time. The longevity of the truths of the gospel are a testament to their validity.

One more thing...standing tall in the face of difficulty gives us the opportunity to demonstrate our love and allegiance for the Savior Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. The story of the widow's mite taught this principle. (Mark 12:41-44) When we have little, that which we give means even more. And the law of tithing helps prepare us for a life time of service and giving that takes place within the Church. I testify that our sacrifices for the work of the Lord are a privilege to pay and the reward is far greater.

I have seen the fulfillment of that principle many times. We are living witnesses of that.

Take time to read the following article. You will be glad you did.

Doing the Best Things in the Worst Times



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