Boyd K. Packer

There are those within the Church who are disturbed when changes are made with which they disagree or when changes they propose are not made. They point to these as evidence that the leaders are not inspired. They write and speak to convince others that the doctrines and decisions of the Brethren are not given through inspiration.

Two things characterize them: they are always irritated by the word obedience, and always they question revelation. It has always been so. Helaman described those who “began to disbelieve in the spirit of prophecy and in the spirit of revelation; and the judgments of God did stare them in the face” (Helaman 4:23). “They were left in their own strength” (4:13), and “the Spirit of the Lord did no more preserve them; yea, it had withdrawn from them” (4:24). Changes in organization or procedures are a testimony that revelation is ongoing. While doctrines remain fixed, the methods or procedures do not.

Boyd K. Packer  |  Ensign, November 1989, p. 15

Topics: , , ,

Your responsibility as a father and a husband transcends any other interest in life.

Boyd K. Packer  |  The Father and the Family

Topics:

“Here and now then, we move to accomplish the work to which we are assigned. . . . We gather the records of our kindred dead, indeed, the records of the entire human family; and in sacred temples in baptismal fonts designed as those were anciently, we perform these sacred ordinances.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  “The Redemption of the Dead,” Ensign, November 1975, 99

Topics: ,

“At the temple the dust of distraction seems to settle out, the fog and the haze seem to lift, and we can ‘see’ things that we were not able to see before and find a way through our troubles that we had not previously known.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  The Holy Temple

Topics: ,

“Your body is the instrument of your mind. In your emotions, the spirit and the body come closest to being one. What you learn spiritually depends, to a degree, on how you treat your body. That is why the Word of Wisdom is so important.

“The habit-forming substances prohibited by that revelation – tea, coffee, liquor, tobacco – interfere with the delicate feelings of spiritual communication, just as other additive drugs will do. Do not ignore the Word of Wisdom, for that may cost you the “great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures” promised to those who keep it. And good health is an added blessing.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  Ensign, November 1994, p. 61

Topics: , ,

“The line of priesthood authority was broken. But mankind was not left in total darkness or completely without revelation or inspiration. The idea that with the Crucifixion of Christ the heavens were closed and they opened in the First Vision is not true. The Light of Christ would be everywhere present to attend the children of God; the Holy Ghost would visit seeking souls. The prayers of the righteous would not go unanswered.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  “The Light of Christ,” Ensign, April 2005, 11;

Topics: , ,

“The Word of Wisdom does not promise you perfect health, but it teaches how to keep the body you were born with in the best condition and your mind alert to delicate spiritual promptings.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  General Conference, April 1996

Topics: ,

“I found in the Word of Wisdom a principle with a promise. The principle: Care for your body; avoid habit-forming stimulants, tea, coffee, tobacco, liquor, and drugs (see D&C 89:3–9). Such addictive things do little more than relieve a craving which they caused in the first place. The promise: Those who obey will receive better health (see D&C 89:18) and “great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures”

Boyd K. Packer  |  “Ye Are the Temple of God,” LDS General Conference (October 2000)

Topics: , ,

“The words death and happiness are not close companions in mortality, but in the eternal sense they are essential to one another.”

Boyd K. Packer

Topics: , , ,

“Many of the social restraints which in the past have helped to reinforce and to shore up the family are dissolving and disappearing. The time will come when only those who believe deeply and actively in the family will be able to preserve their families in the midst of the gathering evil around us.” – Spencer W. Kimball, “Families Can Be Eternal,” Ensign, November 1980, 4.
“The distance between the Church and a world set on a course which we cannot follow will steadily increase. . . . Across the world, those who now come by the tens of thousands will inevitably come as a flood to where the family is safe.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  “The Father and the Family,” Ensign, May 1994, 21.

Topics: , ,

“When we speak plainly of divorce, abuse, gender identity, contraception, abortion, parental neglect, we are thought by some to be way out of touch or to be uncaring. Some ask if we know how many we hurt when we speak plainly. Do we know of marriages in trouble, of the many who remain single, of single-parent families, of couples unable to have children, of parents with wayward children, or of those confused about gender? Do we know? Do we care? Those who ask have no idea how much we care; you know little of the sleepless nights, of the endless hours of work, of prayer, of study, of travel—all for the happiness and redemption of mankind. Because we do know and because we do care, we must teach the rules of happiness without dilution, apology, or avoidance. That is our calling.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  The Father and the Family

Topics: , , ,

“I have come to know also that a fundamental purpose of the Word of Wisdom has to do with revelation. From the time you are very little we teach you to avoid tea, coffee, liquor, tobacco, narcotics, and anything else that disturbs your health. And you know that we get very worried when we find one of you tampering with those things. If someone “under the influence” can hardly listen to plain talk, how can they respond to spiritual promptings that touch their most delicate feelings? As valuable as the Word of Wisdom is as a law of health, it may be much more valuable to you spiritually than it is physically.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  Ensign, November 1979, p. 20

Topics: , ,

“Had agency come to man without the Atonement, it would have been a fatal gift.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  "Atonement, Agency, Accountability," Conference April 1988

Topics: , ,

“The ordinary soul, struggling against temptation, failing and repenting, and failing again and repenting, but always determined to keep his covenants – can still expect to one day hear ‘Well done thou good and faithful servant.'”

Boyd K. Packer

Topics: , ,

Teenagers also sometimes think, “What’s the use? The world will soon be blown all apart and come to an end.” That feeling comes from fear, not from faith. No one knows the hour or the day (see D&C 49:7), but the end cannot come until all of the purposes of the Lord are fulfilled. Everything that I have learned from the revelations and from life convinces me that there is time and to spare for you to carefully prepare for a long life.

Boyd K. Packer  |  Ensign, May 1989, p. 59

Topics: , , ,

“Irreverence suits the purposes of the adversary by obstructing the delicate channels of revelation in both mind and spirit. Reverence invites revelation.”

Boyd K. Packer

Topics: , ,

“Priesthood holders carry with them the antidote to remove the terrible images of pornography and to wash away guilt. The priesthood has the power to unlock the influence of our habits, even to unchain from addiction, however tight the grip. It can heal over the scars of past mistakes.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  Cleaning The Inner Vessel, October 2010 General Conference

Topics: , , ,

“The Spirit does not get our attention by shouting or shaking us with a heavy hand. Rather it whispers. It caresses so gently that if we are preoccupied we may not feel it at all. Occasionally it will press just firmly enough for us to pay heed. But most of the time, if we do not heed the gentle feeling, the Spirit will withdraw and wait until we come seeking and listening and say in our manner and expression, like Samuel of ancient times, ‘Speak [Lord], for thy servant heareth’ (1 Sam. 3:10.)”

Boyd K. Packer  |  “The Candle of the Lord,” Tambuli, July 1983, 30-31; Ensign, Jan. 1983, 53)

Topics: , ,

“We owe an immense debt to the protesters and the reformers who preserved the scriptures and translated them. They knew something had been lost. They kept the flame alive as best they could. Many of them were martyrs.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  Boyd K. Packer, in Conference Report, April 2000,

Topics: ,

“Forgiveness is powerful spiritual medicine. To extend forgiveness, that soothing balm, to those who have offended you is to heal. And, more difficult yet, when the need is there, forgive yourself!”

Boyd K. Packer

Topics: ,

“The bodies and minds and morals of increasing numbers of little children are brutalized and abused by those who should protect them.

In it all, mankind has sown a bitter wind and reaps heartbreak, guilt, abandonment, divorce, addiction, disease, and death; and little children suffer.

If these sins remain unchecked, civilization will be led unfailingly to destruction.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  Little Children

Topics:

“You are a child of God. He is the father of your spirit. Spiritually you are of noble birth, the offspring of the King of Heaven. Fix that truth in your mind and hold to it. However many generations in your mortal ancestry, no matter what race or people you represent, the pedigree of your spirit can be written on a single line. You are a child of God!”

Boyd K. Packer  |  “To Young Women and Men,” Ensign, May 1989, 54.

Topics: ,

“Put difficult questions in the back of your minds and go about your lives. Ponder and pray quietly and persistently about them. The answer may not come as a lightning bolt. It may come as a little inspiration here and a little there, “line upon line, precept upon precept” (D&C 98:12). Some answers will come from reading the scriptures, some from hearing speakers. And, occasionally, when it is important, some will come by very direct and powerful inspiration. The promptings will be clear and unmistakable.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  “Prayers and Answers,” Ensign, November 1979, p. 21

Topics: ,

Had agency come to man without the Atonement, it would have been a fatal gift.

Boyd K. Packer

Topics: , ,

There is safety in learning doctrine in gatherings which are sponsored by proper authority. Some members, even some who have made covenants in the temple, are associating with groups of one kind or another which have an element of secrecy about them and which pretend to have some higher source of inspiration concerning the fulfillment of prophecies than do ward or stake leaders or the General Authorities of the Church. Know this: There are counterfeit revelations which, we are warned, “shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant” (Joseph Smith–Matthew 1:22).

Boyd K. Packer  |  Ensign, Nov. 1991, p. 21

Topics:

“The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  “Do Not Fear”

Topics: , ,

You need not know everything before the power of the atonement will work for you. Have faith in Christ, it begins to work the day you ask.

Boyd K. Packer  |  Ensign, May 1997, p. 10

Topics: ,

“Do not ever disturb prelude music for others, for reverence is essential to revelation”

Boyd K. Packer  |  Ensign, November 1994, page 61.

Topics:

There is a recurring theme in the revelations having to do with learning. And, from the beginning, Church leaders have counseled us to get all of the education we can as a preparation for and as an improvement of our careers. For example:

“Seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” (D&C 88:118)

Boyd K. Packer  |  The Gospel—The Foundation for Our Career

Topics: ,

“There are few things more powerful than the faithful prayers of a righteous mother.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  These Things I Know

Topics: ,

“Among the strongest warnings and the severest penalties in the revelations are those relating to little children.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  Ensign, May 2002, p. 8

Topics: ,

And today many say, “How silly! How could accepting Christ save me? They will not turn their heads to look nor incline their ears to hear. They ignore the great witness that comes from these conferences. We ought to, indeed we must, heed the counsel of these men, for the Lord said, “What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  Conference Report, Oct. 1968

Topics: , ,

“When are you old enough? Maturity may vary from individual to individual, but we are convinced that dating should not even begin until you are 16. And then, ideal dating is on a group basis. Stay in group activities; don’t pair off. Avoid steady dating. Steady dating is courtship, and surely the beginning of courtship ought to be delayed until you have emerged from your teens.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  “You’re in the Driver’s Seat,” New Era, June 2004, 8.

Topics: , ,

“The reason we have not yet produced a greater heritage in art and literature and music and drama is not … because we have not had talented people. … Some have reached great heights in their chosen fields. But few have captured the spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the restoration of it in music, in art, in literature. They have not, therefore, even though they were gifted, made a lasting contribution to the onrolling of the Church and kingdom of God in the dispensation of the fulness of times. … They have missed being what they might have become.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  “The Arts and the Spirit of the Lord,” Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, Aug. 1976, 61.

Topics: ,

The work of the Lord has been moved by the members in the wards and stakes and branches who have been blessed with special gifts and who use them unselfishly. Because of what they do, we are able to feel and learn very quickly through music, through art, through poetry some spiritual things that we would otherwise learn very slowly. All of us are indebted to them for their generous service. I am humbly grateful to those who render such service in the Church.

Boyd K. Packer  |  “The Arts and the Spirit of the Lord,” Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, Aug. 1976, 61.

Topics: ,

“I mentioned earlier that the greatest hymns and anthems have not been composed, nor have the greatest illustrations been set down, nor the poems written, nor the paintings finished. When they are produced, who will produce them? Will it be the most talented and the most highly trained among us? I rather think it will not. They will be produced by those who are the most inspired among us. Inspiration can come to those whose talents are barely adequate, and their contribution will be felt for generations; and the Church and kingdom of God will move forward just a little more easily because they have been here.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  “The Arts and the Spirit of the Lord,” That All May Be Edified (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1982), 285.

Topics: , ,

“LDS artists must earn inspiration, just as other artists have. . . . It doesn’t come just because artists are members of the LDS church, they still must work for it.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  “Art Is Uplifting,” 4

Topics: ,

“Once we accept the truth of the doctrine that we are the children of God, that realization changes us. Thereafter we cannot willingly injure another of transgress against him. That simple, profound doctrine has a very practical value. It brings a feeling of self-worth, of dignity, of self-respect. Then self-pity and depression fade away. When then can yield to self-discipline and to the discipline of a loving Father and accept even the very hard lessons of life. The gospel is good medicine.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  “Hope for Troubled Hearts”

Topics:

“The extension of mercy will not be automatic. It will be through covenant with Him. It will be on His terms, His generous terms.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  “The Mediator,” Ensign, May 1977, 56.

Topics: ,

“If you understand the great plan of happiness and follow it, what goes on in the world will not determine your happiness.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  "The Father and the Family," Ensign, May 1994

Topics: ,

“The earth did not come by chance nor by accident. It is the result of a creation that is based on purpose, on agency, on choice. It accords with laws which were in force long before the plan was every laid down. All of it has order; all of it was planned for us. The beauty and precision of the universe, the endless variety of plant and animal life­—all testify of a plan and a creator.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  The Earth Shall Teach Thee, 12.

Topics: , , ,

“The Devil has no body, and herein is his punishment. He is pleased when he can obtain the tabernacle of man and when cast out by the Savior he asked to go into the herd of swine showing that he would prefer a swine’s body to having none.” – Joseph Smith, Words of Joseph Smith, 60.
“The adversary is jealous toward all who have the power to beget life. He cannot beget life; he is impotent. He and those who followed him were cast out and forfeited the right to a mortal body.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  “Our Mortal Environment,” Ensign, May 1992, 66

Topics: ,

“People write asking what is the position of the Church on the Word of Wisdom, for instance, on soft drinks or something. And we think, “Why do they have to ask?” It is a principle, and you have the freedom to do as you will. You do not have to be commanded in all things. Without having to have the Church deliver a statement on it, you should know what the Lord’s position is on abortion or cloning or same-gender marriage or birth control. All of those things are built in as a part of what we know and what we are.

“We are about the only ones left in the world who hold to these standards. When we look around, we cannot find any organization that is holding to the standards. We do not like to talk about the other churches, but we are going to stand alone. If so, there we will stand.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  “The Instrument of Your Mind and the Foundation of Your Character,” CES Fireside for Young Adults, February 2, 2003, p. 7

Topics: , ,

“The old saying ‘The Lord is voting for me, and Lucifer is voting against me, but it is my vote that counts’ describes a doctrinal certainty that our agency is more powerful than the adversary’s will. Agency is precious. We can foolishly, blindly give it away, but it cannot be forcibly taken from us.

“There is also an age-old excuse: ‘The devil made me do it.’ Not so! He can deceive you and mislead you, but he does not have the power to force you or anyone else to transgress or to keep you in transgression.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  “Cleansing the Inner Vessel”

Topics: ,

“Had agency come to man without the Atonement, it would have been a fatal gift.”

Boyd K. Packer

Topics: ,

“Genealogical work has, I fear, sometimes been made to appear too difficult, too involved, and too time-consuming to really be inviting to the average high priest.”

Boyd K. Packer

Topics:

“Faith, to be faith, must center around something that is not known. Faith, to be faith, must go beyond that for which there is confirming evidence. Faith, to be faith, must go into the unknown. Faith, to be faith, must walk to the edge of the light, and then a few steps into the darkness”

Boyd K. Packer  |  “Faith.” Improvement Era (Nov 1968) 71:60–63.

Topics: ,

“I have come to know that faith is a real power, not just an expression of belief.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  These Things I Know, April 2013 General Conference

Topics:

“There is one thought that must come at the very beginning of a discussion on occupations and careers in order to establish it as preeminent, and it is this:

Do not ever belittle anyone, including yourself, nor count them, or you, a failure, if your livelihood has been modest. Do not ever look down on those who labor in occupations of lower income. There is great dignity and worth in any honest occupation. Do not use the word menial for any labor that improves the world or the people who live in it.”

Boyd K. Packer  |  The Gospel—The Foundation for Our Career

Topics:

While we cannot build schools for everyone, there is a most important contribution the Church can make to our careers, one that is central to the mission of the Church. And that is to teach moral and spiritual values.

There are ordinary virtues which influence our careers even more than technical training; among them are these:

Integrity. Dependability. Courtesy. Respect for others. Respect for property.

Boyd K. Packer  |  The Gospel—The Foundation for Our Career

Topics: