For the Strength of Young Adults

Elder M. Russell Ballard

"I have only one question: Are you going to follow the true and living prophets or not? It really isn't any more complicated than that. The standard of the Church with regard to morality is clearly outlined in the 'For the Strength of Youth' pamphlet, which you haven't outgrown, even though many of you are no longer in Young Men and Young Women. If you choose to read anything that contains material that is contrary to the moral standards of the Church, then you are placing yourself and your own wisdom above the counsel of God's prophets—a course of action that would indeed be very unwise. As soon as people begin to think that they know better than God or his oracles, or that counsel given doesn't apply to themselves, they are stepping onto a slippery slope that has claimed far too many victims already. It takes faith—real faith, unequivocal and unreserved—to accept and attempt to live by prophetic counsel even when you don't completely understand it. Such simple faith has the power to guide you safely through every challenge you may face in your life."

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "When Shall These Things Be?" in Brigham Young University 1995–96 Speeches (1996), 189.

The covenants I made at baptism and the covenants I made in the temple are as valid today as the day I made them.

Illustrations by Scott Greer

© 2011 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.