Last year when I watched Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin speak during General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes known as the Mormon faith), I was struck by his determination. I marveled at his love and concern for all of us. I saw how deeply he loved the Lord. He refused to let a weakened body stop him from saying what the Spirit led him to say last October.
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church. He’s served in this capacity since October 9, 1986.
This year, my heart was touched again by the message that he shared in General Conference. His remarks, titled “Concern For The One,” gives me hope. Hope for me and hope for those I that I love.Being different can sometimes be very difficult. Being different can lead to problems that may cause some to stop coming to Church. Elder Wirthlin reminded all of us that the Lord meant for all of us to be different and unique. The Church doesn’t teach us that we are supposed to all talk, look, and act the same. He continued:
The Lord did not people the earth with a vibrant orchestra of personalities only to value the piccolos of the world. Every instrument is precious and adds to the complex beauty of the symphony. All of Heavenly Father’s children are different in some degree, yet each has his own beautiful sound that adds depth and richness to the whole.
This variety of creation itself is a testament of how the Lord values all His children. He does not esteem one flesh above another, but He “inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; . . . all are alike unto God.” (2 Nephi 26:33)
Sometimes we become weary. We feel as if we’re asked to do or to give too much. Some feel as if they don’t have anything to contribute, that others are better, more knowledgeable and talented. Sometimes, we are weary of those who are weary! We judge others and find them wanting. Elder Wirthlin’s message to all of us is simple and straightforward – the Lord, the Church needs every single one of us, the weak and the strong. He reminded us that we are commanded in D&C 81:5 to “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.” He warned us to be mindful of the fact that “sometimes those who start out the slowest go the farthest.” Being a naturally impatient person, I needed to hear this part of Elder Wirthlin’s message. I’m grateful to be so lovingly reminded that my Heavenly Father is very patient with me and I need to try and be likewise.
To those who’ve wavered because they’ve made mistakes, Elder Wirthlin reminded us that we have all made mistakes. He pointed out that except for the Lord, every single person that has walked this earth, is human and imperfect. Others have wavered because they were offended. Elder Wirthlin asked that we put those feelings aside, and fill our hearts with love instead.
I loved the way Elder Wirthlin painted a picture for all of us when he said that the entrance to our meetinghouses do not have signs that read,”Restricted Entrance-Perfect People Only.” It is exactly because we are all so imperfect that we need the Lord’s Church so much. It is because we make mistakes that we need the redeeming gift that only He can give us. When I go to Church, I am comforted by the knowledge that I’ll be fellowshipping with others like me; imperfect, but striving each day to be just a little better, a little more like Jesus in our actions and thoughts.
Elder Wirthlin ’s message of hope touched me on so many levels. Perhaps, it resonated so much with me because at one time or another, I felt some of these very same things. Perhaps, his message speaks to me because a few that are dear to my heart are in these situations today. Perhaps, my soul recognized a message that I needed to hear because I wasn’t very compassionate when someone else needed my strength.
Friends, this wonderful message, Concern for the One, is available for you to read or listen to now. You too can feel the love our Heavenly Father has for each of us through the words and teachings of modern day apostles like Elder Wirthlin. I invite you to come and experience for yourself the joy that comes when “mortal, imperfect men, women, and children meet together in brotherhood and charity, striving to become better people, to learn of the Spirit, and to lend encouragement and support to others.”
