Ours are Days Never to Be Forgotten

 

Embracing Prophetic Leadership and Our Divine Responsibilities

As we approach another General Conference, have you ever wondered what opportunities lie ahead for us as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

In his powerful address, Days Never to Be Forgotten, Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles invites us to contemplate both the remarkable early days of the Restoration and the prophetic potential of the coming decade. As he recounts the foundational miracles of the Church and looks forward to unparalleled opportunities, he challenges each of us to embrace our divinely appointed responsibilities as disciples of Jesus Christ.

With General Conference approaching and Easter just around the corner, this message becomes particularly applicable. How can we prepare our hearts and minds to make these sacred gatherings “days never to be forgotten”? How can we step forward with the faith of early Saints and the boldness of modern disciples?

Apologetic Issues: Divinely Appointed Responsibilities

Criticism: The Church places too much emphasis on strict obedience and structured service, limiting personal freedom and individual thought.

Response: Following divine counsel enhances our capacity to live purposefully and develop Christlike attributes.

The doctrine of divinely appointed responsibilities teaches that living the gospel of Jesus Christ, caring for those in need, inviting others to receive the gospel, and uniting families for eternity are not about restricting freedom but about developing Christlike attributes and living with purpose and joy. Elder Stevenson emphasizes that these responsibilities are opportunities to draw closer to God and serve others, rather than burdens to bear.

Like the early Saints who followed Joseph Smith’s prophetic leadership, modern disciples who follow President Nelson’s inspired counsel can experience greater spiritual strength and confidence. Prophetic guidance is not a matter of coercion but an invitation to actively participate in God’s work.

Solution: Faithful discipleship is not about relinquishing freedom but about choosing to follow Christ and embracing the joy that comes from committed, purposeful living.

Common Fallacy: False Dichotomy

This misconception presents a False Dilemma Fallacy by suggesting that one must choose between obedience to divine guidance and personal freedom. In reality, following prophetic counsel does not eliminate autonomy; it enhances personal growth and spiritual resilience. Choosing to follow a prophet is not about submitting to control but about embracing a higher purpose guided by eternal truths.

Apologetic Application: Prophetic Leadership and Divine Guidance

Elder Gary E. Stevenson’s talk highlights three essential ways that prophetic leadership guides disciples of Christ in modern times:

Clarity of Purpose: Prophets help us understand God’s will for our day, just as President Nelson’s counsel provides clear guidance during turbulent times. His leadership, even at 100 years old, exemplifies the strength and clarity that come from divine appointment.

Confidence in Spiritual Direction: Following prophetic guidance does not limit personal agency; rather, it enhances our spiritual growth and resilience. By aligning our lives with inspired counsel, we build upon the rock of Christ and withstand the storms of doubt and confusion.

Continuity of Revelation: Just as Joseph Smith was chosen to restore the gospel, modern prophets continue to receive direction from God. This unbroken line of divine guidance reassures us that the Lord has not left His people without counsel, even in a modern world filled with challenges and distractions.

Real-Life Analogy: Just as GPS navigation continually updates to guide us on our journey, prophetic leadership adapts to our needs without changing core truths. By trusting prophetic guidance, we stay on course even when the road ahead is unfamiliar or uncertain.

Historical and Doctrinal Connections

During the foundational decade of the Restoration (1820–1830), the Lord guided His people through Joseph Smith, restoring priesthood authority, divine revelation, and the organization of the Church. Elder Gary E. Stevenson draws a parallel between that unforgettable era and the coming decade (2024–2034), reminding us that prophetic leadership continues to guide us through monumental spiritual opportunities.

Doctrine and Covenants Connection:
The Lord emphasized that “all things must be done in order” (D&C 28:2), establishing the principle that revelation and guidance flow through His chosen prophet. Just as Joseph Smith was appointed to receive commandments and revelations, modern prophets like President Russell M. Nelson continue to receive divine guidance to direct the Church today.

By aligning our lives with prophetic counsel, we not only follow an established pattern of divine order but also participate in God’s great work of inviting all to receive the gospel, uniting families for eternity, and serving others. As we look ahead, we can approach the next decade with faith and optimism, knowing that the Lord’s hand remains firmly on the helm.

Living Apologetics: How to Apply This Today

How can we help others understand prophetic leadership and divinely appointed responsibilities?

Testify of Prophetic Guidance: Share personal experiences of how following prophetic counsel has brought peace and purpose to your life. Explain that prophetic leadership is not about control but about empowering discipleship and providing spiritual direction.

Teach the Divine Pattern: Use scriptural examples of prophetic guidance—like Moses leading Israel (Exodus 3:10) or Joseph Smith restoring the Church (D&C 27:8)—to demonstrate that God’s pattern has always been to call prophets to lead His people.

Emphasize Joyful Discipleship: Show how living the gospel as guided by prophets enhances spiritual growth and personal joy, rather than diminishing freedom. Encourage others to seek personal revelation alongside prophetic counsel, as both work together to strengthen faith and understanding.

• Use Prophetic Leadership as an Apologetic Tool. Many see prophetic leadership as outdated or restrictive, rather than an ongoing source of divine direction. Clarify that prophetic guidance is about aligning with God’s will and receiving timely counsel for our day. Use practical examples like President Nelson’s emphasis on home-centered worship and the focus on building temples worldwide to demonstrate how modern revelation meets modern needs. 

• Teach the Difference Between Authority and Personal Revelation. When discussing prophetic guidance, explain that while prophets receive revelation for the Church, individuals receive revelation for their personal lives. This distinction helps resolve concerns that prophetic guidance might inhibit personal agency. Highlight how personal revelation complements prophetic counsel, empowering each member to act in faith while staying rooted in divine truths.

Faith in Action: How Can You Share This?

1. Family Discussions:
Talk about the blessings of following prophetic counsel during family councils or conversations. Share how President Nelson’s guidance has shaped your spiritual growth and encouraged your family to strengthen their commitment to Christ.

2. Teaching Moments:
When teaching a class or giving a talk, use Elder Stevenson’s message to emphasize the importance of divinely appointed responsibilities. Explain how living the gospel, caring for others, inviting to Christ, and uniting families brings lasting joy and spiritual confidence.

3. Testify of Prophetic Leadership:
When bearing your testimony or sharing thoughts in church, highlight how trusting in modern prophets has deepened your relationship with God and brought peace during uncertain times.

Quick Reference: Key Defenses

1. Prophetic Leadership is Divinely Appointed — Elder Gary E. Stevenson highlights that age does not diminish prophetic authority, as demonstrated by President Nelson’s continued spiritual vitality and leadership (Newsweek, New York Times).

2. Prophetic Guidance Empowers Growth — Rather than limiting individuality, following prophetic counsel fosters personal discipleship and strengthens faith through living the gospel, caring for others, inviting to Christ, and uniting families (D&C 28:2).

3. Divinely Appointed Responsibilities Bring Joy – 2 Nephi 2:25 — Living the gospel, caring for others, inviting to Christ, and uniting families are pathways to happiness rather than burdens to bear. Embracing these responsibilities brings peace and fulfillment.

Conclusion: Preparing for Easter and General Conference with Purpose

Elder Gary E. Stevenson’s message is a powerful reminder that we are living in a time of divine opportunity and prophetic guidance. As we look ahead to the next decade—marked by unprecedented chances to share the gospel and strengthen our discipleship—we can find confidence in knowing that God’s hand continues to direct His Church through living prophets.

Just as the foundational decade of the Restoration (1820–1830) transformed the Church and its members, this new decade offers us the chance to rise to our divinely appointed responsibilities: living the gospel, caring for others, inviting to Christ, and uniting families for eternity. These aren’t just tasks—they are pathways to deeper faith and lasting joy.

As we prepare for General Conference and the Easter season, let us remember that glad tidings means good news and great joy—not just for us, but for the world. 

How can we better share this message of hope with those around us?

  “My beloved brothers and sisters, my dear young friends, there will likely be difficulties for each of us in the days ahead. However, as we enter this coming decade of unprecedented moments, may we share glad tidings through the simple activities of living, caring, inviting, and uniting. As we do so, the Lord will bless us with experiences never to be forgotten.” – Gary E. Stevenson

 

The Consider Conference series by FAIR offers an in-depth look at recent General Conference talks to help members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints navigate common questions, misunderstandings, and criticisms. Each post provides doctrinal insights, historical context, and practical ways to apply gospel principles in everyday conversations. Through this series, we hope to equip readers with faith-promoting resources that encourage thoughtful reflection, respectful dialogue, and a stronger foundation in gospel truths, fostering both personal conviction and meaningful discussions with others.