When I was studying 8th Grade, my father's friend Bro. Ditto Anderson introduced us to the Gospel; unfortunately, he is no more with us. He lived a happy life; he was a great person; he was willing to share the Gospel with as many people as possible, and I am grateful for his efforts. When missionaries started teaching the lessons, in one of the lessons, they said, 'we have living prophets, who receive revelation from God for all of us' this statement caught my attention. I stopped them and asked, 'Is it like the Old Testament prophets Noah, Abraham and Moses?' they smiled and said, 'yes, like Old Testament prophets even now, God appoints prophets and apostles to lead people in the right way.' My eagerness to lean to the Gospel grew more and more as I learned about the prophet Joseph Smith and his Faith.
Two Hundred years ago, while organizing 'The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,' the Lord gave a revelation to the members of the Church through His prophet Joseph Smith Junior. Speaking of the President of the Church, the Saviour instructed Church members to 'Give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me. For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.' 1 Our Father in Heaven loves all of His children and desires that they know and understand His plan of happiness. Thence, He calls prophets, those who have been ordained with power and authority, to act in God's name for the salvation of His children. They are messengers of righteousness, witnesses of Jesus Christ and the infinite power of His Atonement. They hold the keys of the kingdom of God on earth and authorize the performance of saving ordinances.
Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, 'It is no small thing, my brothers and sisters, to have a prophet of God in our midst. Great and wonderful are the blessings that come into our lives as we listen to the word of the Lord given to us through him. When we hear the counsel of the Lord expressed through the words of the President of the Church, our response should be positive and prompt. History has shown that there is safety, peace, prosperity, and happiness in responding to prophetic counsel.' 2 We are blessed to be directed by God's prophet, President Russell.M. Nelson. Let us continue to listen and then do those things that he teaches us.
Notes:
1 Doctrine &Covenants 21:4–5.
2 Elder M. Russell Ballard, 'His Word Ye Shall Receive' April 2001 General Conference.