How Living Prophets Make A Difference in Our Lives

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, does knowing that we have living prophets upon the earth - make a difference in our daily lives? As many of you are well aware, believing in modern-day prophets makes us quite peculiar to those outside of our faith.

For most Christians, the days of prophets, such as Noah, Abraham, and even Jesus Christ - are considered ancient history. As members of the LDS Church, we are uniquely different in our testimonies and understanding of living prophets upon the earth, today.

For those who have gained a personal testimony of The Book of Mormon they've also come to know by the power of the Spirit that God has called living prophets to guide and direct the affairs of the Kingdom of God, in these latter-days. We believe that through Joseph Smith Jr., the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored in its fulness. We have testimonies of priesthood keys, and the authority that God has given to man, to act in His Name - His Holy Priesthood.

As children of the latter-day house of Israel, we are among the covenant people of the Lord, who follow the counsel and teachings of modern prophets. We sustain these men whom the Lord has called - as prophets, seers and revelators. The Lord has said, in regard to His words as they have come to us through His chosen servants...

D&C 1:37-38

Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.

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.

We honor these living prophets of the Lord, as those who speak the mind and will of the Lord, as He Himself would speak them to us; if He were in our presence. There is no difference.

We learn from numerous scriptural accounts, throughout history, that those who choose to follow God's prophets are blessed. The alternative, leads to misery and unhappiness. One of the great blessings of having scripture in our possession, is learning from past history the dealings of God among His covenant children. God is the same "yesterday, today, and forever". We can be confident that God will keep His promises to His children. As we exercise faith in Jesus Christ, and follow His living prophets, we come to know the blessings of obedience in our own lives.

As we study the scriptures each day, we can look for the patterns of those who either ignored the laws of God, or those who were faithful in keeping their covenants and followed the prophets. We should also pay close attention to the results of those who were unwilling to make covenants with God. Throughout most of scripture, we have been given stark contrasts in these regards, so that we may see clearly, and know how to come closer to God. Those who oppose the teachings of the prophets of God, separate themselves from Him.

I love the primary song "Keep the Commandments". It is so simple. We learn that IF we keep the commandments of God, that there is "safety and peace". As we take note of the world that we are living in today, things can feel quite unsettling. However, as we choose to do those things that we have been commanded and counseled to do, by our living prophets, we are then blessed with confidence that our lives are in the Hands of the Lord, and on course. As a result, our faith increases in our ability to keep our covenants, and know that we are walking in the ways of truth and righteousness. Peace becomes our personal condition. 

John 27:14

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Jesus Christ beckons unto each one of us personally, to "Come Unto Me". When we accept the fact that there is a Prophet of the Lord, who leads, guides and directs His people today, then we become accountable through our baptismal covenant - to look to that Living oracle of God, to know His will for us, now.

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, who know that prophets walk the earth today, we can testify with power...


1. We can testify that a "truth" is so, by and through the Power of the Holy Ghost.

2. We can testify that... "A Prophet of God, taught me this..."

3. We can testify that Prophets of God teach that - which makes a "difference" - and, which is always simple, true, and right - for our DAY.

The fact that we know that there are prophets upon the earth today, blesses us with eternal truth, that change our lives... and has the power to also change the lives of those whom we are willing to share this testimony with.

As members of His Church, who follow His living prophets... may we truly come to understand this eternal truth, and how the power of this knowledge changes our lives, and makes us different.

tDMg
Kathryn