Spiritual strength requires the continued influence of the Holy Spirit, Elder Clark G. Gilbert of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught young adults Sunday, May 31, at the One by One Young Adult Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“We need the Holy Spirit to silently testify to us, saying, ‘It’s true. The light is on. What you believe is true and you can trust it,'” he said.
The conference, held in Lancashire, England, attracted about 1,500 young people from 24 European countries, the church’s UK newsroom reported.
Elder Gilbert, accompanied by his wife, Sister Christine Gilbert, said the Lord has provided examples to help His children avoid deception and hold fast to the truth. The pattern is, first, to always follow the living prophet, and second, to do whatever it takes to maintain the presence of the Holy Spirit.
“There’s no need to be afraid,” she said. “We have a prophet in this land. As we turn to the living prophet and study and follow the counsel he is giving us, we can trust him to help us know what God wants us to do.”
draw closer to christ
In his address, Elder Gilbert cited teachings from both President Dallin H. Oaks and the late President Russell M. Nelson.
Elder Gilbert said the prophetic counsel provides practical principles for staying spiritually grounded, and chief among them is building a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ.
“The way to overcome any doubts you may have is to draw closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ,” Elder Gilbert said.
He encouraged the young people to strengthen their faith through service, as one of the most effective ways to draw closer to Christ is to serve others as the Lord has done. Elder Gilbert said this will reduce fears, concerns, anxieties, and doubts and increase personal revelation.
“If you want to know if the church is true, serve other people,” he said. “Because then they will know that Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father are active in their lives. They will know them, and they will speak to you as you seek to serve others.”
Elder Gilbert also reminded young people to seek advice from faithful and trusted sources, especially when faced with questions or concerns. And seek out friends who can feel the Spirit.
Elder Gilbert said there is strength in coming together with fellow believers, which is why events like the Young Adult Conference are important.
“This doesn’t happen every week,” he said. “I’m not going to work next week, I’m not going to college next week, and everyone else around me feels the same way. But I remember what I felt this weekend.”
“You are the very hope of Israel.”
Elder Gilbert said faith requires both humility and patience regarding the questions and concerns many young people face. Honest questions are important, he said, and answers come through continued discipleship and trust in the Lord. “All honest questions will be answered in due course.”
Elder Gilbert quoted President Nelson as saying that lasting happiness is found not in changing the world’s values, but in Jesus Christ. When individuals are yoked to the Savior, He alone has the power to lift them from the temptations of the world.
“The truth is, it is far more exhausting to seek happiness that you will never find,” Elder Gilbert said. “I can promise you, in the clearest words I know, that if you hold fast to what you know to be true, you will be happier and have more meaning throughout your life.”
Elder Gilbert concluded his message by testifying of Jesus Christ and the role of living prophets. He also expressed confidence in the future of young people and blessed them with the gift of faith.
Elder Gilbert added, “What you felt this weekend will carry you through the years to come. You truly are the hope of Israel.”
