14 Fundamentals to Remember

This morning, as I read the news, I became a bit discouraged by some of the current events taking place nationwide. With so much confusion, I sometimes feel confused myself and question what I believe and why.

Then I remembered this talk. It was given by Ezra Taft Benson when he was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. It is entitled, "Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet". Although it was given over 30 years ago, it is a message that is as applicable today as it was then. I have listed them as they are given in the talk, although he expounds on each one wonderfully.

FOURTEEN FUNDAMENTALS IN FOLLOWING THE PROPHET

First: The prophet is the only man who speaks for the Lord in everything.

Second: The living prophet is more vital to us than the Standard Works.

Third: The living prophet is more important to us than a dead prophet.

Fourth: The prophet will never lead the Church astray.

Fifth: The prophet is not required to have any particular earthly training or diplomas to speak on any subject or act on any matter at any time.

Sixth: The prophet does not have to say “Thus saith the Lord” to give us scripture.

Seventh: The prophet tells us what we need to know, not always what we want to know.

Eighth: The Prophet is not limited by men’s reasoning.   (This was the one I needed the most this morning so I thought I'd include what President Benson put after it).

"There will be times when you will have to choose between the revelation of God and reasoning of men—between the prophet and the professor. 

Said the Prophet Joseph Smith, “Whatever God requires is right, no matter what it is, although we may not see the reason thereof until long after the events transpire.” (Scrapbook of Mormon Literature, vol. 2, p. 173)."

then later...

" 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.' (Isa. 55:8–9.)"

Ninth: The prophet can receive revelation on any matter—temporal or spiritual. 

Tenth: The prophet may well advise on civic matters.  

Eleventh: The two groups who have the greatest difficulty in following the prophet are the proud who are learned and the proud who are rich.

Twelfth: The prophet will not necessarily be popular with the world or the worldly.

Thirteenth: The prophet and his counselors make up the First Presidency—The highest quorum in the Church.

Fourteenth: The prophet and the presidency—the living prophet and the First Presidency—follow them and be blessed—reject them and suffer.

Now I remember why I believe what I do. What a great reminder to me this morning that Jesus Christ has called a prophet in this day and age so that we can have a beacon of truth and reason. We need never feel discouraged, confused, or lost, no matter the circumstances that surround us.