In his talk “Who’s on the Lord’s Side?” President Charles W. Dahlquist speaks to the youth and the young single adults. His talk focuses on the importance of choosing whom you will follow and adhering to the standards of the church. He briefly shares the story of Hannah Last Cornaby who wrote the song “Who’s on the Lord Sid? Who?” He shares the story of her baptism, during which a mob of people through rocks and sticks at her. Miraculously she was not struck. She went on to endure more trials, that no doubt helped her write the hymn.
President Dahlquist goes on to say that Nephi answered that he was on the Lord’s side when he agreed to get the plates from Laban. David was also on the Lord’s side when he went to meet Goliath armed only with a sling and a stone. He trusted that the Lord would protect him as he did the Lord’s work. President Dahlquist then compares the temptations of today to Goliath.
President Dahlquist offers two suggestions to combat the challenges and temptations that come your way. The first is to know who you are. Heavenly Father loves you and has provided guidance for you. He urges the youth to carry the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet with them at all times. He also points out that they are not alone and that others are praying for them as well.
The second suggestion the President Dahlquist gives is to learn to control your thoughts. He suggests following the advice President Boyd K Packer, which is to replace the bad thoughts by singing or humming a hymn. President Dahlquist says that it is much easier to keep the commandments when you control your thoughts.
This is a wonderful talk directed to the youth of the church. It can be applied to each of us today as well. It is important that we all follow the counsel in the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet so that we can be good examples to the youth around us. I hope that you will take the time to read this wonderful talk.
Related Articles:
Young Men: Teaching the Standards
General Conference: “See the End from the Beginning”