Simple is the Doctrine of Jesus Christ

This is a talk I gave today, based on a talk given by President Henry B Eyring in the October 2024 General Conference. 

Many, many years ago, there was a man named Alma who started out as a high priest to a wicked king. He heard and believed the words of a brave prophet named Abinadi, and, because he tried to defend that prophet, he was exiled and hunted. He and his followers were conquered, enslaved, and later miraculously saved and led to a land with others who believed in God. He was called to organize the Lord’s church in this land.

Somewhere along the way, Alma had a son, who he loved dearly and named after himself. As his son grew up, however, he was led astray. He may have been influenced by his friends (who were the sons of the king and should have known better). He became rebellious, wicked and idolatrous. Eventually, not only did he leave the church himself, but Alma the younger went about seeking to destroy the church of God. Can you imagine the sorrow that his father must have felt?

Can you relate? Are there people that you know and love who are experiencing faltering testimonies, or who are enduring temptations and trials? Do you know people who are doubting God’s very existence as they wonder things like, Why do bad things happen to good people? Or Why is there so much evil in the world?

How can we help those who are experiencing these trials, temptations and doubts? For those with younger children or grandchildren, you may wonder how to strengthen and protect them so that when they experience hardships, trials, and temptations, they will be able to stand firm in the faith.

In his talk in October of 2024, entitled “Simple is the Doctrine of Jesus Christ”, President Henry B Eyring gave some suggestions. He quoted Alma 31:5, which describes Alma the younger, at this point more mature, having repented and reformed. Some of his people, who he loved, had separated themselves from the Nephites and were going astray. In Alma 31:5 we read, ”And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just--yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or any thing else, which had happened unto them--therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.” 

I’m going to read a bit of that again: The preaching of the word had a more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword or anything else. 

We can learn a few things from this:

First, the sword is not very effective when it comes to helping those who are experiencing times of fear, doubt, trials or temptations. It doesn’t help children and it doesn’t help adults. No amount of pleading, nagging, yelling, judging, or guilt tripping will help them to find peace or draw closer to God. 

People are more inclined to listen or let us help if they feel like we genuinely love and care about them just as they are. They need to know that we have their best interests at heart. Remember the saying, “I don’t care how much you know until I know how much you care.” Think for a moment about who in your life you are most likely to listen to when they offer you advice. Are these people who you feel love or care about you? For me, the answer is a resounding yes!

The second thing we can learn from Alma’s words is that love alone is not enough. “The preaching of the word had a more powerful effect than the sword or anything else.” If you want your children to remain strong in the faith throughout their lives, they need more than just knowing their parents love them, or remembering fun times as a family. Love may be the sugar and the frosting, but the word of God is the flour that gives the cake its substance. If people you love are doubting the existence of God, love by itself is not going to help them regain their testimony. They need to also be nourished by the good word of God.

So what is the Word of God that has such a powerful influence? President Eyring taught that “The word of God is the doctrine taught by Jesus Christ and His prophets”. If we want to bless our children and strengthen them spiritually, the best thing we can do is teach them the simple, basic truths of the gospel.

As we teach, we need to be careful to stick to these basic truths. A witness in court may be sworn to speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. As we preach God’s word, we are His witnesses, and we need to make sure that what we teach is the truth. We don’t know the whole truth yet, and so we need to stick to the fundamental, core truths of the gospel that we do know. The role of the Holy Ghost is to testify of the truth, President Eyring stated “Because we need the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we must avoid speculation or personal interpretation that goes beyond teaching true doctrine.” So we need to make sure that what we are teaching is true, and it is easier to stick to truth when we teach simply. 

A good guide might be what is taught in a primary song. The gospel is simple. Just about everything we really need to know we learn in primary and the primary songs make them easy to remember.

For example, one of the most important truths that we can share is that God lives. Knowing there is a God and someone watching over us can bring us hope and peace and can give meaning and purpose to this life. A song that teaches this concept is “I Know My Father Lives” which says,

I know my Father lives and loves me too.

The Spirit whispers this to me and tells me it is true,

He sent me here to earth, by faith to live his plan. 

The Spirit whispers this to me and tells me that I can, (live his plan)

Having a better understanding of who God is can help answer some of the hard questions that some of us struggle with. We can teach our loved ones that God is our Father and that he Loves us dearly, but that he also values Agency and letting people choose. We can explain that God’s purpose is to help us gain Immortality and Eternal Life, but to get there, this life must have opposition. We can bear our witness that we can always trust God to keep His promises. A song that teaches some of these truths is “I am a Child of God”.

I am a child of God, And he has sent me here,

Has given me an earthly home With parents kind and dear. 

I am a child of God, And so my needs are great;

Help me to understand his words Before it grows too late.

I am a child of God. Rich blessings are in store;

If I but learn to do his will, I’ll live with him once more. 

I am a child of God. His promises are sure;

Celestial glory shall be mine If I can but endure.

According to the fourth Article of Faith, the first principle of the gospel is Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. A children’s song titled Faith teaches: 

Faith is knowing the sun will rise, lighting each new day.

Faith is knowing the Lord will hear my prayers each time I pray.

Faith is like a little seed: If planted, it will grow.

Faith is a swelling within my heart. When I do right, I know. 

Faith is knowing I lived with God before my mortal birth.

Faith is knowing I can return when my life ends on earth.

Faith is trust in God above; In Christ, who showed the way.

Faith is strengthened; I feel it grow Whenever I obey.

Perhaps the most important thing we can teach our children is the role of the Savior and his atonement. We can teach his role in our Heavenly Father’s plan as we sing songs like “He Sent His Son”. 

How could the Father tell the world of love and tenderness?

He sent his Son, a newborn babe, with peace and holiness.

How could the Father show the world the pathway we should go?

He sent his Son to walk with men on earth, that we may know.

How could the Father tell the world of sacrifice, of death?

He sent his Son to die for us and rise with living breath.

What does the Father ask of us? What do the scriptures say?

Have faith, have hope, live like his Son, help others on their way.

What does he ask? Live like his Son.

We can teach about baptism and the covenants that bind us to our Heavenly Father. A children’s song about baptism teaches: (When I am Baptized)

“I know when I am baptized my wrongs are washed away, 

And I can be forgiven and improve myself each day.

I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.

I want to be the best I can and live with God again.” 

After we are baptized we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. A primary song about the Holy Ghost teaches:

When Christ was on the earth, He promised he would send

The Holy Ghost to comfort us, Our true, eternal friend.

The Holy Spirit whispers With a still small voice.

He testifies of God and Christ And makes our hearts rejoice. 

And when we are confirmed By sacred priesthood pow’r,

The Holy Ghost is giv’n to us To guide us ev’ry hour.

Oh, may I always listen To that still small voice.

And with his light I’ll do what’s right Each time I make a choice.

Understanding the blessing of the Holy Ghost’s guidance and comforting influence can help us as we seek answers to our questions and experience times of trial. 

Other basic and eternal truths that can help us, our children and our loved ones through times of trial and doubt are taught in primary songs, things like that “Families Can be Together Forever through Heavenly Father’s plan”, that “the temple is a holy place where we are sealed together.” They teach that “Jesus really lived again and so shall I” and to “follow the prophet” because “he knows the way!”

Besides teaching these simple truths of the gospel, there are a few additional things that we can do as we strive to help our children and others who are experiencing trials and temptaions:

We can set the best example we can. We need to show them that we live what we preach, that we truly believe it. Often our actions speak louder than words, so we need to make sure that our actions reflect and reinforce our words. As we exercise our faith, repent and make and keep covenants with the Lord, we can be living proof that the gospel path is a path of joy. 

Often, we may not see immediate results from our efforts. We may wonder if others hear anything we are saying or if our words are going in one ear and out the other. This is when we must continue in faith, even when we can’t see the results. Don’t give in to doubts and fears. Don’t let others' fears drag you off the path, but continue to strengthen your own testimony so you can be an anchor for them.

Another important thing we can do is Pray. President Eyring said,(quote) “If you pray, if you talk to God, and if you plead for His help for your loved one, and if you thank Him not only for help but for the patience and gentleness that come from not receiving all you desire right away or perhaps ever, then I promise you that you will draw closer to Him. You will become diligent and long-suffering. And then you can know that you have done all that you can to help those you love and those you pray for navigate through Satan’s attempt to derail them.”(end quote)  

Watching someone we love go down a crooked path or face daunting challenges can be hard. One of Satan’s tools is despair - He can make us think that we have gone too far to come back, that we are forever unworthy, or even that we are worthless. 

Describing a critical moment in his life, Alma the Younger said, “I was racked with eternal torment, for my soul was harrowed up to the greatest degree and racked with all my sins… Oh, thought I, that I could be banished and become extinct both soul and body, that I might not be brought to stand in the presence of my God, to be judged of my deeds.” (Alma 36:12, 15)

Some of our loved ones may be experiencing this type of torment and guilt and we can help them know that there is a way back!

Alma went on: “And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world. Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death. And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more. And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!” (Alma 36:17-20) 

Brothers and Sisters, there is hope! Besides the story of Alma the Younger, there are many others, including Nephi, Enos, Alma the Younger’s son Corianton, and the 2000 stripling warriors, who all remembered the teachings of their parents and were strengthened and guided by them. Your words will be remembered and may help them through times of crisis in their lives. 

(Testimony, close.)