October 2008 General Conference: To Learn, to Do, to Be

In his inspired and inspirational priesthood session address, President Monson outlined his message.

1. Learn what we should learn.
2. Do what we should do.
3. Be what we should be.

This is a simple message, calculated to be most effective for sophisticated, informed listeners. We have heard this counsel many times -- those of us who are the target audience already know what we should be doing. A most effective reminder that we are not doing everything we can -- and that is what we should be striving for.

President Monson illustrated his point with the following humorous and instructive story:

Many years ago I had a desperate call from the head of the missionary training center. He said, “President Monson, I have a missionary who is going home. Nothing can prevent him from quitting.”

I replied, “Well, that’s not singular. It’s happened before. What’s his problem?”

He said, “He’s been called to a Spanish-speaking mission, and he’s absolutely certain he cannot learn Spanish.”

I said, “I have a suggestion for you. Tomorrow morning have him attend a class learning Japanese. And then have him report to you at 12:00 noon.”

The next morning he phoned at 10:00! He said, “The young man is here with me now, and he wants me to know he’s absolutely certain he can learn Spanish.”

When there’s a will there’s a way.

I heard this message with increased humility, a renewed will to follow the inspired leadership, and an increase of love and devotion for President Monson and his counsel. May those who have ears to hear heed his counsel...