Below are the quotes that were used in the video.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: “Hope is a gift of the Spirit. It is a hope that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the power of His Resurrection, we shall be raised unto life eternal and this because of our faith in the Savior. This kind of hope is both a principle of promise as well as a commandment, and, as with all commandments, we have the responsibility to make it an active part of our lives and overcome the temptation to lose hope. Hope in our Heavenly Father’s merciful plan of happiness leads to peace, mercy, rejoicing, and gladness. The hope of salvation is like a protective helmet; it is the foundation of our faith and an anchor to our souls.” (“The Infinite Power of Hope,” Ensign Nov. 2008, 21-220.
“When we have hope, we trust God’s promises. We have a quiet assurance that if we do ‘the works of righteousness,’ we ‘shall receive our reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come’ (D&C 59:23)…. The principle of hope extends into the eternities, but it also can sustain you through the everyday challenges of life.” (True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference 2004, 85-86).
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin: “Even when the winds of adversity blow, our Father keeps us anchored to our hope. The Lord has promised, ‘I will not leave you comfortless,’ [John 14:18] and He will ‘consecrate [our] afflictions for [our] gain.’ [2 Nephi 2:2.] Even when our trials seem overwhelming, we can draw strength and hope from the sure promise of the Lord: ‘Be not afraid nor dismayed … ; for the battle is not yours, but God’s’ [2 Chronicles 20:15]” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1998, 33; or Ensign, Nov. 1998, 27).
“Our lives should be filled with hope, positive thinking, and great anticipation of the Second Coming of Christ and our literal resurrection to live with our Heavenly Father and His beloved Son, the Savior of the world, forever. That is what we should hope for.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2005/02/hope-and-faith-a-discussion-with-elder-joseph-b-wirthlin)
As you study Ether 12, look for:
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: Every one of us has times when we need to know things will get better. The Book of Mormon speaks of this as “hope for a better world.” For emotional health and spiritual stamina, everyone needs to be able to look forward to some respite, to something pleasant and renewing and hopeful, whether that blessing be near at hand or still some distance ahead. It is enough just to know we can get there, that however measured or far away, there is the promise of “good things to come.” (Conference Report, Oct. 1999, 45; or Ensign, Nov. 1999, 36).
President Boyd K. Packer: “There are two kinds of faith. One of them functions ordinarily in the life of every soul. It is the kind of faith born of experience; it gives us certainty that a new day will dawn… It is the kind of faith that relates us with confidence to that which is scheduled to happen… There is another kind of faith, rare indeed. This is the kind of faith that causes things to happen… It is the kind of faith that moves people. It is the kind of faith that sometimes moves things. Few … possess it…” (“What Is Faith?” in Faith [1983], 42–43).
President Boyd K. Packer: “Some years ago I learned a lesson that I shall never forget.
“I had been called as an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve, and we were to move to Salt Lake City and find an adequate and permanent home. President Henry D. Moyle assigned someone to help us.
“A home was located that was ideally suited to our needs. Elder Harold B. Lee came and looked it over very carefully and then counseled, ‘By all means, you are to proceed.'”
“But there was no way we could proceed. I had just completed the course work on a doctor’s degree and was writing the dissertation. With the support of my wife and our eight children, all of the resources we could gather over the years had been spent on education.
“By borrowing on our insurance, gathering every resource, we could barely get into the house, without sufficient left to even make the first monthly payment.Brother Lee insisted, ‘Go ahead. I know it is right.’
“I was in deep turmoil because I had been counseled to do something I had never done before to sign a contract without having the resources to meet the payments.
“…I was still not at peace, and then came the lesson. Elder Lee said, ‘Do you know what is wrong with you you always want to see the end from the beginning.’
“I replied quietly that I wanted to see at least a few steps ahead. He answered by quoting from the sixth verse of the twelfth chapter of Ether: ‘Wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.’
“And then he added, ‘My boy, you must learn to walk to the edge of the light, and perhaps a few steps into the darkness, and you will find that the light will appear and move ahead of you.’
“And so it has but only as we walked to the edge of the light.
“…I am confident that as we move to the edge of the light, like the cloud that led the Israelites, or like the star that led the wise men, the light will move ahead of us and we can do this work.” (The Holy Temple, pp. 184-86).
Monte J. Brough: “One sleepless night, while serving as a mission president, I was greatly concerned about the condition of the mission. There was a need to provide some inspiration and motivation for the missionaries, but I was at a loss as to what or how I might provide it. Again my thoughts were turned to the prophet Ether because of his example of diligence and inspiration during his missionary experience. I love learning and studying about Ether because his life demonstrates qualities which I personally desire for myself, such as his supreme ability to concentrate during his service as a missionary: (quotes Ether 12:2; 13:2, 4)
“That night I was impressed that a study of the life of Ether might provide the inspiration which was needed for our mission. Every missionary in the Church would do well to emulate this great prophet who understood the rigors of missionary work and performed at such a high level. Ether ‘could not be restrained because of the Spirit of the Lord which was in him. For he did cry from the morning, even until the going down of the sun.’ (Ether 12:2-3).
“As a mission president, I found that this example of hard work and diligent effort was among the finest available. We challenged every missionary to learn to be an “Ether’ because the Spirit of the Lord could make it possible for each of them to ‘not be restrained.’ Many of our missionaries did gain this level of spirituality which ‘could not be restrained,’ and thus were blessed with faith and results which had not been previously enjoyed. This, of course, resulted in a higher level of work even from early morning until late in the evening.” (Heroes From the Book of Mormon, pp. 190-91).
President Dallin H. Oaks: “Faith is developed in a setting where we cannot see what lies ahead.” ( Pure in Heart, 122).
Elder D. Todd Christofferson: “Zion is Zion because of the character, attributes, and faithfulness of her citizens [see Moses 7:18]. Remember, ‘the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them’ (Moses 7:18). If we would establish Zion in our homes, branches, wards, and stakes, we must rise to this standard. It will be necessary (1) to become unified in one heart and one mind; (2) to become, individually and collectively, a holy people; and (3) to care for the poor and needy.” (“Come to Zion.” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 38).
Hugh Nibley: “Ether shows us human society divided into two groups, not the good and the bad as such, but those who have faith and those who do not. They live in totally different worlds, the one group in a real heaven, the other in a real hell. In no uncertain terms we are shown just what kind of world the faithless make for themselves to live in. This is Moroni’s tract for our time.” (Lehi in the Desert and The World of the Jaredites, 265).
Faith, Hope, and Charity Must Be Centered in Christ
“I will show unto them that faith, hope and charity bringeth unto me—the fountain of all righteousness” (Ether 12:28). The first principle of the gospel is not just “faith,” but “faith in the Lord Jesus Christ” (Article of Faith 4). Similarly, we must obtain not just hope, but a “hope in Christ” (Jacob 2:19), a “hope of his glory” (Jacob 4:4), and “we should hope for our deliverance in him” (Alma 58:11). Likewise, by simple definition, charity is not just “love,” but “the pure love of Christ” (Moroni 7:47). (https://rsc.byu.edu/book-mormon-keystone-scripture/faith-hope-charity)
Ideas for teaching:
“When we have hope, we trust God’s promises. We have a quiet assurance that if we do ‘the works of righteousness,’ we ‘shall receive our reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come’ (D&C 59:23)…. The principle of hope extends into the eternities, but it also can sustain you through the everyday challenges of life.” (True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference 2004, 85-86).
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin: “Even when the winds of adversity blow, our Father keeps us anchored to our hope. The Lord has promised, ‘I will not leave you comfortless,’ [John 14:18] and He will ‘consecrate [our] afflictions for [our] gain.’ [2 Nephi 2:2.] Even when our trials seem overwhelming, we can draw strength and hope from the sure promise of the Lord: ‘Be not afraid nor dismayed … ; for the battle is not yours, but God’s’ [2 Chronicles 20:15]” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1998, 33; or Ensign, Nov. 1998, 27).
“Our lives should be filled with hope, positive thinking, and great anticipation of the Second Coming of Christ and our literal resurrection to live with our Heavenly Father and His beloved Son, the Savior of the world, forever. That is what we should hope for.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2005/02/hope-and-faith-a-discussion-with-elder-joseph-b-wirthlin)
As you study Ether 12, look for:
- What strengthens your hope?
- What strengthens your faith?
- What you must do to be like a boat with an anchor—firm and secure despite the waves and pressures you face?
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: Every one of us has times when we need to know things will get better. The Book of Mormon speaks of this as “hope for a better world.” For emotional health and spiritual stamina, everyone needs to be able to look forward to some respite, to something pleasant and renewing and hopeful, whether that blessing be near at hand or still some distance ahead. It is enough just to know we can get there, that however measured or far away, there is the promise of “good things to come.” (Conference Report, Oct. 1999, 45; or Ensign, Nov. 1999, 36).
President Boyd K. Packer: “There are two kinds of faith. One of them functions ordinarily in the life of every soul. It is the kind of faith born of experience; it gives us certainty that a new day will dawn… It is the kind of faith that relates us with confidence to that which is scheduled to happen… There is another kind of faith, rare indeed. This is the kind of faith that causes things to happen… It is the kind of faith that moves people. It is the kind of faith that sometimes moves things. Few … possess it…” (“What Is Faith?” in Faith [1983], 42–43).
President Boyd K. Packer: “Some years ago I learned a lesson that I shall never forget.
“I had been called as an Assistant to the Council of the Twelve, and we were to move to Salt Lake City and find an adequate and permanent home. President Henry D. Moyle assigned someone to help us.
“A home was located that was ideally suited to our needs. Elder Harold B. Lee came and looked it over very carefully and then counseled, ‘By all means, you are to proceed.'”
“But there was no way we could proceed. I had just completed the course work on a doctor’s degree and was writing the dissertation. With the support of my wife and our eight children, all of the resources we could gather over the years had been spent on education.
“By borrowing on our insurance, gathering every resource, we could barely get into the house, without sufficient left to even make the first monthly payment.Brother Lee insisted, ‘Go ahead. I know it is right.’
“I was in deep turmoil because I had been counseled to do something I had never done before to sign a contract without having the resources to meet the payments.
“…I was still not at peace, and then came the lesson. Elder Lee said, ‘Do you know what is wrong with you you always want to see the end from the beginning.’
“I replied quietly that I wanted to see at least a few steps ahead. He answered by quoting from the sixth verse of the twelfth chapter of Ether: ‘Wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.’
“And then he added, ‘My boy, you must learn to walk to the edge of the light, and perhaps a few steps into the darkness, and you will find that the light will appear and move ahead of you.’
“And so it has but only as we walked to the edge of the light.
“…I am confident that as we move to the edge of the light, like the cloud that led the Israelites, or like the star that led the wise men, the light will move ahead of us and we can do this work.” (The Holy Temple, pp. 184-86).
Monte J. Brough: “One sleepless night, while serving as a mission president, I was greatly concerned about the condition of the mission. There was a need to provide some inspiration and motivation for the missionaries, but I was at a loss as to what or how I might provide it. Again my thoughts were turned to the prophet Ether because of his example of diligence and inspiration during his missionary experience. I love learning and studying about Ether because his life demonstrates qualities which I personally desire for myself, such as his supreme ability to concentrate during his service as a missionary: (quotes Ether 12:2; 13:2, 4)
“That night I was impressed that a study of the life of Ether might provide the inspiration which was needed for our mission. Every missionary in the Church would do well to emulate this great prophet who understood the rigors of missionary work and performed at such a high level. Ether ‘could not be restrained because of the Spirit of the Lord which was in him. For he did cry from the morning, even until the going down of the sun.’ (Ether 12:2-3).
“As a mission president, I found that this example of hard work and diligent effort was among the finest available. We challenged every missionary to learn to be an “Ether’ because the Spirit of the Lord could make it possible for each of them to ‘not be restrained.’ Many of our missionaries did gain this level of spirituality which ‘could not be restrained,’ and thus were blessed with faith and results which had not been previously enjoyed. This, of course, resulted in a higher level of work even from early morning until late in the evening.” (Heroes From the Book of Mormon, pp. 190-91).
President Dallin H. Oaks: “Faith is developed in a setting where we cannot see what lies ahead.” ( Pure in Heart, 122).
Elder D. Todd Christofferson: “Zion is Zion because of the character, attributes, and faithfulness of her citizens [see Moses 7:18]. Remember, ‘the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them’ (Moses 7:18). If we would establish Zion in our homes, branches, wards, and stakes, we must rise to this standard. It will be necessary (1) to become unified in one heart and one mind; (2) to become, individually and collectively, a holy people; and (3) to care for the poor and needy.” (“Come to Zion.” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 38).
Hugh Nibley: “Ether shows us human society divided into two groups, not the good and the bad as such, but those who have faith and those who do not. They live in totally different worlds, the one group in a real heaven, the other in a real hell. In no uncertain terms we are shown just what kind of world the faithless make for themselves to live in. This is Moroni’s tract for our time.” (Lehi in the Desert and The World of the Jaredites, 265).
Faith, Hope, and Charity Must Be Centered in Christ
“I will show unto them that faith, hope and charity bringeth unto me—the fountain of all righteousness” (Ether 12:28). The first principle of the gospel is not just “faith,” but “faith in the Lord Jesus Christ” (Article of Faith 4). Similarly, we must obtain not just hope, but a “hope in Christ” (Jacob 2:19), a “hope of his glory” (Jacob 4:4), and “we should hope for our deliverance in him” (Alma 58:11). Likewise, by simple definition, charity is not just “love,” but “the pure love of Christ” (Moroni 7:47). (https://rsc.byu.edu/book-mormon-keystone-scripture/faith-hope-charity)
Ideas for teaching:
- Because of our faith in Christ, we are given the gift of hope. Hope is a gift of the Spirit.
- What has the Lord given you to help hold you securely in place like an anchor?
- Examples of those around you who have hope.
- Examples of those around you who have faith.
- “You must learn to walk to the edge of the light, and perhaps a few steps into the darkness, and you will find that the light will appear and move ahead of you.”