In every previous dispensation people faced tragedy, apostasy and destruction. Yet, they did not see the gospel succeed, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland explained.

What gave them the courage to persevere?

“My theory is that those great men and women in past dispensations were able to keep going, to keep testifying, to keep trying to do their best, not because they would succeed but because they knew you would!” he said. “I believe the courage and hope they had came not from their day but from yours.”

Speaking to 11,000 students in the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum arena on the campus of Utah State University in Logan, Utah, on Sept. 22, Elder Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles charged young adults to “be of good cheer” despite the trials of the last days.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks at a devotional at Utah State University sponsored by the Logan Institute of Religion on Sept. 22, 2019. The Dee Glen Smith Spectrum was filled to capacity. Credit: Photo by Iain Laurence, The Utah Statesman

“We are indeed the most blessed people in the history of the world,” Elder Holland said. “Truly we live in a magnificent day, and it is directly linked to the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in this, the last and greatest dispensation in the history of the world.”

The blessings of this generation are “unparalleled,” and with that advantage comes a responsibility to build Zion and choose Christ, he said.

Building Zion

“In the entire history of humankind, there have never been so many advantages bestowed on one era in so many different ways,” said Elder Holland, listing advancements such as medicine, transportation and technology during the devotional, sponsored by the Logan Institute of Religion.

Modern-day prophets including Joseph Smith, Wilford Woodruff and Gordon B. Hinckley testified of the anticipation for this season since the world began. But rather than focusing on the challenges or problems of this day, these prophets emphasized the blessings, responsibilities and destiny of the latter days, Elder Holland pointed out.

Moroni, too, saw the “great and marvelous things” of these days.

“Well, I think virtually all of the prophets and early apostles had their visionary moments of our time — a view that gave them courage to keep trying in their own unsuccessful eras on the strength that your generation would be successful,” the latter-day apostle said.

Bertel Thorvaldsen’s statue of John, one of the 12 apostles, is shown without a beard at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018. John is an example of a disciple from a previous dispensation that did not see the gospel succeed but had faith it would in this dispensation, as Elder Holland explained in a devotional at USU on Sept. 22, 2019. Credit: Kristin Murphy Bertel Thorvaldsen’s statue of John, one of the 12 apostles, holds a tablet at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018. John is an example of a disciple from a previous dispensation that did not see the gospel succeed but had faith it would in this dispensation, as Elder Holland explained in a devotional at USU on Sept. 22, 2019. Credit: Kristin Murphy Replicas of Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen’s 12 apostle statues are on display in the Rome Temple Visitors’ Center in Rome, Italy, on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. These disciples are examples of people from a previous dispensation who did not see the gospel succeed but had faith it would in this dispensation, as Elder Holland explained in a devotional at USU on Sept. 22, 2019. Credit: Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Bertel Thorvaldsen’s statue of Matthew, one of the 12 apostles, holds a tablet at the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018. Matthew is a disciple from a previous dispensation who did not see the gospel succeed but had faith it would in this dispensation, as Elder Holland explained in a devotional at USU on Sept. 22, 2019. Credit: Kristin Murphy

That is one reason why Elder Holland said this generation has a special responsibility to build Zion and point others to Christ. Earlier generations fled when society became sinful, but this generation has been told to stop running and plant their feet.

The world is challenging and will get more challenging, Elder Holland cautioned. But it is possible to be cheerful because the victory has already been won. Never again will the priesthood keys and true doctrine of Jesus Christ be taken from the earth.

“For more than 4,000 years of covenantal history, this has been the pattern: Run. Hide. Flee. Escape Babylon. Establish a new Zion. Flee again. Until now. Until this our day, this day that those ancients saw and cheered over,” he said.

Zion isn’t “where” we live; it’s “how” we live, Elder Holland emphasized. This responsibility to build Zion is a prophetic mandate, what President Russell M. Nelson calls the “gathering of Israel.”

Choose Christ

As the Church grows and becomes more visible and influential in society, it is important to realize the Church has not and will not always take popular positions, Elder Holland said. Some issues may lead to misunderstanding for some.

While God is the ultimate judge, he explained, life is filled with choices between right and wrong. And the commandment to “judge righteous judgment” means doing so with kindness and respect, taking a stand the way the Lord would.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles speaks at a devotional at Utah State University on Sept. 22, 2019. Elder Holland charged students to “be of good cheer.” Credit: Photo by Iain Laurence, The Utah Statesman

“None of us want to offend those who believe differently from us, but we are commanded to be even more anxious about not offending God.”

Elder Holland reminded young adults that they can “be of good cheer” amidst the social, behavioral and moral issues of today because there is guaranteed victory of good over evil and light over darkness.

While the victory has been won, “we are still waiting to see who is going to play for what team,” he said, counseling listeners to choose Christ.

“Just be smart. You have a sure thing. It is fixed. Secure. Promised. Firm. Nailed with the certainty of Roman nails on a wooden cross. … That’s why you can with total confidence go on a mission and get an education, get married and have children (and) embrace the future with joy.”

Elder Holland closed his devotional address by quoting President Nelson: “We live in a world that is complex and increasingly contentious … (But) our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again.”

Those mighty works will be evident for those who stay on the winning side, Elder Holland testified.

