When certain light metals are heated, they ignite and burn with brilliant light and intense heat, and cannot be put out by ordinary means, related Elder Richard G. Scott of the Council of the Twelve.
Speaking in the Saturday evening session, he challenged members to develop spirituality of similar strength that will bolster and nurture those around them.Elder Scott described a pair of missionaries whose faith and living worthily led to answers to prayers. Like the missionaries, "each one of you faces overwhelming challenges.
"There is an array of temptations, destructive influences and camouflaged dangers, the like of which no previous generation has faced. I am persuaded that today no one, no matter how gifted, strong or intelligent, will avoid serious problems without the help of the Lord."
Sin, he said, is like a cancer that cannot heal itself and becomes progressively worse unless cured through the medicine of repentance. "Satan will try to convince you that you have gone too far to be saved. That is a lie.
"Trust in the Lord. He already knows your problems. He is waiting for you to ask for help." Elder Scott said spiritual promptings that whisper impressions toward repentance are to be remembered and followed precisely.
Some feel, he explained, as though life is a tunnel filled with darkness and depression. "Literally turn your life around," he counseled. "The other end of the tunnel is filled with light . . . always available to you."
Through repentance, he continued, "you will rediscover how wonderful life really is."
He encouraged priesthood holders to develop righteous character by weaving into the fabric of their lives the threads of hundreds of correct decisions.
"When your life complies with the will of the Lord and is in harmony with His teachings, the Holy Ghost is your companion in need. . . . Your efforts can be protected and strengthened to do what alone would be impossible."