Lines of Communication

Lily Howard

Not everyone in our family is a great long distance communicator. They are all very good at direct interpersonal relationships, talking to strangers, making friends with people of other languages and cultures, and getting along with family in person.  I do have hope for Lily.  She is exposed early on to ASL, Spanish, and other languages.  She is surrounded constantly by family and friends who talk constantly to her... but she is is a listener.  Long before she spoke, she observed us and listened.  The first and best step in communicating is learning to listen.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Lines of communication

Direct Personal Line.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

The Holy Ghost testifies of the Father and Son and guides us to truth and knowledge. Personal decisions and family governance come from this personal line. It is not totally independent of the priesthood line nor does it come only through belief. You must receive the priesthood through proper channels, stay worthy and renew covenants with the Sacrament, and always avoid temptation and resist the adversary.

Priesthood Line.

Because of the Atoning Sacrifice, the Lord can prescribe the way to qualify for these blessings, which include obedience to commandments, completion of ordinances, and enduring to the end. We receive callings and ordinances and receive instruction and organize to help the poor through the priesthood line.

Those who reject the need for organized religion reject the work of the Lord who has always organized a church. "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness."

The leaders and prophets in the Church cannot function in their calling unless they maintain themselves humble and pure. And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.

At the time of devastation of Chile with terrible earthquakes, the priesthood line was not sufficient to meet all the needs. Each person had to pray and seek comfort and direction for themselves and their family.

We must use both the priesthood line and the personal line of communication, so we can achieve eternal destiny through personal growth.