Conference Report, Apr. 1951, pp. 32-34
“I often discuss our theme with young women and ask what it means to them to ‘stand as witnesses of God at all time and in all things, and in all places’ I believe it means that we show by our behavior what we believe. Surly we are standing as witnesses of God when we sustain his living prophets, especially when we know what it means to sustain. We will abide by the direction and counsel of the prophets. We indeed become witnesses when we make this solemn covenant.” (Janette Hales Beckham, Ensign, May 1996, p. 84)
“When we covenant in the waters of bapism to ‘stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places,’ … It may not always be easy, convenient, or politically correct to stand for truth and right, but it is always the right thing to do. Always… . Today’s young people, just as those ‘of the rising generation’ (3 Ne. 1:30) in Book of Mormon times, are the most susceptible to the influence of gangs… . There is an entire subculture that celebrates contemporary gangs and their criminal conduct with music, clothing styles, language, attitudes, and behaviors. Many of you have watched as trendy friends have embraced the style as something that was ‘fashionable’ and ‘cool,’ only to be dragged into the subculture because of their identification with gangs. We’ve all heard the tragic stories of unsuspecting wanna-bes who have been victimized by gangs simply because they were wearing the wrong color in the wrong neighborhood… . Many of you young men of the Aaronic Priesthood may find yourself on the front line of a battle against those who intend to do things that are morally wrong. I do not believe that you can stand for truth and right while wearing anything that is unbecoming one who holds the priesthood of God. To me, it is impossible to maintain the Spirit of the Lord while listening to music or watching movies or videos that celebrate evil thoughts and use vulgar language.” (M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, Nov. 1997, pp. 37-39)
“Stand as Witnesses of God at All Times and in All Things”
Conference Report, Apr. 1951, pp. 32-34
“I often discuss our theme with young women and ask what it means to them to ‘stand as witnesses of God at all time and in all things, and in all places’ I believe it means that we show by our behavior what we believe. Surly we are standing as witnesses of God when we sustain his living prophets, especially when we know what it means to sustain. We will abide by the direction and counsel of the prophets. We indeed become witnesses when we make this solemn covenant.” (Janette Hales Beckham, Ensign, May 1996, p. 84)
“When we covenant in the waters of bapism to ‘stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places,’ … It may not always be easy, convenient, or politically correct to stand for truth and right, but it is always the right thing to do. Always… . Today’s young people, just as those ‘of the rising generation’ (3 Ne. 1:30) in Book of Mormon times, are the most susceptible to the influence of gangs… . There is an entire subculture that celebrates contemporary gangs and their criminal conduct with music, clothing styles, language, attitudes, and behaviors. Many of you have watched as trendy friends have embraced the style as something that was ‘fashionable’ and ‘cool,’ only to be dragged into the subculture because of their identification with gangs. We’ve all heard the tragic stories of unsuspecting wanna-bes who have been victimized by gangs simply because they were wearing the wrong color in the wrong neighborhood… . Many of you young men of the Aaronic Priesthood may find yourself on the front line of a battle against those who intend to do things that are morally wrong. I do not believe that you can stand for truth and right while wearing anything that is unbecoming one who holds the priesthood of God. To me, it is impossible to maintain the Spirit of the Lord while listening to music or watching movies or videos that celebrate evil thoughts and use vulgar language.” (M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, Nov. 1997, pp. 37-39)