Follow the Prophet

Amid clamor and confusion God always provides peace and clarity.  One way He has done this is through prophets.  A prophet is a man whom the Lord calls and empowers to speak His word for the benefit and salvation of His children here on earth.

The Bible is full of prophets.  Adam taught his posterity the gospel and commandments of the Lord.  Noah declared repentance (returning to the Lord's gospel) before the flood.  Moses led Israel out of Egypt and taught them to worship the true God of Israel and not the idols that they had left behind.  Samuel, Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and others taught and chastened Israel as they cycled from belief to prosperity, pride, and then wickedness.

Christ Himself came to teach His law and establish His church and gospel.  He chose and ordained 12 Apostles (Matthew 10:1-8) and Seventy others (Luke 10:1-2,9) to teach His gospel and proclaim His name.

Today we have living prophets who teach the same gospel and the same commandments of the Lord.  They offer a constant, unchanging voice of clarity in our shifting world.  They declare repentance and teach God's commandments and moral standards despite apathy, apostasy, and moral degeneration in society.

Following the counsel of the Lord's prophets guides us in a safe and happy course through this life.  They are the watchmen on the walls who can see danger afar off. (See D&C 101:45; Isaiah 62:6; Jeremiah 6:17; Ezekiel 3:16-17)  If we listen to their warning voices we will be able to avoid and overcome the snares and pitfalls of the adversary and of the world.