President Thomas S. Monson repeats what the Savior said — that in order to find purpose in life, lose yourself in the service of others.
“Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish — and in effect save their lives,” he says. (http://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/serve-god-by…)
No living person has stood before more general conference congregations than President Thomas S. Monson.
Since being called as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve in October 1963, he has addressed 154 sessions of annual and semiannual general conferences. By the conclusion of the 181st Annual General Conference — which includes two general sessions Saturday, April 2, and Sunday, April 3, and a priesthood session Saturday evening — he will have delivered 158 general conference addresses.
He has spoken in 23 conference sessions since he became President of the Church Feb. 3, 2008. He was sustained as president on April 5, 2008, during the 178th Annual General Conference of the Church. He spoke during three sessions of that conference; he has spoken four times at all other conferences since he became Church president. Called to the First Presidency in November 1985, he served as second counselor to President Ezra Taft Benson and President Howard W. Hunter and as first counselor to President Gordon B. Hinckley. He spoke twice at each conference during their administrations.
President Monson also has addressed numerous general auxiliary meetings of the Church held in conjunction with general conferences.
No living person has stood before more general conference congregations than President Thomas S. Monson. By the conclusion of the 181st Annual General Conference — which includes two general sessions Saturday, April 2, and Sunday, April 3, and a priesthood session Saturday evening — he will have delivered 158 general conference addresses.
Recently, the Church News visited President Monson in his office. The conversation, which touched on several topics, focused on what has become a theme of his administration and, indeed, his ministry as a bishop, stake presidency member, mission president, apostle and, now, President of the Church: serving and caring for the poor and the needy, reaching out to the lonely and downhearted and befriending those who seem to have few, if any, friends.
Putting his call as President of the Church in perspective, he said, “I believe that when we face our Maker, we will not be asked, ‘How many positions did you hold?’ but rather, ‘How many people did you help?'”
Over the years, from the time he delivered his first address as an apostle in October 1963, President Monson has testified of Jesus Christ and encouraged people to emulate Him in serving and reaching out to others.
President Monson shows us how to serve by his example.
Talk Source: http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/60704/President-Thomas-S-Monson-Th…
