Neal A. Maxwell

Latter-day Saints have always believed in Christ’s admonition to “be ye therefore perfect,” but what does that look like in our daily gospel living?

At Elder Neal A. Maxwell’s funeral, President Gordon B. Hinckley said:

It’s unlikely that anyone in the Church (except for the apostles) anticipated that Neal A. Maxwell would be called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles when he was. As far as most people knew, there wasn’t a vacancy to be filled. Generally, a new apostle is called when an apostle dies. However, in 1981, the health of all three members of the First Presidency was declining. After many vibrant years of service together, they were slowing down. President Spencer W. Kimball, in recovery from surgery, felt “a restless urge to breathe needed vitality into the First Presidency”. President Kimball called Elder Gordon B. Hinckley to be a fourth member of the Presidency on July 15th. This left a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve.

Everyone who believes in God at all believes that He knows what you and I are going to do tomorrow. But if He knows I am going to do so-and-so, how can I be free to do otherwise?

Elder Neal A. Maxwell was a beloved disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. He served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for 23 years, from 1981 to 2004. The spiritual power of his teachings and his example of faithful discipleship blessed and continue to bless in marvelous ways the members of the Savior’s restored Church and the people of the world.

President Thomas S. Monson, in addressing the women of the Church in April 2005, gave evidence of his loving nature: “My dear sisters, may God bless you. We love you; we pray for you.” President Monson’s words reiterated a significant teaching: “Remember that you do not walk alone. The Lord has promised you: ‘I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.’”1 In at least three general conference addresses, President Monson has also declared, “How glorious and near to the angels is youth that is clean.”2

It's that time again where millions watch in awe as the best athletes in the world compete in tests of strength, endurance, and skill. As one of the eagerly watched signs that the Olympics are approaching is the ceremonial journey of the Olympic Torch.

The following is adapted from Receiving Personal Revelation: Using a Journal to Improve Your Communication with Godby Larry Tippetts.

It isn't an easy task to narrow down the list of books written by prophets, apostles, and historians about the Church. The topics are varied and the viewpoints are many. However, there are certain books that have risen to the top and have stayed extremely relevant to readers over the years. We'd like to introduce our ultimate list of must-read LDS classics:

Of his wife of almost 54 years, Neal A. Maxwell called Colleen Hinckley Maxwell a "more complete" Christian than he, saying over the pulpit, "I express deep love and appreciation to my wife, who is splendid in every way."

In Okinawa, Elder Neal A. Maxwell would often bless the sacrament while in foxholes. But he didn't realize that this act would bless not only members, but nonmembers as well. In fact, one in particular always remembered this touching experience, reaching out years later. Read the account in his own words.

Editor's note: This is an excerpt from "Rescued: A Prodigal's Journey Home," by Jerry Earl Johnston and published by Covenant Communications. In 1980, Elder Neal A. Maxwell was a member of the Quorum of the Seventy and the commissioner of church education. I was the book critic for the Deseret News. I wanted to do a series of stories on the favorite books of prominent people and called Elder Maxwell to ask if he’d contribute. He graciously agreed and mailed me his list.