LDS General Conference: Elder M. Russell Ballard, Quorum of the Twelve

A summary of the talk given by Elder M. Russell Ballard, Quorum of the Twelve, during the Saturday afternoon session.

"Learning the lessons of the past allows you to walk boldly in the light without running the risk of stumbling in darkness. This is the way it's supposed to work. This is God's plan: father and mother, grandfather and grandmother, teaching their children, children learning from them and becoming a more righteous generation through their own personal experiences and opportunities. Learning the lessons of the past allows you to build personal testimony on the solid bedrock of obedience, faith and the witness of the spirit."

"If you are open and receptive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit in your lives, you will understand the lessons of the past, and they will be burned onto your souls by the power of your testimonies."

The process of of gaining a testimony hasn't changed. "It comes through desire, study, prayer, obedience and service. This is why the teachings of prophets and apostles, past and present, are as relevant to your life today as they ever have been."

It's hard to image a scenario where it would not be worthwhile to consider and learn from the experiences of others.