LDS General Conference: Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Quorum of the Twelve

A summary of the talk given by Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Quorum of the Twelve, during the Sunday afternoon session.

Latter-day Saints are unique in following the Savior's teachings and example of "denying ourselves of selfish interests in order to serve others." Examples include missionary service, temple work, church service, community aid and even raising families.

"We do not serve our Savior well if we fear man more than God. He rebuked some leaders in his restored church for seeking the praise of the world and for having their minds on the things of the earth more than on the things of the Lord. … Those who are caught up in trying to save their lives by seeking the praise of the world are actually rejecting the Savior's teaching that the only way to save our eternal life is to love one another and lose our lives in service. …

"Our Savior teaches us to follow him by making the sacrifices necessary to lose ourselves in unselfish service to others. If we do, he promises us eternal life, 'the greatest of all the gifts of God,' the glory and joy of living in the presence of God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ."