The Trek Continues!

– A talk based on Elder Ballard’s Oct 2017 Gen Conf Address

Last October 2017 General Conference, Elder M. Russel Ballard spoke to us about the trek of the early
pioneers.
Before, for our pioneers, it was a journey to the promised land. But now today it is our journey back to
Heavenly Father.
Now Elder Ballard is asking us - - WHERE ARE OUR FOOTSTEPS LEADING US? Then he
counseled us to be careful and watchful of our footsteps and reminded us to stay in the gospel path, in
fact he mentioned faith in every footstep 3x in this talk, and to “stay on the gospel path” twice.
He also brought up a caution or warning about deception. Gusto nya maging aware tayo na hindi tayo
madedeceive in our journey back to our Heavenly Father. So he mentioned the counsel of Jesus Christ. In
Matthew 24:3-4, it says: “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man [and woman]
deceive you.”9

What are some ways that men use to deceive us? What is Elder Ballard’s counsel?

 Never be deceived by those who tamper with his doctrine.

 Do not listen to those who have not been ordained, or set apart or acknowledged by the
common consent of the members of the Church. So making lang tayo doon sa mga leaders na
set apart and ordained to hold conferences and give us counsel.

 Be aware of people claiming “secret answers” to doctrinal questions.

 For these three warnings - Let us stick with the one truth - the gospel of Jesus Christ was
restored through prophet Joseph Smith, the prophet for this last dispensation.

 We already know na ang Gospel of Jesus Christ is simple, and it may be understood by children.
We have enough books we have enough resources to expound our knowledge of the Gospel. We
have seminary and institute. Actually what we need to do to understand the Gospel more is to
apply it. To forgive more, serve more, to be Christlike. In social media we always show we love
the Gospel. We always quote the scriptures, we show that we love the temple. And that we go to
Church every Sunday. We should think and act like we are really honestly living the Gospel. Isn’t
that better than seeking complicated doctrines outside of the Church? And if we want to know
more, then we can pray for more knowledge. We can always ask for the guidance of the Holy
Ghost.

 Moving on to another warning. Elder Ballard said, Do NOT listen to those who entice you
with GET RICH SCHEMES. Our members have lost far too much money so be careful. So alam
na natin to. Pasong paso na yung mga members sa mga investment schemes promising huge
returns, na mostly ay scam. Please let us use our wisdom. If it is a GET RICH SCHEME or yung
mga opening line na “gusto mo bang kumati ng malaki etc etc” – IGNORE IT.
  Also, those seeking knowledge in expensive and questionable practices to provide healing
and support. Sometimes, these turn out ot be even more expensive than just going to the
doctor.

Elder Ballard quoted our Church Handbook –“MEMBERS should not use medical or health
practices ethically or legally questionable. Local leaders should advise members who have
health problems to consult with competent professional practitioners who are LICENSED and
hindi lang LICENSED – licensed in the countries where they practice.” Ayun, nasa handbook,
and sabi ng Apostle, pag may health problem, doctor or health practitioner ang pupuntahan.

While we understand medical treatment is very expensive, there are services we can avail from
several agencies, and we can again ask for help. But the instruction in the handbook stands. So
question. parang bar exam. Doctor X, licensed in Sweden and has been practicing Philippines for
5 years claims to have special medical treatment to diabetes patients. Should we consider asking
for his help? Yes or No.

 NO. He should be licensed also in the PHILIPPINES.

 Next counsel from Elder Ballard - let us eliminate prejudice, sexism, racism and
nationalism. This applies dun sa mga kinakaibigan natin, finfelllowship natin , and those who we
share the Gospel to. Although we are guilty of this many times. Let us remember that we believe
the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ are for everyone, including those who do not
agree with our political inclinations.

In summary, Elder Ballard’s counsels are -

1) Stay on the gospel path

2) Do not be deceived by people who are not set apart and will twist the Doctrine of Jesus Christ

3) Do not be deceived by get rich schemes

4) Do not be deceived by questionable medical practice, but always seek professional medical
advice.

5) The Gospel of Jesus Christ is for every child of God.

Elder Ballard wants us to avoid deception in our journey. He says our journey could either lead us to

1) personal fulfillment and spiritual enlightenment or

2) to sorrow, sin, anguish, and despair.

So we should be aware of all forms of deception. He reminds us that the Lord is our precious Savior. He is
the Redeemer of the world. That is all that we need to remember. We must honor His sacred name and
not misuse, always striving to keep His commandments. If we do so, He will bless us and lead us safely
home. And I leave these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.