Lists, Lists, Lists, and Lists

When the general authorities for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints speak at general conference, they hope to motivate and inspire listeners around the world to better live the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Therefore, they hope we will not only listen to their prepared messages, but also remember and act on what they teach.  One way speakers help listeners remember the content of their speech is to arrange their message in the form of a list.  Many of us have been taught growing up that the easiest way to organize and remember information (whether it be homework to be completed, groceries needed at the store, or a personal plan for improvement, etc.) is to make a list.  It is a form we are familiar with and comfortable using.



In the recent October conference, Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave a talk in which he addressed the youth and young single adults around the world.  He spoke of problems people of the rising generation face, including incurring debt and dating/marriage crises.  Elder Hales directly delivered wonderful advice and counsel to those he aimed to address.  Being a young single adult, I paid close attention to his wise remarks.  A few days later, his words are still fresh on my mind, and the sound counsel he gave continues to expand my understanding and influence me for good.  Why are his ideas so easy to hold in remembrance?  They were framed in tidy lists.

Here is a list of the lists he used:
1.) A list of scriptural accounts about a person or a group of people fleeing from evil.
2.) A list of sources we can turn to for guidance and direction.
3.) A list of questions we should ask ourselves to determine if he or she is "the one".
4.) A list of qualities we should strive to develop in order to be worthy of "the one".
5.) A list of blessing we will receive if we follow his counsel.

Elder Hales arranged his information in a simple, easy-to-remember format that subtly persuaded me to subconsciously remember all his words.