Two Lines of Communication - Dallin H. Oaks

  This is such a great example of the real need for the Church and its Prophets, Seers and Revelators.  To separate the two lines of communication makes it so clear.  Most members of our family are daily influenced by our Personal Line of communication.  When we are obedient and partakers of the sacrament that line is greatly enhanced, giving daily help in understanding our life and our family.  In several talks this conference, the worthy, regular partaking of the sacrament has been emphasized, therefore it is important that we participate, ponder and thereby access our Personal Line during each day.  
  The Priesthood Line is of importance also, to be able to provide service, teaching and organization to benefit and lift the members of the Church.  Without the influence of this line, we become self centered and left on our own and the use of the Personal Line is turned into our wisdom leaving the door open to error and reliance upon worldly philosophy.
  My own example I state like this:
    Many people and religious organizations build a "fenced area" and put God and Religion outside of that fence while they build their world inside free from having to expand their understanding.  One Church has claimed that revelation from God ceased with Christ and is no longer necessary, thereby putting revelation outside their fence.  This lets them label those who claim or seek revelation as outsiders.  Inside their fence they can allow behaviors specifically forbidden by the most basic of the commandments of God by rationalizing the OK'ness of their own deviations.
    I prefer to make my fence a place where I can place philosophies, deviations from commandments, decisions outside the statements of our leaders, habits that deter personal spiritual progress and even the influence of people who practice or espouse such things.  Once inside this fence, my efforts are to always choose to keep these things inside that fence, giving me the greatest freedom outside of it.  In this example I like to think of the "fence posts" as the foundational principles we have been given by the Prophets.
  It gives me great comfort to understand and use these two great lines, especially now on this mission full of difficult challenges but great opportunities.  We see the hand of God working here every day in some way and for that Shirlyn and I are most grateful.  We also on this Christmas day are so grateful for every member of our family and your support.