This week, we will examine a talk given by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quroum of the Twelve Apostles. He presented the talk, “Living Water to Quench Spiritual Thirst” during the April 1995 session of General Conference.
Elder Wirthlin starts his talk by discussing the Samaritan woman Christ met at the well. With this woman, He taught “powerful, eternal truths,” testifying as His role as the Savior of the world. The woman focused on the physical nature of the living water Christ offered. Similarly, Elder Wirthlin notes that many in the world today seek out the easy way, the convenience method, the opportunity to satisfy the physical. But the promise of eternal water that Christ gives to the woman is available to all of us. “By living the gospel of Jesus Christ, we develop within ourselves a living spring that will quench eternally our thirst for happiness, peace, and everlasting life.” As we are obedient to the laws and commandments of the gospel, so shall we be blessed.
The woman called many to the well, and Christ preached to them for two days. Their curiosity became testimony, as they drew strength from the living water. Elder Wirthlin notes that many today are searching for meaning and direction in their lives. He tells us that “their spirits cry out for life-sustaining experiences of peace and calm to nourish and enliven their withering hearts.” He pleads with us to throw ourselves into the work of bringing our brethren and sisters to the joy of the gospel. “As they come to understand our Heavenly Father’s great plan of happiness,” Elder Wirthlin teaches, their thirst will be satisfied.
He goes on to cite Elder Bruce R. McConkie’s definition of living water: “the words of eternal life, the message of salvation, the truths about God and his kingdom; it is the doctrine of the gospel.” Through living prophets today, we can be sustained continuously by the eternal truths we hear. He reminds us of President Hunter’s admonishment to seek out a temple recommend, even when we are unable to frequent the temple. In doing so, we might visit the Savior’s house as the opportunity arose and “drink deeply of the living waters there.”
Elder Wirthlin concludes his talk with his testimony of the newly-sustained President Hinckley and his counselors. He bears his testimony of the Savior, and of our obligation to bring living water to those who seek it.
Related Articles:
Gospel Doctrine: A Well of Living Water
General Conference: “Discipleship”
Gospel Doctrine: Spiritually Reborn