Lesson of 2026
Lesson No. Fourteen

“I Teach them Correct Principles, and They Govern Themselves” - Joseph Smith

Teaching correct principles. A government official, who was visiting Nauvoo asked the Prophet Joseph how he was “enabled to govern so many people and to preserve such perfect order, remarking at the same time it was impossible for them to do it anywhere else.”

“Mr. Smith remarked that it was very easy to do that. ‘How?’ responded the gentleman; ‘to us it is very difficult.’ Mr. Smith replied, ‘I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves.’ ”(Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, (2011), Ch. 24; pg 281–91).

“Among all of the many wonderful and significant things which the Prophet Joseph Smith said, there are few that are of greater import than his declaration to a traveler who had asked how he governed so heterogeneous a people. ‘I teach them correct principles,’ he said, ‘and they govern themselves’” (Reach Out in Love and Kindness Gordon B. Hinckley, General Conference, Oct. 1982).

Learning and applying correct principles blesses our lives in so many ways. Principles that have the greatest impact on us at any given time are largely determined by our individual circumstances at that time. Some sermons of the April 2026 general conference were especially impactful to me because I recognized that applying these principles in my life has been a great blessing. Some sermons helped me recognize that I can do better, and I resolved to do so.

President Gordon B. Hinckley asked: “My brethren and sisters, having been taught correct principles, let us go from this conference with a determination to govern ourselves in accordance with these principles” (Ibid). Each of us should do what President Hinckley asked us to do. (My resolve to recognize and implement some of the teachings of this conference in my life is bolded)

President Dallin H. Oaks on being peacemakers: “Today we might say that we are commanded to love our adversaries. All mortals are beloved children of God…We can follow the example of Jesus Christ, who is our role model, by choosing to love others — even if they show little or no love toward us….As followers of Christ, let us follow Him by forgoing contention and by using the language and methods of peacemakers.”
I will be more patient, show greater love, and use the language and methods of peacemakers to those who have different beliefs and life styles.

President Dallin H. Oaks on the literal and universal resurrection: “I wonder if we fully appreciate the enormous significance of this belief in a literal, universal resurrection. The conviction that death is not the conclusion of our identity changes the whole perspective of our mortal life. It affects how we look on the physical challenges of mortality. It gives us the strength and perspective to endure the mortal challenges faced by each of us and by those we love. It signifies that mortal deficiencies are only temporary! It also gives us the courage to face our own death or that of loved ones—even deaths we might call premature.

“Our belief in the Resurrection also encourages us to fulfill our family responsibilities in mortality. It helps us live together in love in this life in anticipation of joyful reunions and associations in the next.” I intend to learn as much as possible about the literal and universal resurrection. I will testify that these great blessings are made possible through the atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Elder Jorge T. Becerra on tithing: “’Now is the season in which to establish strength in the gospel, and that involves the payment of tithing. … It is obedience to the commandment of the Lord that really matters’ (President Gordon B Hinckley, General Authority training meeting, Oct. 2, 2001). I know this statement applies to our temporal lives but also to our spiritual lives. I am certain that the payment of tithes and offerings will enhance our spiritual capacity as we put God first and offer our ‘firstlings of [the] flock’ (Moses 5:5)….

“I witness that a spiritual power and direction, heretofore unknown, will come into our lives as we keep the law of obedience and sacrifice. Evidence of this truth is found in the simple statement of the Lord after Adam had offered sacrifice: “And in that day the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam” (Moses 5:9)….’The imagery of the ‘windows’ of heaven is most instructive [see Malachi 3:7]. Windows allow natural light to enter into a building. In like manner, spiritual illumination and perspective are poured out through the windows of heaven and into our lives as we honor the law of tithing.’” The liberal calculation and payment of tithing has opened the windows of heaven and poured out great blessings, both spiritual and temporal, on me and my family.

Elder David A. Bednar on enduring to the end: “Enduring to the end is not merely a relentless determination to grit our teeth, hold on to the limits of our physical strength and mental capacity, and push through the challenges and adversities of mortal life; it is so much more than that.

“Enduring to the end is the joyous quest of a lifetime—a pressing forward with faith in Jesus Christ in a gradual process of trusting in and receiving help from our Savior to become more like Him. As our love for Him grows ever stronger and deeper, we can be blessed to receive spiritual perspective, the Lord’s empowering grace, and exceedingly great and indescribable joy.” I have tasted of this joy, and I desire to eat frequently at the banquet Elder Bednar describes.

President Henry B. Eyring on prayer: “In moments of pain, loneliness, or confusion, we know that our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son are aware of our circumstances and that They yearn to bless us. The Savior’s words are clear: ‘And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

“Opening the windows of heaven through fervent prayer does not require the use of many words or flowery language. Rather, the diligence in prayer required of us is to ‘pour out [our] souls’ in private places and have our hearts ‘drawn out in prayer unto him continually’” (Alma 34:26-27). I know of the blessings that come from sincere prayer, and I desire to pray more perfectly.

Testimony. This pattern of teaching correct principles and trusting that people will make good choices has been the approach of the Lord and His prophets from the beginning. Today, with a culturally diversified membership of over 17 million, it would be impossible to lead any other way.

One of the great evidences that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the kingdom of God on the earth is that so many of its members are faithful and desire to be even more so. They accept the principles taught by the Lord, His prophets, and the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, and they sincerely desire to apply them in their lives.

Released on April 11th. 2026.