Book Review: In Wisdom & Order by Boyd K. Packer

In Wisdom & Order, by Boyd K. Packer
2013, 260p, LDS Non-Fiction
My Rating=5 Stars
Source: Provided a copy by the publisher for an honest review

The timeless counsel King Benjamin lovingly presented to his people includes this simple and thoughtful caution: "See that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order" (Mosiah 4:27).

In this new collection of addresses, President Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles reiterates an ancient prophet's call to do all things "in wisdom and order."

These twenty-eight chapters—selected from President Packer's conference addresses, mission presidents' seminars, and other speeches given over the past five decades—will instruct and inspire parents, youth, teachers, priesthood leaders, indeed, anyone who desires to learn at the feet of an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ.

In this book you will find classic discussions on—

• Faith, "the kind of faith that causes things to happen, the kind of faith that moves people and sometimes moves things."
• Self-reliance, with a reminder that "you have great and powerful resources at hand. You, through prayer, can solve your problems without endlessly going to those who are trying so hard to help others."
• Temple covenants, which "become our credentials for admission into His presence. To worthily receive them is the quest of a lifetime; to keep them thereafter is the challenge of mortality."
• And much, much more.

As you read the words of this faithful disciple-leader, you will recognize anew that the Savior's hand is ever present in our lives and that the gospel plan is one of great "wisdom and order," designed to return us to our heavenly home clothed in glory and righteousness.

This book is a great collection of some of President Boyd K. Packer's talks. It's 28 chapters, divided into six parts:

Part One: Gospel Foundations
Part Two: Principles for Perfection
Part Three: Priesthood
Part Four: Youth and Family
Part Five: Teachers and Servants
Part Six: Lessons from Our Leaders

There's something for everyone in this book: children, parents, spouses, teachers, leaders, etc. Sometimes I felt like I was being given a hug and other times I felt like there is plenty more for me to be doing. Some of his messages were delivered in the '60's but feel like they were given last month. This is an excellent resource on a variety of topics which I will refer to again and again!

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About the Author

Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has been a member of that quorum since 1970 and a General Authority since 1961. Immediately prior to that, he was the supervisor of seminaries and institutes for the Church. He is a former president of the New England States Mission.

President Packer was born in Brigham City, Utah. He served as a pilot in the United States Air Force during World War II and later obtained his doctorate in education from Brigham Young University. He is the author of several best-selling books, including The Holy Temple, That All May Be Edified, and Teach Ye Diligently.

He and his wife, Donna Edith Smith Packer, are the parents of ten children.