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Classic BYU Speeches

The Desires of Our Hearts | Dallin H. Oaks | October 1985

Dec 4, 2024
Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, discusses the deep connection between our heart's desires and divine laws. He emphasizes that God cares not only about our actions but also about our motivations and intentions. Dallin illustrates how internal desires can lead to sinful thoughts, urging listeners to align their hearts with God’s will. He concludes with a powerful affirmation of faith, highlighting that righteous desires can attract blessings and are essential for spiritual growth.
31:12

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • God's laws encompass both actions and the desires of the heart, emphasizing accountability for our thoughts and motivations beyond mere behavior.
  • Cultivating righteous desires significantly influences our actions, and genuine intentions are valued by God even when circumstances hinder their fulfillment.

Deep dives

The Contrast Between Divine and Human Laws

The discussion highlights a fundamental contrast between the laws of God and the laws of man, particularly in their consideration of thoughts and intentions. While human laws focus on actions and the consequences that follow those actions, divine laws extend accountability to the desires of the heart as well. For instance, the mere act of coveting a neighbor's property is deemed sinful under God's law, whereas it may not constitute a legal infraction in human jurisdiction unless an action is taken. This distinction underlines the idea that God's judgment encompasses not only deeds but also the inner motives that drive human behavior.

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