One Man Can Make a Difference | F. Melvin Hammond | June 1988
Feb 15, 2023
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F. Melvin Hammond, a mission president, shares uplifting tales of individuals who have made significant impacts. He discusses how a young missionary found hope by connecting with the Savior amidst personal trials. Hammond reflects on the weight of individual actions, citing figures like Gandhi and Hitler to highlight moral leadership's importance. He narrates an inspiring incident of bravery during a flood in Bolivia and encourages listeners to commit to spiritual growth, emphasizing the transformative power of living Christ's teachings.
Education plays a critical role in shaping individuals' futures, highlighting how small decisions can lead to significant opportunities.
Personal actions and choices have the power to influence society, with examples illustrating the dual potential for uplifting or destructive legacies.
Deep dives
The Impact of Education and Lifelong Learning
Education has a powerful role in shaping lives, as demonstrated by the speaker's experience with taking a half year of Spanish in seventh grade, which ultimately led to a mission call in a Spanish-speaking area. This highlights how seemingly small decisions can have lasting consequences, reinforcing the idea that what we choose to learn can open doors in unexpected ways. The speaker emphasizes the importance of building a solid foundation through learning, encouraging listeners to value their educational experiences. The significance of this foundation is further illustrated through their reflections on family, showcasing the importance of relationships built on shared educational journeys.
The Influence of Individual Actions
The speaker articulates that one person can indeed make a difference, citing historical figures like Copernicus, Gandhi, and Joseph Smith as examples of individuals whose actions changed the world. Copernicus challenged long-held views of the universe, while Gandhi's commitment to nonviolence led to India's independence, demonstrating how personal principles can inspire broader social change. The concerns about how one person's legacy can either uplift or destroy, as exemplified by Adolf Hitler's destructive influence, remind listeners of the profound responsibility that individuals hold in shaping society. This message serves as a call to recognize that each person's choices and actions can significantly impact the lives of others.
Cultivating Spiritual Strength and Purpose
The importance of spiritual strength and individual purpose is emphasized through the speaker's encouragement for active participation in faith-based practices, such as attending all Sabbath meetings and preaching the gospel. By committing to these practices, individuals not only enhance their own spiritual well-being but also contribute positively to their communities and families. The speaker suggests that such dedication leads to a stronger character and a more profound sense of fulfillment in life, showcasing the direct connection between personal faith and societal impact. Ultimately, this focus on spiritual development is presented as a pathway to making a lasting difference in the world.
A mission president helps a discouraged missionary recognize one man can make a difference by reminding him of the Savior. Click or tap here to view the speech page on our website.