Weightier Matters | Dallin H. Oaks | 1999

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An important discussion of controversial topics such as the family, abortion, choice, and diversity, in terms of earthly objectives and eternal goals.
This speech was given on February 9, 1999.
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"My title and subject today is taken from the Savior’s denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees: “Ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone” (Matthew 23:23; emphasis added).
I wish to speak about some “weightier matters” we might overlook if we allow ourselves to focus exclusively on lesser matters. The weightier matters to which I refer are the qualities like faith and the love of God and his work that will move us strongly toward our eternal goals.
In speaking of weightier matters, I seek to contrast our ultimate goals in eternity with the mortal methods or short-term objectives we use to pursue them. I read in the Universe about Professor Sara Lee Gibb’s message from this pulpit last week. She discussed the difference between earthly perspectives and eternal ones. Then, on Sunday, President Thomas S. Monson reminded you that eternal life is our goal. My message concerns that same contrast, which the Apostle Paul described in these words: “We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).
If we concentrate too intently on our obvious earthly methods or objectives, we can lose sight of our eternal goals, which the apostle called “things . . . not seen.” If we do this, we can forget where we should be headed and in eternal terms go nowhere. We do not improve our position in eternity just by flying farther and faster in mortality, but only by moving knowledgeably in the right direction. As the Lord told us in modern revelation, “That which the Spirit testifies unto you . . . ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me, considering the end of your salvation” (D&C 46:7; emphasis added).
We must not confuse means and ends. The vehicle is not the destination. If we lose sight of our eternal goals, we might think the most important thing is how fast we are moving and that any road will get us to our destination. The Apostle Paul described this attitude as “hav[ing] a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge” (Romans 10:2). Zeal is a method, not a goal. Zeal-even a zeal toward God-needs to be “according to knowledge” of God’s commandments and his plan for his children. In other words, the weightier matter of the eternal goal must not be displaced by the mortal method, however excellent in itself.
Thus far I have spoken in generalities. Now I will give three examples.
Family
All Latter-day Saints understand that having an eternal family is an eternal goal. Exaltation is a family matter, not possible outside the everlasting covenant of marriage, which makes possible the perpetuation of glorious family relationships. But this does not mean that everything related to mortal families is an eternal goal. There are many short-term objectives associated with families-such as family togetherness or family solidarity or love-that are methods, not the eternal goals we pursue in priority above all others. For example, family solidarity to conduct an evil enterprise is obviously no virtue. Neither is family solidarity to conceal and perpetuate some evil practice like abuse.
The purpose of mortal families is to bring children into the world, to teach them what is right, and to prepare all family members for exaltation in eternal family relationships. The gospel plan contemplates the kind of family government, discipline, solidarity, and love that serve those ultimate goals. But even the love of family members is subject to the overriding first commandment, which is love of God (see Matthew 22:37-38) and “if ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). As Jesus taught, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37).
Choice or Agency
My next example in this message on weightier matters is the role of choice or agency..."

[@dawnawhite896]

I love Pres. Oaks! He tells it how it is and doesn't worry about who he offends! 👏

[@yourdogfluffy4914]

It's amazing how relevant this talk is for the modern times.

[@michaelmansfield8568]

From 30 years ago we received prophetic council that is directly related to the current philosophical falsehoods that have become central to the secular theology that is driving many of the errors in civil governance that we are witness to today. Listening to this talk convinces me that we didn’t listen in a manner that won our hearts and souls at the time this talk was delivered by this Witness of Christ. The pull of secular society has had great influence on the fashion of unbelief that we are left to confront today, even within the church. May God bless us to live true to the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

[@stephtimms1776]

Very important information and clarification. Thank you so much for uploading this! 💯💞👣

[@stanleymcomber4844]

This is an example of, and testimony to the divine nature of the apostles and prophets. These warnings and admonitions are (in 2022) affirmations of their callings, and our need to follow them.

[@Iratechromosome]

This is so amazing. This genuinely brings me hope for the future of the church.

[@gabrielradvansky2321]

I wish we heard more talks like this in conference

[@leswalker2639]

You can always go back in the past and find many discussions on the things he spoke about. With the internet it helps a lot to go back and listen to many many of these inspiring talks way back when. His talk is nothing new, just a refresher course.

[@lukeslc-xd8ds]

I totally agree with you.

[@jblonde711]

As true today as when he first spoke it.

[@guardianangel9517]

I LOVE Dallin H. Oaks, and I know by the power of the Holy Spirit he is a FAITHFUL servant of our Lord Jesus Christ. What Brother Oaks said THEN is the same as what he says NOW about any subject, which is WHY I have respect for what he has to say, and LOVE his talks!!!🥰 God is the same YESTERDAY, TODAY, and FOREVER! 🙏🏼 He doesn't change to keep up with our times or our weaknesses, but He IS waiting for us to repent and make better choices. THEN He'll meet us wherever we are at with love and the help we need🤍🕊 I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen 😇

[@jeanleatham2080]

Great talk

[@lukeslc-xd8ds]

I would strongly recommend that as many members of the Church as possible LISTEN TO this talk.

[@nathanbanks2935]

We should try to "move knowledgeably in the right direction," so that we can achieve eternal life. We shouldn't invert the first and greatest commandment, to love God with all our heart, and soul, by choosing to honor loved ones and family traditions as a more important priority than to love God and keep his commandments.

[@leswalker2639]

You are right, the Lord has been trying to teach these principles from day one. We have too many people that can't quite get it together in living the Commandment, love one another as I have loved you. I can't promise you if we would be able to live this commandment all the time our lives would change for the better. This talk was a excellent reminder. It can't touch the heart until we are ready to receive it.

[@racquelescjose4432]

Justice mercy and faith um powerful

[@robertrex4404]

The title if this video says 1992, but the description says 1999 🤔. It doesn't matter, but I thought I'd mention it

[@leswalker2639]

I'm sure glad it doesn't matter when the video was put out. I received this talk November 2022, I'm sure glad they didn't delete it, this was a excellent explanation and a critical Factor of our time.

[@leswalker2639]

It looks like this talk excuses no one. Either you lived alone or you don't reap the benefits of the higher kingdoms of God. We will always have the good bad and ugly and Evil Among Us. Thank God we have Judgment Day coming up, this way we all will know where we need to improve to actually finish the race.

[@deweydewey6714]

He is such a great man! If only there where more men like him that had the courage to stand up for truth and correct moral principles despite all of the pressures of the wrong modern precepts of men with all their so called political correctness, the world would be a better place! George Joseph DeMetz