President Thomas Spencer Monson always gives us his all, even though that all means a stay in the hospital the day after General Conference. And what is a General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Is it not the means by which everything "which had hitherto been a weak place, had now, by the means of [the Prophet and the First Presidency], become strong" (Alma 49:17)? President Monson always lives up to his foreordained mission "to fortify and strengthen" in time of temporal and spiritual danger, and he does so in solemnity and with a broad, broad smile.
He could have others read his Conference talks, delegate most of the work, but what do we see? Whether weary or not, President Monson continues in mighty prayer, and revelation flows from heaven. He is a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator to the 7.5 billion neighbors we all share. And we all become witnesses, throughout the wide world, of the tremendous spiritual, mental, and, yes, physical, work of prayer and preparation to announce five new temples and a new General Relief Society presidency.
That's "like unto Moroni" energetic leadership for someone in his 90th year. But, then, as his secretary once said: "He never puts anything off." President Thomas S. Monson is "like unto Moroni" in energy, thanksgiving, and understanding. His example, teachings, direction, and revelations all breathe prophetic life into our times. Years ago, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said President Monson was "most like Nephi," "a modern Nephi": we walk as did those of old, blessed with living prophets and apostles. He reminds others of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Today, I think of Captain Moroni! Just wait! "Like unto Moroni," the Prophet will promptly "be up and doing" (Alma 60:24).
https://www.lds.org/ensign/1986/02/president-thomas-s-monson-man-of-action-man-of-faith-always-on-the-lords-errand?lang=eng
Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto [Thomas S. Monson--or even young Tommy Monson] behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.
What are we, then, promptly to do with heart and hand? Build these temples, labor within them, study the examples of energetic, faithful Nephi, Moroni, and the Sons of Helaman--and especially their mothers-- reach out to refugees and the homeless with the never-failing pure love of Christ, as exemplified by the Relief Society, and (can there be more?) give it our All!
Update:
April 6, 2017
President Thomas S. Monson was back to work today, with the First Presidency: http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/responding-needs-homeless-communities
June 2017
President Monson, in his First Presidency Message, gives us "a word"--an inspired word--to cheer us along, and again assures us: "The future is as bright as your faith."
April 2009: The Pledge: "I pledge my life, my strength--all that I have to offer--in serving Him and in directing the affairs of His Church in accordance with His will and by His inspiration, and I do so in His holy name--even the Lord Jesus Christ--amen."
