Place No More for the Enemy of My Soul by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles

This post includes some key quotes and highlights from the talk "Place No More for the Enemy of My Soul" given by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, one of the 12 Apostles, in the April 2010 General Conference. For the full text of his talk please click here.

Elder Holland describes the "moral decay" all around us:

"Most days we all find ourselves assaulted by immoral messages of some kind flooding in on us from every angle. The darker sides of the movie, television, and music industry step further and further into offensive language and sexual misconduct."

He warns that "immoral activity is not just a man's problem, and husbands aren't the only ones offending." He then talks about why lust is considered one of the deadliest of sins:

"Well, in addition to the completely Spirit-destroying impact it has upon our souls, I think it is a sin because it defiles the highest and holiest relationship God gives us in mortality—the love that a man and a woman have for each other and the desire that couple has to bring children into a family intended to be forever.

But lust is characterized by shame and stealth and is almost pathologically clandestine—the later and darker the hour the better, with a double-bolted door just in case. Love makes us instinctively reach out to God and other people. Lust, on the other hand, is anything but godly and celebrates self-indulgence. Love comes with open hands and open heart; lust comes with only an open appetite." 

Elder Holland then gives some tips to help:

• "Start by separating yourself from people, materials, and circumstances that will harm you. As those battling something like alcoholism know, the pull of proximity can be fatal."
• Seek help! "Pray without ceasing. Ask for angels to help you."
• "The only real control in life is self-control...If a TV show is indecent, turn it off. If a movie is crude, walk out. If an improper relationship is developing, sever it."
• "An old proverb says that a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step,⁵ so watch your step."

I especially liked this warning and counsel:

"Like thieves in the night, unwelcome thoughts can and do seek entrance to our minds. But we don’t have to throw open the door, serve them tea and crumpets, and then tell them where the silverware is kept! (You shouldn’t be serving tea anyway.) Throw the rascals out! Replace lewd thoughts with hopeful images and joyful memories; picture the faces of those who love you and would be shattered if you let them down. More than one man has been saved from sin or stupidity by remembering the face of his mother, his wife, or his child waiting somewhere for him at home. Whatever thoughts you have, make sure they are welcome in your heart by invitation only."

Elder Holland also counsels us to "cultivate and be where the Spirit of the Lord is," including our own homes, and to "go to the temple as often as [our] circumstances allow." Speaking of our covenant that we renew each Sunday:

"We pledge every Sunday of our lives to take upon ourselves His name and promise to 'always remember him.' So let us work a little harder at remembering Him—especially that He has 'borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows . . . , [that] he was bruised for our iniquities . . . ; and with his stripes we are healed.'"

His concluding advice and promise:

"When we face such temptations in our time, we must declare, as young Nephi did in his, “[I will] give place no more for the enemy of my soul.” We can reject the evil one. If we want it dearly and deeply enough, that enemy can and will be rebuked by the redeeming power of the Lord Jesus Christ. Furthermore, I promise you that the light of His everlasting gospel can and will again shine brightly where you feared life had gone hopelessly, helplessly dark."