Russell C. Taylor

First Quorum of the Seventy (October 6, 1984 – April 1, 1989)
Second Quorum of the Seventy (April 1, 1989 – October 7, 1989)

General Conference Addresses

• April 1989 General Conference
  • Making Points for Righteousness
    • “But when a young man loses in his preparation for life, that really matters—because that has lasting consequences.”
    • “Serving your mission is more than being called and sharing the gospel with your brothers and sisters for two years. That is important, but your mission is also doing what the Lord wants you to do throughout all your life.”
    • “You’ll find there are points to make as you draw close to the Lord through scripture study, prayer, and fasting. Your testimony will grow. While many young men today are starving spiritually, you can grow spiritually.”
    • “You should avoid anything that causes you to lose control of yourself or to lose concern for the welfare of another person.”
    • “Movies and television often portray premarital sex as an appropriate expression of love between a man and a woman. This is a lie. Sex outside of marriage becomes an expression of selfishness, lack of self-control, and lack of concern for the other person. These actions will bring you unhappiness and are condemned by God.”
• October 1984 General Conference
  • The Joy of Service
    • “My experience teaches that the highest goodness attainable is a life of unselfish service to mankind.”
    • “Some mistakenly think that a commitment to service comes after a great spiritual experience. This is like the man who is cold, standing before the stove, and saying, “Give me heat, and then I will put in some wood.” The joy and blessings of service follow the rendering of service.”
    • “I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do. Progress is not created by contented people. It is up to us, you and me, to be uncomfortable in complacency, to refrain from being spectators, and to be players in the game of life. The Lord has chosen His people to perform a mighty work. Our home teaching, our visiting teaching should be more than going; it should be doing with Christian love. It can be done; you can each do your portion of the work because you desire it.”

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