The Music & the Spoken Word broadcast airs live via TV, radio, and internet stream on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. mountain time. For information on other airtimes, visit “Airing Schedules” at musicandthespokenword.org. 

Music

Conductor: Mack Wilberg
Organist: Richard Elliott
Announcer: Lloyd D. Newell

“Come, Ye Children of the Lord”
Music: Spanish melody
Lyrics: James H. Wallis
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg

“Look at the World”
Music and lyrics: John Rutter

Improvisation on “Hymn to Joy” (organ solo)
Music: Ludwig van Beethoven
Arrangement: Richard Elliott

“I Sing the Mighty Power of God”¹
Music: English melody
Lyrics: Isaac Watts
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg

“On a Wonderful Day like Today,” from The Roar of Greasepaint—The Smell of the Crowd
Music and lyrics: Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley
Arrangement: Sam Cardon

“Peace Be Mine”
Music: Mack Wilberg
Lyrics: David Warner

“I Believe in Christ”^{1, 2}
Music: John Longhurst
Lyrics: Bruce R. McConkie
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg

1. From the album Consider the Lilies.
2. From the albums Called to Serve and This Is the Christ.

The Spoken Word

Our Center Core

August 13, 2023
Lloyd D. Newell

Arthur Henry King was a beloved English professor who was twice honored by England’s Queen Elizabeth II for his worldwide professional contributions. A deeply religious man, aware of the contention and injustice in society, he wrote: “We are not whole: we feel separated, we feel incomplete. … How can we be at one with ourselves, and with father, mother, brother, sister, husband, or wife, if we are not at one with God? If we were at one with God, should we not feel at one with all mankind?”¹

In order to overcome discord in the family of God, we start by recognizing that we are a family. When we honor God as our Father, it’s a natural next step to treat each other as brothers and sisters.

All families share traits and characteristics, and God’s family is no different. With all our diversity of opinions and beliefs, preferences and priorities—not to mention differences in appearance—we share the same divine origin, which gives us some common spiritual traits. In our center core, we have a light within us; some call it a conscience—an innate sense of right and wrong. Deep inside, we feel a longing to help, not harm; to show respect, not contempt; to be a light, not a judge.

Of course, we all know that families don’t always get along. That light in our hearts can dim if we allow the harshness of life to become harshness with each other. Anger can lead to animosity, even violence. Jealousy and greed can tear us apart. But families can work through such things, and this ought to be especially true of the family of God. So how do we do it?

Jesus Christ is the way, and He shows us the way. He came to heal and unite God’s family by helping us revive the light we share in our center core. His high and holy way is not always easy; and yet, it leads to lasting connection: “Love your enemies,” He taught, “bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” In other words, be peacemakers, “that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.”²

1. Arthur Henry King, “Atonement: The Only Wholeness,” Ensign, Apr. 1975, 12; see also Gerrit W. Gong, “Our Own Best Story” (Brigham Young University devotional, Apr. 11, 2023), speeches.byu.edu.
2. Matthew 5:44–45.