Dieter F. Uchtdorf, an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has touched the hearts of many with his messages of hope, love, and faith. Born on Nov. 6, 1940, in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia, his life journey has taken him from a childhood marked by war and displacement to a distinguished career in aviation and a prominent role in the leadership of the Church. Sustained to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in October 2004, Elder Uchtdorf has shared his wisdom and insights with members of the Church worldwide. Here is a compilation of quotes and themes from his addresses, teachings, and ministry.
Early Life and Background
Dieter F. Uchtdorf's early life was shaped by significant historical events. His family became members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Germany in 1947. He served in air forces in Texas and Arizona, and serving six years as a fighter pilot. After leaving the military, Elder Uchtdorf became a commercial pilot for Lufthansa German Airlines in 1965, rising to top levels of management before retiring in 1995. He married Harriet Reich in 1962, and they have two children. These experiences have influenced his perspective and resonate deeply in his teachings.
Temple Dedications and Building Bridges
Elder Uchtdorf has emphasized the importance of temples as symbols of unity and peace.
“[I]n a world with a lot of walls, we need to continue to build bridges. The temple is a beautiful symbol for that peaceful effort, and it will radiate throughout the community here, … and it will spread out all across the world.”
This quote, given at the McAllen Texas Temple dedication on Oct. 8, 2023, highlights the temple's role in fostering understanding and connection in a divided world. The temple bridges borders.
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The Prodigal and the Road That Leads Home
In his October 2023 general conference address, "The Prodigal and the Road That Leads Home," Elder Uchtdorf extended a message of welcome and acceptance:
“Though choices may have taken you far away from the Savior and His Church, the Master Healer stands at the road that leads home, welcoming you. And we as members of the Church of Jesus Christ seek to follow His example and embrace you as our brothers and sisters, as our friends. We rejoice and celebrate with you.”
He reminds individuals that it is never too late to return to the Savior and that the Church should be a place of open arms.
Unity in Service
Elder Uchtdorf's message at the 2023 Seminar for New Mission Leaders stressed the unified nature of service in the Church:
“We may have different assignments, but it is not a different work. We all serve one Master, Jesus Christ, and it is all one work - His work.”
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Regardless of specific roles or responsibilities, all members are united in serving Jesus Christ.
Discipleship and Gratitude
During meetings at the BYU Jerusalem Center in April 2023, Elder Uchtdorf shared his testimony of Jesus Christ:
“The great gift is the sacrifice of His Son, the Beloved Savior. It is Jesus Christ who is at the center, and this great gift fills my heart with great gratitude. … I bear witness of Him. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.”
He emphasizes the central role of Jesus Christ and the importance of gratitude for His sacrifice.
The Unchanging Core Doctrine
While ministering in Egypt in April 2023, Elder Uchtdorf drew a parallel between the enduring nature of the pyramids and the steadfastness of the doctrine of Jesus Christ:
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“[Cairo] has changed in many ways. But some things have remained - and so it is in the Church, some things remain, the core doctrine of Jesus Christ. It is more solid and more firm than the Giza pyramids. It is real to us, and we can trust it.”
Even amidst change, the fundamental teachings of Jesus Christ remain constant and reliable.
Strength for Parents
In his April 2023 general conference address, "Jesus Christ Is the Strength of Parents," Elder Uchtdorf offered encouragement to parents:
“My message to all parents is this: The Lord loves you. He is with you. He stands beside you. He is your strength in guiding your children to make righteous choices.”
Parents can find solace and support in the Lord as they guide their children.
Growing the Church Through Love and Invitation
During a ministry in India in February 2023, Elder Uchtdorf extended an invitation to share the gospel with love:
“Here is a nation of strength, of goodness, of kindness, of great potential. … I invite you to grow the Church here. Love the people, share with them why you love the gospel and the Church of Jesus Christ, and invite them to come and see, come and help, and come and belong.”
He encourages members to share their love for the gospel and invite others to join the Church community.
God as Coach, Guide, Healer, and Savior
At a devotional at the Weber Institute of Religion in January 2023, Elder Uchtdorf spoke of God's unwavering support:
“Remember, because He loves you, He does not remove obstacles from your paths. He does not lower standards to make things easier for you. But even as you stumble, struggle or try to resist His help, He does not give up - ever. God is not your opposition. He is your coach. He is your guide. He is your healer. He is your Savior. His self-admitted purpose is to be your teacher and mentor.”
God's love is manifest in His constant support and guidance, even during difficult times.
The Importance of Today
In a social media post in January 2023, Elder Uchtdorf encouraged immediate action and repentance:
“Don’t wait for tomorrow to make changes you want to see in your life now. Every day is a new beginning. Turn to Jesus Christ today. Repent today. Seek the spirit more in your life today. Every day is a new opportunity to grow from the past and to create an even better future centered on following Jesus Christ. We need to live so that tomorrow we are happy about our today - which is then our yesterday.”
Each day presents a new opportunity for growth and change through Jesus Christ.
Additional Insights and Themes
Overcoming Adversity
Elder Uchtdorf's personal experiences with adversity lend weight to his messages of hope. He teaches that trials can lead to blessings when faced with faith. He shared about how important it is for the young women in the world to realize that everyone goes through adversity, but that in the end, they can each find their “happily ever after” if they remain faithful. I have learned that lesson the hard way. I have reacted poorly to adversity and ended up having more trials, problems, and difficulties; on the other hand, I have reacted well to adversity and found some of my greatest blessings.
Gratitude and Contentment
Gratitude is a recurring theme in Elder Uchtdorf's talks. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating the blessings in our lives. “A grateful person is rich in contentment.”
Divine Potential
Elder Uchtdorf often speaks about the divine potential within each individual. He reminds listeners that they are children of God with unique talents and gifts. “You are truly royal spirit daughters of Almighty God. You are princesses, destined to become queens. Your own wondrous story has already begun."
Love and Forgiveness
Love and forgiveness are central to Elder Uchtdorf's teachings. He encourages members to extend compassion to others and to let go of grievances.
“Each of us is under a divinely spoken obligation to reach out with pardon and mercy and to forgive one another. There is a great need for this Christlike attribute in our families, in our marriages, in our wards and stakes, in our communities, and in our nations. We will receive the joy of forgiveness in our own lives when we are willing to extend that joy freely to others. Lip service is not enough. We need to purge our hearts and minds of feelings and thoughts of bitterness and let the light and the love of Christ enter in."
Patience and Persistence
Elder Uchtdorf underscores the importance of patience and persistence in the pursuit of righteousness. “Patience is not passive resignation, nor is it failing to act because of our fears. Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can - working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well! Impatience, on the other hand, is a symptom of selfishness. It is a trait of the self-absorbed."
God's Love
Elder Uchtdorf frequently testifies of God's boundless love for each of His children. He reassures listeners that they are loved regardless of their imperfections or circumstances. “Think of the purest, most all-consuming love you can imagine. Now multiply that love by an infinite amount-that is the measure of God’s love for you. God does not look on the outward appearance. I believe that He doesn’t care one bit if we live in a castle or a cottage, if we are handsome or homely, if we are famous or forgotten. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God love encompasses us completely. He loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure, and indescribable love. We are important to God not because of our résumé but because we are His children. He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. God’s love is so great that He loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked. What this means is that, regardless of our current state, there is hope for us."
The Gospel as Good News
Elder Uchtdorf describes the gospel of Jesus Christ as a message of hope and joy. “The gospel of Jesus Christ is good news, glad tidings, and much more. It is the message of salvation as repeatedly announced by Jesus Christ and His apostles and prophets."
Testimony
For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the term 'testimony' is a warm and familiar word in our religious expressions. It is tender and sweet. It has always a certain sacredness about it.
Seeking Truth
The truth is, those who diligently seek to learn of Christ eventually will come to know Him.
Priorities
Pause for a moment and check where your own heart and thoughts are. Are you focused on the things that matter most? How you spend your quiet time may provide a valuable clue. Where do your thoughts go when the pressure of deadlines is gone?
Potential
May I invite you to rise to the great potential within you. But don’t reach beyond your capacity. Don’t set goals beyond your capacity to achieve. Don’t feel guilty or dwell on thoughts of failure. Don’t compare yourself with others. Do the best you can, and the Lord will provide the rest. Have faith and confidence in Him, and you will see miracles happen in your life and the lives of your loved ones. The virtue of your own life will be a light to those who sit in darkness, because you are a living witness of the fulness of the gospel
The Savior
I marvel to think that the Son of God would condescend to save us, as imperfect, impure, mistake-prone, and ungrateful as we often are.
Satan
Satan, our adversary, wants us to fail. He spreads lies as part of his effort to destroy our belief. Satan tries to counterfeit the work of God, and by doing this, he may deceive many.
Service
Often the answer to our prayer does not come while we’re on our knees but while we’re on our feet serving the Lord and serving those around us. Selfless acts of service and consecration refine our spirits remove the scales from our spiritual eyes and open the windows of heaven.
Imperfection
We are not perfect. The people around us are not perfect. People do things that annoy, disappoint, and anger. In this mortal life it will always be that way. Nevertheless, we must let go of our grievances. Part of the purpose of mortality is to learn how to let go of such things. That is the Lord’s way. Remember, heaven is filled with those who have this in common: They are forgiven.
Love
…love…it ought to be at the center of all and everything we do in our own family, in our church callings, and our livelihood. Love is the healing balm that repairs rifts in personal and family relationships. It is the bond that unites families, communities and nations. love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, civility, and respect. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope. In family relationships, 'love' is really spelled 't-i-m-e,' time.
Light
With patience and persistence, even the smallest act of discipleship or the tiniest ember of belief can become a blazing bonfire of a consecrated life.
Happiness
“Our birthright-and the purpose of our great voyage on this earth-is to seek and experience eternal happiness.”
“We shouldn’t wait to be happy until we reach some future point, only to discover that happiness was already available-all the time! Life is not meant to be appreciated only in retrospect. “This is the day which the Lord hath made … ,” the Psalmist wrote. “Rejoice and be glad in it.””
“Discipleship is the pursuit of holiness and happiness. It is the path to our best and happiest self.”
Actions
True love requires action.