From the Supreme Court to the Apostleship | Dallin H. Oaks: A Higher Calling

In 1984, Justice Dallin H. Oaks of the Utah Supreme Court was prayerfully wrestling with his dream of serving on the U.S. Supreme Court—a goal he had nearly attained twice in previous years. But spiritual confirmation never came. Then, on April 6th, President Gordon B. Hinckley called to inform him that he had been chosen as a new member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. President Oaks was shocked, yet willingly relinquished his earthly ambitions to answer God’s call. In his first apostolic message, he pledged to devote “his whole heart, might, mind, and strength” to the responsibilities entrusted to him, especially to bear witness of the name of Jesus Christ to all the world. Today, in a sacred and historic moment, he has been called to be President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the 18th President in line of succession. He immediately called Henry B. Eyring and D. Todd Christofferson to serve as his counselors in the First Presidency. As President, he now leads the Church with profound humility, faith, and an unwavering commitment to God’s will, setting aside previous professional goals in favor of a higher divine purpose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices