Words of wisdom from President Dallin H. Oaks
Presented by Taylor Halverson in October of 2025
When President Dallin H. Oaks was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1984, he brought a sharp legal mind, a deep faith in Jesus Christ, and a relentless commitment to covenantal discipleship. Over the last four decades, his voice has been a consistent call for clarity, courage, and Christlike living. His teachings have challenged us to believe and to become. Here are six of his most important teachings, woven together into a vision of discipleship for our time.
1. Taking upon Us the Name of Christ (April 1985)
Early in his ministry, President Oaks reminded us that discipleship begins with covenant identity: “We take upon us the name of Jesus Christ when we publicly declare our belief in Him, when we are baptized into His Church, and when we do the work of His kingdom.” Belonging to Christ is not a label, it is a way of life, a covenant to act in His name.
2. The Great Plan of Happiness (October 1993)
President Oaks has consistently defended the revealed plan of salvation. In 1993, he explained that God’s commandments to multiply, replenish, and exercise righteous stewardship over the earth are not peripheral—they are central to “God’s great plan of happiness.” This plan frames our mortal journey and gives eternal meaning to family life.
3. Good, Better, Best (October 2007)
Few talks have influenced Latter-day Saint culture more than “Good, Better, Best.” President Oaks taught: “We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families.” In a world of endless options, covenant discipleship demands wise prioritization.
4. The Family Proclamation (October 2017)
In our day of shifting cultural currents, President Oaks testified: “The Family Proclamation is a statement of eternal truth. It is a test for this generation.” His defense of the divine pattern of marriage and family continues to be one of the most cited and influential teachings of his ministry.
5. Small and Simple Things (April 2018)
Discipleship is not built on grand moments but daily devotion: “We need to be reminded that in total and over a significant period of time, seemingly small things bring to pass great things.” Reading scripture, praying, serving quietly, these small acts, repeated over a lifetime, shape an eternal soul.
6. The Second Great Commandment (October 2019)
Perhaps President Oaks’s most delicate teaching balances love and law: “We must try to keep both of the great commandments. To do so, we walk a fine line between law and love.” Disciples of Christ cannot pit truth against compassion. We must live in the tension of both, walking as Jesus walked.
A Unified Vision of Discipleship
When we see these six teachings together, a pattern emerges. The message from President Oaks is deeply consistent:
- Covenant Identity: We take upon ourselves the name of Christ.
- The Plan of Happiness: Families and divine purposes give life its meaning.
- Wise Priorities: We must choose the best over the merely good.
- Defense of the Family: The Family Proclamation is a standard of truth for our day.
- Daily Devotion: Small and simple choices matter eternally.
- Becoming, Not Just Believing: True discipleship transforms who we are.
- Exaltation as Our Destiny: The highest aim of God’s plan is exaltation in the celestial kingdom.
This vision challenges us, stretches us, and sometimes unsettles us. But that is precisely the point. As President Oaks has often reminded us, the gospel is not merely to make us feel comfortable, it is to make us holy. And holiness requires becoming like Christ.
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