Light and darkness cannot occupy the same space at the same time said Elder Robert D. Hales in the Sunday morning session of general conference.

"Light dispels darkness," he said. "When light is present, darkness is vanquished and must depart."

This physical law can also be applies to spiritual light and darkness, Elder Hales said. When the spiritual light of the Holy Ghost is present, the darkness of stand departs.

"The Lord is our light and, literally, our salvation," he said. "His light will form a protective shield between you and the darkness of the adversary as you live worthy."

But before the light can become a shield of protection members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must learn to generate the light by believing in Jesus Christ and following his commandments, Elder Hales said.

"Generation of spiritual light comes for daily spiritual pedaling with both feet," he said.

Members of the church must live the gospel with all their "heart, might, mind and strength" because the darkness is never far away, Elder Hales said.

"It is always just around the corner, waiting for an opportunity to come in," he said.

Elder Hales told Latter-day Saints that once they have received this spiritual light they must be a light to others.

"The right to the Holy Ghost's constant companionship is among the greatest gifts we can receive in mortality, for by the light of His promptings and His cleansing, we can be led back into the presence of God," Elder Hales said.

He prayed that the light of the restored gospel would continue to spread throughout the world so all people may have the opportunity to hear and choose.

Copyright Brigham Young University 7 Apr 2002