What a glorious promise! . . . There is no need for you or for me, in this enlightened age when the fulness of the gospel has been restored, to sail uncharted seas or to travel unmarked roads in search of truth. A loving Heavenly Father has plotted our course and provided an unfailing guide--even obedience. A knowledge of truth and the answers to our greatest questions come to us as we are obedient to the commandments of God" ("Obedience Brings Blessings," April 2013 General Conference).

He has also overseen the church's Printing Advisory Missionary Executive and General Welfare committees. For his service to Scouting and the community Monson has received the Boy Scouts of America's Silver Beaver Award (1971) as well as the Silver Buffalo Award (1978) which is the highest honor bestowed by the BSA. Jacob de Jager who would later be an LDS general authority was among the immigrant converts.

As president Monson is considered by adherents of the religion to be a "prophet seer and revelator" of God's will on earth. Monson is a member of the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America the organization's governing body.