Elder Joni L. Koch, General Authority Seventy, spoke during the Saturday evening session of October 2023 general conference about developing humility. The following is a summary of what he said.

Elder Koch’s talk summary

Humility is a mandatory requirement for returning to the presence of God. “We all like to think we are sufficiently humble, but some experiences in life make us realize that the natural prideful man often is very much alive within us.”

Someone can be poor and prideful just as someone can be rich and humble. Others with an outward appearance of humility may be inwardly prideful.

“During this conference, we have heard and will yet hear the unfailing counsel of our prophets and apostles. It’s a perfect occasion to develop humility and let our strong opinions be swallowed by an even stronger conviction that the Lord does speak through these chosen leaders.”

Individuals can’t overcome challenges or achieve their full potential on their own. Instead of trusting in the arm of flesh, trust in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

“That’s why it’s so important to make and keep covenants with God, as doing so will give us full access to the healing, enabling and perfecting power of Jesus Christ through His Atonement. … That will invite Their power into our lives to help us through all our problems and ultimately fulfill the measure of our creation.”

Notable quotes

See the full text of Elder Koch’s talk: ‘Humble to Accept and Follow’

Who is Elder Koch?

Elder Joni L. Koch, General Authority Seventy.

Cody M Bell, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

• Elder Koch was born in Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brazil. He served a full-time mission in the Brazil São Paulo North Mission and studied statistics at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He was sustained as a General Authority Seventy in April 2017.
• He met his wife, Liliane Michele Ludwig, during a visit home while he was a student. After an eight-month, long-distance courtship, and only 15 actual days together, they were married in the São Paulo Brazil Temple. They have two children.
• Professionally, he’s been an operations manager, an international logistics manager and a CEO.

What has Elder Koch done recently?

• During the October 2017 general conference, he spoke about developing unity.
• Political leaders and national media converge on Brasília to see the country’s newest temple
• ‘God did not send us here to fail,’ Elder Soares teaches Latter-day Saints in Maceió, Brazil
• ‘I felt loved and embraced by the Savior’: Recife Saints welcome Elder Andersen in his ministry to Brazil

Read more of Elder Koch’s general conference addresses.