Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained what it means to hold fast to the rod of iron:
“Let me suggest that holding fast to the iron rod entails the prayerful and consistent use of all three of the ways of obtaining living water that we have discussed tonight [reading, studying, and searching].
“… The regular use of all three methods produces a more constant flow of living water and is in large measure what it means to hold fast to the rod of iron. …
“Are you and I daily reading, studying, and searching the scriptures in a way that enables us to hold fast to the rod of iron … ?” (“A Reservoir of Living Water” [CES fireside for young adults, Feb. 4, 2007], 10–11, www.ldsces.org).
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917–2008) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained not only the importance of “holding fast” to the rod but also explained how to get back if we lose our hold: “You must hold firmly to the rod of iron through the mists and darknesses, the hardships and trials of life. If you relax your grip and slip from the path, the iron rod might become lost in the darkness for a time until you repent and regain your grasp of it” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1989, 93; or Ensign, Nov. 1989, 74).