Be a Better Man!

“Within the last year, I have had the privilege of meeting and conversing on the gospel with some men who live in this community [Salt Lake City], not members of our Church. One man had resided here for twenty years, a man whose life is above reproach, a good citizen, a splendid businessman, one who has kindly feelings towards our people. He told me that he had . . . come to the conclusion that we were just as good as our neighbors who are members of other churches; he could not see any difference in us.

“I want to say to you, my brethren and sisters, that is no compliment to me. If the gospel of Jesus Christ does not make me a better man, than I have no developed as I should, and if our neighbors not in this Church can live among us from year to year and see no evidence of the benefits that come from keeping the commandments of God in our lives, then there is need for reform in Israel.”

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: George Albert Smith (2011), 7-8

Selfless Service

“No one has learned the meaning of living until he has surrendered his ego to the service of his fellow man. Service to others is akin to duty, the fulfillment of which brings true joy. We do not live alone—in our city, our nation, or our world. There is no dividing line between our prosperity and our neighbor’s wretchedness. ‘Love they neighbor’ is more than a divine truth. It is a pattern for perfection.”

President Thomas S. Monson, “The Joy of Service,” New Era, Oct. 2009, 4. 

Church Scaffolding

  “Eternal principles are the scaffolding the Church provides. These eternal principles are embedded in the doctrines of the kingdom of God and are reflected in His eternal plan of happiness. We meet as members of the Church to teach and learn from each other the principles of righteousness and to receive saving ordinances so the scaffolding is steady and stable as we build our eternal families.

“Notice that the Church is not meant to do the work of parents; rather, it guides the work of parents. The Church offers an eternal form. As builders of eternal families, we are reassured by promises that is we build according to this eternal form, our efforts can provide the safety and protection we seek for those we love most.

Elder L. Tom Perry, “The Tradition of Light and Testimony,” Ensign, Dec. 2012, 31. 

Religion and Govenment

 “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. . . . Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. . . . Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion or religion principle.

“It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government.”

Washington’s Farewell Address, ed. Thomas Arkle Clark (1908), 14. 

Heavenly Help is There

 “Heavenly help may not be obvious. We may not immediately see or know that some other burdens that would have come our way have been lifted, diverted from our door.

“The Lord assures: “Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you that mine eyes are upon you. I am in your midst and ye cannot see me” (D&C 38:7).

“Of course, we may need to be supremely patient with others and ourselves; it often takes time for everything to work out. Even if at times our faith seems no bigger that a mustard seed, as we move forward Providence will move with us. If we seek heaven’s help, we will receive it—perhaps even in unexpected ways.

“We can find the wherewithal to be thankful for what we have, rather than mourn what we have lost.”

Elder David S. Baxter, “Leaving Adversity Behind,” Ensign, Dec 2012, 26. 

How do you Remain Steadfast During a Trial of Faith?

How do you remain “steadfast and immovable” during a trial of faith? You immerse yourself in the very things that helped build your core of faith: you exercise faith in Christ, you pray, you ponder the scriptures, you repent, you keep the commandments, and you serve others.

When faced with a trial of faith—whatever you do, you don’t step away from the Church! Distancing yourself from the kingdom of God during a trial of faith is like leaving the safety of a secure storm cellar just as the tornado comes into view.

Neil L. Andersen, “Trial of Your Faith,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 39–42

Strength for Our Burdens

 “Fortunately, the hopeful and certain truth is that no matter what, we can find strength and encouragement. Our burdens can become lighter, even if they do not suddenly go away. We can emerge on the other side of the darkest abyss, stronger and more resolute, better men and better women.

“Having been proven in the crucible of affliction, we will have cultivated a character that is able to face and withstand future life shocks. As a result, we can use our experiences to life and empathize with others. Our own example of personal perseverance can give hope to others and inspire our families. We become more fit for the future.

“While adversity may be slow to leave us, we can choose to leave it any time. The Lord’s promise to us is as it was to Alma and his people in the midst of horrendous persecution.

“”Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.

“”And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs” (Mosiah 24:13-14).

“Furthermore, the Lord has confirmed, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you” (John 14:18).”

Elder David S. Baxter, “Leaving Adversity Behind,” Ensign, Dec 2012, 25-26.