President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) gave the following counsel to home teachers—counsel that is also applicable to visiting teachers: “Above all, be a genuine friend to the individuals and families you teach. … A friend makes more than a dutiful visit each month. A friend is more concerned about helping people than getting credit. A friend cares. A friend loves. A friend listens, and a friend reaches out.” Ezra Taft Benson, “To the Home Teachers of the Church,” Ensign, May 1987, 50.
“If you do your best, it will all work out. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us.” Teachings: Gordon B. Hinckley, 339.
“Each of us has a fourfold responsibility. First, we have a responsibility to our families. Second, we have a responsibility to our employers. Third, we have a responsibility to the Lord’s work. Fourth, we have a responsibility to ourselves.” We must have a balance. President Hinckley suggested that we fulfill this fourfold responsibility through family prayer, family home evening, family scripture study, honesty and loyalty to our employer, fulfillment of our Church responsibilities, personal scripture study, rest, recreation, and exercise.
See Gordon B. Hinckley, “Rejoicing in the Privilege to Serve,” Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, June 21, 2003, 22, 23.
As we trust in and rely on the Lord, a greater measure of understanding comes from Him into our heart. I have personally observed the heartbreak and personal havoc wrought upon those whose focus is on worldly “getting” and not on the Lord’s “understanding.” It seems that those who lean unto their own understanding or rely on the arm of the flesh are more likely to develop a disproportionate focus or obsession for material gain, prestige, power, and position. But keeping the “getting” in accordance with this scriptural guidance of “understanding” will temper your temporal appetite. It will allow the proper context for your activities as a productive member of society and of the Lord’s kingdom.
From a devotional address, “Lean Not unto Thine Own Understanding,” given at Brigham Young University on January 14, 2014. For the full address, go to speeches.byu.edu.
“The Savior, the Master Healer, has the power to change our hearts and give us permanent relief from the sorrow caused by our own sin. …
“… [He] can comfort and strengthen us when we experience pain because of the unrighteous actions of others. …
“… [He] can comfort and sustain us as we experience painful ‘realities of mortality,’ such as disaster, mental illness, disease, chronic pain, and death. …
“The Savior [says]: …
“‘… If ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come … will I receive’ [3 Nephi 9:14].”
Carole M. Stephens, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, “The Master Healer,” Ensign, Nov. 2016, 10, 11, 12.
“The Relief Society was not just another group of women trying to do good in the world. It was different. It was ‘something better’ because it was organized under priesthood authority. Its organization was a necessary step in the unfolding of God’s work on earth.” Daughters in My Kingdom, 16.
