L. Tom Perry on finding spiritual fuel

Elder L. Tom Perry (1922-2015) was called as an Assistant to the Twelve in 1972, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1974. At the time of his passing at age 92, he was the oldest living general authority and the third in seniority among the leading quorum.

"The Lord has given us a beautiful plan about how we can return to Him, but the completion of our mortal journey requires spiritual fuel. We want to emulate the five wise virgins, who had stored sufficient fuel to accompany the bridegroom when he came (see Matthew 25:6-10). What is required to maintain a sufficient store of spiritual fuel? We must acquire knowledge of God's eternal plan and our role in it, and then by living righteously, surrendering our will to the will of the Lord, we receive the promised blessings....

"Just before Thoreau died, he was asked if he had made peace with God. He replied, 'I was not aware we had ever quarreled' (in Mardy Grothe, comp., Viva la Repartee [2005], 181).

"In our search to obtain relief from the stresses of life, may we earnestly seek ways to simplify our lives. May we comply with the inspired counsel and direction the Lord has given us in the great plan of happiness. May we be worthy to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost and follow the guidance of the Spirit as we navigate this mortal journey. May we prepare ourselves to accomplish the ultimate purpose of this mortal test--to return and live with our Heavenly Father."

- L. Tom Perry, "Let Him Do It with Simplicity," Ensign, Nov. 2008, pp. 7-10
Click here to read the full talk

There are several points that interested me in this excerpt. Elder Perry encourages us to have an adequate reserve of "spiritual fuel" for times that require it. We can obtain that fuel, and maintain our store of it, by:

• acquiring knowledge of God's eternal plan and our role in it
• living righteously, surrendering our will to the will of the Lord

In simpler words, learn and do.

The final paragraph gives a series of good advice:

• We can find relief from the stress of life by simplifying our lives
• Peace comes as we comply with the counsel given to follow the plan of salvation
• We can best navigate the journey of mortality with the aid of the Holy Ghost
• The real and final purpose of all we to is to prepare to return to live with God