Elder D. Todd Christofferson on living a consecrated life

Elder D. Todd Christofferson (b. January 24, 1945) was called to the Seventy in 1993, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2008.

"Our life on earth is a stewardship of time and choices granted by our Creator. The word stewardship calls to mind the Lord's law of consecration (see, for example, D&C 42:32, 53), which has an economic role but, more than that, is an application of celestial law to life here and now (see D&C 105:5). To consecrate is to set apart or dedicate something as sacred, devoted to holy purposes. True success in this life comes in consecrating our lives—that is, our time and choices—to God's purposes (see John 17:1, 4; D&C 19:19). In so doing, we permit Him to raise us to our highest destiny....

"A consecrated life is a beautiful thing. Its strength and serenity are 'as a very fruitful tree which is planted in a goodly land, by a pure stream, that yieldeth much precious fruit' (D&C 97:9). Of particular significance is the influence of a consecrated man or woman upon others, especially those closest and dearest. The consecration of many who have gone before us and others who live among us has helped lay the foundation for our happiness. In like manner future generations will take courage from your consecrated life, acknowledging their debt to you for the possession of all that truly matters. May we consecrate ourselves as sons and daughters of God, 'that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope' (Moroni 7:48; see also 1 John 3:2)."

- D. Todd Christofferson, "Reflections on a Consecrated Life," Ensign, November 2010, pp. 16-19
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This was a very fascinating talk by Elder Christofferson. What does it mean to live a "consecrated life"? What would our actions and thoughts be if we were truly and fully consecrated to God?

The first sentence of this excerpt provides a thought-provoking beginning; mortal life is "a stewardship of time and choices granted by our Creator." Do we understand that? Do we recognize the sacred nature of a stewardship, and how it includes the unpredictable amount of time we are granted on earth, and how we choose to use that time?

Elder Christofferson then introduces consecration as "an application of celestial law to life here and now." We're not just going through some arbitrary motions of attempted obedience; we are implementing the elements of celestial law that will bring the greatest joy to us:

As we learn to consecrate our time and our actions, life becomes far more blessed, and our ability to make a difference in those around us grows correspondingly. It will influence not only those around us now, but generations to come—just as each of us is blessed by the consecrated efforts of those who have preceded us.