President Dallin H. Oaks on choices of good, better, and best in life

President Dallin H. Oaks (born August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"Most of us have more things expected of us than we can possibly do. As breadwinners, as parents, as Church workers and members, we face many choices on what we will do with our time and other resources.

"We should begin by recognizing the reality that just because something is good is not a sufficient reason for doing it. The number of good things we can do far exceeds the time available to accomplish them. Some things are better than good, and these are the things that should command priority attention in our lives....

"As we consider various choices, we should remember that it is not enough that something is good. Other choices are better, and still others are best. Even though a particular choice is more costly, its far greater value may make it the best choice of all.

"Consider how we use our time in the choices we make in viewing television, playing video games, surfing the Internet, or reading books or magazines. Of course it is good to view wholesome entertainment or to obtain interesting information. But not everything of that sort is worth the portion of our life we give to obtain it. Some things are better, and others are best....

"Some uses of individual and family time are better, and others are best. We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Good, Better, Best," General Conference, October 2007
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This was an important and memorable talk by Elder Oaks, who explained the importance of considering our choices and priorities in life. In order to achieve the most important things and be able to make the greatest progress, we must constantly be evaluating our activities, focuses, reading materials, entertainment, and so on. We often do that without consciously focusing on it; but the choices are made regardless, and it's wise to step back now and then and make sure we are choosing wisely.

This statement summarizes the situation very well: "We have to forego some good things in order to choose others that are better or best because they develop faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strengthen our families." It's so true—we must never let "the things that matter most" be overcome by lesser things!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)