Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf on the value of work

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf (born November 6, 1940) served as a Seventy from 1994-2004, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve.  He served as second counselor in the First Presidency from 2008 to 2018.

"How I admire men, women, and children who know how to work! How the Lord loves the laborer! He said, 'In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread' (Genesis 3:19), and 'The laborer is worthy of his hire' (D&C 84:79). He also gave a promise: 'Thrust in your sickle with all your soul, and your sins are forgiven you' (D&C 31:5). Those who are unafraid to roll up their sleeves and lose themselves in the pursuit of worthwhile goals are a blessing to their families, communities, nations, and to the Church.

"The Lord doesn’t expect us to work harder than we are able. He doesn’t (nor should we) compare our efforts to those of others. Our Heavenly Father asks only that we do the best we can—that we work according to our full capacity, however great or small that may be.

"Work is an antidote for anxiety, an ointment for sorrow, and a doorway to possibility. Whatever our circumstances in life, my dear brethren, let us do the best we can and cultivate a reputation for excellence in all that we do. Let us set our minds and bodies to the glorious opportunity for work that each new day presents."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Two Principles for Any Economy," General Conference October 2009
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President Uchtdorf encouraged us all to be hard workers—he commends those who are "unafraid to roll up their sleeves and lose themselves in the pursuit of worthwhile goals." That assumes that we do have some "worthwhile goals" in life, and then are able to focus our efforts on them. Sometimes it helps to take a step back and ask, "Why am I doing this work? What will it lead to? What is my 'goal,' defined or not?" That may help us to find better motivation for our work.

Note that those who are able to focus and work devotedly, will be "a blessing to their families, communities, nations, and to the Church." This applies to any person, in any setting, regardless of the role they play in the family or in the Church. Any individual who is willing to "put the shoulder to the wheel" will contribute in ways that will bless others.

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