Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin on making a masterpiece of our life

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917-2008) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1986, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles from 1986 until his passing in 2008 at age 91.

"The third quality of those who live abundant lives is that they, with the help of their Heavenly Father, create a masterpiece of their lives.

"No matter our age, circumstances, or abilities, each one of us can create something remarkable of his life.

"David saw himself as a shepherd, but the Lord saw him as a king of Israel. Joseph of Egypt served as a slave, but the Lord saw him as a seer. Mormon wore the armor of a soldier, but the Lord saw him as a prophet.

"We are sons and daughters of an immortal, loving, and all-powerful Father in Heaven. We are created as much from the dust of eternity as we are from the dust of the earth. Every one of us has potential we can scarcely imagine.

"The Apostle Paul wrote, 'Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.' (1 Cor. 2:9)

"How is it possible, then, that so many see themselves merely as an old, gray horse that isn’t good for much? There is a spark of greatness within every one of us—a gift from our loving and eternal Heavenly Father. What we do with that gift is up to us.

"Love the Lord with all your heart, might, mind, and strength. Enlist in great and noble causes. Create of your homes sanctuaries of holiness and strength. Magnify your callings in the Church. Fill your minds with learning. Strengthen your testimonies. Reach out to others.

"Create of your life a masterpiece."

- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The Abundant Life," General Conference, April 2006
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

In speaking about "The Abundant Life," Elder Wirthlin discussed three characteristics of those who live that kind of richer life: first, "they drink deeply of living waters"; second, "they fill their hearts with love"; and then third, they "create a masterpiece of their lives." In this third section, he describes how any one of us, with God's help, can accomplish that.

There are times when one of the hardest things to remember, but one of the most important things to remember, is that as children of God, "created... from the dust of eternity... every one of us has potential we can scarcely imagine." We truly have the potential to become great. Elder Wirthlin gives a great key to helping us remember that detail: Love God, be deeply involved in His cause, make home a sanctuary, serve faithfully, learn continually, grow in testimony, serve. Great reminders; as we do those things, we will truly create a magnificent life.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)