Elder Dallin H. Oaks on the eternal perspective of our lives

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.

"The pure in heart have a distinctive way of looking at life. Their attitudes and desires cause them to view their experiences in terms of eternity. This eternal perspective affects their choices and priorities. As they draw farther from worldliness they feel closer to our Father in Heaven and more able to be guided by his Spirit. We call this state of mind, this quality of life, spirituality. 

"Spirituality is a lens through which we view life and a gauge by which we evaluate it.... To be spiritually minded is to view and evaluate experiences in terms of the enlarged perspective of eternity." 

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Pure in Heart" (Deseret 1991), pp. 111-112; see also Dallin H. Oaks, "Spirituality," Ensign, November 1985, pp. 61-63
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Somehow, it seems to be a challenge for many of us to view our more challenging experiences "in terms of eternity." Instead, our tendency is to forget eternity in the midst of trials and difficulties. But Elder Oaks points out that the "pure in heart" find that perspective easy to maintain. The more we are able to separate ourselves from worldliness, the more we can be guided by God's influence and can see things in eternal perspective.

As we become more "pure in heart" wewill see that our way of looking at life changes, and the eternal perspective is much more natural. Spirituality allows us to view everything that occurs to us "in terms of theenlarged perspective of eternity." What a blessing, and what an advantage! That should truly be our quest.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
March 9, 2015

President Gordon B. Hinckley on finding real beauty in the world

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1961. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency from 1981-1995, then as Church President until his death in 2008.

"There is much of beauty about [the people of the world], but without the root that finds itself in faith and conviction concerning God and the risen Lord, there isn't much of real substance when it comes to a crisis or a showdown of some kind. Seek for the real things, not the artificial. Seek for the everlasting truths, not the passing whim. Seek for the eternal things of God, not for that which is here today and gone tomorrow. 'Look to God and live' [Alma 37:47], as the scripture enjoins us."

- Gordon B. Hinckley, Plano Texas Regional Conference, 17 March 1996; see TGBH 494
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Recognizing the beauty that exists in many ways in the world, President Hinckley adds his insight that beauty is enhanced by "faith and conviction concerning God and the risen Lord." That foundation of faith enables us to confront the crises of life that will surely come. And so President Hinckley shares this wise advice:

We would do well to evaluate our priorities:

• Can I distinguish between real and artificial?
• Do I make choices based on understanding the differences between things that bring everlasting joy and those that are temporary whims?
• Am I truly focused on "the eternal things of God"?

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

President M. Russell Ballard on the blessing of eternal families

President M. Russell Ballard (born October 8, 1928) was called as a Seventy in 1976, and has served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1985. He became acting president of the Twelve in January 2018.

"Crisis or transition of any kind reminds us of what matters most. In the routine of life, we often take our families—our parents and children and siblings—for granted. But in times of danger and need and change, there is no question that what we care about most is our families! It will be even more so when we leave this life and enter into the spirit world. Surely the first people we will seek to find there will be father, mother, spouse, children, and siblings.

"I believe the mission statement for mortality might be 'to build an eternal family.' Here on this earth we strive to become part of extended families with the ability to create and form our own part of those families. That is one of the reasons our Heavenly Father sent us here. Not everyone will find a companion and have a family in mortality, but everyone, regardless of individual circumstances, is a precious member of God’s family."

- M. Russell Ballard, "What Matters Most Is What Lasts Longest," General Conference October 2005
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President Ballard's wife of 67 years, Barbara Bowen Ballard, passed away last Monday at age 86. Her funeral will be held today, which is also President Ballard's 90th birthday. President Ballard has often spoken about the sacred nature of families and the doctrine of eternal relationships; this excerpt is especially poignant given the timing of Sister Ballard's passing.

As he spoke in general conference this past weekend, President Ballard taught about Joseph F. Smith's vision of the redemption of the dead (D&C 138) and said, "We too can be comforted and learn more about our own future when we or our loved ones die and go to the spirit world by studying this revelation and pondering its significance in the way we live our lives each day."

We would be wise to not wait for a "crisis or transition" in order to learn the message President Ballard is teaching:

Part of our mission in mortality is "to build an eternal family." We should never forget the sacred and precious blessing and opportunity that is ours; in the midst of the distractions of our time, we must be committed and focused on "the things that matter most."

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

President Gordon B. Hinckley on the eternal purpose of each day

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1961. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency from 1981-1995, then as Church President until his death in 2008.

"We are not chance creations in a universe of disorder. We lived before we were born. We were God’s sons and daughters who shouted for joy. (See Job 38:7.) We knew our Father; He planned our future. We graduated from that life and matriculated in this. The statement is simple; the implications are profound. Life is a mission, not just the sputtering of a candle between a chance lighting and a gust of wind that blows it out forever....

"While here, we have learning to gain, work to do, service to give. We are here with a marvelous inheritance, a divine endowment. How different this world would be if every person realized that all of his actions have eternal consequences. How much more satisfying our years may be if in our accumulation of knowledge, in our relationships with others, in our business affairs, in our courtship and marriage, and in our family rearing, we recognize that we form each day the stuff of which eternity is made. Brothers and sisters, life is forever. Live each day as if you were going to live eternally, for you surely shall."

- Gordon B. Hinckley, "Pillars of Truth," First Presidency Message, Ensign, January 1994, pp. 2-5
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I love President Hinckley's powerful and ringing testimony: "Life is a mission, not just the sputtering of a candle between a chance lighting and a gust of wind that blows it out forever." He believed with all his heart that there is meaning and purpose to our mortal existence, directed by a divine power, a loving Father. So we need to fill our life with learning, work, and service.

Each day of our mortal life points us towards eternity. The actions and decisions we make have profound significance. "Live each day as if you were going to live eternally, for you surely shall."

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

President Henry B. Eyring on the sacred importance of each day

President Henry B. Eyring (born May 31, 1933) served in the Presiding Bishopric from 1985-1992, as a Seventy from 1992-1995, then was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He has served in the First Presidency since 2007.

"There is a danger in the word someday when what it means is 'not this day.' 'Someday I will repent.' 'Someday I will forgive him.' 'Someday I will speak to my friend about the Church.' 'Someday I will start to pay tithing.' 'Someday I will return to the temple.' 'Someday...'

"The scriptures make the danger of delay clear. It is that we may discover that we have run out of time. The God who gives us each day as a treasure will require an accounting. We will weep, and He will weep, if we have intended to repent and to serve Him in tomorrows which never came or have dreamt of yesterdays where the opportunity to act was past. This day is a precious gift of God. The thought 'Someday I will' can be a thief of the opportunities of time and the blessings of eternity."

- Henry B. Eyring, "This Day," General Conference April 2007
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President Eyring points out the risks we take when we postpone important matters; waiting for "someday" can truly mean "never" if we wait too long. For many things, that probably doesn't matter so much, as our focus and priorities in life can change. But for some things, that is so very crucial. It's been said that the things that matter most should never be at the mercy of the things that matter less, and we too often allow that to happen.

So how do we avoid that trap? By being clear about priorities, and taking time regularly to reconsider our lives and establish what it is that truly matters. And by continuing to make those things happen, starting now, with a clear and helpful course of action! And in all things, but inviting the Spirit to help choose the priorities and commit to the paths of action.

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

President Russell M. Nelson on death in God's eternal plan

President Russell M. Nelson (born Sept 9, 1924) was an internationally-renowned heart surgeon when he was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He was set apart as president of the Quorum of Twelve on July 15, 2015.

"Life does not begin with birth, nor does it end with death. Prior to our birth, we dwelled as spirit children with our Father in Heaven. There we eagerly anticipated the possibility of coming to earth and obtaining a physical body. Knowingly we wanted the risks of mortality, which would allow the exercise of agency and accountability. 'This life [was to become] a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God.' (Alma 12:24.) But we regarded the returning home as the best part of that long-awaited trip, just as we do now. Before embarking on any journey, we like to have some assurance of a round-trip ticket. Returning from earth to life in our heavenly home requires passage through—and not around—the doors of death. We were born to die, and we die to live. (See 2 Cor. 6:9.) As seedlings of God, we barely blossom on earth; we fully flower in heaven."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Doors of Death," General Conference, April 1992
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Everything changes in our interpretation of events and circumstances when we maintain a greater perspective, one that includes both the pre-mortal and post-mortal phases. Neglecting to maintain that view of the entire scope can make many of the challenging events of life overwhelming. In this discussion of death as a part of the eternal plan of our Heavenly Father, President Nelson helps us remember that greater perspective.

In the distant past, when we were still anticipating our mortal experience, President Nelson notes that we would have maintained that complete, eternal view of the experience, and would have known that "returning home [was] the best part of that long-awaited trip." When we view death in that way, it changes everything!

Adding this perspective of the continuing progress (the "blossoming") to come in the next life helps us treat death with gratitude and anticipation.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

Elder Dale G. Renlund on God's eternal fairness to His children

Elder Dale G. Renlund (born November 13, 1952) served in the First Quorum of Seventy starting in 2009, until his call to the Quorum of Twelve in October 2015.

"Our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, are the ultimate Givers. The more we distance ourselves from Them, the more entitled we feel. We begin to think that we deserve grace and are owed blessings. We are more prone to look around, identify inequities, and feel aggrieved—even offended—by the unfairness we perceive. While the unfairness can range from trivial to gut-wrenching, when we are distant from God, even small inequities loom large. We feel that God has an obligation to fix things—and fix them right now! ...

"The sacrament truly helps us know our Savior. It also reminds us of His innocent suffering. If life were truly fair, you and I would never be resurrected; you and I would never be able to stand clean before God. In this respect, I am grateful that life is not fair.

"At the same time, I can emphatically state that because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, ultimately, in the eternal scheme of things, there will be no unfairness. 'All that is unfair about life can be made right' (Preach My Gospel, 52). Our present circumstances may not change, but through God’s compassion, kindness, and love, we will all receive more than we deserve, more than we can ever earn, and more than we can ever hope for. We are promised that 'God shall wipe away all tears from [our] eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away' (Revelation 21:4)."

- Dale G. Renlund, "That I Might Draw All Men unto Me," General Conference, April 2016, Saturday morning session
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Life is unfair. Neither blessings nor challenges are distributed equally. From our perspective, at least, it often doesn't "make sense" when we face inequity or unfairness. Elder Renlund points out the irony that those who are furthest from God are often the ones who seem to expect blessings and protection from God and are offended or caused to doubt further when He doesn't respond as they expect.

But through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we are assured that ultimately, all unfairness will be erased:

As the "former things pass away," we have that beautiful assurance that through "God's compassion, kindness, and love," we will be blessed not only beyond what we deserve but also beyond all that we could hope for. Truly, as Paul testified, "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).

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf on the eternal perspective of life

President 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 has served as second counselor in the First Presidency since 2008.

"Yes, there will be moments of beginnings and moments of endings throughout our lives, but these are only markers along the way of the great middle of our eternal lives. Whether we are at the beginning or the end, whether we are young or old, the Lord can use us for His purposes if we simply set aside whatever thoughts limit our ability to serve and allow His will to shape our lives....

"Being always in the middle means that the game is never over, hope is never lost, defeat is never final. For no matter where we are or what our circumstances, an eternity of beginnings and an eternity of endings stretch out before us."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Always in the Middle," Ensign, July 2012, p. 4
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This was an insightful message from President Uchtdorf. In our narrow, limited perspective of time, we view beginnings and endings of events or circumstances as much more dramatic than they are in a broader, eternal view. In the true sense, we are "always in the middle" of eternity, with much that preceded and so much more to follow.

Seeing the broad perspective of eternity can help us understand that our challenges and difficulties are truly temporary and fleeting. With that knowledge sure in our hearts, we can persevere and endure in faithfulness. The hope of eternity helps us see things as they really are!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

Quentin L. Cook on happiness now and eternally

Elder Quentin L. Cook (b. September 8, 1940) was called as a Seventy in 1996, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2007.

"The adversary has been successful in planting a great myth in the minds of many people. He and his emissaries declare that the real choice we have is between happiness and pleasure now in this life and happiness in a life to come (which the adversary asserts may not exist). This myth is a false choice, but it is very seductive. (See 2 Nephi 28.)

"The ultimate noble purpose of God's plan of happiness is for righteous disciples and covenant families to be united in love, harmony, and peace in this life (see 4 Nephi 1:15–17) and attain celestial glory in the eternities with God the Father, our Creator; and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior. (See D&C 59:23.)...

"At the commencement of the Savior’s earthly ministry in Israel and later among the Nephites, the Savior addressed the issue of happiness both in this life and in eternity. He stressed ordinances, but He also placed great emphasis on moral behavior. For example, disciples would be blessed if they would hunger and thirst after righteousness, be merciful, be pure in heart, be peacemakers, and follow other basic moral principles. Clearly, our Lord Jesus Christ emphasized, as a foundational doctrinal message, both righteous attitudes and conduct in day-to-day living....

"I recognize that, despite the overwhelming happiness embodied in God’s divine plan, sometimes it can feel far away and disconnected from our current circumstances. It may feel beyond our reach as struggling disciples. From our limited perspective, current temptations and distractions can seem attractive. The rewards for resisting those temptations, on the other hand, can feel distant and unattainable. But a true understanding of the Father’s plan reveals that the rewards of righteousness are available right now. Wickedness, such as immoral conduct, is never part of the answer."

- Quentin L. Cook, "Shipshape and Bristol Fashion: Be Temple Worthy--in Good Times and Bad Times," General Conference, October 2015, Saturday morning session
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I've often heard the complaint described in the first paragraph of this excerpt. Religion may promise a great reward, but it takes away all the happiness of life now. Elder Cook's message argues against this idea, proposing that true religion is the only source of true happiness in this life as well as the worlds to come. It truly is a "plan of happiness."

When the struggles of mortality make that happiness seem "far away and disconnected from our current circumstances," we need to re-focus our sights on the immediate blessings the Gospel plan offers and make sure we are doing all we can to claim their promises in our current lives.  Elder Cook goes on to focus on some ways we can do that:

1. Righteous self-control and conduct
2. Honoring the Sabbath
3. Remembering that divine protection follows righteousness

There truly is happiness available, now and eternally, for those who are willing to follow the Savior's plan!

Dallin H. Oaks on the eternal perspective of our lives

Elder Dallin H. Oaks (1932- ) was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984.

"The pure in heart have a distinctive way of looking at life. Their attitudes and desires cause them to view their experiences in terms of eternity. This eternal perspective affects their choices and priorities. As they draw farther from worldliness they feel closer to our Father in Heaven and more able to be guided by his Spirit. We call this state of mind, this quality of life, spirituality. 

"Spirituality is a lens through which we view life and a gauge by which we evaluate it.... To be spiritually minded is to view and evaluate experiences in terms of the enlarged perspective of eternity." 

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Pure in Heart" (Deseret 1991), pp. 111-112; see also Dallin H. Oaks, "Spirituality," Ensign, November 1985, pp. 61-63
Click here to read the full talk

Somehow, it seems to be a challenge for many of us to view our more challenging experiences "in terms of eternity." Instead, our tendency is to forget eternity in the midst of trials and difficulties. But Elder Oaks points out that the "pure in heart" find that perspective easy to maintain. The more we are able to separate ourselves from worldliness, the more we can be guided by God's influence and can see things in eternal perspective.