President Dieter F. Uchtdorf on choosing things that matter most

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.

"The tendency to focus on the insignificant at the expense of the profound happens... to everyone. We are all at risk. The driver who focuses on the road has a far greater chance of arriving at his destination accident free than the driver who focuses on sending text messages on his phone.

"We know what matters most in life—the Light of Christ teaches this to everyone. We as faithful Latter-day Saints have the Holy Ghost as a 'constant companion' to teach us the things of eternal value. I imagine that any priesthood holder listening to my voice today, if asked to prepare a talk on the subject 'what matters most,' could and would do an excellent job. Our weakness is in failing to align our actions with our conscience.

"Pause for a moment and check where your own heart and thoughts are. Are you focused on the things that matter most? How you spend your quiet time may provide a valuable clue. Where do your thoughts go when the pressure of deadlines is gone? Are your thoughts and heart focused on those short-lived fleeting things that matter only in the moment or on things that matter most?"

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "We Are Doing a Great Work and Cannot Come Down," Ensign, May 2009, pp. 59-62
Click here to read the full talk

"Our weakness is in failing to align our actions with our conscience." That's a powerful warning. We know so much more than we do, and even when the promptings come, we don't always heed and act.

President Uchtdorf gives a "litmus test" to help evaluate the real intent of our hearts. How do we spend our "quiet time," the moments when there is no pressure of deadlines or requirements to fulfill duties? Do we choose to focus that time on "things that matter most"?

We need to "pause for a moment" more often in our lives to "check where [our] own hearts and thoughts are." What a difference that would make!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
November 6, 2015

Elder M. Russell Ballard on covenants, goals, and progress

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.

"A periodic review of the covenants we have made with the Lord will help us with our priorities and with balance in our lives. This review will help us see where we need to repent and change our lives to ensure that we are worthy of the promises that accompany our covenants and sacred ordinances. Working out our own salvation requires good planning and a deliberate, valiant effort....

"Set short-term goals that you can reach. Set goals that are well balanced—not too many nor too few, and not too high nor too low. Write down your attainable goals and work on them according to their importance. Pray for divine guidance in your goal setting....

"Not long ago, one of my children said, 'Dad, sometimes I wonder if I will ever make it.' The answer I gave to her is the same as I would give to you if you have had similar feelings. Just do the very best you can each day. Do the basic things and, before you realize it, your life will be full of spiritual understanding that will confirm to you that your Heavenly Father loves you. When a person knows this, then life will be full of purpose and meaning, making balance easier to maintain."

- M. Russell Ballard, "Keeping Life's Demands in Balance," Ensign, May 1987, pp. 13-15
Click here to read the full talk

What a worthwhile consideration: to make a "periodic review" of our covenants and priorities. As we think of "new year resolutions," it would be especially appropriate to consider the things of greatest import in our lives and evaluate our standing and progress. A resolution can be a form of repentance, if done well and properly. In particular, as we "work out our own salvation" we would be wise to engage in such a review frequently—much more than once a year!

Elder Ballard gives encouragement on the process of self-review and progress:

The other valuable counsel Elder Ballard offers in this excerpt is to not be discouraged by the seeming magnitude of the task. One day at a time, doing our best with the tasks at hand—that's all we can do. But the promise is wonderful: as we do those basic things, life soon becomes "full of spiritual understanding" and we feel the depth of our Heavenly Father's love. That gives us "purpose and meaning" and helps us maintain balance and perspective.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
December 31, 2015

Elder Dallin H. Oaks on desires, priorities, choices, and actions

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.

"Desires dictate our priorities, priorities shape our choices, and choices determine our actions. The desires we act on determine our changing, our achieving, and our becoming...

"Readjusting our desires to give highest priority to the things of eternity is not easy. We are all tempted to desire that worldly quartet of property, prominence, pride, and power. We might desire these, but we should not fix them as our highest priorities....

"All of us face potential traps that will prevent progress toward our eternal destiny. If our righteous desires are sufficiently intense, they will motivate us to cut and carve ourselves free from addictions and other sinful pressures and priorities that prevent our eternal progress.

"We should remember that righteous desires cannot be superficial, impulsive, or temporary. They must be heartfelt, unwavering, and permanent....

"As important as it is to lose every desire for sin, eternal life requires more. To achieve our eternal destiny, we will desire and work for the qualities required to become an eternal being. For example, eternal beings forgive all who have wronged them. They put the welfare of others ahead of themselves. And they love all of God's children. If this seems too difficult—and surely it is not easy for any of us—then we should begin with a desire for such qualities and call upon our loving Heavenly Father for help with our feelings. The Book of Mormon teaches us that we should 'pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that [we] may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ' (Moroni 7:48)."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Desire," General Conference April 2011
Click here to read the full talk

Elder Oaks describes this sequence of how things happen in our lives:

Desires -> Priorities ->  Choices -> Actions -> Changes, Achievements

When we control our desires, we ultimately control our actions and life's direction. But Elder Oaks acknowledges that it's difficult to change our priorities in the midst of the world's temptations:

I thought his acknowledgement was interesting—we might desire some of those "worldly" things, but we must be careful to keep them prioritized among all of our priorities. Our righteous desires must be intense enough to provide the motivation to righteousness and change in our lives. We have to do more than just lose the desire for sin; we have to build and promote those desires for higher things, for holy things. That will lead to the kind of "becoming" that will show we are "true followers" of the Savior.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
March 30, 2016

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin on maintaining spiritual clarity and sharpness

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.

"Windows must be washed regularly to clean away dust and dirt. If left to accumulate without regular cleaning, thickening grime can block out light and darken the window. Just as earthly windows need consistent, thorough cleaning, so do the windows of our spirituality.

"Weekly sacrament meeting attendance helps us strengthen our resolve to keep our personal windows of heaven free from the obscuring haze of earthly distractions and temptations. By partaking of the sacrament worthily to renew our baptismal covenants, we clarify our view of life's eternal purpose and divine priorities. The sacrament prayers invite personal introspection, repentance, and rededication as we pledge our willingness to remember our Savior, Jesus the Christ. This commitment to become like Christ, repeated weekly, defines the supreme aspiration of Latter-day Saint life.

"Frequent temple attendance, as our circumstances allow, is another way to keep our spiritual windows clean. Worship in the house of the Lord will keep our view of what matters most clear and sharp, focused crisply, and free from the dust of the world."

- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Windows of Light and Truth," Ensign, November 1995, pp. 75-78
Click here to read the full talk

"Keeping things clean" seems to take work in this life! Elder Wirthlin applies this principle to both temporal and spiritual aspects:

Elder Wirthlin gives specific suggestions on how to "keep our personal windows of heaven free from the obscuring haze of earthly distractions and temptations." This suggestions include:

• partaking of the sacrament worthily
• attending the temple frequently

These kinds of activities help keep our attention focused on the things that matter most, clarifying our eternal views, increasing commitment to proper choices and actions, and avoiding the "dust" and distractions of the world. Excellent advice!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
March 18, 2016

Elder Ronald A. Rasband on identifying the things of our soul

Elder Ronald A. Rasband (born February 6, 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 2000.  He was the senior president of the Seventy when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015.

"My thoughts today are centered on the words of the prophet Nephi, who kept the record of his people following Father Lehi’s death. Nephi wrote, 'And upon these I write the things of my soul.' (2 Ne 4:15) ...

"Nephi’s words raise the questions 'What things do you ponder?' 'What things really matter to you?' 'What are the things of your soul?' ...

"May I share with you some of the things of my soul? These things apply to all who seek to be true disciples of Jesus Christ. Ten would be a good, round number. Today I am giving you seven with the hope that you will complete eight, nine, and ten from your own experiences.

"First, love God the Father and Jesus Christ, our Savior....

"Second, 'Love thy neighbour.' (Matt 22:39.) ...

"Third, love yourself....

"Fourth, keep the commandments....

"Fifth, always be worthy to attend the temple....

"Sixth, be joyful and cheerful....

"Seventh, follow God’s living prophet."

- Ronald A. Rasband, "The Things of My Soul," General Conference October 2021, Saturday afternoon

Click here to read or watch the full talk

There are many phrases in the scriptures that we have heard frequently and pass over casually. Elder Rasband noticed one of them: Nephi's use of "the things of my soul." It's a beautiful phrase, referring to words, experiences, thoughts, or beliefs that are special and sacred to us. We can learn a lot about ourselves if we consider what kinds of things would fit into our personal list!

Elder Rasband suggested seven things that would be on his own list, and encouraged us to add more. That would be a wonderful exercise.

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

President M. Russell Ballard on loving the Savior

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.

"After Jesus’s Resurrection, as we read in John chapter 21, Peter and the other disciples fished all night without success.1 In the morning, they saw a man standing on the shore who told them to cast their net on the other side of the boat. To their astonishment, the net was filled miraculously. (See John 21:11.)

"They immediately recognized that the man was the Lord, and they rushed to greet Him.

"As they dragged the net to shore, full of fish, Jesus said, 'Come and dine.' (John 21:12.) John reports that 'when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?' (John 21:15, emphasis added.)

"While I was standing on that same seashore, I realized that the Savior’s question was one of the most important questions that He might someday ask me. I could almost hear His voice asking, 'Russell, lovest thou me more than these?'

"Do you wonder what Jesus was referring to when He asked Peter, 'Lovest thou me more than these?'

"Relating this question to ourselves in our day, the Lord may be asking us about how busy we are and about the many positive and negative influences competing for our attention and our time. He may be asking each of us if we love Him more than the things of this world. This may be a question about what we really value in life, who we follow, and how we view our relationships with family members and neighbors. Or maybe He is asking what really brings us joy and happiness.

"Do the things of this world bring us the joy, happiness, and peace that the Savior offered to His disciples and that He offers to us? Only He can bring us true joy, happiness, and peace through our loving Him and following His teachings.

"How would we answer the question 'Lovest thou me more than these?'

"When we discover a fuller meaning of this question, we can become better family members, neighbors, citizens, members of the Church, and sons and daughters of God."

- M. Russell Ballard, "Lovest Thou Me More Than These?", General Conference October 2021, Saturday evening

Click here to read or view the complete talk

President Ballard helps us consider the Savior's teachings to his disciples in a deeply personal way. When he asked Peter about the love he felt, he could have equally been asking each of us. The comparison of "more than these" provides us the challenge to consider our priorities and loyalties, the things that matter most in our lives.

Do we truly love Him more than we love the things of the world? Do our actions, our choices, our lives reflect that choice? President Ballard provides a number of things to consider:

• how busy we are
• the influences, good and bad, that compete for our time
• what do we really value?
• whom do we follow?
• how are our relationships with family members and others?
• what brings us joy and happiness?

As we consider these, and other, aspects of our lives, we will be able to discover if our loyalty to Him is in the proper position.

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

President Russell M. Nelson on making time for God amid the world's influences

President Russell M. Nelson (b. 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, and was serving in that quorum when he shared this message. He was set apart as president of the Quorum of Twelve on July 15, 2015, and then as president of the Church on January 14, 2018.

"The voices and pressures of the world are engaging and numerous. But too many voices are deceptive, seductive, and can pull us off the covenant path. To avoid the inevitable heartbreak that follows, I plead with you today to counter the lure of the world by making time for the Lord in your life—each and every day.

"If most of the information you get comes from social or other media, your ability to hear the whisperings of the Spirit will be diminished. If you are not also seeking the Lord through daily prayer and gospel study, you leave yourself vulnerable to philosophies that may be intriguing but are not true. Even Saints who are otherwise faithful can be derailed by the steady beat of Babylon’s band.

"My brothers and sisters, I plead with you to make time for the Lord! Make your own spiritual foundation firm and able to stand the test of time by doing those things that allow the Holy Ghost to be with you always."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Make Time for the Lord," General Conference October 2021, Sunday afternoon

Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This excerpt is from President Nelson's brief closing remarks in the October 2021 general conference. He reflected on the challenging, dynamic, changing nature of the world we live in today, with so many things out of our control—but yet, there are some very important things that are in our control—especially the ways we use our time and energy, how we act towards others, and where we seek guidance and truth.

Twice in his remarks, President Nelson used the invitation, "I plead with you"—to make time for the Lord. That is a strong, heart-felt invitation. As we choose how to spend our time, and where we look for information and knowledge, we must not neglect the only sure foundation. We must remember to fix our focus on the Savior and His blessings in our lives.

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

President Henry B. Eyring on coping with busy lives by putting God first

President Henry B. Eyring (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. These remarks were part of a CES fireside presented in Moscow, Idaho, on May 6, 2001:

"I realize that there are some, perhaps many, for whom my urging to capture leisure time cuts like a knife. You feel overwhelmed by the lack of time. You have left unfinished tasks in your Church calling. You've carried your scriptures all day but still have not found a moment to open them. There is someone in your family who would be blessed by your thoughtful attention, but you haven't gotten to them yet. You will go to a job tomorrow that barely pays enough to keep food on your table and pay your bills. Rather than finding ways to capture leisure time for learning, you are trying to decide what to leave undone.

"There is another way to look at your problem of crowded time. You can see it as an opportunity to test your faith. The Lord loves you and watches over you. He is all-powerful, and He promised you this: 'But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you' (Matt. 6:33).

"That is a true promise. When we put God's purposes first, He will give us miracles. If we pray to know what He would have us do next, He will multiply the effects of what we do in such a way that time seems to be expanded. He may do it in different ways for each individual, but I know from long experience that He is faithful to His word."

- Henry B. Eyring, "Education for Real Life," CES fireside in Moscow, Idaho, on 6 May 2001; see Ensign, Oct 2002, pp. 14-21
Click here to read the full talk

President Eyring had been encouraging wise use of leisure time in this talk. I love his acknowledgement that "some, perhaps many" feel so overwhelmed by life's challenges that the thought of wise use of free time is far from their minds. I've certainly felt that way, with the "To Do List" growing out of control!

It's so easy to think of those busy periods as our own shortcoming, evidence of poor planning, or even a manifestation of incompetence. Gentle President Eyring asks that we consider them as a trial of faith: will I be willing to turn to God for help? Will I claim the promises of assistance, of magnification, of deliverance?

President Eyring summarizes God's promises to us in a powerful way:

This is a hopeful promise: we truly can pray to receive help, guidance, inspiration, and even miracles in our life. I find especially fascinating the thought that "time seems to be expanded" when we see God intervene in the things we do.

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

April 14, 2015

Elder L. Tom Perry on choosing activities of value in life

Elder L. Tom Perry (1922-2015) was called as an Assistant to the Twelve in 1972, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1974. At the time of his passing at age 92, he was the oldest living general authority and the third in seniority among the leading quorum.

"We are in the midst of an information revolution, the so-called information age, with all of its new challenges and opportunities. Now we are being flooded with information. For many, television is robbing them of valuable family time. The Internet is a new source of information that offers tremendous opportunities as well as another potential—becoming addicted. Unfortunately, with the blessings of the new information age also come challenges, as evil influences have a new medium of transmission and new ways of infiltrating our minds. Worldly influences enter our homes in new shapes and forms to challenge our resolve to use our time wisely and for the Lord's purposes.

"Perhaps we could take a page out of the law of ancient Israel and call 'time-out.' Let us make a list of those basic activities that add value to eternal man and woman and determine... that we will discontinue those activities that are of little value and worth that might even jeopardize our eternal welfare. Let us place higher priority on family prayer, family scripture study, and family home evenings and eliminate those activities that fill our lives with worldliness and evil."

- L. Tom Perry, "A Year of Jubilee," General Conference October 1999
Click here to read the full article

Welcome to "The Information Age" — did you know you were part of a world-wide revolution? Elder Perry recognizes the many blessings these new technologies and the accessibility of information can bring, but also warns of the challenges.

Elder Perry's suggestion to take time to consider our activities is a very wise one. Which of the things we devote our time to are those that "add value to eternal man and woman" and which "are of little value and worth that might even jeopardize our eternal welfare." It's clear that there are some activities that we MUST NOT allow to be pushed aside by those of lesser value! This kind of self-evaluation would be a wise exercise for each individual and family to undertake periodically.

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

April 7, 2015

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
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.

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

Elder Richard L. Evans on wise choices in work and leisure

Elder Evans (1906-1971) served as a Seventy from 1938-1953, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  He died in 1971 at age 65.  He was known as "the voice of the Tabernacle Choir" from the beginning of its broadcasts in 1929 until his passing.

"There is both underdoing and overdoing in work.  Working too hard at work and working too hard at leisure, at playing—both could well become excessive.  There is also excessive haste, working swiftly and shoddily to get the work finished, regardless of quality, regardless of how well or how poorly....  Too much impatience in getting things done, and not enough enjoyment in doing may also be lack of moderation. 

"Another extreme is that men sometimes become too specialized, too narrow, too busy for a balanced life; too busy to spend time with family and friends, with well-rounded sides of life.  Any person who becomes too busy to spend time with family, with home, with things of beauty, with things of the Spirit, with service beyond himself—too busy for time with his son, his daughter, too busy to keep close acquaintances with his loved ones, has pursued whatever he pursues to excess. 

"'Honorable industry,' said Samuel Smiles, 'always travels the same road with enjoyment and duty.' 

"'Enjoyment and duty' are indispensable elements in the balanced living of life—the enjoyment of work, the enjoyment of home and loved ones, and duty to both, are part of the balance of life and of labor.  Said Dean Charles R. Brown: 'We have too many people who live without working, and we have altogether too many who work without living.'" 

- Richard L. Evans, "Music and the Spoken Word," April 28, 1963

Elder Evans points out the importance of balance in our decisions on how we allocate our time. It's so easy to be lured into excessive commitment—to work, to leisure, to recreation.

I love the reminder of some of the things that ought to have their appropriate place in our time, first family and friends, but also "things of beauty," "things of the Spirit," and "service beyond himself." But nothing must come between us and the "close acquaintances and loved ones." It's a great reminder; we should regularly evaluate our busy lives to make sure the priorities are correct, and the balance is appropriate.

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

January 25, 2015

President Spencer W. Kimball on using time wisely

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985) was ordained an apostle in 1943 and served as President of the Church from 1973 to 1985.

"Jesus also taught us how important it is to use our time wisely. This does not mean there can never be any leisure, for there must be time for contemplation and for renewal, but there must be no waste of time. How we manage time matters so very much, and we can be good managers of time without being frantic or officious. Time cannot be recycled. When a moment has gone, it is really gone. The tyranny of trivia consists of its driving out the people and moments that really matter. Minutia holds momentous things hostage, and we let the tyranny continue all too often. Wise time management is really the wise management of ourselves." 

- Spencer W. Kimball, "Jesus: The Perfect Leader," address to the Young Presidents organization, Sun Valley, Idaho, 15 January 1977; see Ensign, Aug 1979, p. 6
Click here to read the full talk.

President Kimball's message is a great one — he often used words so beautifully.  "The tyranny of trivia" threatens to engulf us (today more than ever), and we must choose carefully and wisely how to use our time to ensure that "momentous things" aren't held hostage.  Leisure has its place, but should be carefully considered in the midst of other responsibilities and opportunities.  "Wise time management" is a wonderful topic to ponder.

In his remarks, Pres. Kimball didn't elaborate about which teachings of Jesus he had in mind that offered this counsel. From the New Testament record of the Savior's life and teachings, there are candidates:

"I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." (John 9:4)

We might consider that there are implications of how we choose to use our time in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) or the teachings about helping strangers in need (Matthew 25:31-46).

If Pres. Kimball was assuming the Savior was the teacher in modern revelation, there are some more clear and explicit examples, such as:

"Thou shalt not idle away thy time.” (D&C 60:13)

"Cease to be idle... cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated." (D&C 88:124)

 And perhaps choices and priorities are best summed up in the Savior's reminder:

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

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

1/3/2015

Elder Neal A. Maxwell on eternal perspective for our trials

Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926-2004) served as a Seventy from 1976-1981, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve until his death from cancer in 2004.

"The cares of the world that, on occasion, can rob us of cheerfulness are certainly real cares, but they are not lasting cares; they pass with the passing of the world. Like the pleasures of the world, the cares of the world are fleeting.

"Someday, when we look back on mortality, we will see that so many of the things that seemed to matter so much at the moment will be seen not to have mattered at all. And the eternal things will be seen to have mattered even more than the most faithful of the Saints imagined."

- Neal A. Maxwell, Even As I Am (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1982), p. 104

Elder Maxwell often wrote or spoke about very real-world situation. He dealt with his own share of struggles and trials in life, and I think spoke with sincerity and experience.

This perspective about "the cares of the world" is so important. Though they seem heavy and sometimes unending, Elder Maxwell testifies that they truly are "passing" and "fleeting" when we consider the perspective of eternity.

The blessing of perspective! As we look back on our past experiences, we can realize that some things that seemed to matter very much at the time did not deserve all the care we gave to them. But things of eternal worth matter so much more than we sometimes recognize! This principle can apply to the challenges and trials of our life as well, when we recognize the relative value of our learning experiences in the broader perspective.

The grand key to happiness is to learn to see with that divine perspective in the present, not just in retrospect. We must learn to truly value those "eternal things" that will prove ultimately to be the only things that really matter.

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

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
Click here to read more about this event

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)

Elder D. Todd Christofferson on Satan's traps in our lives

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

"In the premortal world, Lucifer rebelled against God and His plan, and his opposition only grows in intensity. He fights to discourage marriage and the formation of families, and where marriages and families are formed, he does what he can to disrupt them. He attacks everything that is sacred about human sexuality, tearing it from the context of marriage with a seemingly infinite array of immoral thoughts and acts. He seeks to convince men and women that marriage and family priorities can be ignored or abandoned, or at least made subservient to careers, other achievements, and the quest for self-fulfillment and individual autonomy. Certainly the adversary is pleased when parents neglect to teach and train their children to have faith in Christ and be spiritually born again. Brothers and sisters, many things are good, many are important, but only a few are essential."

- D. Todd Christofferson, "Why Marriage, Why Family," General Conference, April 2015
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Christofferson reminds us of an important perspective in our existence. When we understand the eternal plan of God and the broader perspective of our eternal lives, we recognize how critical it is for us to be aware and cautious in this life. Satan's rebellion against God in the premortal world set the stage for the battle that continues into this life. Satan now "fights to discourage marriage and the formation of families." There is an active force behind many of the trends we see in society, and Elder Christofferson explains how subtle Satan's influence can be in how society manipulates the thought processes that turn into actions. Satan rejoices when we fall into those traps, and particularly when we fail to set priorities in our family lives and our teaching of children. And that leads to this most important point:

We must be constantly on guard to focus on the essential things first, and the most important ones; and to we aware and wary of the many traps that are set for us.

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

President James E. Faust on the importance of family time

President James E. Faust (1920-2007) was called as a Seventy in 1976, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve in 1978. He served as a counselor to President Hinckley from 1995 until his death in 2007 at age 87.

"Teach principles of self-worth and self-reliance. One of the main problems in families today is that we spend less and less time together. Some spend an extraordinary amount of time, when they are together, in front of the television, which robs them of personal time for reinforcing feelings of self-worth.

"Time together is precious time—time needed to talk, to listen, to encourage, and to show how to do things. Less time together can result in loneliness, which may produce inner feelings of being unsupported, untreasured, and inadequate.

"Self-worth is reinforced in many ways. When parents say to a son or daughter, leaving the home for some activity, the simple but meaningful words, 'Remember who you are,' they have helped that child feel important."

- James E. Faust, "Enriching Family Life," General Conference April 1983
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This message from President Faust included a series of suggestions of ways to strengthen and improve families. In this point he was concerned about developing greater self-worth within family members, and recognized how difficult it is to do that in our modern times when conditions tend to diminish time spent together. And so the precious time we spend together needs to be spent in ways that build and enrich us:

So time must be spent in ways that enable us "to talk, to listen, to encourage, and to show how to do things." That applies especially to younger children, but includes family members of all ages, including a husband and wife or other less-direct family settings. We can all learn from one another, and our families will be blessed when we learn to focus our time in the best ways.

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

Elder Quentin L. Cook on wise choices in life's priorities

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

"I believe Elder Dallin H. Oaks’s inspired message distinguishing between 'good, better, best' provides an effective way to evaluate choices and priorities. (Ensign, Nov. 2007, 104–8.)  Many choices are not inherently evil, but if they absorb all of our time and keep us from the best choices, then they become insidious.

"Even worthwhile endeavors need evaluation in order to determine if they have become distractions from the best goals. I had a memorable discussion with my father when I was a teenager. He did not believe enough young people were focused on or preparing for long-term important goals—like employment and providing for families.

"Meaningful study and preparatory work experience were always at the top of my father’s recommended priorities. He appreciated that extracurricular activities like debate and student government might have a direct connection with some of my important goals. He was less certain about the extensive time I spent participating in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He acknowledged that athletics could build strength, endurance, and teamwork but asserted that perhaps concentrating on one sport for a shorter time would be better. In his view, sports were good but not the best for me. He was concerned that some sports were about building local celebrity or fame at the expense of more important long-term goals."

- Quentin L. Cook, "Choose Wisely," General Conference October 2014
Click here to read or listen to the full article

What makes a choice good or bad, righteous or evil? Elder Cook suggests it may depend on circumstances; the choice may not be "inherently" wrong, but if it results in activities that prevent us from doing things that are more important, then it can be a bad choice:

Elder Cook shares an example from his own youth, when he was an aspiring athlete. His father counseled him to keep a broad perspective on his youthful activities;. He emphasized that in his case, while there were worthwhile benefits from many extracurricular activities, too much time devoted in those areas would prevent him from focusing on other, more important, activities.

It's important for each of us to evaluate our activities regularly and be sure to choose those things that lead most effectively to our real, eternal goals.

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