Thomas S. Monson on living life each day

President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1963. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency with Presidents Benson, Hunter, and Hinckley and then became Church president in 2008. He led the Church for almost a decade until his passing in January 2018.

"How fragile life, how certain death. We do not know when we will be required to leave this mortal existence. And so I ask, 'What are we doing with today?' If we live only for tomorrow, we'll have a lot of empty yesterdays today. Have we been guilty of declaring, 'I've been thinking about making some course corrections in my life. I plan to take the first step — tomorrow'? With such thinking, tomorrow is forever. Such tomorrows rarely come unless we do something about them today....

"Because life is fragile and death inevitable, we must make the most of each day....

"My brothers and sisters, may we resolve from this day forward to fill our hearts with love. May we go the extra mile to include in our lives any who are lonely or downhearted or who are suffering in any way. May we '[cheer] up the sad and [make] someone feel glad' (Hymns, no. 223). May we live so that when that final summons is heard, we may have no serious regrets, no unfinished business, but will be able to say with the Apostle Paul, 'I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith' (2 Tim. 4:7)."

- Thomas S. Monson, "Now Is the Time," Ensign, Nov. 2001, pp. 59-61
Click here to read the full talk

Most of us, if not all, have dealt with the uncertainty of this life, and can appreciate President Monson's warning, "We do not know when we will be required to leave this mortal existence." We have seen loved ones or acquaintances "called home" suddenly or unexpectedly, in what seems to us to be untimely and too early. Given the stark reality of that uncertainty, President Monson reminds us that we should never procrastinate needed changes or our commitments to make the most of each day we are allotted.

This is very practical advice of some of the things we should be considering about how to live life, now, today:

There is much we can do, to share and enrich the lives of others, to support and help those in need. That will add to the richness of our own lives, and prepare us to answer "the final summons" when our time is completed.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
July 20, 2015

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
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

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 living well as we prepare to meet God

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 became president of that quorum on July 15, 2015. Following the death of President Monson, he was set apart as president of the Church on January 14, 2018.

"Meanwhile, we who tarry here have a few precious moments remaining 'to prepare to meet God.' (Alma 34:32.) Unfinished business is our worst business. Perpetual procrastination must yield to perceptive preparation. Today we have a little more time to bless others—time to be kinder, more compassionate, quicker to thank and slower to scold, more generous in sharing, more gracious in caring.

"Then when our turn comes to pass through the doors of death, we can say as did Paul: 'The time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.' (2 Tim. 4:6–7.)

"We need not look upon death as an enemy. With full understanding and preparation, faith supplants fear. Hope displaces despair. The Lord said, 'Fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full.' (D&C 101:36.) He bestowed this gift: 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27.)'"

- Russell M. Nelson, "Doors of Death," General Conference, April 1992
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This was a masterful discourse by then-Elder Nelson, in which he discussed the doctrine and understanding we have about the process of death and how it relates to our eternal life. His talk included this beautiful and tender observation: "Moreover, we can’t fully appreciate joyful reunions later without tearful separations now. The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life." But peace does come with understanding and perspective.

In this final part of his remarks, President Nelson spoke of the insights a death can bring to "we who tarry here." We are granted additional time, and we should recognize what a treasure and sacred gift each day is. We should use our "few precious moments" wisely:

It must be a singularly remarkable feeling to come to the end of mortality, which can happen at any moment, and be prepared, ready to say with Paul, "I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." President Nelson encourages each of us to ponder our own preparation, end our procrastination, and live each day in a more loving, compassionate, forgiving way—a more Christlike way. That is certainly how he has lived his life!

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

Elder Marvin J. Ashton on choosing "straightway" to follow the Savior

Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1915-1994) served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles from 1971 until his death in 1994 at age 78.

"Avoid procrastination. We can say with great accuracy procrastination is an unwholesome blend of doubt and delay. Oft-used words of the Savior such as ask, seek, knock, go, thrust, are action words. He would have us use action as we teach and live His principles....

"Do not doubt your abilities. Do not delay your worthy impressions. With God’s help, you cannot fail. He will give you the courage to participate in meaningful change and purposeful living. We need to repent, straightway, and trust in His reality and capacity to assist us in knowing the abundant life. He will help us learn to be sensitive to our own needs and to those of others. Those who fear, procrastinate. Those who change for the better show progress straightway and become wiser and stronger. We need to develop the courage to straightway take the first step. We need to remember that children learn to walk only because someone encourages them to take the first step.

"May we launch straightway toward setting goals that are gospel oriented, knowing that if we use the talents that are ours—that if we help others, strive for peace, avoid being overly sensitive or overly critical—strength upon strength will be added unto our own abilities and we will move straightway toward greater growth, happiness, and eternal joys. Our Master and Savior invites us to straightway embrace His truths and enjoy the warmth of His constant companionship."

- Marvin J. Ashton, "Straightway," General Conference April 1983
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

In this memorable talk, Elder Ashton referred to the New Testament description of Jesus calling Simon Peter and Andrew to service, and how they "straightway" left their fishing nets to follow (see Matt. 4:18–22). He encourages us to not delay in our choices and righteous works. In this excerpt he focuses on the personal benefit that comes as we choose to take control of the direction of our life in more assertive ways.

Elder Ashton teaches that as we listen to spiritual promptings and act promptly on them, we begin to live "the abundant life" and feel divine help in becoming more "sensitive to our own needs and to those of others." We become "wiser and stronger"—but only as we have the courage to "take the first step" in decisively and straightway following the Master's call. With God's help, we can act and progress, and will receive the blessings of joy that accompany our actions.

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

Elder Neal A. Maxwell on living in the holy present

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.

"One of the most cruel games anyone can play with self is the 'not yet' game—hoping to sin just a bit more before ceasing; to enjoy the praise of the world a little longer before turning away from the applause; to win just once more in the wearying sweepstakes of materialism; to be chaste, but not yet; to be good neighbors, but not now. One can play upon the harpstrings of hesitations and reservations just so long, and then one faces that special moment—a moment when what has been sensed, mutely, suddenly finds voice and cries out with tears, 'Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.' (Mark 9:24.)

"The truth is that 'not yet' usually means 'never.' Trying to run away from the responsibility to decide about Christ is childish. Pilate sought to refuse responsibility for deciding about Christ, but Pilate’s hands were never dirtier than just after he had washed them.

"The past of each of us is now inflexible. We need to concentrate on what has been called 'the holy present,' for now is sacred; we never really live in the future. The holy gift of life always takes the form of now.

"Besides, God asks us now to give up only those things which, if clung to, will destroy us!"

- Neal A. Maxwell, "Why Not Now?", General Conference October 1974
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

As I pondered Elder Maxwell's description of "the 'not yet' game," I realized how accurate his description is. I have seen that tendency in my own life, clinging to some things just a little longer than I should, postponing resolving a question or concern. What a great warning and reminder; we just not assume there is a future to resolve the issue, since that future may be denied us. And the longer we postpone, the harder it is to resolve—since "The truth is that 'not yet' usually means 'never.'"

We life in "the holy present" and we should do all we can to make sure not only that we preserve the holiness, but that we take full advantage of it.

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

President Spencer W. Kimball on accepting personal responsibility for progress

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

"One of the most serious human defects in all ages is procrastination, an unwillingness to accept personal responsibilities now. Men came to earth consciously to obtain their schooling, their training and development, and to perfect themselves, but many have allowed themselves to be diverted and have become merely 'hewers of wood and drawers of water,' addicts to mental and spiritual indolence and to the pursuit of worldly pleasure.

"There are even many members of the Church who are lax and careless and who continually procrastinate. They live the gospel casually but not devoutly. They have complied with some requirements but are not valiant. They do no major crime but merely fail to do the things required—things like paying tithing, living the Word of Wisdom, having family prayers, fasting, attending meetings, serving. Perhaps they do not consider such omissions to be sins, yet these were the kinds of things of which the five foolish virgins of Jesus' parable were probably guilty. The ten virgins belonged to the kingdom and had every right to the blessings—except that five were not valiant and were not ready when the great day came. They were unprepared through not living all the commandments. They were bitterly disappointed at being shut out from the marriage—as likewise their modern counterparts will be.

"One Church member of my acquaintance said, as she drank her coffee: 'The Lord knows my heart is right and that I have good intentions, and that I will someday get the strength to quit.' But will one receive eternal life on the basis of his good intentions? Can one enter a country, receive a scholastic degree, and so on, on the strength of good intent unsupported by appropriate action? Samuel Johnson remarked that 'hell is paved with good intentions.' The Lord will not translate one's good hopes and desires and intentions into works. Each of us must do that for himself."

- Spencer W. Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness, pp. 7-8

I always loved President Kimball's counsel; he could instruct and reprimand in a way that was frank and blunt but yet gentle and inviting. This is a good example. He points out the common defect of procrastination and laziness that is far too common in many of our lives. We are "addicts to mental and spiritual indolence" who are caught up instead in "the pursuit of worldly pleasure."

As a result, we often live the gospel "casually but not devoutly." That's an interesting statement. What is the difference between the two approaches? Do I see evidence of that in my life? Am I perhaps omitting some of the "weightier matters" of the law?

Yes, our "good intentions" are far too common. We know we'll get around to things eventually. We just never seem to quite do it, though... and so our lives fall short of what they could be. We would be wise to consider President Kimball's counsel carefully as we do an honest and thorough evaluation of our lives, progress, priorities, and level of commitment!

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

Russell M. Nelson on the trials and tests of life

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. He was set apart as president of the Quorum of Twelve on July 15, 2015.

"We came to be tried, to be tested, and to choose. Our decisions determine our destiny. We are 'free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator..., or to choose captivity and death' (2 Ne. 2:27).... Those who prove faithful 'shall inherit the kingdom of God, ...and their joy shall be full forever' (2 Ne. 9:18)....

"Trials and tests apply to rich and poor alike. Years ago, I was asked to perform an operation upon a very wealthy man. A surgical biopsy confirmed that he had an advanced cancer that had spread throughout his body. As I reported this news, his immediate response was to rely upon his wealth. He would go anywhere or do anything to treat his condition. He thought he could buy his way back to health. But he soon passed away. Someone asked, 'How much wealth did he leave?' The answer, of course, was, 'All of it!'

"His priorities were set upon things of the world. His ladder of success had been leaning against the wrong wall. I think of him when I read this scripture: 'Behold, your days of probation are past; ye have procrastinated the day of your salvation until it is... too late.' (Hel. 13:38)"

- Russell M. Nelson, "Now Is the Time to Prepare," General Conference, April 2005; Ensign, May 2005, pp. 16-18
Click here to read the full talk

This if fundamental counsel from President Nelson. Life will have trials and tests! That is one of its purposes, and we understood that part of the plan when we chose to accept it. It is easy to lose the eternal perspective in the midst of trials. And while it seems that some are exempt from many of those tests in this life, in truth we all have them.

And so we must take care to focus our priorities on the things that matter most, and not on the "things of the world." Truly, now is the time to prepare.

Harold B. Lee on not postponing efforts to improve

President Harold B. Lee (1899-1973) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1941. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency from 1970-1972, then as Church president from July 1972 until his passing less than 18 months later in December 1973.

"Today is the day for us to begin to search our souls. Have you discovered which is the most important of all the commandments to you today? ... Are you going to begin working on it today? Or are you going to wait until it is too late?

"The little boy says, 'Well, when I get to be a big boy, then I’m going to do so and so.' And what is that? When he gets to be a big boy, ... then he says, 'When I get married, then I’ll do so and so.' And then after he gets married, it all changes, and 'Well, when I retire.' And then after he is retired, a cold wind sweeps down over him and suddenly he realizes too late that he has lost everything. And it is too late. And yet all his life he has had all the time that there was. He just hasn’t taken advantage of it.

"Now, today, this is the day for us to begin to do something about it, before it is too late."

- Harold B. Lee, Address given to Ricks College student body and leaders, 3 March 1962, Historical Department Archives, 20–21; see Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee pp. 227-229

In a different setting, President Lee talked about the "most important of all the commandments of God" for each of us as being the one that we might be personally struggling with most today (see this quote). He begins with a similar idea in this excerpt, encouraging us to discover what the most important commandment is and then begin working on it.

The rest of the quote seems to expand the idea of not delaying, applying it not just to repentance and obedience, but other worthwhile aspects of our lives that might be postponed for one reason or another. What a great reminder. There are so many good things to do, so much that competes for our time and attention; but we should never put off dreams or good intentions until it becomes too late. We are meant to live our lives, with joy!

N. Eldon Tanner on choosing today to serve God

President Nathan Eldon Tanner (1898-1982) was ordained an apostle in 1962.  A year later he was called as a counselor in the First Presidency, and continued in that role during the administration of four Church presidents until his death in 1982 at age 84.

"I was greatly impressed as I listened to the BYU alumni president, Ernest L. Wilkinson, M.D., tell of an emergency call that took him to the Intensive Coronary Care Unit of the LDS Hospital, where a close personal friend of his of several years' duration was in critical condition with a massive coronary thrombosis. He said: 'As I approached his bedside he grasped my hand and through an oxygen mask, though gripped with pain and breathing in a labored manner, he muttered, "Oh, Doctor, can you save me? I have so many things I have been putting off and wanting to do."

"'As we labored into the hours of the morning, utilizing all of the modern electronic gadgetry that medical science can provide, and as it became increasingly evident that my friend would not survive, I was haunted by his comment and its inference. Are we thinkers or are we doers? How many of us procrastinate the really important decisions in life? Will we be found wanting when we too are at the crossroads of life and death?'

"This is a serious and urgent question indeed. We are all nearing the crossroads of life and death ourselves. How fortunate we are to be able to make a choice. What a glorious thing it is to know that we can choose our course, write our destiny and determine our blessings. It is not too late to choose. The choice is ours, but we must choose this day whom we will serve."

- N. Eldon Tanner, "Choose You This Day," Ensign, June 1971, pp. 11-15
Click here to read the full talk

President Tanner presents the poignant example of a man on his deathbed, desperate for a second chance to complete the unfinished business of his life; then he asks these pointed questions:

President Tanner then warns, "We are all nearing the crossroads of life and death ourselves." It's easy to forget that. We just don't know how near we are.  But we do know that accidents happen; fatal diseases sometimes appear suddenly; circumstances can change overnight. All of us know someone, and probably a number of people, who faced an "untimely" end.

It's truly vital that we "not procrastinate the day of [our] repentance" (Alma 13:27) — or of our resolve to improve, to be more committed, to apologize, to change direction, to improve habits, to serve more faithfully. This is a great message: "What a glorious thing it is to know that we can choose our course, write our destiny and determine our blessings. It is not too late to choose."

Thomas S. Monson on living life each day

President Thomas S. Monson (1927- ) was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1963.  He served as a counselor in the First Presidency with Presidents Benson, Hunter, and Hinckley until becoming Church president in 2008.

"How fragile life, how certain death. We do not know when we will be required to leave this mortal existence. And so I ask, 'What are we doing with today?' If we live only for tomorrow, we'll have a lot of empty yesterdays today. Have we been guilty of declaring, 'I've been thinking about making some course corrections in my life. I plan to take the first step — tomorrow'? With such thinking, tomorrow is forever. Such tomorrows rarely come unless we do something about them today....

"Because life is fragile and death inevitable, we must make the most of each day....

"My brothers and sisters, may we resolve from this day forward to fill our hearts with love. May we go the extra mile to include in our lives any who are lonely or downhearted or who are suffering in any way. May we '[cheer] up the sad and [make] someone feel glad' (Hymns, no. 223). May we live so that when that final summons is heard, we may have no serious regrets, no unfinished business, but will be able to say with the Apostle Paul, 'I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith' (2 Tim. 4:7)."

- Thomas S. Monson, "Now Is the Time," Ensign, Nov. 2001, pp. 59-61
Click here to read the full talk

Most of us, if not all, have dealt with the uncertainty of this life, and can appreciate President Monson's warning, "We do not know when we will be required to leave this mortal existence." We have seen loved ones or acquaintances "called home" suddenly or unexpectedly, in what seems to us to be untimely and too early. Given the stark reality of that uncertainty, President Monson reminds us that we should never procrastinate needed changes or our commitments to make the most of each day we are allotted.

This is very practical advice of some of the things we should be considering about how to live life, now, today: