Elder Richard G. Scott on recovering from poor choices in life

Elder Richard G. Scott (1928-2015) served as a Seventy from 1977-1988, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  He passed away in September 2015 at the age of 86.

"It is a fundamental truth that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can be cleansed. We can become virtuous and pure. However, sometimes our poor choices leave us with long-term consequences. One of the vital steps to complete repentance is to bear the short- and long-term consequences of our past sins....

"The joyful news for anyone who desires to be rid of the consequences of past poor choices is that the Lord sees weaknesses differently than He does rebellion. Whereas the Lord warns that unrepented rebellion will bring punishment, when the Lord speaks of weaknesses, it is always with mercy....

"Each of us has had times in our lives when we have made poor choices. We are all in desperate need of the redemptive power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Each of us must repent of any rebellion. 'For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance' (D&C 1:31). He cannot because He knows what it takes to become like Him.

"Many of us have allowed weakness to develop in our character. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we... can build spiritual fortifications between ourselves and any past mistakes that Satan attempts to exploit."

- Richard G. Scott, "Personal Strength through the Atonement of Jesus Christ," General Conference October 2013
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Poor choices have consequences. Elder Scott, in this message, distinguishes between the rebellion that is initially expressed in making a poor choice, and the weakness that can develop as we persist in inappropriate activity or as we suffer the consequences of our initial bad decision. Elder Scott teaches the crucial need to repent of the transgression and receive forgiveness through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. But it's also a great truth and blessing of eternity that we find healing for our weaknesses and for the long-term consequences of sin through that same Atonement of the Savior.

How critical that we not only resolve the transgression, but "build fortifications" to prevent the Adversary from exploiting our weaknesses. We are blessed by a true understanding of how the Atonement of Jesus Christ can bless us in those endeavors.

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

Dieter F. Uchtdorf on the process of perfection

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (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.

"God is fully aware that you and I are not perfect.

"Let me add: God is also fully aware that the people you think are perfect are not.

"And yet we spend so much time and energy comparing ourselves to others—usually comparing our weaknesses to their strengths. This drives us to create expectations for ourselves that are impossible to meet. As a result, we never celebrate our good efforts because they seem to be less than what someone else does.

"Everyone has strengths and weaknesses.

"It's wonderful that you have strengths.

"And it is part of your mortal experience that you do have weaknesses.

"God wants to help us to eventually turn all of our weaknesses into strengths (see Ether 12:27), but He knows that this is a long-term goal. He wants us to become perfect (see 3 Nephi 12:48), and if we stay on the path of discipleship, one day we will. It's OK that you're not quite there yet. Keep working on it, but stop punishing yourself.

"Dear sisters, many of you are endlessly compassionate and patient with the weaknesses of others. Please remember also to be compassionate and patient with yourself."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Forget Me Not," Ensign, Nov 2011, pp. 120-123
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These remarks were shared by President Uchtdorf as part of an address to a General Relief Society Meeting. They provided a welcome perspective to many, both women and men, who struggle with the perception of their own faults and shortcomings at various times. He helps us all understand that we increase our difficulties in our continual comparisons with others. I thought this warning was very insightful:

The "bottom line" is that we're all imperfect, but we all have the potential to grow and improve towards perfection—individually, in our particular and personal situation. The crucial message is to "stay on the path of discipleship," being compassionate with ourselves, knowing that God will bless and aid us in the journey—one by one.