(2/06/03)
"'Being called,' therefore, is not always precisely the same as 'being chosen,' and even those 'chosen' must still finally qualify as those who are 'faithful' (see D&C 121:34-35). Called, chosen, and faithful Joseph Smith, who slept on a 'dirty straw couch' in a 'lonesome, dark, and dirty' jail in Liberty, was in that sense triply crowned, for he 'endured it well.'" — Neal A. Maxwell, "But for a Small Moment," [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1986], p. 103

(2/07/03)
"How seductive the lure of power and the prestige that goes with it can be! The acclaim of the people, the virtual adulation in which leaders are held by many members, the hanging-on-every-word attention leaders receive-all are powerful intoxicants, easily capable of corrupting the unwary shepherd. Leaders should, of course, be grateful for the love and support of the Saints. But they must discount personal praise directed at them, recognizing that whatever fraction is deserved rightfully belongs to the Good Shepherd and the Father. We can take little credit if we utilize well gifts and talents that have been bestowed upon us. The credit belongs to the Giver of Gifts, not the receiver. When dealing with the praise of men, perhaps it would be wise to adopt something of the attitude of the Duke of Wellington. 'Asked if he were pleased to have been mobbed by the ecstatic population of Brussels on his return from Waterloo [Wellington] rejoined, 'Not in the least; if I had failed, they would have shot me.' ' (John Keegan, The Mask of Command, p. 163.)" — Alexander B. Morrison, "Feed My Sheep: Leadership Ideas for Latter-day Shepherds," [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1992], p. 170

(2/08/03)
"The Israelites were commanded to be more than honest. If they came upon a lost ox, they were to search out the owner so they could return the animal. Today, our intentions and dealings must be similarly pure and sound. If our selfish 'hearts are set so much upon the things of this world' (D&C 121:35), we can easily lose our integrity. We must be fair with suppliers, customers, and employees; repay obligations and keep agreements; and never deceive by failing to disclose all facts about an investment or business venture." — Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Finding Peace in Our Lives," [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1995], p. 192

(2/09/03)
"Probably the greatest counsel that anybody could give you, if you want to increase your faith, is that faith will come according to your personal righteousness. I stress the word personal because sometimes people feel that they can be exalted because of a good mate or a good family. But the truth is that each person must be personally worthy." — Gene R. Cook, "Living by the Power of Faith," [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1985], p. 78