The LDS Daily WOOL Home Page
(4/18/97)
You can participate in this glorious endeavor to bring the gospel to all
mankind. You can live the principles of the gospel. The Lord expects
this of us. The Apostle Paul commended, "Be thou an example of the
believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in
purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). We are grateful that members of the Church for
the most part are striving to live the gospel and dealing justly with
their fellowmen. — Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p.338
(4/19/97)
An example of faith was … demonstrated by President David O. McKay when
he requested the prayers of his counselors and the Council of the Twelve
just before departing on a very important mission where he felt the need
of divine assistance. Said President McKay: "Brethren, you pray for me,
and I will so live that the Lord will answer your prayers through me."
This suggested to us that we, too, must so live that the Lord would hear
and answer our prayers in behalf of President McKay. He pledged that he
would so live to obtain the blessings of the Lord as a result of these
petitions on his behalf. — Delbert L. Stapley, BYU Speeches, May 5, 1964
(4/20/97)
And finally the father is to be an example of the highest Christian
virtues. To walk uprightly in the admonition of the Lord requires not
only patience and forebearance, but an exercise in constant practice of
all the Christian virtues by each family member. Perhaps the Lord knew
this when he instituted the family. A man needs the responsibility of a
wife and family. He needs the responsibility of being an example of
righteousness. There is wisdom in this requirement. This kind of gentle
persuasion is needed to keep a father "on course" and gently guide him
toward perfection. — President A. Theodore Tuttle, General Conference,
October 1973
(4/21/97)
Jesus' life was the perfect example of dedication and sacrifice. He had
no silver or gold to give, but he gave faith to his disciples, health to
the sick, and hope to the discouraged. His life was in every respect a
sacrifice for all.… Joseph Smith's life was another great example of
dedication and sacrifice. While in Liberty Jail the word of the Lord
came to him: ". . . if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the
hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; . . .
know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and
shall be for thy good." (D&C 122:7.) — Franklin D. Richards, General
Conference, April 1967
(4/22/97)
As an example of service I give you the following: The Tabernacle choir
began to sing over a national radio network a little more than four
years ago; their program is now considered to be the outstanding radio
program in the world. Why? Because they receive no other compensation
for their work than the joy of service. There are 273 members, they
rehearse Thursday nights, sing over the Columbia broadcasting network
each Sunday morning, and for the regular Church service Sunday afternoon
each week. This requires them to make three trips to the tabernacle and
three home each week, a personal outlay for each, of 50 cents a week for
car fare. Their average attendance is 63.56 per cent. Each Sunday they
are heard from more than 80 stations with combined facilities valued in
millions. The commercial value of each program period is about
$10,000.00, and of the full period they have been on the air
$2,500,000.00. Each Sunday they are heard not only in the United States
but also in Europe where the program is relayed by short wave length,
those living on the isles of the sea eagerly look forward to it. All
this because of the devotion of these singers which finds expression in
their faithful attendance and in song and the sweet organ music mellowed
by a divine providence. — David A. Smith, General Conference, October
1933
(4/23/97)
It is interesting to me that Jesus chose a Samaritan as an example of
love unfeigned for the Pharisees. They were so remarkable for their
observance of the letter of the law that this teaching must have caused
at least some of them to see in new ways and with new spirit the freedom
to love that Christ was offering them. That is the challenge for us — to
allow Christ's teachings, magnified by the Holy Spirit, to guide us to
his ways of seeing and being. — Sister Aileen H. Clyde, General
Conference, October 1991
(4/24/97)
The Only Begotten Son of our Father, our Savior Jesus Christ, spent His
earthly ministry showing us how to love, bless, and teach all of the
family of God. He taught us that not one soul should be lost. We should
follow His example in loving and blessing our families and doing all we
can to see that not one soul is lost. — President Patricia P. Pinegar,
General Conference, April 1997
(4/25/97)
Daniel was an example of courage. As a youth he was taken into Babylon
to be trained by King Nebuchadnezzar. At their peril, he and his three
Hebrew companions refused to break their word of wisdom. They refused to
eat the rich foods and other foods that were not good for them. (See
Dan. 15-16.) Later, Daniel further demonstrated his courage by advising
two kings of interpretations the Lord had revealed to him, Daniel, of
manifestations which the kings had received, manifestations which
portended evil for them. Daniel told the first king that he would lose
his mind, and become like a beast of the field, eating grass as an ox.
He told the second king that he would be cut down from the pinnacle of
power. (See Dan. 2:36-45; 4:24-27; 5:26-29.) So advising these absolute
monarchs evidenced great courage in this young man Daniel. He evidenced
superb courage of another kind when, in defiance of the king's edict, he
chose to be thrown into the lions' den rather than neglect to pray to
his Father in Heaven. (See Dan. 6:7-23.) — President Marion G. Romney,
General Conference, April 1978
(4/26/97)
"We ought to say in our hearts let God judge between me and thee, but as
for me I will forgive." That means to say in our hearts, not just lip
service. We must be willing to forgive and forget. Most of us have a
natural ability to forget, especially the things we are supposed to
remember. Most of us work diligently to increase our power to remember.
However, in forgiving, we should increase or attempt to increase and
work diligently to increase our power to forget. Peter asked Jesus:
"Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till
seven times? "Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven
times: but, until seventy times seven." (Matt. 18:21-22.) The Lord also
said: "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use
you, and persecute you." (Ibid., 5:44.) When the adulteress was brought
before Christ to be stoned, according to the law, he said: "He that is
without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." They all then
slipped away, leaving the woman alone with Jesus. No accusers left,
Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." Thus
giving the woman the opportunity to repent and be forgiven. (John
8:6-11.) Then, finally, in his agony on the cross, showing the supreme
example of forgiveness, he cried out to his Father in heaven: "Father,
forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34.) — Elder
Eldred G. Smith, General Conference, April 1961
(2/25/05)
"Yes, the question is, do our outward devotions translate into a
Christlike life? It is not enough that we just talk of Christ, preach of
Christ, or even prophesy of Christ (see 2
Ne. 25:26). We must live of Christ, for it is by our own personal,
everyday living that the Savior will determine whether we are one of His
true disciples, a friend." - Richard C. Edgley, "A
Disciple, a Friend," Ensign, May 1998, p. 13
(3/18/04)
"What better teaching could a parent provide for a child than that of
following the prophets and building a sure foundation upon Jesus Christ?
The Book of Mormon prophet Jacob instructed that once they have been
taught and 'obtained a hope in Christ,' we may then teach them how to
earn riches so that they can use them 'to clothe the naked, and to feed
the hungry.' (Jacob
2:18-19.) We must teach them all that they must do to live with
Him, and the best teacher is example." - Dallas N. Archibald, "Born
of
Goodly Parents," Ensign, Nov. 1992, p. 26
(5/5/04)
"He calls you and me to serve Him here below and sets us to the task He
would have us fulfill. The commitment is total. There is no conflict of
conscience. As we follow that Man of Galilee-even the Lord Jesus
Christ-our personal influence will be felt for good wherever we are,
whatever our callings." - Thomas S. Monson, "Your
Personal
Influence," General Conference, April 2004
(7/5/04)
"Upon our shoulders lies the responsibility to keep the faith through
our own generation. This 'ball' is now in our court! We of modern Israel
are destined to be 'a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation' (Ex.
19:6). We know that we are children of the covenant (see Acts
3:25; 3 Ne.
20:25-26). We are remnants of the seed now to be gathered and
gleaned into God's eternal garners (see Alma
26:5)." - Russell M. Nelson, "The
Exodus
Repeated," Ensign, July 1999, p. 13
(8/9/04)
"While his enemies gained power through fraud and deceit, Moroni
empowered the Nephites by teaching them to be faithful to God (see Alma
48:7). How do we, like Captain Moroni, create places of security
for those around us in these sometimes frightening and perilous times?
We can begin by following the admonition found in 1 Timothy 4:12 [1
Tim. 4:12]: 'Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in
conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.'" - Virginia
U. Jensen, "Creating
Places
of Security," Ensign, November 1997, p. 90
(9/5/04)
"Ye are the light of the world; a city set upon a hill" (see Matt.
5:14). What does that mean? Well, a commentary on this scripture says:
'The disciples are to be the light of the world, being the
representatives of Him who is the world's true Light. They are to
enlighten it as its teachers, and also by the examples of their lives.
They are contemplated not as individuals but as a visible society, or
Church. The old city set on a hill was Jerusalem. This was shortly to be
trodden under the foot of men as having lost its savour.' (J. R.
Dummelow, ed., A Commentary on the Holy Bible [New York: Macmillan,
1936], p. 641.)
"Just so today, any Latter-day Saint in Church circles, in military service, in social life, or in the business community is looked upon not just as an individual, but as the visible Church today. Someone has said: 'Be careful how you act, because you may be the only standard Church work some people may ever read.'"
"The Teachings of Harold B. Lee," edited by Clyde J. Williams [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1996], p. 588
(9/6/04)
"If
we as a people will walk with integrity, will be honest and moral in
our actions, will put into our lives the simple and basic and
wonderful principle of the Golden Rule, others will be led to
inquire and learn. We shall become as a city set upon a hill whose
light cannot be hid. (See Matt.
5:14.) We shall witness an ever-growing fulfillment of the
promise of Isaiah: 'And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and
let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of
Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his
paths.' (Isa. 2:3.)"
- Gordon B. Hinckley, “Five
Million
Members—A Milestone and Not a Summit,” Ensign, May 1982, p. 45
(9/7/04)
"Each of us possesses an inner light, the light of Christ (see Moro.
7:16-19). We can affect the brightness of that light by our
thoughts and actions. There is a strong suggestion in Matthew 5:16 [Matt.
5:16] that we, by controlling our thoughts and actions, can
choose how we affect the lives of those around us." - LeGrand R.
Curtis, "Perfection:
A
Daily Process," Ensign, July 1995, p. 30
(9/8/04)
"I believe The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can save
the world if its members will live as saints of God should. Each
time we let down in living gospel principles, someone is sure to
observe our conduct and form an unfavorable opinion about us and the
spiritual values of the Church. Our faithfulness gives meaning to
the doctrines we teach. The Savior emphasized this statement by
saying: 'Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.' (Matt.
5:16.)" - Elder Delbert L. Stapley, "Our
Responsibility:
To Save the World," Ensign, December 1971, p. 95
(9/9/04)
"If we are to fulfill the Lord's command to open the windows of
heaven to all of our brothers and sisters, we must prepare to teach
the gospel. With study of the scriptures, fasting, and prayer, we
fortify our testimonies. We cultivate Christlike attributes of
'faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness,
godliness, charity, humility, [and] diligence.' (D&C
4:6.) Through exemplary obedience, we can 'let [our] light so
shine before men, that they may see [our] good works, and glorify
[our] Father which is in heaven.' (Matt.
5:16.) By keeping the commandments, we can light our gospel
candle and put it 'on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all
that are in the house.' (Matt.
5:15; emphasis added.)" - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Windows
of
Light and Truth," Ensign, November 1995, p. 76
(3/8/05)
"When the Lord used the expression 'savor of men,' he was speaking
of those who represent him. He was referring to those who have
repented, who have been washed clean in the waters of baptism, and
who have covenanted to take upon them his name and his cause.
Moreover, he was speaking of those who would share by covenant his
priesthood power. He was speaking of you and me.
"A world-renowned chemist told me that salt will not lose its savor
with age. Savor is lost through mixture and contamination.
Similarly, priesthood power does not dissipate with age; it, too, is
lost through mixture and contamination....
"Flavor and quality flee a man when he contaminates his mind with
unclean thoughts, desecrates his mouth by speaking less than the
truth, and misapplies his strength in performing evil acts. King
Benjamin cautioned, 'Watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your
words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God' (Mosiah
4:30)." - Carlos E. Asay, "Salt
of
the Earth: Savor of Men and Saviors of Men," Ensign, May 1980,
p. 42
(6/3/05)
"Jesus, our Savior,
was born in the lowliest of circumstances. For his baptism he was
immersed in the lowest body of fresh water upon the planet. In service
and suffering, he also 'descended below' all things (D&C
122:8), that he could rise above all things. Near the end of his
life, he triumphantly declared, 'I have overcome the world.' (John
16:33.) 'Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live;
for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life.' (3
Ne. 15:9.) Scriptures tutor us at least twenty-six times** to
endure to the end to attain eternal life. Then we will obtain a
resurrected body—one that is incorruptible, glorified, and prepared to
live in the presence of God.
"To reach your highest destiny, emulate the Savior. He proclaimed,
'What manner of men ought ye to be?... Even as I am.' (3
Ne. 27:27.) Our loftiest hope is to grow in spirit and attain
'the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more
children.' (Eph.
4:13–14.)" - Russell M. Nelson, "Self-Mastery,"
Ensign, Nov. 1985, 32
**Matt. 10:22;
Matt. 24:13; Mark
13:13; 1
Ne. 13:37; 1
Ne. 22:31; 2
Ne. 9:24; 2
Ne. 31:15–16, 20; 2
Ne. 33:4; Omni
1:26; Alma
32:13, 15; Alma
38:2; 3 Ne.
15:9; 3
Ne. 27:6, 16–17; Morm.
9:29; Moro.
8:26; D&C
10:69; D&C
14:7; D&C
18:22; D&C
20:25; D&C
20:29; D&C
53:7.
(7/13/05)
"The Lord has made it clear that each of us has a responsibility to
exert an influence for good in the lives of those who share this
mortal experience with us. We cannot live in isolation from others and
still fulfill the purpose of our existence. Our actions, our words,
our thoughts, and our values will inevitably affect the souls of those
whose lives brush against ours. If fact, the Lord himself said that
this influence may continue to reverberate long after we have
departed, even to the ensuing generations. (See Mosiah
13:13.) This is an awesome prospect. When we contemplate the
power we have for perpetrating both good and evil in the lives of
others, we have good reason to search for careful understanding of
this power." - Dean L. Larsen, "Let
Your Light So Shine," Ensign, Sept. 1981, 21
12/16/05
"Look to the Church and its leaders for counsel and direction.
We have only one desire, and that is that you be happy, that your lives
be challenging and satisfying, that you be saved from pitfalls of evil
which could destroy you, that you will be the kind of people who will
carry high the torch of eternal truth and hand it on to the generation
which will succeed you.
"The truths of this gospel are everlasting and eternal. Philosophies
change. Customs change. Culture changes. But with all of these changes,
there are gospel fundamentals that have never changed and never will
change." - Gordon B. Hinckley, "Stand
True and Faithful," Ensign (CR), May 1996, p.91
12/20/05
"Since man's first advent on earth, God has been urging him to rise
above the selfish, groveling life of the purely animal existence into
the higher, more spiritual realm. After several thousand years of
struggling, mankind even now but dimly recognizes the fact that the
greatest of the world's leaders are those who most nearly approach the
teachings of the Man of Galilee. This is psychologically sound, because
the thoughts a man harbors determine the realm in which he serves. 'Be
not deceived,' writes Paul to the Galatians, 'God is not mocked: for
whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to
his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the
Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.' (Galatians
6:7-8.)" - David O. McKay, Conference Report, April 1951, Morning
Session, p.96
1/9/06
"'My life is my message,' said Mahatma Gandhi. It is so with each of us.
The impressions of what we are and do and feel and believe and live and
teach are carried over to our children. If we depart from principles,
may we reasonably expect our children not to depart?" - Richard L.
Evans, Conference Report, April 1969, Afternoon Meeting, p.75
7/23/06
"We must always remember that though we are in the world, we must not be
part of it. We just cannot follow the ways of the world. We must dare to
be different. We must not be influenced by those who would call us
peculiar. The Lord said to the children of Israel:
"'For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.' (Deut. 14:2.)" - N. Eldon Tanner, "Ready to Work Long Hours," Ensign (CR), November 1976, p.73
8/20/06
"'Agree with thine adversary' (Matt.
5:25).
"'Love your enemies' (Matt.
5:44).
"'Judge not' (Matt. 7:1).
"'Love thy neighbour as thyself' (Matt.
22:39).
"'Condemn not' (Luke
6:37).
"'Forgive' (Luke 6:37).
"'Love one another' (John
13:34).
"Those are but a few of the scriptural instructions clearly indicating
that Gods peace is not to be hoarded. Rather, it is to be shared
liberally with our families, our friends, and our communities. It is to
be shared with the Church as well as those who are not members of our
Church. While those around us may not choose to taste the sweetness and
peace of the fulness of the restored gospel for themselves, surely they
will be blessed by seeing it in our lives and feeling the peace of the
gospel in our presence. The message of peace will grow and expand
through our example." - M. Russell Ballard, "The
Peaceable Things of the Kingdom," Ensign (CR), May 2002, p.87
8/28/06
"It is one thing to talk about the gospel, but it is quite another to
live it. It is one thing to preach about Christ, but it is another to
follow in his footsteps.
"When the gospel is incorporated in the life of each one of us, it molds
our decisions and determines our actions. We become models and examples
who can teach others the path to follow leading to life eternal only
when we live the principles of the gospel.
"In the great mission to which we have been called, to be saviors of
men, may we follow the admonition of the Lord:
"'Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may
be a standard for the nations.' (D&C
115:5.)" - Angel Abrea, "The
Sure Sound of the Trumpet," Ensign (CR), May 1984, p.70
2/15/07
"Standing as a witness in all things means all things—big
things, little things, in all conversations, in jokes, in games played
and books read and music listened to, in causes supported, in service
rendered, in clothes worn, in friends made." - Margaret D. Nadauld, "Stand
as a Witness," Ensign (CR), May 2000, p.93
5/7/07
"There is one responsibility that no man can evade. That is the
responsibility of personal influence. The effect of your words and acts
is tremendous in this world. Every moment of life you are changing to a
degree the life of the whole world. Every man has an atmosphere or a
radiation that is affecting every person in the world. You cannot escape
it. Into the hands of every individual is given a marvelous power for
good or for evil. It is simply the constant radiation of what a man
really is. Every man by his mere living is radiating positive or
negative qualities. Life is a state of radiation. To exist is to be the
radiation of our feelings, natures, doubts, schemes, or to be the
recipient of those things from somebody else. You cannot escape it. Man
cannot escape for one moment the radiation of his character. You will
select the qualities that you will permit to be radiated." - David O.
McKay, Conference Report, October 1969, General Priesthood Meeting, p.87
5/12/07
"Growing up on Long Island, in New York, I understood how vital light
was to those traveling in the darkness on the open sea. How dangerous is
a fallen lighthouse! How devastating is a lighthouse whose light has
failed!
"We who have the gift of the Holy Ghost must be true to its promptings
so we can be a light to others.
"'Let your light so shine before men,' said the Lord, 'that they may see
your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.' (Matt.
5:15-16.)
"We never know who may be depending on us. And, as the Savior said, 'we
know not but what they will return and repent, and come unto me with
full purpose of heart, and I shall heal them; and ye shall be the means
of bringing salvation unto them.' (3
Ne. 18:32.)" - Robert D. Hales, "Out
of Darkness into His Marvelous Light," Ensign (CR), May 2002, p.69
5/28/07
"Commensurate with our present condition of happiness and advancement,
as a result of the blessings of the Lord upon us, we may expect to find
opposition in the minds of the people of the world. It has been the
history of this people from the first that as they advanced in faith and
power through their obedience to the principles of the Gospel our
enemies have increased in their endeavors to put down the truth and stay
the progress of this work. I speak of this as a matter of history, not
to throw any blame upon any individual. We know, my brethren and
sisters, that the powers of evil are upon the face of the land today, as
they have been ever since the organization of the Church; and they have
been more manifest as the people have grown in faith and power. I saw
not long ago a play represented, and in it was the character of Satan.
He said, 'I rule the earth; my power is everywhere.' I thought within my
own heart, how true that is, in a sense; but on further reflection I was
led to exclaim in my heart, 'And the power of God is everywhere also."
The same thought brought to my remembrance the sentence that "God and
one good man are a majority.'" - Seymour B. Young, "Conference Report,"
April 1903, First Day—Morning Session, p.97
7/22/07
"By choosing to be in His kingdom, we separate—not isolate—ourselves
from the world. Our dress will be modest, our thoughts pure, our
language clean. The movies and television we watch, the music we
listen to, the books, magazines, and newspapers we read will be
uplifting. We will choose friends who encourage our eternal goals, and
we will treat others with kindness. We will shun the vices of
immorality, gambling, tobacco, liquor, and illicit drugs. Our Sunday
activities will reflect the commandment of God to remember the Sabbath
day and keep it holy. We will follow the example of Jesus Christ in
the way we treat others. We will live to be worthy to enter the house
of the Lord." - Robert D. Hales, "The
Covenant of Baptism: To Be in the Kingdom and of the Kingdom,"
Ensign (CR), November 2000, p.6
8/11/07
"Our culture tends to determine what foods we like, how we dress, what
constitutes polite behavior, what sports we should follow, what our
taste in music should be, the importance of education, and our
attitudes toward honesty. It also influences men as to the importance
of recreation or religion, influences women about the priority of
career or childbearing, and has a powerful effect on how we approach
procreation and moral issues. All too often, we are like puppets on a
string, as our culture determines what is 'cool.'
"There is, of course, a zeitgeist
to which we should pay attention, and that is the ethos
of the Lord, the culture of the people of God. As Peter states it,
'But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a
peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath
called you out of darkness into his marvelous light' (1
Peter 2:9).
"It is the ethos
of those who keep the Lord's commandments, walk in His ways, and 'live
by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God' (D&C
84:44). If that makes us peculiar, so be
it." - David R. Stone, "Zion
in the Midst of Babylon," CR April 2006
9/15/07
"We really don't know how much good we can do until we put forth the
effort. Our testimonies can penetrate the hearts of others and can
bring to them the blessings which will prevail in this troubled world
and which will guide them to exaltation." - Thomas S. Monson, "Pioneers
All," Ensign (CR), May 1997, p.93
10/4/07
"At the end of the day, our belief in Christ will best be
reflected to others by the extent to which we practice what we preach.
Elder Neal A. Maxwell has reminded us: 'Overall, the perception of
us as a Church and people will improve in direct proportion
to the degree to which we mirror the Master in our lives. No
media effort can do as much good—over the sweep of time—as can
believing, behaving, and serving members of the Church! The
eloquence of such examples will be felt and seen in any culture or
community.' (Address to Area Office Public Communications
Directors, April 9, 1985.) " - Alexander B. Morrison, "Feed My Sheep:
Leadership Ideas for Latter-day Shepherds," p.134-135
10/13/07
"Example is often the best teacher. Who in your
family could benefit from your example—a brother, a sister, your mom
or dad?" - Mary N. Cook, "Strengthen
Home and Family," General Conference, 6 October 2007
11/27/07
"May we always remember and acknowledge that Jesus Christ, the Son of
God, the Savior of the world, came and gave his life for you and me,
and accept his teachings as the way of life and salvation, and be
prepared to so live that we may be found worthy of his sacrifice as we
prepare ourselves to enjoy immortality and eternal life. As we do
this, we will bring glory to his name and salvation to ourselves." -
N. Eldon Tanner, "The
Importance of Prayer," Ensign (CR), May
1974, p.50
2/3/08
"Ever since the Salt Lake Temple
was dedicated, we have interpreted that scripture from Isaiah, repeated
again in Micah (see Micah
4:1-2), as applying to this sacred house of the Lord. And of this
place, since the day of its dedication, an ever-increasing number from
across the world have said in effect, 'Come
ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the
God of Jacob, that He might teach us of His ways, that we might walk in
His paths.'
"I
believe and testify that it is the mission of this Church to stand as
an ensign to the nations and a light to the world. We have had placed
upon us a great, all-encompassing mandate from which we cannot shrink
nor turn aside. We accept that mandate and are determined to fulfill
it, and with the help of God we shall do it."
- Gordon B.
Hinckley, "An
Ensign to the Nations, a Light to the World,"
Ensign (CR), November 2003, p.82
2/20/08
"My brothers and sisters, in
this marvelous dispensation of the fulness of times, as we journey
through mortality and face the trials and challenges of the future, may
we remember the examples of these models to follow which I have referred
to this morning. May we have the unfeigned humility of John the Baptist,
the unquestioning obedience of Abraham, the unlimited patience of Job,
the unwavering faith of Noah, the undeviating loyalty of Ruth, the
unflagging determination of Nephi, the undaunted courage of the Prophet
Joseph Smith, and the unfailing optimism of President Hinckley. Such
will be as a fortress of strength to us throughout our lives."
- Thomas S. Monson, "Models
to Follow," Ensign (CR),
November 2002, p.60
3/6/08
"Fathers,
grandfathers, are we reading to our sons and grandsons the word of the
Lord? Returned missionaries, do your messages and your lives inspire
others to stand up and serve? Brethren, are we sufficiently in tune with
the Spirit that when the Lord calls, we can hear, as did Samuel, and
declare, 'Here am I?'
Do we have the fortitude and the faith, whatever our callings, to serve
with unflinching courage and unshakable resolve? When we do, the Lord
can work His mighty miracles through us."
- Thomas S. Monson, "The
Priesthood in Action,"
Ensign (CR), November 1992, p.47
3/14/08
"There is no end to the good we
can do, to the influence we can have with others. Let us not dwell on
the critical or the negative. Let us pray for strength; let us pray for
capacity and desire to assist others. Let us radiate the light of the
gospel at all times and all places, that the Spirit of the Redeemer may
radiate from us." - Gordon
B. Hinckley, "The
Need for Greater Kindness,"
CR April 2006
3/28/08
"Because we love the Lord, we
should be spiritually sensitive to moments when the powerful and
important truths of the gospel can be shared with others. Perhaps more
importantly, however, we should seek at all times to purify ourselves
and to lead such worthy lives that the Light of Christ emanates from us
in all that we say and do. Our day-to-day lives should stand as
immutable witness of our faith in Christ. In the words of the Apostle
Paul, 'Be thou an example
of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in
faith, in purity.' (1
Tim. 4:12)" - M.
Russell Ballard, "How
Is It with Us?," Ensign
(CR), May 2000, p.31
4/27/08
"The Lord reminds us that 'unto
whom much is given much is required.'
Those who bear the priesthood of God have a great responsibility to be
examples of goodness to the world. We live up to these expectations when
we quickly recognize the dangers and influences that tempt us to drift
from the Lord’s way and when we courageously follow the promptings of
the Holy Ghost to make decisive corrections that will bring us back on
course." Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "A
Matter of a Few Degrees," General Conference, April 2008
4/28/08
"Ours is the task to be fitting
examples. We are strengthened by the truth that the greatest force in
the world today is the power of God as it works through man. If we are
on the Lord's errand, ...
we are entitled to the Lord's help. Never forget that truth. That divine
help, of course, is predicated upon our worthiness. Each must ask: Are
my hands clean? Is my heart pure? Am I a worthy servant of the Lord?"
- Thomas S. Monson, "Examples
of Righteousness," General Conference, April 2008
5/2/08
"It was said of the Savior that
He 'went about doing
good . . . for God was with him.' (Acts
10:38) May we follow that perfect example. In this
sometimes precarious journey through mortality, may we also follow that
advice from the Apostle Paul which will help to keep us safe and on
course: “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever
things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any
virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.'
(Philippians 4:8)"
- Thomas S. Monson, "Looking
Back and Moving Forward," General Conference, April 2008
9/23/08
"What
does it mean to stand as a witness of God? It means we will not bow
down or give in or be persuaded to do anything contrary to God’s will.
It means we will risk speaking up when our knees are shaking. It means
we will listen and follow the still, small voice of the Holy Ghost."
- Sharon G. Larsen, "Standing with God," Ensign (CR), May 2000,
p.88
1/17/09
"The
society in which we live has many divergent viewpoints about life; and
because we have been given our free agency to choose for ourselves, it
is vitally important that we carefully evaluate all aspects of life
before making our choices. In this process of evaluation, it is not
uncommon for us, particularly in our younger years, to look to someone
we admire as our ideal or our hero. It might be a parent, an athlete, a
leader in the community, etc. I suggest to the young men of the Aaronic
Priesthood, yes, to all young men everywhere, that the greatest hero, if
you will, who has ever lived is the Savior of mankind, Jesus Christ. I
also suggest that his life and teachings are just as relevant today as
at any time in history." - Victor
L. Brown, "Conference
Report," October 1970, Third
Day—Morning Meeting, p.124
1/19/09
"Of
course we know that anyone who opposes a profitable evil or anyone who
opposes a popular fallacy is certain to be deliberately misunderstood.
Nevertheless every generation and every people have produced those
straight-thinking minorities who have seen what they have seen and who
have felt an obligation to say what they have said; and any man who
sees his own generation headed for a precipice at the bottom of which
lie tragedy, destruction, sorrow, and misfortune, cannot honorably
remain silent. He has an obligation to speak, even though he be
misunderstood, and even though false charges be levied against him.
This is true at all places in the world at all times."
- Richard L. Evans, "Conference
Report," April 1945, Second
Day—Morning Meeting, p.81
1/21/09
“In
Timothy, we are admonished to be an example of the believers. (See 1
Tim. 4:12.) A believer is someone who follows and knows the teachings
of Christ not only in his mind but also in his heart and whose actions
are a witness of that belief. It isn't easy to be an example of the
believers. We don't usually wake up in the morning and say, 'Today
I'm going to be an example of the believers!'
Yet we can say, 'Today I
will be kind and thoughtful, or considerate, or honest, or whatever
quality I need to work on.'
And then we will try hard all day to make a conscious effort to do so.
That we can do!” - Ruth B. Wright, “Be Thou an Example,” Ensign
(CR), November 1991, p.90
2/16/09
"It is easy to despair when we see about us the moorings of society
slipping. We must remember, however, that the Lord sent His Saints into
the world 'to be a light
unto the world, and to be the saviors of men.'
(D&C 103:9.) This is a time when 'Zion
must arise and put on her beautiful garments.'
(D&C 82:14.) The contrast between the Church and the world will be
increasingly marked in the future, which contrast, we hope, will cause
the Church to be more attractive to those in the world who desire to
live according to God's plan for us, His children." - Ezra
Taft Benson, "May the Kingdom of God Go Forth", Ensign (CR), May 1978,
p.32
6/4/09
“For each of us, our righteous examples may seem small,
but by influence they are great. To all within your sphere of
influence, ‘be thou an example of the believers, in word, in
conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity’ (1 Tim.
4:12). Let others feel the peace and joy that gospel living brings
you. Invite your friends not of our faith or less-active members over
for family home evening. Bring them to church and set an example of
reverence for them. Let them see that you avoid movies or television
shows or Internet sites that would drive the Spirit away and thus make
us less-effective instruments.” - Mary Ellen
Smoot, “We Are Instruments in the Hands of God,” Ensign (CR),
November 2000, p. 89
4/4/10
“Man needs a long vision in life that he may fulfill a pattern of
eternal progression and salvation although the strains and tenseness
of daily living favor short sight. Perhaps both are necessary, but the
one should not crowd out the other more realistic and basic one. The
man who is trying earnestly and with all his strength to catch sight
of the vision of a better world, and to incorporate what he can see in
the life of himself and his society, helps us to do what we could not
do without his help. We can raise ourselves on the shoulders of those
who have walked on higher levels. There is a profound wisdom in the
saying, ‘Let us now praise famous men.’ This is what is meant by the
warning of the prophets, ‘Lift up your hearts.’ Learn of the greatness
and goodness of prophets and leaders in trying to follow their
teachings.” - Levi Edgar Young,
“Conference Report,” April 1952, Second Day—Morning Meeting, p. 54
7/24/10
"The Savior is
counting on you to be a champion of those who need you, and they are all
around you—in your school, in your neighborhood, in your family." - Joe
J. Christensen, "The Savior Is Counting on You," Ensign (CR), November
1996, p. 39
7/25/10
"Brethren and sisters, Latter-day Saints, listen to the counsel of the
Lord. What matter if we be but few? If every man at this conference,
if every Latter-day Saint listening to this conference, would go out
and see to it that he made of himself a center from which went out the
testimony of the truth, we could accomplish miracles. Let no
Latter-day Saint, who has raised his hand to sustain the prophets of
the Lord, permit himself ever to depart from that instruction. Let him
challenge any faultfinding and let him champion the truth." - Joseph
F. Smith, "Conference Report," April 1945, Afternoon Meeting, p. 159
9/20/10
"Each exemplary follower of
Jesus Christ can become an effective member missionary. Members and
full-time missionaries may walk arm in arm in bringing the blessings of
the gospel to cherished friends and neighbors. Many of them are of
Israel, now being gathered as promised. This is all part of the
preparation for the Second Coming of the Lord. He wants each of us truly
to be an example of the believers.” - Russell
M. Nelson, "Be
Thou an Example of the Believers,” Ensign (CR) October 2010
9/6/11
The Apostle Paul used some vivid
expressions to illustrate that a member of the Church must be different
from the world. He commended us to “put on Christ,” “put off … the old
man,” and “put on the new man.” (See Gal.
3:27;
It means that we must become like Jesus Christ. We must emulate His
way of life in our lives. Of necessity, we must be “born again” (John
3:3) and put aside worldly lusts and former behavior unsuited
to the Christlike character. We must seek the Holy Ghost to temper
our actions. - Ezra Taft Benson,
"What
Manner of Men Ought We to Be?" Ensign (CR) October 1983
10/17/11
I testify that President Monson is not only a prophet, seer, and
revelator; he is also a wonderful example of living the principle of
looking up. Of all people, he could feel weighed down by his
responsibilities. Instead, he exercises great faith and is filled with
optimism, wisdom, and love for others. His attitude is one of “can do”
and “will do.” He trusts the Lord and relies on Him for strength, and
the Lord blesses him. - Carl B.
Cook, "
10/20/11
Our lives should be examples of goodness and virtue as we try to emulate
His example to the world. Good works by each of us can do credit both to
the Savior and His Church. As you are engaged in doing good, being
honorable and upright men and women, the Light of Christ will be
reflected by your lives. - L. Tom Perry, "Perfect
Love Casteth Out Fear," Ensign (CR) October 2011
11/19/11
5/10/12
Whether we descend from generations in the Church or are the first link
in the generational chain, we have a responsibility to convey to our
posterity a heritage of faith, manifest through our daily actions. Those
who are newly converted members have a particularly great opportunity to
become the pioneers for their ancestors and for their posterity. - Stephen
B. Oveson, "Our Legacy," Ensign (CR) November 1999
5/15/12
Men and women often attempt
to gain notice and approval of the group from whom they seek
acceptance. Such peer pressure may cause them to do things they
would not otherwise do. This is acting out of weakness, not
strength. The Lord promises us through Moroni: "And if men come unto
me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness
that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that
humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before
me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong
unto them." - James E. Faust, "The
Power of Self-Mastery," Ensign (CR), May 2000, p.43
5/25/12
As we travel
through life upon this earth, there come times when we must stand up
and be counted. These are times of testing. Are we on the Lord’s
side, keeping his commandments? Do we sustain our leaders and uphold
them? Do we stand steadfast and unwavering? - Henry D. Taylor, "A
Time of Testing," Ensign (CR) November 1971
5/30/12
God grant that each of us here today may so live that all among us, and
with us, may see, not us, but that which is divine and comes from God.
With that vision of what those who have lost their way may become, my
prayer is that they may receive strength and resolution to climb higher
and higher and upward and onward to that great goal of eternal life and
also that I may do my part in seeking to show by example, as well as by
precept, that which will be the best of which I am capable of doing. - Harold
B. Lee, "Understanding
Who We Are Brings Self-Respect," Ensign (CR) November 1973
10/31/12
With these doctrines as the foundation of our faith, can there be
any doubt or disputation that we, as members of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints, are Christian? Yet for every Christian,
a simple question remains: what kind of Christians are we? In other
words, how are we doing in our quest to follow Christ? - Robert
D. Hales, "Being
a More Christian Christian," Ensign (CR) November 2012
12/16/12
As followers of Jesus Christ, let us live our lives so that we can
be above all things to receive the great blessings which are
promised us. Being above all things is taking the higher ground and
not participating in the things of the world that are going to take
us away from what we are trying to accomplish in mortality. Let us
live our lives above all things and enjoy the freedoms that come
from knowing we are free and clear of Satan’s turbulent temptations
and stormy weather. - Robert D. Hales, "Return
With Honor," Ensign June 1999
4/26/14
Each of you will be a model of a priesthood man whether you want to
be or not. You became a lighted candle when you accepted the
priesthood. The Lord put you on the candlestick to light the way for
everyone who surrounds you. That is especially true for those in
your priesthood quorum. You can be a great model, an average one, or
a bad model. You may think it doesn’t matter to you, but it does to
the Lord. - Henry B. Eyring, “The
Priesthood Man,” Ensign (CR) May 2014
7/4/14
You
don’t have to be Captain Moroni to make a difference. Our Father
in Heaven needs you to be who you are, in your family. He
planned it that way. Your family wouldn’t be the same without
you. You are very important. - Sharon
G. Larsen, “Young
Women—Titles of Liberty,” Ensign (CR) May 1998
7/12/14
Recently,
I’ve been thinking how the example we set will be
reflected in the conduct and lives of our children—for
good or ill. For instance, I’ve been concerned about
what goes through a boy’s mind when he hears his dad
quarrel with or speak unkindly to his mother, or abuse
her in any way. I’ve wondered where he puts his values
when dad goes hunting on Sunday, or works in the yard,
or goes shopping on the Sabbath. Is there a lasting
impression in a boy’s heart when he hears dad criticize
the bishop, the home teacher, or the Sunday School
teacher—or maybe even the prophet? Though it may be ever
so slight, does it have an effect? - H.
Burke Peterson, “Prepare
the Heart of Your Son,” Ensign (CR) November
1982
10/19/14
Men and women are shaped partly
by those among whom they choose to live. Those to whom they look up
and try to emulate also shape them. Jesus is the great Exemplar. The
only way to find lasting peace is to look to Him and live. - L.
Tom Perry, “Finding
Lasting Peace and Building Eternal Families,” Ensign (CR)
November 2014
2/12/15
Keep the fire of your testimony
of the restored gospel and your witness of our Redeemer burning so
brightly that our children can warm their hands by the fire of your
faith. That is what grandfathers and grandmothers are to do! - Boyd
K. Packer, “The
Golden Years,” Ensign (CR) April 2003
6/25/15
It is very easy sometimes for Latter-day Saints to say, "What I do is
my own business. If I break the Word of Wisdom a little bit, that's my
business." There is no such thing as strictly private conduct. A
Latter-day Saint, in a careless moment, may perform a thoughtless act
which will stand in the way of someone else's accepting the gospel. I
know of one little branch in the mission field that had been built up
laboriously, and that little branch was all but destroyed by a
careless act of a thoughtless missionary. It is well for us to take
careful stock of any projected action, no matter how seemingly
trivial, and ask ourselves. "If I do this, if anybody sees me do this,
will it discourage his faith in the gospel of Christ?” - Joseph
F. Smith, "Conference Report," October 1945, Afternoon Meeting, p.
33
9/3/15
Peter used uplifting terms in a
prophecy regarding our day. He identified members of the Church as
"a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar
people. The adjectives chosen,
royal, and holy
we recognize as elevating. But what about peculiar?
A modern dictionary defines peculiar
as "unusual," "eccentric," or "strange. What kind of compliment is
that?…
Thus, we see that the scriptural term peculiar
signifies "valued treasure," "made" or "selected by God. For us to
be identified by servants of the Lord as his peculiar
people is a compliment of the highest order. - Russell
M. Nelson, "Children
of the Covenant," Ensign (CR), May 1995, p. 32
8/20/16
If we will be true and faithful to our principles, committed to a
life of honesty and integrity, then no king or contest or fiery
furnace will be able to compromise us. For the success of the
kingdom of God on earth, may we stand as witnesses for him "at all
times and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in, even
until death." (Mosiah
18:9.) - Howard W. Hunter,
“Standing
As Witnesses of God,” Ensign (CR), May 1990, p.60
9/5/16
Brothers and sisters, the Lord expects us to do something. I believe
we are expected to increase our own faith, shake off any possible
feelings of apathy, and by the power of the Holy Ghost reaffirm our
commitment and intensify our service to the Lord. Then, when we seek
to clarify someone's understanding of the Church, our lives—well and
faithfully lived—can serve as a magnifying glass through which
others can examine the impact of gospel living. Under the light of
our good example, the Spirit can enlarge understanding of the Church
and its mission to all with whom we have contact. - M.
Russell Ballard, "How
Is It with Us?” Ensign (CR), May 2000, p.31
3/22/17
Do
you know how important you are? Every one of you—right now—is
valuable and essential in Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation. We
have a work to do. We know the truth of the restored gospel. Are we
ready to defend that truth? We need to live it; we need to share it.
We must stand firm in our faith and lift our voices to proclaim true
doctrine. – Neill
F. Marriott, “Sharing
Your Light,” Ensign (CR) November 2014