(8/15/99)
"God brought forth the Book of Mormon as a second witness that
corroborates and strengthens the Bible's testimony of the Savior. The
Book of Mormon does not supplant the Bible. It expands, extends,
clarifies, and amplifies our knowledge of the Savior. Surely, this
second witness should be cause for great rejoicing by all Christians."
— Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Christians
in
Belief and Action," General Conference, October 1996
(9/19/99)
"The compassion of Christlike friends deeply touches and changes our
lives. We should well remember that the Lord often sends 'blessings
from above, thru words and deeds of those who love.' Love is the very
essence of the gospel of Christ. In this Church, prayers for help are
often answered by the Lord through the simple, daily service of caring
brothers and sisters. In the goodness of genuine friends, I have seen
the reflected mercy of the Lord Himself." — "Valued Companions,"
General Conference, October 1997
(9/20/99)
"The Lord has made it clear that He will not be fooled by appearances,
and He has warned us not to be false to Him or to others. He has
cautioned us to be wary of those who project a false front, who put on
a bright pretense that hides a darker reality. We know that the Lord
'looketh on the heart' and not on the 'outward appearance.'" — "True
to the Truth," General Conference, April 1997
(9/21/99)
"The Lord provides the living water that can quench the burning thirst
of those whose lives are parched by a drought of truth. He expects us
to supply to them the fullness of the gospel by giving them the
scriptures and the words of the prophets and to bear personal
testimony as to the truth of the restored gospel to alleviate their
thirst. When they drink from the cup of gospel knowledge, their thirst
is satisfied as they come to understand our Heavenly Father's great
plan of happiness." — "Living Water to Quench Spiritual Thirst,"
General Conference, April 1995
(9/22/99)
"The simple fact is this: anything that does not draw us closer to God
takes us away from Him. We have no middle ground, no foggy gray area
where we can sin a little without suffering spiritual decline. That is
why we must repent and come to Christ daily on submissive knees so
that we can prevent our bonfires of testimony from being snuffed out
by sin." — "Spiritual Bonfires Of Testimony," General Conference,
October 1992
(9/23/99)
"To be without guile is to be free of deceit, cunning, hypocrisy, and
dishonesty in thought or action. To beguile is to deceive or lead
astray, as Lucifer beguiled Eve in the Garden of Eden. A person
without guile is a person of innocence, honest intent, and pure
motives, whose life reflects the simple practice of conforming his
daily actions to principles of integrity." — "Without Guile," General
Conference, April 1988
(9/24/99)
"Life was made for struggle; and exaltation, success, and victory were
never meant to be cheap or to come easily. The tides of life often
challenge us. To understand why it has to be this way, we should
maintain our understanding, our faith, and our courage by a constant
rereading of Second Nephi, chapter two, the substance of which is set
forth in this excerpt: 'For it must needs be, that there is an
opposition in all things.' (2
Ne. 2:11.)" — "Dikes Versus Living Water," General Conference,
October 1976
(9/25/99)
"There is much we can do to strengthen home and family. Among the most
important is to inspire our wives and daughters to take advantage of
Relief Society. I am sorry to relate that many of our women are not
receiving these blessings. If, through your efforts, you can improve
this commitment to Relief Society, your families will be blessed." —
"Let Your Light So Shine," General Conference, October 1978
(9/26/99)
"Pondering, which means to weigh mentally, to deliberate, to meditate,
can achieve the opening of the spiritual eyes of one's understanding.
Also, the Spirit of the Lord may rest upon the ponderer..." —
"Pondering Strengthens The Spiritual Life," General Conference, April
1982
(11/9/00)
"The rod of iron represents the word of God, that leads us to the love
of God (see 1 Nephi
11:25). You must hold firmly to the rod of iron through the
mists and darknesses, the hardships and trials of life. If you relax
your grip and slip from the path, the iron rod might become lost in
the darkness for a time until you repent and regain your grasp of it."
— Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Running
Your
Marathon," General Conference, October 1989
(11/25/01)
"Another core principle is moral purity. One of the most pervasive
deceptions in recent years is the notion that immorality is normal and
acceptable and has no negative consequences. In truth, immorality is
the underlying cause of much suffering and many other problems that
are prevalent today, including rampant disease, abortion, broken
families, families without fathers, and mothers who themselves are
children. President Ezra Taft Benson said, 'The plaguing sin of this
generation is sexual immorality.' The Lord said, 'Thou shalt not...
commit adultery,... nor do anything like unto it.' That means we are
to avoid abnormal sexual behavior, including fornication, homosexual
behavior, child molestation, or any other perversion of God's plan of
happiness." — Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Deep
Roots," "Ensign," Nov. 1994, p. 76
(2/3/02)
"The immortality and eternal life of man is brought to pass by the
atonement of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. It is 'the most
transcendent act that ever has occurred or ever will occur among the
children of the Father.' (Bruce R. McConkie, The Millennial Messiah,
Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1982, p. 15) It is an act of love
for which we should be more grateful than for any other blessing or
gift of God. The Atonement provides immortality to every person;
immortality is infinite and universal. It provides the opportunity for
eternal life, the kind of life that God lives, to those who have faith
in Christ, repent of their sins, and obey the laws of the gospel. In a
miraculous way, the Atonement saves and redeems us from the effects of
the fall of Adam, both temporal death at the end of mortality and
spiritual death, the separation from our Father. " — Joseph B.
Wirthlin, "Our
Lord
and Savior," Ensign, Nov. 1993, p. 6
(2/27/02)
"God brought forth the Book of Mormon as a second witness that
corroborates and strengthens the Bible's testimony of the Savior. The
Book of Mormon does not supplant the Bible. It expands, extends,
clarifies, and amplifies our knowledge of the Savior. Surely, this
second witness should be cause for great rejoicing by all Christians."
— Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Christians
in
Belief and Action," Ensign, Nov. 1996, p. 71
(3/17/02)
"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints declares boldly that
through another type of window, the windows of heaven, we can access
spiritual information from the Source of light and truth. 'We believe
all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe
that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to
the Kingdom of God.' In this dispensation of the fulness of times, the
revelation superhighway has been carrying heavy traffic of eternal
truth ever since that day in the spring of 1820 when the Lord answered
a farm boy's fervent prayer in the Sacred Grove and ushered in the
restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ." — Joseph B.
Wirthlin, "Windows
of
Light and Truth," Ensign, Nov. 1995, p. 75
3/16/03
"People today face the same temptations that have been common
throughout history, plus many others that were unknown to earlier
generations. However, God will not allow us to be tempted beyond our
ability to resist. (See 1
Corinthians 10:13.) He does not give us challenges that we
cannot surmount. He will not ask more than we can do, but may ask
right up to our limits so we can prove ourselves. The Lord will never
forsake or abandon anyone. We may abandon him, but he will not abandon
us. We never need to feel that we are alone. The reason to stay on
course in a marathon is obvious. Staying on a course that leads to a
righteous life may be less obvious but is much more important. In
simple terms, a righteous life is the way-the only way-to happiness,
joy and peace." — Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Finding Peace in Our
Lives," [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1995], p. 152
3/21/03
"The Lord has given us the gift of agency (see Moses
7:32) and instructed us sufficiently to know good from evil (see
2 Nephi 2:5). We
are free to choose (see 2
Nephi 2:27) and are permitted to act (see 2
Nephi 10:23; Helaman
14:30), but we are not free to choose the consequences. With
absolute certainty, choices of good and right lead to happiness and
peace, while choices of sin and evil eventually lead to unhappiness,
sorrow, and misery." — Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Finding Peace in Our
Lives," [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1995], p. 152
3/31/03
"So-called little transgressions are especially serious in our effort
to live a life of moral purity. Satan would have us believe that the
minor infractions do not need to concern us. Why worry if we do not
control our thoughts or if we allow pornographic or immoral
entertainment to be part of our lives? Does attending just a few
R-rated movies really damage us? Are we so unworthy when we watch just
two or three questionable programs on the cable television channels?
Are the lewd novels of the day really so bad? These little
rationalizations prompted by Satan will become great detriments to our
spiritual growth." — Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Finding Peace in Our
Lives," [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1995], p. 67
4/4/03
"Let us not grow so busy in our daily activities that we thoughtlessly
fail to 'feast upon the words of Christ.' (2
Nephi 32:3)" — Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Finding Peace in Our
Lives," [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1995], p. 238
(5/13/03)
"Prepare and perform are the key words in how we will improve our time
in this life. This day is the day to perform our labors. We should not
just mark time and kill time, for time is too precious to waste. We do
not want procrastination to use up our precious time...." — Joseph B.
Wirthlin, "Finding Peace in Our Lives," [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book
Co., 1995], p. 223
(5/15/03)
"President David O. McKay focused our thinking on the purpose of our
earthly existence in 1969 when he said: 'Keep in mind that man's
earthly existence is but a test as to whether he will concentrate his
efforts, his mind, his soul upon things which contribute to the
comfort and gratification of his physical nature, or whether he will
make as his life's purpose the acquisition of spiritual qualities.'" —
Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Finding Peace in Our Lives," [Salt Lake City:
Deseret Book Co., 1995], p. 66
(6/14/03)
"Though we abhor war, peace nearly always is more a dream than a
reality. During most of the world's history, strife, dissension, and
conflict have flourished and displaced peace. The times when peace has
reigned, it has begun in the hearts of righteous, obedient individuals
and has grown until it has engulfed a society." — Joseph B. Wirthlin,
"Finding Peace in Our Lives," [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co.,
1995], p. 7
(6/15/03)
"Visualize in your mind a society in which all are pure in heart and
completely free of deceit and dishonesty. Can you imagine a total
absence of contention and disputes, with no one ever attempting to
deceive another? How would life be if we always were certain, without
question, that what others represent to us is true? Theft would be
unknown. We would have little use for jails or prisons, and litigation
would be rare. The greatest blessing that would come to a society
without guile is the personal inner peace that comes to those who know
they are doing the right and that their lives are acceptable to the
Lord.
"A society without guile is possible. I cite two examples from the scriptures. The first is the City of Holiness, even Zion, a city in which the inhabitants were pure in heart and dwelt in righteousness. That city, referred to as the city of Enoch, was taken up into heaven. (See Moses 7:18-21.)
"The second example is the society of the Nephites that lasted for about two hundred years after the resurrected Lord visited and taught them. (See 4 Nephi 1.)
"Though we know that we must perfect our lives grace upon grace and line upon line (see John 1:16; 2 Nephi 28:30), these are examples of the goal of perfection that we should strive for." Joseph B. Wirthlin "Finding Peace in Our Lives," [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1995], p. 186
(7/28/03)
"In our own lives today, we receive revelation through the still,
small voice that whispers 'Yes, that applies to me.' The Prophet
Joseph Smith received this kind of revelation when he read in James
1:5 that he should pray and ask God. It was in a similar circumstance
that President Joseph F. Smith, after reading and contemplating the
scriptures, had the vision of the redemption of the dead (D&C 138)
opened to his mind. Regular study of the scriptures and meditating
upon them are essential for continual revelation." — Joseph B.
Wirthlin, "Finding Peace in Our Lives," [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book
Co., 1995], p. 173
(11/6/03)
"Those who stand at the threshold of life always waiting for the right
time to change are like the man who stands at the bank of a river
waiting for the water to pass so he can cross on dry land. Today is
the day of decision." - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Three
Choices," General Conference, 5 October 2003
(12/18/03)
"'Keep the commandments. In this there is safety and peace.' ('Keep
the Commandments,' Hymns, no. 303.) Nothing this world has to offer
can surpass the joy of living the gospel! No worldly wealth or
possession, no degree of fame or recognition can supplant the
satisfaction of feeling the warmth and peace of the Spirit of the Lord
in our hearts and in our homes. 'Sweet is the peace the gospel
brings.' ('Sweet Is the Peace the Gospel Brings,' Hymns, no. 14.) As
we strive for success, we cannot allow 'any vain or foolish thing' to
divert us from the path of faith and lead us away from being true to
our covenants." - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "True
to
the Truth," General Conference, April 1997
(2/14/04)
"God's love is complete and without limit for you and for all mankind.
(John 3:16.) He
is perfectly just (2
Ne. 9:17; Mosiah
29:12.) and merciful. (Deut.
4:31; Alma
42:15.) He is perfectly kind (Isa.
54:8; 3 Ne.
22:8.) and understands your circumstances and condition. He
knows you better than you know yourself." - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Growing
into
the Priesthood," Ensign, Nov. 1999, p. 40
(5/12/04)
"Brothers and sisters, beware of covetousness. It is one of the great
afflictions of these latter days. It creates greed and resentment.
Often it leads to bondage, heartbreak, and crushing, grinding debt." -
Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Earthly
Debts,
Heavenly Debts," General Conference, April 2004
(5/27/04)
"As the sun gives life and light to the earth, a spiritual light gives
nourishment to our spirits. We call this the Light of Christ. The
scriptures teach us that it 'lighteth every man that cometh into the
world.' (John 1:9;
see also Moroni 7:16;
D&C 84:46.)
Thus, all mankind can enjoy its blessings. The Light of Christ is the
divine influence that allows every man, woman, and child to
distinguish between good and evil. It encourages all to choose the
right, to seek eternal truth, and to learn again the truths that we
knew in our premortal existence but have forgotten in mortality." -
Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The
Unspeakable
Gift," General Conference, April 2003
(6/4/04)
"Learn of your Savior. Jesus Christ suffered in the Garden of
Gethsemane more than you can comprehend. Willingly and lovingly, He
took upon Himself not only our sins but the pains, sicknesses, and
sufferings of all mankind. (See Alma
7:11-12.) He suffered similarly on the cross, where He gave His
life to pay the penalty for our sins if we will repent. And then in
His ultimate triumph, He was resurrected and broke the bands of death,
making the Resurrection available to all." - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Growing
into
the Priesthood," Ensign, November 1999, p. 40
(7/25/04)
"Procrastination and indecision can hamper our efforts to prepare for
the life after mortality. Elder Joseph Fielding Smith said,
'Procrastination, as it may be applied to Gospel principles, is the
thief of eternal life-which is life in the presence of the Father and
the Son.' (The Way to Perfection, 10th ed. (1953), 202.) In the Book
of Mormon we read Amulek's plea: 'I beseech of you that ye do not
procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end.... For that
same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out
of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in
that eternal world.' (Alma
34:33-34.)" - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The
Time
to Prepare," Ensign, May 1998, p. 16
(9/2/04)
"The
Lord's
standards for building a temple apply also to building spiritual
strength in our homes: 'Organize yourselves; prepare every needful
thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of
fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory,
a house of order, a house of God.' (D&C
88:119.) Do we
heed this counsel from the Lord? Do we do what he asks? We would
do well to build our homes according to this plan, or they are
destined to fail." - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Finding Peace in
Our Lives" [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1995], p. 53
(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
(9/17/04)
"As He knew Peter, the Lord understands you and me when our
testimonies may not be the brightly burning bonfire you may think
they are or want them to be. Perhaps in some cases, that testimony
is constructed unwisely, built on a social foundation of programs
and personalities instead of the sure rock of personal revelation.
Or perhaps you have allowed your testimony to flicker gradually
through the years of disuse and spiritual complacency. Regardless
of the reason your testimony may be growing dim, the Savior
lovingly urges you to come unto Him and become strengthened in
Him. Said He to Moroni: 'If men come unto me I will show unto them
their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be
humble;... for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith
in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.' (Ether
12:27.) - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Spiritual
Bonfires
of Testimony," Ensign, November 1992, p. 34-35
(9/29/04)
"Our faith in the Lord moves us to the third principle of the
gospel, which is 'baptism by immersion for the remission of sins'
by one who has priesthood authority. (A
of F 1:4.) The Savior commanded that we all must be born
again: 'Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot
enter into the kingdom of God.' (John
3:5.) Latter-day Saints accept baptism as an essential
saving ordinance that is required of all people. Through baptism
we covenant to take upon us the Lord's name and honor it by
keeping His commandments. He, in turn, promises us the guiding and
enlightening presence of His Spirit." - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Christians
in
Belief and Action," Ensign, November 1996, p. 72
(10/17/04)
"Considering all that Jesus is and all he does for us, what should
we be doing to show our appreciation? We should go far beyond
knowing about Jesus and about his attributes and mission. We
should come to 'know... the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom
thou hast sent' (John
17:3). 'It is one thing to know about God and another to
know him. We know about him when we learn that he is a personal
being in whose image man is created; when we learn that the Son is
in the express image of his Father's person; when we learn that
both the Father and the Son possess certain [specific] attributes
and powers. But we know them, in the sense of gaining eternal
life, when we enjoy and experience the same things they do. To
know God is to think what he thinks, to feel what he feels, to
have the power he possesses, to comprehend the truths he
understands, and to do what he does. Those who know God become
like him, and have his kind of life, which is eternal life.'
(Bruce R. McConkie, 'Doctrinal New Testament Commentary,' 3 vols.,
Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1965-73, 1:762.) In other words, to
possess a knowledge of Christ, we must become as he is. We become
'partakers of the divine nature' (2
Pet. 1:4). He instructed his Nephite disciples: 'What manner
of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am' (3
Ne. 27:27)." - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Our
Lord
and Savior," Ensign, Nov. 1993, p. 7
10/27/04
"Surely we live in troubled times, but we can seek and obtain the
good despite Satan's temptations and snares. He cannot tempt us
beyond our power to resist. (See 1
Cor. 10:13.) When we seek 'anything virtuous, lovely, or of
good report or praiseworthy,' we are seeking to emulate the Savior
and follow his teachings. Then we are on the path that can lead us
to eternal life." - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Seeking the Good,"
Ensign, May 1992, p. 88
(3/19/05)
"The rewards of integrity are immeasurable. One is the
indescribable inner peace and serenity that come from knowing we
are doing what is right; another is an absence of the guilt and
anxiety that accompany sin.
"Another reward of integrity is the confidence it can give us in
approaching God. When virtue garnishes our thoughts unceasingly,
our confidence is strong in the presence of God. (See D&C
121:45.) When we are doing what is right, we will not feel
timid and hesitant about seeking divine direction. We will know
the Lord will answer our prayers and help us in our need.
"The consummate reward of integrity is the constant companionship
of the Holy Ghost. (See D&C
121:46.) The Holy Ghost does not attend us when we do evil.
But when we do what is right, he can dwell with us and guide us in
all we do." - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Personal
Integrity," Ensign, May 1990, p. 33
(3/30/05)
"The Lord has provided for us prophets, scriptures, parents, and
other wise leaders to teach us the course we should be following.
They can help us monitor our progress and correct the direction we
are going when necessary, much the same as tracking stations
monitor a satellite's progress and keep it on the right path. Our
course on earth is so important. It is determined by the decisions
we make each day. We cannot separate our thoughts and actions now
from their effects on the future." - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The
Time
to Prepare," Ensign, May 1998, p. 16
(4/4/05)
"We do not have to protect ourselves from wolf packs as we travel
the road of life today, but, in a spiritual sense, we do face the
devious wolves of Satan in the forms of temptation, evil, and sin.
We live in dangerous times when these ravenous wolves roam the
spiritual countryside in search of those who may be weak in faith
or feeble in their conviction. In his first epistle, Peter
described our 'adversary the devil, as a roaring lion [that]
walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.' (1
Pet. 5:8.) The Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith that
'enemies prowl around thee like wolves for the blood of the lamb.'
(D&C 122:6.)
We are all vulnerable to attack. However, we can fortify ourselves
with the protection provided by a burning testimony that, like a
bonfire, has been built adequately and maintained carefully." -
Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Spiritual
Bonfires
of Testimony," Ensign, Nov. 1992, p. 34
(4/16/05)
"The Church is not a place where perfect people gather to say
perfect things, or have perfect thoughts, or have perfect
feelings. The Church is a place where imperfect people gather to
provide encouragement, support, and service to each other as we
press on in our journey to return to our Heavenly Father.
"Each one of us will travel a different road during this life.
Each progresses at a different rate. Temptations that trouble your
brother may not challenge you at all. Strengths that you possess
may seem impossible to another.
"Never look down on those who are less perfect than you. Don't be
upset because someone can't sew as well as you, can't throw as
well as you, can't row or hoe as well as you.
"We are all children of our Heavenly Father. And we are here with
the same purpose: to learn to love Him with all our heart, soul,
mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. (Mark
12:30-31.) " - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The
Virtue
of Kindness," General Conference, April 2005
(7/10/05)
"As you pray,
occasionally take a personal inventory to see how you measure up in
your righteousness, in meeting the standards of the gospel of Jesus
Christ. We each can know for ourselves, as the Lord knows, where we
need to improve. We must hold to the standards. If we have advanced
in material, outward things, how are we doing inwardly? Are our
lives acceptable to the Lord? Are we willing to acknowledge our sins
and then make the effort to forsake them, repent, and make the
course correction that will return us to the straight and narrow
path?
"I know that each of us has much to do. Sometimes we feel
overwhelmed by the tasks we face. But if we keep our priorities in
order, we can accomplish all that we should. We can endure to the
end regardless of temptations, problems, and challenges. Those who
remain faithful will receive God's greatest blessing, eternal life,
and the privilege of living with our Heavenly Father and His Beloved
Son in the celestial kingdom." - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The
Straight
and Narrow Way," Ensign, Nov. 1990, 66
(7/21/05)
"To be without guile is to be pure in
heart—an essential virtue of those who would be counted among true
followers of Christ. He taught in the Sermon on the Mount, 'Blessed
are the pure in heart: for they shall see God' (Matt.
5:8; see also 3
Ne. 12:8). He revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith that Zion is
the pure in heart (see D&C
97:21) and that a house is to be built in Zion in which the pure
in heart shall see God (see D&C
97:10–16).
"If we are without guile, we are honest, true, and righteous. All of
these are attributes of Deity and are required of the Saints. Those
who are honest are fair and truthful in their speech, straightforward
in their dealings, free of deceit, and above stealing,
misrepresentation, or any other fraudulent action. Honesty is of God
and dishonesty of the devil; the devil was a liar from the beginning.
Righteousness is living a life that is in harmony with the laws,
principles, and ordinances of the gospel." - Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Without
Guile,” Ensign, May 1988, 80-81
(8/30/05)
"We should follow Paul's counsel to the Ephesians: 'Be no more...
tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine.' (Eph.
4:14.) The winds of false doctrine that are blowing today both
outside and a few within the Church are far more dangerous to the
ultimate salvation of mankind than are earthquakes, hurricanes,
typhoons, volcanic eruptions, and other natural disasters. These winds
can uproot people if their roots are not firmly anchored to the Rock
of our salvation, which is the teachings and the gospel of Jesus
Christ.
"We, as a people, are to live our religion and its principles and
follow the leadership of our prophet, seer, and revelator regardless
of what the world does. We should strive always to be obedient to our
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and should keep in mind these words
of the Savior: 'I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when
ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.' (D&C
82:10.) - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Deep
Roots," Ensign, Nov. 1994, 77
(9/21/05)
"We are commanded to pray (Alma
34:17-27) both vocally and in secret. Secret prayer is a
personal, private communication that God has provided between us.
Elder Francis M. Gibbons wrote: 'Satan and his followers, who have
been cast out of God's presence and are dead to His spirit, are
excluded from those who, by the spirit of prophecy and revelation, may
know the thoughts and the intents of our hearts. So, in his wisdom and
mercy, God has provided a channel of communication between him and his
children on earth that Satan, our common enemy, cannot invade. This is
the channel of secret prayer. The significance of this to the
Latter-day Saint is profound, for by this means we are able to
communicate with our Heavenly Father in secrecy, confident that the
adversary cannot intrude.' (Francis M. Gibbons, "The
Dual
Aspects of Prayer," Ensign, November 1991, p. 78)
"As parents, if we teach the importance of prayer in our homes, we
must pray ourselves. We must have our family prayers morning and
night, a blessing on the food at each meal, as well as our personal,
private prayers." - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Finding Peace in Our Lives"
[Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1995], p. 163
(10/29/05)
"As you build your lives in obedience to the gospel and strive to
achieve your goals, do not become discouraged by temporary setbacks
and disappointments. Remember that 'it must needs be, that there is an
opposition in all things.' (2
Ne. 2:11) You will grow and learn by overcoming obstacles. The
Lord has admonished all of us to 'keep [His] commandments and endure
to the end.' (D&C
14:7)" - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Live
in
Obedience," Ensign (CR), May 1994, p.39
1/1/06
"The Lord's standards for building a temple apply also to
building spiritual strength in our homes: 'Organize yourselves; prepare
every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a
house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of
glory, a house of order, a house of God.' (D&C
88:119.) Do we heed this counsel from the Lord? Do we do what He
asks? We would do well to build our homes according to this plan or they
are destined to fail." - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Spiritually
Strong
Homes and Families," Ensign (CR), May 1993, p.68
1/26/06
"Pride and vanity, the opposites of humility, can destroy our spiritual
health as surely as a debilitating disease can destroy our physical
health." - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The
Straight
and Narrow Way," Ensign (CR), November 1990, p.64
2/6/06
"'Be not weary in well-doing' (D&C
64:33), my brothers and sisters. Being true to ones duty is a mark
of true disciples of the Lord and the children of God. Be valiant in
your duty. Stay in step. Do not fail in your most important task, that
of keeping your second estate. Be true to your duty, for it will bring
you to God." - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Let
Every
Man Learn His Duty," Ensign (CR), November 1980, p.69
2/21/06
"The windows of heaven are open wide to the faithful and righteous;
nothing closes them faster than disobedience. The unworthy cannot access
fully the network of revealed truth. 'The powers of heaven cannot be
controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.' (D&C
121:36.) 'Obedience is the first law of heaven.' (The Teachings of
Ezra Taft Benson (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988), p. 26.) That is why
Alma exhorted us to 'be humble,... submissive and... diligent in keeping
the commandments of God at all times.' (Alma
7:23.)" - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Windows
of
Light and Truth," Ensign (CR), November 1995, p.75
2/22/06
"Every one of you can read something in the scriptures each day. You
should spend some time pondering and studying the scriptures. It is
better to read and ponder even one verse than none at all.... Few things
you do will bring you greater dividends." - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Growing
into
the Priesthood," Ensign (CR), November 1999, p.38
4/29/06
"An obvious parallel between life and a marathon is the necessity to run
diligently and endure to the end. Among his final words to his people,
Nephi told them: 'And now,... after ye have gotten into this strait and
narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay;...
Ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ... and endure to
the end.' (2 Ne.
31:19-20.) I think of this promise of the Lord: 'But they that
wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with
wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk,
and not faint.' (Isa.
40:31.) You have that promise." - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Running
Your
Marathon," Ensign (CR), November 1989, p.73
5/28/06
"To open the windows of heaven, we must conform our will to God's will.
Diligent, enduring obedience to God's laws is the key that opens the
windows of heaven. Obedience enables us to be receptive to the mind and
will of the Lord. 'The Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and
the willing and obedient' (D&C
64:34.) are those who receive the blessings of revelation through
the open windows of heaven." - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Windows
of
Light and Truth," Ensign (CR), November 1995, p.75
6/2/06
"We have earthly debts and heavenly debts. Let us be wise in dealing
with each of them and ever keep in mind the words of the Savior. The
scriptures tell us, 'Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,
where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and
steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.' (Matt.
6:19-20.) The riches of this world are as dust compared to the
riches that await the faithful in the mansions of our Heavenly Father.
How foolish is he who spends his days in the pursuit of things that rust
and fade away. How wise is he who spends his days in the pursuit of
eternal life." - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Earthly
Debts,
Heavenly Debts," Ensign (CR), May 2004, p.40
6/22/06
"During his mortal ministry, as the Only Begotten of the Father in the
flesh, Jesus again taught the gospel. At the beginning of this ministry,
we see his perseverance in one of the most stirring dramas ever
recorded. He completely overcame every temptation that the cunning of
Satan could devise (see Matt.
4:1-11). After Jesus had fasted forty days and forty nights,
gathering miraculous inner strength, came a battle of opposing powers in
the wilderness of Judea. First, Satan tempted Jesus by appealing to the
basic appetite of hunger, asking him to transform stones into bread.
Jesus held to his divine course and refused. Satan next tempted the
Savior to cast himself down from a pinnacle of the temple, saying angels
would protect him if he were the Son of God. Jesus refused this request
to misuse his divine power, saying, 'Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy
God' (Matt. 4:7).
Satan seldom gives up. He next appealed to a drive that causes the
downfall of otherwise invulnerable individuals—the almost irresistible
hunger to have great possessions. Satan showed all the kingdoms of the
world and offered them to Jesus if he would worship him. Jesus commanded
Satan to leave, saying, 'Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him
only shalt thou serve' (Matt.
4:10). This is the type of perseverance in the face of temptation
that each of us can and must exercise if we are to avoid the misery of
sin." - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Never
Give
Up," Ensign (CR), November 1987, p.8
8/21/06
"When we are filled with kindness, we are not judgmental. The Savior
taught, 'Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye
shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.' (Luke
6:37.) He also taught that 'with what judgment ye judge, ye shall
be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you
again.' (Matt. 7:2.)
"'But,' you ask, 'what if people are rude?'
"Love them.
"'If they are obnoxious?'
"Love them.
"'But what if they offend? Surely I must do something then?'
"Love them.
"'Wayward?"
"The answer is the same. Be kind. Love them.
"Why? In the scriptures Jude taught, 'And of some have compassion,
making a difference.' (Jude
1:22.) - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The
Virtue
of Kindness," Ensign (CR), May 2005, p. 26
9/24/06
"Each of you has an eternal calling from which no Church officer has
authority to release you. This is a calling given you by our Heavenly
Father Himself. In this eternal calling, as with all other callings, you
have a stewardship, and 'it is required of the Lord, at the hand of
every steward, to render an account of his stewardship, both in time and
in eternity.' (D&C
72:3.) This most important stewardship is the glorious
responsibility your Father in Heaven has given you to watch over and
care for your own soul." - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "True
to
the Truth," Ensign (CR), May 1997, p.15
10/16/06
"Each of us will have our own Fridays—those days when the universe
itself seems shattered and the shards of our world lie littered about us
in pieces. We all will experience those broken times when it seems we
can never be put together again. We will all have our Fridays.
"But I testify to you in the name of the One who conquered death—Sunday
will come. In the darkness of our sorrow, Sunday will come." - Joseph B.
Wirthlin, "Sunday
Will
Come," Ensign, November 2006
11/12/06
"My ability to run is not so swift now. While I am looking forward to
that future time when, with a resurrected body, I can once again sprint
over a field and feel the wind blowing through my hair, I do not dwell
on the fact that I cannot do it now.
"That would be unwise. Instead, I take the steps that I can take. Even
with the limitations of age, I can still take one step at a time. To do
what I can is all my Heavenly Father now requires of me. And it is all
He requires of you, regardless of your disabilities, limitations, or
insecurities." - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "One
Step
after Another," Ensign (CR), November 2001, p.25
1/2/07
"As you build your lives in obedience to the gospel and strive to
achieve your goals, do not become discouraged by temporary setbacks and
disappointments. Remember that it must needs be, that there is an
opposition in all things. (2
Ne. 2:11) You will grow and learn by overcoming obstacles. The
Lord has admonished all of us to keep [His] commandments and endure to
the end. (D&C
14:7)" - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Live
in
Obedience," Ensign (CR), May 1994, p.39
1/14/07
"The value of peace within our hearts cannot be measured. When we are at
peace, we can be free of worry and fear, knowing that with the Lord's
help, we can do all that is expected or required of us. We can approach
every day, every task, and every challenge with assurance and confidence
in the outcome. We have freedom of thought and action, freedom to be
happy. Even those incarcerated for lengthy periods of time as war
prisoners can be at peace in their own minds. Many of them have learned
from their captors that they cannot deprive them of freedom to think,
even when the most harsh limitations are imposed. Few, if any, blessings
from God are more valuable to our spiritual health than the reward of
peace within. In modern-day revelation the Savior said, 'But learn that
he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even
peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come.' (D&C
59:23.)" - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Peace
Within," Ensign (CR), May 1991, p.36
2/24/07
"Stated simply, charity means subordinating our interests and needs to
those of others, as the Savior has done for all of us. The Apostle Paul
wrote that of faith, hope, and charity, 'the greatest of these is
charity' (1 Cor.
13:13), and Moroni wrote that 'except ye have charity ye can in
nowise be saved in the kingdom of God' (Moro.
10:21). I believe that selfless service is a distinctive part of
the gospel. As President Spencer W. Kimball said, welfare service 'is
not a program, but the essence of the gospel. It is the gospel in
action.'" - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Fruits
of
the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ," Ensign (CR), November 1991,
p.15
3/15/07
"The prophets and other Church leaders have never misled the Latter-day
Saints on a principle of righteousness. Every principle is for our
benefit. However, if we choose to ignore the prophets, we choose the
consequences that follow. We have the God-given agency to either follow
the prophets or not, but we cannot choose the consequences of exercising
that agency. They will follow with absolute certainty. If we ignore the
prophets, we become like the people the Savior chastised when he said,
'Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?' (Luke
6:46.)" - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Finding Peace in Our Lives," p.15
4/15/07
"I have known many great men and women. Although they have different
backgrounds, talents, and perspectives, they all have this in common:
they work diligently and persistently towards achieving their goals.
It's easy to get distracted and lose focus on the things that are most
important in life. I've tried to remember the lessons I learned from
Coach Oswald and prioritize values that are important to me so that I
can keep my eye focused on things that really matter.
"I urge you to examine your life. Determine where you are and what you
need to do to be the kind of person you want to be. Create inspiring,
noble, and righteous goals that fire your imagination and create
excitement in your heart. And then keep your eye on them. Work
consistently towards achieving them." - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Life's
Lessons
Learned," General Conference, April 2007
10/18/07
"Love is the beginning, the middle, and the end of the pathway of
discipleship. It comforts, counsels, cures, and consoles. It leads us
through valleys of darkness and through the veil of death. In the end
love leads us to the glory and grandeur of eternal life." - Joseph B.
Wirthlin, "The Great Commandment," General Conference, 6 October 2007
12/19/07
“We believe the
first principle of the gospel is ‘faith in the Lord Jesus
Christ.’ (A
of F 1:4.) ‘No [one] cometh unto the Father, but by [Him].’ (John
14:6.) As His disciples, we echo boldly the words of Peter’s
resounding testimony to our Master: ‘Thou art the Christ.’ (Mark
8:29.) The burning witness of the Holy Spirit that we feel deep
within our hearts prompts us to make this declaration humbly and
gratefully. When we explain our regard for Jesus, we lovingly and
plainly testify that He is ‘that Christ, the Son of the living God.’ (John
6:69.)” - Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Christians
in
Belief and Action,” Ensign (CR), November 1996, p.70
2/22/08
"We
have little excuse for not choosing the way of the Lord. Do you
suppose at the Day of Judgment our Savior will care one little bit
about the wealth we have accumulated or the praise we have received?
He wants us to come unto Him, to learn of Him, and to discover the
pure love of Christ that comes through embracing His word and obeying
His commandments." - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Three
Choices," Ensign (CR), November 2003, p.78
2/28/08
"Love
the
Lord with all your heart, might, mind, and strength. Enlist in great and
noble causes. Create of your homes sanctuaries of holiness and strength.
Magnify your callings in the Church. Fill your minds with learning.
Strengthen your testimonies. Reach out to others.
"Create
of
your life a masterpiece.
"Brothers
and
sisters, the abundant life does not come to us packaged and ready-made.
It's not something we can order and expect to find delivered with the
afternoon mail. It does not come without hardship or sorrow.
"It
comes
through faith, hope, and charity. And it comes to those who, in spite of
hardship and sorrow, understand the words of one writer who said, 'In
the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an
invincible summer.' (Albert Camus,
in John Bartlett, comp., Familiar Quotations, 16th ed. (1980), 732.)"
- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The
Abundant
Life," CR April 2006
3/25/08
"No
one is immune from Satan's influence and temptations. Do not be so
proud to think that you are beyond the adversary's influence. Be
watchful that you do not fall prey to his deceptions. Stay close to
the Lord through daily scripture study and daily prayer. We cannot
afford to sit back and take our salvation for granted. We must be
anxiously engaged our whole lives. (See D&C 58:27.) These
words of President Brigham Young motivate and remind us that we can
never give up the fight to endure: 'The men and women, who desire to
obtain seats in the celestial kingdom, will find that they must battle
every day [for this sacred goal].' (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel.
John A. Widtsoe (1954), 392.)" - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Press On,"
Ensign (CR), November 2004, p.101
4/17/08
"Brothers
and sisters, if only we had more compassion for those who are
different from us, it would lighten many of the problems and sorrows
in the world today. It would certainly make our families and the
Church a more hallowed and heavenly place."
- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Concern for the One," General Conference, April
2008
5/30/08
"No
matter
your station, no matter your emotional or spiritual state of mind, I
would like to offer counsel to you that may be of use, regardless of
where you are in your sojourn through this mortal life.
"Certainly we have much to be
grateful for. And I think if we will consider the blessings we have, we
will forget some of our worries. Certainly serenity and joy will come to
you if you realize the blessings we have as a Church....
It will help us a great deal."
- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "One
Step
after Another," Ensign (CR), November 2001, p.25
6/21/08
"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."
- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Windows of Light and Truth," Ensign (CR),
November 1995, p.75
9/15/08
"In
any
pursuit and under any condition, we can ask ourselves what would Jesus
do and then determine our own course accordingly. For example, what sort
of home teacher would the Savior be? Would He occasionally miss visiting
families? Would He visit them without a message? Or would He minister to
His families like the Good Shepherd that He is, with constant watch care
and loving kindness? Deep in our hearts we know what kind of home
teacher Jesus would be, just as we know what kind of bishop, teacher,
Primary leader, clerk, or youth adviser He would be. Even though we
could never in this life measure up completely to His standard of
excellence, our attempt to do so will lead us to do far better than
otherwise." - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Spiritual Bonfires of Testimony,"
Ensign (CR), November 1992, p.34
8/20/08
"Have you ever seen an angry driver who, when someone else makes a
mistake, reacts as though that person has insulted his honor, his
family, his dog, and his ancestors all the way back to Adam? Or have you
had an encounter with an overhanging cupboard door left open at the
wrong place and the wrong time which has been cursed, condemned, and
avenged by a sore-headed victim?
"There is an antidote for times such as these: learn to laugh....
"The next time you’re tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable." - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Come What May, and Love It," General Conference, October 2008
1/11/09
"A certain amount of impatience
may be useful to stimulate and motivate us to action. However, I believe
that a lack of patience is a major cause of the difficulties and
unhappiness in the world today. Too often, we are impatient with
ourselves, with our family members and friends, and even with the Lord.
We seem to demand what we want right now, regardless of whether we have
earned it, whether it would be good for us, or whether it is right. Some
seek immediate gratification or numbing of every impulse by turning to
alcohol and drugs, while others seek instant material wealth by
questionable investments or by dishonesty, with little or no regard for
the consequences. Perhaps the practice of patience is more difficult,
yet more necessary, now than at any previous time."
— Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Patience,
a Key to Happiness," Ensign
(CR), May 1987, p.30
2/6/09
"Brothers
and
sisters, the Savior, who set the pattern for us, is pleased with those
who 'remember in all things
the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted.'
He is pleased with those who hearken to His admonition to 'succor
the
weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble
knees.'" - Joseph B. Wirthlin,
"Inspired Church Welfare," Ensign (CR), May 1999, p.76
5/14/09
“As
spirit
children of our Heavenly Father, we should seek always to recognize
the divine potential within us and never restrict our perspective to
the limited scope of mortal life.” - Joseph
B. Wirthlin, “Seeking the Good,” Ensign (CR), May 1992, p. 86
6/17/09
“Obedience to the law of chastity would diminish cries for abortion
and would go a long way toward controlling sexually transmitted
disease. Total fidelity in marriage would eliminate a major cause of
divorce, with its consequent pain and sadness inflicted especially
upon innocent children.” - Joseph B.
Wirthlin, “Fruits of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Ensign
(CR), November 1991, p. 15
6/27/09
“Marathon runners set explicit goals. You should look ahead now and
decide what you want to do with your lives. Fix clearly in your mind
what you want to be one year from now, five years, ten years, and
beyond. Receive your patriarchal blessing and strive to live worthy of
its promises. A patriarchal blessing is one of the most important
guides in life that members of the Church enjoy. Write your goals and
review them regularly. Keep them before you constantly, record your
progress, and revise them as circumstances dictate. Your ultimate goal
should be eternal life—the kind of life God lives, the greatest of all
the gifts of God.” - Joseph B. Wirthlin,
“Running Your Marathon,” Ensign (CR), November 1989, p. 73
8/14/09
“If
we had slipped away then, where are we forty years later? In 1947,
television and computers were in their infancies. We had no satellite
broadcasts or videotapes and no computer fraud. Certainly our moral
standards of decency and propriety have slipped from where they were
in 1947. The obscenity, nudity, and other forms of pornography that
would have made us blush and turn away in shame in 1947 are now thrust
at us openly in printed and audiovisual material. They are even
paraded through our homes unless we are careful to keep them out. As a
people, we are slipping further from our old moorings today because we
are not following our prophets.” - Joseph B.
Wirthlin, “Patience, a Key to Happiness,” Ensign (CR), May 1987, p.
30
2/6/10
“At
the final day the Savior will not ask about the nature of our
callings. He will not inquire about our material possessions or fame.
He will ask if we ministered to the sick, gave food and drink to the
hungry, visited those in prison, or gave succor to the weak. When we
reach out to assist the least of Heavenly Father's children, we do it
unto Him. That is the essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” - Joseph
B. Wirthlin, “The Great Commandment,” CR October 2007
3/26/10
“Brothers and sisters, you are not alone. In The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints today, millions of people stand beside
you. Those who follow the teachings and example of the Savior are
‘willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; yea,
and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those
that stand in need of comfort.’
“The question Cain asked of the Lord, ‘Am I my brother's keeper?’ has been answered by prophets in these latter days. ‘Yes, we are our brothers’ keepers,’ President Thomas S. Monson has said. When we work together to benefit those in need, ‘we eliminate the weakness of one person standing alone and substitute the strength of many serving together. While we may not be able to do everything, we can and must do something.’
“Bishops, home teachers, visiting teachers, and members of priesthood quorums and of Relief Societies and other auxiliary organizations all stand ready to help. The Savior’s teachings and the Church constitute our best safe harbor—yes, our most secure ‘refuge from the storm.’
“Of course, your brothers and sisters in the Church are not to solve your problems for you. It has been my experience that when we do for others what they can and ought to do for themselves, we often weaken rather than strengthen them. But your brothers and sisters will be at your side to strengthen you, encourage you, and help you.” - Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Finding a Safe Harbor,” Ensign (CR), May 2000, p. 59
3/31/10
“Since most people find it relatively easy and convenient to pray, if
only mechanically, and to perform in some areas, if only listlessly, I
want to emphasize the pondering element. I testify that when the
quality of the pondering improves, the quality of prayers and
performance improves also.
“It was in solitude, pondering, and praying that Jesus made ready to battle Satan face to face and resist and overcome all of his enticements. It is not in the hurly-burly of everyday life, amid the pressures of business, society, and even family, that we marshal our greatest strengths, discern our hidden resources, and learn how to utilize our God-given powers in order to fight and vanquish the enemy. It is only in solitude, pondering, and meditating that we live in closest relationship with our Lord. It is also in pondering that we can relive the example of those noble souls of the past who are motivation for us, models of the exemplary life, leaders who have received the revelations and the lofty thought of inspiration.” - Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Finding Peace in Our Lives,” p. 37
4/6/10
“These latter days are a time of great
spiritual thirst. Many in the world are searching, often intensely,
for a source of refreshment that will quench their yearning for
meaning and direction in their lives. They crave a cool, satisfying
drink of insight and knowledge that will soothe their parched souls.
Their spirits cry out for life-sustaining experiences of peace and
calm to nourish and enliven their withering hearts.
“Indeed, ‘there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties,
and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men,
whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the
truth because they know not where to find it.’ Let us work with all
our heart, might, mind, and strength to show our thirsty brothers and
sisters where they may find the living water of the gospel, that they
may come to drink of the water that springs ‘up unto everlasting
life.’” - Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Living Water
to Quench Spiritual Thirst,” Ensign (CR), May 1995, p. 18
5/6/10
"Use your ingenuity, your strength, your might to resolve your
challenges. Do all you can do and then leave the rest to the Lord.
President Howard W. Hunter said: 'If our lives and our faith are
centered on Jesus Christ and his restored gospel, nothing can ever go
permanently wrong. On the other hand, if our lives are not centered on
the Savior and his teachings, no other success can ever be permanently
right.'" - Joseph B. Wirthlin,
"Finding a Safe Harbor," Ensign (CR), May 2000, p. 59
5/21/10
"As
we progress and become more like the Savior, we can strengthen every
group with whom we associate, including families and friends. The Lord
places us in these communities of Saints where we can learn and apply
gospel principles to our everyday lives. These groups are at the same
time both a school, a proving ground, and a laboratory where we both
learn and do as we practice living the gospel." - Joseph
B. Wirthlin, "The Time to Prepare," Ensign (CR), May 1998, p. 14
6/21/10
"What can help us to strengthen our resolve to keep on the narrow
path of righteousness and truth so our souls will welcome our day of
judgment as a glorious day? May I offer five suggestions.
"First, the fundamental reason why the Lord has instructed us to conduct
worthiness interviews in His Church is to teach us to keep the
commitments we make....
"Second, in the Lord's Church, we are reminded of our sacred covenants
every time we partake of the sacrament.
"Third, each time we return to the temple, we are reminded of the
covenants we make when we receive our endowment.
"Fourth, in our home teaching and visiting teaching do we remember our
promise to serve others?
"Fifth, the Savior Himself knew, as we should also know, that He was
accountable to His Father." - Joseph
B. Wirthlin, "True to the Truth," Ensign (CR), May 1997, p. 15
5/16/12
The exciting global growth
of the Church has focused our attention on the prophesied glorious
future of the kingdom. At the same time that we look ahead with
optimism, we should pause and look back on the faith of our humble
pioneer forefathers. Their faith built the foundation on which the
Church continues to flourish. - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Faith
of Our Fathers," Ensign (CR) May 1996
6/17/12
The only
way to find peace, happiness, and security and to overcome the evils
of the world and temptations of this generation is in the gospel of
Jesus Christ. - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Our
Lord and Savior," Ensign (CR) November 1983
6/26/12
Our challenges
today are different from those of our ancestors. Many of them lived
lives of poverty and hardship; some among us, however, are affluent
and complacent. Wealth, abundance, and easy living do not help us
develop the ability to flourish when faced with the rigors and
reversals of life. Rather than seeking ease, we must plant, cultivate,
and nourish within ourselves the seeds that will enable us to
withstand the winds and heat of temptation, sin, and evil and that
will help us live successful, happy, and pure lives. - Joseph B.
Wirthlin, "Seeds
of Renewal," Ensign (CR) May 1989
7/11/12
If we are true to our covenants, our Father in Heaven will grant us
the blessing of “eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the
gifts of God.” “All that [the] Father hath” is promised to those who
walk the path of faith and remain true to their covenants. Those “who
[do] the works of righteousness shall receive [their] reward, even
peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come.” - Joseph
B. Wirthlin, "True
to the Truth," Ensign (CR) May 1997
11/18/12
Love is the
greatest of all the commandments—all others hang upon it. It is our
focus as followers of the living Christ. It is the one trait that, if
developed, will most improve our lives. - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The
Great Commandment," Ensign (CR) November 2012
12/30/12
We can compare our
lives with the flight of a spaceship. When its motor is started up,
its trajectory is monitored precisely. Any deviation from its decreed
course is corrected immediately. Even a fraction of a degree off
course would carry it many miles from its destination if not
corrected. The longer the correction is delayed, the greater will be
the required adjustment. Can you imagine how far off course we can
become without course corrections?
The Lord has provided for us prophets, scriptures, parents, and other
wise leaders to teach us the course we should be following. They can
help us monitor our progress and correct the direction we are going
when necessary, much the same as tracking stations monitor a
satellite's progress and keep it on the right path. Our course on
earth is so important. It is determined by the decisions we make each
day. We cannot separate our thoughts and actions now from their
effects on the future. - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The
Time to Prepare," Ensign (CR), May 1998, p.14
12/31/12
We become
masters of our lives in the same way--by focusing on first things
first. We all have a pretty good idea of the most important decisions
we need to make--decisions that will improve our lives and bring us
greater happiness and peace. That is where we should start. That is
where we should place our greatest effort. - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Three
Choices," Ensign (CR), November 2003, p.78
8/4/13
In the plan of salvation, all families are precious instruments in the
Lord’s hands to help direct His children toward a celestial
destination. The righteous molding of an immortal soul is the highest
work we can do, and the home is the place to do it. To accomplish this
eternal work, we should make our homes gospel centered. When peace and
harmony abound, the Holy Spirit will ever be present. The storms of
the evil one can be stopped at the very entrance of our homes. - Joseph
B. Wirthlin, "Spiritually
Strong Homes and Families," Ensign (CR) May 1993
8/9/13
No one is immune from Satan’s
influence and temptations. Do not be so proud to think that you are
beyond the adversary’s influence. Be watchful that you do not fall
prey to his deceptions. Stay close to the Lord through daily
scripture study and daily prayer. We cannot afford to sit back and
take our salvation for granted. We must be anxiously engaged our
whole lives. - Joseph B.
Wirthlin, "Press
On," Ensign (CR) November 2004
2/16/14
As at Jacob’s well, so today the
Lord Jesus Christ is the only source of living water. It will quench
the thirst of those suffering from the drought of divine truth that
so afflicts the world. The words of the Lord to ancient Israel
spoken by the prophet Jeremiah describe the condition of many of
God’s children in our own day: “My people … have forsaken me the
fountain of living waters, and hewed them out … broken cisterns,
that can hold no water.” Too many of our Heavenly Father’s children
spend their precious lives carving out broken cisterns of worldly
gain that cannot hold the living water that satisfies fully their
natural thirst for everlasting truth. - Joseph
B. Wirthlin, “Living
Water to Quench Spiritual Thirst,” Ensign (CR) May 1995
3/14/14
Love is the beginning, the middle, and the end of the pathway of
discipleship. It comforts, counsels, cures, and consoles. It leads
us through valleys of darkness and through the veil of death. In the
end love leads us to the glory and grandeur of eternal life. - Joseph
B. Wirthlin, “The
Great Commandment,” Ensign (CR) November 2007
5/20/14
Too often today, we do not rely
on faith so much as on our own ability to reason and solve problems.
If we become ill, modern medicine can work healing miracles. We can
travel great distances in a short time. We have at our fingertips
information that 500 years ago would have made the poorest man a
prince.
"The just shall live by faith," we are told in holy writ. I ask
again, What is faith?
Faith exists when absolute confidence in that which we cannot see
combines with action that is in absolute conformity to the will of
our Heavenly Father. Without all three—first, absolute confidence;
second, action; and third, absolute conformity—without these three
all we have is a counterfeit, a weak and watered-down faith. - Joseph
B. Wirthlin, "Shall
He Find Faith on the Earth?" Ensign (CR), November 2002,
p.82
6/18/14
We
can fill our lives with good, leaving no room for anything
else. We have so much good from which to choose that we need
never partake of evil. Elder Richard L. Evans declared: “There
is evil in the world. There is also good. It is for us to
learn and choose between the two; to increase in
self-discipline, in competence, in kindness; to keep
going—putting one foot in front of the other—one day, one
hour, one moment, one task at a time.” (Richard L. Evans,
Thoughts for One Hundred Days, 5 vols., Salt Lake City:
Publishers Press, 1970, 4:199.) - Joseph
B. Wirthlin, “Seeking
the Good,” Ensign (CR) May 1992
9/18/14
Enduring to the end means that we have planted our lives
firmly on gospel soil, staying in the mainstream of the
Church, humbly serving our fellow men, living Christlike
lives, and keeping our covenants. Those who endure are
balanced, consistent, humble, constantly improving, and
without guile. Their testimony is not based on worldly
reasons—it is based on truth, knowledge, experience, and the
Spirit. - Joseph
B. Wirthlin, “Press
On,” Ensign (CR) November 2004
10/31/14
An eternal principle is revealed
in holy writ: “It is not requisite that a man should run faster than
he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be
diligent, that thereby he might win the prize.”
We don’t have to be fast; we simply have to be steady and move in
the right direction. We have to do the best we can, one step after
another. - Joseph B. Wirthlin, “One
Step After Another,” Ensign (CR) October 2001
11/10/14
At this very hour on this very day, some members even in our Church
are praying for the miracle that would allow them to surmount the
suffering that surrounds them. If, while we have the means to do so,
we do not have compassion for them and spring to their aid, we are
in danger of being among those the prophet Moroni spoke of when he
said, “Behold, ye do love money, and your substance, and your fine
apparel … more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and the
afflicted.” - Joseph B. Wirthlin,
“The
Law of the Fast,” Ensign (CR) April 2001
12/2/14
Each one of us will travel a
different road during this life. Each progresses at a different
rate. Temptations that trouble your brother may not challenge you at
all. Strengths that you possess may seem impossible to another.
Never look down on those who are less perfect than you. Don’t be
upset because someone can’t sew as well as you, can’t throw as well
as you, can’t row or hoe as well as you.
We are all children of our Heavenly Father. And we are here with the
same purpose: to learn to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind,
and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. - Joseph
B. Wirthlin, “The
Virtue of Kindness,” Ensign (CR) April 2005
1/6/15
We live in perilous times. The influence of Satan often appears to
be unchecked and overwhelming. Remember the promise that God has
given to those who build and maintain brightly burning bonfires of
testimony to counter the wolves that threaten us. This is His
promise: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I
am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will … uphold thee with
the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isa. 41:10.) - Joseph
B. Wirthlin, “Spiritual
Bonfires of Testimony,” Ensign (CR) October 1992
1/14/15
Our homes need to be more
Christ-centered. We should spend more time at the temple and less
time in the pursuit of pleasure. We should lower the noise level in
our homes so that the noise of the world will not overpower the
still, small voice of the Holy Ghost. One of our greatest goals as
parents should be to enjoy the power and influence of the Holy Ghost
in our homes. We should pray and study the scriptures. We could sing
the hymns of the Restoration to invite the Holy Ghost into our home.
Regular family home evening will also help. - Joseph
B. Wirthlin, “The
Unspeakable Gift,” Ensign (CR) April 2003
2/22/15
To all who are weary, let the
comforting words of the Savior console you: "Come unto me, all ye
that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Let us
rely on that promise. The power of God can infuse our spirits and
bodies with energy and vigor. I urge you to seek this blessing from
the Lord. - Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Concern
for the One,” Ensign (CR) April 2008
2/27/15
How do we know if we are wise or
foolish? When we hear inspired counsel, we obey. That is the test of
wise or foolish. - Joseph B.
Wirthlin, "Life's
Lessons Learned,” Ensign (CR) April 2007
3/30/15
As the clatter and clamor of life
bustle about us, we hear shouting to "come here" and to "go there."
In the midst of the noise and seductive voices that compete for our
time and interest, a solitary figure stands on the shores of the Sea
of Galilee, calling quietly to us, "Follow me." - Joseph
B. Wirthlin, "Follow
Me," Ensign (CR), May 2002, p.15
8/6/15
How can we ever repay the debt we
owe to the Savior? He paid a debt He did not owe to free us from a
debt we can never pay. Because of Him, we will live forever. Because
of His infinite Atonement, our sins can be swept away, allowing us
to experience the greatest of all the gifts of God: eternal life. -
Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Earthly
Debts, Heavenly Debts," Ensign (CR), May 2004, p. 40
8/19/15
In both His Old and New World
ministries, the Savior commanded, "Be ye therefore perfect.” A
footnote explains that the Greek word translated as perfect means
"complete, finished, fully developed." Our Heavenly Father wants us
to use this mortal probation to "fully develop" ourselves, to make
the most of our talents and abilities. If we do so, when final
judgment comes we will experience the joy of standing before our
Father in Heaven as "complete" and "finished" sons and daughters,
polished by obedience and worthy of the inheritance that He has
promised to the faithful. - Joseph
B. Wirthlin, "The
Time to Prepare," Ensign (CR), May 1998, p. 14
9/6/15
While traveling along a
mountainous road one evening through a driving rainstorm punctuated
with frequent claps of thunder and flashes of lightning, Sister
Wirthlin and I could barely see the road, either in front of us or
to the right and the left. I watched the white lines on that road
more intently than ever before. Staying within the lines kept us
from going onto the shoulder and into the deep canyon on one side
and helped us avoid a head-on collision on the other. To wander over
either line could have been very dangerous. Then I thought, "Would a
right-thinking person deviate to the left or the right of a traffic
lane if he knew the result would be fatal? If he valued his mortal
life, certainly he would stay between these lines."
That experience traveling on this mountain road is so like life. If
we stay within the lines that God has marked, he will protect us,
and we can arrive safely at our destination. - Joseph
B. Wirthlin, "The
Straight and Narrow Way," Ensign (CR), November 1990, p. 64
3/9/16
The Savior taught clearly the proper value of worldly possessions in
his conversation with the rich young ruler who asked what more was
required to have eternal life; he had kept all the commandments from
his youth. He asked the Master what he still lacked. Jesus told him
to sell all that he had and give to the poor, and come and follow
Him. But the man went away sorrowing, for he loved his possessions.
(See Matt.
19:16-22.) How many of us would pass this test? - Joseph
B. Wirthlin, "The
Straight and Narrow Way," Ensign (CR), November 1990, p.64
5/13/16
Life requires us to perform many duties—some routine, others more
meaningful and important. An integral part of duty is to set the
proper example and to take every opportunity to bolster others along
this uphill road of life. This might be done with an encouraging
word, a compliment, a handshake—any indication of caring. And we
need to keep in mind that as we learn our duties well here, we also
are preparing for the performance of eternal duties. - Joseph
B. Wirthlin, "Let
Every Man Learn His Duty," Ensign (CR), November 1980, p.69
6/3/16
We are all busy. It's easy to find excuses for not reaching out to
others, but I imagine they will sound as hollow to our Heavenly
Father as the elementary school boy who gave his teacher a note
asking that he be excused from school March 30th through the 34th. -
Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The
Abundant Life,” Ensign (CR) April 2006
7/14/16
No matter our age, circumstances, or abilities, each one of us can
create something remarkable of his life. - Joseph
B. Wirthlin, “The
Abundant Life,” Ensign (CR) April 2006
7/15/16
The Prophet Joseph Smith, who knew much about the storms of life,
during one of his darkest moments, cried in anguish: “[My] God,
where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding
place?” Even as he lifted up his voice, the serene comfort of the
Lord came to him: "Peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine
afflictions shall be but a small moment; and then, if thou endure it
well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy
foes.” - Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Finding
a Safe Harbor,” Ensign (CR), May 2000, p.59
10/4/16
Oh, it is wonderful to know that our Heavenly Father loves us—even
with all our flaws! His love is such that even should we give up on
ourselves, He never will. - Joseph
B. Wirthlin, “The
Great Commandment,” Ensign (CR) November 2007
11/8/16
I testify that in the
eternities, as we look back upon our little span of existence here on
this earth, we will lift our voices and rejoice that, in spite of the
difficulties we encountered, we had the wisdom, the faith, and the
courage to endure and press on. – Joseph
B. Wirthlin, “Press
On,” Ensign (CR) November 2004
11/29/16
I do not know of anything that members of the Church need more than
they need the conviction and perseverance of Job. He was a just man
who feared God and avoided evil. After the Lord allowed Satan to
torment Job, his afflictions included the loss of his seven sons and
three daughters, the loss of his wealth in flocks and herds and
serious physical illnesses. Remaining faithful to the Lord through his
indescribable sorrow and suffering, Job was able to say, “Blessed be
the name of the Lord” (Job
1:21). “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him. … He also
shall be my salvation. … For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that
he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth … yet in my flesh
shall I see God” (Job
13:15–16; Job
19:25–26). – Joseph B.
Wirthlin, “Never
Give Up,” Ensign (CR) November 1987
2/25/17
How can we keep ourselves on the straight and narrow way? The Lord
gave the answer over and over again. We must learn the word of God by
studying the scriptures and apply his word by praying daily to the
Lord and serving our fellowmen. – Joseph
B. Wirthlin, “The
Straight and Narrow Way,” Ensign (CR) November 1990
3/8/17
What
are
the Latter-day Saints to do? The answer is plain. The Saints are to be
absolutely without guile in every aspect of their lives: in their
homes and
families, Church callings, all business dealings, and, especially, the
private and personal parts of their lives into which only they and the
Lord see. – Joseph B. Wirthlin,
“Without
Guile,” Ensign (CR) May 1988
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