(3/6/98)
"Most significantly, through the Prophet Joseph came translations and
revelations which confirmed and described, as never before, the
reality of the glorious Atonement, in which, alas, so few really
believe today. It is the central act of all human history!" — Neal A.
Maxwell, "My
Servant
Joseph," "Ensign," May 1992 p. 39
(3/8/98)
"The cumulative weight of all mortal sins--past, present, and
future--pressed upon that perfect, sinless, and sensitive Soul! All
our infirmities and sicknesses were somehow, too, a part of the awful
arithmetic of the Atonement. (See Alma
7:11-12; Isa.
53:3-5; Matt.
8:17.) The anguished Jesus not only pled with the Father that
the hour and cup might pass from Him, but with this relevant citation.
'And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take
away this cup from me.' (Mark
14:35-36.)" — Neal A. Maxwell, "Willing
to
Submit," Ensign, May 1985
(3/16/98)
"During our mortal schooling in submissiveness, we will see the
visible crosses that some carry, but other crosses will go unseen. A
few individuals may appear to have no trials at all, which, if it were
so, would be a trial in itself. Indeed, if, as do trees, our souls had
rings to measure the years of greatest personal growth, the wide rings
would likely reflect the years of greatest moisture — but from tears,
not rainfall." — Neal A. Maxwell, "We Will Prove Them Herewith," p. 7
(11/11/98)
"For some Church members the Book of Mormon remains unread. Others use
it occasionally as if it were merely a handy book of quotations. Still
others accept and read it but do not really explore and ponder it. The
book is to be feasted upon, not nibbled (see 2
Nephi 31:20)." — Neal A. Maxwell, "But for a Small Moment," p.28
(4/25/99)
"Disengagement from the world is best followed by being anxiously
engaged in the Lord's work." — Neal A. Maxwell, "Wherefore Ye Must
Press Forward," p. 3 - 4
(4/26/99)
"While we should be 'anxiously engaged,' we need not be hectically
engaged. We can be diligent and still do things in 'wisdom and
order'—;without going faster than we 'have strength and means' (Mosiah
4:27; D&C
10:4)." — Neal A. Maxwell, "Men and Women of Christ," p. 24
(7/20/99)
"Patience is always involved in the spiritual chemistry of life—not
only when we try to turn trials and tribulations, the carbon
dioxide, as it were, into joy and growth, but it also builds upon
the seemingly ordinary experiences to bring about happy, spiritual
outcomes. (Neither patience nor photosynthesis is a conspicuous
process.)" — Neal A. Maxwell, "Notwithstanding My Weakness," p. 64
(7/22/99)
"Even though it is true that there must be an 'opposition in all
things' [2 Nephi
2:11], none of us has the personal obligation to provide that
opposition." — Neal A. Maxwell, "All These Things Shall Give Thee
Experience," p. 108
(10/19/99)
"Some of us who would not chastise a neighbor for his frailties have
a field day with our own. Some of us stand before no more harsh a
judge than ourselves, a judge who stubbornly refuses to admit much
happy evidence and who cares nothing for due process. Fortunately
the Lord loves us more than we love ourselves." — "Notwithstanding
My Weakness," General Conference, October 1976
(10/20/99)
"Just as certain men were foreordained from before the foundations
of the world, so were certain women appointed to certain tasks.
Divine design--not chance brought Mary forward to be the mother of
Jesus. The boy prophet, Joseph Smith, was blessed not only with a
great father but also with a superb mother, Lucy Mack, who
influenced a whole dispensation." — "The
Women
Of God," Ensign, May 1978
(10/21/99)
"Selfishness is much more than an ordinary problem because it
activates all the cardinal sins! It is the detonator in the breaking
of the Ten Commandments." — "Put
Off
the Natural Man, and Come Off Conqueror," Ensign, November
1990
(10/22/99)
"There are no separate paths back to that heavenly home. Just one
straight and narrow way, at the end of which, though we arrive
trailing tears, we shall at once be 'drenched in joy.'" — "The
Women
of God," Ensign, May 1978
(10/23/99)
"Jesus, who accomplished the most by far, was also the most glad to
give all the glory to the Father. Alas, even when you and I do place
something on the altar, we sometimes hang around as if waiting for a
receipt." — "'Apply
the
Atoning Blood of Christ,'" Ensign, November 1997
(9/25/01)
"If we are faithful and obedient while in this good and beautiful
world, we will later inherit 'a far better land of promise' (Alma
37:45), 'a city... whose builder and maker is God' (Heb.
11:10), a city within which are 'many mansions' (John
14:2–3)." — Neal A. Maxwell,
"For
I
Will Lead You Along," Ensign, May 1988, p. 9
(1/31/02)
"Amid the array of mortal tutorials, we too should strive to
'[finish our] preparations' for the third and everlasting estate,
which lies ahead--thanks be to Jesus' glorious Atonement (D&C
19:19). By so doing, we too can become 'completed' and
'finished,' having finally attained our varied individual potentials
(see Matt. 5:48,
footnote b)." — Neal A. Maxwell, "Apply
the
Atoning Blood of Christ," Ensign, Nov. 1997, p. 23
(3/3/02)
"By contrast, one of the unique features of the living church of
Jesus Christ is its ever-expanding body of fundamental spiritual
knowledge about man's identity and purpose, which enlarges 'the
memory of this people' (Alma
37:8). In fact, our ninth article of faith declares that God
'will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the
Kingdom of God.' [A
of F 1:9] Thus nourished by a menu blending antiquity and
futurity, Church members need never 'faint in [their] minds' (Heb.
12:3). Instead, we can be intellectually vibrant." — Neal A.
Maxwell, "God
Will
Yet Reveal," Ensign, Nov. 1986, p. 52
(4/5/02)
"We must resist the wrong fashions of the world. The thirteenth
Article of Faith does not say that we believe in all things that are
popular, fashionable, ugly and sensual, and that we seek after these
things! Rather, 'We believe in being honest, true, chaste,
benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men.' And these
attributes depend on each other. [A
of F 1:13]" — Neal A. Maxwell, "The
Stern
but Sweet Seventh Commandment," New Era, June 1979, p.
40-41
(4/7/02)
"Even seeking after things which are praiseworthy or lovely is
accelerated by believing all the Articles of Faith which precede
article thirteen. Similarly, the followers of the Ten Commandments
are not divided into two vast platoons--one specializing in the
'thou shalts' and the other in the 'thou shalt nots.'" — Neal A.
Maxwell, "Answer
Me," Ensign, Nov. 1988, p. 31
3/7/03
"The knees of the mind bend so reluctantly." — Neal A. Maxwell, "Not
My Will, But Thine," [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1998], p. 4
3/8/03
"Hearing, really hearing, will bring obeying. Those who are thus
submissive are not content to 'live by bread alone' but instead live 'by
every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord' (Deuteronomy
8:3; Matthew 4:4)."
— Neal A. Maxwell, "Not My Will, But Thine," [Salt Lake City:
Bookcraft, 1998], p. 66
3/13/03
"In conclusion, Nephi, Benjamin's great predecessor, would surely want
us to 'liken' Benjamin's words unto ourselves (see 1
Ne. 19:23). Such likening would include focusing on quality
parenting, which prepares children to overcome the world; making extra
efforts to communicate with others, including verifying that they have
understood us and we them; valuing the scriptures by searching them;
striving for meekness and modesty in our personal lives; putting off the
natural man and woman; applying Jesus' great atonement to our own lives;
and living so as to merit the regular guidance of the Holy Ghost to keep
us in 'wisdom's path.'" — Neal A. Maxwell, "Heroes from the Book of
Mormon," [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1995], p. 67
3/19/03
"Moral agency in the face of difficult choices was not for Adam and Eve
alone (Moses 7:32;
D&C 101:78).
There are blessings if we choose aright and penalties if we choose
wrongly. Therefore, attempting to stand between friends and the
consequences of their wrong choices is not realistic; it is not nearly
as useful as being lovingly at their sides before and when choices are
being made. Men and women really are 'free to choose' (2
Nephi 2:27), and we cannot and should not try to have it
otherwise." — Neal A. Maxwell, "But for a Small Moment," [Salt Lake
City: Bookcraft, 1986], p. 130
3/29/03
"By cleverly steering people away from the reality of immortality and
accountability, he uses endless variations in the same, basic, recurring
theme: 'Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die' (2
Nephi 28:7, 8). Hence each new generation not only acts out the
drama but does so with a prideful provincialism--as if there were
nothing to be learned from the past. Moreover, if the permissive
generation still prefers to believe at all in a God, they will believe
in a permissive God." — Neal A. Maxwell, "Sermons Not Spoken," [Salt
Lake City: Bookcraft, 1985], p. 14
4/5/03
"It is accurate to say also that, when we are living well enough, the
promptings of the Spirit will guide us in tactical matters (telling us
all things we should do [see 2
Nephi 32:3]). Once we really know the 'what' and the 'why,' the
'how' will become clear." — Neal A. Maxwell, "Notwithstanding My
Weakness," [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1981], p. 108
4/10/03
"Continuing to speak of strategic things, we must have the Spirit with
us, so that the Holy Ghost can prompt us to pray for that which is
right. Nephi advised us that the Spirit 'teacheth a man to pray.' (2
Nephi 32:8.) There is, therefore, a definite connection between
our righteousness and our capacity to draw upon the Spirit so that we
will ask for what we should ask for. The Lord told Joseph Smith in 1831,
'And if ye are purified and cleansed from all sin, ye shall ask
whatsoever you will in the name of Jesus, and it shall be done. But know
this, it shall be given you what you shall ask....' (D&C
50:29-30)" — Neal A. Maxwell, "What Should We Pray For?"
"Prayer," [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1977], p. 44
4/12/03
"Without our individual refining, therefore, life would become merely a
pass-through, audited course--not a course for credit. Only in the
latter arrangement can our experiences and our performances be
sanctified for our own everlasting good (see 2
Nephi 32:9). Mortality therefore is not a convenient, suburban,
drive-around beltway with a view. Instead it passes slowly through
life's inner city. Daily it involves real perspiration, real perplexity,
real choosing, real suffering--and real refining!" — Neal A.
Maxwell, "If Thou Endure It Well," [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1996],
p. 8
(5/08/03)
"Sensual individuals crave and live by sensations. Disciples,
instead, walk and 'overcome by faith' (D&C
76:53), accepting gratefully the evidence of things not seen
which are true (see Heb.
11:1; Alma
32:21) and using quietly God's spiritual gifts." — Neal A.
Maxwell, "Answer
Me," Ensign, November 1988
(5/17/03)
"Day in and day out the same Lord who parted the Red Sea so that
Israel might escape Egypt provides ways for us to escape temptation
(see 1
Corinthians 10:13). 'By very small means,' Alma told his son,
'the Lord... bringeth about the salvation of many souls' (Alma
37:7). Scale, therefore, is not the sole measure of spiritual
significance; for 'out of small things proceedeth that which is
great' (D&C
64:33)." — Neal A. Maxwell, "Men and Women of Christ," [Salt
Lake City: Bookcraft, 1991], p. 87
(7/1/03)
"Each temptation is real, but so is faith in one's identity. Each
affliction is to some degree tormenting, but the plan of salvation
reassures us about ourselves and outcomes. An irritation will be
keenly felt, but it can be overcome by seeing the irritation for
what it often is—including seeing it as an extrusion of yet untamed
ego! With faith, as did Joseph anciently under serious temptation,
one can self-interrogate: 'How... can I do this great wickedness,
and sin against God?' Joseph knew his own identity and the
responsibility it carried. He went further, however, even reminding
his temptress of her own identity and responsibility, noting that
her husband 'hath [not] kept back anything from me but thee, because
thou art his wife.' (See Genesis
39:7-20) The natural man, however, does not put such relevant
questions to himself." — Neal A. Maxwell, "Lord, Increase Our
Faith," [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1994], p. 114
8/06/03
"The Spirit can teach us of 'things as they really are'—not just as they
appear to be, according to conventional wisdom. Contrariwise, the flesh
looks at the outward things, drawing its conclusions from surface
appearances (1 Samuel
16:7). The opinions of the flesh, it turns out, are no more
reliable than the arm of flesh! Faith, meanwhile, carries us forward
even before the full flood of fact reaches and lifts us. Since meekness
is not natural to the natural man, however, we must 'learn' some things
over and over again—until we get it right! Faith and meekness make
allowance for the role of such repeated experiences in Father's plan.
Repetition is part of God's long-suffering in our behalf." — Neal A.
Maxwell, "Lord, Increase Our Faith," [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft,
1994], p. 90
(8/12/03)
"If we have this kind of ultimate hope, there is no room for proximate
despair. If the big things that really matter are finally going to work
out in eternity, then the little things that go wrong mortally are not
cause for desperation but perhaps only for a little frustration and
irritation." — Neal A. Maxwell, "Notwithstanding My Weakness," [Salt
Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1981], p. 50
(8/23/03)
"Along with believing in the gospel, we need to believe in our own
possibilities—not as to status, but as to power to do good. God
could surprise—yes, even stun—each of us here today if we could
manage such divine disclosures. Such must usually be kept from us
(or can only be hinted at) for now. But specific and special
opportunities are pending for every person here today, if we can
trust God and do each day’s duties and bear our present pain.
('Insights from My Life,' p. 190)" — "The Neal A. Maxwell Quote
Book," Maxwell, Cory H., ed. [Salt Lake City, Utah: Bookcraft,
1997], p. 150
(8/24/03)
"Thus it is that our faith and trust in our Heavenly Father, so far
as this mortal experience is concerned, consists not simply of faith
and gladness that He exists, but is also a faith and trust that, if
we are humble, He will tutor us, aiding our acquisition of needed
attributes and experiences while we are in mortality. We trust not
only the Designer but also His design of life itself, including our
portion thereof!" — Neal A. Maxwell, "We Will Prove Them Herewith,"
p. 12
(8/28/03)
"When we err, others may be unforgiving and ungenerous. But though
our sins be as scarlet, God assures the repentant that these shall
be as white as snow (see Isaiah
1:18). Moreover, God will not even mention certain portions of
our past (Ezekiel
18:22). In that case, nor should we! It should be hand to the
plow without looking back. Finally, He mercifully assures us that if
we repent He actually will remember our sins no more! (D&C
58:42)" — Neal A. Maxwell, "Men and Women of Christ," [Salt
Lake City, Utah: Bookcraft, 1991], p. 131
(9/04/03)
"The Restoration brought a flood of faith-building truths that would
develop a Zion people, a covenant people, a people willing to obey
God's commandments and submit to His will. Isaiah described the
Restoration as 'a marvelous work and a wonder' (Isaiah
29:14). The Hebrew roots for 'wonder' refer to things 'beyond
human capability,' the 'miraculous.'" -- Neal A. Maxwell, "Not My
Will, But Thine," [Salt Lake City, Utah: Bookcraft, 1988], p. 35
(9/06/03)
"It is merciful for all mortals that Jesus did not shrink nor flee,
even amid 'the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God' (D&C
76:107; 88:106).
As He took upon Himself our sins, standing graciously in our stead,
He thus felt severe, divine reproach, which 'hath broken my heart' (Psalms
69:20). The Hebrew word for Jesus’ being 'bruised' in the
process of the Atonement means 'to be crushed' (see Isaiah
53:5). The atoning 'man of sorrows' denotes both physical and
spiritual sorrow and pain. Being 'acquainted with grief' includes
familiarity with 'sickness' (Isaiah
53:3; see also Alma
7:11, 12; Matthew
8:17). Yet amid the engulfing avalanche of anguish, Jesus did
not shrink or flee." -- Neal A. Maxwell, "Lord, Increase Our Faith,"
[Salt Lake City, Utah: Bookcraft, 1994] p. 12
(9/07/03)
"Moreover, Jesus’ pain was fully inclusive and comprehensive. Surely
He was thereby fully 'acquainted with grief' because 'he suffered
the pain of all men,' indeed, 'the pains of every living creature,
both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam' (Isaiah
53:3, 5; D&C
18:11; 2
Nephi 9:21). It will take faith to 'finish' our own assigned
tasks amid whatever grief, pain, and infirmities may be. No wonder
that in the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus began to be 'sore amazed,'
meaning 'awestruck,' 'astounded,' and 'astonished.' Jesus was also
'very heavy,' meaning 'depressed,' 'dejected,' and in 'anguish.' (Mark
14:33)" -- Neal A. Maxwell, "Lord, Increase Our Faith," [Salt
Lake City, Utah: Bookcraft, 1994], p. 13
(9/08/03)
"The cumulative weight of all mortal sins-past, present, and
future-pressed upon that perfect, sinless, and sensitive Soul! All
our infirmities and sicknesses were somehow, too, a part of the
awful arithmetic of the Atonement. (See Alma
7:11–12 ; Isaiah
53:3–5 ; Matthew
8:17)" — Neal A. Maxwell, "Ensign," May 1985, p. 73
(9/09/03)
"Thus, in addition to bearing our sins—the required essence of the
Atonement—the "how" of which we surely do not understand, Jesus is
further described as having come to know our sicknesses, griefs,
pains, and infirmities as well. Another "how" we cannot now
comprehend! (See Isaiah
53:4; Matthew
8:17; Mosiah
14:4; Alma
7:11-12) Jesus thus not only satisfied the requirements of
divine justice but also, particularly in His Gethsemane and Calvary
ordeals, demonstrated and perfected His capacity to succor His
people and his empathy for them. He came to know, personally and
perfectly, "according to the flesh" how to help us become more like
His fully comprehending Father: "Great is our Lord, and of great
power: his understanding is infinite" (Psalms
147:5)." — Neal A. Maxwell, "Not My Will, But Thine," [Salt
Lake City, Utah: Bookcraft, 1988], p. 51
(9/11/03)
"Furthermore, God’s ways are much higher than our ways (see Isaiah
55:8–9). This reality is something which those of us in the
foothills of faith should ponder before, in our provinciality, we
try to force God’s doctrines through the filter of our lower ways.
His is an invitation designed to lift us up in style as well as in
substance." — Neal A. Maxwell, "Lord, Increase Our Faith," [Salt
Lake City, Utah: Bookcraft, 1994], p. 31
(11/13/03)
"An omnicompetent God leaves all mortals free to choose, but how
grateful we should be that God chose long, long ago to rescue and to
resurrect all His children through the Atonement of His Son.
Nevertheless, some reject and many are indifferent to these and
other divine beckonings, mostly because they are too caught up in
the cares of the world. They are strangers to the Savior, who is far
from the thoughts and intents of their hearts (see Mosiah
5:13)." - Neal A. Maxwell, "How
Choice
a Seer!," Ensign, November 2003
(11/15/03)
"The struggle is intense along the pathway to perfection, yet it is
a trek necessitated by Jesus' having asked us to become 'even as I
am' (3 Nephi 27:27).
Through
the Prophet Joseph Smith, either by translation or revelation, great
insights came concerning this deepening of one's discipleship." -
Neal A. Maxwell, "But for a Small Moment," [Salt Lake City, Utah:
Bookcraft, 1986], p. 15
(11/24/03)
"Because God wants us to come home after having become more like Him
and His Son, part of this developmental process, of necessity,
consists of showing unto us our weaknesses. Hence, if we have
ultimate hope we will be submissive, because, with His help, those
weaknesses can even become strengths (see Ether
12:27)." - Neal A. Maxwell, "Hope
through
the Atonement of Jesus Christ," Ensign, November 1998, p. 63
(12/16/03)
When we take Jesus' yoke upon us, this admits us eventually to what
Paul called the "fellowship of [Christ's] sufferings" (Philip.
3:10). Whether illness or aloneness, injustice or rejection,
etc., our comparatively small-scale sufferings, if we are meek, will
sink into the very marrow of the soul. We then better appreciate not
only Jesus' sufferings for us, but also His matchless character,
moving us to greater adoration and even emulation." - Neal A.
Maxwell, "From
Whom
All Blessings Flow," Ensign, May 1997
(1/17/04)
"The coming forth of the Book of Mormon is a marvelous episode not
only in Church history but also in human history. You and I owe many
people for their roles in bringing us the Book of Mormon, a book
filled with plain and precious salvational truths which came forth
by 'the gift and power of God' (Book
of Mormon title page). Through the labors and sacrifices of
many, the 'marvellous work and a wonder' foreseen by Isaiah (Isa.
29:14) restored vital truths which had been lost to mankind
for centuries! We can best express our gratitude by reading and
applying the teachings of the Book of Mormon." - Neal A. Maxwell, "By
the
Gift and Power of God," Ensign, January 1997, p. 36
(1/20/04)
"Even during these difficult times, members 'armed with
righteousness' can do so many things. (1
Ne. 14:14.) We can have love at home, even though the love of
many waxes cold in the world. (See Matt.
24:12.) We can have inner peace even though peace has been
taken from the earth. (See D&C
1:35.)" - Neal A. Maxwell, "Behold,
the
Enemy Is Combined," Ensign, May 1993, p. 79
(1/22/04)
"Along with all the foregoing reasons for our individual repentance,
Church members have a special rendezvous to keep, brothers and
sisters. Nephi saw it. One future day, he said, Jesus' covenant
people, 'scattered upon all the face of the earth,' will be 'armed
with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.' (1
Ne. 14:14.) This will happen, but only after more members
become more saintly and more consecrated in conduct." - Neal A.
Maxwell, "Repentance,"
Ensign,
November 1991, p. 32
(1/30/04)
"The Atonement is the chief expression of Christ's loving-kindness.
He endured so many things. For instance, as prophesied, He was spat
upon (see 1 Ne.
19:9). As foretold, He was struck and scourged (see Mosiah
3:9). Likewise, He was offered vinegar and gall while aflame
with thirst (see Ps.
69:21). Yet in His later description of His agonies, Jesus
does not speak of those things. Instead, after the Atonement, there
is no mention about His being spat upon, struck, or proffered
vinegar and gall. Instead, Christ confides in us His chief anxiety,
namely, that He 'would that [He] might not drink the bitter cup, and
shrink' (D&C
19:18)-especially desiring not to get partway through the
Atonement and then pull back. Mercifully for all of us, He 'finished
[His] preparations unto the children of men' (D&C
19:19). Jesus partook of history's bitterest cup without
becoming bitter! Significantly, when He comes again in majesty and
power, He will cite His aloneness, saying, 'I have trodden the
wine-press alone' (D&C
133:50)." - Neal A. Maxwell, "Enduring
Well," Ensign, April 1997, p. 10
(2/1/04)
"At the center of the Father’s plan is Jesus Christ, mankind’s
Redeemer. Yet, as foreseen, many judge Jesus 'to be a thing of
naught' (1 Ne. 19:9), or 'consider him' merely 'a man.' (Mosiah
3:9.) Whether others deny or delimit Jesus, for us He is our Lord
and Savior! Comparatively, brothers and sisters, it matters very
little what people think of us, but it matters very much what we
think of Him. It matters very little, too, who others say we are;
what matters is who we say Jesus is. (See Matt. 16:13–17.)" — Neal
A. Maxwell, “The Great Plan of the Eternal God,” Ensign, May 1984,
p. 21
(2/4/04)
"In the cumulative process of living, today's small inflection for
good adds to what becomes tomorrow's mountain of character. A bad
inflection in a defining moment, however, gouges a little more in
what later becomes the eroded gully channeling us so swiftly into
the 'gulf of misery' (2
Ne. 1:13). Life's experiences of boredom, exhilaration,
deprivation, conflict, compromise, mistakes, successes, resentments,
loving, excluding, belonging, repenting, and forgiving swirl about
us constantly. How will immortal principles be applied by immortal
individuals to these swirling situations?" - Neal A. Maxwell, "The
Pathway
of Discipleship," Ensign, September 1998, p. 11
(2/7/04)
"Damage to ourselves is sufficient reason to resist murmuring, but
another obvious danger is its contagiousness. Even faithful father
Lehi, for one brief moment, got caught up in the contagion of
murmuring. (See 1
Ne. 16:20.) Similarly, when Moses lapsed, very briefly, it was
under exasperating pressure from rebels. (See Num.
20:7-12.) No one knows how to work a crowd better than the
adversary. Instead of murmuring, therefore, being of good cheer is
what is needed, and being of good cheer is equally contagious. We
have clear obligations to so strengthen each other by doing things
'with cheerful hearts and countenances.' (D&C
59:15; see also D&C
81:5.)" - Neal A. Maxwell, "Murmur
Not," Ensign, November 1989, p. 84
(2/17/04)
"As the Lord communicates with the meek and submissive, fewer
decibels are required, and more nuances are received. Even the most
meek, like Moses (see Num.
12:3), learn overwhelming things they 'never had supposed.' (Moses
1:10.) But it is only the meek mind which can be so shown and
so stretched-not those, as Isaiah wrote, who 'are wise in their own
eyes.' (Isa. 5:21;
see also 2 Ne.
9:29 and 2
Ne. 15:21.)" - Neal A. Maxwell, "Willing
to
Submit," Ensign, May 1985, p. 71
(3/5/04)
"In the last days, happily, the Church will grow extensively, with
its membership being 'scattered upon all the face of the earth' (1
Ne. 14:14). Nevertheless, its dominions will still be
comparatively 'small' because of 'wickedness,' which will close the
ears of many to the gospel message (see 1
Ne. 14:12). There will also be 'a great division among the
people' (2 Ne.
30:10; see also D&C
63:54). This stressful polarization will, ironically, help in
the final shaking of that strange confederacy, the 'kingdom of the
devil,' in order that the honest in heart, even therein, may receive
the truth (2 Ne.
28:19)." - Neal A. Maxwell, "For
I
Will Lead You Along," Ensign, May 1988, p. 8
(3/6/04)
"Life's disappointments often represent the debris of our failed,
proximate hopes. Instead, however, I speak of the crucial need for
ultimate hope. Ultimate hope is a different matter. It is tied to
Jesus and the blessings of the great Atonement, blessings resulting
in the universal Resurrection and the precious opportunity provided
thereby for us to practice emancipating repentance, making possible
what the scriptures call 'a perfect brightness of hope' (2
Ne. 31:20)." - Neal A. Maxwell, "Hope
through
the Atonement of Jesus Christ," Ensign, November 1998, p. 61
(3/19/04)
"In the anguishing process of repentance, we may sometimes feel God
has deserted us. The reality is that our behavior has isolated us
from Him. Thus, while we are turning away from evil but have not yet
turned fully to God, we are especially vulnerable. Yet we must not
give up, but, instead, reach out to God's awaiting arm of mercy,
which is outstretched 'all the day long.' (Jacob
5:47; Jacob
6:4; 2 Ne.
28:32; Morm.
5:11.) Unlike us, God has no restrictive office hours." - Neal
A. Maxwell, "Repentance,"
Ensign,
November 1991, p. 31
(4/13/04)
"Elder Neal A. Maxwell: 'The world seeks to control the diseases
flowing from sexual immorality but without honoring the principles
of fidelity and chastity. The world in its wisdom constantly seeks
to accommodate the natural man, while gospel wisdom constantly urges
us to put off the natural man. (See Mosiah
3:19.) This is a pivotal point, and it makes all the
difference!' ('The
Inexhaustible
Gospel,' Ensign, April 1993, pp. 71-72)." - "What
Prophets
and Apostles Teach about Chastity and Fidelity," Ensign,
October 1998, p. 40
(4/26/04)
"Benjamin was not an 'I told you so' leader. He was genuinely
concerned with whether or not his words had been received and
applied. He also recognized the role of the family in teaching and
implementing the commitments of discipleship. (See Mosiah
2:5-6; Mosiah
6:3.) He apparently did as the Savior did when He taught
intensively and then directed His hearers to go and discuss with
their families that which had been taught. (See 3
Ne. 17:3.)" - Neal A. Maxwell, "King
Benjamin's
Manual of Discipleship," Ensign, January 1992, p. 13
(5/13/04)
"Brethren, as you submit your wills to God, you are giving Him the only
thing you can actually give Him that is really yours to
give. Don't wait too long to find the altar or to begin to place the
gift of your wills upon it! No need to wait for a receipt; the Lord
has His own special ways of acknowledging. - Neal A. Maxwell, "Remember
How
Merciful the Lord Hath Been," General Conference, April 2004
(6/01/04)
"But this road of discipleship which we are considering here is not
easy. It requires sturdy, all-weather souls who are constant in
every season of life and who are not easily stalled or thrown off
course. Likewise, even with this accurate view of the mortal
experience we still need time and the wise use of our moral agency.
We still need God's long-suffering to help us. We need all of these
combined in order to gain experience in life. Amid this ongoing
process, you and I can actually come to know for ourselves, like
Alma of old, who 'fasted and prayed many days that I might know'
that these immortal principles are true (Alma
5:46)." - Neal A. Maxwell, "The
Pathway
of Discipleship," Ensign, September 1998, p. 7
(6/27/04)
"It is up to us. Therein lies life's greatest and most persistent
challenge. Thus when people are described as 'having lost their
desire for sin,' it is they, and they only, who deliberately decided
to lose those wrong desires by being willing to 'give away all
[their] sins' in order to know God (Alma
22:18)." - Neal A. Maxwell, "According
to
the Desire of [Our] Hearts," Ensign, November 1996, p. 22
(7/13/04)
"Many in the world hold back from making the 'leap of faith' because
they have already jumped to some other conclusions-often the
conclusions of Korihor, which are: God never was nor ever will be;
there is not a redeeming Christ; man cannot know the future; man
cannot know of that which he cannot see; whatsoever a man does is no
crime; and death is the end. (See Alma 30:13-18.)
The number of modern-day adherents to the Korihor conclusions will
grow." - Neal A. Maxwell, "The
Inexhaustible
Gospel," Ensign, April 1993, p. 71
(8/25/04)
"The dues of discipleship are high indeed, and how much we can take
so often determines how much we can then give! I believe it was
George MacDonald who observed that in the process of life, we are
not always the already-tempered and helpful hammer which is shaping
and pounding another. Sometimes we are merely the anvil. Thus, as
already indicated, patience is a vital virtue in relation to our
faith, our free agency, our attitude toward life, our humility, and
our suffering. Moreover, patience will not be an obsolete attribute
in the next world!" - Neal A. Maxwell, "Patience,"
Ensign,
October 1980, p. 30
(9/13/04)
"One major cause of real fatigue, little appreciated by those so
afflicted, is trying to serve two masters. This is devastating
double duty. If so divided, one inevitably ends up being
ineffective, even disloyal, in respect to one master or another--a
most fatiguing circumstance. (Matthew
6:24.)" - Neal A. Maxwell, "If Thou Endure It Well," [Salt
Lake City: Bookcraft, 1996], p. 115
(10/4/04)
"Experience by experience, faith can yield to knowledge 'in that
thing,' meaning the particularized verifications of gospel truths. (Alma
32:34.) It was so with the brother of Jared: 'He had faith no
longer, for he knew.' (Ether
3:19.) Brigham Young assured that 'every principle God has
revealed carries its own convictions of its truth to the human
mind.' (In Journal of Discourses, 9:149.) Jesus clearly declared
that 'if any man will do his will, he shall know.' (John
7:17.) However, Jesus described the steady process as being
one of 'line upon line, precept upon precept.' (D&C
98:12.)" - Neal A. Maxwell, "Lest
Ye
Be Wearied and Faint in Your Minds," Ensign, May 1991, p. 89
10/29/04
"As we see ourselves, and others, passing through fiery trials, the
wisdom of Peter, who had his own share of fiery trials, is very useful:
'Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to
try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.' (1
Peter 4:12.) We do know, however, that God will not suffer us to
be tempted above what we can bear. 'There hath no temptation taken you
but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer
you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation
also make a way to escape.' (1
Corinthians 10:13.) God carefully scales 'all these things,' since
we cannot bear all things now. He has told us: 'Behold, ye are little
children and ye cannot bear all things now; ye must grow in grace and in
the knowledge of the truth.' (D&C
50:40.)" - Neal A. Maxwell, "All These Things Shall Give Thee
Experience" [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1979], p. 44
(11/14/04)
"For some months, I've tried to emphasize repentance, one of the
most vital and merciful doctrines of the kingdom. It is too little
understood, too little applied by us all, as if it were merely a
word on a bumper sticker. Since we have been told clearly by Jesus
what manner of men and women we ought to become--even as He is (see
3 Ne. 27:27)--how
can we do so, except each of us employs repentance as the regular
means of personal progression? Personal repentance is part of taking
up the cross daily. (See Luke
9:23.) Without it, clearly there could be no 'perfecting of
the Saints.' (Eph.
4:12.)" - Neal A. Maxwell, "Repentance,"
Ensign,
November 1991, p. 30
(11/16/04)
"With the enemy combined, it is so vital to keep 'in the right way.'
(Moro. 6:4.)
Orthodoxy in thought and behavior brings safety and felicity
as the storms come, including 'every wind of doctrine.' (See Eph.
4:14.) Happily, amid such winds the Holy Ghost not only helps
us to recognize plain truth but also plain nonsense!" - Neal A.
Maxwell, "Behold,
the
Enemy Is Combined," Ensign, May 1993, 78
11/26/04
"Paul told Timothy, his young brother in the gospel, 'All scripture is
given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, ...for
instruction in righteousness' (2
Timothy 3:16). Obviously, all our canonized scriptures today, the
Church's standard works, have come to us through men who at the time
were living prophets to their people. These writings plus the inspired
words of prophets of this dispensation, including those now living,
constitute God's word to us." - Neal A. Maxwell, "If Thou Endure It
Well" [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1996], p. 73
(3/20/05)
"We tend to think only in terms of our endurance, but it is God's
patient long-suffering which provides us with our chances to
improve, affording us urgently needed developmental space or time.
(See Alma 42:4-5.)"
- Neal A. Maxwell, "Endure
It
Well," Ensign, May 1990, p. 33
(3/24/05)
"Enduring temptation is one of the greatest challenges. Jesus
endured temptation but yielded not. (See Mosiah
15:5.) Christ withstood because He gave 'no heed' to
temptations. (D&C
20:22.) You and I tend to dally over and dabble in
temptations, entertaining them for a while, even if we later evict
them. However, to give temptations any heed can set the stage for
later succumbing." - Neal A. Maxwell, "Endure
It
Well," Ensign, May 1990, p. 34
(4/6/05)
"Take away basic moral standards, and observe how quickly tolerance
changes into permissiveness." - Neal A. Maxwell, "Put
Off
the Natural Man, and Come Off Conqueror," Ensign, Nov. 1990,
p. 15
(5/10/05)
"But Joseph Smith did not go into
the grove seeking to become a prophet or to found a church! His
operating assumption in the spring of 1820 was that one of the
contending sects was probably right and it was his task to find
out which one he should join. God's reply may seem to some harsh
in its indictment. (Parenthetically, this should remind us that in
a sense, God cares little for cosmetic 'public relations' and
everything for human relations!) The theophany at Palmyra
displayed God's perfection in the attributes of truth and love. He
loved us enough to appear, and having appeared, to tell the truth.
Joseph Smith was equally truthful in faithfully reporting that
episode; he could do nothing else since, as he said, he knew he
had had a vision and God knew that he knew. Inasmuch as we 'know'
on our own scale of action, we cannot deny, by our silence, what
must be shared with others as our personal Palmyra, our tiny
theophany." - Neal A. Maxwell, "Talk
of
the Month," New Era, May 1971, p. 30
(6/29/05)
"The gospel's rich and true doctrines combine to constitute a call
to a new and more abundant life, but this is a lengthy process. It
requires much time, experiencing the relevant learning
experiences, the keeping of covenants, and the receiving of the
essential ordinances—all in order to spur us along the
discipleship path of personal progression. In the journey of
discipleship, we lose our old selves. The natural man and the
natural woman are 'put off,' and then we find ourselves become
more saintly (see Mosiah
3:19). One sees such saintliness all about him in the
Church—quiet, good women and men, not particularly concerned with
status, who are becoming saintly. This is what should be happening
in the lives of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints." - Neal A. Maxwell, "Becoming
a
Disciple," Ensign, June 1996, 15
(7/8/05)
"Shouldering the yoke of discipleship
greatly enhances both our adoration and knowledge of Jesus, because
then we experience, firsthand, through our parallel but smaller-scaled
experiences, a small but instructive portion of what the Savior
experienced. In this precious process, the more we do what Jesus
did—allow our wills to be 'swallowed up in the will of the Father'—the
more we will learn of Jesus (Mosiah
15:7). This emulation directly enhances our adoration of Jesus.
"Simultaneously, in this same process, the more we become like Jesus,
the more we come to know Him. There may even be, more than we now
know, some literalness in His assertion, 'Inasmuch as ye have done it
unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me' (Matt.
25:40). We lack deep understanding of the implications of that
remark of Jesus. As with so many things, He is telling us more than we
are now prepared to receive." - Neal A. Maxwell, "Becoming
a
Disciple," Ensign, June 1996, 11-12
(7/16/05)
"So it is that real, personal sacrifice never was placing an animal on
the altar. Instead, it is a willingness to put the animal in us upon
the altar and letting it be consumed! Such is the 'sacrifice unto the
Lord... of a broken heart and a contrite spirit,' (D&C
59:8), a prerequisite to taking up the cross, while giving 'away
all [our] sins' in order to 'know God' (Alma
22:18) for the denial of self precedes the full acceptance of
Him." - Neal A. Maxwell, "Deny
Yourselves
of All Ungodliness," Ensign, May 1995, 68
(7/24/05)
"The more I see of life, brethren, the more I see why there is such a
scriptural stress on submissiveness, meekness, and humility. The
dangers flowing from an excess of ego are so constant and real. If we
would but place an ego screen over all our thoughts, words, and
actions before they hurt others or embarrass us! If we are steadily
becoming more and more 'the man of Christ,' the mesh in that ego
screen will become finer and finer, and fewer and fewer things will
slip through to harm." - Neal A. Maxwell, "I
Will Arise and Go to My Father," Ensign, Sept. 1993, 66
(8/5/05)
"Being blessed with hope, let us, as disciples, reach out to all who,
for whatever reason, have 'moved away from the hope of the gospel' (Col.
1:23). Let us reach to lift hands which hang hopelessly down.
"Hope beckons all of us to come home where a glow reflects the Light
of the World, whose 'brightness and glory defy all description' (JS—H
1:17). Jesus waits 'with open arms to receive' those who finally
overcome by faith and hope (Morm.
6:17). His welcome will consist not of a brief, loving pat but,
instead, of being 'clasped in the arms of Jesus'! (Morm.
5:11)." - Neal A. Maxwell, “Brightness
of
Hope,” Ensign, Nov. 1994, 36
(8/12/05)
"In one degree or another we all struggle with selfishness. Since it
is so common, why worry about selfishness anyway? Because selfishness
is really self-destruction in slow motion. No wonder the Prophet
Joseph Smith urged, 'Let every selfish feeling be not only buried, but
annihilated' (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph
Fielding Smith [1976], 178). Hence annihilation—not moderation—is the
destination!" - Neal A. Maxwell, "'Repent
of
[Our] Selfishness' (D&C 56:8)," Ensign, May 1999, 23
(8/20/05)
"Genuine hope gives spiritual spunk, including to deserving parents
drenched in honest sweat from being 'anxiously engaged.' Just as the
leaning Tower of Pisa is a persistent rebuke to architectural
pessimism, so parental hope—by refusing to topple merely because of
the gravity of the current family situation—is a repudiation of
despair. Giving parents never give up hope!" - Neal A. Maxwell, "Brightness
of
Hope," Ensign, Nov. 1994, 36
(11/10/05)
"Pressing forward, therefore, includes pressing forward in
building relationships with others-not passivity, not pausing or even
trudging along with heart, eyes, and mind partially closed. To travel
the pathway in the latter manner is to miss the walking wounded. To
press forward with heart and eyes cast down is to be so filled with
self-concern and self-pity that we have no time or empathy for those who
really do have problems, and we therefore 'pass them by and notice them
not.'" - Neal A. Maxwell, "Wherefore, Ye Must Press Forward," p.87)
(11/15/05)
"Amid the frustrations at having done what is right only to see
things go wrong, faith is taxed unless it is augmented by patience. We
often need to wait for better perspective than the present provides.
Then, as the darkness of disappointment yields to the dawn's light,
purposes previously hidden become apparent. However, if in our
frustrations we 'rush to judgment' by being upset or angry, we let loose
a flood of toxic emotions. The workhorse virtues of faith and patience
can prevent, dilute, dissolve, as well as 'mop up' after such toxic
floods of feelings." - Neal A. Maxwell, "Lord, Increase Our Faith,"
p.118
11/21/05
"Even given our unprofitability, our Redeemer is still there. In fact,
Jesus transcending service to us stretches back to premortal days. When
God brought before us His plan of salvation, Jesus was there,
volunteering meekly and humbly, 'Here am I, send me' (Abr.
3:27), saying, 'Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine
forever' (Moses 4:2)."
- Neal A. Maxwell, "Yet
Thou
Art There," Ensign (CR), November 1987, p.30
1/27/06
"We tend to think of consecration only as yielding up, when divinely
directed, our material possessions. But ultimate consecration is the
yielding up of oneself to God. Heart, soul, and mind
were the encompassing words of Christ in describing the first
commandment, which is constantly, not periodically, operative (see Matt.
22:37). If kept, then our performances will, in turn, be fully
consecrated for the lasting welfare of our souls (see 2
Ne. 32:9)." - Neal A. Maxwell, "Consecrate
Thy
Performance," Ensign (CR), May 2002, p.36
1/30/06
"Just as doubt, despair, and desensitization go together, so do faith,
hope, and charity. The latter, however, must be carefully and constantly
nurtured, whereas despair, like dandelions, needs so little
encouragement to sprout and spread. Despair comes so naturally to the
natural man!" - Neal A. Maxwell, "Brightness
of
Hope," Ensign (CR), November 1994, p.34
2/2/06
"The overwhelming joy of conversion or a new calling is often followed
by feelings of being overwhelmed with duties and doctrines. The first
joyous feelings are real and give one much-needed initial momentum. But
the genuine exhilaration is soon followed by the need to perspire and to
pedal." - Neal A. Maxwell, "Wherefore, Ye Must Press Forward," p.x
4/12/06
"The Lord, who knows all that through which we will pass, will help us
to overcome in our 'small moment' of time (D&C
122:4). If we are settled, we will 'endure it well' (D&C
121:8) and 'hold fast' (1
Thes. 5:21). Endured righteously, 'all these things shall give
[us] experience, and shall be for [our] good' (D&C
122:7). 'Think it not strange' when disciples are called upon to
pass through 'the fiery trial,' said Peter (1
Pet. 4:12).
"Even so, the Saints of God, as prophesied, will eventually 'cry unto
the Lord day and night until deliverance comes' (Prophetic Sayings of
Heber C. Kimball, n.p., n.d., p. 6).
"The spiritually settled will finally overcome, and the glorious promise
is, 'To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne,
even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne' (Rev.
3:21)." - Neal A. Maxwell, "Overcome...
Even
As I Also Overcame," Ensign (CR), May 1987, p.70
4/27/06
"So let us look at ourselves. For the Church, the scriptures suggest
both an accelerated sifting and accelerated spiritual and numerical
growth—with all this preceding the time when the people of God will be
'armed with righteousness'—not weapons—and when the Lord's glory will be
poured out upon them (1
Ne. 14:14; see also 1
Pet. 4:17; D&C
112:25). The Lord is determined to have a tried, pure, and proven
people (see D&C
100:16; D&C
101:4; D&C
136:31), and 'there is nothing that the Lord thy God shall take in
his heart to do but what he will do it' (Abr.
3:17).
"How can we, as individual members of the Church, survive spiritually if
we do not honor our covenants? How can we survive spiritually if we
break outright the covenants made at the time of baptism or in the holy
temples? How can we be on the Lord's side during the 'great division' if
we mirror the world's materialism and selfishness (see 2
Ne. 30:10)?" - Neal A. Maxwell, "For
I
Will Lead You Along," Ensign (CR), May 1988, p.7
4/28/06
"In the midst of God's plan and the universe's incredible vastness is
incredible personalness. For example, '[God] looketh down upon all the
children of men; and he knows all the thoughts and intents of the heart'
(Alma 18:32; see
also Isa. 66:18)."
- Neal A. Maxwell, "How
Choice
a Seer!," Ensign (CR), November 2003, p.99
5/13/06
"Alma revealed that Jesus knows how to succor us in the midst of our
griefs and sicknesses precisely because Jesus has already borne our
griefs and sicknesses (see Alma
7:11-12). He knows them firsthand; thus His empathy is earned. Of
course, we do not comprehend it fully any more than we understand how He
bore all mortal sins, but His Atonement remains the rescuing and
reassuring reality." - Neal A. Maxwell, "From
Whom
All Blessings Flow," Ensign (CR), May 1997, p.11
5/14/06
"And when the gossamer
veil called time is 'too much with us,' let us recall that, ere long,
time will be no more. Time is measured only to man anyway. (See Rev.
10:6; Alma 40:8;
D&C 84:100.)
Meanwhile, let us make allowance for the rapidity with which time seems
to pass, especially when we are happy. Jacob found it so: 'And Jacob
served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days,
for the love he had to her.' (Gen.
29:20.) On such a scale each of us has but a few days left in
mortality." - Neal A. Maxwell, Hope, p.216
6/15/06
"What we mortals encounter as the unforeseen, God has already seen, such
as how the oil deposits of this earth would shape the latter-day
conflicts among nations. God's 'is the hand that is stretched out upon
all the nations' (Isa.
14:26). He likewise foresaw all the awful famines, some resulting
from the unwise, unnecessary erosions of precious topsoil. He surely
foresaw the terrible persecutions of the Jews. Having created the earth,
He has anticipated the impact of continental drifts on the frequency and
intensity of latter-day earthquakes. He who analogized that 'the wicked
are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest' (Isa.
57:20) also knows where and when, in latter days, the seas' tidal
waves will heave themselves savagely 'beyond their bounds' (D&C
88:90).
"Without the revelations, however, the answers as to the why of our
existence and the why of human suffering would elude even the best
intellectual excursions:
"'Behold, great and marvelous are the works of the Lord. How
unsearchable are the depths of the mysteries of him; and it is
impossible that man should find out all his ways. And no man knoweth of
his ways save it be revealed unto him; wherefore, brethren, despise not
the revelations of God' (Jacob
4:8)." - Neal A. Maxwell, "Yet
Thou
Art There," Ensign (CR), November 1987, p.30
6/18/06
"[Jesus] rejoices in our genuine goodness and achievement, but any
assessment of where we stand in relation to Him tells us that we do not
stand at all! We kneel!
"Can we, even in the depths of disease, tell Him anything at all about
suffering? In ways we cannot comprehend, our sicknesses and infirmities
were borne by Him even before these were borne by us. (See Alma
7:11-12; Matt.
8:17.) The very weight of our combined sins caused Him to descend
below all. (See D&C
122:8.) We have never been, nor will we be, in depths such as He
has known. Thus His atonement made His empathy and His capacity to
succor us perfect, for which we can be everlastingly grateful as He
tutors us in our trials. There was no ram in the thicket at Calvary to
spare Him, this Friend of Abraham and Isaac." - Neal A. Maxwell, "O,
Divine
Redeemer," Ensign (CR), November 1981, p.8
8/11/06
"We may not know how to account for our moods at times, but the fact
that these moods pass through us ought not to destabilize us so far as
the deep doctrines of the Church are concerned. If down moods cannot be
driven out at once, we can at least accelerate their transit times.
"It is so easy for one person's bad day to become another person's bad
day. A spreading electrical power outage ends up affecting everybody,
because early on, the discipline required was abandoned in favor of
passing the problem along. Emotional electricity is much like the real
thing.
"In any objective assessment of life, we can always be reassured as to
the things that matter most: Immortality is ours through the gift and
grace of Jesus Christ; there is a loving, caring Father in heaven; and
we will live eternally under His perfect rule. We have such high
promises and absolutely no reason for ultimate discouragement.
Therefore, proximate pessimism ought not to envelop us. We ought not to
be blitzed by our moods." - Neal A. Maxwell, Wherefore, Ye Must Press
Forward, p.63
8/18/06
"Yes, brothers and sisters, this is a gospel of grand expectations, but
God's grace is sufficient for each of us. Discouragement is
not the absence of adequacy but the absence of courage, and our personal
progress should be yet another way we witness to the wonder of it all!
"True, there are no instant Christians, but there are constant
Christians!
"If we so live, we too can say in personal prospectus, 'And I soon go to
the place of my rest, which is with my Redeemer; for ... then shall
I see his face with pleasure' (Enos
1:27; italics added) for then will our confidence 'wax strong
in the presence of God,' (D&C
121:45; italics added), and He who cannot lie will attest to our
adequacy with the warm words 'Well done.'" - Neal A. Maxwell, "Notwithstanding
My
Weakness," Ensign (CR), November 1976, p.12
9/19/06
"In a 'wheat and tares' world, how unusually blessed faithful members
are to have the precious and constant gift of the Holy Ghost with
reminders of what is right and of the covenants we have made. 'For
behold, ... the Holy Ghost ... will show unto you all things what ye
should do.' (2 Ne. 32:5.)
Whatever
the decibels of decadence, these need not overwhelm the still, small
voice! Some of the best sermons we will ever hear will be thus prompted
from the pulpit of memory—to an audience of one!" - Neal A. Maxwell, "Behold,
the
Enemy Is Combined," Ensign (CR), May 1993, p.76
11/10/06
"Like Jesus, we can decide, daily or instantly, to give no heed to
temptation (see D&C
20:22). We can respond to irritation with a smile instead of
scowl, or by giving warm praise instead of icy indifference. By our
being understanding instead of abrupt, others, in turn, may decide to
hold on a little longer rather than to give way. Love, patience, and
meekness can be just as contagious as rudeness and crudeness." - Neal A.
Maxwell, "The
Tugs
and Pulls of the World," Ensign, November 2000
1/4/06
"Since Jesus is at the very center of it all, we must make Him and His
ways the light by which we steer and the light that we hold up to
others. To proceed in any other way is to proceed with less light-much
less light. Life is too filled with perplexities and variables for one
to prevail without the guiding light of the gospel. The wisdom of men,
by itself, is simply not adequate for all circumstances. Too many
unintended, unforeseen, and undesired consequences flow from even the
most sincere but erroneous efforts. The Spirit can teach of things as
they really are, not just as we otherwise imperfectly perceive them." -
Neal A. Maxwell, "Wherefore, Ye Must Press Forward," p.28
2/3/07
"The cumulative weight of all mortal sins—past, present, and
future—pressed upon that perfect, sinless, and sensitive Soul! All our
infirmities and sicknesses were somehow, too, a part of the awful
arithmetic of the Atonement. (See Alma
7:11-12; Isa.
53:3-5; Matt.
8:17.) The anguished Jesus not only pled with the Father that the
hour and cup might pass from Him, but with this relevant citation. 'And
he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this
cup from me.' (Mark
14:35-36.)
"Had not Jesus, as Jehovah, said to Abraham, 'Is any thing too hard for
the Lord?' (Gen. 18:14.)
Had
not His angel told a perplexed Mary, 'For with God nothing shall be
impossible?' (Luke 1:37;
see also Matt. 19:28;
Mark 10:27; Luke
18:27.)
"Jesus request was not theater!
"In this extremity, did He, perchance, hope for a rescuing ram in the
thicket? I do not know. His suffering—as it were, enormity
multiplied by infinity—evoked His later soul-cry on the cross,
and it was a cry of forsakenness. (See Matt.
27:46.)
"Even so, Jesus maintained this sublime submissiveness, as He had in
Gethsemane: 'Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.' (Matt.
26:39.)" - Neal A. Maxwell, "Willing
to
Submit," Ensign (CR), May 1985, p.70
2/7/07
"To 'come unto Christ, and be perfected in Him' (Moroni
10:32) means moving toward Him, becoming more like Him, step by
step. Delaying will not lessen the vast distance to be traveled.
Procrastinating will not bring the emergence of new alternatives. All
the anxiety and energy expended in milling about does not move us one
inch forward on the path of discipleship. (See Joel
3:14.)" - Neal A. Maxwell, "Men and Women of Christ," p.100
2/26/07
"It is up to us. God will facilitate, but He will not force.
"Righteous desires need to be relentless, therefore, because, said
President Brigham Young, 'the men and women, who desire to obtain seats
in the celestial kingdom, will find that they must battle every day' (in
Journal of Discourses, 11:14). Therefore, true Christian soldiers are
more than weekend warriors." - Neal A. Maxwell, "According
to
the Desire of [Our] Hearts," Ensign (CR), November 1996, p.21
3/10/07
"In his day Alma found that the word of God in the scriptures and from
living prophets had a 'more powerful effect upon the minds of [his]
people than anything else' (Alma
31:5). In our day, 'What can [they] say more?' (Jacob
6:12.) Our challenge is to be quick to draw upon the real power of
special, prophetic words to help us, including those which can help us
to endure well." - Neal A. Maxwell, If Thou Endure It Well , p.74
3/14/07
"Many today are as indecisive about the evils emerging around us—are as
reluctant to renounce fully a wrong way of life—as was Lot's wife.
Perhaps in this respect, as well as in the indicators of corruption of
which sexual immorality is but one indicator, our present parallels are
most poignant and disturbing. It was Jesus himself who said, 'Remember
Lot's wife.' Indeed we should—and remember too all that the Savior
implied with those three powerful words." - Neal A. Maxwell, "Of One
Heart/Look Back at Sodom"
7/27/07
"To be cheerful when others are in despair, to keep the faith when
others falter, to be true even when we feel forsaken—all of these are
deeply desired outcomes during the deliberate, divine tutorials which
God gives to us—because He loves us. (See Mosiah
3:19.) These learning experiences must not
be misread as divine indifference. Instead, such tutorials are a part
of the divine unfolding." - Neal A. Maxwell, "Be
of Good Cheer," Ensign (CR), November
1982, p.66
8/8/07
"Having ultimate hope does not mean we will always be rescued from
proximate problems, but we will be rescued from everlasting death!
Meanwhile, ultimate hope makes it possible to say the same three words
used centuries ago by three valiant men. They knew God could rescue
them from the fiery furnace, if He chose. 'But if not,' they said,
nevertheless, they would still serve Him! (Dan.
3:18.)" - Neal A. Maxwell, "Brightness
of Hope," Ensign (CR), November 1994, p.34
9/7/07
"Life's necessary defining moments come within our allotments, and we
make on the record choices within these allotments. Our responses are
what matter. Sufficient unto each life are the tests thereof! (see
Matt. 6:34)." - Neal A. Maxwell, "Content
with the Things Allotted unto Us," Ensign
(CR), May 2000, p.72
9/10/07
"How can we know that God is aware
of us and loves us? He tells us by the scriptures—likewise, by our
honestly counting the blessings and bestowals of His grace in our lives.
Most of all, He tells us by the still, small voice of the Spirit! (see Alma
34:38; D&C
78:17-19)." - Neal A. Maxwell, "Encircled
in
the Arms of His Love," Ensign (CR), November 2002, p.16
11/17/07
"In the days that lie ahead things will not always go smoothly while
we are building the kingdom. Usually individually but sometimes
collectively, because of unforeseen circumstances, we may at times be
held up in our journey, as it were, at a Winter Quarters. We may
expect to move on sooner and cover more territory. There will be the
equivalents of long, hard, hot days in crossing the plains of the
secular wilderness. The best of our intentions will sometimes be
countered by severe circumstances that may correspond in their call
for heroism to those at Martin's Cove when our pioneer ancestors
pressed forward anyway.
"But despite the hardships there is a valley that lies ahead toward
which we must move. Even after sadness and grief, as President Boyd K.
Packer urged, we are to "pick up our handcarts and head west." That is
a fixed principle, and without fixed principles and a steady spiritual
focus for life we will be diverted by the cares of the world and
intimidated by boldly striding secularism." - Neal A. Maxwell, "If
Thou Endure It Well," p.13-14
2/21/08
"Something
I have heard President Hinckley do many times publicly is to give all
the glory, the praise, and the honor to God. This is something I am
going to do more often, including today, incorporating my appreciation
for God's tutoring and
blessings.
"Uncertainty
as to our longevity is one of life's
basic realities for all of us. Hence, you and I should importune in
faith for the blessings we deeply desire, but then be 'content
with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto [us]'
(Alma 29:3).
Clearly our individual exit routes from this life vary; so does the
timing."
- Neal A.
Maxwell, "From
Whom
All Blessings Flow,"
Ensign (CR), May 1997, p.11
7/1/08
"Brothers and sisters, Christ
paid such an enormous, enabling price for us! Will we not apply His
Atonement in order to pay the much smaller price required for personal
progress? (see Mosiah 4:2). Being valiant in our testimony of Jesus,
therefore, includes being valiant in our efforts to live more as He
lived (see D&C 76:79). We certainly cannot enter His kingdom without
receiving the restored ordinances and keeping their associated
covenants, but neither can we enter His kingdom without having
significantly developed our charity and the other cardinal attributes
(see Ether 12:34). Yes, we need the essential ordinances, but we also
need the essential attributes. Yes, we need to keep our covenants, but
we also need to develop our character. Do we not sing, 'More
holiness give me,' pleading that
we can be 'more, Savior,
like thee'? (Hymns, no. 131)."
- Elder Neal A. Maxwell, “Apply the Atoning Blood of Christ”, Ensign
(CR), November 1997, p.22
7/12/08
"With regard to the signs that
are preceding the second coming of Jesus, most will miss them and a few
will overreact. Have you ever had the experience of looking at your
watch without really noting what time it was? The world in its intense
preoccupation will see some of the signs preceding the second coming
without really noticing them. Because our view of brotherhood is that
men are not merely biological brothers—because
we
know that we are more than stranded passengers on an earthship that is
about to blink, quiver, and die—we
can
accept each other in a more full and complete way. We look for the day
when as children of our Father in heaven, the designations Appalachian,
Asian, or American will no longer be significant, nor will using words
like Dutch or Nigerian. When that day comes, salutations from our
Heavenly Father to us will be 'son', 'daughter',
and among ourselves, 'brothers', 'sisters'." - Neal A.
Maxwell, Wherefore, "Ye Must Press Forward", p.127
7/17/08
"In
conclusion, the submission of one's
will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on
God's altar. The many other
things we 'give,'
brothers and sisters, are actually the things He has already given or
loaned to us. However, when you and I finally submit ourselves, by
letting our individual wills be swallowed up in God's
will, then we are really giving something to Him! It is the only
possession which is truly ours to give!"
- Neal A. Maxwell, "Swallowed Up in the Will of the Father," Ensign
(CR), November 1995, p.22
8/18/08
"Meekness
ranks low on the mortal scale of things, yet high on God's: 'For
none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart.'
(Moroni 7:44.) The rigorous requirements of Christian discipleship are
clearly unattainable without meekness. In fact, meekness is needed in
order to be spiritually successful, whether in matters of the intellect,
in the management of power, in the dissolution of personal pride, or in
coping with the challenges of daily life. Jesus, the carpenter—who,
with Joseph, 'undoubtedly
had experience making yokes'—gave
us that marvelous metaphor: 'Take
my
yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart.'
(Matthew 11:29.) The yoke of obedience to Him is far better than
servitude to sin, but the demands are real. Serious disciples are urged
not only to do good, but also not to grow weary of doing good.
(Galatians 6:9; Helaman 10:5.)" - Neal A. Maxwell, "Meek and Lowly,"
p.ix
9/8/08
"Even though our yoke is tiny
compared to His, the bearing process is the same. Still, some of us
puzzle over the full meaning of the words, 'For
my yoke is easy, and my burden is light'
(Matthew 11:30). True, as John wrote, 'his
commandments are not grievous'
(1 John 5:3). Likewise, God is quick to bless us immediately in one way
or another (see Mosiah 2:24). But the most profound relief waits to be
claimed: our afflictions can be 'swallowed
up
in the joy of Christ' (Alma
31:38). Only then the yoke and its burdens truly are eased."
- Neal A. Maxwell, "If Thou Endure It Well," p.3
9/28/08
"Thus,
ever acknowledging God's
redeeming hand is very important, but, alas, so doing is diminished by
the unwise mortal reliance on 'the
arm of flesh' (2 Ne. 4:34;
D&C 1:19). Ah, the arrogant arm of flesh, like the quarterback
whose arm was so strong it was boasted that he could throw a football
through a car wash and it would come out dry on the other side! Such
naïveté, such triviality symbolize not only the arm, but also the mind
of flesh, which misses 'things
as they really are, and … things as they really will be'
(Jacob 4:13)."
- Elder Neal A. Maxwell, "From Whom All Blessings Flow," Ensign
(CR), May 1997, p.11
10/12/08
"There are so many things
to be endured: illness, injustice, insensitivity, poverty, aloneness,
unresponsiveness, being misrepresented and misunderstood, and,
sometimes, even enemies. Paul reminds us that meek and lowly Jesus,
though the Lord of the universe, 'endured
contradiction
of sinners against himself.'
(Heb. 12:3.) Smaller variations of these contradictions or hostilities
will be felt by His disciples." - Neal
A. Maxwell, “Endure It Well”, Ensign (CR), May 1990, p.33
12/15/08
"The
cross is something we cannot shoulder and then stand still with. Of the
Savior we read the following: 'And
he bearing his cross went forth'
(John 19:17). The cross is easier to carry if we keep moving.… We
must realize, finally, that we can only contemplate the cross just so
long; rhetoric will not raise it. It must soon either be taken up or
turned away from! ('Taking Up
the Cross,' pp. 259-60.)"
- Cory H. Maxwell, ed., "The Neal A. Maxwell Quote Book," p.56
1/14/09
"Jesus,
our Shepherd, has 'marked
the path and led the way, And ev'ry point defines'
(Hymns, 1985, no. 195). His clearly defined footprints are easy to see.
They are pressed distinctly and deeply into the soil of the second
estate, deeply and distinctly because of the enormous weight which
pressed down upon Him, including the awful burden of all of our
individual sins." - Neal
A.
Maxwell, "For I Will Lead You Along,"
Ensign (CR), May 1988, p.7
1/18/09
"Conscience
permits the Lord to be there, whether in early warnings or final
warnings. He gives us a flash of insight or a twinge of remembrance,
pulling us back from a precipice or prompting us to do good. Conscience
can warn that we are only falling further behind by insisting on getting
even. Conscience warns us not to sink our cleats too deeply in mortal
turf, which is so dangerously artificial."
- Neal A. Maxwell, "Yet Thou Art There,"
Ensign (CR), November 1987, p.30
3/16/09
"While
Lot's wife and the small party of which she was a member were told not
to look back at Sodom for a very good reason, we in our time have good
reason to look back at Sodom!"
- Neal A. Maxwell, "Deposition of a
Disciple," p.63
5/30/09
“To think of enduring to the end as ‘hanging in there,’ doing one’s
duty relentlessly, is not inaccurate. Yet enduring to the end is more
than outlasting and surviving, though it includes those qualities. We
are called upon, as was the Prophet Joseph, to ‘endure it well,’
gracefully, not grudgingly. (D&C 121:8.) We are also told that we
must ‘endure in faith.’ (D&C 101:35.) These dimensions of enduring
are important to note. Likewise, we are asked to endure ‘valiantly.’
(D&C 121:29.)” - Neal A. Maxwell,
“Wherefore, Ye Must Press Forward,” p. 109
7/24/09
“Thus, as the Church comes forth out of obscurity, as its light can no
longer be hidden, and as the Lord bares His arm and the events
foreseen by Him begin to roll forth in the final days, those whose
concerns for the Church consist mostly of wishing to be well liked
will have a hard time. There is no way that the Church and its
prophets can help the bad people of the world to feel good. There is
no way that the gospel's behavioral standards can be fudged. Natural
as our desire for rapport, friendship, and affection is, we must be
more concerned with ‘being alienated from the life of God.’ (Ephesians
4:18.) Being accepted by God is more important than being accepted by
the world…” - Neal A. Maxwell,
“Notwithstanding My Weakness,” p. 37
9/1/09
“The
valiant among us keep moving forward anyway, because they know the
Lord loves them, even when they ‘do not know the meaning of all
things’ (1 Ne. 11:17). As you and I observe the valiant cope
successfully with severe and relentless trials, we applaud and
celebrate their emerging strength and goodness. Yet the rest of us
tremble at the tuition required for the shaping of such sterling
character, while hoping we would not falter should similar
circumstances come to us!” - Neal A.
Maxwell, “Plow in Hope,” Ensign (CR), May 2001, p. 5
9/20/09
“Of
this mortal developmental process, which requires so much ongoing
repentance, the rhetorical question might be asked, ‘Is there not
another way?’ But we are clearly told that the Lord’s name and God’s
plan are the only way. The answer, therefore, is a stark ‘No!’ ‘And
now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none
other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the
kingdom of God’ (2 Nephi 31:21).” - Neal A.
Maxwell, “Not My Will, But Thine,” p. 71
10/27/09
“When
we willingly submit ourselves to God, even ‘as a child doth submit to
his father’ (Mosiah 3:19), we are not yielding just to any father but
to a perfect Father! While it is a yielding, happy irony, one is
thereby ‘added upon’ (Abraham 3:26).” - Neal
A. Maxwell, “That Ye May Believe,” p. 122
1/29/10
“When
He comes again, unlike coming to the signifying meekness of the
manger, He will come in overwhelming majesty and power. In at least
one appearance, He will come in red apparel to remind us that He shed
His blood for us. (D&C 133:48; Isa. 63:1.) Among
the astounding, accompanying events, stars will fall from the heavens,
as Christ will declare, ‘I have trodden the wine-press alone, and none
was with me.’ (D&C 133:50.) What will we and those who
witness these marvelous events speak of, then and later? Not the
falling stars! Instead, we will speak of Jesus' ‘loving kindness.’ For
how long will we so exclaim? ‘Forever and ever.’ (D&C
133:52.) The more we come to know of Jesus and the Atonement,
the more we shall praise and adore Him ‘forever and ever.’” –
“The Neal A. Maxwell Quote Book,” p. 301
4/24/10
"And when we tear ourselves free from the entanglements of the world,
are we promised a religion of repose or an Eden of ease? No! We are
promised tears and trials and toil! But we are also promised final
triumph, the mere contemplation of which tingles one's soul."
- Neal A. Maxwell, "Why Not Now?," Ensign (CR), November 1974, p. 12
7/28/10
"A man who is too busy to notice a neighbor also has no time to smell
the flowers. Smallness of soul keeps us from contemplating both bird
and brother, when God would have us exult over all his creations." - "The
Neal A. Maxwell Quote Book," p. 226
7/1/11
"Some say
that the leap of faith is when we begin to believe in God, and that
is, indeed, a very significant moment. However, the real leap occurs
when the beginning believer forsakes his self-centeredness and begins
loving God with all his heart, mind, soul, and strength. Compliance
with that first commandment takes us on a journey that is so demanding
that many never even try it. It is a journey that requires a complete
letting go of the old self and old ways. No wonder God has declared
that all the law and the prophets hang on the first and second
commandments!" - Neal
A. Maxwell, "Notwithstanding My Weakness," p.31
1/4/12
In our approach to life,
patience also helps us to realize that while we may be ready to move on,
having had enough of a particular learning experience, our continuing
presence is often a needed part of the learning environment of others.
Patience is thus closely connected with two other central attributes of
Christianity—love and humility. - Neal
A. Maxwell, "Notwithstanding My Weakness," p.66
1/6/12
Jesus did not retire to
some corner of the universe for a well-earned vacation after performing
the great Atonement, but He has remained constantly vigilant and
vigorous, personally mindful of all of us. - Neal
A. Maxwell, "One More Strain of Praise," p.42
1/20/12
For what happens in cultural decline both leaders and followers are
really accountable. Historically, of course, it is easy to criticize bad
leaders, but we should not give followers a free pass. Otherwise, in
their rationalization of their degeneration they may say they were just
following orders, while the leader was just ordering followers! However,
much more is required of followers in a democratic society wherein
individual character matters so much in both leaders and followers. - Neal
A. Maxwell, “Repent
of [Our] Selfishness” (D&C 56:8), Ensign (CR) May 1999
8/19/12
There are reasons for your commitment
to be made now, for as the rush of hours, days, and months grows
stronger, the will to commit grows weaker. Events to transpire soon on
this planet will dry up the options for the lukewarm, for the issues
raised by Jesus are irrepressible issues! - Neal A. Maxwell, "Why
Not Now?" Ensign (CR) November 1974
11/30/12
Consecration
involves pressing forward "with a steadfastness in Christ" with a
"brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men … [while]
feasting upon the word of Christ" (2
Ne. 31:20). Jesus pressed forward sublimely. He did not shrink,
such as by going only 60 percent of the distance toward the full
atonement. Instead, He "finished [His] preparations" for all mankind,
bringing a universal resurrection-not one in which 40 percent of us
would have been left out (see D&C
19:18-19). - Neal A. Maxwell, "Swallowed
Up in the Will of the Father," Ensign (CR), November 1995,
p.22
12/29/12
Mercy can purge
the soul of sin, making room for a fresh start. Truth is vital in
order that we have an unvarying standard by which to determine what we
are to be and to do and what we are to rid ourselves of. - Neal A.
Maxwell, "Sermons Not Spoken," p.18
1/23/13
Alas, in a secular world Jesus is regarded by many, at best, as a
distant figure; He is even denigrated. How transcendingly special,
therefore, that the revelations of the Restoration confirm this cosmic
fact: “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son” (John
3:16). - Neal A. Maxwell, "How
Choice a Seer!" Ensign (CR) October 2003
2/5/13
Building on His firm foundation requires us to emulate Christ’s
character. There is no joy nor is there any security in giving Him mere
lip service. Emulating Him is the key, and our emerging character is the
refined structure of our souls. After all the circumstantial scaffolding
comes down, character is what is left. - Neal A. Maxwell, "The
Precious Promise," Ensign, April 2004
2/14/13
Brothers and sisters, whatever we embrace instead of Jesus and His work
will keep us from qualifying to enter His kingdom and therefore from
being embraced by Him. (See Morm.
6:17.) - Neal A. Maxwell, "Settle
This in Your Hearts," Ensign (CR), November 1992, p.65
8/7/13
Yes, “the enemy is
combined,” but when we are combined with the Lord’s “chariots of
fire,” then “they that be with us are more than they that be with
them”! (2
Kgs. 6:16–17.) Furthermore, the divine promise is that no
weapon formed against the Lord’s work shall finally prosper; this
“is the heritage of the servants of the Lord.” (Isa.
54:17; D&C
71:9.) - Neal A. Maxwell, "Behold,
the Enemy Is Combined (D&C 38:12)," Ensign (CR) May 1993
9/10/13
His
work proceeds forward almost as if in the comparative calmness of
the eye of a storm. First, He reigns in the midst of His saints;
soon, in all the world! (See D&C
1:36; D&C
133:2–3.) - Neal A.
Maxwell, "O,
Divine Redeemer," Ensign (CR) November 1981
9/21/13
Some
seek to brush aside conscience, refusing to hear its voice. But that
deflection is, in itself, an act of choice, because we so desired.
Even when the light of Christ flickers only faintly in the darkness,
it flickers nevertheless. If one averts his gaze therefrom, it is
because he so desires. - Neal A.
Maxwell, "According
to the Desire of [Our] Hearts," Ensign (CR) November 1996
2/13/14
Premortality is not a relaxing doctrine. For each of us, there are
choices to be made, incessant and difficult chores to be done,
ironies and adversities to be experienced, time to be well spent,
talents and gifts to be well employed. Just because we were chosen
“there and then,” surely does not mean we can be indifferent “here
and now.” Whether foreordination for men, or foredesignation for
women, those called and prepared must also prove “chosen, and
faithful.” (See Rev.
17:14; D&C
121:34–36.) - Neal A.
Maxwell, “Premortality,
a Glorious Reality,” Ensign (CR) November 1985
3/19/14
Though
otherwise a “lively” attribute, hope stands quietly with us at
funerals. Our tears are just as wet, but not because of despair.
Rather, they are tears of heightened appreciation evoked by poignant
separation. Those tears of separation change, ere long, becoming
tears of glorious anticipation. - Neal
A. Maxwell, “Hope
through the Atonement of Jesus Christ,” Ensign (CR) November
1998
5/18/14
Quiet
Christianity is a necessary counterpoint to the rumble of the kettle
drums and the crash of cymbals of those Christian acts
which are, by their very nature, visible and hard to ignore. We also
need the behavioral equivalent of the flute and the violin in order
to have the kind of symphony that can make a difference in
mortality. - Neal A. Maxwell, "A
Time to Choose," p. 28
5/21/14
Let
us, therefore, be like the young man with Elisha on the mount. At
first intimidated by the surrounding enemy chariots, the young man's
eyes were mercifully opened, and he saw "horses and chariots of
fire," verifying "they that be with us are more than they that be
with them" (2
Kgs. 6:17, 16). Brothers and sisters, the spiritual arithmetic
has not changed! - Neal A.
Maxwell, "Care
for the Life of the Soul," Ensign (CR), May 2003, p.68
2/8/15
Belief in the goodness and power of God is greatly facilitated by
understanding His plan of salvation with its crucial allowance for
mankind’s moral agency, real moral agency—with real mistakes and
with real consequences! His plan includes real tests, real dilemmas,
real anguish, and real joy. - Neal
A. Maxwell, “Yet
Thou Art There,” Ensign (CR) October 1987
3/5/15
Let us remember in our age of spin, the only spin God desires is our
freely turning away from sin and turning to Him. Therefore, the Lord
does not seek to overwhelm us but instead to help us overcome the
world! (see D&C
64:2; Rev.
3:21). - Neal A. Maxwell, “Content
with the Things Allotted unto Us,” Ensign (CR) April 2000
5/9/15
In
the months and years ahead, events will require of each member [of
the Church] that he or she decide whether or not he or she will
follow the First Presidency. Members will find it more difficult to
halt longer between two opinions (see 1
Kgs. 18:21)…. Not being ashamed of the gospel of Jesus
Christ includes not being ashamed of the prophets of Jesus Christ.
("Meeting the Challenges of Today," p. 149.) - "The
Neal A. Maxwell Quote Book," p. 273
5/13/15
The hard doctrines, however, insist that we ask some hard questions.
How can a nation nurture family values without consistently valuing
and protecting the family in its public policies? How can we value
the family without valuing parenting? And how can we value parenting
if we do not value marriage? How can there be "love at home" without
love in a marriage? So many selfish tugs draw fathers and mothers
away from each other and away from their children. - Neal
A. Maxwell, "Take
Especial Care of Your Family," Ensign (CR), May 1994, p. 88
5/18/15
Vagueness about the true nature of God—"what" we worship—has taken a
terrible toll in the world. Such vagueness subtly feeds
faithlessness and adds to the sense of purposelessness that
needlessly permeates so many lives. Someday we shall see how much
boredom and drift (as well as both dread and disdain of death) are
rooted in the incorrect and inadequate perceptions of God. Those in
ancient Israel were not alone in following false gods "to [their]
hurt.” - Neal A. Maxwell, "Even
As I Am," p. 3
6/28/15
We shall see in our time a maximum if indirect effort made to
establish irreligon as the state religion. It is actually a new form
of paganism that uses the carefully preserved and cultivated
freedoms of Western civilization to shrink freedom even as it
rejects the value essence of our rich Judeo-Christian heritage….
Irreligion as the state religion would be the worst of all
combinations. Its orthodoxy would be insistent and its inquisitors
inevitable. Its paid ministry would be numerous beyond belief. Its
Caesars would be insufferably condescending. Its majorities—when
faced with clear alternatives—would make the Barabbas choice, as did
a mob centuries ago when Pilate confronted them with the need to
decide. ("Meeting the Challenges of Today," p. 149.) - "The
Neal A. Maxwell Quote Book," p. 303
7/12/15
When we arrive home, we shall be weary and bruised. But at last our
aching homesicknesses will cease. Meanwhile, our mortal homecomings
are but faint foreshadowings of that Homecoming! - Neal
A. Maxwell, "Called
and Prepared from the Foundation of the World," Ensign (CR),
May 1986, p. 34
8/4/15
Prayer may not be a hard
doctrine, but it can be a very deep and soul-satisfying experience.
It is the means by which we can draw close to our Heavenly Father
and understand better His deep doctrines. - Neal
A. Maxwell, "All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience," p.91
9/1/15
While so striving daily, we will
fall short. Hence the avoidance of discouragement is so vital. So
where is the oft and much needed resilience to be found? Once again,
in the glorious Atonement! Thereby we can know the lifting tide
flowing from forgiveness. - Neal
A. Maxwell, "Apply
the Atoning Blood of Christ," Ensign (CR), November 1997, p.
22
11/20/15
Laman
and Lemuel were intimidated by Laban's power, but their fear of
power merely showed the power of fear. Since "perfect love casteth
out all fear," their limited capacity to love was thereby very
evident (see Moro.
8:16; see also 1
Jn. 4:18). Though unprincipled, most sadly, they were
unloving! - Neal A. Maxwell, "Lessons
from Laman and Lemuel," Ensign (CR), November 1999, p.6
12/7/15
It is important for you to be
philosophical defenders as well as practicers of chastity.
Articulate advocacy is surely needed now to counter some of the
damaging balderdash we see and hear in the world pertaining to
immoral life-styles. - Neal A.
Maxwell, “The Stern But Sweet Seventh Commandment”
1/2/16
At the gate to heaven, Christ,
the King of kings, waits for us with open arms. He awaits not only
to certify us, but also to bestow a Shepherd's divine affection upon
His sheep as we come Home. The reality that, if we are worthy, we
should one day be so warmly received by the Lord of lords and King
of kings is marvelous beyond comprehension! - Neal
A. Maxwell, "Even As I Am," p.33
2/15/16
The living God never leaves us
alone even when we seek to move away from him. When the living God
called Jonah to go to Nineveh, the prophet, out of fear of men,
strove to go to Tarshish instead. The living God was not busy
elsewhere or slumbering; he delivered Jonah unceremoniously to
Nineveh! That is the sort of thing the living God does.
A passive life force or an indulgent grandfather God wouldn't worry
about that sort of detail-as long as we are being basically good
boys and girls who might find some good to do in Tarshish. But we
have a precise and loving Father in heaven who knows what we need
and who loves us enough to get us to Nineveh instead of settling for
the chores of Tarshish. - Neal A.
Maxwell, "Things As They Really Are," p.36
2/24/16
Anxious Uzzah, who steadied the
ark in ancient Israel, was smitten for his actions. (2
Samuel 6:6; 1
Chronicles 13:9.) Some may reason that he was only
trying—though mistakenly—to help out. But given the numerous times
the Lord had saved and spared Israel, including the high dramas of
the Red Sea and of the manna from heaven, surely He knew how to keep
the ark in balance! - Neal A.
Maxwell, "Meek and Lowly," p.15
5/25/16
On the other side of the veil, there are perhaps seventy billion
people. They need the same gospel, and releases occur here to aid
the Lord's work there. Each release of a righteous individual from
this life is also a call to new labors. Those who have true hope
understand this.
Therefore, though we miss the departed righteous so much here,
hundreds may feel their touch there. One day, those hundreds will
thank the bereaved for gracefully forgoing the extended association
with choice individuals here, in order that they could help hundreds
there. In God's ecology, talent and love are never wasted. The
hopeful understand this, too. - Neal
A. Maxwell, “Notwithstanding My Weakness,” p.55
8/8/16
Granted, finite minds do not fully understand the infinite mind of
God. We are not fully comprehending when our agency brushes against
His divinity. Yet we should trust Him as our provincial petitions
meet His universal omniscience. - Neal
A. Maxwell, “That Ye May Believe,” p.179
8/23/16
Some of us too often make the mistake of putting our relationships
at the mercy of schedules and circumstances. Like it or not, we do
experience people fatigue as well as physical fatigue. As often as
not, our partners and families tend to get what is left at the end
of a busy day or week. Our most important relationships deserve some
prime time. Sometimes those who need our prime time the most will
not in their modesty or role reluctance be the highest bidders, and
we will have to go out of our way to accommodate such. - Neal
A. Maxwell, “Wherefore, Ye Must Press Forward,” p.91
11/16/16
One of the last, subtle strongholds of selfishness is the
natural feeling that we “own” ourselves. Of course we are free to
choose and are personally accountable. Yes, we have individuality. But
those who have chosen to “come unto Christ” soon realize that they do
not “own” themselves.Instead, they belong to Him. We are to become
consecrated along with our gifts, our appointed days, and our very
selves. Hence, there is a stark difference between stubbornly “owning”
oneself and submissively belonging to God. Clinging to the old self is
not a mark of independence, but of indulgence! – Neal
A. Maxwell, “Put
Off
the Natural Man, and Come Off Conqueror,” Ensign (CR) November
1990
2/11/17
Brothers and sisters, on very thin pages, thick with meaning, are
some almost hidden scriptures. Hence we are urged to search, feast,
and ponder (see John
5:39; Alma
14:1; Alma
33:2; Moro.
10:3; 2
Ne. 9:51). Especially, however, we should also do more of what
Nephi did, namely “liken all scriptures unto [ourselves]” (1
Ne. 19:23). – Neal
A. Maxwell, “Lessons
from Laman and Lemuel,” Ensign (CR) November 1999
3/7/17
If we are of good cheer, we will find no use for nostalgia for
another time, even though a wistful lamentation such as this one is
understandable:
“Oh, that I could have had my days in the days when my father Nephi
first came out of the land of Jerusalem, … then were his people easy
to be entreated, firm to keep the commandments of God, and slow to
be led to do iniquity. …
“But behold, I am consigned that these are my days.” (Hel.
7:7, 9.)
Brothers and sisters, these are our days. This is our time
on earth! These are our tasks to be done! – Neal
A. Maxwell, “Be
of Good Cheer,” Ensign (CR) November 1982
3/18/17
In a decaying environment, the mind is the last redoubt of
righteousness, and it must be preserved even amid bombardment by evil
stimuli. Christ is competent to see us through, “for in that he himself
hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are
tempted” (Heb.
2:18). – Neal A. Maxwell, “Overcome
…
Even As I Also Overcame,” Ensign (CR) May 1987
