(9/4/98)
"I am wondering how many of you know the Articles of Faith? How many of
you big men, as well as the little men? Do you know them? Have you
repeated them? You are always prepared with a sermon when you know the
Articles of Faith. And they are basic, aren't they? I would think it
would be a wonderful thing if all the boys, as they learn them, would
learn them word perfect. That means that you don't miss and you don't
forget." — Spencer W. Kimball, "The
Privilege
Of Holding The Priesthood," General Conference, October 1975
(6/27/99)
"Apostasy usually begins with question and doubt and criticism. It is a
retrograding and devolutionary process. The seeds of doubt are planted
by unscrupulous or misguided people, and seldom directed against the
doctrine at first, but more often against the leaders." — "The Teachings
of Spencer W. Kimball", p. 462
(12/14/99)
"There are depths in the sea which the storms that lash the surface into
fury never reach. They who reach down into the depths of life where, in
the stillness, the voice of God is heard, have the stabilizing power
which carries them poised and serene through the hurricane of
difficulties." — "The Rewards, The Blessings, The Promises," General
Conference, October 1973
(12/15/99)
"As Latter-day Saints we must ever be vigilant. The way for each person
and each family to guard against the slings and arrows of the Adversary
and to prepare for the great day of the Lord is to hold fast to the iron
rod' to exercise greater faith, to repent of our sins and shortcomings,
and to be anxiously engaged in the work of His kingdom on earth, which
is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Herein lies the only
true happiness for all our Father's children." — "The Lord Expects
Righteousness," General Conference, October 1982
(12/16/99)
"Avoid the tendency to crowd too many meetings in on the Sabbath day.
When holding your regular meetings, make them as spiritual and effective
as possible. Meetings need not be hurried nor rushed, for they can be
planned in a manner that permits their sacred purposes to be
accomplished without difficulty. The consolidated meeting schedule was
implemented largely in order to provide several more Sabbath hours for
families. Therefore, take time to be together as families to converse
with one another, to study the scriptures, to visit friends, relatives,
and the sick and lonely." — "Rendering Service to Others," General
Conference, April 1981
(12/17/99)
"Let us be serene and filled with peace and love as we live in a world
that is unfortunately filled with increasing crime and violence. Let us
remember and keep the Lord's great commandment to love our neighbors.
Where there are differences or misunderstandings, let us resolve or
diminish them through kindly, brotherly service and genuine concern and
regard." — "Follow the Fundamentals," General Conference, April 1981
(12/18/99)
"Now, my brothers and sisters, it seems clear to me, indeed, this
impression weighs upon me--that the Church is at a point in its growth
and maturity when we are at last ready to move forward in a major way.
Some decisions have been made and others pending, which will clear the
way, organizationally. But the basic decisions needed for us to move
forward, as a people, must be made by the individual members of the
Church. The major strides which must be made by the Church will follow
upon the major strides to be made by us as individuals." — "Let Us Move
Forward And Upward," General Conference, April 1979
(12/19/99)
"But I say we do not go to Sabbath meetings to be entertained or amused;
we go there to worship the Lord. It is an individual responsibility, and
regardless of what is said from the pulpit, if one wishes to worship the
Lord in spirit and in truth, he may do so by attending his meetings,
partaking of the sacrament, and contemplating the beauties of the
Gospel. If the sacrament meeting is a failure to you, you are the one
that has failed. No one can worship for you, you must do your own
serving of the Lord." — "Conference Report," April 1944, p. 145
(12/20/99)
"Men do not give their lives to perpetuate falsehoods. Martyrdom
dissipates all question as to the sincerity of the martyr. Personalities
do not survive the ages. They rise like a shooting star, shine
brilliantly for a moment and disappear from view, but a martyr for a
living cause, like the sun, shines on forever. ...Thousands gave lives
they could have saved, in Missouri, Illinois, and crossing the plains,
and today a great people hailed for their education, practicability, and
virtue, stand to bear witness that the martyrdom of Joseph Smith, like
that of the martyrs before him, is another of the infallible proofs of
the divinity of the gospel of Jesus Christ, restored in its fulness
through that humble prophet." — "Conference Report," April 1946, p. 50
(12/21/99)
"Christmas comes once a year to reveal to us the beautiful and near
approach man can make to the divine, to the ideal, to the Christlike
life." — "The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball," p.247
(2/18/02)
"As you investigate the Church of Jesus Christ, you will find it is not
a religion claiming succession from those who shared Christ's earthly
ministry; nor is it a Protestant religion. It is a divine restoration of
Christ's earthly kingdom, organized, as was his primitive church, with
'apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc.' (A
of F 1:6.)" — Spencer W. Kimball, "The
Stone
Cut without Hands," Ensign, May 1976, p. 7
(4/8/02)
"I am grateful for the cultural refinement that comes into Latter-day
Saint homes as the mothers are able to draw upon their experiences in
the Church to add to the serenity of our homes. Especially is this true
if we approach these things in the spirit of the thirteenth Article of
Faith: 'If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or
praiseworthy, we seek after these things.' [A
of F 1:13]" — Spencer W. Kimball, "Privileges
and
Responsibilities of Sisters," "Ensign," Nov. 1978, p. 105
(8/04/02)
"Jesus was not a painter, and yet he inspired Michelangelo and many
other great painters. They painted Jesus and he was the inspiration for
it. He was not an orator, and yet no man spake as this man spoke. He
didn't wave his hands and shout in stentorian sounds, but he penetrated
men's souls with his thoughts. His sayings have been hammered in marble,
chiseled into imperishable stone and granite, wrought into enduring
bronze tablets, written in stained glass windows of numberless churches,
and fashioned in rich mosaics upon temple walls and set in arched domes
of colossal cathedrals." — Spencer W. Kimball, "The Teachings of Spencer
W. Kimball," Bookcraft, p. 9
(5/26/03)
"Alma said it well. He had tasted the bitterness of a sinful life and of
spiritual rebellion, so he knew well what he was saying - 'Wickedness
never was happiness.' (Alma
41:10.) And since happiness brings peace, wickedness brings its
antithesis - strife and turmoil." — Spencer W. Kimball, "Miracle of
Forgiveness," p. 360
(7/4/03)
"Idolatry is among the most serious of sins. There are unfortunately
millions today who prostrate themselves before images of gold and silver
and wood and stone and clay. But the idolatry we are most concerned with
here is the conscious worshiping of still other gods. Some are of metal
and plush and chrome, of wood and stone and fabrics. They are not in the
image of God or of man, but are developed to give man comfort and
enjoyment, to satisfy his wants, ambitions, passions and desires. Some
are in no physical form at all, but are intangible." -- Spencer W.
Kimball, "The Miracle of Forgiveness," [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft,
1969], p. 58
(7/18/03)
"In the midst of discordant sounds of hate, bitterness and revenge
expressed so often today, the soft note of forgiveness comes as a
healing balm. Not least is its effect on the forgiver." — Spencer W.
Kimball, "The Miracle of Forgiveness," [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1969]
(10/7/04)
"What is it to know of the doctrine? It is an unwavering assurance. The
Lord has offered a rich reward but has provided that it can be had only
by meeting certain requirements. In this case the blessing promised is a
knowledge of the divinity of the doctrine. And in this case the law or
requirement is that one must 'do his will.' Most of us know what his
will is, far more than we have disposition or ability to comply. One
must not only be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost, but also live the
commandments to be given the knowledge of the divinity of the work. Mere
passive acceptance of the doctrines will not give the testimony; no
casual half-compliance with the program will bring that assurance; it
will come only through an all-out effort to live his commandments." -
Spencer W. Kimball, "President Kimball Speaks Out," [Salt Lake City:
Deseret Book Co., 1981], p. 21
(10/9/04)
"It is impossible to understand what happened on Calvary without some
understanding as to what went on in Gethsemane. Likewise, the birth at
Bethlehem must be tied to the significance of the empty tomb which
signaled the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The ministry of the Master
cannot be understood fully either, unless we understand about his
ministry on this hemisphere to the other sheep which were not of the
fold in Jerusalem (see John
10:16; 3
Ne. 15:17, 21-24). The more one understands about the ministry of
Jesus Christ, the more absurd it is to regard him as any less than the
resurrected Son of God." - Spencer W. Kimball, "The
Savior:
The Center of Our Lives," New Era, April 1980, p. 34
(11/15/04)
"We are bound to note events and trends in the world which will
constitute special challenges. We cannot expect to live in times of
turbulence without experiencing some of that turbulence ourselves. But
we do not need to be 'tossed to and fro, and carried about [by] every
wind of doctrine' without anchor (see Eph. 4:14). We have fellowship in
a divine church. We have present-day prophets to guide us. We have
Christ as our shepherd to lead us." - Spencer W. Kimball, "Do
Not Weary by the Way," Ensign, November 1980, p. 76
(12/29/04)
"We extend to every listener a cordial invitation to come to the watered
garden, to the shade of pleasant trees, to the unchangeable truth. Come
with us to sureness, security, consistency. Here the cooling waters
flow. The spring does not go dry. Come listen to a prophet's voice and
hear the word of God. The Lord does not change. He is the same
yesterday, today, and forever. His church stands firm and unchangeable.
Sin will not be tolerated, but sincere repentance will be rewarded with
forgiveness." - Spencer W. Kimball, "Voices
of
the Past, of the Present, of the Future," Ensign, June 1971, p. 19
(2/2/05)
"'Brother Kimball, have you ever been to heaven?'...
"'Yes. Just an hour ago. It was in the holy temple across the way. The
sealing room was shut off from the noisy world by its thick,
white-painted walls; the drapes, light and warm; the furniture, neat and
dignified; the mirrors on two opposite walls seeming to take one in
continuous likenesses on and on into infinity; and the beautiful
stained-glass window in front of me giving such a peaceful glow. All the
people in the room were dressed in white. Here were peace and harmony
and eager anticipation. A well-groomed young man and an exquisitely
gowned young woman, lovely beyond description, knelt across the altar.
Authoritatively, I pronounced the heavenly ceremony which married and
sealed them for eternity on earth and in the celestial worlds. The pure
in heart were there. Heaven was there.'" - Spencer W. Kimball, "Glimpses
of
Heaven," Ensign, Dec. 1971, p. 36
(3/23/05)
"For many years I saw a strong man carry his tiny, emaciated, arthritic
wife to meetings and wherever she could go. There could be no sexual
expression. Here was selfless indication of a"Hidden knowledge is not
unfindable. It is available to all who really search. Christ said,
'...seek and ye shall find.' (Matt.
7:7.) Spiritual knowledge is not available merely for the asking;
even prayers are not enough. It takes persistence and dedication of
one's life. The knowledge of things in secular life are of time and are
limited; the knowledge of the infinite truths are of time an eternity."
- Spencer W. Kimball, Conference Report, October 1968, Afternoon
Meeting, p.129ffection. I think that is pure love. I saw a kindly woman
wait on her husband for many years as he deteriorated with muscular
dystrophy. She waited on him hand and foot, night and day, when all he
could do was to blink his eyes in thanks. I believe that was love.
"I knew a woman who carried her little, handicapped daughter until the
child was too heavy to carry, and then pushed her in a wheelchair for
the following years until her death. The deprived child could never
express appreciation. It seems to me that that was love. Another mother
visited regularly her son who was in the penitentiary. She could receive
nothing from him. She gave much, all she had." - "The Teachings of
Spencer W. Kimball," edited by Edward L. Kimball [Salt Lake City:
Bookcraft, 1982], p. 245
(5/24/05)
"The Lord declared: 'For Zion must increase in beauty, and in holiness;
her borders must be enlarged; her stakes must be strengthened; yea,
verily I say unto you, Zion must arise and put on her beautiful
garments.' (D&C 82:14; italics added.) Zion consists of the pure in
heart—those who are sanctified and whose garments are washed white
through the blood of the Lamb (see Alma
13:11). These are they who take charity as a mantle and
serve"Hidden knowledge is not unfindable. It is available to all who
really search. Christ said, '...seek and ye shall find.' (Matt.
7:7.) Spiritual knowledge is not available merely for the asking;
even prayers are not enough. It takes persistence and dedication of
one's life. The knowledge of things in secular life are of time and are
limited; the knowledge of the infinite truths are of time an eternity."
- Spencer W. Kimball, Conference Report, October 1968, Afternoon
Meeting, p.129 others out of a pure heart.
"We are building up the strength of Zion—her cords or stakes—throughout
the world. Therefore, we counsel our people to remain in their native
lands and gather out the elect of God and teach them the ways of the
Lord. There temples are being built and the saints will be blessed
wherever they live in all the world." - Spencer W. Kimball, "The
Fruit
of Our Welfare Services Labors," Ensign, Nov. 1978, 76
12/21/05
"Peter urged us to give honor unto our wives. (See
1 Pet. 3:7.) It seems to me we should be even more courteous to
our wives and mothers, our sisters and our daughters, than we are to
others. When Paul said that a man who did not provide for his own and
those of his own household was 'worse than an infidel' (1
Tim. 5:8), I like to think of providing for our own as including
providing them with affectional security as well as economic security.
When the Lord told us in this dispensation that 'women have claim on
their husbands for their maintenance' (D&C
83:2), I like to think of maintenance as including our obligation
to maintain loving affection and to provide consideration and
thoughtfulness as well as food." - Spencer W. Kimball, "Fundamental
Principles
to Ponder and Live," Ensign (CR), November 1978, p.43
3/9/06
"It frequently happens that offenses are committed when the offender is
not aware of it. Something he has said or done is misconstrued or
misunderstood. The offended one treasures in his heart the offense,
adding to it such other things as might give fuel to the fire and
justify his conclusions. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why the Lord
requires that the offended one should make the overtures toward
peace....
"To the Nephites the Lord said:
"...if ...thy brother hath aught against thee-
"Go thy way unto thy brother, and first be reconciled to thy brother,
and then come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I will receive
you. (III Nephi
12:23-24.)...
"Do we follow that commandment or do we sulk in our bitterness, waiting
for our offender to learn of it and to kneel to us in remorse?" -
Spencer W. Kimball, "Conference Report," October 1949, Third Day—Morning
Meeting, p.132
3/14/06
"We see about us constant change. Even the pace of life itself has
speeded up. Sometimes it seems that the world is undergoing such throes
of change that people are disoriented, not knowing what is of value.
Right and wrong, however, are as they always were. The principles of the
gospel are unaltered. All of men's evil speaking and all of men's evil
acting cannot alter one jot or tittle of the commandments of God." -
Spencer W. Kimball, "Hold
Fast
to the Iron Rod," Ensign (CR), November 1978, p.4
3/15/06
"'If ye love me, keep my commandments,' he told his people constantly. (John
14:15.)
"There are depths in the sea which the storms that lash the surface into
fury never reach. They who reach down into the depths of life where, in
the stillness, the voice of God is heard, have the stabilizing power
which carries them poised and serene through the hurricane of
difficulties.
"There are so many beautiful promises. To read the scriptures and turn
the pages, and it seems that it is almost all rewards, evidence of
living the commandments of the Lord." - Spencer W. Kimball, "The
Rewards,
the Blessings, the Promises," Ensign (CR), January 1974, p.14
9/3/06
"Work brings happiness, self-esteem, and prosperity. It is the means of
all accomplishment; it is the opposite of idleness. We are commanded to
work. (See Gen. 3:19.)
Attempts to obtain our temporal, social, emotional, or spiritual
well-being by means of a dole violate the divine mandate that we should
work for what we receive. Work should be the ruling principle in the
lives of our Church membership. (See D&C
42:42; D&C
75:29; D&C
68:30-32; D&C
56:17.)" - Spencer W. Kimball, "Welfare
Services:
The Gospel in Action," Ensign (CR), November 1977, p.76
12/30/06
"Let us hold fast to the iron rod. The Savior urged us to put our hand
to the plow without looking back. In that spirit we are being asked to
have humility and a deep and abiding faith in the Lord and to move
forward—trusting in him, refusing to be diverted from our course, either
by the ways of the world or the praise of the world. I see that quality
of readiness and devotion in our people today. There is so much yet to
be done! let us, then, move forward; let us continue the journey with
lengthened stride. The Lord will lead us along, and he will be in our
midst and not forsake us." - Spencer W. Kimball, "Let
Us
Not Weary in Well Doing," Ensign (CR), May 1980, p.80
1/17/07
"Hidden knowledge is not unfindable. It is available to all who really
search. Christ said, '...seek and ye shall find.' (Matt.
7:7.) Spiritual knowledge is
not available merely for the asking; even prayers are not enough. It
takes persistence and dedication of one's life. The knowledge of things
in secular life are of time and are limited; the knowledge of the
infinite truths are of time an eternity." - Spencer W. Kimball,
Conference Report, October 1968, Afternoon Meeting, p.129
1/19/07
"It is normal for children to try. They fall and get up numerous times
before they can be certain of their footing. But adults, who have gone
through these learning periods, must determine what they will do, then
proceed to do it. To 'try' is weak. To 'do the best I can' is not
strong. We must always do better than we can. This is true in every walk
of life. We have a companion who has promised: 'Ask, and it shall be
given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto
you.' (Matt. 7:7.)
With the inspiration from the Lord we can rise higher than our
individual powers, extend far beyond our own personal potential." -
Spencer W. Kimball, "The Miracle of Forgiveness," p.163
6/14/07
"Wondering or skeptical people often ask, Why are there not the
spiritual manifestations today, including healings, as in the days of
the Prophet Joseph Smith and the days of the Savior?
"The answer is clear: There are infinitely more healings today than in
any age, and they are just as wondrous. The religious history of the
Savior's ministry and the period following is written in a few short
chapters; as John said, 'There are also many other things which Jesus
did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even
the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.' (John
21:25.)
"As the history of the years was condensed, it would be expected that
only the most spectacular of the healings would be chronicled, giving
the impression that all miracles were spectacular ones and that all who
asked were healed. Little mention is made of the possibly numerous times
in Christ's and the later apostles' ministries when the blessings were
not so outstanding, when a headache was stopped, when a recovery was
greatly speeded up, or when agonies were relieved. Today the libraries
would bulge their walls if all the miracles of our own time were
recorded." - Spencer W. Kimball, "President Kimball Speaks Out," p.77-78
7/9/07
"On a number of occasions I have encouraged the Saints to keep
personal journals and family records. I renew that admonition. We may
think there is little of interest or importance in what we personally
say or do—but it is remarkable how many of our families, as we pass on
down the line, are interested in all that we do and all that we say.
Each of us is important to those who are near and dear to us—and as
our posterity read of our life's experiences, they, too, will come to
know and love us. And in that glorious day when our families are
together in the eternities, we will already be acquainted." - Spencer
W. Kimball, "We
Need a Listening Ear," Ensign (CR),
November 1979, p.4
10/6/07
"Another act in the greatest drama is being played. No theatrical
stage has ever produced such acts of such engrossing interest and
importance as have been the scenes of the history of the Church in
these last days. The stage has changed from New York to Ohio to
Missouri to Illinois to Utah. The conditions have altered and the
people who have taken the parts are different people. Today another
great leader is sustained. What a privilege for us who are here to be
a part of such an important event! In this change in leadership of the
Church, it is important that the quorums of the priesthood and the
assembly of the Saints have an opportunity to express their gratitude,
pledge their support and confidence, and reaffirm their covenants." -
Spencer W. Kimball, "We
Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet," Ensign
(CR), January 1973, p.33
11/21/07
"No, revelation has not ceased and will not cease. This kingdom of God
has been set up for the rest of time, never to be torn down nor given to
another people. It is a continuous program and will grow instead of
diminish. Its doctrines are well established, but because of growth and
expansion, improved ways are afforded to teach the gospel all over the
world. Additional servants are called to the increasing work for a
bigger world. Revelation and other miracles will never cease unless
faith ceases. Where there is adequate faith, these things will
continue." - Spencer W. Kimball, "The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball,"
edited by Edward L. Kimball, p.448
12/30/07
"Remember that there were no clouds in the sky, no evidence of
rain, and no precedent for the deluge when Noah builded the ark
according to commandment. There was no ram in the thicket when Isaac and
his father left for Moriah for the sacrifice. Remember there were no
towns and cities, no farms and gardens, no homes and storehouses, no
blossoming desert in Utah when the persecuted pioneers crossed the
plains. And remember that there were no heavenly beings in Palmyra, on
the Susquehanna or on Cumorah when the soul-hungry Joseph slipped
quietly into the Grove, knelt in prayer on the river bank, and climbed
the slopes of the sacred hill.
"But know this: that undaunted faith can stop the mouths of lions, make ineffective the fiery flames, make dry corridors through beds of rivers and seas. Unwavering faith can protect against deluge, terminate drouths, heal the sick, and bring heavenly manifestations. Indomitable faith can help us live the commandments and thereby bring blessings unnumbered with peace, perfection, and exaltation in the kingdom of God. May this be our desire to develop this kind of faith and may we finally attain the blessings which such perfect faith can bring...." - Spencer W. Kimball, "Conference Report," October 1952, Second Day—Morning Meeting, p.51
12/31/07
"We preach and discuss the revelation known as the Word of
Wisdom, and usually think of the temporal blessings that will come to us
in increased health if we live in harmony with its teaching, that we
might run and not be weary and walk and not faint, and the destroying
angel should pass us by, but there is also a spiritual aspect which is
more far-reaching and should stimulate us to high purpose. The promise I
am thinking of is this:
"'And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments... shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures...' (Doc. & Cov. 89:18, 19.)
"What could be so priceless as wisdom and knowledge, even hidden treasures?" - Spencer W. Kimball, "Conference Report," October 1944, Afternoon Meeting, p.42
1/3/08
"Brothers and sisters and
friends, if we will sue for peace, taking the initiative in settling
differences—if we can forgive
and forget with all our hearts—if
we can cleanse our own souls of sin, accusations, bitterness, and guilt
before we cast a stone at others—if
we forgive all real or fancied offenses before we ask forgiveness for
our own sins—if we pay our own
debts, large or small, before we press our debtors—if
we manage to clear our own eyes of the blinding beams before we magnify
the motes in the eyes of others—what
a glorious world this would be! Divorce would be reduced to a minimum;
courts would be freed from disgusting routines; family life would be
heavenly; the building of the kingdom would go forward at an accelerated
pace; and the peace which passeth understanding would bring to us all a
joy and happiness which has hardly "entered into the heart of man.'"
- Spencer W. Kimball, "Conference
Report," October 1949, Third Day—Morning
Meeting, p.133
1/22/08
"There is an urgency to engage
more fully in the redeeming of our kindred dead through more frequent
temple attendance. All those who possess temple recommends should use
them as often as possible to engage in baptisms, endowments, and
sealings for the dead. Other members of the Church should concern
themselves seriously with preparations to qualify for temple recommends
that they, too, might enjoy these eternal blessings and also act as
saviors on Mount Zion. There is an ever-increasing burden of temple work
to be done by the Saints, and we should rise to meet this challenge."
- Spencer W. Kimball, "Hold
Fast to the Iron Rod,"
Ensign (CR), November 1978, p.4
2/23/08
"It
is sad to me to see in the congregations many people standing silent
when they could be singing "their hearts out." I wonder constantly if
they would sing happily today if for twelve years they could only move
their lips through thousands of songs and could make no sound? I
wonder if the silent ones can even imagine what it is like to be
unable to join fellow singers in praise to their Lord in music?...
"If
the conductor sings also, it will encourage the congregation and help
them remember the words.... In every beat of the baton should be the
pleading to the Saints of God: Sing. Sing. Sing from your hearts."
- Spencer W. Kimball, "The
Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball,"
edited by Edward L. Kimball, p.518-519
7/13/08
"Could the thousands of our pioneers have voice this morning, I am sure
that they would ask for no shrine, no monuments to their name, no words
of praise, but this thing would they ask: that we, their posterity,
should consecrate our lives, our fortunes, our energies, and ourselves
to the work of the Lord, the cause for which they gave so much." - Spencer
W. Kimball, "The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball," edited by Edward L.
Kimball, p.156
1/25/09
"Peace, sweet peace, finally
comes to all men when they humbly yield to the gentle pressures of the
Spirit." - Spencer W.
Kimball, "Conference
Report," April 1955, Fourth
Day-Morning Meeting, p.97
2/2/09
"'Having food and raiment let us
be therewith content.'—Why
another farm, another herd of sheep, another bunch of cattle, another
ranch? Why another hotel, another cafe, another store, another shop? Why
another plant, another office, another service, another business? Why
another of anything if one has that already which provides the
necessities and reasonable luxuries? Why continue to expand and increase
holdings, especially when those increased responsibilities draw one's
interests away from proper family and spiritual commitments, and from
those things to which the Lord would have us give precedence in our
lives? Why must we always be expanding to the point where our interests
are divided and our attentions and thoughts are upon the things of the
world? Certainly when one's temporal possessions become great, it is
very difficult for one to give proper attention to the spiritual things."
- Spencer W. Kimball, "Conference Report," October 1953, Second
Day—Morning Meeting, p.54
2/21/09
"We pray for
enlightenment, then go to with all our might and our books and our
thoughts and righteousness to get the inspiration. We ask for
judgment, then use all our powers to act wisely and develop wisdom. We
pray for success in our work and then study hard and strive with all
our might to help answer our prayers. When we pray for health we must
live the laws of health and do all in our power to keep our bodies
well and vigorous. We pray for protection and then take reasonable
precaution to avoid danger. There must be works with faith."
- "Teachings of Presidents of the Church:
Spencer W. Kimball," p.44
7/14/09
“Spencer Kimball was not a great storyteller or stand-up comedian, yet
in spite of his serious responsibilities he preserved a comic sense of
his own limitations and sometimes kept from sinking under a load of
cares by being able to see something laughable in a difficult
situation. There are unquestionably more important qualities by which
to judge a person, but a warm, friendly sense of humor is by no means
the least of virtues. Indeed, in the view of many it ranks well up on
the list. And on this criterion, as well as others, Spencer Kimball is
a man worth emulating.” – “Spencer W.
Kimball: a Man of Good Humor” by Edward L. Kimball , BYU Studies,
vol. 25 (1985), Number 4 - Fall 1985, p. 70
8/4/09
“It
is not enough to acknowledge the Lord as supreme and refrain from
worshiping idols; we should love the Lord with all our heart, might,
mind, and strength, realizing the great joy he has in the
righteousness of his children.” - Spencer
W. Kimball, “Hold Fast to the Iron Rod,” Ensign (CR), November 1978,
p. 4
9/27/09
“Righteousness brings discernment. How comforting it is to know that
on judgment day we shall be treated fairly and justly and in the light
of the total, true picture and the discernment of the Judge!
“A similar power of discernment and perception comes to men as they become perfect and the impediments which obstruct spiritual vision are dissolved.” – “The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball,” edited by Edward L. Kimball, p. 156
10/17/09
“Since the beginning there has been in the world a wide range of sins.
Many of them involve harm to others, but every sin is against
ourselves and God, for sins limit our progress, curtail our
development, and estrange us from good people, good influences, and
from our Lord.” – “The Teachings of Spencer
W. Kimball,” edited by Edward L. Kimball, p. 153
10/25/09
“In
the Church a stewardship is a sacred spiritual or temporal trust for
which there is accountability. Because all things belong to the Lord,
we are stewards over our bodies, minds, families, and properties. (See
D&C 104:11-15.) A faithful steward is one who exercises righteous
dominion, cares for his own, and looks to the poor and needy. (See
D&C 104:15-18.)” - Spencer W. Kimball,
“Welfare Services: The Gospel in Action,” Ensign (CR), November
1977, p. 76
1/18/10
“Scripture study as individuals and as a family is most fundamental to
learning the gospel. Daily reading of the scriptures and discussing
them together has long been suggested as a powerful tool against
ignorance and the temptations of Satan. This practice will produce
great happiness and will help family members love the Lord and his
goodness.” – “Teachings of Presidents of the
Church: Spencer W. Kimball,” p. 13
1/26/10
“Man
can transform himself and he must. Man has in himself the seeds of
godhood, which can germinate and grow and develop. As the acorn
becomes the oak, the mortal man becomes a god. It is within his power
to lift himself by his very bootstraps from the plane on which he
finds himself to the plane on which he should be. It may be a long,
hard lift with many obstacles, but it is a real possibility.” - Spencer
W. Kimball, “The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball,” edited by Edward
L. Kimball, p. 28
2/18/10
“I
suppose if I have learned anything in life, it is that we are to keep
moving, keep trying—as long as we breathe! If we do, we will be
surprised at how much more can still be done.” - Spencer
W. Kimball, "Do Not Weary by the Way,” Ensign (CR), November 1980,
p. 76
3/1/10
“I
have learned that where there is a prayerful heart, a hungering after
righteousness, a forsaking of sins, and obedience to the commandments
of God, the Lord pours out more and more light until one finally has
power to pierce the heavenly veil and to know more than man knows.
Such a person has a priceless promise that one day he will see the
Lord's face and know that he is (see D&C 93:1).” – “The
Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball,” edited by Edward L. Kimball, p. 73
6/16/10
"In abandoning
evil, transforming lives, changing personalities, molding characters or
remolding them, we need the help of the Lord, and we may be assured of
it if we do our part. The man who leans heavily upon his Lord becomes
the master of self and can accomplish anything he sets out to do,
whether it be to secure the brass plates, build a ship, overcome a
habit, or conquer a deep-seated transgression." - "Teachings
of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball," p. 45
6/20/10
"The Sabbath day is
given throughout the generations of man for a perpetual covenant. It is
a sign between the Lord and his children forever. It is a day in which
to worship and to express our gratitude and appreciation to the Lord. It
is a day on which to surrender every worldly interest and to praise the
Lord humbly, for humility is the beginning of exaltation. It is a day
not for affliction and burden but for rest and righteous enjoyment. It
is a day not for lavish banqueting, but a day of simple meals and
spiritual feasting; not a day of abstinence from food, except fast day,
but a day when maid and mistress might be relieved from the preparation.
It is a day graciously given us by our Heavenly Father. It is a day when
animals may be turned out to graze and rest; when the plow may be stored
in the barn and other machinery cooled down; a day when employer and
employee, master and servant may be free from plowing, digging, toiling.
It is a day when the office may be locked and business postponed, and
troubles forgotten; a day when man may be temporarily released from that
first injunction, 'In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till
thou return unto the ground.' (Genesis 3:19.) It is a day when bodies
may rest, minds relax, and spirits grow. It is a day when songs may be
sung, prayers offered, sermons preached, and testimonies borne, and when
man may climb high, almost annihilating time, space, and distance
between himself and his Creator." - "The
Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball," edited by Edward L. Kimball, p. 215
6/13/11
"My brothers and
sisters, there seems to be a general state of wickedness in the world in
these perilous yet crucially momentous days. But in the midst of all the
turmoil about us, we can have an inner peace. We are richly blessed and
have so much to be thankful for. As I meditate upon these things, I
remember the words of the Lord, 'For unto whomsoever much is given, of
him much shall be required.' (Luke
12:48.) The Lord expects of us righteousness and obedience to His
commandments in return for the bounties of life He has so richly
bestowed upon us." - Spencer W.
Kimball, "The
Lord Expects Righteousness," Ensign (CR) October 1982
1/12/12
All too frequently, one
who has done many splendid things in life and made an excellent
contribution will let pride cause him to lose the rich reward to which
he would be entitled otherwise. We should always wear the sackcloth and
ashes of a forgiving heart and a contrite spirit, being willing always
to exercise genuine humility, as did the publican [see Luke
18:9-14], and ask the Lord to help us to forgive. - "Teachings
of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball," p.101
1/18/12
There are those today
who say that man is the result of his environment and cannot rise above
it. Those who justify mediocrity, failure, and even weakness and
criminality are certainly misguided. Surely the environmental conditions
found in childhood and youth are an influence of power. But the fact
remains that every normal soul has its free agency and the power to row
against the current and to lift himself to new planes of activity and
thought and development, Man can transform himself. Man must transform
himself. - Spencer W. Kimball, "The
Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball," edited by Edward L. Kimball, p.169
1/29/12
I remember as a
youth walking with my mother up the dusty road to the bishop’s house
in a day when we often paid tithing from our animals and produce. As
we walked, I said, “Why do we take the eggs to the bishop?” She
answered, “Because they are tithing eggs and the bishop receives the
tithing for Heavenly Father.” My mother then recounted how each
evening when the eggs were brought in, the first one went into a small
basket and the next nine went into a large basket. I first learned the
law of tithing from my beloved mother. - Spencer
W. Kimball, "Will
A Man Rob God?" New Era, March 2002
1/30/12
You live in a time of wars and revolutions. And yet, as
President Brigham Young said, the world will be revolutionized by the
preaching of the gospel and the power of the priesthood. And this work
we are called to do. Women and men, our keeping the commandments is
the most revolutionary development in the world, though it is often
less noticed and less glamorous. Do not be discouraged, in the midst
of the sweep of events of our time, if your life sometimes seems so
small. Phillips Brooks observed, “Greatness, after all, in spite of
its name, appears to be not so much a certain size as a certain
quality in human lives.” - Spencer
W. Kimball, "The
Savior: The Center of Our Lives," New Era, April 1980
2/9/12
May I counsel you that
when you select causes to devote your time and talents and treasure to,
be careful to select good causes. There are so many of these causes to
which you can give yourself fully and freely and which will produce much
joy and happiness for you and for those you serve. There are other
causes, from time to time, which may seem more fashionable and which may
produce the applause of the world, but these are usually more selfish in
nature. These latter causes tend to arise out of what the scriptures
call “the commandments of men” rather than the commandments of God. Such
causes have some virtues and some usefulness, but they are not as
important as those causes which grow out of keeping the commandments of
God. - Spencer W. Kimball, "President
Kimball Speaks Out on Service to Others," New Era, March 1981
2/18/12
There seems to grow upon us a film of worldliness when we move away
from the Lord. It might be like the film of grease spread over the
body of the swimmer who would cross the English Channel. It fills the
pores and covers the skin so there can be less penetration of the
cold. It might be like the skin-diver’s rubber suit. But when we
pierce the shell and penetrate the covering and humble ourselves with
naked soul and sincere supplication and cleansed life, our prayers are
answered. We can reach the point where Peter stood, and like him we
may “be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption
that is in the world through lust.
“But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off,
and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” (2
Pet. 1:4, 9.) - Spencer W.
Kimball, "Prayer,"
Ensign, March 1978
3/2/12
First, service to others deepens and sweetens this life while we are
preparing to live in a better world. It is by serving that we learn
how to serve. When we are engaged in the service of our fellowmen, not
only do our deeds assist them, but we put our own problems in a
fresher perspective. When we concern ourselves more with others, there
is less time to be concerned with ourselves! In the midst of the
miracle of serving, there is the promise of Jesus that by losing our
selves, we find ourselves!
Not only do we “find” ourselves in terms of acknowledging divine
guidance in our lives, but the more we serve our fellowmen in
appropriate ways, the more substance there is to our souls. Indeed, it
is easier to “find” ourselves because there is so much more of us to
find." - Spencer W. Kimball, "The
Abundant Life," Liahona, June 1979
6/3/12
Prophets say the same
things because we face basically the same problems. Brothers and
sisters, the solutions to these problems have not changed. It would be
a poor lighthouse that gave off a different signal to guide every ship
entering a harbor. It would be a poor mountain guide who, knowing the
safe route up a mountainside, took his trusting charges up
unpredictable and perilous paths from which no traveler returns. - Spencer
W. Kimball, "The
Stone Cut Without Hands," Ensign (CR) May 1976
12/24/12
We celebrate
the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ at this season of the year. How
grateful we are that the baby Jesus was born. His birth and life and
death were the greatest of all. He died a propitiation for our sins to
open the way for our resurrection, to point the way to our perfection
of life, to show the way to exaltation. He died purposefully,
voluntarily. His birth was humble, his life was perfect, his example
was compelling; his death opened doors, and man was offered every good
gift and blessing. - Spencer W. Kimball, "Jesus
of Nazareth," Ensign December 1984
1/8/13
But a
warning is sounded for us. It behooves us to be alert and to listen
and flee from the evil for our eternal lives. Without help we cannot
stand against it. We must flee to high ground or cling fast to that
which can keep us from being swept away. That to which we must cling
for safety is the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is our protection from
whatever force the evil one can muster. - Spencer W. Kimball, "Hold
Fast to the Iron Rod," Ensign (CR) November 1978
2/11/13
Unless the way we live draws us closer to our Heavenly Father and to
our fellowmen, there will be an enormous emptiness in our lives. It
is frightening for me to see, for instance, how the life-style of so
many today causes them to disengage from their families and their
friends and their peers toward a heedless pursuit of pleasure or
materialism. So often loyalty to family, to community, and to
country is pushed aside in favor of other pursuits which are wrongly
thought to be productive of happiness when, in fact, selfishness is
so often the pursuit of questionable pleasure which passes so
quickly. One of the differences between true joy and mere pleasure
is that certain pleasures are realized only at the cost of someone
else's pain. Joy, on the other hand, springs out of selflessness and
service, and it benefits rather than hurts others. - "Teachings
of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball," p.88
8/6/13
We
have a hope in Christ here and now. He died for our sins. Because of
Him and His gospel, our sins are washed away in the waters of
baptism; sin and iniquity are burned out of our souls as though by
fire; and we become clean, we have a clear conscience, and we gain
that peace which passeth understanding. - Spencer
W. Kimball, "The
Lord Expects Righteousness," Ensign (CR) November 1982
8/17/13
As
I have previously said, most members of the Church are aware of our
intense interest in the missionary work in the Church and the
appeals we have made in many lands for the rededication to preaching
the gospel and preparing missionaries to carry the good news of the
restoration to the people everywhere. I feel the same sense of
urgency about temple work for the dead as I do about the missionary
work for the living, since they are basically one and the same. I
have told my brethren of the General Authorities that this work for
the dead is constantly on my mind. - Spencer
W. Kimball, "The
True Way of Life and Salvation," Ensign (CR) May 1978
8/27/13
If you can think of the greatest real joys that have ever come to
you in this life, then think of the next life as a projection of
this one with all the purposeful things multiplied, enlarged, and
even more desirable. All in these associations of our lives here
have brought to you development and joy and growth and happiness.
Now when life ends, we shall return to a situation patterned after
our life here, only less limited, more glorious, more increased
joys. - Spencer W. Kimball, "The
Cause Is Just and Worthy," Ensign (CR) May 1974
3/20/14
Let us “be of good cheer” (D&C
78:18), for the Lord will, as he has promised, lead us along
and show us the way. He will help us as we decide from day to day on
the allocation of our time and talent. We will move faster if we
hurry less. We will make more real progress if we focus on the
fundamentals. We will even come to know more as we serve more, for
as we learn to bear more we are made ready to hear more (see John
16:12 and Mark
4:33). - Spencer W.
Kimball, “Let
Us Move Forward and Upward,” Ensign (CR) May 1979
7/10/14
There are those who would assume that with the printing and binding
of these sacred records, that would be the “end of the prophets.”
But again we testify to the world that revelation continues and that
the vaults and files of the Church contain these revelations which
come month to month and day to day. We testify also that there is,
since 1830 when The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was
organized, and will continue to be, so long as time shall last, a
prophet, recognized of God and his people, who will continue to
interpret the mind and will of the Lord. - Spencer
W. Kimball, “Revelation:
The Word of the Lord to His Prophets,” Ensign (CR) May 1977
3/16/15
The
Church and its agencies and institutions constitute a little island
in a great ocean. If we cannot hold the line and keep the floods of
error and sin from entangling us and engulfing us, there is little
hope for the world. Tidal waves of corruption, evil, deceit, and
dishonor are pounding our shores constantly. Unless we can build
breakwaters and solid walls to hold them back, the sea will engulf
us and destroy us also. - Spencer
W. Kimball, "The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball," edited by
Edward L. Kimball, p. 438
4/6/15
Even so, brethren and sisters, modern communications have a way of
bringing the world into our homes, and we must not lose our
perspective, even if others are confused. If we hear discouraging
reports and are sobered by events in the world, let us not become
fainthearted—“Do not weary by the way.” The Lord’s program will
succeed even if some individuals in the Church fail. We will see the
constant progress of the Lord’s work, even in the midst of problems
in the world. It will roll forth until it fills the whole earth. He
has given us his assurances so many, many times. He has told us that
if we will keep his commandments he is bound to keep his promises to
us. He does! He will! - Spencer
W. Kimball, “Do
Not Weary by the Way,” Ensign (CR) October 1980
7/26/15
Waste
is unjustified, and especially the waste of time-limited as that
commodity is in our days of probation. One must live, not only
exist; he must do, not merely be; he must grow, not just vegetate. -
"The Teachings of Spencer W.
Kimball," edited by Edward L. Kimball, p. 359
9/15/15
Have
you seen a real mirage in the distance with lakes and trees and
dwellings and castles and water, but as the thirsty traveler moves on
and on and on through it, he finds it but an illusion, and when he has
gone too far to return he stumbles choking in the desert deception.
That is like life—wealth and pride, wit and physical charm, popularity
and flattery are the shadows of the nothingness that can bring us only
disappointment and frustration. - "The
Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball," edited by Edward L. Kimball, p.
153
1/14/16
How this confused world of today needs revelation from God. With war
and pestilence and famine, with poverty, desolation, with more and
more graft, dishonesty, and immorality, certainly the people of this
world need revelation from God as never before. How absurd it would be
to think that the Lord would give to a small handful of people in
Palestine and the Old World his precious direction through revelation
and now, in our extremity, close the heavens. - Spencer
W. Kimball, "Revelation:
The Word of the Lord to His Prophets," Ensign (CR), May 1977,
p.76
2/9/16
We have paused on some plateaus long enough. Let us resume our journey
forward and upward. Let us quietly put an end to our reluctance to
reach out to others—whether in our own families, wards, or
neighborhoods. We have been diverted, at times, from fundamentals on
which we must now focus in order to move forward as a person or as a
people. - Spencer W. Kimball, "Let
Us Move Forward and Upward," Ensign (CR), May 1979, p.82
4/2/16
As local Church leaders cautiously conserve the time that families can
spend together, we say to both parents and children, "Come back home."
Parents should spend less time in clubs, bowling alleys, banquets, and
social gatherings, and more time with their children. Young men and
women must balance their involvement in school and other social
activities with supportive participation in family activities and
appropriate time in the home. - Spencer
W. Kimball, "Living
the Gospel in the Home," Ensign (CR), May 1978, p.100
7/16/16
The Lord bless you, my dear brethren and sisters. I hope that you will
go forward now with a new spring in your walk and that you may be able
to carry forward the things that you have planned all your life to do.
I hope that you will do them well and do them better than they have
ever been done before. And I hope that you will give to the numerous
people who need the Lord's blessings that which they need so much: the
assurance that the Gospel is here, that the Lord is God, that Jesus
Christ is the Redeemer, and that we can depend on him totally in our
work. - Spencer W. Kimball, "Do
Not Weary by the Way," Ensign (CR), November 1980, p.76
3/6/17
We
have been entrusted with a special message for all the world. We must
ever be conscious of that trust and ever be on the alert. There is a
tide to be taken now in the affairs of the Church in all the earth
which will lift us up and carry us forward as never before. Let us
then not weary in well doing. – Spencer
W. Kimball, “Let
Us
Not Weary in Well Doing,” Ensign (CR) May 1980
