President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, spoke of the many challenges that are facing members worldwide. Many families, he said, are enduring challenging times.
"I have seen enough ups and downs through my life to know that winter will surely give way to the warmth and hope of a new spring," he said. "I am optimistic about the future. Brethren, for our part, we must remain steadfast in hope, work with all our strength and trust in God."
The Church leader began his priesthood session address by speaking of the trials he faced as a boy living as a post-World War II refugee in Frankfurt, Germany. Young Dieter Uchtdorf knew the chill of poverty and the sting of cruelty. Other children made fun of him because of his East German accent. It was a time of despair — but also a period of personal growth. From his parents, he learned that adversity — when confronted with faith, courage and tenacity — could be overcome.
President Uchtdorf then highlighted two principles that sustained him through the challenges of his childhood: work and learning.
"Work is an antidote for anxiety, an ointment for sorrow, and a doorway to possibility," he said. "Whatever our circumstances in life, my dear brethren, let us do the best we can and cultivate a reputation for excellence in all that we do. Let us set our minds and bodies to the glorious opportunity for work that each new day presents."
President Uchtdorf warned that laboring for worldly wealth or "the glitter of public recognition" should not happen at the expense of families and spiritual growth. "Let us not devote our God-given talents and energies solely to setting earthly anchors, but rather let us spend our days growing spiritual wings."
Retirement, he added, is not part of the Lord's plan of happiness.
"There may be those who, after many years of Church service, believe they are entitled to a period of rest while others pull the weight. To put it bluntly, brethren, this sort of thinking is unworthy of a disciple of Christ. A great part of our work on this earth is to endure joyfully to the end — every day of our life."
Younger men can also enjoy rich blessings as they serve in the Church, he counseled. "Whether you are the youngest deacon or the oldest high priest, there is work to do!"
Turning to the principle of learning, President Uchtdorf declared that education is not merely a good idea — it's a commandment.
Joseph Smith, he said, taught that knowledge is a necessary part of one's mortal journey. During challenging times, it is even more important to learn, President Uchtdorf added.
"Brethren, you have a duty to learn as much as you can. Please encourage your families, your quorum members, everyone to learn and become better educated. If formal education is not available for you, do not allow that to prevent you from acquiring all the knowledge you can. Under such circumstances, the best books, in a sense, can be your 'university' — a classroom that is always open and admits all who apply."
President Uchtdorf emphasized that the "fountain of revelation" must not be neglected as one is learning. "The scriptures and the words of modern-day apostles and prophets are the sources of wisdom, divine knowledge and personal revelation to help us find answers to all the challenges in life.
"Let us learn of Christ; let us seek out that knowledge which leads to peace, truth and the sublime mysteries of eternity."
