Willingness to serve
When we catch the vision regarding the worth of human souls, when we realize the truth of the adage, "God's sweetest blessings always flow through hands that serve Him here below," then we have quickened within our souls the desire to do good, the willingness to serve, and the yearning to lift to a higher plane the children of God. … The bottom line of living is giving. — "Windows," Ensign, November 1989, p. 69
Priorities
In this fast-paced life, do we ever pause for moments of meditation — even thoughts of timeless truths?
When compared to eternal verities, most of the questions and concerns of daily living are really rather trivial. What should we have for dinner? What color should we paint the living room? Should we sign Johnny up for soccer? These questions and countless others like them lose their significance when times of crisis arise, when loved ones are hurt or injured, when sickness enters the house of good health, when life's candle dims and darkness threatens. Our thoughts become focused, and we are easily able to determine what is really important and what is merely trivial. …
Said the Savior:
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
"But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:19-21). — "The Race of Life," Ensign, May 2012
Pioneer Heritage
The first winter the pioneers experienced in the Salt Lake Valley was mild, but by spring of 1848 provisions became scarce. Heavy spring snow and rain descended. The homes which had been constructed with flat sod roofs leaked profusely. It was not uncommon to see women going about their household duties holding umbrellas over their heads.
Rationing was imposed. Each person was limited to about one-half pound of flour per day. They also ate thistle tops, bark and roots.
We really have few ways today to comprehend the difficulty, the sacrifice, the hunger and deprivation which were required to build the roads, the culture, the schools, the very basis of today's civilization, in the Salt Lake Valley in the State of Utah. But we should never forget it. … Let us not only remember the past and its required sacrifice, let us also remember that we are responsible to build a legacy for the generations which follow us. Good character, craftsmanship, spirituality: these are among the precious things we can leave as our addition to the heritage of sacrifice and hard work that was left to us by those who pioneered before. — "The Legacy Continues," Days of '47 Video, May 1994
"America Needs You"
One of the most famous enlistment posters of World War II was one depicting Uncle Sam pointing his long finger and directing his piercing eyes at the viewer. The words read, "America Needs You." America truly does need you and me to lead out in a mighty crusade of righteousness. We can help when we love God and with our families serve Him; and when we love our neighbor as ourselves. — "Duty — Honor — Country," National Boy Scouts of America Duty to God Breakfast, May 29, 2003
Sacrifice
The call to serve has ever characterized the work of the Lord. It rarely comes at a convenient time. It brings humility, it provokes prayer, it inspires commitment. The call came — to Kirtland. Revelations followed. The call came — to Missouri. Persecution prevailed. The call came — to Nauvoo. Prophets died. The call came — to the basin of the Great Salt Lake. Hardship beckoned.
That long journey, made under such difficult circumstances, was a trial of faith. But faith forged in the furnace of trials and tears is marked by trust and testimony. Only God can count the sacrifice; only God can measure the sorrow; only God can know the hearts of those who serve Him — then and now. — "Tears, Trials, Trust, Testimony," Ensign, May 1987, pp. 43-44
Selfishness
In the helter-skelter competitiveness of life, there is a tendency to think only of ourselves. To succumb to this philosophy narrows one's vision and distorts a proper view of life. When concern for others replaces concern for self, our own progress is enhanced. — "Go For It!" Ensign, May 1989, p. 44
