Don’t Delay

By Elder Henry B. Eyring

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

From an October 1999 general conference address.

Did you know that Elder Henry B. Eyring enjoys watercolor painting and cooking with his family? He teaches us about daily repentance.

All of us have faced deadlines. Fear can grip us when we realize that there may not be enough time left to finish what we promised we would do. The thought comes, “Why didn’t I start earlier?”

The Lord knew we would be tempted to procrastinate [put off] the most important preparation we could ever make in this life. In youth we may [think]: “There will be time enough to worry about spiritual things just before my mission or before marriage. Spiritual things are for older people.” But there is so much to do, and time seems to shrink.

Satan wants us to be miserable as he is. And he knows that we can only have true happiness if we are washed clean through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, by deep and continuing repentance, and the making and keeping of sacred covenants. Any choice to delay repentance gives [Satan] the chance to steal [our] happiness.

Today is always a better day to repent than tomorrow. One of the questions we must ask of our Heavenly Father in private prayer is this: “What have I done today, or not done, which displeases Thee? If I can only know, I will repent with all my heart without delay.” That humble prayer will be answered. And the answers will surely include the assurance that asking today was better than waiting to ask tomorrow.