2014
Words to Live By
November 2014


“Words to Live By,” New Era, Nov. 2014, 18–23

Words to Live By

Words to Live By

“We challenge all youth to avoid bullying, insults, or language and practices that deliberately inflict pain on others. All of these violate the Savior’s command to love one another.”

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

“Stay focused on [the] simple things, and avoid becoming distracted.”

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

“The ordinance of the sacrament has been called ‘one of the most holy and sacred ordinances in the Church.’ It needs to become more holy and sacred to each of us.”

Elder James J. Hamula of the Seventy

“Become more like the Savior by caring for the poor and needy, by faithfully keeping the law of the fast, and by contributing a generous fast offering.”

Bishop Dean M. Davies, Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric

“When we assist [Jesus Christ] in His mission of saving souls, we too will be rescued in the process.”

Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong of the Seventy

“Choose to converse with your Father in Heaven often.”

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

“In all things we should remember that being ‘valiant in the testimony of Jesus’ [D&C 76:79] is the great dividing test between the celestial and terrestrial kingdoms. We want to be found on the celestial side of that divide.”

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

“To be strong in living the gospel, there is nothing more important than receiving and strengthening our own testimony.”

Elder Craig C. Christensen of the Presidency of the Seventy

“Covenants with God help us to know who we really are. They connect us to Him in a personal way”

Jean A. Stevens, first counselor in the Primary general presidency

“The Atonement of Jesus Christ provides the cleanser necessary to be made pure and clean, the soothing salve to heal spiritual wounds and remove guilt, and the protection that enables us to be faithful in times both good and bad.”

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

“Providing an example of righteousness can help to illuminate an increasingly dark world.”

President Thomas S. Monson

“The home is the ideal forum for teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Tad R. Callister, Sunday School general president

“The question is not, ‘Is there room for honest, sincere inquiry?’ but rather, ‘Where do I turn for truth when questions do arise?’ ‘Will I be wise enough to hold fast to what I know to be true in spite of a few questions I might have?’ I testify there is a divine source—One who knows all things, the end from the beginning. All things are present before Him.”

Elder Larry S. Kacher of the Seventy

“Just because things are going well does not mean that we should not from time to time consider whether there might be something better.”

Elder Carlos A. Godoy of the Seventy

“Placed around the world, temples have their own unique look and design on the outside, but inside they all contain the same eternal light, purpose, and truth. … We too as daughters of God have been placed all around the world, like temples, and we each have our own unique look and outward design, like temples. We also have a spiritual light within us, like temples. This spiritual light is a reflection of the Savior’s light.”

Neill F. Marriott, second counselor in the Young Women general presidency

“When people try to save face with men, they can unwittingly lose face with God. Thinking one can please God and at the same time condone the disobedience of men isn’t neutrality but duplicity, or being two-faced or trying to ‘serve two masters’ (Matthew 6:24; 3 Nephi 13:24).”

Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the Presidency of the Seventy

“Like partaking of the sacrament, attending meetings, reading the scriptures, and saying personal prayers, family history and temple work should be a regular part of our personal worship.”

Elder Allan F. Packer of the Seventy

“Each member serves as a testimony of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. We are at war with the forces of the adversary, and we need each and every one of us if we are going to succeed in the work the Savior has for us to do.”

President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

“Our wounded souls can be healed and renewed [through the sacrament] not only because the bread and water remind us of the Savior’s sacrifice of His flesh and blood but because the emblems also remind us that He will always be our ‘bread of life’ and ‘living water’ [John 6:48; 4:10].”

Cheryl A. Esplin, second counselor in the Primary general presidency

“I would like to share six practical suggestions that, if heeded, will dissipate these evil voices and restore to you the kind of peaceful assurance and spiritual confidence that is yours to have if you only want it.

“1. Take responsibility for your own spiritual well-being. …

“2. Take responsibility for your own physical well-being. …

“3. Embrace voluntary, wholehearted obedience as part of your life. …

“4. Become really, really good at repenting thoroughly and quickly. …

“5. Become really, really good at forgiving. …

“6. Accept trials, setbacks, and ‘surprises’ as part of your mortal experience.”

Elder Jörg Klebingat of the Seventy

“According to the world’s standards, following the prophet may be unpopular, politically incorrect, or socially unacceptable. But following the prophet is always right.”

Carol F. McConkie, first counselor in the Young Women general presidency

“The invitation to ‘follow Him’ … is not a passive invitation; it is an invitation to act.”

Elder Eduardo Gavarret of the Seventy

“The holy scriptures and the talks given at general conference are an effective mirror we can hold up for self-examination.”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency

“The love of Jesus Christ must be our guide if we are to become aware of the needs of those we can help in some way. The teachings of our Lord, Jesus Christ, show us the way. And that is how our personal ministry begins: discovering needs, then tending to them.”

Elder Hugo Martinez of the Seventy