Work and Avoiding Idleness

"If you are a young man of appropriate age and are not married, don’t waste time in idle pursuits. Get on with life and focus on getting married. Don’t just coast through this period of life. Young men, serve a worthy mission. Then make your highest priority finding a worthy, eternal companion."
The Eternal Blessings of Marriage Richard G. Scott given in April 2011 General Conference

"But our labor can be misdirected. One can be anxiously engaged in a meaningless cause. Or one can do something wrong a hundred times and call it experience! Some would avoid labor while pursuing the goals of wealth without working for it, or an honored position without preparing for it. The converted Lamanites taught this lesson: “Rather than shed the blood of their brethren they would give up their own lives; and rather than take away from a brother they would give unto him; and rather than spend their days in idleness they would labor abundantly with their hands.” (Alma 24:18.)"
Protect the Spiritual Power Line given by Russell M. Nelson October 1984 General Conference 

"You have come into the world in a great season in this the work of the Lord. No other generation has had quite the same opportunities that you have and will have. Begin now to establish those goals which will bring you happiness—education in your chosen skill or branch of learning, whatever it may be; a mission in which to surrender yourself entirely to the Lord to do His work; future marriage in the house of the Lord to a wonderful and delightful companion of whom you will be worthy because of the way you have lived."
Converts and Young Men given by Gordon B. Hinckley in April 1997 General Conference

"Teaching children the joy of honest labor is one of the greatest of all gifts you can bestow upon them. I am convinced that one of the reasons for the breakup of so many couples today is the failure of parents to teach and train sons in their responsibility to provide and care for their families and to enjoy the challenge this responsibility brings. Many of us also have fallen short in instilling within our daughters the desire of bringing beauty and order into their homes through homemaking.

Oh, how essential it is that children be taught early in life the joy that comes from starting and fashioning a job that is the workmanship of their own hands. Teach children the joy of honest labor. Provide a foundation for life that builds confidence and fulfillment in each life. “Happy is the man who has work he loves to do. … Happy is the man who loves the work he has to do” (Anonymous)."                        The Joy of Honest Labor given by L. Tom Perry in October 1986 General Conference

"Procrastination is truly a thief of time—especially when it comes to downright hard work. I speak of the need to study diligently as you prepare for the tests of school and, indeed, the tests of life."
Pathways to Perfection given my Thomas S. Monson in April 2002 General Conference

“Thou shalt not be idle,” the Lord said. (D&C 42:42.) Idleness is of the devil, and we are not kind to our children when we become affluent and take from them their labors, their opportunities to serve and to be trained and to do things for themselves and for others."
Loving One Another by Spencer W. Kimball given in October 1976 General Conference 

"When people are able but unwilling to take care of themselves, we are responsible to employ the dictum of the Lord that the idler shall not eat the bread of the laborer. (See D&C 42:42.)"
Solving Emotional Problems in the Lord's Way by Boyd K. Packer General Conference April 1978

"The Lord will hold you responsible for your children. But I am suggesting that we spend a little less time in idleness, in the fruitless pursuit of watching some inane and empty television programs. Time so utilized can be put to better advantage, and the consequences will be wonderful. Of that I do not hesitate to assure you."
We Have a Work To Do by Gordon B. Hinckley given in April 1995 General Conference

"God has designed this mortal existence to require nearly constant exertion. I recall the Prophet Joseph Smith’s simple statement: “By continuous labor [we] were enabled to get a comfortable maintenance” (Joseph Smith—History 1:55). By work we sustain and enrich life. It enables us to survive the disappointments and tragedies of the mortal experience. Hard-earned achievement brings a sense of self-worth. Work builds and refines character, creates beauty, and is the instrument of our service to one another and to God. A consecrated life is filled with work, sometimes repetitive, sometimes menial, sometimes unappreciated but always work that improves, orders, sustains, lifts, ministers, aspires."                                                                                                     Reflections on a Consecrated Life by D. Todd Christofferson given in October 2010 General Conference

"The children of earlier pioneers were required to do incredibly hard physical work to survive their environment. That was no greater challenge than many of our young people now face from the absence of hard work, which results in spiritually corrosive challenges to discipline, responsibility, and self-worth. Jesus taught: “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt. 10:28).
Following the Pioneers by Dallin H. Oaks October 1997 General Conference 

Work and Avoiding Idleness

My Patriarchal blessing warned me about being idle with my time. I have noticed at different times in my life that things have sucked away my time that have not left me a better person. I now gauge the worth of an activity on how it will help me to grow and learn. It has definitely cut back on mindless Internet surfing. I come from a family where hard work is expected and appreciated. I love President Hinckley’s reminder that we live in a very important time where the Lord expects and appreciates the work that we do.

Unconditional Love

"If you would be loved, love another. If you would be understood, show understanding to another. If you would find peace, harmony, and happiness, lift another."
The Power to make a Difference Elder Richard G. Scott General Conference October 1983

"The family is at the heart of Heavenly Father’s plan because we are all part of His family and because mortality is our opportunity to form our own families and to assume the role of parents. It is within our families that we learn unconditional love, which can come to us and draw us very close to God’s love. It is within families that values are taught and character is built. Father and mother are callings from which we will never be released, and there is no more important stewardship than the responsibility we have for God’s spirit children who come into our families."
Let Our Voices Be Heard Elder M. Russell Ballard General Conference October 2003

"I have been impressed to speak about God’s love and God’s commandments. My message is that God’s universal and perfect love is shown in all the blessings of His gospel plan, including the fact that His choicest blessings are reserved for those who obey His laws. ¹ These are eternal principles that should guide parents in their love and teaching of their children."
Love and Law Elder Dallin H. Oaks General Conference October 2009

"Individual progression is fostered in the family, which is “central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.” ⁹ The home is to be God’s laboratory of love and service. There a husband is to love his wife, a wife is to love her husband, and parents and children are to love one another."
Salvation and Exaltation Elder Russell M. Nelson General Conference October 2008

"Love is the measure of our faith, the inspiration for our obedience, and the true altitude of our discipleship."
The Love of God President Dieter F. Uchtdorf General Conference October 2009

"We can begin to become more diligent and concerned at home by telling the people we love that we love them. Such expressions do not need to be flowery or lengthy. We simply should sincerely and frequently express love.

Brethren and sisters, when was the last time you took your eternal companion in your arms and said, “I love you”? Parents, when was the last time you sincerely expressed love to your children? Children, when was the last time you told your parents that you love them?"                                                                                  More Diligent and Concerned at Home Elder David A. Bednar General Conference October 2009

"Now I find myself asking the question, “How will my children remember me?” How will your children remember you?

The calling of father or mother is sacred and carries with it great significance. One of the greatest privileges and responsibilities given to us is that of being a parent—helping to bring to earth a child of God and having the sacred responsibility to love, care, and guide children back to our Heavenly Father. In many ways earthly parents represent their Heavenly Father in the process of nurturing, loving, caring, and teaching children. Children naturally look to their parents to learn of the characteristics of their Heavenly Father. After they come to love, respect, and have confidence in their earthly parents, they often unknowingly develop the same feelings towards their Heavenly Father."                                                                 How Will Our Children Remember Us? Elder Robert D. Hales General Conference October 1993

"My beloved brothers and sisters, I am not certain just what our experience will be on Judgment Day, but I will be very surprised if at some point in that conversation, God does not ask us exactly what Christ asked Peter: “Did you love me?” I think He will want to know if in our very mortal, very inadequate, and sometimes childish grasp of things, did we at least understand one commandment, the first and greatest commandment of them all—“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind.”¹³ And if at such a moment we can stammer out, “Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee,” then He may remind us that the crowning characteristic of love is always loyalty."
The First Great Commandment Elder Jeffrey R. Holland General Conference October 2012

"The Apostle Paul taught the Corinthians, “If any man love God, the same is known of him.” (1 Cor. 8:3.) The love which these faithful members have for God, for His Son, Jesus Christ, and for His everlasting gospel is confirmed by their very lives. It is reminiscent of the love demonstrated by the brother of Jared as described in the Book of Mormon. The blessings of a loving, caring, and just Heavenly Father simply could not be withheld. Faith preceded the miracle. Eternal ordinances are now performed. Everlasting covenants are now made. The love of God has again blessed His people."
Those Who Love Jesus President Thomas S. Monson General Conference October 1985

"As you love Him, trust Him, believe Him, and follow Him, you will feel His love and approval."
What Thinks Christ of Me? Elder Neil L. Andersen General Conference April 2012

  Unconditional Love

I love Elder Ballards’s council that is within the walls of our home that we learn unconditional love. I am so blessed to come from a family that no matter the mistakes I always knew that I was loved. I hope to always treat my children in a way that they know that no matter the transgression they are always loved in our home. This topic also reminded me that unconditional towards all is just as important. It is easy to forget at times that we are all children of our Heavenly Father, and that they all need our love too.

Pride

"So what is the difference between this kind of feeling and the pride that President Benson called “the universal sin”? ⁶ Pride is sinful, as President Benson so memorably taught, because it breeds hatred or hostility and places us in opposition to God and our fellowmen. At its core, pride is a sin of comparison, for though it usually begins with “Look how wonderful I am and what great things I have done,” it always seems to end with “Therefore, I am better than you.”
Pride and the Priesthood President Dieter F. Uchtdorf General Conference October 2010

"He writes first to the members of the Church and then to those who have not embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ. Moroni’s last words to the members of the Church are written as a voice of warning. He writes as one who sees the history of his people repeating itself in the future. From the Book of Mormon we read:

“Behold, the Lord hath shown unto me great and marvelous things concerning that which must shortly come, at that day when these things shall come forth among you.

“Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing.

“And I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts; and there are none save a few only who do not lift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of very fine apparel, unto envying, and strifes, and malice, and persecutions, and all manner of iniquities; and your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted because of the pride of your hearts."                                                         Behold, The Lord Hath Shown Unto Me Great And Marvelous Things Elder L. Tom Perry General Conference October 1992

"The other warning is to beware of pride. A unity which comes to a family or to a people softened by the Spirit will bring great power. With that power will come recognition from the world. Whether that recognition brings praise or envy, it could lead us to pride. That would offend the Spirit. There is a protection against pride, that sure source of disunity. It is to see the bounties which God pours upon us not only as a mark of His favor but an opportunity to join with those around us in greater service. A man and his wife learn to be one by using their similarities to understand each other and their differences to complement each other in serving one another and those around them. In the same way, we can unite with those who do not accept our doctrine but share our desire to bless the children of our Heavenly Father."
That We May Be One President Henry B. Eyring General Conference April 1998

"Beware of those who speak and publish in opposition to God’s true prophets."         Beware of False Prophets and False Teachers Elder M. Russell Ballard General Conference October 1999

"You have an alarm system built into both body and spirit. In your body it is pain; in your spirit it is guilt—or spiritual pain. While neither pain nor guilt is pleasant, and an excess of either can be destructive, both are a protection, for they sound the alarm “Don’t do that again!”                                                                                   To Young Women and Men Elder Boyd K. Packer General Conference April 1989

"In all of our testifying we must avoid arrogance and pride. We should remember the Book of Mormon rebuke to a people who had such pride in the greater things God had given them that they afflicted their neighbors (see Jacob 2:20). Jacob said this was “abominable unto him who created all flesh” because “the one being is as precious in his sight as the other” (Jacob 2:21). Later, Alma cautioned that “ye shall not esteem one flesh above another, or one man shall not think himself above another” (Mosiah 23:7)".
Testimony Elder Dallin H. Oaks General Conference April 2008

"Godliness characterizes each of you who truly loves the Lord. You are constantly mindful of the Savior’s atonement and rejoice in His unconditional love. Meanwhile you vanquish personal pride and vain ambition. You consider your accomplishments important only if they help establish His kingdom on earth."

"These...Were Our Examples" Elder Russell M. Nelson General Conference October 1991

"To some degree, the natural man described by King Benjamin is alive and well in each of us (see Mosiah 3:19). The natural man or woman is unrepentant, is carnal and sensual (see Mosiah 16:5; Alma 42:10; Moses 5:13), is indulgent and excessive, and is prideful and selfish. As President Spencer W. Kimball taught, “The ‘natural man’ is the ‘earthy man’ who has allowed rude animal passions to overshadow his spiritual inclinations” (“Ocean Currents and Family Influences,” Ensign, Nov. 1974, 112).

In contrast, the “man [or woman] of Christ” (Helaman 3:29) is spiritual and bridles all passions (see Alma 38:12), is temperate and restrained, and is benevolent and selfless. Men and women of Christ lay hold upon the word of God, deny themselves and take up His cross (see Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23; D&C 56:2), and press forward along a strait and narrow course of faithfulness, obedience, and devotion to the Savior and His gospel." 
We Believe in Being Chaste Elder David A. Bednar General Conference April 2013

"All doctrine in scripture can benefit us, even though it be given to a specific individual, for God has repeatedly said, “What I say unto one I say unto all.” ¹³

Emma Smith was told: “Continue in the spirit of meekness, and beware of pride. … Keep my commandments continually, and a crown of righteousness thou shalt receive.”                                                                                                                 "He Lives" Elder Richard G. Scott General Conference October 1999

"As we increase our understanding and love for the Savior, His light will illuminate everything around us. We will then see evil for what it is."
"Beware of the Evil behind the Smiling Eyes" Elder Neil A. Andersen General Conference April 2005

Pride

I didn’t realize before I began taking college classes that I have some issues with pride. It was interesting to me as I began this semester the growth I have been able to have as I realize the difference between criticism and critiquing. This Inspiration book has helped me be able to put away my pride, and grow from the different comments and instruction I have received from my professors as well as from my cohort group. Like the talk given by Elder Christofferson sometimes we have to be cut down, so that we can grow into our true potential.