“Careful versus Casual (excerpts),” New Era, May 2019, 18–19.
Careful versus Casual (excerpts)
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are blessed to know how and where true happiness is found. It is found in carefully living the gospel established by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and in striving to become more like Him. …
… We … are on a track, a covenant path we committed to when we were baptized as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Although we may encounter occasional obstacles along the way, this path will keep us moving towards our prized eternal destination if we stay firmly on it. …
There is a careful way and a casual way to do everything, including living the gospel. As we consider our commitment to the Savior, are we careful or casual? …
The youth theme for 2019 is taken from John 14:15, where the Lord instructs, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” If we love Him as we claim, can’t we show that love by being a little more careful in living His commandments?
Being careful in living the gospel does not necessarily mean being formal or stuffy. What it does mean is being appropriate
in our thoughts and behavior as disciples of Jesus Christ. …
The For the Strength of Youth pamphlet contains standards that, when followed carefully, will bring rich blessings and help us stay on the covenant path. …
We do not lower our standards to fit in or make someone else feel comfortable. We are disciples of Jesus Christ, and as such
we are about elevating others, lifting them to a higher, holier place where they too can reap greater blessings. …
It’s impossible to live a perfect life. Only one man was able to live perfectly while dwelling on this telestial planet. That was Jesus Christ. Although we may not be perfect, … we can be worthy: worthy to partake of the sacrament, worthy of temple blessings, and worthy to receive personal revelation.
King Benjamin testified of the blessings that come to those who carefully follow the Savior:
“And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness” [Mosiah 2:41].