2015
Words to Live By
May 2015


“Words to Live By,” New Era, May 2015, 18–22

Words to Live By

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Words to Live By

“Strong eternal families and Spirit-filled homes do not just happen. They take great effort, they take time, and they take each member of the family doing his or her part. Every home is different, but every home where even one individual seeks for truth can make a difference.”

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

“We believe in Him. We worship Him. We follow Him. We deeply love Him. His cause is the greatest cause in all the world.”

Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

“If the emblems of the sacrament are being provided and you are texting or whispering or playing video games … , you are severing your spiritual roots. … That applies to adults also.”

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

“Answers to our sincere questions come when we earnestly seek and when we live the commandments. … Our faith can reach beyond the limits of current reason.”

Rosemary M. Wixom, Primary general president

“Marriage between a man and a woman is the institution that God ordained for the fulfillment of the charge to multiply. A same-gender relationship does not multiply.”

Elder Joseph W. Sitati of the Seventy

“Keep on trying,”

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Seventy

“In a world where praise, position, power, accolades, and authority are sought on every side, I honor those wonderful and blessed souls who are truly good and without guile, those who are motivated by a love of God and their neighbors.”

Elder Michael T. Ringwood of the Seventy

“While we treasure appropriate cultural diversities, our goal is to be united in the culture, customs, and traditions of the gospel of Jesus Christ in every respect.”

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

“Membership in the family of God is not contingent upon any kind of status—marital status, parental status, financial status, social status, or even the kind of status we post on social media.”

Carole M. Stephens, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency

“Everyone can contribute to the unfolding of the divine plan in each generation. Much that is good, much that is essential—even sometimes all that is necessary for now—can be achieved in less than ideal circumstances.”

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

“How … could we be content with anything short of exaltation if we know that exaltation is possible?”

Elder Jorge F. Zeballos of the Seventy

“When we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost after baptism, we are filled with the heavenly music that accompanies conversion. Our hearts are changed, and we ‘have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually’ (Mosiah 5:2). But the Spirit will not endure unkindness or pride or envy. If we lose that delicate influence in our lives, the rich harmonies of the gospel can quickly become dissonant and can ultimately be silenced.”

Elder Wilford W. Andersen of the Seventy

“The goal is an eternal family.”

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

“It must be difficult, at best, for covenant men to live in a world that not only demeans their divine roles and responsibilities but also sends false messages about what it means to be a ‘real man.’ One false message is ‘It’s all about me.’ On the other end of the scale is the degrading and mocking message that husbands and fathers are no longer needed. I plead with you to not listen to Satan’s lies!”

Linda K. Burton, Relief Society general president

“Understanding this plan of happiness provides us with an eternal perspective and helps us to truly value the commandments, the ordinances, the covenants, and the trials and tribulations.”

Elder Rafael E. Pino of the Seventy

“Public opinion polls show that marriage is still the ideal and the hope among the majority of every age group—even among the millennial generation. … The fact is that strong majorities worldwide still want to have children and to create strong families.”

Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

“Searching #spaciousbuilding for knowledge will not lead you to truth. It’s not posted there. Only the Savior has ‘the words of eternal life’ [John 6:68]. Everything else is just words.”

Elder Kevin W. Pearson of the Seventy

“We cannot allow ourselves to be confused by popular messages … that contradict the doctrine and true principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. … As we encounter these worldly messages, great courage and a solid knowledge of the plan of our Heavenly Father will be required to choose the right.”

Elder Ulisses Soares of the Presidency of the Seventy

“The blessings we enjoy now are because we made the choice to follow the Savior before this life.

“… Whoever you are and whatever your past may be, remember this: it is not too late to make that same choice again and follow Him.”

Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

“Fulfilling your Aaronic Priesthood duties is preparing you young men for fatherhood. The Duty to God resource can help you learn about and make specific plans to fulfill your duties. It can serve as a guide and assistance as you seek Heavenly Father’s will and set goals to accomplish it.”

Larry M. Gibson, former first counselor in the Young Men general presidency

“The habit of setting aside your mobile device for a time will enrich and broaden your view of life, for life is not confined to a four-inch (10-cm) screen.”

Elder José A. Teixeira of the Seventy

“Faith in God engenders a love for the Sabbath; faith in the Sabbath engenders a love for God.”

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

“As God encourages us to keep on trying, He expects us to also allow others the space to do the same, at their own pace.”

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Seventy

“We need to boldly defend the Lord’s revealed doctrines describing marriage, families, the divine roles of men and women, and the importance of homes as sacred places—even when the world is shouting in our ears that these principles are outdated, limiting, and no longer relevant. … If it is the Lord’s plan, it should also be our plan!”

Bonnie L. Oscarson, Young Women general president