Gratitude is not only an expression of faith, but it is a saving principle and a binding commandment, said Elder James E. Faust Sunday afternoon.

Elder Faust of the Council of the Twelve emphasized that Church members are blessed in many ways, and that as they express gratitude for their heritage, they are involved in the essence of worship.His comments were occasionally received with laughter, such as when he described a homemade soap that made "you smell worse after bathing than before."

"One of the evils of our time is taking for granted so many of the things we enjoy," he said. "One of the advantages of having lived a long time is that you can often remember when you had it worse. I am grateful to have lived long enough to have known some of the blessings of adversity.

"Rather than create in us a spirit of envy or anger for what we did not have, many developed a spirit of gratitude for the meager, simple things with which we were blessed. I appreciate the simple things of childhood like hot, homemade bread and oatmeal cereal and many other things."

Recounting the parable of the thankful Samaritan, one of 10 lepers who was healed who turned back to express gratitude to his benefactor, Elder Faust commented:

"It is difficult to understand why they the nine who did not returnT were so lacking in gratitude. Such ingratitude is self-centered. It is a form of pride."

Conversely, he noted, when gratitude is properly expressed, "there is an increase of faith which can lead us into the `divine nature.' (2 Peter 1:4.)

He encouraged members to give thanks for the many blessings they enjoy.

Elder Faust referred to the sacrifice of many early members, a heritage that belongs to every Church member. "The gospel's holy call is to help all mankind come to a sweet, peaceful understanding about who they are, and to foster a love for their fellowman and a determination to keep the commandments of God."

At times, he said, it seems as though there is a tug-of-war between opposing character traits that leaves no void in the soul. "As gratitude is absent or disappears, rebellion often enters and fills the vacuum. I refer to rebellion against moral cleanliness, beauty, decency, honesty, reverence, and respect for parental authority.

"A grateful heart is a beginning for greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith courage, contentment, happiness, love, and well-being."

Elder Faust related several stories of service and gratitude, including those of a Tongan king who bypassed protocol to express thanks, pioneers who sacrificed to further the kingdom, and airline passengers who sprang to the assistance of a young mother and her children.

"The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us.

"I hope that we can cultivate grateful hearts so that we may cherish the multitude of blessings that God has so graciously bestowed. May we openly express such gratitude to our Father in Heaven and our fellowmen."