The gospel of Jesus Christ is God's pattern for righteous living and eternal life, Elder Marvin J. Ashton of the Council of the Twelve emphasized Saturday afternoon.

Elder Ashton asked, "How can we even guess how our life will turn out if we don't choose to follow the right pattern?" He then cited the Lord's promise: "I will give unto you a pattern in all things; . . ." (D&C 52:14.)Elder Ashton cautioned that Satan and his advocates will constantly try to deceive and entice people away from following the gospel pattern. "If we are to achieve daily safety, exaltation, and eternal happiness, we need to live by the light and truth of our Savior's plan. All salvation," he emphasized, "revolves around our Savior."

Affirming God is loving and kind, he said, "Part of His pattern is to help us use our gift of free agency, but His pattern does not condone sin."

He said Satan wages open war with the truth and all who live righteously, and that Satan would have people give up, quit and rebel when setbacks come.

Noting that things do not always go smoothly even when people follow proper patterns, Elder Ashton said God often gives people difficulties to bring out the best in them. "Life does not determine winners. Winners determine life," he said.

Answering why a loving God permits His children to be tempted by Satan, Elder Ashton cited 2 Nephi 2:16: "Wherefore, the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself. Wherefore, man could not act for himself save it should be that he was enticed by one or the other."

"Avoid Satan's territory of deceit," Elder Ashton cautioned.

"Be not deceived by the lures of Satan. God is at the helm and is grieved when we . . . stray from proven paths of enduring happiness and righteousness. He would have us hold fast to the iron rod with total commitment and strength."

Elder Ashton observed, "Following revealed patterns helps us to recognize our weaknesses, deal positively with them, overcome them, and rise to Christlike heights."

Elder Ashton related the story of Roger Bannister, who, through determination, training and dedication, became the first man on record to run a mile in less than four minutes. "He paid the price and reaped rewards of following the proper pattern."

"Be not deceived," Elder Ashton counseled. "God is not mocked. He knows what is best for His children and those who love Him and would develop the traits and characteristics shown by His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ."