Elder Quentin L. Cook
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We should live our lives so that if someone asks, "Are you a saint?" we can answer yes.
"It is not easy to be a Latter-day Saint. It was not meant to be easy. The ultimate goal of living in the presence of God the Father and his son, Jesus Christ, is a privilege almost beyond comprehension."
The pioneers exemplified sainthood through their faith in trials crossing the plains. We must emulate them in our own trials, separating ourselves from evil conduct, violence, immorality, inappropriate music, drugs, alcohol and pornography. "The adversary has been relentless in his efforts to undermine the plan of happiness. If we separate ourselves from this worldly conduct, we will have the Spirit in our lives and experience the joy of being worthy Latter-day Saints."
While it is good to experience some of the good things in life, we must guard against serving gods of materialism, pleasure and profit. We must love God and our fellow men, consecrating ourselves and sacrificing for the kingdom of God. "Sacrifice is the crowning test of the gospel. It means consecrating time, talents, energy and earthly possessions to further the work of God."
To determine how to answer the question, "Are you a saint?" ask yourself whether your behavior is consistent with what you believe, whether worldly pleasures and profits are distracting you from following the Savior, and whether you are making sacrifices consistent with your covenants.
