Self-improvement via gospel living
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Repent, prioritize and choose the right, counseled Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin Sunday morning.
That formula "is the way to remove emptiness from our lives and to fill our souls with joy beyond description," said Elder Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve.
He noted that he has recently noticed the large number of self-improvement programs available.
"There must be a tremendous demand for those products because one can scarcely turn on the television or radio without seeing or hearing promotions for products that promise everything from losing weight to growing a lush crop of thick hair. At times I wonder if the people who make these products know me personally."
Then to the worldwide congregation, Elder Wirthlin offered his own self-improvement program. "It consists of three steps that have been useful to me and, I am confident, they will be helpful to you as well."
The best way to teach these principles, he said, is "by way of parable."
Elder Wirthlin recounted the story of a young man named John, who although relatively young had experienced much suffering and sorrow. He was homeless, addicted to alcohol and drugs and terribly sick and weary of life. "Perhaps because he had attended Primary a few times when he was a boy, John ended up at a nearby meetinghouse where he asked to see the bishop."
As the bishop listened to John's story, he could tell that the man truly wanted to change his life. But, said Elder Wirthlin, he could also sense that John had little confidence that he could change.
The bishop told John: "The first thing you should understand is that you can't go back and begin where you once were. But all is not lost. You can begin where you are. Choose to begin your repentance now."
Elder Wirthlin said that, to some degree, everyone is like John. "We have made mistakes. But no matter how badly we want to go back and begin again, we can't. We can, however, repent and begin where we are today."
Members can repent, he said, by "acknowledging our errors and deciding to repent. By committing today — this very day — to do better; to live noble and compassionate lives, to strive each day to be more like the Savior."
"Our destiny and ultimate fate depend upon our daily decisions."
Those who stand at the threshold of life always waiting for the right time to change are like "the man who stands at the bank of a river waiting for the water to pass so he can cross on dry land," said Elder Wirthlin.
After repentance, he added, one must learn to "focus on first things first."
"John began to understand that he couldn't change everything that was wrong with his life in an instant, but he could choose his priorities. He could focus on the things that mattered most and, with time, his life would begin to improve."
Finally, Elder Wirthlin said, members need to do the right things — "the things our Heavenly Father wants us to do."
The commandments, he said, are a handbook to happiness. "Every aspect of the gospel of Jesus Christ — the principles, the doctrines, and the commandments — is a part of our Heavenly Father's plan to help us obtain peace and happiness."
As John began to embrace and cherish the words of the Lord, "the emptiness in his soul began to shrink and, in its place, he gradually discovered joy and peace that surpassed his understanding."
Concluding, Elder Wirthlin summarized the three choices:
"First, choose to begin the process of repentance now," he said. "Do not delay. Attend your meetings and serve cheerfully in the Church. Learn and live by gospel principles. Begin now to turn your steps toward the temple.
"Second, choose your priorities," he said. "Let your family come first. Hold worthwhile family home evenings. Let the time that you spend with your families be consistent with how important they are. Cherish and nurture family members and never allow busy schedules and frustrations to drive a wedge between you and your loved ones. Strive each day to be more obedient to the Lord's commandments.
"Third, choose the right. Study the scriptures and the words of our prophets today, even President Gordon B. Hinckley. Apply those sacred teachings in your lives. Reach out to those in distress — the lonely, the sick, and the needy. Do what you can to relieve suffering and help others become self-reliant. As you do so, the Lord will be well-pleased with you."
"Never allow busy schedules and frustrations to drive a wedge between you and your loved ones."
