Recently, I have noticed the large number of self-improvement programs that are available. There must be a tremendous demand for these 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.

Today I would like to offer my 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. What's more, this self-improvement program is free. There's no need for you to pull out your credit card. No toll-free number will flash on the screen warning that you have five minutes remaining to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime offer.

Perhaps the best way to teach these principles is by way of parable.

There was once a man named John who, although still relatively young, had experienced much suffering and sorrow. Homeless and addicted to alcohol and other drugs, John was terribly sick and weary of life. The

more he descended into illness and despair, the more he knew that if he didn't make changes—and

quickly—there was a very real possibility he would die miserable, useless,

and alone.

Perhaps because he had attended Primary a few times when he was a boy, John ended up in a nearby

meetinghouse where he asked to see the bishop.

"I have ruined my life," John said between tortured sobs that emerged from the depths of his harrowed soul. He spoke of the mistakes

he had made and the path of self-destruction and misery he had trod.

As the bishop listened to John's sad story, he could tell that the man truly wanted to repent and change his

life. But he could also sense that John had little confidence that he could change.

The bishop thought for a moment about what he could say. Finally, he looked up and said, "John, I have

made three choices in my life that have been of value to me. They may be of assistance

to you as well."

"Please, tell me," John pleaded. "I'll do anything.

I just want to start over. I want to go back."

The bishop smiled and told him, "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."

To some degree, we all are 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.

In the Book of Mormon, we read of Alma the Younger. He was the son of a great prophet, but he turned

against his father and sought to do evil. After a visit from an angel that left him incapacitated and unable to

speak, Alma repented and worked for the rest of his life to repair the damage he had done. As a result, he

blessed and enriched the lives of thousands of others. Alma did not accept that he was doomed because of

past mistakes. He understood that he could not erase the past. But he also understood that he had the power

to repent and begin anew from where he was.

How do we begin to repent?

By first 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.

The great Old Testament prophet Joshua knew this when he said, "Choose you this day whom ye will serve; . . . but

as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."¹

Joshua understood how critical it is to choose without delay to be more righteous. We too should decide

now. Will our lives be filled with regret and despair? Or will we repent and strive each day to make our

days worthwhile and meaningful?

Tomorrow's joy or tomorrow's despair has its roots in decisions we make today. Perhaps some people think

to themselves: "I know I need to change some things in my life. Maybe later,

but not now."

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.

Today is the day of decision.

When John heard the bishop's words, he promised he would do what the bishop had said. Because of his

addictions, John knew he needed to repent and improve his health. So he checked himself into a facility

where he underwent the prolonged process of recovery. He began eating nutritious food. He began to walk

and do other exercises.

Weeks passed. John was able to free himself from his addictions. He could see that his health was

improving and he was getting stronger. But still he was not satisfied. There were so many things about his

life that needed improvement that he felt overwhelmed and discouraged.

So, once again, he scheduled a meeting with his bishop.

That is when he learned the second choice: "John," the bishop said to him, "you'll most likely have a rough time if you think you can make yourself perfect all at once. What you must learn is to choose your priorities.

You have to put first things first."

In most cases, growth comes slowly—one step at a time. We understand this when it comes to mastering a musical instrument, becoming an accomplished athlete, or flying a jet aircraft. Yet, we often can scarcely

forgive ourselves when we don't make the progress we expect in all areas of our

own lives.

Great sculptors and artists spend countless hours perfecting their talents. They don't pick up a chisel or a

brush and palette, expecting immediate perfection. They understand that they will make many errors as they

learn, but they start with the basics, the key fundamentals first.

So it is with us.

We become masters of our lives in the same way—by focusing on first things first. We all have a pretty

good idea of the most important decisions we need to make—decisions that

will improve our lives and bring us greater happiness and peace. That is where

we should start. That is where we should place our greatest

effort.

Each night before I go to bed, I take out a small card and write a list of the things I need to do the next day

in order of their priority.

When I arrive at the office in the morning, I check my card and put all my efforts into the first item on the

list. When I accomplish that item, I move on to the second and so on. Some days, I finish every item on my

list. On other days, some tasks are not completed. I don't become discouraged, however, because I'm

focusing my energies on the things that matter most.

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.

With help from the elders quorum president, John found a modest place to live. He knew that he needed to

find a way to support himself, and as his health and attitude improved, he found part-time work.

Each night before John went to bed, he made a list of the most important things he needed to accomplish the

next day.

Eventually, John was earning a steady income. He moved into a more comfortable place and bought a car.

Yet, although he was feeling much better about his life, he still felt that something was missing.

Consequently, John returned a third time to meet with his bishop.

"The reason you still feel empty," the bishop said, "is

because you have not made the third choice."

John asked what it was.

"It's not enough to make choices and decisions, and to work on them each day," the bishop said. "Many

have spent their lives in productive labor and have accomplished much. But they still feel empty. At the end of their days they lament that their lives had

little meaning."

That was exactly what John had been feeling.

The bishop continued, "It is not enough to do things. We must do the right things—the things our Heavenly

Father would want us to do."

"How do I know what the right things are?" John

asked.

The bishop smiled and pulled from his desk a set of scriptures. The leather cover was scuffed and wrinkled. The gilded edges on the paper were nearly worn away. "Through the scriptures and the words of latter-day

prophets," the bishop replied. "These are the 'right things.' Some believe that the commandments of our

Heavenly Father are restrictive and hard. To the contrary, they're 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."

The bishop turned to the Book of Mormon and read the words of King Benjamin: "Consider . . . the blessed

and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that

thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness."²

As the bishop spoke, John thought about his own life. The things he had acquired hadn't brought him

happiness. Perhaps what the bishop was saying was true. Maybe happiness did come from living in harmony

with the commandments of our Heavenly Father.

"Remember the words of the Savior," the bishop said, as though he knew what John was thinking. " 'For

what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own

soul?' "³

That very night, John made a commitment to open the word of God and to learn for himself the

commandments and doctrines of his Heavenly Father. No longer did he resist the words of the Lord, but

rather he embraced and cherished them. As he did, the emptiness in his soul began to shrink, and in its place

he gradually discovered joy and peace that surpassed his understanding.

The things the bishop had told John had indeed transformed his life. Where once he was broken, sorrowful,

and close to death, now he felt alive, vibrant, and filled with joy.

Brothers and sisters, our loving Heavenly Father has given us the scriptures to teach us the way to peace and

happiness. Today, we have great reason to rejoice, for His Son speaks to all of us!

The Lord does not sit in His heavens, silent and sealed behind impenetrable walls. Under the direction

of our Heavenly Father, the Lord gives direction to His anointed servants. At this very hour, our prophet,

President Gordon B. Hinckley, directs the holy work of the Lord here upon the earth.

In addition, the Light of Christ leads all mortals to our Heavenly Father and to His truths. It teaches us to love the Lord and to love our fellowmen, for "the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know

good from evil."⁴

We have little excuse for not choosing the way of the Lord. Do you suppose at the Day of Judgment, our

Savior will care one little bit about the wealth we have acccumulated or the praise we have received? He

wants us to come unto Him, to learn of Him, and to discover the pure love of Christ that comes through

embracing His word and obeying His commandments.

That is the way to remove emptiness from our lives and to fill our souls with joy beyond description.

May I review these three choices for you to consider? No doubt you have had choices of your own that you

have successfully followed throughout your life.

First, choose to begin the process of repentance now. 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. 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 prophet today, even President Gordon B. Hinckley. Apply these sacred teachings to 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.

Brothers and sisters, I know that our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son live. I testify to you that Joseph

Smith was raised up to organize the Lord's Church in the dispensation of the fulness of times. As a special

witness of Jesus Christ, I know that the Savior laid down His life for us. Through His Atonement, all

mankind can repent and be cleansed of sin. We can return to our Heavenly Father and realize the value of

our Savior's infinite sacrifice. This I testify in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

Notes:

1. Joshua 24:15.

2. Mosiah 2:41.

3. Mark 8:36.

4. Moroni 7:16.