Elder Quentin L. Cook: Stewardships are a sacred trust
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Members live in perilous times when many believe they do not have a personal responsibility or stewardship for themselves or others, said Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve.
"Many in the world are focused on self-gratification, put themselves first and love pleasure more than they love righteousness," he said. "They do not believe they are their brother's keeper. In the Church, however, we believe that these stewardships are a sacred trust."
Elder Cook focused his talk on two areas of stewardship: first, stewardship for one's self and one's family; second, stewardship for the poor and needy.
Speaking of the first, he referred to the Savior's parables relating to the land in teaching accountability and stewardship. Elder Cook told of his grandfather, who took care of his land but was disappointed when, in his 90s, he returned to visit the property and saw that fences had fallen into disrepair and cows had damaged the spring, polluting its waters.
"Just as the pure spring was polluted when not protected, we live in a time when virtue and chastity are not safeguarded," Elder Cook said. "A loving Father in Heaven has provided us with the means to bring His spirit children into this world to fulfill the full measure of their creation. He has instructed us that the well-springs of life are to be kept pure."
He cautioned against rationalizations that might excuse one from his or her personal stewardship. "When we realize that we are accountable to God, we see how foolish rationalizations can be. Those who rationalize remind us of little children who cover their eyes convinced that if they can't see us, we can't see them."
Elder Cook explained that the Savior's Atonement allows for repentance when one offers a broken heart and a contrite spirit.
"With respect to our stewardship for our families, some have taught that when we report to the Savior and He asks us to give an account of our earthly responsibilities, two important inquiries will relate to our relationship with our spouse and each of our children."
It is easy for members — who have a duty to secure the physical safety and well-being of their children — to confuse their priorities, he said. "Some parents place undue priority on temporal and material possessions. Some are far less diligent in their efforts to immerse their children in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Remember that having religious observance in the home is as important as providing food, clothing and shelter."
Speaking of the stewardship to care for the poor and those in need, Elder Cook said that even in difficult economic times, members continue to donate generously to help the poor and needy.
"My heart rejoices as I observe the saints all over the Church doing everything they can to provide Christlike service wherever there is a need," he said. "Because of member contributions, the Church can quietly and quickly, without fanfare, respond to needs all over the world. The Church is already responding to the natural disasters in the Philippines, the Pacific Islands and Indonesia."
In all stewardship efforts, members follow the example of Jesus Christ," he said.
"We try to emulate what He has asked us to do, both by His teachings and His example. With all our hearts we express our appreciation to the membership of the Church for their generous contributions and Christlike service," said Elder Cook.
