Elder Richard G. Scott encouraged those who have determined to live righteously to not become discouraged.

"Life may seem difficult now, but hold tightly to that iron rod of truth," said Elder Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve. "You are making better progress than you realize. Your struggles are defining character, discipline and confidence in the promises of your Father in Heaven and the Savior as you consistently obey Their commandments."

Speaking Saturday afternoon, Elder Scott addressed the topic "transforming power of faith and character."

"When faith is properly understood and used it has dramatically far-reaching effects," he said. "Such faith can transform an individual's life from maudlin, common every day activities to a symphony of joy and happiness."

Elder Scott said faith and character are intimately related. "Faith in the power of obedience to the commandments of God will forge strength of character available to you in times of urgent need. Such character is not developed in moments of great challenge or temptation. That is when it is intended to be used. Your exercise of faith in true principles builds character; fortified character expands your capacity to exercise more faith."

Elder Scott said moral character results from consistent correct choices in the trials and testing of life. "Such choices are made with trust in things that are believed, and when acted upon, are confirmed."

Faith is based on several empowering principles, he said.

Trust in God and in His willingness to provide help when needed no matter how challenging the circumstance.

Obedience to His commandments and a life that "demonstrates that He can trust you."

Sensitivity to the quiet prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Courageous implementation of that prompting.

Patience and understanding when 'God lets you struggle to grow' and when answers come a piece at a time over an extended period.

"With even your strongest faith," Elder Scott continued, "God will not always reward you immediately according to your desires. Rather, God will respond with what in His eternal plan is best for you, when it will yield the greatest advantage. Be thankful that sometimes God lets you struggle for a long time before that answer comes. That causes your faith to increase and your character to grow."

Elder Scott said the bedrock of character is integrity. "Worthy character will strengthen your capacity to recognize the direction of the Spirit and be obedient to it."

Material things do not of themselves produce happiness and satisfaction, he said. "It is nobility of character, that fabric of inner strength and conviction woven from countless righteous decisions, that gives life its direction."

This mortal life, Elder Scott said, is a proving ground. "How well we meet its challenges determines how strong our character will be. Our faith in Jesus Christ and His teachings fortify our character."

Elder Scott asked Church members to remember five things.

1. "God uses your faith to mold your character."

2. Character is the "manifestation of what you are becoming."

3. Strong character results from consistent correct choices.

4.The bedrock of character is integrity.

5. The more "your character is fortified, the more enabled you are to exercise the power of faith." — Sarah Jane Weaver