Taught by Mary L.
George Albert Smith was blessed with a firm understanding of the purpose of life, and this enabled him to encourage others as they faced adversity. He frequently reminded the Saints that "we are living eternal lives" - that eternity doesn't begin after this life but that mortality is a crucial part of eternity. "I sometimes have said to my friends when they seemed to be at the crossroads, uncertain as to which way they wanted to go, 'Today is the beginning of eternal happiness or eternal disappointment for you.'"
During this life we should seek after those things that are of eternal worth.
It is not so important how many valuables you may have, how much property you may possess, and how many of the honors of men you may acquire, and all those things that are so desirable in the world. The thing that God has given to you that is worth more than all the rest is the opportunity to obtain eternal life in the celestial kingdom and have as your companions, throughout the ages of eternity, sons and daughters, husbands and wives with whom you have associated here on earth.
Remember that it is the intelligence that you acquire that is eternal, the truth which you learn here and apply in your lives, the knowledge and experience you gain and profit - these you will take with you when you go home.
The treasures that we will find when we go to the other side will be those that we have laid up there by ministering to our Father's other sons and daughters with whom we have associated here. He has made this possible for all of us, and during our stay here we will be happier serving our fellows than we could possibly be in any other way.
Let us not be lulled to sleep let us not be deceived by the abundance of good things of these world; for what doth it profit a man though he should gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Mark 8:36
Let not the object of our creation be overlooked; but let us labor for the salvation of our soul.
Sisters, in what we choose to think about, feel, and do, are you and I choosing eternal life?
Let us not be so busy that the Spirit cannot enter into our minds and our hearts, and give us promptings and guidance, and the help we so earnestly want and need.
Our beloved prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, has taught: "I can't stress too strongly that decisions determine destine. You can't make eternal decisions without eternal consequences."
In evaluating our daily choices and their consequences, we might ask ourselves:
- Am I seeking divine direction through daily scripture study, pondering, and prayer, or have I chosen to be so busy or apathetic that I don't take time to study the words of Christ, ponder them, and converse with my Heavenly Father?
- Am I choosing to follow the counsel of living prophets of God, or am I following the worldly ways and the opposing opinions of others?
- Am I seeking the guidance of the Holy Ghost daily in what I choose to think about, feel, and do?
- Am I consistently reaching out to assist, serve, or help rescue others?
Sisters, your eternal destiny will not be the result of chance but of choice. It is never too late to begin to choose eternal life!
We are so important to Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, that we are the very focus of his work and glory. Moses 1:39 Because of Heavenly Father's great plan of happiness, each of us can be perfected through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. With our families we can live with our Heavenly Father eternally and receive a fulness of joy.
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