From Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and a previous post . . . . ‘This young man chose swimming to instill in his character those qualities. Early-morning practice sessions required discipline and sacrifice. Over time he excelled in his sport. One who earlier was rejected by his peers became respected by them. He has been sealed in the temple to a lovely, devoted, spiritually sensitive wife. They will be outstanding parents like they have had. Their children will be strengthened as they have been. They are squarely on the path to peace with happiness and joy. Is there a message for you in these two examples? . . . continuing
While wholesome pleasure results from much we do that is good, pleasure is not our prime purpose for being on earth. Seek to know and do the will of the Lord, not just what is convenient or what makes life easy. You have the scriptures with the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.15 You know what to do, or you can find out through study and prayer. Do it willingly. The Lord has declared:
It is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.
. . . Men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own will and bring to pass much righteousness;a
For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.
But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with a doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned [meaning stopped in progress and development].16
An axiom we all understand is that you get what you pay for. That is true for spiritual matters as well. You get what you pay for in obedience, in faith in Jesus Christ, in diligent application of he truths you learn. What you get is the molding of character, the growth in capacity, and the successful completion of your mortal purpose to be proven and to have joy.17
Some do not seem to understand that principle. They apparently feel that a reasonably good life will assure them the fulness of promised blessings. Sometimes at funerals, speakers declare that the deceased will inherit all the blessing of celestial glory when that individual has in no way qualified by obtaining the necessary ordinances and keeping the required covenants.18 His mercy does not overcome the requirements of His law.19 All such requirements must be met for the promised blessings to be received.20 . . . Continued
~ Richard G. Scott, Finding Peace, Happiness, and Joy (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2007), 16-18
