From Elder Richard G.Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (deceased):
The Spirit has taught me that Satan doesn’t have to tempt us to do bad things—-he can accomplish much of his objective
by distracting us with many acceptable things, thus keeping us from accomplishing the essential ones.
Although our memory of it is withheld, before we came to earth we lived in the presence of God, our Eternal Father, and His son, Jesus Christ. We shouted for joy when given the privilege of coming to this earth to receive a body and to move forward in God’s plan for happiness. We knew that we would be tested here. Part of that testing is to have so many seemingly interesting things to do that we can forget the main purposes for being here. Satan works very hard so that essential things won’t happen.
In quiet moments when you think about it, you recognize what is critically important in life and what isn’t. Be wise and don’t let good things crowd out those that are essential.
What are the essential ones? They are related to doctrine. They are centered in ordinances and embrace critical covenants. To receive all the blessings of the Savior’s atoning sacrifice, we are only asked to be obedient to His commandments and to receive all the essential ordinances: baptism, confirmation, priesthood ordination for men, and temple ordinances. The atonement will not only help us overcome our transgressions and mistakes, but, in His time, it will resolve all inequities of life—those things that are unfair that are the consequences of circumstance or others’ acts and not our own decisions.
While many may not understand or agree, I testify that it is not sufficient to be baptized and then live an acceptable life, avoiding major transgressions. The Lord has decreed that the additional ordinances and covenants that I have mentioned must be received for exaltation and eternal life. Being worthy of temple ordinances means that you will choose to do what many in the world are unwilling to do. You will keep the Sabbath day holy, exercise faith through the payment of tithing and fast offerings, consistently participate in Church worship, give service, and show love and appreciation for your family by helping each member of it. After you have received all the temple ordinances, you will continue to grow by keeping the covenants made.
When obeyed, those covenants bring happiness and joy. They give purpose to life. Difficulty comes when agency is used to make choices that are inconsistent with those covenants. Study the things you do in your discretionary time, that time you are free to control. Do you find that it is centered in those things that are of highest priority and of greatest importance? Or do you unconsciously, consistently fill it with trivia and activities that are not of enduring value nor help you accomplish the purpose for which you came to earth? Think of the long view of life, not just what’s going to happen today or tomorrow. Don’t give up what you most want in life for something you think you want now.
Recognizing that you are a person who wants to live worthily and be obedient to Father in Heaven, how would Satan strive to lead you from that path of happiness? ~Richard G. Scott
