First,
think about your life and set your priorities. Find some quiet time
regularly to think deeply about where you are going and what you will
need to do to get there. Jesus, our exemplar, often “withdrew himself
into the wilderness, and prayed” (Luke 5:16).
We need to do the same thing occasionally to rejuvenate ourselves
spiritually as the Savior did. Write down the tasks you would like to
accomplish each day. Keep foremost in mind the sacred covenants you have
made with the Lord as you write down your daily schedules.
Second,
set short-term goals that you can reach. Set goals that are well
balanced—not too many nor too few, and not too high nor too low. Write
down your attainable goals and work on them according to their
importance. Pray for divine guidance in your goal setting. You
recall that Alma said he would like to be an angel so he could “speak
with the trump of God, … to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto
every people!” (Alma 29:1).
He then said, “But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I
ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto
me. … “Why should I desire more than to perform the work to which I have been called?” (Alma 29:3, 6).
Third,
everyone faces financial challenges in life. Through wise budgeting,
control your real needs and measure them carefully against your many
wants in life. Far too many individuals and families have incurred too
much debt. Be careful of the many attractive offers to borrow money. It
is much easier to borrow money than it is to pay it back. There are no
shortcuts to financial security. There are no get-rich-quick schemes
that work. Perhaps none need the principle of balance in their lives
more than those who are driven toward accumulating “things” in this
world. Do
not trust your money to others without a thorough evaluation of any
proposed investment. Our people have lost far too much money by trusting
their assets to others. In my judgment, we never will have balance in
our lives unless our finances are securely under control.
The
prophet Jacob said to his people: “Wherefore, do not spend money for
that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy.
Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken;
and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which
perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in
fatness” (2 Ne. 9:51).
Brothers and sisters, remember to always pay a full tithing.
Fourth,
stay close to your spouse, children, relatives, and friends. They will
help you keep a balance in your life. In a recent study by the Church,
adults in the United States were asked to identify a time when they were
very happy and to describe the experience. They were also asked to
describe a time when they were very unhappy. For most people, one thing
that had made them the most happy or the most sad was their personal
relationships with others. Much less important were their personal
health, employment, money, and other material things. Build
relationships with your family and friends through open and honest
communication. A
good marriage and good family relationships can be maintained through
gentle, loving, thoughtful communication. Remember that often a glance, a
wink, a nod, or a touch will say more than words. A sense of humor and
good listening are also vital parts of good communication.
Fifth,
study the scriptures. They offer one of the best sources we have to
keep in touch with the Spirit of the Lord. One of the ways I have gained
my sure knowledge that Jesus is the Christ is through my study of the
scriptures. President Ezra Taft Benson has called upon members of the
Church to make the study of the Book of Mormon a daily habit and a
lifetime pursuit. The Apostle Paul’s advice to Timothy is good counsel
for each of us. He wrote: “From a child thou hast known the holy
scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through
faith which is in Christ Jesus. “All
scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”
(2 Tim. 3:15–16).
Sixth,
many people, including me, have difficulty finding the time for
sufficient rest, exercise, and relaxation. We must schedule time on our
daily calendars for these activities if we are to enjoy a healthy and
balanced life. Good physical appearance enhances our dignity and
self-respect.
Seventh,
the prophets have taught repeatedly that families should teach one
another the gospel, preferably in a weekly family home evening. This
family practice, if we are not very careful, can slowly drift away from
us. We must not lose this special opportunity to “teach one another the
doctrine of the kingdom” (D&C 88:77), which will lead families to eternal life.
Satan
is always working to destroy our testimonies, but he will not have the
power to tempt or disturb us beyond our strength to resist when we are
studying the gospel and living its commandments.
My
last suggestion is to pray often as individuals and as families.
Parents need to exercise the discipline required to lead out and
motivate children to join together for regular family prayers. Our youth
can know the right decisions to make each day through constant, sincere
prayer.
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