2014-05-00-ensign-eng

In working with many membersover the years, we have been pleasedto observe an abundance of spiritualstrength. We have also seen both anabundance and a lack of materialpossessions among these faithfulmembers.Out of necessity, most of us areinvolved in earning money andacquiring some of the world’s goodsto be able to sustain our families. Itrequires a good part of our time andattention. There is no end to whatthe world has to offer, so it is criticalthat we learn to recognize when wehave enough. If we are not careful, wewill begin to chase after the temporalmore than the spiritual. Our pursuitfor the spiritual and eternal will thentake a backseat, instead of the otherway around. Sadly, there appears tobe a strong inclination to acquire moreand more and to own the latest andthe most sophisticated.How do we make sure that we arenot drawn down this path? Jacob givesthis counsel: “Wherefore, do not spendmoney for that which is of no worth,nor your labor for that which cannotsatisfy. Hearken diligently unto me,and remember the words which I havespoken; and come unto the Holy Oneof Israel, and feast upon that whichperisheth not, neither can be corrupted,and let your soul delight in fatness.” 1I hope none of us spend money forthat which is of no worth nor labor forthat which does not satisfy.The Savior taught the following toboth the Jews and the Nephites:“Lay not up for yourselves treasuresupon earth, where moth and rustdoth corrupt, and where thieves breakthrough and steal:“But lay up for yourselves treasuresin heaven, where neither moth norrust doth corrupt, and where thievesdo not break through nor steal:“For where your treasure is, therewill your heart be also.” 2In another setting, the Savior gavethis parable:“The ground of a certain rich manbrought forth plentifully:“And he thought within himself,saying, What shall I do, because I haveno room where to bestow my fruits?“And he said, This will I do: Iwill pull down my barns, and buildgreater; and there will I bestow all myfruits and my goods.“And I will say to my soul, Soul,thou hast much goods laid up formany years; take thine ease, eat, drink,and be merry.“But God said unto him, Thou fool,this night thy soul shall be requiredof thee: then whose shall those thingsbe, which thou hast provided?“So is he that layeth up treasure forhimself, and is not rich toward God.” 3President Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave thefollowing counsel not too long ago:“Our Heavenly Father sees ourreal potential. He knows things aboutus that we do not know ourselves.He prompts us during our lifetime tofulfill the measure of our creation, tolive a good life, and to return to Hispresence.“Why, then, do we devote so muchof our time and energy to things thatare so fleeting, so inconsequential,and so superficial? Do we refuse tosee the folly in the pursuit of the trivialand transient?” 4We all know that our list of earthlytreasures consists of pride, wealth,material things, power, and the honorsof men. They do not merit any moretime and attention, so I will focusinstead on the things that will constituteour treasures in heaven.What are some treasures in heaventhat we can lay up for ourselves? Forstarters, it will be well for us to acquirethe Christlike attributes of faith, hope,humility, and charity. We have beencounseled repeatedly to “[put] off thenatural man and . . . [become] as achild.” 5 The Savior’s admonition is forus to strive to be perfect like Him andour Heavenly Father. 6Second, we need to put morequality time and effort into strengtheningfamily relationships. After all,“the family is ordained of God. It isthe most important unit in time and ineternity.” 7Third, serving others is a hallmarkof a true follower of Christ. He said,“Inasmuch as ye have done it untoone of the least of these my brethren,ye have done it unto me.” 8Fourth, understanding the doctrineof Christ and strengthening ourtestimony is a labor that will bring realjoy and satisfaction. We need to consistentlystudy the words of Christ asfound in the scriptures and the wordsMay 2014107