There are two patterns for making decisions in life: (1) decisions based upon circumstance and (2) decisions based upon eternal truth. Satan encourages choices to be made according to circumstance. That is: What are others doing? What seems to be socially or politically acceptable? What will bring the quickest, most satisfying response? That pattern gives Satan the broadest opportunity to tempt an individual to make decisions that will be harmful and destructive, even though they may appear most appealing when a decision is made. With this approach there is no underlying set of values or standards used to consistently guide those decisions. Each one is made for what appears to be the most attractive choice at the moment. Those who choose this path cannot expect the help of the Lord but are left to their own strength and to that of others influenced to act in their favor. Sadly, most of God's children make decisions this way. That is why the world is in such turmoil. -Richard G. Scott, “Living Right,” Ensign, January 2007
Tag Archives: choices
Two Roads
We all want to be on the right road. We all desire to move effectively down that highway of life with the least amount of detours and delays. We all have moments when we get slightly confused and need additional help in making correct choices. We are frequently at a crossroads where we must choose one of two highways: the lower road leading to spiritual delays and sorrow, or the higher road leading to spiritual progress and happiness. It is very important for us to always choose the higher road. - W. Craig Zwick, “Taking the Higher Road,” Ensign, August 2002
Life’s Patterns
Just as a sewing pattern determines the dress or clothes we wear, so our present lives determine our future existence. Why do people have to go through the "school of hard knocks" to learn this truth? The scriptures and instructions from our spiritual leaders teach us how to avoid the heartache which always results from sin. -Theodore M. Burton, “Let Mercy Temper Justice,” Ensign (CR) October 1985
Choices
In reality we have only two eternal choices, each with eternal consequences: choose to follow the Savior of the world and thus choose eternal life with our Heavenly Father or choose to follow the world and thus choose to separate ourselves from Heavenly Father eternally. - Randall K. Bennett, “Choose Eternal Life,” Ensign (CR) October 2011
Our Lives Turn on Small Hinges
“It has been said that the gate of history turns on small hinges, and so do people’s lives. The choices we make determine our destiny.”
–Thomas S. Monson, “Choose You This Day,” Ensign, Nov. 2004, 67
Learn to Be Patient With Ourselves (Wirthlin)
“We should learn to be patient with ourselves. Recognizing our strengths and our weaknesses, we should strive to use good judgment in all of our choices and decisions, make good use of every opportunity, and do our best in every task we undertake. We should not be unduly discouraged nor in despair at any time when we are doing the best we can. Rather, we should be satisfied with our progress even though it may come slowly at times.”
–Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Patience, a Key to Happiness”, Ensign, May 1987, 30