Joseph B. Wirthlin Quotes & Sayings

For each human being, time is a necessary resource. It can neither be ignored nor changed. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Being true to one's duty is a mark of true disciples of the Lord and the children of God. Be valiant in your duty. Stay in step. Do not fail in your most important task, that of keeping your second estate. Be true to your duty, for it will bring you to God. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Imagine for a moment the result if everyone were to love one another as Jesus loves his disciples. We would have no bickering, quarreling, strife, or contention in our homes. We would not offend or insult one another either verbally or in any other way. We would not have unnecessary litigation over small matters. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

There is no limit to the potential of brethren working together in complete brotherhood and selflessness toward spiritual goals. The power of God working through such channels will bring unimaginable blessings to all concerned. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

William McKinley Oswald was my high school football coach. He was a great coach and had a profound influence on my life. But I think he could have learned his method of motivating players from an army drill sergeant. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Our prayers can and should be focused on the practical, everyday struggles of life. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

I believe that perseverance is vital to success in any endeavor, whether spiritual or temporal, large or small, public or personal ... All significant achievement results largely from perseverance. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Peace is more than a lofty ideal. It is a practical principle that, with conscious effort, can become a normal part of our lives as we deal with matters both large and small. One habit that prevents inner peace is procrastination. It clutters our minds with unfinished business and makes us uneasy until we finish a task and get it out of the way. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

We see ourselves as yesterday and today. Heavenly Father sees us as forever. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Prosperity often leads to pride, which leads to sin. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

When we are baptized and confirmed, when brethren are ordained to the priesthood, when we go to the temple and receive our endowment, when we enter into the new and everlasting covenant of eternal marriage - in all these sacred ordinances, we make solemn commitments to keep God's commandments. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

We've all met those who seem to radiate happiness. They seem to smile more than others; they laugh more than others - just being around them makes us happier as well. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Work is therapy for the soul. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

If you feel that Heavenly Father is not listening to your petitions, ask yourself if you are listening to the cries of the poor, the sick, the hungry, and the afflicted all around you. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Great sculptors and artists spend countless hours perfecting their talents. They don't pick up a chisel or a brush and palette, expecting immediate perfection. They understand that they will make many errors as they learn, but they start with the basics, the key fundamentals first. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Gauchos are like cowboys in the United States. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Think of how dark that Friday was when Christ was lifted up on the cross ... It was a Friday filled with devastating, consuming sorrow that gnawed at the souls of those who loved and honored the Son of God. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

When the Savior Himself was born, there were troubled times. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

A sure indicator of true religion is a concern for the poor of the earth. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

As you overcome adversity in your life, you will become stronger. Then you will be better able to help others -those who are working, in their turn, to find a safe harbor from the storms that rage about them. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

To beguile is to deceive or lead astray, as Lucifer beguiled Eve in the Garden of Eden. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

All too often a family's spending is governed more by their yearning than by their earning. They somehow believe that their life will be better if they surround themselves with an abundance of things. All too often all they are left with is avoidable anxiety and distress — Joseph B. Wirthlin

We should strive to develop within ourselves the traits of character of the Savior. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

President Benson's mighty influence is felt in many ways. His timely and inspired counsel to read the precious Book of Mormon brought an added appreciation of this sacred scripture to all who followed his direction. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

There are many reasons our prayers may lack power. Sometimes they become routine. Our prayers become hollow when we say similar words in similar ways over and over so often that the words become more of a recitation than a communication. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

If we seek things that are virtuous and lovely, we surely will find them. Conversely, if we seek for evil, we will find that also. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Mortality is very brief but immeasurably important. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Some have been ensnared in the net of excessive debt. The net of interest holds them fast, requiring them to sell their time and energies to meet the demands of creditors. They surrender their freedom, becoming slaves to their own extravagance. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Come what may and love it. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Building our homes as fortresses of righteousness for protection from the world takes constant labor and diligence. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Yes, education is the catalyst that will hone and sharpen our talents, skills, and abilities and cause them to blossom. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Dates that come around every year help us measure progress in our lives. One annual event, New Year's Day, is a time of reflection and resolution. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

A computer can be a useful and indispensable tool. But if we allow it to devour our time with vain, unproductive, and sometimes destructive pursuits, it becomes an entangling net. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Every life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the birds don't sing and bells don't ring. Yet in spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

I give thanks to my Creator for this wonderful life where each of us has the opportunity to learn lessons we could not fully comprehend by any other means. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

The ideal course of life is not always easy. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

As we progress and become more like the Savior, we can strengthen every group with whom we associate, including families and friends. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

In the lonely hours, I have spent a great deal of time thinking about eternal things. I have contemplated the comforting doctrines of eternal life. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

The Spirit is as operative today in communicating the gospel to all who seek the truth as it was on the day of Pentecost anciently. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Inordinate desire for material possessions can become an obsession that consumes our thoughts, drains our resources, and leads to unhappiness. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

If we only look around us, there are a thousand reasons for us not to be happy, and it is simplicity itself to blame our unhappiness on the things we lack in life. It doesn't take any talent at all to find them. The problem is, the more we focus on the things we don't have, the more unhappy and more resentful we become. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Over the course of my years, I have met thousands of people. I have dined with the prosperous as well as the poverty-stricken. I have conversed with the mighty and with the meek. I have walked with the famous and the feeble. I have run with outstanding athletes and those who are not athletically inclined. One thing I can tell you with certainty is this: You cannot predict happiness by the amount of money, fame, or power a person has. External conditions do not necessarily make a person happy ... The fact is that the external things so valued by the world are often the cause of a great deal of misery in the world. Those who live in thanksgiving daily, however, are usually among the world's happiest people. And they make others happy as well. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Kindness is the essence of greatness and the fundamental characteristic of the noblest men and women I have known. Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

The greater the measure of our love, the greater is our joy. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

The Lord, Jesus Christ, is our perfect example of patience. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

The Lord Jesus Christ is our partner, helper and advocate. — Joseph B. 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

Modern medicine uses imaging 'windows' such as magnetic resonance imaging scanners to bring into view otherwise unseen vital information that skilled physicians can use for the benefit of their patients. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

The most cherished and sacred moments of our lives are those filled with the spirit of love. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Jesus Christ is infinitely more than a great teacher and philosopher. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

True love lasts forever. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord has established His Church once again among men. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Our homes need to be more Christ-centered. We should spend more time at the temple and less time in the pursuit of pleasure. We should lower the noise level in our homes so that the noise of the world will not overpower the still, small voice of the Holy Ghost. One of our greatest goals as parents should be to enjoy the power and influence of the Holy Ghost in our homes. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Personal integrity implies such trustworthiness and incorruptibility that we are incapable of being false to a trust or covenant. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Integrity, a firm adherence to the highest moral and ethical standards, is essential to the life of a true Latter-day Saint. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

If Satan can weaken or destroy the loving relationships among members of families, he can cause more misery and more unhappiness for more people than he could in any other way. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

The more often we see the things around us - even the beautiful and wonderful things - the more they become invisible to us. That is why we often take for granted the beauty of this world: the flowers, the trees, the birds, the clouds - even those we love. Because we see things so often, we see them less and less. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Learning to endure times of disappointment, suffering, and sorrow is part of our on-the-job training. These experiences, while often difficult to bear at the time, are precisely the kinds of experiences that stretch our understanding, build our character, and increase our compassion for others. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

There has always been discouragement, negativism, and temptation in the world because of Lucifer. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

A certain amount of impatience may be useful to stimulate and motivate us to action. However, I believe that a lack of patience is a major cause of the difficulties and unhappiness in the world today. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Men and women who decide to flirt with adultery just once can become enmeshed in misery and unhappiness for themselves and their precious families. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Sometimes we should express our gratitude for the small and simple things like the scent of the rain, the taste of your favorite food, or the sound of a loved one's voice. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

To me, integrity means always doing what is right and good, regardless of the immediate consequences. It means being righteous from the very depth of our soul, not only in our actions but, more importantly, in our thoughts and in our hearts. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Fasting, coupled with mighty prayer, is powerful. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Born of a noble father and a saintly mother, President Hinckley learned as a young boy the truths of the restored gospel from his faithful parents. He came to respect deeply and value highly his pioneer heritage. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Brothers and sisters, if only we had more compassion for those who are different from us, it would lighten many of the problems and sorrows in the world today. It would certainly make our families and the Church a more hallowed and heavenly place. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Every home is a house of learning either for good or otherwise. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Nephi taught that by clinging to the word of God, as though it be a handrail, we would be able to avoid temptations and not lose our way in darkness. Thus, we would remain on the narrow path. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

I agree with Robert Louis Stevenson, who wrote, 'The man who forgets to be thankful has fallen asleep in life'. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

We know that we are often judged by the company we keep. We know how influential classmates, friends, and other peer groups can be. If any of our companions are prone to be unrighteous in their living, we are better off seeking new associations immediately. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

At a very early age and continuing throughout my life, I have marveled at the beautiful story of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Indeed, the world is a better place because there was such a leader as President Gordon B. Hinckley. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

I love the German and the Swiss people for their many fine traits of character. I love their language that is so exacting and yet so expressive. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

You can get people to work by using threats or by promising rewards. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

The rewards of integrity are immeasurable. One is the indescribable inner peace and serenity that come from knowing we are doing what is right; another is an absence of the guilt and anxiety that accompany sin. Another reward of integrity is the confidence it can give us in approaching God. When virtue garnishes our thoughts unceasingly, our confidence is strong in the presence of God. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Those who make happiness the chief objective of life are bound to fail, for happiness is a by-product rather than an end in itself. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

The gospel of Jesus Christ is more enduring than fame, more precious than riches, more to be desired than happiness. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Our Heavenly Father loves each one of us and understands that this process of climbing higher takes preparation, time, and commitment. He understands that we will make mistakes at times, that we will stumble, that we will become discouraged and perhaps even wish to give up and say to ourselves it is not worth the struggle. We know it is worth the effort, for the prize, which is eternal life, is "the greatest of all the gifts of God." And to qualify, we must take one step after another and keep going to gain the spiritual heights we aspire to reach. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Many today feel troubled and distressed; many feel that, at any moment, the ships of their lives could capsize or sink. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

I have had the opportunity to become acquainted with many wonderful people from many walks of life. I have known rich and poor, famous and modest, wise and otherwise. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Valued companionships begin with a personal commitment to be an exemplary companion. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Priesthood lessons are regularly devoted to topics of family leadership, and quorum leaders everywhere are feeling more and more their responsibility to teach and train their quorum members to be better husbands and fathers. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

We have numerous examples of perseverance in the scriptures, in secular history, and in our own experiences. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

It is not hard for me to remember when I was in college. I loved many things about college life: I loved learning. I loved the comradery. And I loved football. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

For me, the Lord has opened the windows of heaven and showered blessings upon my family beyond my ability to express. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

The Resurrection is at the core of our beliefs as Christians. Without it, our faith is meaningless. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Some of the choicest blessings of my life have been the close friendships I have experienced over the years. Often, these friendships have been forged in the fires of shared experience. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Everyone has wondered if his or her life will ultimately be a happy one. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

In life, you should seek the help you need. Do not depend on your own strength alone. You have never done all you can to finish a task until you have sought help from the Lord. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

The Gospels record that nearly everywhere the Savior went, He was surrounded by multitudes of people. Some hoped that He would heal them; others came to hear Him speak. Others came for practical advice. Toward the end of His mortal ministry, some came to mock and ridicule Him and to clamor for His crucifixion. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

We see ourselves in terms of yesterday and today. Our Heavenly Father sees us in terms of forever. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

The gift of the Holy Ghost, which is the right to receive the Holy Ghost as a constant companion, is obtained only upon condition of faith in Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion, and the laying on of hands by authorized servants endowed with the Melchizedek Priesthood. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

During my life I have heard many sermons on the Resurrection. I can recite the events of that first Easter Sunday. I have marked in my scriptures passages regarding the Resurrection. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Life will continue on the other side of the veil. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

The church is not a place where perfect people gather to say perfect things, or have perfect thoughts, or have perfect feelings. The Church is a place where imperfect people gather to provide encouragement, support, and service to each other as we press on in our journey to return to our Heavenly Father. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

We should be patient in developing and strengthening our testimonies. Rather than expecting immediate or spectacular manifestations, though they will come when needed, we should pray for a testimony, study the scriptures, follow the counsel of our prophet and other Church leaders, and live the principles of the gospel. Our testimonies then will grow and mature naturally, perhaps imperceptibly at times, until they become driving forces in our lives. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

What people think and believe and plan are all very important, but what they do is the thing that counts most. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

A worldwide web of electronic connections now moves data at ever-increasing speed and volume along what we call the information superhighway. — Joseph B. Wirthlin

Note that charity is given only to those who seek it, only to those who earnestly pray for it, only to those who are disciples of Christ. Before we can be filled with this pure love, we must start at the beginning with the first principle of the gospel. We must have "first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ." — Joseph B. Wirthlin

The compassion of Christlike friends deeply touches and changes our lives. — Joseph B. Wirthlin