M. Russell Ballard Quotes & Sayings

Quite simply, our one hope for spiritual safety during these turbulent times is to turn our minds and our hearts to Jesus Christ. — M. Russell Ballard

It is almost impossible for children and youth to find their way through the seas of life without the guiding light of a good example. — M. Russell Ballard

Procreative power & priesthood power are shared by husband & wife — M. Russell Ballard

All of us must come to an honest, open self-examination, an awareness within as to who and what we want to be. — M. Russell Ballard

We need to commit to serve the Lord and our communities with the same diligence and faith that the pioneers had. We must ever be on our guard that we do not become casual in keeping God's commandments, in abiding by His laws, and in being honest and trustworthy in all that we do. — M. Russell Ballard

In your morning prayer each new day, ask Heavenly Father to guide you to recognize an opportunity to serve one of His precious children. — M. Russell Ballard

It is a shortsighted priesthood leader who doesn't see the value in calling upon the sisters to share the understanding and inspiration they possess. — M. Russell Ballard

And fathers, ... listen to [your returned missionary sons], and connect with them in regular, focused conversation. Talk with them in depth about their feelings and desires. Pray with them and give them blessings as they face the important decisions in their future. — M. Russell Ballard

Jesus Christ can help us fix anything that needs fixing in our lives. — M. Russell Ballard

Remember, you can be exalted without a college degree. You can be exalted without being slender and beautiful. You can be exalted without having a successful career. You can be exalted if you are not rich and famous. So focus the best that you can on those things in life that will lead you back to the presence of God - keeping all things in their proper balance. — M. Russell Ballard

If we are truly disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we will reach out with love and understanding to all of our neighbors at all times. — M. Russell Ballard

Proclaiming the gospel to all mankind is a fundamental part of the mission of the Church. — M. Russell Ballard

The one-cylinder ward is one in which the bishop handles all the problems, makes all the decisions, follows through on all the assignments, and faces every challenge. Then, like any other overworked cylinder, he starts to sputter and behave erratically. Eventually, he burns out altogether. — M. Russell Ballard

Focus on fruitful relationships that bring you closer to Jesus Christ. — M. Russell Ballard

Remove any of your fear with faith. Trust the power of God to guide you. — M. Russell Ballard

It is only when we love God and Christ with all of our hearts, souls, and minds that we are able to share this love with our neighbors through acts of kindness and service ... When this pure love of Christ-or charity-envelops us, we think, feel, and act more like Heavenly Father and Jesus would think, feel, and act. Our motivation and heartfelt desire are like unto that of the Savior. — M. Russell Ballard

Those of you who have fallen prey to any kind of addiction, there is hope because God loves all of His children — M. Russell Ballard

There is no problem in the family, ward, or stake that cannot be solved if we look for solutions in the Lord's way by counseling - really counseling - with one another. — M. Russell Ballard

Our love for our Father in Heaven and the Lord Jesus Christ needs to be reflected in our daily choices and actions. They have promised peace, joy, and happiness to those who keep Their commandments. — M. Russell Ballard

It is the parents duty to intervene when they see wrong choices being made. — M. Russell Ballard

I believe our Heavenly Father's everlasting purpose for His children is generally achieved by the small and simple things we do for one another. At the heart of the English word 'atonement' is the word 'one.' If all mankind understood this, there would never be anyone with whom we would not be concerned, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, or social or economic standing. We would strive to emulate the Savior and would never be unkind, indifferent, disrespectful, or insensitive to others. — M. Russell Ballard

The answer is, of course, to simplify, to prioritize, and in some cases, to use a well-known phrase, "Just say no!" But actually doing it may prove to be one of the real challenges in our complicated, overheated lives. — M. Russell Ballard

All the marvels of nature are glimpses of His divine power and expressions of His love. — M. Russell Ballard

It is our homes and families that need reforming in this increasingly materialistic and secular world. — M. Russell Ballard

Learning the lessons of the past allows you to walk boldly in the light without running the risk of stumbling in the darkness. This is the way it's supposed to work. This is God's plan: father and mother, grandfather and grandmother teaching their children; children learning from them and then becoming a more righteous generation through their own personal experiences and opportunities. Learning the lessons of the past allows you to build personal testimony on a solid bedrock of obedience, faith, and the witness of the Spirit. — M. Russell Ballard

Trust your father. He is not perfect, but he loves you and would never do anything he didn't think was in your best interest. So talk to him. Share your thoughts and feelings, your dreams and your fears. The more he knows about your life, the better chance he has to understand your concerns and to give you good counsel. — M. Russell Ballard

Let us remember that the Savior is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and there can be no greater promise than to know that if we are faithful and true, we will one day be safely encircled in the arms of His love (see D&C 6:20). He is always there to give encouragement, to forgive, and to rescue. Therefore, as we exercise faith and are diligent in keeping the commandments, we have nothing to fear from the journey. — M. Russell Ballard

When the Spirit is present, people are not offended when you share your feelings about the gospel. — M. Russell Ballard

So the bad news is that family breakdown is causing a host of societal and economic ills. But the good news is that, like any cause and effect, those ills can be reversed if what is causing them is changed. Inequities are resolved by living correct principles and values. Brothers and sisters, the most important cause of our lifetime is our families. If we will devote ourselves to this cause, we will improve every other aspect of our lives and will become, as a people and as a church, an example and a beacon for all the peoples of the earth. — M. Russell Ballard

When you put your trust in your dad, he will feel the responsibility of that trust and try harder than ever to understand and to help. As your father, he is entitled to inspiration on your behalf. His advice to you will be the heartfelt expressions of someone who knows and loves you. Your dad wants more than anything for you to be happy and successful, so why would you not want to trust someone like that? Boys, trust your dad. — M. Russell Ballard

We cannot hope to build the Church and to bring hearts and souls to Christ without using every resource the Lord has given to help us take advantage of our opportunities and address the obstacles standing in our way. — M. Russell Ballard

Our most basic institution of family desperately needs help and support from the extended family and the public institutions that surround us. Brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, grandparents and cousins can make a powerful difference in the lives of children. Remember that the expression of love and encouragement from an extended family member will often provide the right influence and help a child at a critical time. — M. Russell Ballard

The world needs to see that this church, of all organizations on the face of the earth, honors women. — M. Russell Ballard

We are all the spirit sons and daughters of a loving God who is our Father. We are part of His family. He is not a father in some allegorical or poetic sense. He is literally the Father of our spirits. He cares for each one of us. Though this world has a way of diminishing and demeaning men and women, the reality is we are all of royal, divine lineage. In that unprecedented appearance of the Father and the Son in the Sacred Grove, the very first word spoken by the Father of us all was the personal name of Joseph. Such is our Father's personal relationship with each of us. He knows our names and yearns for us to become worthy to return to live with Him. — M. Russell Ballard

Family councils, led by righteous, loving parents who are striving to teach their children to love and respect each other, can make a difference in creating a sense of discipline, order and loving cooperation in the home. — M. Russell Ballard

When it comes right down to it, people are quite similar. We may come from different backgrounds, cultures, and economic circumstances, and our attitudes and perspectives may vary. But in the heart-where it really counts-we're a lot alike. — M. Russell Ballard

We can become the masters of our own destinies by practicing self-discipline and by setting worthy goals that will lead to higher ground so that we can become what our heavenly father wants us to become. — M. Russell Ballard

If we are one in purpose, spirit, principle and faith, then it doesn't really matter if we are always of the same opinion. Opinions change and can be easily altered by time, experience, and circumstance. But principles, purposes, spirituality, and faith are enduring values that can bind us as one despite disagreement or dispute. — M. Russell Ballard

One who lays claim to special privilege through the priesthood doesn't understand the nature of his authority. — M. Russell Ballard

The words of the Lord are found in the scriptures and the teachings of the apostles and prophets. They provide us counsel and direction that, when followed, will act like a spiritual life jacket and will help us know how to hold on with both hands. — M. Russell Ballard

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. — M. Russell Ballard

When we learn to expect more success than failure in life, we soon will develop an attitude of success. — M. Russell Ballard

I believe you can train yourself to become a positive thinker, but you must cultivate a desire to develop the skill of setting personal worthy and realistic goals. I am so thoroughly convinced that if we don't set goals in our life and learn how to master the technique of living to reach our goals, we can reach a ripe old age and look back on our life only to see that we reached but a small part of our full potential. When you learn to master the principle of setting a goal, you will then be able to make a great difference in the results you attain in this life. — M. Russell Ballard

Sometimes we need a personal crisis to reinforce in our minds what we really value and cherish. The scriptures are filled with examples of people facing crises before learning how to better serve God and others. Perhaps if you, too, search your hearts and courageously assess the priorities in your life, you may discover, as I did, that you need a better balance among your priorities. — M. Russell Ballard

Do not shift your focus from serving others to focusing exclusively on school, work, or social activities. — M. Russell Ballard

Small events and choices determine the direction of our lives just as small helms determine the directions of great ships. — M. Russell Ballard

The central activity of leadership is teaching - first by example, second by precept. — M. Russell Ballard

Of all the opportunities my priesthood authority affords, there is none grander than the privilege of being in one of our temples and representing the Master in officiating in the marriage of two of His worthy, righteous children. — M. Russell Ballard

The key [to sharing the gospel] is that you be inspired of God, that you ask Him for direction and then go and do as the Spirit prompts you. — M. Russell Ballard

Those who yearn for true spiritual light and knowledge can only find it through the power of the Holy Ghost. The Spirit enlightens and gives understanding of the eternal purpose of life. By the Spirit, Church members know the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is true. — M. Russell Ballard

Remember, young men, that purity precedes power. The Lord said, 'But purify your hearts before me; and then go ye into all the world, and preach my gospel unto every creature who has not received it' (D&C 112:28). Missionaries discover this very early in their missions and make every effort to be worthy so they can serve with power. — M. Russell Ballard

The Lord is in control. He knows the end from the beginning. He has given us adequate instruction that, if followed, will see us safely through any crisis. His purposes will be fulfilled, and someday we will understand the eternal reasons for all of these events. Therefore, today we must be careful to not overreact, nor should we be caught up in extreme preparations, but what we must do is keep the commandments of God and never loose hope! — M. Russell Ballard

Fourth, come home from work and take an active role with your family. Don't put work, friends, or sports ahead of listening to, playing with, and teaching your children. — M. Russell Ballard

Remember that our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ, know you best and love you the most. — M. Russell Ballard

Great things are wrought through simple and small things. Like the small flecks of gold that accumulate over time into a large treasure, our small and simple acts of kindness and service will accumulate into a life filled with love for Heavenly Father, devotion to the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, and a sense of peace and joy each time we reach out to one another. — M. Russell Ballard

When a leader in the Church inspires council members with vision, he helps them focus on their real mission so that they are ministering to people rather than merely administering programs. — M. Russell Ballard

Pollinate the world with the pure love of Christ. — M. Russell Ballard

What would be the cumulative effect of millions of small, compassionate acts performed daily by us because of our heartfelt Christian love for others? Over time this would have a transformative effect upon all of our Heavenly Father's children through the extension of His love to them through us. — M. Russell Ballard

There is great power in prayer. I strongly encourage personal and family prayer, which are important in building strong families. I'm wondering if many of you parents, you couples, have lost that essential moment of kneeling together at the end of the day, just the two of you, holding hands and saying your prayers. If that has slipped away from your daily routine, may I suggest you put it back-beginning tonight! — M. Russell Ballard

The important questions focus on what matters most-Heavenly Father's plan and the Savior's Atonement. — M. Russell Ballard

The joy in motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times, but amid the challenges there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction. — M. Russell Ballard

There is no one perfect way to be a good mother ... Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children ... What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else. — M. Russell Ballard

This is God's work, and God's work will not be frustrated. But there is still much to be done. — M. Russell Ballard

Make the decision to do what Jesus Christ has asked you to do. — M. Russell Ballard

To innovate does not necessarily mean to expand; very often it means to simplify. — M. Russell Ballard

We are not asking everyone to do everything. We are simply asking all members to pray, knowing that if every member, young and old, will reach out to just "one" between now and Christmas, millions will feel the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. And what a wonderful gift to the Savior. — M. Russell Ballard

Because the eternal principle of agency gives us the freedom to choose and think for ourselves, we should become increasingly able to solve problems. We may make the occasional mistake, but as long as we are following gospel principles and guidelines, we can learn from those mistakes and become more understanding of others and more effective in serving them. — M. Russell Ballard

When you understand the Atonement, then you understand the joy of being rescued. — M. Russell Ballard

... We never will have balance in our lives unless our finances are securely under control. — M. Russell Ballard

Because we love the Lord, we should be spiritually sensitive to moments when the powerful and important truths of the gospel can be shared with others. Perhaps more importantly, however, we should seek at all times to purify ourselves and to lead such worthy lives that the Light of Christ emanates from us in all that we say and do. Our day-to-day lives should stand as immutable witness of our faith in Christ. — M. Russell Ballard

Often the lack of clear direction and goals can waste away our time and energy and contribute to imbalance in our lives. A life that gets out of balance is much like a car tire that is out of balance. It will make the operation of the car rough and unsafe. Tires in perfect balance can give a smooth and comfortable ride. So it is with life. The ride through mortality can be smoother for us when we strive to stay in balance. — M. Russell Ballard

Great things are brought about and burdens are lightened through the efforts of many hands anxiously engaged in a good cause. — M. Russell Ballard

We have taken a giant step forward in correcting some of the misconceptions people have about the church. I think that we've made a lot of friends. — M. Russell Ballard

We need to let our family and our friends know this truth - God is love, and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him. - 2 Nephi 26:33 — M. Russell Ballard

There is no such thing as unlawful censorship in the home. Movies, magazines, television, videos, the Internet, and other media are there as guests and should only be welcomed when they are appropriate for family enjoyment. — M. Russell Ballard

Just as He had done with David, Samuel, and Joseph of the Old Testament, God took an innocent, unlearned boy, one still unsullied by the world and pliable to His divine will, and molded and shaped him into His chosen prophet. — M. Russell Ballard

The love that exists between people who share religious values and experiences can be the most satisfying and unifying force this side of the solid, happy family. — M. Russell Ballard

Free and open expression coupled with visionary leadership generally encourages good decision-making. — M. Russell Ballard

There is a big difference between an honest mistake made in a moment of spiritual weakness and a willfull decision to disobey persistently the commandments of God. Those who deliberately choose to violate God's commandments or ignore the standards of the Church, even when promising themselves and others that someday they will be strong enough to repent, are stepping into a dangerously slippery slope upon which many have lost their spiritual footing. — M. Russell Ballard

We can all be more consistently involved in missionary work by replacing our fear with real faith. — M. Russell Ballard

We must be prepared to keep pace with our leaders, stride for their every lengthened stride. — M. Russell Ballard

I believe that every human soul is teaching something to someone nearly every minute here in mortality. — M. Russell Ballard

Friends and family are vitally important for an individual who is struggling to return to the gospel path. Those around such a person must refrain from judging. They must do all they can to show love. — M. Russell Ballard

Sacrifice is a demonstration of pure love. — M. Russell Ballard

We must never ignore or pass by the prompting of the Spirit to render service to one another. — M. Russell Ballard

Be involved; be informed. Try to be understanding and tolerant and to appreciate diversity. — M. Russell Ballard

Attitude is an important part of the foundation upon which we build a productive life. A good attitude produces good results, a fair attitude poor results, a poor attitude poor results. We each shape our own life, and the shape of it is determined largely by our attitude. — M. Russell Ballard

Remember, presidents and bishops, that the callings of your associates are just as divinely inspired as is yours, and they are therefore entitled to inspiration in their specific responsibilities. Lean upon them. Learn from them. Love them. Listen to them. — M. Russell Ballard

What matters most is what lasts the longest and families are forever. — M. Russell Ballard

Righteousness has never precluded adversity. — M. Russell Ballard

Do not think that you are too busy to study the gospel. — M. Russell Ballard

Crisis or transition of any kind reminds us of what matters most. In the routine of life, we often take our families-our parents and children and siblings-for granted. But in times of danger and need and change, there is no question that what we care about most is our families! It will be even more so when we leave this life and enter into the spirit world. Surely the first people we will seek to find there will be father, mother, spouse, children, and siblings. — M. Russell Ballard

The family is not just the basic unit of society; it is the basic unit of eternity. — M. Russell Ballard

This is a beautiful time of year with spring beginning to burst forth in many parts of the world, bringing all of its colors, scents, and cheerful sounds. The miracle of the changing seasons, with the reawakening and rebirth in nature, inspires feelings of love and reverence within us for God's marvelous, creative handiwork. — M. Russell Ballard

I believe the entertainment industry cannot portray on film people gunned down in cold blood, in living color, and not have it affect the attitudes and thoughts of some of the people who see it ... I believe that the desensitizing effect of such media abuses on the hearts and souls of those who are exposed to them results in a partial fulfillment of the Savior's statement that 'because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold'. — M. Russell Ballard

But one thing is certain: the commandments have not changed. Let there be no mistake about that. Right is still right. Wrong is still wrong, no matter how cleverly cloaked in respectability or political correctness. We believe in chastity before marriage and fidelity ever after. That standard is an absolute standard of truth. It is neither subject to public opinion polls nor dependent upon situation or circumstance. There is no need to debate it or other gospel standards. — M. Russell Ballard

Sometimes we go so focused on bringing people to the meetinghouse that we forget we are supposed to be bringing them to Christ. — M. Russell Ballard

It is important to be still and listen and follow the Spirit. — M. Russell Ballard

A mother's nurturing love arouses in children, from their earliest days on earth, an awakening of the memories of love and goodness they experience in their premortal existence, Because our mothers love us, we learn, or more accurately remember, that God also loves us — M. Russell Ballard

My dear young women, with all my heart I urge you not to look to contemporary culture for your role models and mentors. Please look to your faithful mothers for a pattern to follow. Model yourselves after them, not after celebrities whose standards are not the Lord's standards and whose values may not reflect an eternal perspective. Look to your mother. — M. Russell Ballard