Spencer W. Kimball Quotes & Sayings

Let us remember, too, that greatness is not always a matter of the scale of one's life, but of the quality of one's life. True greatness is not always tied to the scope of our tasks, but to the quality of how we carry out our tasks whatever they are. In that attitude, let us give our time, ourselves, and our talents to the things that really matter now, things which will still matter a thousand years from now. — Spencer W. Kimball

People must be changed ... goodness cannot be legislated. — Spencer W. Kimball

The nation is built upon the foundation of its homes and the home upon its families. — Spencer W. Kimball

I promise that if you will keep your journals and records, they will indeed be a source of great inspiration to your families, to your children, your grandchildren, and others, on through the generations. Each of us is important to those who are near and dear to us and as our posterity reads of our life's experiences, they, too, will come to know and love us. And in that glorious day when our families are together in the eternities, we will already be acquainted. — Spencer W. Kimball

It is vital that we serve each other in the kingdom ... So often, our acts of service consist of simple encouragement or of giving ... help with mundane tasks, but what glorious consequences can flow ... from small but deliberate deeds! — Spencer W. Kimball

Now is the moment in the timetable of the Lord to carry the gospel farther than it has ever been carried before ... Many a person in this world is crying, knowingly and unknowingly, 'Come over ... and help us.' He might be your neighbor. She might be your friend. He might be a relative. She might be someone you met only yesterday. But we have what they need. Let us take new courage from our studies and pray, as did Peter, 'And now, Lord, ... grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word' — Spencer W. Kimball

Perhaps the greatest reason for missionary work is to give the world it's chance to hear and accept the gospel. The scriptures are replete with commands and promises and calls and rewards for teach the gospel. I use the word command deliberately for it seems to be an insistent directive from which we, singly and collectively, cannot escape ... I wonder if we are doing all we can. Are we complacent in our approach to teaching all the world? We have been proselyting now 144 years. Are we prepared to lengthen our stride? To enlarge our vision? — Spencer W. Kimball

Learn all you can. Growth comes from setting your goals high and reaching for the stars. — Spencer W. Kimball

Procrastination-thou wretched thief of time and opportunity! — Spencer W. Kimball

Home: The place to save society. — Spencer W. Kimball

Success should not necessarily be gauged by always reaching the goal set, but by progress and attainment. — Spencer W. Kimball

What message may I take from you to the young people in Zion?" The answer was quick and positive. "Tell them," said the doomed man, "to keep their lives so full of good works that there will be no room for evil. — Spencer W. Kimball

How long has it been since you took your children, whatever their size, in your arms and told them that you love them and are glad that they can be yours forever? — Spencer W. Kimball

Do not make small goals because they do not have the magic to stir men's souls. — Spencer W. Kimball

It is a glorious privilege to be attending this, the greatest university in all the world ... take a good look and carefully analyze, and when you take the important points and sum them up, you come out with this final thought: Brigham Young University is the greatest university in the world. — Spencer W. Kimball

Sin comes when communication lines are down - it always does, sooner or later. — Spencer W. Kimball

Always keep good company. Never waste an hour with anyone who doesn't lift you up and encourage you. — Spencer W. Kimball

The more we are guided by eternal considerations in our conduct, the better we will manage our mortality. — Spencer W. Kimball

Your own private journal should record the way you face up to challenges that beset you. Do not suppose life changes so much that your experiences will not be interesting to your posterity. Experiences of work, relations with people, and an awareness of the rightness and wrongness of actions will always be relevant. — Spencer W. Kimball

I find that when I get casual with my relationship with divinity and when it seems no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far away. If I immerse myself in the scriptures, the distance narrows and the spirituality returns. I find myself loving more intimately those I should love with all my heart, mind, and strength. — Spencer W. Kimball

No government may remain strong by ignoring the commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai. — Spencer W. Kimball

Life gives to all the choice. You can satisfy yourself with mediocrity if you wish. You can be common, ordinary, dull, colorless, or yyou can channel your life so that it will be clean, vibrant, useful, progressive, colorful, and rich. — Spencer W. Kimball

So much depends upon our willingness to make up our minds, collectively and individually, that present levels of performance are not acceptable, either to ourselves or to the Lord. In saying that, I am not calling for flashy, temporary differences in our performance levels, but a quiet resolve to do a better job, to lengthen our stride. — Spencer W. Kimball

He who cannot learn by others' mistakes is stupid. He who cannot learn by his own errors is a fool. — Spencer W. Kimball

Destroy the seed and the plant will never grow. Man alone, of all creatures of earth, can change his thought pattern and become the architect of his destiny. — Spencer W. Kimball

What relief! What comfort! What joy! Those laden with transgressions and sorrows and sin may be forgiven and cleansed and purified if they will return to their Lord, learn of him, and keep his commandments — Spencer W. Kimball

Jesus said several times, "Come, follow me." His was a program of "do what I do," rather than "do what I say." His innate brilliance would have permitted him to put on a dazzling display, but that would have left his followers far behind. He walked and worked with those he was to serve. His was not a long-distance leadership. He was not afraid of close friendships; he was not afraid that proximity to him would disappoint his followers. The leaven of true leadership cannot lift others unless we are with and serve those to be led. — Spencer W. Kimball

Some of the greatest sermons that have ever been preached were preached by the singing of a song. — Spencer W. Kimball

... Repentance is ever the key to a better, happier life. All of us need it. — Spencer W. Kimball

To be a mother is a woman's greatest vocation in life. She is a partner with God. No being has a position of such power and influence. She holds in her hands the destiny of nations, for to her comes the responsibility and opportunity of molding the nation's citizens. — Spencer W. Kimball

It would be a fine thing if ... parents would have in every bedroom in their house a picture of the temple so [their children] from the time [they are] infant[s] could look at the picture every day [until] it becomes a part of [their lives]. When [they reach] the age that [they need] to make [the] very important decision [concerning going to the temple], it will have already been made. — Spencer W. Kimball

Working toward perfection is not a one time decision but a process to be pursued throughout one's lifetime. — Spencer W. Kimball

Speaking the Lord's name with reverence must simply be part of our lives as members of the Church ... we do not use foul language. We do not curse or defame. We do not use the Lord's name in vain. It is not difficult to become perfect in avoiding a swearing habit, for if one locks his mouth against all words of cursing, ... he is en route to perfection in that matter. — Spencer W. Kimball

If you are going to err, err on the side of mercy. — Spencer W. Kimball

A doctrine-teaching, character-building university, the Brigham Young University is dedicated to the building of character and faith, for character is higher than intellect ... We are men of God first, men of letters second, men of science third, and noted men fourth, men of rectitude rather than academic competence ... Our academic training must be as impeccable as our lives. — Spencer W. Kimball

If joy and peace and rewards were instantaneously given the doer of good, there would be no evil-all would do good but not because of the rightness of doing good. There would be no test of strength, no development of character, no growth of powers, no free agency, only satanic controls. — Spencer W. Kimball

Sometimes our celebrations of notable occurrences seem to take on earthly color, and we do not fully realize the significance of the reason for the celebration. This is true of Christmas, when too often we celebrate the holiday rather than the deep significance of the birth and resurrection of the Lord. They must be unhappy indeed who ignore the godship of Christ, the sonship of the Master. — Spencer W. Kimball

God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. — Spencer W. Kimball

Marriage can be more an exultant ecstasy than the human mind can conceive. This is within the reach of every couple, every person. — Spencer W. Kimball

Why is it that some young folks are almost overly conscientious in their school work, even to neglecting their Church responsibilities, when the spiritual should have priority in the study time of every person if preference must be given? However, there is time for fulfilling every need. — Spencer W. Kimball

We must be trained to clarify minds, heal broken hearts, and create homes where sunshine will make an environment in which mental and spiritual health may be nurtured. Our schooling must not only teach us how to bridge the Niagara River gorge, or the Golden Gate, but must teach us how to bridge the deep gaps of misunderstanding and hate and discord in the world. — Spencer W. Kimball

When one ... consciously and determinedly directs his thoughts, controls his acts, and tries to feel and constantly express his love, he becomes a person of love. — Spencer W. Kimball

Among the real heroines in the world who will come into the Church are women who are more concerned with being righteous than with being selfish. These real heroines have true humility, which places a higher value on integrity than on visibility. Remember, it is as wrong to do things just to be seen of women as it is to do things to be seen of men. Great women and men are always more anxious to serve than to have dominion. — Spencer W. Kimball

No father, no son, no mother, no daughter should get so busy that he or she does not have time to study the scriptures and the words of modern prophets. None of us should get so busy that we crowd out contemplation and praying. None of us should become so busy in our formal Church assignments that there is no room left for quiet Christian service to our neighbors. — Spencer W. Kimball

Leadership is the ability to encourage the best efforts of others in working toward a desirable goal. — Spencer W. Kimball

Mothers, are you so busy with social life, [with projects], with clubs, with working out of the home, or with housework, that you have not time to sit down and talk to your little girls and tell them the things they should know when they are nine, and ten, and eleven, and older? Can you be frank and loving to them so that they in turn can be frank in giving you their confidences? — Spencer W. Kimball

We have always understood that the foundations of the family, as an eternal unit, were laid even before this earth was created! Society without basic family life is without foundation and will disintegrate into nothingness. — Spencer W. Kimball

Who is to blame? The filth peddler, of course, but even more than this vulgar entertainer, the filth consumer, the public. So long as men are corrupt and revel in sewer filth, entertainers will sell them what they want. Laws may be passed, arrests may be made, lawyers may argue, courts may sentence and jails may harbor men of corrupt minds, but pornography and allied insults to decency will never cease until men have cleansed their minds and cease to require and pay for such vile stuff. When the customer is sick and tired of being drowned in filth by the comedians, he will not pay for that filth and its source will dry up. — Spencer W. Kimball

We note the increasing coarseness of language and understand how Lot must have felt when he was, according to Peter, "vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked." (2 Peter2:7.) We wonder why those of coarse and profane conversation, even if they refuse obedience to God's will, are so stunted mentally that they let their capacity to communicate grow more and more narrow. Language is like music; we rejoice in beauty, range, and quality in both, and we are demeaned by the repetition of a few sour notes. — Spencer W. Kimball

As we give, we find that sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven, and in the end, we learn that it was no sacrifice at all. — Spencer W. Kimball

Wherever women are true to their feminine natures and magnify their opportunities for loving service, they are learning to become more like God. — Spencer W. Kimball

A dozen times a day we come to a fork in the road and must decide which way we will go. It is important to get our ultimate objectives clearly in mind so that we do not become distracted at each fork in the road by the irrelevant questions: Which is the easier or more pleasant way? Or, Which way are others going? — Spencer W. Kimball

Rationalizing is the bringing of ideals down to the level of one's conduct. Repentance is the bringing of one's conduct up to the level of his ideals. — Spencer W. Kimball

I am comforted by the assurance that there will be beautiful music in heaven, and for that I am most grateful. — Spencer W. Kimball

It is not easy to be at peace in today's troubled world. Necessarily peace is a personal acquisition. ... It can be attained only through maintaining constantly a repentant attitude, seeking forgiveness of sins both large and small, and thus coming ever closer to God. — Spencer W. Kimball

One of the most important and rewarding ways in which we can serve our fellowmen is by living and sharing the principles of the gospel. We need to help those whom we seek to serve to know for themselves that God not only loves them but he is ever mindful of them and their needs. To teach our neighbors of the divinity of the gospel is a command reiterated by the Lord: 'It becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor' (D&C 88:81). — Spencer W. Kimball

I personally regard all of the houses of the Lord as the work of Jehovah, initiated by him, built by him, designed by him, and dedicated to him and his program. — Spencer W. Kimball

When you look in the dictionary for the most important word, do you know what it is? It could be remember.Because all of you have made covenants-you know what to do and you know how to do it-our greatest need is to remember. — Spencer W. Kimball

If you have not done so yet, decide to decide. — Spencer W. Kimball

Strength and struggle travel together. — Spencer W. Kimball

Whatever thing a man sets his heart on ... is his god; and if his god doesn't also happen to be the true and living God of Israel that man is laboring in idolatry. — Spencer W. Kimball

My plea therefore is this: Let us get our instruments tightly strung and our melodies sweetly sung. Let us not die with our music still in us. Let us rather use this precious mortal probation to move confidently and gloriously upward toward the eternal life which God our Father gives to those who keep his commandments. — Spencer W. Kimball

When one becomes conscious of his great humility, he has already lost it. When one begins boasting of his humility, it has already become pride-the antithesis of humility. — Spencer W. Kimball

And you fathers, are you so busy making a living, playing golf, bowling, hunting, that you do not have time to talk to your boys and hold them close to you and win their confidence? Or do you brush them off, so that they dare not come and talk about these things with you? — Spencer W. Kimball

Only when you lift a burden, God will lift your burden. Divine paradox this! The man who staggers and falls because his burden is too great can lighten that burden by taking on the weight of another's burden. You get by giving, but your part of giving must be given first. — Spencer W. Kimball

I find that when I get casual in my relationships with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far away. If I immerse myself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns. I find myself loving more intensely those whom I must love with all my heart and mind and strength, and loving them more, I find it easier to abide their counsel. — Spencer W. Kimball

There is never a day in any mans life when repentance is not essential to his well being in eternal progress. — Spencer W. Kimball

It is in the doing that the real blessing comes. Do it! That's our motto. — Spencer W. Kimball

No matter what you read or hear, no matter what the difference of circumstances you observe in the lives of women about you, it is important for you Latter-day Saint women to understand that the Lord holds motherhood and mothers sacred and in the highest esteem. He has entrusted to his daughters the great responsibility of bearing and nurturing children ... There is divinity in each new life. — Spencer W. Kimball

Young men do not usually become inactive in the Church because they are given too many significant things to do. — Spencer W. Kimball

Sow a thought, reap an act; Sow an act, reap a habit; Sow a habit, reap a character; Sow a character, reap an eternal destiny. — Spencer W. Kimball

To be sure your life will be full and abundant, you must plan your life. — Spencer W. Kimball

God is good. He is eager to forgive. He wants us to perfect ourselves and maintain control of ourselves. He does not want Satan and others to control our lives. We must learn that keeping our Heavenly Father's commandments represents the only path to total control of ourselves, the only way to find joy, truth, and fulfillment in this life and in eternity. — Spencer W. Kimball

There are two keys to productive missionary work
(1) family-to-family friendshipping (when a member family shares the gospel with a nonmember family) and (2) cooperation between members and the missionaries to reach people ... Every member knows of nonmembers he or she can refer to the missionaries. Every father, mother, and youth in this church should share the gospel by giving a Book of Mormon, telling the account of the Prophet Joseph Smith, or inviting our acquaintances to a special meeting. — Spencer W. Kimball

Time cannot be recycled. When a moment has gone, it is really gone. Wise time management is really wise management of ourselves. — Spencer W. Kimball

Oh, brothers and sisters, families can be forever! Do not let the lures [or the irritants] of the moment draw you away from them! Divinity, eternity, and family
they go together, hand in hand, and so must we! — Spencer W. Kimball

To be mediocre, when only application and diligence would have netted superiority, is an error akin to sin. — Spencer W. Kimball

How could a person possibly become what he is not thinking? Nor is any thought, when persistently entertained, too small to have its effect. The 'divinity that shapes our ends' is indeed ourselves. — Spencer W. Kimball

No true Latter-Day Saint, while physically or emotionally able will voluntarily shift the burden of his own or his family's well-being to someone else. So long as he can, under the inspiration of the Lord and with his own labors, he will supply himself and his family with the spiritual and temporal necessities of life. — Spencer W. Kimball

We know so little. Our judgment is so limited. We judge the Lord's ways from our own narrow view. — Spencer W. Kimball

It is through repentance that the Lord Jesus Christ can work his healing miracle, infusing us with strength when we are weak, health when we are sick, hope when we are downhearted, love when we feel empty, and understanding when we search for truth. — Spencer W. Kimball

The fact that some governments, churches and numerous corrupted individuals have tried to reduce such behavior from criminal offence to personal privilege dose not change the nature nor the seriousness of the practice. This woe is pronounced upon those who would pervert standards of mortality and decency. They seek man's approval of that which God had condemned. They have been successful in getting legislation passed to make such perversion legal and acceptable by society. — Spencer W. Kimball

Racial prejudice is of ignorance. There is no place for it ... — Spencer W. Kimball

Above all, I declare that Jesus Christ is the center of our faith; I testify to you that he lives. He leads his Church today; he hears our prayers when we humbly, earnestly, unceasingly seek to know his will, making this, too, a day of miracles and of revelation. — Spencer W. Kimball

Whoever said that sin was not fun? Whoever claimed that Lucifer was not handsome, persuasive, easy, friendly? Sin is attractive and desirable. Transgression wears elegant gowns and sparkling apparel. It is highly perfumed; it has attractive features, a soft voice. It is found in educated circles and sophisticated groups. It provides sweet and comfortable luxuries. Sin is easy and has a big company of pleasant companions. It promises immunity from restrictions, temporary freedoms. It can momentarily satisfy hunger, thirst, desire, urges, passions, wants without immediately paying the price. But, it begins tiny, and grows to monumental proportions - drop by drop, inch by inch. — Spencer W. Kimball

We want you to be ready with your personal storehouses filled with at least a year's supply. You don't argue why it cannot be done; you just plan to organize and get it done. — Spencer W. Kimball

We are greatly conscious of the fact that among the Lamanites - as well as among all peoples of other countries - we have a responsibility to see that the gospel touches their hearts and minds and that they understand it. — Spencer W. Kimball

Masturbation is not physically necessary. There is already a way by which the male system relieves excessive spermatic fluid quite regularly through the nocturnal emission or wet dream. Monthly menstrual flow expels the female's egg and cleanses the womb. For both sexes, physical or emotional tensions can be released by vigorous activity. Thus, in a biological sense, masturbation for either gender is not necessary. In a gospel sense, it is a sin: Masturbation, a rather common indiscretion, is not approved of the Lord ... regardless of what may have been said by others whose 'norms' are lower. — Spencer W. Kimball

For every one that doeth evil hateth the light." (John 3:19-20.) — Spencer W. Kimball

The day obedience becomes a quest and not an irritation is the day you gain power. — Spencer W. Kimball

You are unique, and there may be incidents in your experience that are more noble and praiseworthy in their way than those recorded in any other life. There may be a flash of illumination here and a story of faithfulness there; you should truthfully record your real self and not what other people may see in you. — Spencer W. Kimball

I am convinced that each of us, at some time in our lives, must discover the scriptures for ourselves - and not just discover them once, but rediscover them again and again. — Spencer W. Kimball

The best way to resist temptation is to avoid it. Prevention is far, far better than repentance. — Spencer W. Kimball

We have a commitment to serve our Lord. We have an assurance that the cause is just and worthy. But, above all, we have a knowledge that God lives and is in His Heavens and that His Son Jesus Christ has laid out a plan for us which will bring us and our loved ones eternal life if we are faithful. That life will be a busy, purposeful life with accomplishments and joys and development. — Spencer W. Kimball

Brethren and sisters, the day of miracles is not passed except for those whose faith has passed. — Spencer W. Kimball

Your life is your own, to develop or to destroy. You can blame others little and yourself almost totally if that life is not a productive, worthy, full, and abundant one. — Spencer W. Kimball

Man can be literally transformed by his own repentance and by God's gift of forgiveness. — Spencer W. Kimball

The time will come when only those who believe deeply and actively in the family will be able to preserve their families in the midst of the gathering evil around us. — Spencer W. Kimball

One of the most serious human defects in all ages is procrastination, an unwillingness to accept personal responsibilities now. — Spencer W. Kimball

Man is naturally a religious being. His heart instinctively seeks for God whether he reverences the sacred cow or prays to the sun or moon; whether he kneels before wood and stone images, or prays in secret to his Heavenly Father, he is satisfying an inborn urge. — Spencer W. Kimball