Thomas S. Monson Quotes & Sayings

Every bishop can testify to the promptings that attend calls to serve in the Church. Frequently the call seems to be for the benefit not so much of those to be taught or led as for the person who is to teach or lead. — Thomas S. Monson

Heavenly Father has a picture of you on His dresser. He loves you and will help you. Call upon Him. — Thomas S. Monson

As we follow that Man of Galilee-even the Lord Jesus Christ-our personal influence will be felt for good wherever we are, whatever our callings. — Thomas S. Monson

If we are to have the very best Christmas ever, we must listen for the sound of sandaled feet. We must reach out for the Carpenter's hand. With every step we take in his footsteps, we abandon a doubt and gain a truth. — Thomas S. Monson

Balanced service is a virtue to be cherished. There is to be time in our life to serve God, to serve our family, to serve our country and community, to serve our employer. Wise persons budget available time so that no significant area of one's life falls into a state of neglect. — Thomas S. Monson

We must not let our passions destroy our dreams. — Thomas S. Monson

None within the sound of my voice should be in any doubt concerning what is moral and what is not, nor should any be in doubt about what is expected of us ... We have been and continue to be taught God's laws. Despite what you may see or hear elsewhere, these laws are unchanging. — Thomas S. Monson

Let us respect others no one lives alone in a city, a nation, or a world. — Thomas S. Monson

Do we give thanks to God 'for his unspeakable gift' and His rich blessings so abundantly bestowed upon us? — Thomas S. Monson

When you're on the Lord's errand, you're entitled to the Lord's blessings. — Thomas S. Monson

When compared to eternal verities, most of the questions and concerns of daily living are really rather trivial. What should we have for dinner? What color should we paint the living room? Should we sign Johnny up for soccer? These questions and countless others like them lose their significance when times of crisis arise, when loved ones are hurt or injured, when sickness enters the house of good health, when life's candle dims and darkness threatens. Our thoughts become focused, and we are easily able to determine what is really important and what is merely trivial. — Thomas S. Monson

I urge you to live within your means. One cannot spend more than one earns and remain solvent. I promise you that you will then be happier than you would be if you were constantly worrying about how to make the next payment on nonessential debt. — Thomas S. Monson

You have a heritage honor it. You have posses a testimony share it. You will face temptations withstand it. You know the truth live it. — Thomas S. Monson

We learn and grow and become stronger as we face and survive the trials through which we must pass. — Thomas S. Monson

I testify that when we do all we can to accomplish the work that is before us, the Lord will make available to us the sacred key needed to unlock the treasure which we so much seek. — Thomas S. Monson

I counseled many returning missionaries. I interviewed 1,700 missionaries all over the world. My advice to them is that you should study and prepare for your life's work in a field that you enjoy. — Thomas S. Monson

Spiritual strength frequently comes through selfless service. — Thomas S. Monson

I like this thought: Your mind is a cupboard, and you stock the shelves. Let us make certain that our cupboard shelves, and those of our family members, are stocked with the things which will provide safety to our souls and enable us to return to our Father in Heaven. Such shelves could well be stocked with gospel scholarship, faith, prayer, love, service, obedience, example, and kindness — Thomas S. Monson

I think there is no place in the world where I feel closer to the Lord than in one of His holy temples. — Thomas S. Monson

All that occurs within the walls of the temple is uplifting and enobling. — Thomas S. Monson

Who the Lord calls, the Lord will qualify. — Thomas S. Monson

Through tears and trials, through fears and sorrows, through the heartache and loneliness of losing loved ones, there is assurance that life is everlasting. Our Lord and Savior is the living witness that such is so. — Thomas S. Monson

Through humble prayer, diligent preparation, and faithful service, we can succeed in our sacred callings. — Thomas S. Monson

The strength which we earnestly seek in order to meet the challenges of a complex and changing world can be ours when, with fortitude and resolute courage, we stand and declare with Joshua, 'As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.' [Joshua 24:15]. — Thomas S. Monson

God left the world unfinished; the pictures unpainted, the songs unsung, and the problems unsolved, that man might know the joys of creation. — Thomas S. Monson

I testify that each one of us can feel the Lord's inspiration as we live worthily and strive to serve Him. — Thomas S. Monson

Permissiveness, immorality, pornography, drugs, the power of peer pressure-all these and more-cause many to be tossed about on a sea of sin and crushed on the jagged reefs of lost opportunities, forfeited blessings, and shattered dreams. — Thomas S. Monson

The question each of us must answer is ... What shall I do with Jesus? He Himself has provided us the answer: "Follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do" — Thomas S. Monson

Don't save something for a special occasion. Every day of your life is a special occasion. — Thomas S. Monson

In the private sanctuary of one's own conscience lies that spirit, that determination to cast off the old person and to measure up to the statue of true potential. — Thomas S. Monson

It has been said that the door of history turns on small hinges, and so do people's lives. We are constantly making small decisions. The outcome determines the success or failure of our lives. That is why it is worthwhile to look ahead, to set a course, and at least be partly ready when the moment of decision comes. True finishers have the capacity to visualize their objective. — Thomas S. Monson

So frequently we mistakenly believe that our children need more things, when in reality their silent pleadings are simply for more of our time. — Thomas S. Monson

Life by the yard is hard; by the inch it's a cinch. Decisions Determine Destiny. — Thomas S. Monson

Kneel down to pray. Step up to serve. Reach out to rescue. Each is a vital page of God's blueprint to make a house a home and a home a heaven. — Thomas S. Monson

May each of us remember this truth; 'one cannot forget mother and remember God. One cannot remember mother and forget God.' Why? Because these two sacred persons, God and mother, partners in creation, in love, in sacrifice, in service, are as one. — Thomas S. Monson

Loving service anonymously given may be unknown to man-but the gift and the giver are known to God. — Thomas S. Monson

Let us be kind to one another, to be aware of each other's needs, and try to help in that regard. — Thomas S. Monson

Can we somehow muster the courage and steadfastness of purpose that characterized the pioneers of a former generation? Can you and I, in actual fact, be pioneers [today]? — Thomas S. Monson

Perhaps when we face our maker, we will not be asked, 'How many positions did you hold,' but rather, 'How many people did you help? — Thomas S. Monson

Recent surveys of Church members have shown a serious erosion in the number of families who have a year's supply of life's necessities. Most members plan to do it. Too few have begun ... It is our sacred duty to care for our families, including our extended families. — Thomas S. Monson

Remember to pray fervently. — Thomas S. Monson

The temples are a refuge from life's storms even a never-failing beacon guiding us to safety. — Thomas S. Monson

Study with purpose, both in church and in school. Write down your goals and what you plan to do to achieve them. Aim high, for you are capable ... — Thomas S. Monson

Christ instructs us to stand up bravely for our beliefs ... He asks us to let our lights shine. — Thomas S. Monson

Heavenly Father loves you - each of you. That love never changes. — Thomas S. Monson

As you walk through life, always walk toward the light, and the shadows of life will fall behind you. — Thomas S. Monson

In the search for our best selves, several questions will guide our thinking: Am I what I want to be? Am I closer to the Savior today than I was yesterday? Will I be closer yet tomorrow? Do I have the courage to change for the better? The years have come and the years have gone, but the need for a testimony of the gospel continues paramount. As we move toward the future, we must not neglect the lessons of the past. — Thomas S. Monson

The Lord's purposes are often accomplished as we pay heed to the guidance of the Spirit. I believe that the more we act upon the inspiration and impressions which come to us, the more the Lord will entrust to us His errands. — Thomas S. Monson

Some are young people who don't know who they are, what they can be or even want to be. They are afraid, but they don't know of what. They are angry, but they don't know at whom. They are rejected and they don't know why. All they want is to be somebody. — Thomas S. Monson

Courage becomes a worthwhile and meaningful virtue when it is regarded not so much as a willingness to die manfully but as a determination to live decently. — Thomas S. Monson

Man has made remarkable strides in conquering outer space, but how futile have been his efforts in conquering inner space- the space in our hearts and minds of men. — Thomas S. Monson

The world in which we live is filled with diversity. We can and should demonstrate respect toward those whose beliefs differ from ours. — Thomas S. Monson

We can't direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. For maximum happiness, peace, and contentment, may we choose a positive attitude. — Thomas S. Monson

Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God's approval. — Thomas S. Monson

Missionary service is a priesthood duty. — Thomas S. Monson

In this world in which we live, there is a tendency for us to describe needed
change, required help, and desired relief with the familiar phrase, 'They ought to do
something about this.' We fail to define the word they. I love the message, 'Let
there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. — Thomas S. Monson

The ability to communicate is not something we are born with. We have to learn it and earn it. — Thomas S. Monson

Choose your love. Love your choice. — Thomas S. Monson

There will be occasions in each of our lives when we will be called upon to explain or to defend our beliefs. When the time for performance arrives, the time for preparation is past. — Thomas S. Monson

So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment. — Thomas S. Monson

The problems of our day loom ominously before us. Surrounded by the sophistication of modern living, we look heavenward for that unfailing sense of direction, that we might chart and follow a wise and proper course. He whom we call our Heavenly Father will not leave our sincere petition unanswered. — Thomas S. Monson

The good you have done, the kind words you have spoken, the love you have shown to others, can never be fully measured. — Thomas S. Monson

Stick to a task 'til it sticks to you ... for beginners are many, but finishers few. — Thomas S. Monson

It is imperative that we recognize that whatever has happened to us has happened to others. They have coped and so must we. We are not alone. Heavenly Father's help is near. — Thomas S. Monson

If you want to give a light to others, you have to glow yourself. — Thomas S. Monson

The priesthood is not really so much a gift as it is a commission to serve, a privilege to lift, and an opportunity to bless the lives of others. — Thomas S. Monson

Serving throughout the world is a great missionary force going about doing good. Missionaries teach truth. They dispel darkness. They spread joy. They bring precious souls to Christ. — Thomas S. Monson

Without a goal there can be no real success. — Thomas S. Monson

Our problem is that we often expect instantaneous solutions to such challenges, forgetting that frequently the heavenly virtue of patience is required. — Thomas S. Monson

As we remember prayer and take time to turn to the scriptures, our lives will be infinitely more blessed and our burdens will be made lighter. — Thomas S. Monson

There are those who struggle every day with challenges. Let us extend to them our concern, as well as a helping hand. As we care for each other, we will be blessed. — Thomas S. Monson

All of us are prone to excuse our own mediocre performance. We blame our misfortunes, our disfigurements, our so-called handicaps. Victims of our own rationalization, we say silently to ourselves, 'I'm just too weak,' or 'I'm not cut out for better things.' Others soar beyond our meager accomplishments. Envy and discouragement take their toll. — Thomas S. Monson

There are lives to brighten. There are hearts to touch. There are souls to save. — Thomas S. Monson

The drive was brief and the conversation limited, but oh, what a legacy of love! Father never read to me from the Bible about the good Samaritan. Rather, he took me with him and Uncle Elias in that old 1928 Oldsmobile and provided a living lesson I have always remembered. — Thomas S. Monson

The spirit of Christmas is the spirit of love and of generosity and of goodness. It illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world's busy life and become more interested in people than in things. — Thomas S. Monson

One day each of us will run out of tomorrows. Let us not put off what is important. — Thomas S. Monson

Gaze Upward, Look Inward, Reach Outward, Press Forward. — Thomas S. Monson

Let us relish life as we live it and ... find joy in the journey. — Thomas S. Monson

Noah heeded God's command to build an ark ... that they might be saved from the floodwaters. Yet there was no evidence of rain and flood. His actions were considered irrational. The sun was shining and life moved forward as usual. But time ran out. The floods came, the disobedient were drowned. When God speaks and we obey, we will always be right. — Thomas S. Monson

If you will study the scriptures diligently, your power to avoid temptation and to receive direction of the Holy Ghost in all you do will be increased. — Thomas S. Monson

The storm stops at the door. Love reigns, peace dwells. — Thomas S. Monson

The opportunity to declare a truth may come when we least expect it. Let us be prepared. — Thomas S. Monson

Our code of conduct is definitive; it is not negotiable. It is found not only in the Ten Commandments but also in the Sermon on the Mount, given to us by the Savior when He walked upon the earth. It is found throughout His teachings. It is found in the words of modern revelation. — Thomas S. Monson

Prayer continues to provide power
spiritual power. Prayer continues to provide peace
spiritual peace. — Thomas S. Monson

Dare to Stand Alone — Thomas S. Monson

As the Christmas season envelops us with all its glory, may we, as did the Wise Men, seek a bright, particular star to guide us in our celebration of the Savior's birth. — Thomas S. Monson

You will never be able to measure your influence for good. — Thomas S. Monson

The greatest force in the world today is the power of God as it works through man. — Thomas S. Monson

Cooperativeness is not so much learning how to get along with others as taking the kinks out of ourselves, so that others can get along with us. — Thomas S. Monson

The principles of living greatly include the capacity to face trouble with courage, disappointment with cheerfulness, and trial with humility. — Thomas S. Monson

This is my philosophy on all life, not just when it comes to love. All the best things are terrifying, but that's why they're the best things. Nothing worth having comes easy. You have to be afraid to want it, afraid to lose it, afraid to try. If you feel that, then you know you're on to a winner. — Thomas S. Monson

I'd like to suggest that when we search for truth, we search among those books and in those places where truth is most likely to be found. I've often referred to a simple couplet: "You do not find truth groveling through error. You find truth by searching the holy word of God." There are those who for direction and inspiration turn to the philosophies of man. There a smattering of truth may be found, but not the entire spectrum. Sometimes the truth of such philosophies is based upon a shallow foundation ... We need to turn to the truth of God. — Thomas S. Monson

I return to the Prophet Joseph's words: 'Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God.' Let us walk these clearly defined paths. To help us do so we can follow the shortest sermon in the world. It is found on a common traffic sign. It says, 'Keep right. — Thomas S. Monson

None of us will honor our Heavenly Father and our Savior more than by serving as a devoted, compassionate missionary, "For them that honour me I will honour." — Thomas S. Monson

When you're at a funeral and you're crying, you're crying for yourself — Thomas S. Monson

The hand of a bride becomes the hand of a mother. Ever so gently she cares for her precious child. Bathing, dressing, feeding, comforting-there is no hand like mother's. Nor does its tender care diminish through the years. — Thomas S. Monson

As I approached my 18th birthday and prepared to enter military service in World War II, I was recommended to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood. — Thomas S. Monson

I acknowledge that I do not understand the processes of creation, but I accept the fact of it. — Thomas S. Monson

My brothers and sisters, may the spirit of love which comes at Christmastime fill our homes and our lives and linger there long after the tree is down and the lights are put away for another year. — Thomas S. Monson

Appearances can be so deceiving, such a poor measure of a person. Admonished the Savior, 'Judge not according to the appearance. — Thomas S. Monson