The Weak And The Weakest Of All...

the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints." ¶

(D&C 89:3.) It contains a promise that "all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, . . . shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; "Great treasures of knowledge" ¶

"And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; "And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint." (D&C 89:18-20.) We are counseled in this revelation to eat and drink those foods and drinks that are beneficial to our bodies and to refrain from taking anything into our bodies that is injurious or harmful. We can likewise protect our health by getting proper exercise and rest. ¶

The Word of Wisdom is a basic law, and those who live the law will be strengthened in body and in mind. ¶

Financial means. Avoid debt. ¶

Now with reference to the development of financial strength: God has given us our free agency, but we are required to work for our sustenance, growth, and development. ¶

We frequently refer to the gospel as "the gospel of work." This principle incorporates the necessity of sustaining ourselves and our families. To properly fulfill this requirement in this day, we must be financially responsible or strong. Being strong financially does not necessarily mean being wealthy with earthly possessions; it means possessing sufficient to meet our requirements and living within our income rather than overextending ourselves. ¶

In modern revelation the Lord has given us these commandments: "Behold, it is said in my laws, or forbidden, to get in debt to thine enemies." (D&C 64:27.) "And again, verily I say unto you, concerning your debts — behold it is my will that you shall pay all your debts." (D&C 104: ¶

78.) President Brigham Young repeatedly counseled the Saints to get out of debt and stay out of debt. Other Latter-day Prophets have given similar counsel. ¶

President Joseph F. Smith told the Saints, "Get out of debt and keep out of debt, and then you will be financially as well as spiritually free." ¶

President Heber J. Grant said in one of his sermons, "If there is any one thing that will bring peace and contentment into the human heart, and into the family, it is to live within our means; and if there is one thing that is grinding, and discouraging and disheartening, it is to have debts and obligations that one cannot meet." ¶

(Relief Society Magazine, Vol. 19, page 302.) One of the Relief Society lessons deals with this subject, and the appropriate title is "Don't Let Your Yearnings Exceed Your Earnings." This lesson is certainly in line with the injunctions of the Lord to his people. ¶

Today much unhappiness results from financial problems; they are a major factor in unhappy marriages, many of which result in divorce. ¶

Personal financial weaknesses come about primarily by unwise use of credit and obligating ourselves for more than we receive. This frequently brings about bankruptcy, and unfortunately, bankruptcies have greatly increased during the last few years. ¶

Many business failures are likewise the result of overextension and inability to finance the enterprise properly. ¶

I counsel you to get out of debt and stay out of debt, and if it is necessary to use credit, use it wisely and sparingly. Financial strength is realized by keeping God's commandments, one of which is the payment of an honest tithe, and by developing habits of work, thrift, and living within one's income. ¶

Be strong spiritually, morally, mentally, physically It is vital to our welfare and happiness that we be strong financially as well as spiritually, morally, mentally, and physically. In all ages men and women who have had important missions to perform possessed great strength. The trek to Utah of the Mormon pioneers, many of whom were our ancestors, was made by those who were strong in purpose and in faith. They left us a noble heritage. ¶

Today's problems are, in many respects, different from those confronting our pioneer forefathers. However, our problems are as real and important to us as their problems were to them, and it requires great strength and faith on the part of men, women, and children to successfully meet today's challenges. ¶

We should consistently study the gospel, as it teaches us in simple terms how to develop this strength. These gospel principles are eternal. As we apply them in our lives, we are able to meet our challenges with purpose, faith, and vision, as did our forebears, and become strong instruments in the hands of the Lord in building the kingdom. Yes, as we do our part, the Lord will make us equal to the tasks that lie ahead. ¶

I am grateful for my knowledge that God lives and that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, that the gospel in its fullness was restored to earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and that we have a great Prophet at the head of the Church today, our beloved President David O. McKay. May the Lord bless and sustain him as he continues to inspire us and give us strength. ¶

In October 1831 the Lord through revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith said to William E. M'Lellin, ". . . he that is faithful shall be made strong in every place; and I, the Lord, will go with you." (D&C 66:8.) Each of us has this same assurance: ¶

As we are faithful we shall be made strong in every place, and the Lord will go with us. May this be our great desire and blessing I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. ¶