Absolute Truths

"We cannot cope with the confusions and challenges of this world unless we use a clear and consistent moral compass that will unerringly take us through our own personal trials and the tugs and pulls of our own temptations--a compass that will chart our way to peace of mind, self-worth, and joy. This moral compass is built around four absolute truths.

The first absolute truth is that there is a loving Father in Heaven, and His Son, Jesus Christ, is our personal Savior--a more certain truth than any worldly fact. Nothing could provide a truer "north" for every person's own moral compass.

The second absolute truth is that there is an adversary, Satan, the tempter, who would lead us away from God and His infinite peace....One of Satan's most spiritually damaging lies which undermines our sense of self-worth and hope is that we cannot be forgiven of our sins.

The third absolute truth is that all of us choose our own course, endowed by agency. Yes, who we are is the sum of all the choices we make. We should always remember that our choices do not begin with the act, but in the mind with the idea. Given our agency, we are therefore individually responsible for our thoughts or ideas, acts, habits, character and yes even our destiny.

The fourth absolute truth is that the temptations of the devil can always be overcome by renewed faith in God and by repentance.

Yes, when we stray from that narrow and straight way, marked by our moral compass, our footing can be restored on the road that surely leads to salvation and eternal life. We can experience wisdom, peace of mind, self-worth, and joy not only in the life to follow but in the life each of us lives today by walking in the Savior's footsteps, guided by an unfailing compass calibrated on these four eternal and absolute truths."

Taken from Richard B. Wirthlin, Oct 1997 conference

I needed to read that today.

p.s. I remember reading this back in high school seminary, I think. It still makes me happy. And so, I link! Ha!