Thomas S Monson Quotes

Choose your friends with caution; plan your future with purpose, and frame your life with faith. ~ 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

This Sabbath day has been designated as a day of thanksgiving, a day of gratitude-even a day of prayer. We pause, we ponder, we reflect on the blessings an all-wise Heavenly Father has bestowed upon us, His children, by bringing peace to the battlefield of war and comfort to the hearts of so many in this wonderful world where we live and which we call home ~ Thomas S. Monson

Traveling is difficult when you go for long stretches at a time, but you always come back refreshed, feeling that you've accomplished something. I'm on my knees before I go anywhere in this world. ~ 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

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

The teacher not only shapes the expectations and ambitions of her pupils, but she also influences their attitudes toward their future and themselves. If she is unskilled, she leaves scars on the lives of youth, cuts deeply into their self-esteem, and distorts their image of themselves as human beings. But if she loves her students and has high expectations of them, their self-confidence will grow, their capabilities will develop, and their future will be assured. ~ Thomas S. Monson

One, two, three ... let's go shopping! ~ Thomas S. Monson

When we ponder that vast throng who have died honorably defending home and hearth, we contemplate those immortal words, 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.' The feelings of heartfelt gratitude for the supreme sacrifice made by so many cannot be confined to a Memorial Day, a military parade, or a decorated grave. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Opportunities are everywhere. Needed are eyes to see the pitiable plight and ears to hear the silent pleadings of a broken heart. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Remember that the mantle of leadership is not the cloak of comfort, but the robe of responsibility. Accountability is not for the intention but for the deed. You must continue to choose the harder right, instead of the easier wrong. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Sometimes we let our thoughts of tomorrow take up too much of today. Daydreaming of the past and longing for the future may provide comfort but will not take the place of living in the present. This is the day of our opportunity, and we must grasp it ~ Thomas S. Monson

It is impossible to stand upright when one plants his roots in the shifting sands of popular opinion and approval. Needed is the courage of a Daniel, an Abinadi, a Moroni, or a Joseph Smith in order for us to hold strong and fast to that which we know is right. They had the courage to do not that which was easy but that which was right.
We will all face fear, experience ridicule, and meet opposition. Let us
all of us
have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God's approval. Courage becomes a living and an attractive virtue when it is regarded not only as a willingness to die manfully but also as the determination to live decently. As we move forward, striving to live as we should, we will surely receive help from the Lord and can find comfort in His words ~ Thomas S. Monson

We do not find truth groveling through error. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Our Father's commitment to us, His children, is unwavering. Indeed He softens the winters of our lives, but He also brightens our summers. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Men and women of integrity, character, and purpose have ever recognized a power higher than themselves and have sought through prayer to be guided by that power. Such has it ever been. So shall it ever be. ~ Thomas S. Monson

I hope I work effectively, but I never feel I have exhausted what I should be doing ... I believe we have a responsibility to be a good influence on others. ~ Thomas S. Monson

We all have received the divine injunction: 'Follow thou me.' It guided Peter. It motivated Paul. It can determine our personal destiny. Can we make the decision to follow in righteousness and truth the Redeemer of the world? With his help, a rebellious boy can become an obedient man, a wayward girl can cast aside the old self and begin anew. Indeed, the gospel of Jesus Christ can change lives. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Life's journey is not traveled on a freeway devoid of obstacles, pitfalls, and snares. Rather, it is a pathway marked by forks and turnings. Decisions are constantly before us. To make them wisely, courage is needed: the courage to say, 'No,' the courage to say, 'Yes.' Decisions do determine destiny. The call for courage comes constantly to each of us. It has ever been so, and so shall it ever be. ~ Thomas S. Monson

How you speak and the words you use tell much about the image you choose to portray. Use language to build and uplift those around you. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Profane, vulgar, or crude language and inappropriate or off-color jokes are offensive to the Lord. Never misuse the name of God or Jesus Christ. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Missionary work is an identifying feature of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Always has it been; ever shall it be. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Our task is to become our best selves. One of God's greatest gifts to us is the joy of trying again, for no failure ever need be final. ~ Thomas S. Monson

There are lives to brighten. There are hearts to touch. There are souls to save. ~ 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

What a privilege it is to be able to go to the temple, where we may experience the sanctifying influence of the Spirit of the Lord. Great service is given when we perform vicarious ordinances for those who have gone beyond the veil… and in that process we attain that which comes of no other effort: we literally become saviors on Mount Zion. As our Savior gave His life as a vicarious sacrifice for us, so we, in some small measure, do the same when we perform proxy work in the temple for those who have no means of moving forward unless something is done for them by those of us here on the earth. ~ 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

We cannot truly love God if we do not love our fellow travelers on this mortal journey. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Don't limit yourself and don't let others convince you that you are limited in what you can do. Believe in yourself and then live so as to reach your possibilities. You can achieve what you believe you can. Trust and believe and have faith. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Avoid the philosophy and excuse that yesterday's luxuries have become today's necessities. They aren't necessities unless we ourselves make them such ... It is essential for us to live within our means. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Lessons learned in the home, last the longest. ~ Thomas S. Monson

I once sacrificed something I love for the God I love even more, and He has never forgotten me for it. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Often we live side by side but do not communicate heart to heart. ~ 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

The desire to lift, the willingness to help, and the graciousness to give come from a heart filled with love. The poet wrote, 'Love is the most noble attribute of the human soul.' And William Shakespeare cautioned, 'They do not love who do not show their love' (Two Gentlemen of Verona, act 1, sc. 2, line 31). ~ Thomas S. Monson

Find joy in the journey. ~ Thomas S. Monson

We find real joy when we keep the Savior the focus of the season. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Work will work when wishy washy wishing won't. ~ Thomas S. Monson

... Faith forged in the furnace of trials and tears is marked by trust and testimony.
Only God can count the sacrifice; only God can measure the sorrow; only God can know the hearts of those who serve Him. ~ Thomas S. Monson

The holy scriptures contain no proclamation more relevant, no responsibility more binding, no instruction more direct than the injunction given by the resurrected Lord as He appeared in Galilee to the eleven disciples. ~ Thomas S. Monson

May we be faithful followers of Christ, examples of righteousness, thus becoming lights in the world. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Prayer can solve more problems, alleviate more suffering, prevent more transgression, and bring about greater peace and contentment in the human soul than can be obtained in any other way. ~ Thomas S. Monson

How much better the world would be if we all gave gifts of understanding, and compassion, of service, and friendship, of kindness and gentleness. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Ideals are like the stars - you can't touch them with your hands, but by following them you reach your destination. ~ 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

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

Do not pray for tasks equal to your abilities, but pray for abilities equal to your tasks. Then the performance of your tasks will be no miracle, but you will be the miracle. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Never delay a prompting. When you honor a prompting and then stand back a pace, you realize that the Lord gave you the prompting. It makes me feel good that the Lord even knows who I am and knows me well enough to know that if He has an errand to be run, and He prompts me to run the errand, the errand will get done. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Our thinking will automatically improve when we remember the words of Paul: 'know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and the spirit of God dwelleth in you? ~ Thomas S. Monson

A happy home is but and earlier Heaven. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Turning the pages of scriptural history from beginning to end, we learn of the ultimate pioneer-even Jesus Christ. His birth was foretold by the prophets of old; His entry upon the stage of life was announced by an angel. His life and His ministry have transformed the world ... May we ever follow Him. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Each of us, in the journey through mortality, will travel his own Jericho Road. What will be your experience? What will be mine? Will I fail to notice him who has fallen among thieves and requires my help? Will you? Will I be one who sees the injured and hears his plea, yet crosses to the other side? Will you? Or will I be one who sees, who hears, who pauses, and who helps? Will you? ~ Thomas S. Monson

Though we may not necessarily forfeit our lives in service to our God, we can certainly demonstrate our love for Him by how well we serve Him. ~ Thomas S. Monson

When faith replaces doubt, when selfless service eliminates selfish striving, the power of God brings to pass His purposes. ~ Thomas S. Monson

To live greatly, we must develop the capacity to face trouble with courage, disappointment with cheerfulness, and triumph with humility. ~ 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

Youth need less critics and more models. ~ Thomas S. Monson

You can share your testimony in many ways, by the words you speak, by the example you set, by the manner in which you live your life. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Some find it difficult to withstand the mocking and unsavory remarks of foolish ones who ridicule chastity, honesty, and obedience to God's commands. But the world has ever belittled adherence to principle. When Noah was instructed to build an ark, the foolish populace looked at the cloudless sky, then scoffed and jeered - until the rain came. ~ Thomas S. Monson

In short, if you have any question about whether a particular movie, book, or other form of entertainment is appropriate, don't see it, don't read it, don't participate. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Clearly, one primary purpose of our existence upon the earth is to obtain a body of flesh and bones. We have also been given the gift of agency. In a thousand ways we are privileged to choose for ourselves. Here we learn from the hard taskmaster of experience. We discern between good and evil. We differentiate as to the bitter and the sweet. We discover that there are consequences attached to our actions. ~ Thomas S. Monson

As we seek Christ, as we find Him, as we follow Him, we shall have the Christmas spirit, not for one fleeting day each year, but as a companion always. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Your future depends on your Faith. ~ Thomas S. Monson

"President Monson, I may never see the Prophet. I may never hear the Prophet. But President, far better, now that I am a member of this Church, I can obey the Prophet." ~ Thomas S. Monson

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

I read with keen interest the words of a bumper sticker readily visible on the highly polished chrome bumper of a car which was weaving in and out of the traffic stream. The words were these: "Honk if you love Jesus." No one honked. Perhaps each was disturbed by the thoughtless and rude actions of the offending driver. Then, again, would honking be an appropriate manner in which to show one's love for the Son of God, the Savior of the world, the Redeemer of all mankind? Such was not the pattern provided by Jesus of Nazareth. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Happiness comes when we stop complaining about the troubles we have and offer thanks for all the troubles we don't have. ~ Thomas S. Monson

The world is a stage of excitement
There's danger whatever you do.
But if you are tempted in weakness,
Have courage, my boy, to say "no. ~ Thomas S. Monson

My brothers and sisters, true love is a reflection of the Savior's love. In December of each year we call it the Christmas spirit. You can hear it. You can see it. You can feel it. ~ 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

To you who are worthy and able to attend the temple, I would admonish you to go often. The temple is a place where we can find peace. There we receive a renewed dedication to the gospel and a strengthened resolve to keep the commandments. ~ Thomas S. Monson

The Lord is in all of our lives. He loves us. He wants to bless us. He wants us to seek His help. As He guides us and directs us and as He hears and answers our prayers, we will find the happiness here and now that He desires for us. May we be aware of His blessings in our lives. ~ Thomas S. Monson

By learning of Him, by believing in Him, by following Him, there is the capacity to become like Him. ~ Thomas S. Monson

We are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness ... We are the Lord's hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us ~ Thomas S. Monson

To you who are parents, I say, show love to your children. You know you love them, but make certain they know it as well. They are so precious. Let them know. Call upon our Heavenly Father for help as you care for their needs each day and as you deal with the challenges which inevitably come with parenthood. You need more than your own wisdom in rearing them. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Perhaps the surest test of an individual's integrity is his refusal to do or say anything that would damage his self-respect. ~ Thomas S. Monson

When you see people your own age afflicted and experiencing life-threatening illnesses, I think it prompts you to apply to yourself the philosophy, 'I want to do the best I know how to do every day.' ~ 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

I know that God lives, my brothers and sisters. There is no question in my mind. I know that this is His work, and I know that the sweetest experience in all this life is to feel His promptings as He directs us in the furtherance of His work. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Whenever we are inclined to feel burdened down with the blows of life, let us remember that others have passed the same way, have endured, and then have overcome. ~ Thomas S. Monson

We live so far below the level of our divine possibilities. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Life was never intended to consist of a glut of luxury, be an easy course, or filled only with success. There are those games which we lose, those races in which we finish last, and those promotions which never come. Such experiences provide an opportunity for us to show our determination and to rise above disappointment. ~ Thomas S. Monson

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

I know that God loves us. He allows us to exercise our moral agency even when we misuse it. He permits us to make our own decisions. Christ cannot help us if we do not trust Him; He cannot teach us if we do not serve Him. He will not force us to do what's right, but He will show us the way only when we decide to serve Him. Certainly, for us to serve in His kingdom, Christ requires that we experience a change of thought and attitude. ~ Thomas S. Monson

May we give as the Savior gave. To give of oneself is a holy gift. We give as a remembrance of all the Savior has given. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Let us not demeanor or belittle. Rather, let us be compassionate and encouraging,. We must be careful that we do not destroy another person's confidence through careless words. or actions. ~ Thomas S. Monson

With all the strength of my soul I testify that our Heavenly Father loves each one of us. He hears the prayers of humble hearts; He hears our cries for help… His Son, our Savior and Redeemer, speaks to each of us today: 'Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him.' [Rev. 3:20] Will we listen for that knock? Will we hear that voice? Will we open that door to the Lord, that we may receive the help He is so ready to provide? ~ Thomas S. Monson

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

Forgiveness should go hand-in-hand with love. ~ 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

There is absolutely nothing in this world that will provide more comfort and happiness than a testimony of the truth. ~ Thomas S. Monson

A friend is more concerned about helping people than getting credit. A friend cares. A friend loves. A friend listens. And a friend reaches out. ~ Thomas S. Monson

[The Lord] has indicated that the greatest work we parents can do is performed in our homes, and our homes can be heaven, particularly when our marriages are sealed in the house of God. ~ Thomas S. Monson

I plead with you to have the courage to refrain from judging and criticizing those around you, as well as the courage to make certain that everyone is included and feels loved and valued. ~ Thomas S. Monson

We can bolster human spirits, clothe cold bodies, feed hungry people, comfort grieving hearts, and lift to new heights precious souls. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Avoid any semblance of pornography. It is dangerous and addictive. If you continue to view pornography, your spirit will become desensitized and your conscience will erode. ~ Thomas S. Monson

Those who grieve frequently find themselves alone. Missed is the laughter of children, the commotion of teenagers, and the tender, loving concern of a departed companion. The clock ticks more loudly, time passes more slowly, and four walls can indeed a prison make. I extol those who, with loving care and compassionate concern, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and house the homeless. He who notes the sparrow's fall will not be unmindful of such service. ~ Thomas S. Monson

The way to be with God in every season is to strive to be near Him every week and each day. ~ Thomas S. Monson

There is no resting place along the path called faithfulness. The trek is constant, and no lingering is allowed. It must not be expected that the road of life spreads itself in an unobstructed view before the person starting his journey. He must anticipate coming upon forks and turnings in the road. But he cannot hope to reach his desired journey's end if he thinks aimlessly about whether to go east or west. He must make decisions purposefully. ~ Thomas S. Monson