TrendZion

Passages drawn from the sermons and published works that carry this theme forward.

1. 1857·Brigham Young·Prophet
   I am free and easy, and I am not concerned about having too much rest; though, when my feelings are at rest, and I have not an hundred tons weight upon my shoulders, a feeling comes over me like this—"Are you not becoming slothful? As soon as I have a good sound reflection upon the matter, I feel to thank God that he will let me rest at times, and not always require me to bear a burden like carrying a hundred tons.
   Superiority of Pure Motives—Ascendancy of the Kingdom of God—Obedience of Counsel — jodcopy citation
2. 1860·Daniel H. Wells·Apostle
   Mothers have a great deal to do with this; their duties and responsibilities are great towards their children; and none need be idle in this kingdom, for all can make themselves useful, no matter what their calling is.
   Objects of the Gathering — jodcopy citation
3. 1919·Joseph F. Smith·Prophet
   Let me exhort the young people particularly, and the Saints generally, to weigh well the value of moderation in all their actions and amusements. Remember, too, that excessive {301} feasting is not good; neither is excessive labor, but idleness and waste of precious time is infinitely worse. "Let your moderation be known to all men."--_Improvement Era,_ Vol. 6, p. 857, Sept., 1903.
   Gospel Doctrine — apostle_bookcopy citation
4. 1972·N. Eldon Tanner·Apostle
   “He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand. Even so. Amen.” ( D&C 107:99–100 .)
   The Priesthood and Its Presidency — cojccopy citation
5. 1977·Spencer W. Kimball·Prophet
   Third is work. Work brings happiness, self-esteem, and prosperity. It is the means of all accomplishment; it is the opposite of idleness. We are commanded to work. (See Gen. 3:19 .) Attempts to obtain our temporal, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being by means of a dole violate the divine mandate that we should work for what we receive. Work should be the ruling principle in the lives of our Church membership. (See D&C 42:42 ; 75:29 ; 68:30–32 ; 56:17 .)
   Welfare Services: The Gospel in Action — cojccopy citation
6. 1982·Gordon B. Hinckley·Apostle
   While caring for her large family and in extending the hand of charity to others, she would bake eight loaves of bread a day and wash forty loads of clothes a week. She canned fruits and vegetables by the ton, and cared for a thousand laying hens to provide a little cash. Self-reliance was her standard. Idleness she regarded as sin. She cared for her own and reached out to others in a spirit of kindness that would permit no one of whom she was aware to go hungry, unclothed, or cold.
   Five Million Members—A Milestone and Not a Summit — cojccopy citation