Live the Gospel of Christ

"The plan of happiness is available to all of his children. If the world would embrace and live it, peace, joy, and plenty would abound on the earth. Much of the suffering we know today would be eliminated if people throughout the world would understand and live the gospel" (Elder Russell M. Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "Answers to Life's Questions," Ensign, May 1995, 23). This is a very profound and powerful statement. I know it is true. We must be like strong oak trees and extend our roots deeply in the basic truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ. When our foundations are solid and our roots are deep, we will have the strength to withstand and stand firm no matter what the adversity that comes our way. Just as our physical bodies need a nutritious and balanced diet, our spiritual bodies also need balanced nourishment. We gain nourishment by attending church and partaking of the sacrament weekly, by studying the scriptures daily, and by daily personal and family prayer. Our spiritual bodies, like batteries, do best when they are charged and frequently recharged. "As we strive to understand, internalize, and live correct gospel principles, we will become more spiritually self-reliant…. I testify as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ that He lives, that the gospel is true, and that it offers the answers to all personal and collective challenges the children of God have on this earth today" (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "Christlike Attributes - the Wind Beneath Our Wings," Ensign, Nov. 2005, 101).