Work

“In your pursuit of excellence, real effort is required. Remember, “he which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9:6).” -       Thomas S. Monson, CES Fireside, January 11, 2009, “Great Expectations” http://speeches.byu.edu/index.php?act=viewitem&id=1818

“Our Heavenly Father has described His vast plan for His children by saying, “Behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39; emphasis added). Consider the significance of the Lord’s use of the word work. What He is doing so lovingly and redemptively is, nevertheless, work—even for Him! We, likewise, speak of “working out our salvation,” of the “law of the harvest,” and of the “sweat of the brow” (see Moses 5:1; see also Inspired Version, Gen. 4:1). These are not idle phrases. Instead, they underscore the importance of work. In fact, brethren, work is always a spiritual necessity even if, for some, work is not an economic necessity.”
-              Neal A. Maxwell, April 1998 General Conference, “Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1998/04/put-your-shoulder-to-the-wheel?lang=eng&query=work

“Work is an antidote for anxiety, an ointment for sorrow, and a doorway to possibility. Whatever our circumstances in life, my dear brethren, let us do the best we can and cultivate a reputation for excellence in all that we do. Let us set our minds and bodies to the glorious opportunity for work that each new day presents.”
-              Dieter F. Uchtdorf, October 2009 General Conference, “Two Principles for Any Economy” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/two-principles-for-any-economy?lang=eng&query=work

“Work can be ennobling and fulfilling, but remember Jacob’s warning not to “spend … your labor for that which cannot satisfy.” If we devote ourselves to the pursuit of worldly wealth and the glitter of public recognition at the expense of our families and our spiritual growth, we will discover soon enough that we have made a fool’s bargain. The righteous work we do within the walls of our homes is most sacred; its benefits are eternal in nature. It cannot be delegated. It is the foundation of our work as priesthood holders.”
-              Dieter F. Uchtdorf, October 2009 General Conference, “Two Principles for Any Economy” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/two-principles-for-any-economy?lang=eng&query=work

“Finally, let each of us cultivate a willingness to work. President J. Reuben Clark, many years ago a counselor in the First Presidency, said: ‘I believe that we are here to work, and I believe there is no escape from it. I think that we cannot get that thought into our souls and into our beings too soon. Work we must, if we shall succeed or if we shall advance. There is no other way.’

“’Put your shoulder to the wheel, push along’ is more than a line from a favorite hymn; it is a summons to work.

“Perhaps an example would be helpful. Procrastination is truly a thief of time—especially when it comes to downright hard work. I speak of the need to study diligently as you prepare for the tests of school and, indeed, the tests of life.”
-              Thomas S. Monson, April 2002 General Conference, “Pathways to Perfection” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2002/04/pathways-to-perfection?lang=eng&query=work

“Teaching children the joy of honest labor is one of the greatest of all gifts you can bestow upon them. I am convinced that one of the reasons for the breakup of so many couples today is the failure of parents to teach and train sons in their responsibility to provide and care for their families and to enjoy the challenge this responsibility brings. Many of us also have fallen short in instilling within our daughters the desire of bringing beauty and order into their homes through homemaking.

“Oh, how essential it is that children be taught early in life the joy that comes from starting and fashioning a job that is the workmanship of their own hands. Teach children the joy of honest labor. Provide a foundation for life that builds confidence and fulfillment in each life. “Happy is the man who has work he loves to do. … Happy is the man who loves the work he has to do” (Anonymous).”
-              L. Tom Perry, October 1986 General Conference, “The Joy of Honest Labor” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1986/10/the-joy-of-honest-labor?lang=eng&query=work

“God has designed this mortal existence to require nearly constant exertion. I recall the Prophet Joseph Smith’s simple statement: “By continuous labor [we] were enabled to get a comfortable maintenance” (Joseph Smith—History 1:55). By work we sustain and enrich life. It enables us to survive the disappointments and tragedies of the mortal experience. Hard-earned achievement brings a sense of self-worth. Work builds and refines character, creates beauty, and is the instrument of our service to one another and to God. A consecrated life is filled with work, sometimes repetitive, sometimes menial, sometimes unappreciated but always work that improves, orders, sustains, lifts, ministers, aspires.”
-              D. Todd Christofferson, October 2010 General Conference, “Reflections on a Consecrated Life” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/reflections-on-a-consecrated-life?lang=eng&query=work

“We have tried to prepare our boys for manly work and our girls for work that would suit the opportunities that womanhood will bring them. In defense of our doing that, I can only observe that in this Church we are not exempt from using common sense.

“There are so few nowadays who are really willing to work. We must train our children and ourselves to give, in work, the equivalent of the pay we receive and perhaps just a little extra.”
-              Boyd K. Packer, April 1982 General Conference, “The Gospel—The Foundation for Our Career” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1982/04/the-gospel-the-foundation-for-our-career?lang=eng&query=work

“Sisters, we have work to do. The Prophet Joseph charged the Relief Society with the work of saving souls (see History of the Church, 5:25), for it is our very nature to nurture and to search after those who are lost. And yet, President Spencer W. Kimball lamented that there was a power in Relief Society that had not “yet been fully exercised to … build the Kingdom of God” (“Relief Society—Its Promise and Potential,” Ensign, Mar. 1976, 4). For all the good it has done in the past, Relief Society has yet to help move this latter-day work forward as it must. Sisters, the time has come to unleash the power of righteous happiness that exists among women of God. The time has come for us to be anxiously engaged in the work of saving souls. The time has come for the sisters of Relief Society to stand with and for the prophet in helping build the kingdom. The time has come for us each to stand tall and to stand together.”
-              Sheri L. Dew, October 2000 General Conference, “Stand Tall and Stand Together” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2000/10/stand-tall-and-stand-together?lang=eng&query=work

“Loving and leading—these words summarize not only the all-consuming work of the Father and the Son, but the essence of our labor, for our work is to help the Lord with His work.”
-              Sheri L. Dew, October 2001 General Conference, “Are We Not All Mothers?” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2001/10/are-we-not-all-mothers?lang=eng&query=work

Position Statement:

Work is required for our salvation.  Work can bring joy and satisfaction into our lives.  When we work hard to do our best in all things, we can feel at peace knowing we have done all we could.  Work can drive away feelings of loneliness, sadness, and unworthiness.  When we work, we serve others, God, and ourselves.  Our confidence is increased as we work and learn to love the work.  It is imperative as parents to teach our children to work.  Even our Father in Heaven has work to do, and we must help Him do it.  We are His hands on earth and must work hard to help Him.