We ... tend to evaluate others on the basis of physical, outward appearance: their "good looks," their social status, their family pedigrees, their degrees, or their economic situations. The Lord, however, has a different standard by which he measures a person. When it came time to choose a king to replace King Saul, the Lord gave this criteria to his prophet Samuel: "Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; ... for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."

Everything is given by God. All talent, creativity, ability, insight, and strength comes from him. In our own strength we can do nothing.

It is not so important whether a young man has been through the experience of a mission as it is whether the mission experience has been through him.

It is up to each of us to search for and build upon the gifts which God has given. We must remember that each of us is made in the image of God, that there are no unimportant persons. Everyone matters to God and to his fellowmen.

What we are is more important than what we have or what is said of us.

We should teach, particularly ourselves, that nobody is a nobody. We are someone, and with God's help we can accomplish all things.

The gospel is one of harmony, unity, and agreement. It must be presented in love, and with glad tidings, by those who are calm.