Spencer W. Kimball’s quotes are still relevant decades after his passing. In addition to authoring books such as The Miracle of Forgiveness, President Kimball also gave many general conference addresses and BYU devotionals. He is remembered for receiving the revelation that ended the Priesthood and Temple Ban against individuals of Black African descent, for overseeing a new edition of the English scriptures, and for his mottos “lengthen your stride” and “do it.” Similar to our Dallin H. Oaks Quotes page, this post features quotes from Spencer W. Kimball on a variety of topics, including repentance, revelation, families, and more. Please leave a comment if there’s a quote you’d like considered for inclusion.
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Table of Contents
- Atonement
- Church
- Doctrine
- Family
- Forgiveness
- Honesty
- Journaling
- Living the Gospel
- Missionary Work
- Music
- Plan of Salvation
- Prayer
- Priesthood and Temple Ban
- Prophets
- Provident Living
- Religion
- Repentance
- Revelation
- Reverence
- Sabbath
- Scriptures
- Service
- Temptations
- Testimony
- Trials
- Women
- FAQ
- Further Reading
Spencer W. Kimball Quotes About The Atonement of Jesus Christ
Immortality and Eternal Life
The Savior came “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). His birth, death, and resurrection brought about the first. But we must join our efforts with his to bring about the second, to attain eternal life.
“Jesus of Nazareth,” Ensign, December 1980, 4.
Spencer W. Kimball Quotes About The Church
Threefold Mission of the Church
My brothers and sisters, as the Brethren of the First Presidency and the Twelve have meditated upon and prayed about the great latter-day work the Lord has given us to do, we are impressed that the mission of the Church is threefold:
—To proclaim the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people;
—To perfect the Saints by preparing them to receive the ordinances of the gospel and by instruction and discipline to gain exaltation;
—To redeem the dead by performing vicarious ordinances of the gospel for those who have lived on the earth.
All three are part of one work—to assist our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ, in Their grand and glorious mission “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” (Moses 1:39.)
“A Report of My Stewardship,” in Conference Report, April 1981.
Spencer W. Kimball Quotes About Doctrine
On the Adam-God Theory
We hope that you who teach in the various organizations, whether on the campuses or in our chapels, will always teach the orthodox truth. We warn you against the dissemination of doctrines which are not according to the scriptures and which are alleged to have been taught by some of the General Authorities of past generations.
Such, for instance, is the Adam-God theory. We denounce that theory and hope that everyone will be cautioned against this and other kinds of false doctrine.
Spencer W. Kimball, “Our Own Liahona,” in Conference Report, October 1976.
Spencer W. Kimball Quotes About Family
The Best Method
Family life is the best method for achieving happiness in this world, and it is a clear pattern given to us from the Lord about what is to be in the next world.
“Privileges and Responsibilities of Sisters,” Ensign, November 1978, 103.
The Ideal of Family
We have no choice … but to continue to hold up the ideal of the Latter-day Saint family. The fact that some do not now have the privilege of living in such a family is not reason enough to stop talking about it.
We do discuss family life with sensitivity, however, realizing that many … do not presently have the privilege of belonging or contributing to such a family. But we cannot set aside this standard, because so many other things depend upon it.
“Privileges and Responsibilities of Sisters,” Ensign, November 1978, 103.
Soul Mates
“Soul mates” are fiction and an illusion; and while every young man and young woman will seek with all diligence and prayerfulness to find a mate with whom life can be most compatible and beautiful, yet it is certain that almost any good man and any good woman can have happiness and a successful marriage if both are willing to pay the price.
“Oneness in Marriage,” Ensign, March 1977, 3, 4.
Constant Nourishment
Love is like a flower, and, like the body, it needs constant feeding. The mortal body would soon be emaciated and die if there were not frequent feedings. The tender flower would wither and die without food and water.
And so love, also, cannot be expected to last forever unless it is continually fed with portions of love, the manifestation of esteem and admiration, the expressions of gratitude, and the consideration of unselfishness.
“Oneness in Marriage,” Ensign, March 1977, 4, 5.
Spencer W. Kimball Quotes About Forgiveness
Love Your Enemies
Why does the Lord ask you to love your enemies and to return good for evil? That you might have the benefit of it.
It does not injure the one you hate so much when you hate a person, especially if he is far removed and does not come in contact with you, but the hate and the bitterness canker your unforgiving heart.
Faith Precedes the Miracle (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1972), 191, 192.
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Spencer W. Kimball Quotes About Honesty
Many Forms of Dishonesty
Dishonesty comes in many other forms: … in playing upon private love and emotions for filthy lucre; in robbing money tills or stealing commodities of employers; in falsifying accounts; … in taking unreal exemptions; in taking out government or private loans without intent to repay; in declaring unjust, improper bankruptcies to avoid repayment of loans; in robbing on the street or in the home money and other precious possessions; in stealing time, giving less than a full day of honest labor for a full day’s compensation; in riding public transportation without paying the fare; and all forms of dishonesty in all places and in all conditions. …
“A Report and a Challenge,” Ensign, November 1976, 6.
“Everybody’s doing it” is often given as an excuse. No society can be healthy without honesty, trust, and self-restraint.
Spencer W. Kimball Quotes About Journaling
Source of Great Inspiration
On a number of occasions I have encouraged the Saints to keep personal journals and family records. I renew that admonition. …
People often use the excuse that their lives are uneventful and nobody would be interested in what they have done. But I promise you that if you will keep your journals and records, they will indeed be a source of great inspiration to your families, to your children, your grandchildren, and others, on through the generations.
Each of us is important to those who are near and dear to us—and as our posterity read of our life’s experiences, they, too, will come to know and love us. And in that glorious day when our families are together in the eternities, we will already be acquainted.
“President Kimball Speaks Out on Personal Journals,” New Era, December 1980.
Noble and Praiseworthy Incidents
Your journal is your autobiography, so it should be kept carefully. You are unique, and there may be incidents in your experience that are more noble and praiseworthy in their way than those recorded in any other life.
What could you do better for your children and your children’s children than to record the story of your life, your triumphs over adversity, your recovery after a fall, your progress when all seemed black, your rejoicing when you had finally achieved?
Some of what you write may be humdrum dates and places, but there will also be rich passages that will be quoted by your posterity.
“President Kimball Speaks Out on Personal Journals,” New Era, December 1980.
Spencer W. Kimball Quotes About Living the Gospel
Ingratitude
Ingratitude is a sin of the ages.
“President Kimball Speaks Out on Profanity,” Ensign, February 1981, 3–5.
Growth
Growth comes from setting your goals high and reaching for the stars.
“Privileges and Responsibilities of Sisters,” Ensign, November 1978, 103.
Spencer W. Kimball Quotes About Missionary Work
Lengthen Our Stride
My brethren, I wonder if we are doing all we can. Are we complacent in our approach to teaching all the world? We have been proselyting now 144 years. Are we prepared to lengthen our stride? To enlarge our vision?
“When the World Will Be Converted,” Ensign, October 1974.
Member Missionary Work
Member-missionary work is the key to the future growth of the Church.
Regional representatives’ seminar, October 3, 1980, Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2.
Warm Before Warn
It should be clear to us that usually we must warm our neighbors before we can warn them properly. Our neighbors must experience our genuine friendship and fellowship. We want members to entreat neighbors, not to scold them or scare them.
Regional representatives’ seminar, September 30, 1976, Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2.
Fellowshipping
When we baptize somebody it is a crime to let them just slide slowly back out of the Church and out of the gospel because of a lack of fellowship. Fellowshipping is an important responsibility.
In Conference Report, Glasgow Scotland Area Conference 1976, 23.
Spencer W. Kimball Quotes About Music
Sing with Children
Music is a special delight for children. Hymns that are frequently sung at church can become familiar in the home too. Small children especially could benefit if parents helped them learn simple hymns at home. In this way, children would eagerly anticipate singing at sacrament and other meetings.
We Should Be a Reverent People, 2–3.
Music in Heaven
I am comforted by the assurance that there will be beautiful music in heaven, and for that I am most grateful.
“The Lord Expects Righteousness,” Ensign, November 1982, 4.
Touch Souls
The responsibility for producing, selecting, and performing music for the Church requires discrimination, taste, knowledge, and the proper spirit; in short, it requires the best efforts that our best musicians can give inasmuch as we are using gifts which the Lord has given us for the purpose of building up his kingdom and as a demonstration of our faith and love for him.
We are in a position, as musicians, to touch the souls of those who listen.
“How to Use Music More Effectively” (1/22/68), cited in The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, 519–520.
Spencer W. Kimball Quotes About the Plan of Salvation
Offspring of God
The gospel is a program, a way of life, the plan of personal salvation, and is based upon personal responsibility. It is developed for man, the offspring of God. Man is a god in embryo and has in him the seeds of godhood, and he can, if he will, rise to great heights.
Address to seminary and institute teachers, BYU, July 16, 1964.
Train Our Bodies, Minds, and Spirits
This mortal life is the time to prepare to meet God, which is our first responsibility. Having already obtained our bodies, which become the permanent tabernacle for our spirits through the eternities, now we are to train our bodies, our minds, and our spirits.
Pre-eminent, then, is our using this life to perfect ourselves, to subjugate the flesh, subject the body to the spirit, to overcome all weaknesses, to govern self so that one may give leadership to others, and to perform all necessary ordinances.
“Beloved Youth, Study and Learn,” in Life’s Directions (1962), 177–78.
Eternal Perspective
If we looked at mortality as the whole of existence, then pain, sorrow, failure, and short life would be calamity. But if we look upon life as an eternal thing stretching far into the premortal past and on into the eternal post-death future, then all happenings may be put in proper perspective.
Faith Precedes the Miracle (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1972), 97–100.
Greatness
Let us remember, too, that greatness is not always a matter of the scale of one’s life, but of the quality of one’s life. True greatness is not always tied to the scope of our tasks, but to the quality of how we carry out our tasks whatever they are.
In that attitude, let us give our time, ourselves, and our talents to the things that really matter now, things which will still matter a thousand years from now.
“First Presidency Message: A Gift of Gratitude,” Liahona, December 1977, 1.
Spencer W. Kimball Quotes About Prayer
Prayer is Required
To pray is required of all men like chastity is required, and Sabbath observance, and tithing, and living the Word of Wisdom, attending meetings, and entering into celestial marriage. As truly as any other, this is a commandment of the Lord.
“Prayer,” New Era, March 1978, 15, 17, 18.
Passport to Spiritual Power
There is a great need in the world today for prayer which can keep us in touch with God and keep open the channels of communication.
None of us should get so busy in our lives that we cannot contemplate with prayer. Prayer is the passport to spiritual power.
In Conference Report, April 1979, 7; or Ensign, May 1979, 6–7.
Public Prayers
Prayers in public should always be appropriate to the occasion. A dedication prayer may be longer but an invocation much shorter. It should request the needed things for that particular occasion.
The benediction can be still shorter—a prayer of thanks and dismissal.
Faith Precedes the Miracle (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1972), 201.
Sermons in Prayers
How often do we hear people who wax eloquent in their prayers to the extent of preaching a complete sermon? The hearers tire and the effect is lost.
“Prayer,” address over KGLU, Safford, Arizona, September 11, 1938.
Spencer W. Kimball Quotes About the Priesthood and Temple Ban
Prophets Can Change Doctrine and Policy
I believe in the living prophets as much or almost more than the dead ones. They are here to clarify and reaffirm. I have served with and under three of them. The doctrine or policy [of withholding the priesthood and temple ordinances] has not varied in my memory. I know it could.
I know the Lord could change his policy and release the ban and forgive the possible error which brought about the deprivation.
Edward L. Kimball (ed.), The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1982), 449.
No Longer Believe in the Pre-mortal Origin of Ban
Mormons … have long taught that people are born into the black race because they somehow failed God during the pre-existence. [Spencer W.] Kimball says flatly that Mormonism no longer holds to such a theory.
Richard N. Ostling, “Mormonism Enters a New Era,” Time, August 7, 1978, 55.
Prayed With Much Fervency
As you know, on the ninth of June a policy was changed that affects great numbers of people throughout the world. …
I remember very vividly that day after day I walked to the temple and ascended to the fourth floor where we have our solemn assemblies and where we have our meetings of the Twelve and the First Presidency. After everyone had gone out of the temple, I knelt and prayed. I prayed with much fervency. I knew that something was before us that was extremely important to many of the children of God. I knew that we could receive the revelations of the Lord only by being worthy and ready for them and ready to accept them and put them into place.
Day after day I went alone and with great solemnity and seriousness in the upper rooms of the temple, and there I offered my soul and offered my efforts to go forward with the program. I wanted to do what he wanted.
I talked about it to him and said, “Lord, I want only what is right. We are not making any plans to be spectacularly moving. We want only the thing that thou dost want, and we want it when you want it and not until.”
Johannesburg, South Africa, Area Conference, missionary meeting, October 23, 1978.
Partakers of the Full Blessings
We had the glorious experience of having the Lord indicate clearly that the time had come when all worthy men and women everywhere can be fellow heirs and partakers of the full blessings of the gospel.
I want you to know, as a special witness of the Savior, how close I have felt to him and to our Heavenly Father as I have made numerous visits to the upper rooms in the temple, going on some days several times by myself.
The Lord made it very clear to me what was to be done.
“The Savior: The Center of Our Lives,” New Era, April 1980, 36.
Spencer W. Kimball Quotes About Prophets
Prophets Say the Same Things
Prophets say the same things because we face basically the same problems. Brothers and sisters, the solutions to these problems have not changed.
It would be a poor lighthouse that gave off a different signal to guide every ship entering a harbor. It would be a poor mountain guide who, knowing the safe route up a mountainside, took his trusting charges up unpredictable and perilous paths from which no traveler returns.
“The Stone Cut without Hands,” in Conference Report, April 1976, 7; or Ensign, May 1976, 6.
The Route Remains the Same
Church leaders are not able, each time we teach you, to offer a new or more glamorous route that will lead back to the presence of our Heavenly Father. The route remains the same.
Hence, encouragement must often be given concerning the same things and warnings must be repeated.
Just because a truth is repeated does not make that truth any less important or true. Indeed, the opposite is true.
President Kimball Speaks Out (1981), 89.
Spencer W. Kimball Quotes About Provident Living
Self-reliance
May we individually and collectively be ever self-reliant. This is our heritage and our obligation.
In Conference Report, April 1978, 120; or Ensign, May 1978, 79.
Save and Prepare
The Lord has urged that his people save for the rainy days, prepare for the difficult times, and put away for emergencies, a year’s supply or more of bare necessities so that when comes the flood, the earthquake, the famine, the hurricane, the storms of life, our families can be sustained through the dark days.
“Who Contends with the Almighty,” prepared for Area Conference in Manchester England, August 1971.
Grow Your Food
We encourage you to grow all the food that you feasibly can on your own property. Berry bushes, grapevines, fruit trees—plant them if your climate is right for their growth. Grow vegetables and eat them from your own yard. Even those residing in apartments or condominiums can generally grow a little food in pots and planters.
Study the best methods of providing your own foods. Make your garden as neat and attractive as well as productive. If there are children in your home, involve them in the process with assigned responsibilities.
“Family Preparedness,” in Conference Report, April 1976, 170–71; or Ensign, May 1976, 124.
Teach Children to Work
It is right to work. Every man and woman and child should work. Even little children should learn how to share, to help do the housework and the yardwork, to plant gardens, to plant trees, to pick fruit, and to do everything that needs to be done, because that makes strong characters out of them and builds their faith and character.
Address to Native Americans from southern Utah stakes, St. George, April 1960.
Spencer W. Kimball Quotes About Religion
God’s Love for All Mankind
Based upon ancient and modern revelation, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gladly teaches and declares the Christian doctrine that all men and women are brothers and sisters, not only by blood relationship from common mortal progenitors, but also as literal spirit children of an Eternal Father.
The great religious leaders of the world such as Mohammed, Confucius, and the Reformers, as well as philosophers including Socrates, Plato, and others, received a portion of God’s light. Moral truths were given to them by God to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher level of understanding to individuals.
The Hebrew prophets prepared the way for the coming of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, who should provide salvation for all mankind who believe in the gospel.
Consistent with these truths, we believe that God has given and will give to all peoples sufficient knowledge to help them on their way to eternal salvation, either in this life or in the life to come.
We also declare that the gospel of Jesus Christ, restored to His Church in our day, provides the only way to a mortal life of happiness and a fullness of joy forever. For those who have not received this gospel, the opportunity will come to them in the life hereafter if not in this life.
Our message therefore is one of special love and concern for the eternal welfare of all men and women, regardless of religious belief, race, or nationality, knowing that we are truly brothers and sisters because we are sons and daughters of the same Eternal Father.
Statement of the First Presidency Regarding God’s Love for All Mankind, February 15, 1978.
Spencer W. Kimball Quotes About Repentance
Law of Growth
Repentance is the Lord’s law of growth, his principle of development, and his plan for happiness.
“The Gospel of Repentance,” Ensign, October 1982, 2.
Repentance is for Every Soul
Repentance is for every soul who has not yet reached perfection.
The Miracle of Forgiveness (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1969), 32–33.
I Repent too Often
One of the oft-told stories about the late President J. Golden Kimball concerns his witticism to the effect that “the Brethren cannot cut me off the Church I repent too often.” Here is a great lesson, if it is correctly interpreted. There is never a day in any man’s life when repentance is not essential to his wellbeing and eternal progress.
The Miracle of Forgiveness (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1969), 32.
Spencer W. Kimball Quotes About Revelation
Lifeblood of the Gospel
Continuous revelation is indeed the very lifeblood of the gospel of the living Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
In Conference Report, April 1977, 113; or Ensign, May 1977, 76.
Reach for Revelation
Revelations will probably never come unless they are desired. I think few people receive revelations while lounging on the couch or while playing cards or while relaxing.
I believe most revelations would come when a man is on his tip toes, reaching as high as he can for something which he knows he needs, and then there bursts upon him the answer to his problems.
Spencer W. Kimball to Edward L. Kimball, March 11, 1963.
All Can Have Revelations
The Lord will give you answer to your questions and to your prayers if you are listening. It doesn’t have to all come through the prophet. …
But all people, if they are worthy enough and close enough to the Lord, can have revelations.
Johannesburg, South Africa, Area Conference, October 24, 1978.
Ways That God Speaks
God speaks to his prophets today, just as he spoke to his prophets yesterday and just as he will speak to them tomorrow.
You will remember that Amos wrote, ‘Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.’ (Amos 3:7.)
Sometimes he speaks with an audible voice. Sometimes he sends his angels, as he did to Joseph, the stepfather of Jesus. Usually it is by the still small voice of God to the spirit within.
In Oscar W. McConkie, Aaronic Priesthood (1977), 13.
Deep Feelings and Direction
Revelation does not always mean “walking with God,” nor “face-to-face,” nor “lips-to-ear.” There are many kinds of revelation — some more and some less spectacular. …
Most recorded revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants and in the Bible were from deep feelings and an impressive consciousness of direction from above.
In Conference Report, October 1966, 23, 25.
Revealed Communication
In our day, as in times past, many people expect that if there be revelation it will come with awe-inspiring, earth-shaking display. For many it is hard to accept as revelation those numerous ones in Moses’ time, in Joseph’s time, and in our own year—those revelations which come to prophets as deep, unassailable impressions settling down on the prophet’s mind and heart as dew from heaven or as the dawn dissipates the darkness of night.
Expecting the spectacular, one may not be fully alerted to the constant flow of revealed communication.
I say, in the deepest of humility, but also by the power and force of a burning testimony in my soul, that from the prophet of the Restoration to the prophet of our own year, the communication line is unbroken, the authority is continuous, a light, brilliant and penetrating, continues to shine. The sound of the voice of the Lord is a continuous melody and a thunderous appeal.
In Conference Report, April 1977, 115; or Ensign, May 1977, 78.
Spencer W. Kimball Quotes About Reverence
Respect, Love, and Awe
Reverence has been defined as a “feeling or attitude of deep respect, love, and awe, as for something sacred.” To describe it as devotion to God is another way to express the meaning of reverence.
We Should Be a Reverent People (pamphlet, 1976), 1, 2.
Part of Our Way of Life
We must remember that reverence is not a somber, temporary behavior that we adopt on Sunday. True reverence involves happiness, as well as love, respect, gratitude, and godly fear.
It is a virtue that should be part of our way of life. In fact, Latter-day Saints should be the most reverent people in all the earth.
We Should Be a Reverent People (pamphlet, 1976), 1, 2.
Taking the Name of the Lord in Vain
In the hospital one day I was wheeled out of the operating room by an attendant who stumbled, and there issued from his angry lips vicious cursing with a combination of the names of the Savior. Even half-conscious, I recoiled and implored: “Please! Please! That is my Lord whose names you revile.”
There was a deathly silence, then a subdued voice whispered, “I am sorry.”
He had forgotten for the moment that the Lord had forcefully commanded all his people, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain” (Exod. 20:7).
“President Kimball Speaks Out on Profanity,” Ensign, February 1981, 3, 4–5.
Spencer W. Kimball Quotes About the Sabbath
Worshipping the Lord
We do not go to Sabbath meetings to be entertained or even solely to be instructed. We go to worship the Lord.
It is an individual responsibility, and regardless of what is said from the pulpit, if one wishes to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth, he may do so by attending his meetings, partaking of the sacrament, and contemplating the beauties of the gospel.
If the service is a failure to you, you have failed. No one can worship for you; you must do your own waiting upon the Lord.
“The Sabbath—A Delight,” Ensign, January 1978, 4–5.
A Perpetual Covenant
The Sabbath day is given throughout the generations of man for a perpetual covenant [see Exodus 31:16].
It is a sign between the Lord and his children forever [see Exodus 31:17]. It is a day in which to worship and to express our gratitude and appreciation to the Lord. It is a day on which to surrender every worldly interest and to praise the Lord humbly, for humility is the beginning of exaltation.
“The Fourth Commandment,” in M Man–Gleaner Manual 1963–1964 (leader’s manual), 277–78.
Honor the Sabbath
It is not enough to refrain from doing the things which would keep the day from being kept holy, but there are some very definite things that we should do to honor the Sabbath.
We are required to go to the house of prayer, we are to offer up our sacraments unto the Most High; we are to fast and pray at the proper times; and we are to stand in holy places; we are to rest and to worship.
By resting is not meant the indolent lounging about the home all day or puttering around in the garden, but a consistent attendance at meetings for the worship of the Lord, drinking at the fountain of knowledge and instruction, enjoying the family and finding uplift in music and song.
In Conference Report, April 1944, 145.
Motives Are Important
It is true that some people must work on the Sabbath. And, in fact, some of the work that is truly necessary—caring for the sick, for example—may actually serve to hallow the Sabbath.
However, in such activities our motives are a most important consideration.
“The Sabbath—A Delight,” Ensign, January 1978.
Spencer W. Kimball Quotes About Scriptures
Rediscover Again and Again
I am convinced that each of us, at some time in our lives, must discover the scriptures for ourselves—and not just discover them once, but rediscover them again and again.
“How Rare a Possession—the Scriptures!” Ensign, September 1976, 4.
Immersed in the Scriptures
I find that when I get casual in my relationships with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far away. If I immerse myself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns.
“What I Hope You Will Teach My Grandchildren,” address to seminary and institute teachers, BYU, July 11, 1966.
Spencer W. Kimball Quotes About Service
Through Another Person
God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other in the kingdom. The people of the Church need each other’s strength, support, and leadership in a community of believers as an enclave of disciples.
“Small Acts of Service,” Ensign, December 1974.
More of Us to Find
Not only do we “find” ourselves in terms of acknowledging divine guidance in our lives, but the more we serve our fellowmen in appropriate ways, the more substance there is to our souls.
We become more significant individuals as we serve others. We become more substantive as we serve others—indeed, it is easier to “find” ourselves because there is so much more of us to find!
“The Abundant Life,” Ensign, July 1978.
Spencer W. Kimball Quotes About Temptations
Decide Before
Right decisions are easiest to make when we make them well in advance, having ultimate objectives in mind; this saves a lot of anguish at the fork, when we’re tired and sorely tempted.
“Decisions: Why It’s Important to Make Some Now,” New Era, April 1971, 3.
Modern Idolatry
As I study ancient scripture, I am more and more convinced that there is significance in the fact that the commandment “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” is the first of the Ten Commandments.
Few men have ever knowingly and deliberately chosen to reject God and his blessings. Rather, we learn from the scriptures that because the exercise of faith has always appeared to be more difficult than relying on things more immediately at hand, carnal man has tended to transfer his trust in God to material things. Therefore, in all ages when men have fallen under the power of Satan and lost the faith, they have put in its place a hope in the “arm of flesh” and in “gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know” (Dan. 5:23)—that is, in idols. This I find to be a dominant theme in the Old Testament. Whatever thing a man sets his heart and his trust in most is his god; and if his god doesn’t also happen to be the true and living God of Israel, that man is laboring in idolatry.
It is my firm belief that when we read these scriptures and try to “liken them unto [our]selves,” as Nephi suggested (1 Ne. 19:24), we will see many parallels between the ancient worship of graven images and behavioral patterns in our very own experience.
… Many people spend most of their time working in the service of a self-image that includes sufficient money, stocks, bonds, investment portfolios, property, credit cards, furnishings, automobiles, and the like to guarantee carnal security throughout, it is hoped, a long and happy life. Forgotten is the fact that our assignment is to use these many resources in our families and quorums to build up the kingdom of God—to further the missionary effort and the genealogical and temple work; to raise our children up as fruitful servants unto the Lord; to bless others in every way, that they may also be fruitful. Instead, we expend these blessings on our own desires, and as Moroni said, “Ye adorn yourselves with that which hath no life, and yet suffer the hungry, and the needy, and the naked, and the sick and the afflicted to pass by you, and notice them not.” (Morm. 8:39.)
“The False Gods We Worship,” Ensign, June 1976.
Satan is Persevering
Satan … never sleeps—he is diligent and persevering. He analyzes carefully his problem and then moves forward diligently, methodically to reach that objective. He uses all five senses and man’s natural hunger and thirst to lead him away. He anticipates resistance and fortifies himself against it. He uses time and space and leisure.
He is constant and persuasive and skillful. He uses such useful things as radio, television, the printed page, the airplane, and the car to distort and damage. He uses the gregariousness of man, his loneliness, his every need to lead him astray.
“How to Evaluate Your Performance,” Improvement Era, October 1969, 12.
Spencer W. Kimball Quotes About Testimony
Feed Your Testimony
What are you going to do with your testimony? Are you going to keep it sharpened like the knife with which our mothers cut the meat? Are you going to let it get dull and rusty? … It is a little like a rose. Just keep the rain off it; just keep the irrigation water off it for a little while and what happens to your rose? It dies. Your testimony dies. Your love dies.
Everything has to be fed. You feed your body three times a day. The Lord says to keep your testimony, to keep your spirit alive, you have to feed it every day. …
That is why he says pray every night and morning. That is why he says pray continually so that you keep that line open.
Missionary conference, Cordoba, Argentina, November 17, 1966.
What Is a Testimony?
A testimony is not an exhortation; a testimony is not a sermon (none of you are there to exhort the rest); it is not a travelogue. You are there to bear your own witness.
It is amazing what you can say in 60 seconds by way of testimony, or 120, or 240, or whatever time you are given, if you confine yourselves to testimony. We’d like to know how you feel. Do you love the work, really? Are you happy in your work? Do you love the Lord? Are you glad that you are a member of the Church?
“President Kimball Speaks Out on Testimony,” New Era, August 1981, 6.
Spencer W. Kimball Quotes About Trials
All That Our Father Has
Sometimes to be tested and proved requires that we be temporarily deprived—but righteous women and men will one day receive all—think of it, sisters—all that our Father has! It is not only worth waiting for; it is worth living for!
“The Role of Righteous Women,” Ensign, November 1979, 102–3.
Spencer W. Kimball Quotes About Women
Respect and Revere
Our sisters do not wish to be indulged or to be treated condescendingly; they desire to be respected and revered as our sisters and our equals.
“Our Sisters in the Church,” in Conference Report, October 1979, 71–72; or Ensign, November 1979, 49.
Relief Society
The Relief Society is the Lord’s organization for women. It complements the priesthood training given to the brethren. There is a power in this organization that has not yet been fully exercised to strengthen the homes of Zion and build the Kingdom of God.
“Relief Society—Its Promise and Potential,” Ensign, March 1976, 4, 5.
Major Growth Because of Women
My dear sisters, may I suggest to you something that has not been said before or at least in quite this way.
Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world (in whom there is often such an inner sense of spirituality) will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways—from the women of the world. …
Thus it will be that female exemplars of the Church will be a significant force in both the numerical and the spiritual growth of the Church in the last days.
“The Role of Righteous Women,” Ensign, November 1979, 103–4.
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Spencer W. Kimball FAQ
What is Spencer W. Kimball remembered for?
Spencer W. Kimball was a pivotal figure in the Church and is remembered for several reasons:
- The 1978 revelation and official declaration that ended the priesthood and temple ban on individuals with Black African ancestry.
- The addition of three documents to Latter-day Saint scriptures (D&C 137, 138, and OD2).
- An emphasis on helping and supporting Native Americans.
- Opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment in the United States.
How long was Spencer W. Kimball the prophet?
Spencer W. Kimball led The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as president for nearly 12 years, from December 30, 1973, to November 5, 1985.
Was Yoda based on Spencer W. Kimball?
No. Albert Einstein and Stuart Freeborn (the creator of Yoda’s puppet) were the primary human models used in designing Yoda.
What were Spencer W. Kimball’s health problems?
Spencer W. Kimball had several serious health issues throughout his life, including throat cancer, heart problems, and a recurring peptic ulcer. He also experienced paralysis, Bell’s palsy, and a series of heart attacks. The surgery to treat the throat cancer damaged his vocal cords, creating the raspy and quiet voice for which he was known.
When did Spencer W Kimball have heart surgery?
Russell M. Nelson performed a life-saving heart surgery on Spencer W. Kimball on April 12, 1972.
What was Spencer W. Kimball’s famous quote?
The two most famous quotes used by Spencer W. Kimball were to “lengthen your stride” and “do it”, the slogan he kept on his desk.
Who was Spencer W. Kimball’s wife?
Camilla Eyring Kimball was the wife of Spencer W. Kimball. She was also the aunt of President Henry B. Eyring.
Further Reading
Learn more about the life and teachings of Spencer W. Kimball in these exclusive From the Desk articles:
- What Stories Did Ann Madsen Tell About Spencer W. Kimball?
- How Did President Kimball End the Priesthood Ban?
- How Did Spencer W. Kimball Affect the Navajo Peoples?
- What Historian did Spencer W. Kimball Support?
- Who Was President Kimball’s Grandfather?
Spencer W. Kimball Quotes
Discover primary sources and scholarly discussions about Spencer W. Kimball’s quotes in these articles:
- Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
- Spencer W. Kimball and the Revelation on Priesthood (BYU Studies)
- A Prophet’s Journey: The Journals of Spencer W. Kimball (BYU Studies Quarterly)
- The Purpose of the Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
- The Spencer W. Kimball Journals (Church History Library)
