A lifetime of teachings from President Thomas S. Monson. Teachings of Thomas S. Monson is the ideal companion volume to the prophet's bestselling biography, To the Rescue. This comprehensive collection:

An invaluable resource for all who are involved in teaching the gospel or learning more from President Thomas S. Monson.

In February 2008, Thomas S. Monson was set apart as the sixteenth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Recognized as leader and prophet by millions of Church members worldwide, he has traveled the globe in his service as a General Authority, a ministry that spans nearly five decades, beginning with his call into the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in October 1963.

Following are a few brief examples of the content readers will find here:

On adversity:
“Mortality is a period of testing, a time to prove ourselves worthy to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. In order for us to be tested, we must face challenges and difficulties. . . . We can rely on the faith and testimony of others only so long. Eventually we must have our own strong and deeply placed foundation, or we will be unable to withstand the storms of life, which will come.”

On discipleship:
“Develop a yearning to know the Lord, to understand His commandments, and to follow Him. Then shadows of despair are dispelled by rays of hope, sorrow yields to joy, and the feeling of being lost in the crowd of life vanishes with the certain knowledge that our Heavenly Father is mindful of each of us.”

On Jesus Christ:
“From time to time the question has been posed, _ãÄIf Jesus appeared to you today, what questions would you ask of Him?_ã_ My answer has always been, _ãÄI would not utter a word. I would listen to Him._ã_”

On service:
“God bless all who endeavor to be their brother_ã_s keeper, who give to ameliorate suffering, who strive with all that is good within them to make a better world. Have you noticed that such individuals have a brighter smile? Their footsteps are more certain. They have an aura about them of contentment and satisfaction, even dedication, for one cannot participate in helping others without experiencing a rich blessing himself.”

On youth:
“Although there have always been challenges in the world, many of those which you face are unique to this time. But you are some of our Heavenly Father_ã_s strongest children, and He has saved you to come to the earth _ãÄfor such a time as this_ã_ (Esther 4:14). With His help, you will have the courage to face whatever comes.”

Whether you_ã_re preparing a lesson, planning a talk, teaching your family, or just seeking to be uplifted and motivated to live the gospel more fully, you_ã_ll appreciate Teachings of Thomas S. Monson.

If any of us feels his challenges are beyond his capacity to meet them, let him or her read of Job. By so doing, there comes the feeling, “If Job could endure and overcome, so will I.”

Job was a “perfect and upright” man who “feared God, and eschewed evil” (Job 1:1). Pious in his conduct, prosperous in his fortune, Job was to face a test which could have destroyed anyone. Shorn of his possessions, scorned by his friends, afflicted by his suffering, shattered by the loss of his family, he was urged to “curse God, and die” (Job 2:9). He resisted this temptation and declared from the depths of his noble soul, “Behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high” (Job 16:19). “I know that my redeemer liveth” (Job 19:25).

Job became a model of unlimited patience. To this day we refer to those who are long-suffering as having the patience of Job. He provides an example for us to follow. (“Models to Follow,” Ensign, November 2002, 60)

Life is full of difficulties, some minor and others of a more serious nature. There seems to be an unending supply of challenges for one and all. Our problem is that we often expect instantaneous solutions to such challenges, forgetting that frequently the heavenly virtue of patience is required.

The counsel heard in our youth is still applicable today and should be heeded. “Hold your horses,” “Keep your shirt on,” “Slow down,” “Don’t be in such a hurry,” “Follow the rules,” “Be careful” are more than trite expressions. They describe sincere counsel and speak the wisdom of experience. . . .

In sickness, with its attendant pain, patience is required. If the only perfect man who ever lived—even Jesus of Nazareth—was called upon to endure great suffering, how can we, who are less than perfect, expect to be free of such challenges?

Who can count the vast throngs of the lonely, the aged, the helpless—those who feel abandoned by the caravan of life as it moves relentlessly onward and then disappears beyond the sight of those who ponder, who wonder, and who sometimes question as they are left alone with their thoughts. Patience can be a helpful companion during such stressful times. (“Patience—A Heavenly Virtue,” Ensign, November 1995, 59)

I believe that I can learn patience by better studying the life of our Lord and Savior. Can you imagine the disappointment which He must have felt, knowing that He had the keys to eternal life, knowing that He had the way for you and for me to gain entrance into the celestial kingdom of God, as He took His gospel to those people in the meridian of time and saw them reject Him and reject His message? Yet He demonstrated patience. He accepted His responsibility in life, even to the cross, the Garden of Gethsemane preceding it. I would hope to learn patience from the Lord. (“A Time to Choose,” BYU Devotional, January 16, 1973)