Thomas S. Monson

The tenor of our times is permissiveness. All around us we see the idols of the movie screen, the heroes of the athletic field—those whom many young people long to emulate—as disregarding the laws of God and rationalizing away sinful practices, seemingly with no ill effect. Don't you believe it! There is a time of reckoning—even a balancing of the ledger. Every Cinderella has her midnight—it's called Judgment Day, even the Big Exam of Life. Are you prepared? Are you pleased with your own performance?

Thomas S. Monson, “Be Thou an Example,” Ensign, May 2005, 112

Elaine S. Dalton

I can see a day when the world will look to you and say: "Who are you? Who are these young women who radiate this light? Why are you so happy? Why do you know your direction in such a confusing world?" And you will arise and stand on your feet and say with conviction: "We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love Him. We will 'stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places.' " (Young Women theme; see also Mosiah 18:9.)

My call to you is the same as Moroni's call: "Awake, and arise . . . , O daughter[s] of Zion." (Moroni 10:31) He saw you. He saw this day. These are your days! It is up to you to decide that you will "arise and shine forth." I believe that as you awake and arise, your light will be a standard to the nations, but I also believe your standards will be a light to the nations. You are set apart. You distinguished yourselves in the premortal existence. Your lineage carries with it a covenant and promises. You have inherited the spiritual attributes of the faithful—even Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Your very nature reflects your divine heritage and destiny. The fact that you were born a girl is not by chance. Your divine characteristics will be magnified as you lead others and arise to your divine potential. Draw close to the Savior. He lives! He is the light, life, and hope of the world. He will lead you and give you courage to share your light. As my grandfather taught me, "When you live close to God and His infinite grace, you won't have to tell, it will show in your face."

Elaine S. Dalton, “It Shows in Your Face,” Ensign, May 2006, 109–11

Heber C. Kimball

Our sons and daughters must live pure lives so as to be prepared for what is coming.  After a while the gentiles will gather by the thousands to this place, and Salt Lake City will be classed among the wicked cities of the world.  A spirit of speculation and extravagance will take possession of the Saints, and the results will be financial bondage.  Persecution comes next and all true Latter-day Saints will be tested to the limit.  Many will apostatize and others will be still not knowing what to do... Before that day comes, however, the Saints will be put to tests that will try the integrity of the best of them.  The pressure will become so great that the more righteous among them will cry unto the Lord day and night until deliverance comes.

Heber C. Kimball, Deseret News, Church Department, May 23, 1931 p. 3

Victor L. Brown

At the present time, there are wars and rumors of wars.  Yet, may I suggest that there is another war currently going in the world - a war more destructive than any armed conflict - yes, a war between good and evil, between freedom and slavery, between the Savior and Satan.  Satan's legions are many.  In their battle to enslave mankind, they use weapons such as selfishness; dishonesty; corruption; sexual impurity, be it adultery, fornication, or homosexuality; pornography; permissiveness; drugs; and many others.  I believe Satan's ultimate goal is to destroy the family, because if he would destroy the family, he will not just have won the battle; he will have won the war.

Victor L. Brown, “Our Youth: Modern Sons of Helaman,” Ensign, Jan 1974, 108