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Conformity to the Will of God, September 11
A gracious woman retaineth honour.
Proverbs 11:16
.
You may never be called to do a work which will bring you before the public.
But all the work we do that is necessary to be done, be it washing dishes, setting
tables, waiting upon the sick, cooking, or washing, is of moral importance; and until
you can cheerfully and happily take up these duties you are not fitted for greater and
higher duties. The humble tasks before us are to be taken up by someone; and those
who do them should feel that they are doing a necessary and honorable work, and
that in their mission, humble though it may be, they are doing the work of God just
as surely as was Gabriel when sent to the prophets. All are working in their order in
their respective spheres. Woman in her home, doing the simple duties of life that
must be done, can and should exhibit faithfulness, obedience, and love as sincere as
angels in their sphere. Conformity to the will of God makes any work honorable
that must be done....
We are not in heaven, but upon the earth. When we are in heaven, then we shall
be qualified to do the lofty and elevating work of heaven. It is here in this world that
we must be tested and proved....
The highest duty that devolves upon youth is their own homes, blessing father
and mother, brothers and sisters, by affection and true interest. Here they can show
self-denial and self-forgetfulness in caring and doing for others. Never will women
be degraded by this work. It is the most sacred, elevated office that she can fill.
What an influence a sister may have over brothers! If she is right she may determine
the character of her brothers. Her prayers, her gentleness, and her affection may do
much in a household.... These noble qualities can never be communicated to other
minds unless they first exist in your own. That contentment of mind, that affection,
gentleness, and sunniness of temper which will reach every heart, will reflect upon
you what your heart gives forth to others. If Christ does not reign in the heart, there
will be discontent and moral deformity. Selfishness will require of others that which
we are unwilling to give them. If Christ is not in the heart, the character will be
unlovely.
It is not the great work and great battles alone which try the soul and demand
courage. Everyday life brings its perplexities, trials, and discouragements. It is the
humble work which frequently draws upon the patience and the fortitude. Self-
reliance and resolution will be necessary to meet and conquer all difficulties. Secure
the Lord to stand with you, in every place to be your consolation and comfort
(
Testimonies for the Church 3:79-81
).
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