Richard G. Scott

Quotes By Richard G. Scott
Richard G. Scott served as an LDS apostle from October 6, 1988 until his death on September 22, 2015. Elder Richard G. Scott is often remembered for his deep admiration for The Book of Mormon and affection for this wife, Jeanene Watkins.

Richard G. Scott Portrait

“Understand that healing can take considerable time. Recovery generally comes in steps. It is accelerated when gratitude is expressed to the Lord for every degree of improvement noted.”

Richard G. Scott  |  “Healing the Tragic Scars of Abuse,” Ensign, May 1992, p. 32

Topics: ,

Richard G. Scott Portrait

“Unless healed by the Lord, mental, physical, or sexual abuse can cause you serious, enduring consequences. As a victim you have experienced some of them. They include fear, depression, guilt, self-hatred, destruction of self-esteem, and alienation from normal human relationships. When aggravated by continued abuse, powerful emotions of rebellion, anger, and hatred are generated. These feelings often are focused against oneself, others, life itself, and even Heavenly Father. Frustrated efforts to fight back can degenerate into drug abuse, immorality, abandonment of home, and, tragically in extreme cases, suicide. Unless corrected, these feelings lead to despondent lives, discordant marriages, and even the transition from victim to abuser. One awful result is a deepening lack of trust in others which becomes a barrier to healing. . . .I solemnly testify that when another’s acts of violence, perversion, or incest hurt you terribly, against your will, you are not responsible and you must not feel guilty. . . .”

Richard G. Scott  |  “Healing Tragic Scars of Abuse,” Ensign, May 1992, p. 31

Topics: ,

Richard G. Scott Portrait

“The axiom ‘You get what you pay for’ is true for spiritual rewards as well. You get what you pay for in obedience, in faith in Jesus Christ, in diligent application of the truths that you learn.”

Richard G. Scott  |  "The Sustaining Power of Faith in Times of Uncertainty and Testing"

Topics: , , ,

Richard G. Scott Portrait

“In time, one who makes decisions based upon circumstance is virtually assured to commit serious transgressions. There is no iron rod of truth to keep that person in the right way. He will continually be faced with many subtle temptations to make deviations from the commandments. Those choices are justified by arguing that they are not that bad, that they are more socially acceptable and provide a broader base of friends. A clever individual without foundation principles can at times acquire, temporarily, impressive accomplishments. Yet that attainment is like a sand castle. When the test of character comes, it crumbles, often taking others with it.

“The second pattern, making decisions based upon eternal truth, is the pattern of the Lord. It will always lead you to make decisions guided by His plan of happiness. Such decisions are centered in doing what is right, not in first deciding the result desired. Choosing to do what the Lord has defined as right will, in the long run, always lead to the best outcomes. However, that pattern may require you to set aside something you very much desire now for a greater future good.”

Richard G. Scott  |  "The Power of Righteousness"

Topics: , ,

Richard G. Scott Portrait

“What do you do when you do not feel an answer? I have come to thank the Lord with all my heart when that occurs, for it is an evidence of his trust. I positively know that as we apply our decision as though it were confirmed powerfully from on high, one of two things will certainly occur at the appropriate time: either the stupor of thought, or the peace – the confirmation.”

Richard G. Scott  |  Truth, BYU Devotional Address 6/78.

Topics: , ,

Richard G. Scott Portrait

“When we seek inspiration to help make decisions, the Lord gives gentle promptings. These require us to think, to exercise faith, to work, to struggle at times and to act. Seldom does the whole answer to a decisively important matter or complex problem come all at once. More often, it comes a piece at a time, without the end in sight.”

Richard G. Scott  |  Ensign, November 1989, p. 32

Topics: , ,

Richard G. Scott Portrait

“Oh, there can be transitory euphoria from power, influence, or material wealth, but true, lasting happiness, the kind that is felt in the early hours of the morning when you are truly honest with yourself, can be garnered only by obedience to the teachings of God. You must have honesty, integrity, chastity, virtue, and a willingness to forego something attractive, even apparently desirable for the moment, for greater good in the future. I speak of the willingness when circumstance demands to lay everything on the altar to defend true principles.”

Richard G. Scott  |  “Living Right,” April 22, 2004

Topics: ,

Richard G. Scott Portrait

He [Heavenly Father] is our perfect Father. He loves us beyond our capacity to understand. He knows what is best for us. He sees the end from the beginning. He wants us to act to gain needed experience: When He answers yes, it is to give us confidence. When He answers no, it is to prevent error. When He withholds an answer, it is to have us grow through faith in Him, obedience to His commandments, and a willingness to act on truth.

Richard G. Scott  |  “Learning to Recognize Answers to Prayer,” Ensign, November 1989, p. 30

Topics: , ,

Richard G. Scott Portrait

“Anchor your life in Jesus Christ, your Redeemer. Make your Eternal Father and his Beloved Son the most important priority in your life – more important than life itself, more important than a beloved companion or children or anyone on earth. Make their will your central desire. Then all that you need for happiness will come to you.”

Richard G. Scott  |  Ensign, May 1993, pp. 32-4

Topics: , ,

Richard G. Scott Portrait

When a temple is conveniently nearby, small things may interrupt your plans to go to the temple. Set specific goals, considering your circumstances, of when you can and will participate in the temple ordinances. Then do not allow anything to interfere with that plan. Fourteen years ago I decided to attend the temple and complete an ordinance at least once a week. When I am traveling I make up the missed visits in order to achieve that objective. I have kept that resolve, and it has changed my life profoundly”

Richard G. Scott  |  “Temple Worship: The Source of Strength and Power in Times of Need,”

Topics: ,