Principles

After being a missionary for about six months, I was transferred to a town near the coast of California with an elder who was also very young. We started working and developed a lasting relationship. As we got to know each other, I began to make observations about the young elder's priorities and desires. I realized that he often talked about principles---that from such-and-such experience he had learned a certain principle or in a certain situation, he thought that such-and-such principle would help to resolve the problem. I was intrigued by his usage of principles and the importance that they played in his life.

I have learned that principles are small and simple values/priorities that can determine conduct in any number of situations. As I have learned to set my own principles and apply them, I have been able to make better decisions. Elder Richard G. Scott once taught, "With such standards you will not make the wrong decisions on the basis of the circumstances or the pressures of the day. Principles that you are determined to live by will keep you on track...Never compromise your principles. Strength and safety come from making no exceptions to them."

As I was reading the Book of Mormon this past week, I read of the Nephite nation as it was almost destroyed. Mormon makes the observation as he writes a letter to his son, Moroni, that the Nephites had gotten to the point that they were "without principle", which left Mormon with little hope of their survival.

Realizing more and more the importance of principles, I am in the process of making a list of my own principles which I consider to be most important. I hope that this list will be a guiding light for me as I strive to live in harmony with Gospel teachings.