Become Rich Toward God

Rex D. Pinegar | October 1973 General Conference 

My husband and I have gone through periods of financial struggles as well as being financially comfortable.  We learned much through our struggles and felt at ease during those times when we didn’t have to worry too much about money.  Through it all, I have learned that our joy and the love we have for one another and our family didn’t come from what was in our bank accounts.  Whatever struggles or concerns we’ve ever had to endure were there regardless of our wealth or lack of it.  What I did learn from my experiences, is that having the gospel in my life, and living it, delivered the joy, peace, and the true happiness we desire.  Having love and faith in the Saviour and knowing that the greatest reward is the inheritance that is awaiting us in the next life is what helps us weather the storms of life.  No monetary riches in this life can compare to the reward that awaits for us in heaven. We feel so blessed.  ~Emilia

“The human measure of a human life is its income; the divine measure of a life is its outgo, its overflow its contribution to the welfare of all.”

William Jennings Bryan wrote:

In our search for happiness we may get so involved with the “human measure of life” that we fail to recognize the temporary value of such riches. Christ warned that we can become spiritually “choked” with the “cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.” (Luke 8:14.)

The Savior also said, “… a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

“And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:

“And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

“And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

“And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou has much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

“But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

“So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:15–21.)

It is, then, our blessing and responsibility to become rich toward God. We are to go beyond acquiring something for ourselves. The Savior also taught us how to do this when he said, “… seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Luke 12:31), and, “… whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God.” (D&C 6:3.)

This means we may gain eternal life. “Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich.” (D&C 11:7.)

The significance of this truth was brought to the heart of a certain man when his friend approached him with a plan to obtain the riches of this life. He wrote:

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