Earthly Debts, Heavenly Debts

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday afternoon session of the April 2004 conference.

"The number of marriages that have been shattered over money issues is staggering. The amount of heartache is great. The stress that comes from worry over money has burdened families, caused sickness, depression, and even premature death."

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin understands! So do I.

In 2005 I was asked to present at the BYU Women's Conference on the subject of Facing Economic Challenges through Provident Living.

At the risk of throwing my husband under the bus, almost all of our financial troubles can be traced to his not consistently obeying the financial commandments, and living by the principles outlined by Elder Wirthlin:

1) Pay tithing

2) Spend less than you earn

3) Learn to save

4) Honor your financial obligations

5) Teach your children to follow your example

Thankfully all our children have listened to my gospel teachings and have learned to save, live within their means, etc. Their Dad has been a good example of what not to do.

I especially appreciate what Elder Wirthlin says about what we're to use our financial abundance for:

"There are those among us who have been blessed abundantly with enough and to spare. Our Heavenly Father expects that we do more with our riches than build larger barns to hold them. Will you consider what more you can do to build the kingdom of God? Will you consider what more you can do to bless the lives of others and bring light and hope into their lives?"

I have given more thought to exactly that and am looking at what I can contribute, and what I can sacrifice to do so.

Elder Wirthlin goes on to talk about our heavenly debts. "How can we ever repay the debt we owe to the Savior? He paid a debt He did not owe to free us from a debt we can never pay. Because of Him, we will live forever. Because of His infinite Atonement, our sins can be swept away, allowing us to experience the greatest of all the gifts of God: eternal life. . . . How wise is he who spends his days in pursuit of eternal life."

Having cleared out homes after four deaths I totally understand that the things of this world stay in this world; it's all just stuff. Who we are and what we have in our brain and in our heart is what we take with us to the next life. 

Now, I've got a closet to clear out.