Heart Filled with Love

 3/12/21

"We have the responsibility to be prepared, to be productive, to be faithful, and to be fruitful as well. What we need, as we journey along through this period known as mortality, is a compass to chart our course, a map to guide our footsteps, and a pattern whereby we might mold and shape our very lives… First, fill your mind with truth; second, fill your life with service; and third, fill your heart with love." (Thomas S. Monson, Formula for Success, churchofjesuschrist.org)

The formula President Monson shares is one that will lead anyone to a fulling life and beyond that, coupled with a few ordinances, back to our Heavenly Parents. This week’s theme for Intro to Entrepreneurship is “Measuring the Cost.” I think it is important to note that nothing is worth the cost of this formula. Truth, service and a heart filled with love are crucial aspects of a vibrant life. If, more likely when, we come face to face with a choice that would lead us away from these things we must choose to run the other way.

One of these choices would be chasing money and “success.” The Acton Foundation Booklet “Life, Liberty, and The Pursuit of Happiness” teaches that there is a difference between, happiness, satisfaction, and fulfillment.  Happiness, it turns out, is mostly genetic. And “Once your basic needs are satisfied, chasing more money, power, fame, beauty or sex will not lead to a happier life.” Satisfaction, however, is about relationships. Good relationships satisfy us far more than accomplishments, wealth and even our own health. “Unfortunately, even satisfaction proves unfulfilling when it becomes your primary goal… Fulfillment turns out to be quite different than… satisfaction. It involves having the perspective, usually in later years, of having done well with the opportunities you have been given. That’s why beginning with the /end in mind, and talking with those you respect who are nearer to the end of their journey, is so important.” Beginning with the end in mind is also habit two from “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” It means knowing how you want the end to look from the beginning and taking the steps you need to in order to get there. “The impact of lucky breaks and major accomplishments has surprisingly little power to affect happiness. We far overestimate the effect acquiring more money or power will have on our long-term happiness. Within weeks, even major lottery winners are no happier than they were before winning.” If we want to live a fulfilling life we must take the advise of President and seek truth, serve our fellowmen, and fill our hearts with love.

While we know that chasing or accumulating money will not bring happiness. There are still many good things to be done with it. Money is not inherently bad, it can be wielded for good or evil. I know the Lord does not wish us to be impoverished. There are many references throughout the scriptures that teach this. When the Lord’s people follow the gospel, they are blessed with riches. The way we view money affects the way we live. When we see it as a positive thing that can be used to further the Lord’s kingdom and help those in need, we live our lives accordingly. And thusly receive more blessings. Money will always be a necessity of live but it should never be the priority.