“Living with intention requires conquering the natural man and seeking to become a saint” was the council of Margaret Wheelwright, BYU-Hawaii’s First Lady as she spoke at the February 28 Devotional in the Cannon Activities Center.
Sister Wheelwright began by telling of some inventions that her grandchildren had made and comparing them with the habits we create in our own lives. “There are things we use, inventions, if you will, that make our lives easier, and other things we use that might actually make our lives harder.” She went on to explain that habits have a great deal to do with our agency. “Through the gospel, we know it is possible for us to gain this sort of control over our bodies; in fact, it’s one of the main reasons we are here on Earth. We often discuss the importance of agency, and it certainly applies to the study of habit.”
“The true hallmark of all successful people is consistent, purposeful action, and it’s within all of our reach,” Sister Wheelwright explained. She went on to say that living with intention is living life with a purpose. “It’s all about intentionally establishing habits and routines that will guarantee your success.” She explained that success comes by living with intention and mastering our habits which takes work and conscious effort. Making and keeping good habits requires more effort and self control than making bad habits. Making good habits requires discipline.
Sister Wheelwright told a story about the determination that former President Theodore Roosevelt had growing up. He suffered from many illnesses and afflictions as a boy but went on to become a Rough Rider in the Spanish-American War. While he was campaigning he was shot in the chest but continued to deliver a speech for ninety minutes before going to the hospital. He was able to overcome these challenges with a tremendous amount of discipline. “Self-mastery,” she stated, “or mastering our habits, is really all about conquering the natural man. While scientists know that self-mastery requires practice and discipline, saints know that self-mastery is much more attainable if we also have faith, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and an understanding of the Atonement.”
To close, Sister Wheelwright counseled, “Living with intention means actively seeking for that which is best – for that which will bring us peace and happiness and eternal life, even when it’s hard.”
To read or watch click here.