Topic

Righteousness

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, righteousness is defined as a moral and ethical uprightness that guides the lives and choices of those who seek to be disciples of Jesus Christ. In the pursuit of righteousness, individuals seek to align their lives with the divine principles found in scripture and emphasized in modern revelation. Righteousness includes obeying commandments, keeping covenants, living virtuously, and developing Christlike attributes. Righteousness is more than a moral code; it is a transformative way of life that shows a commitment to living in harmony with the divine will of Jesus Christ and God the Father. The desire to live righteously can inform future decisions, as Barbara W. Winder shared: “Right decisions are easiest to make when we make them well in advance, having in mind our standard of righteousness” (“A Righteous Standard”).

The concept of “the righteous” refers to individuals who actively and consistently strive to live in accordance with divine principles. Their righteous actions, guided by faith, set an example for others and contribute to the overall well-being of their communities and societies. The righteous also receive divine blessings both in this life and in the world to come.

These speeches given by Church leaders and BYU professionals can be a source of enlightenment and motivation to anyone seeking to learn more about righteous living. We hope that as you read, watch, and listen to them, you will be inspired with things you can do to deepen your personal righteousness.

Inspiring Shorts

View Collection>

By Study & By Faith

Bonnie Brinton Anderson December 8, 2015

Michael D. Brown March 31, 2015

Kevin D. Stocks March 4, 2008

Sandra Rogers June 28, 1994

Bonnie Brinton Anderson | December 8, 2015

To have spiritual safety we must be in tune with the Holy Ghost, be aware of fake happiness, keep a current temple recommend, and pray.

devotional 2015

Michael D. Brown | March 31, 2015

We should assess our spiritual hearts to ensure that they are pure, soft, grateful, and obedient. We should be of one heart with others.

devotional 2015

Kevin J Worthen | January 20, 2015

By aligning and binding ourselves to God and Jesus Christ, we can not only stand in holy places but make holy the places in which we stand.

devotional 2015

R. Bruce Money | July 22, 2014

Private and public religious behavior, kindness, and remaining true in the face of trials will help us live in the Lord’s kingdom with a valid passport.

devotional 2014

Sharon G. Samuelson | September 4, 2012

We can choose to wander close to spiritual "dragons," or we can choose to hold to the iron rod, keeping our covenants and character safe.

devotional 2012

Stanley A. Johnson | June 5, 2012

We obtain the guidance of the Holy Spirit by praying, learning the gospel, living righteously, and serving in the Church.

devotional 2012

Thomas H. Fletcher | February 7, 2012

We can learn lessons from the stories of our ancestors.

devotional 2012

Richard G. Scott | April 21, 2011

Jesus Christ will guide you in your life. Use your faith so that you can be an instrument in His hands.

commencement 2011

Yoshihiko Kikuchi | January 18, 2011

Instituting personal devotionals, scriptural immersion, and utilizing the atonement are ways we can inoculate ourselves against worldly "sicknesses."

devotional 2011

L. Whitney Clayton - Presidency of the Seventy

L. Whitney Clayton | August 12, 2010

Just as the Lord led the children of Israel to their promised land, He will lead each of us to ours—one which is not confined by geography or prosperity.

commencement 2010

Spencer J. Condie | February 9, 2010

One of the fruits of sincere repentance is that it changes our very nature. Let us strive for purity of heart and a disposition to do good continually.

devotional 2010

Cheryl C. Lant | January 12, 2010

As we hold fast to the iron rod, through righteous and humble obedience, we can taste the sweet joy of the Atonement that God is anxious for us to enjoy.

devotional 2010

Sharon G. Samuelson | September 8, 2009

There is no shortcut on the path to the tree of life. Holding firmly to the "iron rod" - the gospel of Jesus Christ - will bring us to safety and joy.

devotional 2009

H. David Burton | November 2, 2008

As we ask what manner of men and women we ought to be, we are reminded that striving to be like Christ is how we make something of ourselves.

devotional 2008

Scott M. Ritter | July 22, 2008

The great scientific discoveries over the years stand with the events of the Restoration in showing God's love for humankind.

devotional 2008

Richard G. Scott | March 18, 2008

Elder Richard G. Scott speaks to us as friends as he uses the Book of Mormon to explain ways that we can establish a secure foundation for life.

devotional 2008

Kevin D. Stocks | March 4, 2008

Kevin D. Stocks likens our actions to entries in our own "book of life." Each page has eternal impact and will be reviewed by Heavenly Father.

devotional 2008

Earl C. Tingey | January 13, 2008

The Lord has given many simple truths to help us pattern our lives. Acting on these truths will put us in a position to receive eternal, promised blessings.

devotional 2008

John Telford | June 12, 2007

National Geographic photographer Dewitt Jones described the difference between being the best in the world and being the best for the world. To be the best in the world, all of the attention is focused on the individual. To be the best for the world, the attention is focused on others.

devotional 2007

Brad Neiger | April 4, 2006

As we practice holiness by making it a daily priority, serving others, and noticing opportunities for holiness, we become more Christlike.

devotional 2006

Dallin H. Oaks—first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Dallin H. Oaks | November 9, 2004

Even our small choices have great consequences. By asking ourselves where they lead, we can avoid tragedy and attain eternal blessings.

devotional 2004

Sharon G. Samuelson | September 14, 2004

There is another name by which we should all be known besides the one we received from our earthly fathers. That is the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

devotional 2004

Paul F. Eastman | June 25, 2002

When faced with two good choices, what do we choose? Is there a “best” good? The most important thing is that we're trying to be good.

devotional 2002

Elaine Michaelis | March 12, 2002

Be anxiously engaged in a good cause. Serve, lead, and testify with courage, faith, and focus—guided by the Spirit to do much righteousness.

devotional 2002

James B. McDonald | June 26, 2001

Just as cataracts slowly obscure vision, spiritual pollutants can make us lose sight of Christ’s light by clouding our spiritual lenses.

devotional 2001

Sheri L. Dew | March 21, 2000

Choose to keep God's commandments and stay out of Satan's territory. We are promised safety and peace on the Lord's side of the line.

devotional 2000

President Gordon B. Hinckley, prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Gordon B. Hinckley | November 30, 1999

Life is a great chain of generations that we in the Church believe must be linked together. Never permit yourself to become a weak link in the chain.

devotional 1999

Erlend D. Peterson | March 17, 1998

Service and leadership are impactful, and when we are “anxiously engaged” in good causes, we can make a positive difference in the world.

devotional 1998

Joseph B. Wirthlin | January 21, 1997

Being righteous and true to the principles of the gospel leads to actions that show we understand sacred covenants in our hearts.

devotional 1997

Alexander B. Morrison | June 11, 1996

The Lord needs men and women of valour to step up through integrity, courage, and perseverance, to prepare the world for Him.

devotional 1996

President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

M. Russell Ballard | March 12, 1996

Although no one knows the time of the Second Coming, we do know what to expect in these last days - and we have the tools to thrive.

devotional 1996

Carlos E. Asay | November 14, 1995

It is said that some of the saddest words ever said are "it might have been." Don't let life and its opportunities pass you by.

devotional 1995

Cecil O. Samuelson | August 1, 1995

To "fulfill all righteousness," we need to be concerned not only with avoiding major sins, but also with diligence in small acts that can have big results.

devotional 1995

James E. Faust | November 15, 1994

When we share the gospel, love our neighbor, and worship the Lord, we are offending the devil. But we don't need to be afraid of offending him.

devotional 1994

Joseph B. Wirthlin | September 4, 1994

We can choose the right or disobey God. We must decide every day to choose the right by listening to the Spirit and following Christ.

devotional 1994

Sandra Rogers | June 28, 1994

Stories from scriptures and other faithful Saints worldwide teach us how we can build the kingdom of God by faith, repentance, service, and compassion.

devotional 1994

Joseph B. Wirthlin | August 2, 1992

We must choose each day to be on the Lord’s side in thought, word, and action, which will lead to happiness, honesty, and exaltation.

devotional 1992

Henry B. Eyring—second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Henry B. Eyring | November 12, 1991

Just as we choose quality in the products we manufacture and consume, we must choose quality in our actions and early in our lives.

devotional 1991

Elder Neal A. Maxwell, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ.

Neal A. Maxwell | March 31, 1991

Jesus Christ's Atonement exemplifies all of the divine attributes we are seeking. Truly, “in Him all things hold together.”

devotional 1991

Janet G. Lee | September 12, 1989

Striving to be where Heavenly Father wants us to be will help us feel at home until the day comes when we return to our heavenly home.

devotional 1989

J. Thomas Fyans | April 10, 1988

We all experience life's peaks and valleys—spiritual highs and lows. How can we remain at the top and not slide into spiritual darkness?

devotional 1988

Ardeth G. Kapp | February 1, 1987

The choices we make in this life determine our eternal inheritance. To become heirs of God, we must choose to obey the commandments He has given us.

devotional 1987

Vaughn J. Featherstone | September 7, 1986

In making bricks, the children of Israel needed straw to hold together and strengthen the building material. Here are some examples of spiritual straw.

devotional 1986

Robert E. Wells | May 20, 1986

The beatitudes that Christ taught in His Sermon on the Mount are the map that we must follow for a Christlike life.

devotional 1986

Marion D. Hanks | March 11, 1986

Live pure, speak true, right wrong. Follow Christ the King and you will be prepared to live the kind of life that He lives.

devotional 1986

M. Russell Ballard | January 5, 1986

Though we live in a morally conflicted world, we can choose to serve the Lord. We are promised revelation, a sure witness, and an anchor of faith.

devotional 1986

James E. Faust | February 12, 1985

With an eternal perspective, God will help you—our granddaughters, and all women—fulfill your divine missions in the family, the Church, and the world.

devotional 1985

Ardeth G. Kapp | January 29, 1985

In mortality, we must keep “valiant values” so that when we return to Heavenly Father, we can declare that we used our agency righteously.

devotional 1985

Jeffrey R. Holland - Mormon Apostle - and Patricia T. Holland

Jeffrey R. and Patricia T. Holland | September 11, 1984

Honesty, education, sacrifice, and faith are among the unique characteristics that make up Zion–and we can make Zion right here at BYU.

devotional 1984

L. Tom Perry | August 21, 1984

"What seek ye?" Heavenly Father wants us to seek after the very best and stretch ourselves to do that which is for our eternal good.

devotional 1984

Jeffrey R. and Patricia T. Holland | September 7, 1982

At BYU, we are a community of love and have a duty to look after one another, to be a friend, and to protect honor and integrity.

devotional 1982

John H. Groberg | June 15, 1982

Never will our time or efforts be better rewarded than when they are spent in service and kindness. This kind of investing for eternity should be our aim.

devotional 1982

Camilla E. Kimball | September 6, 1980

You are the hope of tomorrow. Embrace friendship, responsibility, and love to build strong families through faith and education.

devotional 1980

Joseph B. Wirthlin | June 12, 1979

Time is a resource and gift given to us from God. In our mission to use time wisely, we must remember that it is never too late to make important decisions. These decisions are how we we enter into life—eternal life.

devotional 1979

Marion D. Hanks | January 23, 1979

Avoid the trap of vanity and hypocrisy. Instead of worrying about how you seem to others, be the kind of person you know you can and should be.

devotional 1979

L. Tom Perry | January 7, 1979

Prophecies, visions, and dreams may take different forms for you. Take time for teaching the gospel, for contemplation, and for chasing worthy dreams.

devotional 1979

S. Dilworth Young | May 17, 1977

Learning to listen to the promptings of the Spirit brings safety. Every worthy individual is entitled to the companionship of the Spirit. If you listen, you will find he is often more eager to help than we are to obey.

devotional 1977

Carlos E. Asay | June 6, 1976

Calling ourselves Latter-day Saints should fill us with responsibility to act like a saint. God expects us to be noble representatives of His cause.

devotional 1976

H. Burke Peterson | August 3, 1975

If we pray sincerely, study the scriptures, serve, and make righteous choices, we will get a glimpse of the glory God has in store for us.

devotional 1975

Vaughn J. Featherstone | March 30, 1975

You can gain a personal experience with the Lord just as the disciples and He will tarry with you, as He did with them.

devotional 1975

Hartman Rector Jr. | March 3, 1974

As you let your light shine by exemplifying and sharing the gospel, you will be amazed by the lives you touch—and how those lives touch yours in return.

devotional 1974

Sterling W. Sill | January 29, 1974

Elder Sill discusses the significance of our choices in preparing for significant times in our lives: birth, marriage, choosing our calling, and death.

devotional 1974

John Longden | April 16, 1968

"Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Each of us must choose for ourselves whether our highest priority is to serve the Lord.

devotional 1968

Ezra Taft Benson - Mormon Prophet and Apostle

Ezra Taft Benson | May 10, 1966

The Church faces danger from the world, but more danger from within. We need to be wary of false ideas, immorality, and other threats to our soul.

devotional 1966

Harold B. Lee - Mormon Prophet and Apostle

Harold B. Lee | April 19, 1961

It isn't enough to be doing the right things; we need to make sure we are doing them for the right reasons. Ask yourself, "Are my motives pure?"

devotional 1961

John Longden | March 22, 1961

When evaluating our personal righteousness, we must be willing to ask ourselves whether we are truly doing our best or just trying to skate by.

devotional 1961

Joseph Fielding Smith - Mormon Prophet and Apostle

Joseph Fielding Smith | January 22, 1961

For those seeking salvation in God's kingdom, the principles of the gospel and the commandments of the Lord offer a sure path to Him.

devotional 1961

Joseph L. Wirthlin | March 9, 1960

The kingdom of God is a place of righteousness. Each of us came to this earth with our own body and we must keep it from sin to enter the kingdom of God. The text for this speech is unavailable. Please see our FAQ page for more information.

devotional 1960

Antoine R. Ivins | February 10, 1959

Antoine R. Ivins encourages students to live their standards with integrity. Through righteousness, he promises, you will qualify yourselves for blessings.

devotional 1959

Harold B. Lee | October 2, 1956

"Eye hath not seen" the blessings promised for the righteous or the torment that comes to the wicked. Prepare yourself to be on the Lord's side.

devotional 1956

Mark E. Petersen | November 1, 1955

Honesty is more than not lying, stealing, or cheating. Being honest with ourselves, God, and others entails doing what we know is right.

devotional 1955

LeGrand Richards | May 10, 1955

A testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ will prompt you to repent when you sin. It will also give you the conviction to stand up for your beliefs.

devotional 1955

Bruce R. McConkie | June 24, 1954

We are a long way from perfection, but there are some commandments we can master now to prepare ourselves for salvation. Hold fast to those worthy goals.

devotional 1954