Apostles Quote by David O. McKay
““Just think! The only reason the world knows anything about them [Jesus’ Apostles] is because having met the Savior, they made Him their guide in life. If they hadn’t, nobody now would know that such men had ever lived. They would have lived and died and been forgotten just as thousands of other men in their day lived and died and nobody knows or cares anything about them; just as thousands and thousands are living today, wasting their time and energy in useless living, choosing the wrong kind of men for their ideals, turning their footsteps into the road of Pleasure and Indulgence instead of the road of Service. Soon they will reach the end of their journey in life, and nobody can say that the world is any better for their having lived in it. At the close of each day such men leave their pathway as barren as they found it—they plant no trees to give shade to others, nor rose-bushes to make the world sweeter and brighter to those who follow—no kind deeds, no noble service—just a barren, unfruitful, desert-like pathway, strewn, perhaps, with thorns and thistles. Not so with the disciples who chose Jesus for their Guide. Their lives are like gardens of roses from which the world may pluck beautiful flowers forever.””
About This Quote
Source Sermon: General Conference, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints, 1958
A life guided by Christ yields lasting, positive impact, unlike self‑centered pursuits that leave no legacy.
In simple terms: Following Jesus creates lasting good; selfish living leaves nothing.
Seek to serve others and plant lasting good.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- community service
- teaching
- mentoring
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you make your daily actions benefit others?
- What legacy do you want to leave?
Self‑focused lives can still find meaning through personal fulfillment.