Gems for Youth

What Is the Worth of a Soul?

"[Paul C. Child] quoted from the Doctrine and Covenants,
including section 18 concerning the worth of a soul, indicating that we
should labor all our days to bring souls unto the Lord. He then turned to
one elders quorum president and asked, 'What is the worth of a
soul?'
"The stunned quorum president hesitated as he formulated
his reply. I had a prayer in my heart that he would be able to answer the
question. He finally responded, 'The worth of a soul is its capacity to
become as God.'
"Brother Child closed his scriptures, walked
solemnly and quietly up the aisle and back to the stand. As he passed by
me, he said, 'A most profound reply.' "

(Thomas S. Monson, "Our Sacred Priesthood Trust," Ensign, May 2006, 56)