PROVO — Strive to obtain spiritual high ground, Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve counseled young adults in a Church Educational System fireside Sunday evening.

Speaking from the Marriott Center on the campus of Brigham Young University during the fireside that was broadcast via satellite throughout North America and to other parts of the world, Elder Hales said, "To seek spiritual high ground is to rise above the world and its temptation and to follow our Savior."

To attain such high ground, Elder Hales told the congregation of mostly 18- to 30-year-olds that they need to exercise faith, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, obey the commandments, study the scriptures and pray.

He added, "The Lord's storehouse is both spiritual and temporal," listing temporal principles of provident living and self-reliance "to build temporal resources to meet our needs and serve others."

"Provident living means not caring for or coveting the things of this world," he said. "Provident living means avoiding excessive debt and being content with having that which is sufficient for our needs."

Obtaining an education or vocational training is an element of provident living, he told the young adults.

He told them to "develop a spending and savings plan — the world calls it a budget."

Speaking of principles important in marriage, Elder Hales said, "I have often felt that a companionship needs not only to hear the cherished three words, 'I love you,' but also the tender four words of caring: 'We can't afford it.' When a couple makes financial decisions, they have to talk with one another. If a husband or a wife makes a large purchase without discussing it together and taking it to the Lord in prayer, it causes financial stress in a marriage. … If couples are not one in temporal and financial matters, I can assure you they are not going to be one in spiritual matters."

Paying tithing and fast offerings are also important in provident living, he said. "It helps us to quench the selfish, temporal thirst for the things of this world and turns our thoughts and actions to eternal objectives and a willingness to help others in need."

Elder Hales called the temple "the highest ground we can achieve in mortality" and spoke of the importance of keeping covenants made there.

He said building strong marriages as husbands and wives includes principles such as knowing the doctrines of the gospel and thinking of one another before themselves.

"In so doing, they lift each other to high ground," Elder Hales stated.

He concluded by again exhorting the young adults to seek for and retain spiritual high ground to qualify for eternal blessings.

E-MAIL: ghill@desnews.com