LDS Church members were encouraged Sunday during the final day of the 179th Semiannual General Conference to reach out and help others each day and also to heed God's words and commandments to survive this time of worldly permissiveness.

"Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and, figuratively, lose their life, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish — and in effect save their life," church President Thomas S. Monson said during Sunday morning's conference session.

He stressed that Latter-day Saints should step back from the busyness of their lives and take a good look at their doings. "We may find that we have immersed ourselves in the 'thick of thin things,' " he said.

"In other words, too often we spend most of our time taking care of the things which do not really matter much at all in the grand scheme of things."

President Monson said we are surrounded by those in need of our attention, encouragement, support, comfort or kindness — be they family members, friends, acquaintances or strangers.

"We are the Lord's hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift his children. He is dependent upon each of us."

President Monson closed conference Sunday afternoon by advising members how to survive today's permissive times.

"My brothers and sisters, he has prepared us. If we heed his words and live the commandments, we will survive this time of permissiveness and wickedness — a time which can be compared with the waves and the winds and the floods that can destroy. He is ever mindful of us. He loves us and will bless us as we do what is right."

Other highlights:

Morning session:

President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency, challenged church members to become better examples by being more like Jesus Christ.

"Our way of life, hour by hour, must be filled with the love of God and love for others. There is no surprise in that, since the Lord proclaimed that as the first and great commandment. It is love of God that will lead us to keep his commandments. And love of others is at heart of our capacity to obey him."

Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve spotlighted immigrant shipbuilders from Norway who constructed the roof of the Manti Temple. He said their example teaches us two important lessons:

1. Of using the principles and truths of the past to help us face the future; and 2. We learn from their desire to share what they knew with others to help build the kingdom of God."