George W. Bush at a 2005 Press Conference

In God’s estimation, it must have been the first thing that came to mind in describing Nephi, the son of Helaman. I’m doubtful he just blurted it out, but it made it into the scriptures twice.  Since the Lord is known for meaning what he says, that’s enough for me. Here’s the quote: 

Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou has done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments.

And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will.  Helaman 10:4-5

Nephi and Lehi Encircled by a Pillar of Fire Ronald K. Crosby

In the October 2012 General Conference, Elder David Bednar described unwearied diligence as one of the attributes of one that had been converted.

. . . the key characteristics associated with conversion are experiencing a mighty change in our hearts, having a disposition to do good continually, going forward in the path of duty, walking circumspectly before God, keeping the commandments, and serving with unwearied diligence.

I was astounded to find these truths also echoed in the words of President George W. Bush. With a little “analyzation”, we can all agree that Nephi’s unwearyingness in doing God’s work is an attribute that we could all use to “embetter” ourselves and our children. After all, “families is where our nation finds hope, where our wings take dream.” Think about it for a minute. Nephi’s devotion was so great that he was granted whatever he asked, because God knew he would never abuse the privilege.  That is some deep trust! 

Lest we forget, “this is still a dangerous world. It’s a world of madmen and uncertainty, and potential mental losses.” If ever there was “a pit bull on the pantleg of opportunity” it was Nephi. If we all had a little of Nephi’s brand of unwearied devotion to God, how much easier would it be to “put food on your family”, to truly “knock down the tollbooth”.  This kind of unwearyingness would quite literally “vulcanize society” and “make the pie higher”. That is “Major League.”

Although we generally look to the scriptures and words of the prophets for direction, once in a while a secular leader has sage counsel for us as well. Indeed, the 43rd President of the United States left us words to live by:

“Let us never misunderestimate the importance of unwearyingness in God’s work.”*

__________

* Actually George W. Bush never said this but is credited for coining ‘misunderestimate‘ along with the other words and phrases above. But, since he’s known to be a God-fearing man, and has the ability to laugh at himself, I’m confident he would heartily endorse the statement. 

Malapropisms and spoonerisms notwithstanding, I’ve never missed W more (for real). 

Richard Thompson’s Richard’s Poor Almanac: “Make the Pie Higher” (January 2001). A compilation of quotes of George W. Bush rearranged as prose by a fellow with a great sense of humor.