I have been blessed countless times in my life by the elevation principle. As a young man I had key friends and leaders who motivated and inspired me. As a boy I had a mother who inspired me. As a missionary I had other missionaries who inspired me. As a husband I have been married to a wife who elevates my standards and conduct. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ I have been inspired on numerous occasions by the sacrifice, service and examples of individuals living Christlike lives.

I have been inspired by countless leaders, bishops, stake presidents, scout leaders, primary teachers, speakers, family members and youth. The elevation principle has impacted my life again and again. I hope I will always recognize that these precious relationships have shaped me, changed me and caused me to want to be more like my Savior. I hope to never forget these relationships.

I was recently at the gym on a rowing machine. While I was rowing I observed a young adult in the distance on the bench press without a spotter. I happened to be watching while he was finishing his set, and he didn’t have the strength to get the bar back up on the rack. The bar came back down and rested on his chest. He was in a bad spot. My feet were locked in to the rowing machine, and I frantically began to try and get my feet out to help him in this threatening situation.

Before I could get my feet out, another man in the gym ran over to him and rescued him by lifting the bar off his chest. It all happened fast, but I was reminded of this important principle. All of us oftentimes think we can do things on our own, but we need help. We need support. We need friends and family and leaders. We need these unrequested spotters to come in and help us lift our burdens and help us to survive the rigors and challenges of life.