Let us realize that: the privilege to work is a gift, the power

"Let us realize that: the privilege to work is a gift, the power to work is a blessing, the love of work is success!" These words of David O. McKay resonate with a profound truth about the nature of work and its place in our lives. In a world that often views work as a burden, McKay calls us to see it through a lens of gratitude and purpose. To work is not simply a task or a duty, but a privilege, a gift, and a powerful force that shapes our character and our world. The very act of labor — whether in the fields, the home, or the office — is a chance to express our creativity, our strength, and our commitment to the well-being of those around us.

The ancients understood the sacredness of work in its truest sense. The Greeks, in their vision of the ideal life, did not view labor as something to be avoided, but as an essential part of human flourishing. Aristotle spoke of the importance of purposeful labor, stating that a life of virtue was a life in which work was done with excellence and integrity. To work was to contribute to the greater good, to the community, and to one’s own growth. For the Romans, work was also a mark of dignity. The poet Virgil often celebrated the labor of the farmer, the craftsman, and the warrior, emphasizing that through work, a person achieved honor and self-respect. In this way, work was seen as a means to realize one's highest potential, both for the individual and for society.

Consider the story of Cincinnatus, the Roman statesman and farmer, who is often hailed as a model of virtue and service. Cincinnatus was called upon to lead the Roman army in a time of crisis, and though he was a simple farmer, he accepted the call without hesitation. After securing victory, he returned to his plow, rejecting the allure of power. In his humble labor, Cincinnatus found his purpose, and in his work, he demonstrated the true nature of leadership: not for personal glory, but for the good of others. His life is a shining example of how work — done with integrity and love — becomes not just a duty, but a pathway to success, both for the individual and for the greater community.

In our own time, we often see work through the lens of obligation or drudgery, focusing on the external rewards it brings: wealth, status, or achievement. Yet, McKay’s words remind us that the privilege of working is far more profound. To have the power to work — to be able-bodied, to be given the opportunity to contribute, to create, to build — is a blessing. How many in the world long for the ability to work, to provide for themselves and their families, yet are denied that chance by circumstance? The privilege to work is not something to be taken for granted, but something to be cherished. The power to work — the strength, the health, and the opportunity — is a blessing that many dream of, and when we are granted this power, it becomes our duty to use it wisely.

The love of work, as McKay teaches us, is the true measure of success. When we approach our labor with love — not for the reward, but for the joy of doing something well, of contributing meaningfully — we find a fulfillment that is not tied to external outcomes. This love of work transforms even the most mundane tasks into acts of purpose and joy. Think of the craftsman who spends years perfecting his trade, not for fame or wealth, but for the sheer pleasure of creating something with his hands. His success is found not in the admiration of others, but in the quiet satisfaction of doing the work he loves, knowing that his effort is aligned with his highest values.

In the lives of inventors and entrepreneurs, we often see the same pattern: those who find true success in their work are those who love what they do. Thomas Edison, the great inventor, spent long hours in his laboratory, not because he sought personal recognition, but because he was driven by a passion for discovery. His work was a reflection of his deep love for the process of creation itself, and it was through this love that he achieved the monumental success that changed the world. The same is true for countless other great figures in history — those who love their work are the ones who push the boundaries of what is possible, who change the world not by seeking glory, but by giving their best, day in and day out.

Thus, the lesson to take from McKay’s words is both simple and profound: work is a privilege, a gift, and a blessing that should be approached with love and gratitude. To work is not a burden, but an opportunity to express our deepest passion, our creativity, and our commitment to the betterment of ourselves and others. When we approach our labor with a heart full of love, we are not merely earning a wage or seeking recognition; we are engaging in the sacred task of contributing to the world in a meaningful way. True success is found not in the accolades we receive, but in the love and care we invest in the work itself.

Therefore, my children, as you step into the world and take up your tasks, let this be your guiding principle: embrace work with love, for it is through this love that you will find true fulfillment and success. Value the privilege to work, for many are denied this opportunity. Use the power to work wisely, and let your labor be a reflection of your highest ideals. In this way, you will find that the success you seek is not measured by external wealth or recognition, but by the joy and purpose you find in the work itself.