We must determine in our hearts and in our souls, with all the power and ability we have, that from this time forward we will press on in righteousness; by so doing we can go where God and Christ are. If we make that firm determination, and are in the course of our duty when this life is over, we will continue in that course in eternity. That same spirit that possesses our bodies at the time we depart from this mortal life will have power to possess our bodies in the eternal world. If we go out of this life loving the Lord, desiring righteousness, and seeking to acquire the attributes of godliness, we will have that same spirit in the eternal world, and we will then continue to advance and progress until an ultimate, destined day when we will possess, receive, and inherit all things.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie, "The Seven Deadly Heresies", BYU Speeches, June 1, 1980
The understanding that this man had of the scriptures, and of the gospel, the plan of salvation, and of Christ and our Father was immense. That's not to say that others do not have such an understanding. Elder McConkie had a discipline, a magnificent study habit, and an eloquence in how he delivered his thoughts. He would spends hours on one sentence in the scriptures.
Anyway, what he says in this talk, gives me tremendous hope. He says that I don't have to be perfect in this life to warrant eternal life in the next. But, what he does say, is that I need to be trying.
As long as I am seeking to know God and His word, as long as I'm trying to live each day to the best of my ability, as long as I am kind and compassionate in how I treat others, as long as I'm trying to be selfless, as long as getting better each day....that same spirit, or desire, will still be with me when I pass from this life. And.... I'll still be able TP move forward, to progress.
Sometimes, I get caught up in worldly pursuits. Many times, I think only about myself and not enough about God and Christ, or others. Sometimes, I I indulge in the now without regard to future consequences (can you say sheetcake is "delicioso"). This is part of being mortal, but that's not an excuse, not a crutch to lean on.
As long as I am on the path that eventually leads to "not" wanting that in my heart, I'll be on that path still when I die. Still far from perfect, but I am still able to move forward towards perfection.