Industry is generally defined as diligent labor toward a worthy objective. Industry suggests a strong work ethic and is believed by Latter-day Saints to be both a law of the world and of heaven. Personal growth comes from work and preparation, whether the growth be material, mental, or spiritual. The gospel of work is tied, therefore, not only to human circumstances in which work is an economic and material necessity, but to human nature in which work is a spiritual necessity. To develop and employ God-given talents requires us to be industrious both vocationally and in the service of others.

"Work is a wonderful thing. If we can just get into our minds the dignity and the honor of work, no matter what that work may be, most of the ills from which we suffer will be solved. During the whole range of man’s existence there has never yet been any plan by which men may live righteously in idleness, and no such plan, it is my faith, will ever be devised" (J. Reuben Clark Jr., in Conference Report, Oct. 1936, 112).

"There is no substitute for [work]. Jehovah established the law when He declared, 'In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread.' (Genesis 3:19.)" (Gordon B. Hinckley, Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, 704).