I
don’t have a list of the Priesthood duties to read off, but they are featured
in the words that I will speak to you today.
Hales
– Oct. 1995 GC
“Can
you imagine how dark and empty mortality would be if there were no priesthood?
If the power of the priesthood were not upon the earth, the adversary would
have freedom to roam and reign without restraint. There would be no gift of the
Holy Ghost to direct and enlighten us; no prophets to speak
in the name of the Lord; no temples where we could make sacred, eternal
covenants; no authority to bless or baptize, to heal or comfort. Without the
power of the priesthood, “the whole earth would be utterly wasted” (see D&C 2:1–3; D&C 2:1–3). There would be no light, no hope—only
darkness.”
2
Nephi 26:33 For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that
which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain
unto the children of men; and he ainviteth them ball to ccome unto him and partake of his
goodness; and he ddenieth none that come unto him, black and
white, ebond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the fheathen; and all are alike unto God, both
Jew and Gentile.
In
Hales talk: The Journey of a Child’s Opportunities to be blessed through the
Priesthood.
“As a newborn, the baby is tenderly cradled in loving hands as
the father, grandfather, bishop, or another priesthood holder pronounces a name
and a sacred blessing upon the child as the Holy Spirit inspires. Soon that
child begins to attend Primary and Sunday School and receives lessons and
instructions at the hands of faithful teachers—men and women who have been
called and set apart by priesthood power to teach the ways of the Lord.
When the child reaches eight years of age, the age of accountability,
he or she is immersed in the waters of baptism by one who holds the priesthood.
The young boy or girl is then confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints by one holding the holy Melchizedek Priesthood. In this
ordinance, the child is given the gift of the Holy Ghost, which, if he or she
listens to the still, small voice, will help him or her to stay on the strait
and narrow path that leads to eternal life.
Every Sunday, the growing child, together with other worthy Saints,
receives the sacrament at the hands of priesthood bearers—the bread
representing the body of Christ, and the water representing his blood that was
shed to atone for our sins. As the young man or young woman continues to
mature, he or she may seek spiritual counsel and guidance from the bishop and
other youth leaders. Aaronic Priesthood and Young Women leaders are men and
women who have been called and set apart by priesthood authority to lead and
inspire youth in the Church.
When additional counsel or comfort is needed, or during times of
illness, the young man or woman may receive a priesthood blessing from a
father, home teacher, bishop, or other priesthood holder. A patriarchal
blessing—given through an ordained patriarch—contains words inspired by God to
His sons and daughters, serving as a guide and comfort for a lifetime and even
with eternal significance.
If found worthy, a young man receives the Aaronic Priesthood—the
preparatory priesthood—and, as he matures, is ordained as a deacon, then as a
teacher, and finally as a priest. Later, he may qualify to receive the
Melchizedek Priesthood and be ordained to the office of elder. The young woman
becomes a member of the Young Women organization and later of the Relief
Society. All of these experiences give the young man or woman many
opportunities to learn and serve—and to enjoy a brotherhood or a sisterhood
that is more precious than typical friendships in the world.
The young man or young woman may be set apart as a full-time
missionary and serve under the priesthood direction of a mission president,
sharing a testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ with all who will listen.
The greatest of priesthood blessings available to this young man
or woman are found in the temple. There, they get a glimpse of heaven. In that
holy place, although they are in the world, they are not of the world. In the
temple, they see themselves as the offspring of royalty—as a son or a daughter
of God. The joys of eternity, which can seem so distant outside the temple,
suddenly seem within reach.”
As this righteous man or woman establishes a home with his or
her eternal companion, they continue to enjoy blessings of the priesthood.
Revelation from God is made known to them throughout their lives as they listen
to and follow counsel of living prophets, seers, and revelators. The husband
dedicates the family’s home “as a sanctuary … where family members can worship,
find safety from the world, grow spiritually, and prepare for eternal family
relationships” (Lay Hold upon the Word of God, Melchizedek Priesthood personal
study guide 1, 1988, p. 155).”
3/7 below. Tips -> “Father’s Forever”
Model Manhood for Sons
“Fathers, you are the primary model of manhood for your sons.
You are their most meaningful mentor, and believe it or not, you are their hero
in countless ways. Your words and your example are a great influence on them. …
Listen to them, and connect with them in regular, focused conversation. Talk
with them in depth about their feelings and desires. Pray with them, and give
them blessings as they face the important decisions in their future” (M.
Russell Ballard, “Fathers and Sons, a Remarkable Relationship,” Oct. 2009 general
conference).
Build Relationship with Children
“As a father, I wonder if I and all other fathers could do more
to build a sweeter, stronger relationship with our sons and daughters here on earth.
Dads, is it too bold to hope that our children might have some small portion of
the feeling for us that the Divine Son felt for His Father? Might we earn more
of that love by trying to be more of what God was to His child?” (Jeffrey R.
Holland, “The Hands of the Fathers,” Apr. 1999 general conference).
Testify of the Savior
“I make a special appeal to fathers: Please be an important part
of talking to your children about the Savior. They need the confirming
expressions of your faith, along with those of their mother.
“If a child is not listening, don’t despair. Time and truth are
on your side. At the right moment, your words will return as if from heaven
itself. Your testimony will never leave your children” (Neil L. Andersen, “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus,” Apr. 2010 general
conference.
Story: Dean Burgess (Apr. 2008) “Do You Know Who You Are?”
“One Sunday following one of those warm and long sacrament
meetings, the first counselor in our bishopric called me aside to talk to me.
This unscheduled priesthood interview became a blessing in my life as I have
pondered the question he asked during our brief but significant visit. Brother
Bateman looked me in the eye and asked, “Dean, do you know who you are?” There
was complete silence, and then he gave me a quick and powerful reminder, “You
are the son of Reid Burgess.”
The meaning and significance of that question has burned in my
heart for a long time, and I often reflected on it throughout my teenage years.
This good brother’s question—“Do you know who you are?”—has given me inspired
direction throughout my life and a commitment to bring respect and honor to my family and to the priesthood.
“Do
you know who you are?”
Knowing
who you are makes you spiritually strong, sound, and steadfast in your
priesthood duties. You become confident with faith and determination to make
right decisions. You have courage to stand up for what you know is right.”
EVERYONE’S
DUTY: The Lord has declared that missionary work is the responsibility of all
who follow Him (see Matthew 28:19–20; D&C 88:81). Members of the Lord's Church can, by the
goodness of their lives and the strength of their testimonies, share the gospel
message and help prepare family members, friends, and other acquaintances who
are not Latter-day Saints to be taught by the full-time missionaries.
We Are
All Enlisted:
“We are
all enlisted till the conflict is o’er;
Happy are we! Happy are we!
Soldiers in
the army, there’s a bright crown in store;
We shall win and wear it by and
by.
Haste to the battle, quick to the field;
Truth is our helmet, buckler, and
shield.
Stand by our colors; proudly they wave!
We’re joyfully, joyfully
marching to our home.”
I know that this Church is true and through the worthy obedience to the duties laid out before us that every member will enjoy the blessings that come with it. I love this Church and this Gospel. And I say that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment