Focus and Priorities

We of this generation have been preserved to come forth in this period of time in the worlds history, during the approach of the final days before the Second Coming of the Lord.

Because we have been blessed to live upon the earth at this time, there are certain blessings and advantages which we enjoy. Some of those blessings include:

• Living while the Gospel is upon the earth in its fullness.


• The Priesthood Authority has Been Restored


• Having modern Prophets and Apostles who minister among us today


• The wealth of knowledge that comes to us from the scriptures, especially the increased light and knowledge we gain from our Latter-day scriptures.

We share these gifts with everyone who has taken part in this last dispensation from Joseph Smiths day, until now.

There are many blessings that we enjoy today, that our brethren earlier in this dispensation did not have. We have many modern conveniences and inventions which not only save us time and labor, but which bring vast amounts of information at our fingertips.

A Wealth of Information

Today we live in a world which is literally flooded with information. With the advent of computers, mass storage devices, and the Internet there is more information available the ever before! So much of what we do in our work, at home, and even in the church is based on information, and information technology.

President Brigham Young once said:

Every discovery in science and art, that is really true and useful to mankind, has been given by direct revelation from God. ...We should take advantage of all these great discoveries ... and give to our children the benefit of every branch of useful knowledge, to prepare them to step forward and efficiently do their part in the great work (Deseret News, 22 Oct. 1862, 129).

Information technology has been a great blessing to us. Many of us make our living based upon the collection, processing and analysis of information. For the church, information technology helps to maintain the records of church members, and church units. As the church continues to grow, so will the information processing needs of the church grow as well. In addition, through the Church Web site, we now have access to the scriptures, and all of the general conference addresses and church magazines for the past 30 years! What a wealth of information this is to assist in our gospel study and to help us with talk and lesson preparation as well.

Perhaps one of the greatest impacts of information technology on the mission of the church is in regard to family history research. Think of the records of ancestors, first copied by hand, then microfilmed, then placed on compact disks, and now on the Internet. Instead of having to go to a centralized library to view and research records, now anyone with a computer can access much of the genealogical information possessed by the church. Plans are underway to continue capturing genealogical and temple ordinance information in electronic form, so as to make it as widely available as possible. Software programs that help us collect, organize, and share family history information are also a great boon.

With all these advances in information technology, also comes a responsibility, to use them wisely, and for good and righteous purposes, that will have an eternal impact.

In our efforts to search out information, we can find vast quantities of various kinds. Teachers can download bales of information on any subject. But a bale of handouts can detract from our attempt to teach gospel principles with clarity and testimony. Piles of supplementary information can blur the focus of what we were trying to teach in the first place, and divert students away from prayerfully considering what has been taught, and to apply it in their own lives.

Even good information can have varying levels of importance. Elder Dallin H Oaks stated:

Consider the comparative value today of the advice Brigham Young gave to an audience 140 years ago with what President Hinckley and other servants of the Lord are saying to each of us right now, in this conference. Or compare the value to each of us of some other facts or advice from the distant past with what our stake president said at our last stake conference or what our bishop counseled us last Sunday.
Overarching all of this is the importance of what the Spirit whispered to us last night or this morning about our own specific needs. Each of us should be careful that the current flood of information does not occupy our time so completely that we cannot focus on and hear and heed the still, small voice that is available to guide each of us with our own challenges today. (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Focus and Priorities, Ensign, May 2001, 82.)

Ultimately, the highest priority knowledge is not found through the use of technology. Rather, the highest priority knowledge is what we receive in the temple. That knowledge is obtained from the explicit as well as the symbolic teachings of the endowment, and from the whisperings of the Spirit that come as we are desirous to seek and receive the revelation available to us in that holy place.

Beware of the Dangers

While all of this information can be a great blessing to us, Satan also desires to use these same tools, for his own purposes as well. There is opposition in information technology, as in all things. We need to avoid that which may be harmful. There are those who would seek to destroyfaith, hope, and light and truth. There are those who would seek to degrade us through pornographic images as well. That which was once hidden away under store counters, is now readily accessible, almost without effort, and without having to leave the privacy of ones home or room. The Internet has also facilitates those who would prey upon our children for evil purposes. We need to be aware of these dangers, and take whatever steps necessary to prevent these evils from coming into our homes. These steps can be in the use of filtering and blocking technologies, and perhaps even more important, in the placement of where computers are located. If a computer monitor is located in a place where other family members can easily see the contents of the computer screen, it will greatly lessen the temptation to view those things which are objectionable.

This is not to say technology is bad, or that it should not be used. Only that these technologies should be used with wisdom and care, avoiding that which is evil.

Using Our Time Wisely

We have been discussing some of the modern conveniences we enjoy today, that were unavailable to our brethren earlier in this dispensation. Another great privilege that we enjoy is that we have more time than they did. That may be hard to believe, in our busy world, but lets think about it for a minute.

We have literally been given more time to complete our labors upon the earth. With the advancements in science and medicine (and modern revelation) our life expectancies are more than double what they were in 1830, when the church was organized.

Not only do we have more years in which to live, we also have more discretionary time in each day as well. We have many modern conveniences which allow us to spend our time on pursuits other than the hard manual labor that was required of most people to provide for their families. The nature of their work was physically demanding, such that exhaustion often would set in when they completed their work for the day.

Most of us work in far more controlled settings. Many of us work in climate controlled offices, doing work which is not nearly so physically taxing. For those who work in more physically challenging jobs, there are many workplace rules now in place that restrict the number of hours to be worked, as well as rules to help ensure health and safety in the workplace.

With our increased life-spans, and our increased discretionary time, over that which our forebears enjoyed, comes a greater accountability for how we use the time that we have. Where much is given, much is expected.

We werent given these privileges and blessings so we could just idle away the hours self-indulgently. The Lord has commanded: Thou shalt not idle away thy time (D&C 60:13), and Cease to be idle D&C 88:124.

The Hymn, Improve the Shining Moments speaks the fleeting nature of time:

Time flies on wings of lightning, we cannot call it back. It comes, then passes forward along its onward track. And if we are not mindful, the chance will fade away, for life is quick in passing. Tis as a single day (Improve the Shining Moments, LDS Hymns, no. 226).

Why does it not seemthat we have all of this free time on our hands. The fact is, we have chosen to fill that time with various activities. Have we chosen wisely in how we prioritize our time?

How are we doing on the things in our lives that are really important? The things that will last beyond our mortal lives.
When we make major decisions in our lives, are we seeking for personal revelation, and the guidance of the Spirit? Some of these major decisions in life would include: education, occupation, place of residence, marriage, and childbearing. Some decisions that may seem desirable for mortality have unacceptable risks for eternity. These decisions should be made carefully, and with personal revelation, with all due consideration to what impact of these decisionswill have on our lives, and upon the lives of our family, and posterity to come. Both in the here and now, and throughout the eternities.

When we consider how we use our time and resources, we should also give consideration to what the eternal implications might be from our actions, and the way we spend our time. We may need to re-set our priorities, if we are spending too much of our time for that which will not be of benefit to us eternally.
Lets examine some areas in which we should be devoting our time towards:

Family Relationships. Are we building the kind of relationships we should with our children and our spouse, or do we spend too much of our time transfixed before the television, or surfing the Internet. Is everyone off in their own little world, on their personal computer, personal TV, or Personal Music Player, being isolated from one another, while living under the same roof? None of these things are necessarily evil (although theycan be), but do they seize hold upon us, and divert our attention to that which is trivial and temporal, instead of that which is divine and eternal.

Spiritual Nourishment.Are our diversions keeping us from doing those things which will nourish our spirits, such as: reading the scriptures, attending the temple, and having meaningful prayer.Are we taking time to examine our lives, and giving thoughtful prayer and pondering as to what the Lord would have us do to continue our progression toward him? Do we have a few quiet moments in which the Spirit can speak to our hearts and minds?

Family History. How is our family history work coming along. Do we say to ourselves that we just dont have time for family history at this stage of our lives. What if we carved out just hour or two a week away from our TV viewing, to spend on family history. If we did, real progress could be made over time.

Missionary Work.What about our missionary efforts. Do we know our neighbors by name. Have we reached out the hand of fellowship toward them, even if they are not yet ready to embrace the gospel? We have been commanded to let our light shine before men, that they may glorify, and come unto our Father In Heaven, and his Son. How can our neighbor look to that light, if they dont know who we are?

Home and Visiting Teaching.We have home and visiting teaching families as well. Are we taking the time to visit them each month? If we are visiting them, do we ever think about them between visits? Are they a part of our prayers. Do they know of our love and concern for them, over and above making the obligatory monthly visit?

Magnifying our Callings.What of our church callings? How well are we magnifying and fulfilling those callings? Do we spend the time requisite to properly prepare for our talks and our lessons. Did you think to pray, as you made your preparations? Did you ponder the lesson materials? Did you allow yourself some quiet, undistracted moments to allow the Still, Small, Voice to communicate with you what the Lord would have you teach?

To What Are We Devoted

The truth is, we can tell what our priorities are by how we use our time. That to which we devote our time, is that to which we are devoted.Look at how you spend your time. If you were to analyze how your time used, you would learn rather quickly to what, or to whom you are devoted. Then we can discern if we have set proper priorities for ourselves, or if we might need to us more self-discipline in the way our time is spent. We can determine if our priorities are good ones, based upon their eternal impact.
Based on howwe use our time, you might ask yourself if you are devoted to the Lord, or to some other god. King Benjamin Said:

For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and in tents of his heart?(Mosiah 5:13)

Time, at least in this life, is a scarce resource. Someone has said, Three things never come backthe spent arrow, the spoken word, and the lost opportunity. We cannot recycle or save or borrow time allotted to us each day. With time, we have only one opportunity for choice, and then it is gone forever. Each day is rife with a myriad of decisions and choices. With each choice, we either stay on course, or we are diverted from our eternal goals. Our progress is always moving, it never stands still. Either we are truly pressing forward, with a steadfastness in Christ, or we are not. And if we are not, then we are going the wrong direction, and a course correction isin order.

Dont get me wrong. Im not saying there is not time for diversion, recreation and entertainment. These things all have their place. However, they should not be the dominant pursuits of our lives.

In the end our priorities should rest upon two areas:

1) First we must seek to understand our relationship to God the Eternal Father, and to his Son, Jesus Christ. We need to secure that relationship by entering into their saving ordinances, and by keeping our personal covenants.

2) Second, we seek tounderstand our relationship to our family members, and to secure those relationships by the ordinances of the temple, and by keeping the covenants we make I that holy place.

These relationships, secured by the ordinances of the gospel, provide eternal blessings that are available to us in no other way. No combination of science, success, property, pride, wealth, prominence or power can provide these eternal blessings.

Let us focus on that which is most important. That which will bring us true hope and joy in this world, and a fullness of joy in the next.

The War For The World

We live in a time of great moral uncertainty. The lines between right and wrong, which once were clearly defined, have become blurred with confusion.
The truth is,we are in the middle of a war. While its true that today there are men at arms who defend us against those who would destroy our country, and our freedoms, there are also other warriors who fight.

This war began long ago, even before the world began. When Lucifer, and his followers fought against the Plan of God, the war began. They were cast out of the presence of God. But that was just the first battle. The war for the souls of men continues, even today.
In the October conference of 1896, President Wilford Woodruff, said:

There are two powers on the earth and in the midst of the inhabitants of the earththe power of God and the power of the devil. In our history we have had some very peculiar experiences. When God has had a people on the earth,it matters not in what age, Lucifer, the son of the morning, and the millions of fallen spirits that were cast out of heaven, have warred against God, against Christ, against the work of God, and against the people of God. And they are not backward in doing it in our day and generation. Whenever the Lord set His hand to perform any work, those powers labored to overthrow it (Deseret Evening News, 17 Oct. 1896).

We know that ultimately Christ and his people will be victorious. Good, in the end, will triumph over evil. There can be no doubt that Christ will be the victor. For he has already won! He won in the Garden of Gethsemane! He won on the cross of Calvary! He won when he rose again on the third day, the Victor over both death and Hell! Now its only a matter of time before Satan, and those who follow him will be defeated and consigned to their place for ever more!

The Battle for the Souls of Men

The battle that yet remains in doubt, however, is the battle for the individual souls of men and women.
The efforts of the forces of evil are many. They will not hesitate to use any stratagem to defeat us.
Every effort is made to destroy faith, to belittle virtue and chastity, to demean those who strive to be the humble followers of Christ. Every effort is made to tempt, deceive,and allure our people to practices inconsistent with the teachings and standers of the Church. That in this, even the very elect might be deceived.

The Priesthood is a part of the Army of God

In His wisdom and mercy, the Lord has restored the fullness of His gospelto the earth. He has also restored His Priesthood power once again to mankind. The priesthood is part of the army of the Lord, in the battle for the souls of men. Through the Priesthood, we have living prophets and apostles and local leaders to help us understand the mind and will of the Lord, and to give us the guidance and direction we need to ward off the forces of evil in our day.

We have priesthood quorums, which when united in brotherhood and a spirit of love, can have a great influence for good in bringing souls to Christ, that they may be delivered from evil.

The Lord has also organized us into eternal family units. The family is the basic unit of the Kingdom of God. In time, the various organizations of the church will have fulfilled their purposes, but the organization of the family is eternal, and will remain throughout the eternities.

The Lord has placed a father at the head of the family, endowed with the power of the Priesthood, to help lead and guide and protect his own family in the battle of souls, even the souls that have been entrusted to him in his own home.

Responsibilities of Fathers

Fathers, and mothers too, are responsible for the teaching of their children.

We cannot leave this responsibility to others (primary, Sunday school, YM/YW.)
The auxiliaries of the church are meant to be a resource to help parents in fulfilling their own duty to teach their children.

What are the best opportunities we have to each our children?

Family home evening and family scripture study provide excellent teaching opportunities.

When children ask you a question is a perfect time to teach. When asking a question, children have already prepared themselves to listen, and to be taught.

One-on-one times such as: camping trips, rides to the store, or just an evening out with dad provide wonderful opportunities to teach and build relationships.

In order to be an effective teacher, we must first have a solid relationship with our children. If we dont see much of our children, because of our outside activities, how can we have a strong relationship with them?

On my mission, we had an adage that said: They wont care how much you know, until they know how much you care.

To be an effective teacher, our children must know of our love and concern for them. This is not only exemplified in what we say to our children but in our interactions with them.

Recently, I was talking with a member of my High Priests group, in my own ward. He had been suffering with the flu, and had sustained some damage to his voice box through it all. Half jokingly-he said my kids love it! -- The Dr. says I cant yell at them for another 3 weeks!

He was saying this in jest, but there is a kernel of truth there too. We need to examine what the balance of our communications are with our children. It is positive, or is it negative? Are we speaking with calm and kindly voices, or are we doing a lot of yelling?

Too many of us are like the father of the little boy who cried: You always tell me when youre disappointed in me. Why dont you ever tell me when youre appointed in me?

Not long I held my 9-year-old daughter on my knee. I asked her, "Do you think I love you?"

She said, "yes."

I said, "How do you know that I love you?" Here is what her answer was:

You compliment me

• You do nice things for me


• You ask me questions


• The way you wake me up in the morning

I tell her that I love her, at least once everyday. But notice that it was through the everyday associations, and my interactions with her that she knew of my love for her, more than even saying the" I love You's."

Thats not to shortchange the importance of the words I love You.

In a survey, 10,000 high school students in Kansas were asked what question they would like to ask their parents and get a straight answer on. Eighty percent replied: Do you love me?

The next most asked question: If you had to do it all over again, would you still have me?

It is vital for us as fathers to make sure that our children know that they are loved and wanted. Take time to pay them compliments. Let them know that you are proud of their accomplishments. Make every effort to attend special events that they participate in, such as: musical programs, recitals, athletic events, or talks that they may give. Make sure that they know you are interested in them, and in their lives.

Our effectiveness as a teacher will be limited if they dont know that we love them and care for them, and that we truly have their best interests at heart.

The power of example

Just as your power as a teach will be limited, if your children to not know that you love them, the impact of your teaching will also be limited if your actions are not consistent with your words.
The more powerful lessons that we will teach our children may well come from the example we have set even more so than our words.

While they may (occasionally) remember our words, they will always be able to recall our actions. Our actions have a bigger impact upon them, and will replay in their minds, over and over again, and likely will be remembered throughout their lives.Think back on your interactions with your own father. You may remember some of his words, but you can probably more easily remember what he did more than you can remember what he said.

How Are you treating your wife?


Your role as the priesthood leader in the home not only involves how you treat your children, but also the way you treat your wife.
Your children are very observant. They see how you treat their mother. If you treat your wife with love, and kindness, with gentleness and respect, your children will in turn have respect for you.

However, if you speak unkindly, or are abusive to your wife in any way, your children will resent you.

Whats worse, the same cycle of abuse may well continue on to the next generation when your sons becomes husbands as well.

President David O McKay said: The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.

The amount of peace and security that comes to a child from a loving relationship between husband and wife cannot be underestimated.

This is one of the great gifts that I received from my father. He was always a peaceable man. Rarely did I ever hear any sharp words between my mother and father.

I never realized what a great blessing this was, until after I left home. Many of my roommates in college, and missionary companions were not blessed with such homes. This had a great impact on their spiritual development, and upon their own feelings of self-worth and self confidence.

Honoring the Priesthood

When we honor our wives, we honorour priesthood.

When we teach our children, with love and respect, we honor our priesthood.

When we set a proper example for our families, and those around us, we honor our priesthood.

When we teach our sons the values and objectives of the Aaronic Priesthood, we honor our priesthood.
When we magnify our church callings and other priesthood responsibilities, we honor our priesthood.

When do our home teaching, and truly watch over those to whom weve been assigned, we honor our priesthood.

When we share the gospel with our neighbors, we honor our priesthood.

When we seek out our dead, and ensure that their work has been done for them in the temples, we honor our priesthood.

As we honor our priesthood, we also honor the Lord.

As we honor our priesthood, we parry the sword of righteousness in the defeat of evil and souls will be brought to Christ.

The wounds suffered in the battle for the souls of men will healed by the Power of Jesus Christ. Not only the wounds of otherswho we may serve, but also our own wounds, too, will be healed as we serve the Master.

The calling of the Priesthood is to serve, to reach out. When we exercise the power of the Priesthood, it is always for the benefit of others. In this, we follow the example of the Savior. All that he did, all that he suffered, was in behalf of others in behalf of us. But in so doing, he overcame all things and triumphed.

Likewise, as we serve the Lord with all diligence, losing ourselves in his work, we too, will find our own salvation in the Lord. And through Him, we too shall triumph!

President Gordon B. Hinckley said:

We are engaged in a great eternal struggle that concerns the very souls of the sons and daughters of God. We are not losing. We are winning. We will continue to win if we will be faithful and true. We can do it. We must do it. We willdo it. There is nothing the Lord has asked of us that in faith we cannot accomplish.

As we selflessly serve others, the saving power of the Saviors healing power will also be extended toward us. For he that loseth his life for my sake, shall find it.

Personal Priesthood Responsibility

One hundred and seventy-six (176) years ago today, on May 15, 1829, John the Baptist appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to restore the Aaronic Priesthood to the earth. A few weeks later, Peter, James and John also appeared to Joseph and Oliver to restore the Melchizedek Priesthood to the earth.

As far as we know from the scriptures, the priesthood had not been upon the earth among mortal man for some 1400 years since Moroni had lived upon the earth. Due to sin and apostasy, the priesthood was withdrawn from mankind. The saving ordinances of the gospel were not available to those living in mortality. The fulness of the gospel was lost, and mankind wandered in darkness for hundreds of years.

Fortunately, we live in a time when the fullness of the gospel, and the priesthood power is once again had among mankind. Ours is a unique dispensation in which we live. All other dispensations throughout the history of the world would one-day end in apostasy, and the loss of priesthood power. Many of these previous dispensations were limited to a certain geographic area as well. Their peoples would eventually dwindle in unbelief, until a new dispensation of the gospel would be established in the earth.

Dispensation of the Fullness of Times

Our dispensation, the dispensation of the fulness of times, will not end in apostasy and unbelief. The mission of this dispensation is to the entire earth, not a limited geographic area. The priesthood is intended to be shared with all worthy males, as long as they are willing to enter into the covenants required to receive it. In this dispensation , the gospel will last until the time when the Savior returns to the earth, and ushers in the Millennial Dispensation, when Christ will rule personally upon the earth.

For those of us who have been blessed to be members of the church, and to receive the blessings of the priesthood, the only way these blessings will be lost will be through personal apostasy, rather than a general apostasy as before. The church will be here until the end of the earth. The priesthood will never again be taken from the earth.

Through other heavenly visitors, Joseph Smith received all the keys of the priesthood that have ever been given to mankind. Today President Gordon B. Hinckley holds authority for every restored key held by all those who have received a dispensation at any time from the beginning of the creation.

Quorums

When a man or young man is ordained to an office in the Priesthood, he becomes a member of a quorum. This is true for the Prophet, all the way down to the newest Deacon in the Church. The prophet, and his two counselors comprise the quorum of the First Presidency. The newest deacon becomes a member of his local deacons quorum.

Being a member of a quorum is a great blessing. In the quorum we can learn our duties, have opportunities for service, and develop friendships. It is a great blessing as members of the church to be able to travel around the world, or move into a new ward anywhere, and there find the brotherhood of a priesthood quorum. Instant friends, instant support in times of need, and eventually love and brotherhood to help one another through life's journey.

Being a member of a quorum is a great thing, but the responsibility to develop our own power in the priesthood is personal. Elder Russell M. Nelson said:

Only as an individual can you develop a firm faith in God and a passion for personal prayer. Only as an individual can you keep the commandments of God. Only as an individual can you repent. Only as an individual can you qualify for the ordinances of salvation and exaltation. And when your wife is sealed to you, her power and potential will increase yours. (Russell M. Nelson, Personal Priesthood Responsibility, Ensign, Nov. 2003, 44)

I am reminded of a story I once heard regarding the parable of the 10 Virgins. An individual thought that it was selfish of the wise virgins who had filled their lamps with oil to not share their oil with the foolish virgins, who were not prepared. However Robert L. Millet, a BYU Religion professor explains it this way:

I am reminded of a story I once heard regarding the parable of the 10 Virgins. An individual thought that it was selfish of the wise virgins who had filled their lamps with oil to not share their oil with the foolish virgins, who were not prepared. However Robert L. Millet, a BYU Religion professor explains it this way:

For years I wrestled with the meaning of the parable of the ten virgins, as contained in the twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew. The scene seemed so wrong, the message so counter to all that the Master taught. Why couldn't the wise virgins just break down and share their oil? If each one just contributed a little, I reasoned, perhaps everyone, or at least some of the "foolish" ones, could make it to the wedding to meet the Bridegroom. And then an experience taught me the answer to my query. While I was serving as a priesthood leader, a husband and wife came to see me. They were both distressed about the state of their marriage and family; things seemed to be coming apart in their lives. "How can I help?" I asked. "We need more spirituality in our home," the wife answered. I asked a few questions. "How often do you pray as a family?" They answered that their schedules precluded any kind of family prayer. "Have you been able to hold family home evening?" "Bill and I bowl on Monday nights," was the response. "Do you ever take occasion to read the scriptures as a family or as individuals?" The answer from the husband: "Reading hurts my eyes." "Well, then, how can I help you?" I asked. Again came the reply: "We want the Spirit in our lives."
It was as though they were saying to me, "Brother Millet, could you reach down into your heart and loan us five years of daily prayer, ten years of regular scripture study, and fifteen years of family spiritual activities?" I couldn't do it. I realized dramatically that there are simply some things that we cannot share. I also came to appreciate that, like the small oil lamps of the Middle East that require a careful and methodical and slow effort to fill, so in our own lives we need to build our reservoirs of faith and spiritual experience gradually and consistently. Consistent gospel growth that was the answer. A colleague of mine drew my attention to these words of President Spencer W. Kimball: "The foolish asked the others to share their oil, but spiritual preparedness cannot be shared in an instant. . . . This was not selfishness or unkindness. The kind of oil that is needed to illuminate the way and light up the darkness is not shareable. . . . In our lives the oil of preparedness is accumulated drop by drop in righteous living." (Robert L. Millet, Selected Writings of Robert L. Millet:
Gospel Scholars Series, 377.)

Only we can do it

Throughout our lives will have many callings, and opportunities to serve in a wide variety of callings and assignments. Many of these callings are temporary, and we will be released one-day. However there are responsibilities that we have from which we will never be released: responsibilities to live so that we can grow and develop in priesthood power, and responsibilities to our families will never end in a release.

When we are ordained to the priesthood, we are granted authority, but power in the priesthood comes from exercising that authority in righteousness.


Responsibility to the Lord

Each priesthood holder is responsible to the Lord. Each of us has been charged to be true and faithful, and live up to every doctrine he has given us. We have been entrusted to build up the Kingdom of God, and to establish his righteousness. One day each one of us will have to give an accounting to the Lord of how we used his Priesthood power.

Now is the time for us to prepare for that ultimate interview. Elder Nelson suggests that we ask ourselves these questions:

• Do I pay tithing with a willing heart?


• Do I obey the Word of Wisdom?


• Is my language free from obscenities and swearing?


• Am I morally righteous?


• Am I truly grateful for the Atonement that makes my resurrection a reality and eternal life a possibility?


• Do I honor temple covenants that seal loved ones to me forever?

If you can honestly say yes, you are developing power in the priesthood.
The gift of the Holy Ghost can add to that power. Scriptures tell of people who had received the Holy Ghost but did not know it. don't let that happen to you.

If our experiences with the Spirit happen only occasionally, and sometimes are even indiscernible, then we need to be doing more things in our lives to invite the spirit to be a constantrather than only an occasional companion.

King Benjamin asks the following piercing question:

For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart? (Mosiah 5:13)

Are our thoughts Christ-centered, or self-centered. Are we focused on building the kingdom of God, or in acquiring the things and praise of the world?

For every man and boy as he turns twelve years of age, there is the responsibility to receive the priesthood and to magnify our callings. This is according to the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood. As we receive the priesthood, and truly magnify our callings and priesthood responsibilities, God, in turn, has given us His oath that he will give unto us all things that he has.

Magnifying Your Calling in the Aaronic Priesthood

So, as an Aaronic Priesthood Holder, what can you do to magnify your calling? Each week in priesthood meeting, the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood are recited. They are:

1. Become converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ and live by its teachings.


2. Serve faithfully in priesthood callings, and fulfill the responsibilities of priesthood offices.


3. Give meaningful service.


4. Prepare and live worthily to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood and temple ordinances.


5. Prepare to serve an honorable full-time mission.


6. Obtain as much education as possible


7. Prepare to become a worthy husband and father


8. Give proper respect to women, girls, and children.

Fulfilling these objectives is how you can magnify your priesthood as an Aaronic Priesthood holder. These are great objectives, and will help build a firm foundation for the rest of your lives. These purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood will prepare you for a mission, for the temple, for a wife and family. They will prepare you for a life, and prepare you for that ultimate interview with the Savior, when we will have to give an accounting for how we used His Priesthood.

I mention these purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood so that mothers, sisters and the Young Women can also know of what things the young men are striving for. Im sure that the young men would appreciate any support you can give to them in helping them to attain these goals. What mother would not be proud of a son who obtained these goals? What young woman would not want to one-day marry a young man who has focused his life around these goals and has truly magnified his calling in the Aaronic Priesthood.

Magnifying Your calling in the Melchizedek Priesthood

In order to qualify for the highest degree in the Celestial Kingdom, the scriptures teach that a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage]; And if he does not, he cannot obtain it. (D&C 131: 2-3)

Elder Russell M. Nelson said:

The marriage covenant is honored when you honor your wife. A husbands foremost priority should be the care of his wife. Be true to her. don't ever allow your eyes to gaze upon pornography or let your language be lewd. The very choices made by reason of agency limit ones agency in the future. You cannot exercise agency and escape accountability and responsibility for each choice.

In keeping the commandments, and fulfilling our priesthood responsibilities we cannot truly magnify our callings in the priesthood, unless we are treating our wives and children with respect and kindness. Remember to serve them with gentleness, long-suffering, kindness, meekness, love unfeigned, pure knowledge, and charity toward all (D&C 121: 41-42)

I would suspect that much of our final interview with the Savior, will involve how well we treated our wives and our families. As Melchizedek Priesthood holders, one of the chief responsibilities we have is in providing for, teaching, building and nurturing our wives and children. This often times can require great sacrifice on our part. We frequently will have to forego some of our own selfish desires for the betterment and blessing of those most close to us. We must give our lives to our wives and families, as Christ gave his life to the church.

How do you treat your wife?

Your role as a priesthood leader in the home involves how well you treat your wife.

Your children are very observant. If you treat your wife with love, and kindness, with gentleness and respect, your children will in turn have respect for you.

However, if you speak unkindly, or are abusive to your wife in any way, your children will resent you.

Whats worse, the same cycle of abuse may continue when your sons becomes husbands as well.

President David O McKay said: The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.

The amount of peace and security that comes to a child from a loving relationship between husband and wife cannot be underestimated.

This is one of the great gifts that I received from my father. He was always a peaceable man. Rarely did I ever hear any sharp words between my mother and father.

I never realized what a great blessing this was, until after I left home. Many of my roommates in college, and missionary companions were not blessed with such homes. This had a detrimental impact on their spiritual development, as well as their own feelings of self worth and self confidence.

Much of the decline we see in the fabric of our society today stems from men who do not treat the women in their lives with the proper love, honor, and respect they deserve.

How do you treat your children?

How do you interact with your children. Are we spending so much of our time correcting and directing them, that we don't take time to compliment them and build them up.

Too many of us are like the father of the little boy who cried: You always tell me when you're disappointed in me. Why don't you ever tell me when you're appointed in me?

As a patriarch in the home, it is your duty to see that your children live in a nurturing environment, where each child feels loved and valued.

Take time to pay them compliments. Let them know that you are proud of their accomplishments. Actions speak louder than words pay attention to what they are doing. Make every attempt to attend special events that they participate in, such as musical programs, recitals, athletic events, talks that they may give, etc. Make sure that they know you are interested in them, and in their lives.

Set a good example for your children in all that you do. If your actions are not consistent with your teachings, they will not believe your words.

If you have a kind and loving relationship with your children, they will be more likely to listen to your teachings, because they will know of your love and concern for them. Your ability to influence your children will be much greater if your children know of your love and concern for them.

The power of your teachings

Do not underestimate the power of your teachings. Do not be weary in pursuing your righteous goals to have daily scripture study, family prayers, and weekly Home Evenings. Even if your kids are squirming and seeming to not pay attention, your words and efforts are being recorded in their minds.

You never know when the day may come when they will need to know the things you have taught them.

One of the duties if the Holy Ghost, is to bring all things to our remembrance, which have been taught unto us.

My favorite example of this is from the life of Alma the younger. Alma had been taught well by his father, Alma. When the Angel appeared to Alma the Younger, he was struck down, and was wracked with the memory of his many sins.

17 . . .I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.
18 Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.
19 And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.
20 And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain! (Alma 36:17-20.)

You never know when your teachings will be brought to remembrance in the minds of your children, by the power of the Holy Ghost. Like, Alma, it might be in a moment of extreme need. It might be in a moment when their eternal destiny might hinge on a single decision. The words of truth and testimony that you teach your children, may be just the thing that pulls them through, during the fiery trials of their lives. The Holy Ghost will bring those crucial teachings to their mind in that critical hour of decision.

Conclusion: Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts

Essentially, what we have been discussing today can all be summed up by reading D&C 121: 34-46. The rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven. When we behave with any degree of unrighteousness, or unrighteous dominion, our power in the priesthood is diminished. The priesthood is not a license for dictatorship. We are to proceed . . . only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge, . . . without hypocrisy, and without guile

And Finally:

45. Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, (including your own household) and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.
46. The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever. (D&C 121:45-46)

As we do these things, our power in the priesthood will grow, until we one day will have confidence to stand in the presence of the Lord, and give a worthy accounting unto him of our lives of priesthood service. And in return, the blessings of the Lord, and the blessings of our families, will flow unto us forever and ever.

Quality Quorum Instruction

One of the duties of quorum leaders is to ensure that quorum instruction teaches correct principles, is of high quality, and is effective in strengthening and uniting the quorum.

D&C 88:122. D&C 50:22
“Appoint among yourselves a teacher, and let not all be spokesmen at once; but let one speak at a time and let all listen unto his sayings, that when all have spoken that all may be edified of all, and that every man may have an equal privilege.” -- “Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.”

The Ideal

I would submit that this is the ideal for gospel instruction within our priesthood quorums.

- How close to the ideal are we coming in our quorums?

- Do our quorum members come away feeling strengthened and edified?

- Are our quorums more unified after the lesson? Are the bonds of love and fellowship increased?

Then Reality Sets In

How well prepared are the lessons being presented in our quorums? Do your quorum instructors take the time and make the effort necessary in their preparation to receive direction from the Spirit in what they teach?

Are our quorum instructions being taught by the Spirit? Or by some other way? And if by some other way, they are not of God. (See D&C 50:17-18)

Do we have instructors preparing their lessons in Sacrament meeting, and then reading out of the manual in quorum meeting?

Are class members paying attention to the lesson, or are they visiting with each other, or catching up on their sleep?

Elder Jeffery R Holland Said:

[Real spiritual food] is what our members really want when they gather in a meeting or come into a classroom anyway. Most people don't come to church looking merely for a few new gospel facts or to see old friends, though all of that is important. They come seeking a spiritual experience. They want peace. They want their faith fortified and their hope renewed. They want, in short, to be nourished by the good word of God, to be strengthened by the powers of heaven. Those of us who are called upon to speak or teach or lead have an obligation to help provide that, as best we possibly can. We can only do that if we ourselves are striving to know God, if we ourselves are continually seeking the light of His Only Begotten Son. Then, if our hearts are right, if we are as clean as we can be, if we have prayed and wept and prepared and worried until we don't know what more we can do, God can say to us as He did to Alma and the sons of Mosiah: "Lift up thy head and rejoice. . . . I will give unto you success."

“When crises come in our lives and they will the philosophies of men interlaced with a few scriptures and poems just won't do. Are we really nurturing our youth and our new members in a way that will sustain them when the stresses of life appear? Or are we giving them a kind of theological Twinkie spiritually empty calories?” (Elder Jeffery R Holland, “A Teacher Come From God”, Ensign, May 1988.)

Quorum Instructor Training

I was inspired recently by President Collett, of the 1st ward Elders Quorum, who is instituting his own Teacher Improvement instruction for his quorum instructors. Some wards have an active Teacher Improvement Program, and some don’t. Whether your ward has a good teacher improvement program or not, ultimately, it is your responsibility as quorum leaders to ensure that you have quality instruction in your quorum.

Tools for Quorum Leaders

I would like to give you some tools to assist you in training your quorum instructors and leadership.

I have prepared 3 handouts for you:

1. The Well Prepared Lesson

2. Using Class Assignments

3. The Fine Art of Asking Questions

- Having better prepared lessons will help bring the Spirit into your quorum instruction. Without the Spirit, no real or lasting learning or life changes will take place.

- Assigning quorum members to participate in the lesson, and using good questioning techniques will encourage class participation.

- As the brethren of the quorum share their insights, and experiences with one another, we know our quorum members better.

- We also better utilize the combined wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and experience that lies within each quorum.

- As real-life experiences are shared with one another, we feel after one another in our hearts, and the bonds of brotherhood and love within the quorum are increased.


The scripture that was read at the beginning of my remarks would seem to indicate that lessons taught as a quorum discussion, rather than a lecture format would best fit the ideal for quorum instruction, where each member of the quorum can edify, lift and build one another.

D&C 88:122, D&C 50:22
“Appoint among yourselves a teacher, and let not all be spokesmen at once; but let one speak at a time and let all listen unto his sayings, that when all have spoken that all may be edified of all, and that every man may have an equal privilege.” -- “Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.” (D&C 50:22)

The First Handout (The well Prepared Lesson) discusses the following topics:

- Preparing and Teaching a Lesson by the Spirit.

- Focusing the lesson on one central, or main idea.

- Applying the Lesson Concepts to Real Life

- Committing Class members to implement the truths being taught in the lesson.

The Second Handout discusses using Class Assignments as a way to involve class members in the lesson.

- Class assignments help give class members some of the benefits of being a teacher. In nearly all cases, the teacher learns far more in the preparation of the lesson, than does to students. Why should the teacher keep all the blessings to himself?

- Giving assignments to class members helps involve everyone in the class discussion – even those who would not always voluntarily participate in discussions. (or those who seem to be visiting or sleeping during quorum lesson time.)

- There is a wealth of knowledge and experience in our Melchizedek Priesthood quorums. Class assignments help bring out that wisdom and knowledge.

- The handout discusses how to use class assignments, and suggests different types of assignments that can be given to class members.

- As class members share their insights and testimonies, we come closer to the ideal of each class member participating in turn, and edifying one another.

The Third Handout is titled “The Fine Art of Asking Questions”

- This handout discusses different types of questions, and various questioning techniques.

- Instruction is given on how to craft questions to get the desired effect.

- Questions are an excellent way of way to stimulate class discussions, and involve class members in the lesson.

- Care must be taken to ensure that discussions do not stray from the theme of the lesson (Unless directed by the Spirit).

The Well Prepared Lesson

D&C 88:122 & D&C 50:22
“Appoint among yourselves a teacher, and let not all be spokesmen at once; but let one speak at a time and let all listen unto his sayings, that when all have spoken that all may be edified of all, and that every man may have an equal privilege.” -- “Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.”

Prepare and Teach by the Spirit

- Lessons should be prepared well in advance, with much thought and prayer so that the Spirit can guide us as we prepare the lesson.

- Thoughts and ideas need an incubation period to fully develop and stand on their own. (Over a period of several days at least.) When thoughts and Ideas occur, write them down, and use them in the lesson.

- Those who are called and set apart to teach, are entitled to the inspiration necessary to know what the Lord would have us say, that will bless and edify the very individuals who will be in attendance for the lesson.

- If we have prepared by the Spirit, we will be teaching by the spirit, and not by some other way. For if it is by some other way, it is not of God. (See D&C 50:17-18) We can have confidence if we have prepared by the Spirit, that the Spirit will be there when we present the lesson, and will testify of the truthfulness of what is being taught.

Focus on One Central Idea

- Most lesson materials contain more suggestions than can be used in the allotted time period.

- Don’t feel like you have to cram everything in — if you do, you will probably not be able to fully develop concepts such that they will have much meaning or much impact. — It will be like reading newspaper headlines.

- Select the main idea. — Usually this main idea is stated at the beginning of the lesson. Outline the subtopics that you wish to use to support the main idea, based on the needs of your quorum. If you are not sure what the needs are, consult with your quorum leader as you prepare for the lesson.

- Carefully read your lesson materials. Note any sections that may not apply to your situation (or the central theme you have chosen.)

- Use the lesson in the manual, and other approved supplementary material (such as scriptures, church magazines and handbooks, etc.) that will support the main objective of the lesson.

- Teach with the one central theme clearly in mind. All teaching aids and classroom activities should support this main idea.

- Use methods to involve class members in the lesson, such as by asking good questions, or by giving assignments to class members. Try to get everyone to participate in some way – each week if possible.

- As you lead class discussions, you need to direct your comments and thoughts back to this one idea. If class discussion strays from the central theme, guide them back to the theme of the lesson. You may even want to write the theme on the chalkboard, to help remind everyone of the topic at hand.

Real-life application, and commitment of what is being taught

- Make sure as you discuss the theme of the lesson, that you also discuss how it can be applied in the lives of your quorum members today.

- The objective of the lesson is to not only to inform and have a nice discussion, but to change hearts and lives.

- The end of each lesson should conclude with a testimony, and by committing each to better live the truths that have been taught. If the lesson is taught with the power of the Spirit, hearts will be prepared to commit to change.


Regarding Properly Prepared Instruction, Elder Jeffery R. Holland Said:

“[Real spiritual food] is what our members really want when they gather in a meeting or come into a classroom anyway. Most people don't come to church looking merely for a few new gospel facts or to see old friends, though all of that is important. They come seeking a spiritual experience. They want peace. They want their faith fortified and their hope renewed. They want, in short, to be nourished by the good word of God, to be strengthened by the powers of heaven. Those of us who are called upon to speak or teach or lead have an obligation to help provide that, as best we possibly can. We can only do that if we ourselves are striving to know God, if we ourselves are continually seeking the light of His Only Begotten Son. Then, if our hearts are right, if we are as clean as we can be, if we have prayed and wept and prepared and worried until we don't know what more we can do, God can say to us as He did to Alma and the sons of Mosiah: "Lift up thy head and rejoice. . . . I will give unto you success."

“When crises come in our lives‑‑and they will‑‑the philosophies of men interlaced with a few scriptures and poems just won't do. Are we really nurturing our youth and our new members in a way that will sustain them when the stresses of life appear? Or are we giving them a kind of theological Twinkie‑‑spiritually empty calories?” (Elder Jeffery R Holland, “A Teacher Come From God”, Ensign, May 1988.)

See also The following Posts on Lesson Preparation:

• The Fine Art of Asking Questions
• Using Class Assignments

Using Class Assignments

Making the Assignment

1. Make the assignment (preferably in writing) early enough that class members have ample time for preparation.

2. Convey clearly to class members:

- Precisely what is expected of them
- How their parts will fit into the lesson
- How much time they have

3. Impress upon them the significance of their contribution and the importance of being well prepared.

4. Suggest ideas or materials that they might use in the presentations

5. Express appreciation for their willingness to assist.

6. Follow-up a few days before the lesson to see if you can assist them, or if any problems have arisen. — Also serves as a reminder in case they haven’t started preparing yet.

7. Convey your faith and confidence that they will do well.

Suggested Assignments

1. Telling a story

2. Relating a personal experience relating to a principle

3. Bearing testimony

4. Have the student make a challenge to his classmates

5. Conduct a scripture chase

6. Leading a discussion on a real life problem situation

7. Giving a report on a topic, on a scriptural passage, on a conference talk, or on an Ensign Article.

8. Participating in a panel discussion

9. Singing

10. Reading a poem

The Fine Art of Asking Questions

Knowing the right questions to ask can be one of the best tools available to elicit class discussion.

Three ways to ask questions:

1. The overhead question This type of question is directed to the entire class, rather than to an individual. Students then volunteer their answers. Can be used to start the class thinking, and doesn’t put anyone on the spot.

2. The direct question This question is directed to an individual by name. When using this technique, ask the question first, then add the student’s name you are directing the question toward.

-By not adding the name until the last, all the students will be thinking of a response, rather than tuning out if someone else’s name is called ahead of the question.

-A direct question may be used to involve a class member who has otherwise been silent.

3. Reverse or redirect a question When one student gives an answer, ask another student what they think about their response. Or, if a student asks a question, redirect the question back to another class member to answer. This stimulates discussion.

Seven Tips for using questions

1. Write the question on the chalkboard. You can refer back to it if the discussion begins to wander.

2. Phrase the question so that it cannot be answered with a yes/no answer. Yes/no questions will not stimulate discussion.

Exception: Yes/No questions may be used to help draw out timid students

3. Phrase questions impartially. Avoid leading questions, which can be manipulative.

4. Do not always answer questions posed to you by students. Such questions may be redirected to encourage class participation, and to foster discussion.

5. Keep discussions organized by relating each succeeding question to the previous answer. This helps maintain a logical flow to the discussion.

6. Use summaries often to show students the progression of the discussion, and to emphasize important points. When summarizing, give credit to students who have made important contributions to the discussion. Occasionally ask one of the students (sometimes a quiet one) to summarize.

7. Use the chalkboard to list the main points of the discussion, as well as areas where more discussion is needed.

Questioning Techniques

1. Involve non-volunteers.

Non volunteers are those who do not raise their hand and participate in class. Call on non-volunteers as well, to help involve them. They know that if they might be called on, they will listen and pay attention better. Be careful not to embarrass anyone.

2. Pausing after a question.

-Avoid questions that can be answered with a one-word reply
-Pause to let class members collect their thoughts
-Consistently praise thoughtful answers

3. Rephrasing

-After a student gives a response, repeat back, in your own words, what they said prefaced by: “Let me see if I understand what you’re saying...”, or “Do you mean...” This method leads to further thought by the student. It causes them (and other class members) to analyze their response, and to make further clarifications if necessary.

-Rephrasing also stimulates other students to think and comment.-You may want to redirect the question to other students: “What do you think about that Bob?”

-Rephrasing can be a non-judgmental response to an answer. Fearful people will see that they will not be punished or cut off if they do not answer adequately.

-When we rephrase a response, people can see that their ideas are being listened to and understood. Once they feel this understanding, they will be more likely to participate in future discussions.

-When rephrasing, do not insert your own opinions or ideas. Rephrase only to show that you understand, and to give class members a chance to think about the response.