Brothers and sisters, It is amazing to realize that in thousands of chapels throughout the world, others of us (the saints) and fellow holders of the priesthood of God—are gathered in such a cause on this sacred day, witch is, to serve our brothers and sisters and to purify and strengthen our faith and our hearts. I would like to direct my words to the brethren of the ward this morning. A common thread binds us together. We have been entrusted to bear the priesthood and to act in the name of God. We are the recipients of a sacred trust. Where much is given, much is expected, Brethren, our prophet and president declares, “Much is expected of us”.
President Monson admonishes, and quote “Young men, I admonish you to prepare for service as a missionary. There are many tools to help you learn the lessons which will be beneficial to you as well as helping you to live the life you will need to have lived to be worthy. Adherence to which will bring the blessings of our Heavenly Father and the guidance of His Son to each of you. Begin to prepare for a temple marriage as well as for a mission.
President Monson has also warned, not speaking of any particular situation or place including, but no limited to, internet, house parties, work activities ect… “Be careful to go to places where there is a good environment, where you won’t be faced with temptation.
A wise father said to his son, “If you ever find yourself in a place where you shouldn’t ought to be, get out!” Good advice for all of us.
Our Heavenly Father has counseled us to seek after “anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy. A prophet of God declares,” Whatever you read, listen to, or watch makes an impression on you. Don’t be afraid to walk out of a movie, turn off a television set, or change a radio station if what’s being presented does not meet your Heavenly Father’s standards. In short, if you have any question about whether a particular movie, book, or other form of entertainment is appropriate, don’t see it, don’t read it, and don’t participate.” (End quote) And I will add, JUST CHOOSE THE RIGHT.
President David O. McKay, ninth President of the Church, advised, “I implore you to think clean thoughts.” “Every action is preceded by a thought. If we want to control our actions, we must control our thinking.” Brethren, fill your minds with good thoughts, and your actions will be proper.
In the book of Mosiah, King Benjamin warns, “I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers’ ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them. But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye mush perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not.
In conclusion I read the first two verses of the popular hymn, “Come All Ye Sons of God,” But I would like you to imagine if you are a young man walking the streets of your mission, and if you are a husband, father, or grandparent imagine this call out to your friends, neighbors and co-workers. “Come all ye sons of God who have received the priesthood, go spread the gospel wide and gather in his people. The latter day work has begun, to gather scattered Israel in and bring them back to Zion to praise the Lamb. Now speaking to those of whom we are to share the gospel with, here is our message.
Come, all ye scattered sheep, and listen to your shepherd, while you the blessings reap which long have been predicted. By prophets long it’s been foretold: He’ll gather you into his fold and bring you home to Zion to praise the lamb.
I leave you my testimony, that I know the priesthood is a true gift from god. It can be utilized to bring forth much righteousness, to lift the heavy heart, to touch to hardened mind, or to lift up the broken spirit. Just as Christ demonstrated many years ago, the priesthood can heal the sick, it can sooth the afflicted and can comfort those who stand in need of comfort. This testimony I bear in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.