Study Guide for "Your Priesthood Playbook"

In this talk, Elder Gary E. Stevenson uses the analogy of a sports playbook to guide young men in their priesthood responsibilities. He presents inspiring examples from sports figures who are also members of the Church, and he offers suggestions for both offensive and defensive strategies in the face of temptation and adversity. Elder Stevenson emphasizes the importance of preparation, discipline, and relying on the Lord to fulfill our priesthood duties.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

How does Elder Stevenson use the analogy of a sports playbook?
What are some of the strategies Elder Stevenson suggests for facing opposition?
Why does Elder Stevenson emphasize the importance of preparation and discipline in fulfilling our priesthood duties?
What examples does Elder Stevenson give of Church members who have achieved success in sports?
How does Elder Stevenson encourage those who might feel weak or insignificant?

Topics

Learning Lessons from Sports

Elder Stevenson discusses how the discipline, sacrifice, and training required to excel in sports can be applied to our spiritual lives. He shares examples of Church members who have achieved success in professional sports, emphasizing that they work hard to be the best in their sport and to live the gospel.

For someone to be really good at anything, it takes, in addition to natural talent, great discipline, sacrifice, and countless hours of training and practice.

While they are extremely successful in their sports, these athletes would be the first to admit they are not perfect athletes or perfect human beings. They work hard to be the best in their sport—and to live the gospel.

What lessons can we learn from athletes in terms of discipline, sacrifice, and training?
How do these lessons apply to our spiritual lives and priesthood responsibilities?
How can you apply the discipline and sacrifice required in sports to your own spiritual growth?
What are some ways you can "train" and "practice" to improve in your priesthood duties?

Studying the Playbook

Elder Stevenson compares the scriptures and words of modern prophets to a playbook, emphasizing the importance of understanding our assignments and strengthening our teammates. He encourages us to study these "plays" thoroughly so we know how to react in various situations.

In a similar way, we holders of the priesthood also have a team (a quorum) and a playbook (the holy scriptures and words of modern prophets).

How well have you studied your playbook?

Do you fully understand your assignment?

What does it mean to study our "playbook" thoroughly?
How can understanding our assignments and strengthening our teammates help us fulfill our priesthood duties?
What steps can you take to study the scriptures and words of modern prophets more thoroughly?
How can you better understand your assignments and strengthen your teammates in your priesthood quorum?

Confronting the Opposition

Elder Stevenson talks about the importance of understanding our strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of our adversary. He encourages us to create a personal game plan and playbook to respond when faced with opposition and temptation.

You know what temptations you are most vulnerable to, and you can predict how the adversary will try to derail and dishearten you.

With a game plan, a playbook, and a firm commitment to execute your role, you will find that temptation has less control over you.

Why is it important to understand our strengths and weaknesses in confronting opposition?
How can a personal game plan and playbook help us resist temptation?
What are some strategies you can include in your personal game plan and playbook to resist temptation?
How can you strengthen your commitment to execute your role in the face of opposition?

Pages from the Playbook

Elder Stevenson shares suggestions for plays to include in our priesthood playbook, such as praying for greater light and a testimony of Jesus Christ, avoiding pornography and immoral social media content, and blessing others through service. He also shares thoughts from successful athletes who are also priesthood holders.

Pray every day for greater light and a testimony of Jesus Christ.

Avoid pornography and immoral social media content.

Bless Heavenly Father’s children through service.

What are some "plays" Elder Stevenson suggests we include in our priesthood playbook?
How can these "plays" help us fulfill our priesthood duties and resist temptation?
Which "plays" from Elder Stevenson's suggestions do you feel you need to work on most?
How can you apply these "plays" in your daily life to strengthen your testimony and fulfill your priesthood duties?

All-Stars in God’s Eyes

Elder Stevenson encourages us to remember our eternal identity as sons of God and bearers of His holy priesthood. He reassures us that God will bless and guide us, and that we are all-stars in His eyes. He also emphasizes the importance of repentance and learning from our mistakes.

You are bearers of the holy priesthood of God. Your commitment to hold firmly the iron rod will transform you into the eternal being who you were created to become.

Great athletes spend hundreds of hours perfecting one small aspect of their game. As a priesthood holder, you need the same mind-set. If you fail, repent and learn from it.

What does it mean to be an "all-star" in God's eyes?
Why is repentance and learning from our mistakes important in our journey as priesthood holders?
How can you strengthen your commitment to hold firmly the iron rod?
What are some mistakes you have learned from in your journey as a priesthood holder?