Study Guide for "In the Path of Their Duty"

In his talk "In the Path of Their Duty", Elder David A. Bednar pays tribute to the often unnoticed but incredibly valuable service given by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Drawing from historical examples and contemporary situations, Elder Bednar emphasizes the importance of faithfully fulfilling our duties, no matter how big or small they may seem. He assures us that these acts of service, performed in the path of our duty, contribute significantly to the strength and progress of the Church.

Before Reading

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

What does Elder Bednar mean by "in the path of their duty"?
How does Elder Bednar use historical and contemporary examples to illustrate his point?
What is the significance of service in the Church, regardless of its visibility or recognition?
What promises does the Lord make to those who faithfully fulfill their duties?

Topics

Honoring the Unseen Heroes

Elder Bednar begins his talk by acknowledging the unsung heroes of the Church who, despite not being widely recognized, have made significant contributions to the Church's growth and development. He draws parallels between these individuals and the pioneers who traveled in the last wagon of the westward migration, emphasizing their faith, resilience, and dedication.

President Clark declared, "They of the last wagon pressed forward, worn and tired, footsore, sometimes almost disheartened, borne up by their faith that God loved them, that the restored gospel was true, and that the Lord led and directed the Brethren out in front."

He concluded his message with this stirring commendation: "To these humble souls, great in faith, great in work, great in righteous living, great in fashioning our priceless heritage, I humbly render my love, my respect, my reverent homage."

What characteristics made the pioneers in the last wagon great in faith and work?
How do these characteristics apply to unseen heroes in the Church today?
How can you show greater appreciation for the unseen heroes in your ward or stake?
In what ways can you emulate the faith and dedication of these individuals in your own service?

Being No Less Serviceable

Elder Bednar emphasizes the importance of being "no less serviceable" in our service to the Church, regardless of the visibility or recognition of our contributions. He uses the examples of Captain Moroni and Helaman from the Book of Mormon to illustrate this principle.

President Hunter explained: "In other words, even though Helaman was not as noticeable or conspicuous as Moroni, he was as serviceable; that is, he was as helpful or useful as Moroni."

President Hunter then counseled all of us to be no less serviceable. He said: "If you feel that much of what you do this year or in the years to come does not make you very famous, take heart. Most of the best people who ever lived weren’t very famous either. Serve and grow, faithfully and quietly."

What does it mean to be "no less serviceable"?
How can we apply this principle in our own service to the Church?
What are some ways you can be "no less serviceable" in your current calling or circumstances?
How can you focus more on the value of your service rather than the recognition it receives?

Pressing Forward in the Path of Duty

Elder Bednar describes various situations in which Church members are "in the path of their duty", including comforting others, supporting Church leaders, repenting and returning to God, yearning for covenants, translating Church materials, honoring the sanctity of life, teaching children, caring for aged parents, and inviting others to come unto Christ. He assures us that these acts of service are laying the foundation of a great work and filling our souls with joy and consolation.

The phrase "in the path of their duty" describes individuals who, having turned away from God, humbly are re-turning to Him once again, repenting of their sins, and seeking the cleansing and healing power of the Savior’s Atonement.

The phrase "in the path of their duty" describes righteous individuals who yearn to become yoked to the Savior through the authorized covenants and ordinances of His gospel—but may be prohibited from doing so by factors beyond their control.

The phrase "in the path of their duty" describes faithful married men and women who honor their covenant responsibility to multiply and replenish the earth and who are blessed with the strength and stamina to wrestle with their children in sacrament meetings.

The phrase "in the path of their duty" describes the thousands and thousands of nursery leaders and Primary teachers who love and instruct the children of the Church each Sabbath day.

What are some ways we can be "in the path of our duty"?
What blessings come from being "in the path of our duty"?
In what ways are you currently "in the path of your duty"?
How can you better fulfill your duties and responsibilities in the Church and at home?

The Strength of the Church

Elder Bednar concludes his talk by testifying of the strength that comes to the Church from members who faithfully fulfill their duties. He promises that those who endure valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ will be blessed with thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers.

They of the last wagon, all who are no less serviceable, and you who today are pressing forward in the path of your duty are the strength of the Savior’s restored Church.

And as the Lord has promised, "all thrones and dominions, principalities and powers, shall be revealed and set forth upon all who have endured valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ."

How do the faithful members of the Church contribute to its strength?
What does the Lord promise to those who endure valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ?
How can your service contribute to the strength of the Church?
What steps can you take to endure more valiantly in your service to the gospel of Jesus Christ?