Divine Authority, Sublime Young Men
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What is the significance of the Aaronic Priesthood in the Church?
- How does the ordination of young men into the priesthood impact their lives and the lives of others?
- What roles and responsibilities do deacons, teachers, and priests have in the Church?
- How can the sacrament ordinance bring comfort and spiritual growth?
- What lessons can be learned from the story of Alan and the deacons?
Topics
Recognize the Power of the Aaronic Priesthood
President Lund discusses the divine authority conferred upon young men through the Aaronic Priesthood, tracing its lineage back to John the Baptist, Joseph Smith, and Oliver Cowdery. He highlights the priesthood's role in preparing young men for lifelong service and its capacity to bring about profound spiritual change.
Each January, hands are laid on the heads of about 100,000 young men, connecting them through ordinance to a bright line of authority stretching back through the Restoration epoch to Joseph and Oliver, to John the Baptist, and to Jesus Christ.
Knowing God’s power for what it truly is, we were witness to the disruption of the very patterns of this world by godly authority spreading across the earth.
- What is the significance of the Aaronic Priesthood's lineage and authority?
- How does the Aaronic Priesthood prepare young men for future service?
- How have you experienced the power of the Aaronic Priesthood in your life?
- What steps can you take to better understand and fulfill your priesthood responsibilities?
Embrace the Role of Teaching and Administering Ordinances
The talk emphasizes the responsibilities of deacons, teachers, and priests in teaching and administering sacred ordinances, particularly the sacrament. These duties serve as a preparatory experience for young men, allowing them to grow spiritually and develop a deeper understanding of their priesthood roles.
The Lord entrusts today’s bearers of the priesthood of Aaron to do very much the same things they did anciently: to teach and to administer ordinances—all to remind us of His Atonement.
- What are the key responsibilities of deacons, teachers, and priests in the Church?
- How do these roles help young men understand their priesthood duties?
- In what ways can you more effectively teach and administer ordinances in your role?
- How can participating in these duties strengthen your testimony of the Atonement?
Learn from the Example of Service and Love
President Lund shares the story of young men who serve an elderly neighbor named Alan, illustrating the transformative power of service and love. Their consistent efforts lead Alan to develop a relationship with them and ultimately seek spiritual growth, demonstrating the impact of living gospel principles.
Deacons can be hard to hate, and Alan eventually began to love them.
As his failing health put Alan into hospitals and rehab centers, "his boys" served him, quietly exuding powers of priesthood and of love unfeigned.
- What role does service play in fulfilling priesthood duties?
- How can acts of love and service lead others to Christ?
- Reflect on a time when service brought you closer to someone. How did it affect your relationship?
- What opportunities do you have to serve those around you, and how can you act on them?
Understand the Sacredness of the Sacrament
The talk highlights the sacred nature of the sacrament ordinance and its role in connecting individuals to the Savior's Atonement. Through a poignant story of a grieving bishop, President Lund illustrates how the sacrament can provide comfort and spiritual strength during times of trial.
With the pathos of that occasion, he pronounced some of the most powerful words that anyone is ever allowed to say out loud in this lifetime.
Words of eternal consequence. Words of ordinance. Words of covenant.
- What is the significance of the sacrament ordinance in the Church?
- How does the sacrament help us remember the Savior's Atonement?
- How can you make the sacrament a more meaningful part of your worship each week?
- In what ways have you felt the Spirit's presence during the sacrament?
Prepare for Future Priesthood Service
President Lund emphasizes the preparatory nature of the Aaronic Priesthood, highlighting its role in preparing young men for future service in the Melchizedek Priesthood. Through experiences and responsibilities, young men learn to minister and bless others, laying the foundation for lifelong service.
The Aaronic Priesthood is called the preparatory priesthood partly because its ordinances allow them to experience the weight and the joy of being on the Lord’s errand.
- Why is the Aaronic Priesthood considered a preparatory priesthood?
- How does serving in the Aaronic Priesthood prepare young men for future roles?
- What experiences have prepared you for future priesthood service?
- How can you better prepare yourself for the responsibilities of the Melchizedek Priesthood?
