Conference SPOTLIGHT - Priesthood

 The conference spotlights is a series of talks from the LDS General Conference.  I picked one each week to study and record my thoughts about it. 5/20/12

Willing and Worthy to Serve, by President Thomas S. Monson 

(there are links to watch, listen, and download, on the right hand side, as well as the text)    

"From the Prophet Joseph Smith: “Priesthood is an everlasting principle, and existed with God from eternity, and will to eternity, without beginning of days or end of years.‹ 

From the words of President Wilford Woodruff, we learn: “The Holy Priesthood is the channel through which God communicates and deals with man upon the earth; and the heavenly messengers that have visited the earth to communicate with man are men who held and honored the priesthood while in the flesh; and everything that God has caused to be done for the salvation of man, from the coming of man upon the earth to the redemption of the world, has been and will be by virtue of the everlasting priesthood.â€^2"

^"Miracles are everywhere to be found when the priesthood is understood, its power is honored and used properly, and faith is exerted. When faith replaces doubt, when selfless service eliminates selfish striving, the power of God brings to pass His purposes."

"Brethren, the world is in need of our help. Are we doing all we should? Do we remember the words of President John Taylor: “If you do not magnify your callings, God will hold you responsible for those whom you might have saved had you done your dutyâ€?¹⁴ There are feet to steady, hands to grasp, minds to encourage, hearts to inspire, and souls to save. The blessings of eternity await you. Yours is the privilege to be not spectators but participants on the stage of priesthood service. Let us hearken to the stirring reminder found in the Epistle of James: “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.â€^15"

 I loved how the talk was all about service and duty...that quote about being held responsible for your duties really made it clear that the Lord really is relying on all of us to accomplish his work.  It's not about us...it's about serving our fellow brothers and sisters.