Life's goal is 'return with honor'
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"Return with honor" was the theme of Presiding Bishop Robert D. Hales' priesthood session address as he discussed the Aaronic Priesthood, "a preparatory period in our lives."
Bishop Hales recalled his earlier career as a jet fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force."Our unit's motto - displayed on the side of our aircraft - was `Return with honor.' This motto was a constant reminder to us of our determination to return to our home base with honor only after having expended all of our efforts to successfully complete every aspect of our mission."
The same motto could be applied to mortals striving to return to their heavenly home, he explained, adding that such a goal is accomplished through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.
Bishop Hales recalled hours of training in a device that simulated real flight, where trainees developed an "automatic conditioned response" that would help them react properly in an emergency.
"This training process can be compared to the lessons we learn in our homes and in the quorums of the Aaronic Priesthood," he explained.
When faced with the temptation to use substances prohibited in the Word of Wisdom, for example, "we must be prepared with a conditioned response to reject these harmful agents, or we will jeopardize our right to have the Spirit guide and direct us and our ability to return to our Heavenly Father with honor," Bishop Hales said.
