'I will' attitude is crucial to do what Lord commands
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A sign in a shopping mall in Manila, Philippines, was mentioned by Bishop H. David Burton to introduce his topic at priesthood session Saturday evening. It read: "Your `I will' is far more important than your `I.Q.' "
"Far too many who have been blessed with great ability and exceptional intellect fail to have an `I will' attitude when it comes to going, doing, saying and being what the Lord commands," observed Bishop Burton, first counselor in the Presiding Bishopric."For us who bear the priesthood of God, there are many important `I wills': I will be loyal to the oath and covenant of the priesthood; I will be responsive to my quorum president; I will exhibit perfect fidelity to the covenants made in holy places; and, I will serve with excellence in my Aaronic Priesthood ministry, preparing myself for further priesthood service. Possibly the most significant `I will' we all could commit to this night is: I will follow the living prophets."
He told of an incident in which Brigham Young, called upon by Joseph Smith to speak at a meeting, said the words of a living prophet are more important than the written scriptures because the living oracles convey the word of God in the present day. Joseph reportedly then said to the congregation: "Brother Brigham has told you the word of the Lord, and he has told you the truth."
"How are we doing in obeying the living prophets?" Bishop Burton asked. He then recalled counsel from President Faust, President Monson and President Hinckley at general conference six months ago, asking if the congregation remembered it.
Bishop Burton counseled Aaronic Priesthood bearers to become acquainted with the prophet Nephi through study of the first two books in the Book of Mormon. "Then, when you are tempted by the adversary . . . you can immediately have the very words of the stalwart Nephi automatically come to your mind: `I will go and do the things the Lord hath commanded. . . .' (1 Ne. 3:7.)"
To adult brethren, he suggested an "I will" resolution that the leadership of their families will be their most important and sacred responsibility, one they will not leave to society, the school or the Church.
