A sacred duty to God
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Like Samuel of old, young men of the Aaronic Priesthood have a sacred duty to God, Elder Cecil O. Samuelson Jr. of the Presidency of the Seventy said at the priesthood session Saturday evening.
"Samuel had a sainted mother, Hannah, and a great priesthood leader, Eli," he said. "Most of you young men likewise have wonderful parents and inspired priesthood leaders who care for you and stand ready to assist both you and your parents in your quest to fulfill your duty to God."
Referring to the letter from the First Presidency mentioned in the talk by Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve outlining the new Aaronic Priesthood achievement program, Elder Samuelson listed the following purposes in which the Aaronic Priesthood helps young men:
- Become converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ and live its teachings.
- Serve faithfully in priesthood callings and fulfill the
responsibilities of priesthood offices.
- Give meaningful service.
- Prepare and live worthily to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood and
temple ordinances.
- Prepare to serve an honorable full-time mission.
- Obtain as much education as possible.
- Prepare to become a worthy husband and father.
- Give proper respect to women, girls and children.
"The Duty to God award program will help you to achieve these purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood," he said. He noted that where Scouting is available, many of the Scouting requirements can fill necessary expectations for the Duty to God Award.
"Achieving the Duty to God and Eagle Scout awards are complementary, not competitive," he remarked.
Elder Samuelson noted that receiving the Duty to God award is not the ultimate goal in itself, but rather the incorporation into one's life of characteristics that will help one more clearly focus on one's duty to God.
"These characteristics will keep you on track to be worthy and able to meet the sacred tasks and opportunities before you," he said. "
