President James E. Faust
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Like the Little Engine That Could, "at times all of us are called upon to stretch ourselves and do more than we think we can.
"I'm reminded of President Theodore Roosevelt's quip, 'I am only an average man but, by George, I work harder at it than the average man!' We develop our talents first by thinking that we can."
As in Jesus' parable of the talents, "the Lord tells us he will give more to those who are willing. They will be magnified in their efforts, like the little blue engine as it pulled the train up the mountain."
The Lord believes we can magnify our opportunities and our callings "by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned." It must be done the Lord's way. Samuel Brannan, who led some saints around Cape Horn to the west, wanted the church to settle in California.
When Brigham Young disagreed, Brannan went his own way and for a time was very successful. But "when he died he was alone, broken physically, spiritually and financially. . . . Sam Brannan accomplished much in his life, but in the end he paid a terrible price for not honoring his priesthood stewardship and for having failed to follow the prophet of God."
Priesthood power can be compared to the potential good that can be done by a reservoir of water, which is only productive when released to provide water for valleys, fields, gardens and homes. "So the principle of power is manifested only as it becomes active in the lives of men, turning their hearts and desires toward God and prompting service to their fellow men."
"If we aren't serving others, then priesthood really doesn't benefit us because it is not a passive power. Brethren, be generous with the power of blessing which comes through the priesthood. . . . Remember that the Lord has said, 'Whomsoever you bless, I will bless.' "
