'Now listen up,' 'Now smarten up,' and 'stand tall'
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As a young soldier, Presiding Bishop H. David Burton grew accustomed to hearing his first sergeant begin each instruction with a "Now listen up" and concluded his instruction with the phrase "Now smarten up."
"I'm not the first sergeant and you are certainly not the troops, but there is a particle of wisdom in that terminology," said Bishop Burton during the May 16 priesthood commemoration meeting. This historic event, he said, allows priesthood holders the opportunity to "listen up" to the words of President Gordon B. Hinckley and President Boyd K. Packer. It was President Hinckley who challenged all Church members to "stand tall" and live the gospel.
"By 'listening up' tonight, we may 'smarten up' a bit in understanding our priesthood responsibilities, and stand a little taller in living the gospel," Bishop Burton said. "At a time when it is fashionable to make light of, ridicule or do what some call 'dumbing down' spiritual values and moral principles, it is important for us to 'listen up,' 'smarten up,' and stand tall."
Anniversaries, such as the 175th anniversary of the restoration of the priesthood, are reminders of sacred events and associated covenants, Bishop Burton said. "Because of the events we honor today, we have a great opportunity to receive, exercise and carry forward the same power and authority that John the Baptist bestowed on Joseph and Oliver — the Aaronic Priesthood."
While the Aaronic Priesthood is occasionally referred to as the "lesser priesthood," be careful that such a term does not lessen the appreciation of the Aaronic Priesthood's tremendous importance and power, Bishop Burton said. "Aaronic Priesthood service is important in preparing for more priesthood authority, temple ordinances and missions. When the Aaronic Priesthood is referred to as the lesser priesthood, it does not mean it is lesser in importance, but rather in scope. It is only lesser in relation to the ultimate power and authority that was used to create worlds without end — the Melchizedek Priesthood."
Preparation for future Church service is a by-product of Aaronic Priesthood activity, Bishop Burton added.
A wise Heavenly Father has "provided us with prophets, apostles, bishops and quorum presidents to help us 'stand tall.'"
