Elder Robert C. Oaks
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In the words of the well-known hymn, "Who's on the Lord's side, who? Now is the time to show."
"In this, the dispensation of the fulness of times, as we prepare for the final satanic battles in anticipation of the return of Christ to the Earth, it is very important to know who is on the Lord's side. The Lord needs to know on whom he can rely."
Some men who have been given the priesthood, both young and old, are "missing, absent without leave, AWOL."
The Lord has put great trust in us by giving us the priesthood. "Each ordination reflects additional divine trust and a new opportunity to serve on the Lord's side."
Rather than physical strength and weapons, the battle for souls is spiritual, and priesthood holders need to use the armor of God: truth, righteousness, faith, prayer and the word of God. "These weapons are wielded in our minds, mouths and movements. Every righteous thought, word and deed is a victory for the Lord."
"The stakes are extremely high. The prizes are the very souls of the sons and daughters of God, their eternal salvation. And these souls will be won or lost on the basis of virtue and cleanliness, on the basis of charity and service, on the basis of faith and hope."
"We are needed now, deacons, teachers, priests, bishops, elders, high priests and patriarchs. Now is the time to show our appreciation for the atoning sacrifice of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Now is the time to show our faith."
