President James E. Faust framed his priesthood session address in words he might say to his grandsons, declaring that "to hold the priesthood is a signal honor; yet any worthy man or boy over the age of 12 in the Church may receive it."

President James E. Faust

President Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency, shared an account given by a young priest who had the experience of ordaining a young convert in his ward in Ontario, Canada, to the office of a teacher. He had never had that experience before.

Of the point in the ordination where he was to pronounce a blessing, the young man recounted, "At that point, the priesthood entirely changed its meaning for me. It was no longer just a title, but the actual authority to act in God's name, and I was giving that authority to someone else. I paused and waited for the Spirit to whisper to me what I was to say. It is difficult for me to describe the feelings I had that day during the blessing, but I can say that I now have a stronger testimony that the power of the priesthood is real."

Priesthood holders are essentially agents of the Lord, President Faust said, quoting Doctrine and Covenants 64:29.

"President Hinckley has often reminded us that missionary work is essentially a priesthood responsibility," he noted. "It is a great honor and responsibility to be called to serve the Lord in missionary work. This service brings lasting joy even though it also can be challenging and discouraging at times." He added that missionary service prepares one for the rest of life's work and eternal work.

"I hope each of you becomes a man of God," President Faust said. "You will become a man of God through righteous works. You will honor and magnify your priesthood and, as the apostle Paul said, 'follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness."'

President Faust said all are accountable for their actions, and he added that his experience as a lawyer taught him that those who follow a life of crime frequently blame others for the consequences of their own actions. "Some of them even claim, 'The devil made me do it!' The truth in that statement is that the devil entices us to do evil." The falsehood, he said, is the notion that one does not have agency. "The devil can't make us do anything we choose not to do."

He admonished young priesthood holders to have the duty to respect womanhood. "As you date the lovely young women of the Church, you have a duty to protect their physical safety and virtue. The priesthood you hold gives you the greater responsibility to see that the high moral standards of the Church are always maintained. You know better than to approach the edge of sexual enticement. You will lose part of that which is sacred about yourself if you go beyond the edge and abuse the great powers of procreation. How can any of us hope to play a great role in time or eternity if we have no power of self-control? To be married to a righteous woman who loves the Lord, loves you, and respects the priesthood is one of the greatest blessings of life and eternity."