Brother David L. Beck: 'The magnificent Aaronic Priesthood'
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Something very important sets Aaronic Priesthood holders apart from other young men, said David L. Beck, Young Men general president, in his priesthood session address Saturday evening.
"It is a sacred gift, and many do not fully appreciate it," he said.
"When God entrusts you with His sacred priesthood, He shows great confidence in you. He knows He can trust you to use the priesthood to serve others, just as He has trusted other young men to do some of His most important work."
To help young men respond to the urgent call from the Lord, the Church is introducing a new Duty to God program, Brother Beck said. "As a deacon, teacher, priest, you will participate in activities that will help you build spiritual strength and learn and fulfill your priesthood duties."
He said each activity follows a pattern: learning about a gospel principle or priesthood duty, making plans to act on what one has learned, and then sharing with others what one has learned and experienced.
Brother Beck told of an Aaronic Priesthood holder who was assigned to administer the sacrament to a man who was homebound and sick. The man's medical treatments made him unable to eat any food, even a piece of sacrament bread. He took a piece of bread, waited a moment and then held it against his lips.
"The young man said when he saw this faithful brother express his reverence for the sacrament, he felt as though he were watching him kiss the feet of the Savior. He could tell that he loved Him. The significance of the sacrament was impressed upon that young men in an unforgettable way that day. You will have sacred experiences just as this young man did."
Brother Beck warned that Satan would have Aaronic Priesthood holders think they are too young or that there are too few to do significant things with the priesthood. "None of that is true," he affirmed.
"As you fulfill your duty to God, you will be a force for good at all times and in every circumstance."
