President Thomas S. Monson: 'Preparation brings blessings'
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With the clarity of a prophet's voice, President Thomas S. Monson told an international congregation of holders of the priesthood that a common thread binds them together. "We have been entrusted to bear the priesthood and to act in the name of God," he declared during the general priesthood meeting Saturday evening. "We are the recipients of a sacred trust. Much is expected of us."
President Monson admonished young men to prepare for missionary service. Among the many tools to help them learn lessons that will be beneficial, he said, is the booklet, "For the Strength of Youth." He also encouraged participation in family home evenings and seminary.
He encouraged the young men to prepare for a temple marriage, as well as for a mission. He advised them that when they begin dating they go in groups or on double dates, and make sure their parents become acquainted with those they date, and to date only those who have high standards.
"Be careful to go to places where there is a good environment, where you won't be faced with temptation," he counseled, and repeated the words of a father to his son, "'If you ever find yourself in a place where you shouldn't ought to be, get out!'"
President Monson, speaking of the importance of personal grooming, said, "Servants of the Lord have always counseled us to dress appropriately to show respect for our Heavenly Father and for ourselves. The way you dress sends messages about yourself and often influences the way you and others act. Dress in such a way as to bring out the best in yourself and those around you. Avoid extremes in clothing and appearance, including tattoos and piercings."
He spoke of the value of having good friends, and advised, "Treat everyone with kindness and dignity."
President Monson said that the oft-repeated adage is ever true: "Honesty is the best policy." He added that a Latter-day Saint young man lives as he teaches and as he believes. He is honest with others, himself and with God. "When a difficult decision must be made, he never asks himself, 'What will others think?' but rather, 'What will I think of myself?'"
In giving counsel on the power of words, he said, "Use language to build and uplift those around you. Profane, vulgar or crude language and inappropriate or off-color jokes are offensive to the Lord. Never misuse the name of God or Jesus Christ. The Lord said, 'Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord God in vain'" (Exodus 20:7).
The Church leader, quoting from the 13th Article of Faith, said "Our Heavenly Father has counseled us to seek after 'anything virtuous, lovely or of good report or praiseworthy.' Whatever you read, listen to or watch makes an impression on you.
"Pornography is especially dangerous and addictive. Curious exploration of pornography can become a controlling habit, leading to coarser material and to sexual transgression. Avoid pornography at all costs.
"Don't be afraid to walk out of a movie, turn off a television set, or change a radio station if what's being presented does not meet your Heavenly Father's standards. In short, if you have any question about whether a particular movie, book or other form of entertainment is appropriate, don't see it, don't read it, don't participate."
President Monson warned that hard drugs, wrongful use of prescription drugs, alcohol, coffee, tea and tobacco products destroy physical, mental and spiritual well being.
Also, he noted that music can help draw people closer to their Heavenly Father. "It can be used to educate, edify, inspire and unite," he said. "However," he added, "music can, by its tempo, beat, intensity and lyrics, dull your spiritual sensitivity. You cannot afford to fill your mind with unworthy music."
He then counseled, "Sexual intimacy is so sacred, the Lord requires self-control and purity before marriage, as well as full fidelity after marriage. In dating, treat your date with respect; and expect your date to show that same respect for you. Tears inevitably follow transgression."
President Monson spoke of the author of a paper on teenage sexuality who summed up his research by saying that society sends teens a mixed message: advertisements and the mass media "convey very heavy messages that sexual activity is acceptable and expected," inducements that sometimes drown out the warnings of experts and the pleas of parents.
President Monson said, "The Lord cuts through all the media messages with clear and precise language when He declares to us, 'Be ye clean'" (3 Nephi 20:41).
The Church president reminded the congregation: "When you were confirmed a member of the Church, you received the right to the companionship of the Holy Ghost. He can help you make good choices. When challenged or tempted, you do not need to feel alone. Remember that prayer is the passport to spiritual power."
President Monson assured the brethren that if any has stumbled in his journey there is a way back — through repentance. "Our Savior died to provide you and me that blessed gift. Though the path is difficult, the promise is real: 'Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow' (Isaiah 1:18).
"Don't put your eternal life at risk. Keep the commandments of God. If you have sinned, the sooner you begin to make your way back, the sooner you will find the sweet peace and joy that come with the miracle of forgiveness. Happiness comes from living the way the Lord wants you to live and from service to God and others."
