Brother Larry M. Gibson: 'Sacred Keys of the Aaronic Priesthood'
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181st Annual General Conference — Church News coverage
Brother Larry M. Gibson, first counselor in the Young Men general presidency, spoke of having tender feelings as he observed young men of the Aaronic Priesthood watching over, supporting and strengthening those around them.
Speaking in the priesthood session, he told of seeing a 13-year-old being set apart as a deacons quorum president. Afterwards, the bishop shook his hand and addressed him as "president," explaining to the quorum members that he did so to emphasize the sacredness of the calling.
"The deacons quorum president is one of only four people in the ward who hold keys of presidency," the bishop said on that occasion. "With those keys, he, with his counselors, will lead the quorum under the inspiration of the Lord."
"This bishop understood the power of presidencies led by a president who holds and exercises sacred keys," Brother Gibson remarked.
He told of discussing with this young man the duties of a deacons quorum president and turning to Doctrine and Covenants 107:85, where it says the president is to sit in council with his quorum members and teach them their duty. "We noted that his quorum is not a class but a council of young men and they are to strengthen and edify one another under the president's direction."
Brother Gibson asked the quorum president if, knowing he was to teach the deacons their duties, he knew what those duties are. Again they turned to the scriptures and read instruction in Doctrine and Covenants, sections 20 and 84.
He asked what the Lord was telling the young man through the scriptures regarding his duty as president.
"'Well,' he said, 'several things have popped into my head as we have been talking. I think Heavenly Father wants me to be president of 12 deacons. There are only five of us who come, and one only comes sometimes. So how do we get 12?'
"Now I had never interpreted this scripture the way he did, but then, he held the sacred keys that I did not have. I was being taught by a 13-year-old deacons quorum president about the revelatory power that comes to those with the sacred keys of presidency, regardless of their intellect, stature or age."
