President Thomas S. Monson: Priesthood Power
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181st Annual General Conference — Church News coverage
President Thomas S. Monson addressed matters he said had been much on his mind lately, all pertaining "to the personal worthiness required to receive and exercise the sacred power of the priesthood which we hold."
Speaking in the priesthood session, President Monson said: "We have come to the earth in troubled times. The moral compass of the masses has gradually shifted to an 'almost anything goes' position."
Where once the Church's and society's standards were mostly compatible, "now there is a wide chasm between us, and it's growing ever wider," President Monson observed.
"Many movies and television shows portray behavior which is in direct opposition to the laws of God," he said. "Do not subject yourself to the innuendo and outright filth which are so often found there. The lyrics in much of today's music fall in the same category. The profanity so prevalent around us today would never have been tolerated in the not-too-distant past."
He added, "I am sorry that any of us is subjected to profane language, and I plead with you not to use it. I implore you not to say or do anything of which you cannot be proud."
The Church president urged the priesthood congregation to stay completely away from pornography. "Do not allow yourself to view it, ever," he admonished. "It has proven to be an addiction which is more than difficult to overcome. Avoid alcohol and tobacco or any other drugs, also addictions which you would be hard-pressed to conquer."
President Monson said a strong testimony of Christ and His gospel give protection from surrounding sin and evil. "If you have not read the Book of Mormon, read it. If you do so prayerfully and with a sincere desire to know the truth, the Holy Ghost will manifest its truth to you. If it is true — and it is — then Joseph Smith was a prophet who saw God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. The Church is true. If you do not already have a testimony of these things, do that which is necessary to obtain one."
Testimonies of others will carry one only so far, President Monson said. He added, "Once obtained, a testimony needs to be kept vital and alive through obedience to the commandments of God and through regular prayer and scripture study. Attend Church. You young men, attend seminary or institute if such is available to you."
If anything is amiss in one's life, there is a way to make things right, President Monson said. He counseled, "Cease any unrighteousness. Talk with your bishop. Whatever the problem, it can be worked out through proper repentance. You can become clean once again."
As the Savior described Himself as being in the world but not of the world, "we, also, can be in the world but not of the world as we reject false concepts and false teachings and remain true to that which God has commanded," President Monson said.
"Now, I have thought a lot lately about you young men who are of an age to marry but who have not yet felt to do so," he said. "I see lovely young ladies who desire to be married and to raise families, and yet their opportunities are limited because so many young men are postponing marriage."
He said this is not a new situation and shared counsel from past presidents of the Church on the matter.
"I realize there are many reasons why you may be hesitating to take that step of getting married," he said. "If you are concerned about providing financially for a wife and family, may I assure you that there is no shame in a couple having to scrimp and save. It is generally during these challenging times that you will grow closer together as you learn to sacrifice and to make difficult decisions. Perhaps you are afraid of making the wrong choice. To this I say that you need to exercise faith. Find someone with whom you can be compatible. Realize that you will not be able to anticipate every challenge which may arise, but be assured that almost anything can be worked out if you are resourceful and if you are committed to making your marriage work."
Some may be having a little too much fun taking extravagant vacations, buying expensive cars and toys and enjoying a carefree life with friends, he suggested. "I've encountered groups of you running around together, and I admit that I've wondered why you aren't out with fine young ladies."
President Monson said there is a point at which it is time to think seriously about marriage for eternity. "If you choose wisely, and if you are committed to the success of your marriage, there is nothing in this life which will bring you greater happiness."
He said for priesthood holders there should be no other option than marrying in the temple. "Be careful lest you destroy your eligibility to be so married."
President Monson expressed sadness at having to handle the cancellation of temple sealings, saying the vast majority of requests for such cancellations come "from women who desperately tried to make a go of the marriage, but who, in the final analysis, could not overcome the problems."
He counseled, "Choose a companion carefully and prayerfully; and when you are married, be fiercely loyal one to another."
To the male congregation, he said, "Your wife is your equal. In marriage, neither partner is superior nor inferior to the other. You walk side by side as a son and a daughter of God. She is not to be demeaned or insulted but should be respected and loved."
He urged any having difficulty in their marriages to do all they can to make whatever repairs are necessary that they may be as happy as when they started out in marriage. "I realize that there are situations where marriages cannot be saved, but I feel strongly that for the most part they can and should be. Do not let your marriage get to the point where it is in jeopardy."
