Since the priesthood is held by male members of the Church (women have other roles within the Church), the messages are usually pertaining to how men can be better husbands to their wives, fathers to their children, and priesthood holders to those around them. Tonight, I found these messages far more explicit. If you are a woman reading this, it may be somewhat inapplicable, but there should still be many things for you to enjoy.
In the world we live today, there is a lot to face. While we enjoy many freedoms in America, such as speech and religion, these freedoms are being challenged, and our standards are being attacked. So many political views, so many world events, I have difficulty knowing what to do or where to go. At times, it seems as though we are powerless to do much about our situation.
Tonight, the focus was on helping men to realize their duties as priesthood holders and, well, men, in spite of all the opposition we may face, even if that "opposition" is merely an ignorance of what our duties are.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson, an Apostle, warned that men are in desperate need to develop basic attributes of manhood, in particular courage, but also other traits such as physical prowess and a grasp of fundamental skills. Society as of late has put down the value of men, claiming that, as women may have careers, political offices, and essentially every opportunity men can have, men are good-for-nothing. Recently, women have been doing a better job at obtaining majors and not dropping out as well. Even in the media, adult men are usually portrayed as immature, idiotic and lazy. With all of these negative signals, men are almost excusing themselves, allowing a lack of drive and maturity to rule their lives.
But this cannot be the case. The world is in need of valiant, God-fearing men that are willing to accept their rightful place. We need to prove our worth to the women and children in our lives, as well as to our God.
How are we to fulfill our roles better? Many ideas from various speakers were given.
First and foremost, we must recognize that everything one does is an appendage of caring for his wife and children; for his family. Pres. Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency discussed in great detail the obligations we have to raise our children. As fathers, we can have a powerful influence in the growth of our sons and daughters. As we live the life of a worthy father, our sons will gain a desire to become a righteous husband and father himself, learning of bravery, hard work and dedication. As a father to our daughters, they will feel secure in knowing they are provided and cared for, and they can trust us to stand brave for the family, no matter the trials. While we are equal partners with our wife, the father has the unique role to lead the family in a lifestyle of righteous gospel living.
We must also let our children know they matter to us. We need to spend quality time with them. What is a good indicator of what makes an activity worthwhile? If they are interested in it; if they already have that interest, they will enjoy spending time with you, and their love and trust for you will grow. Perhaps most importantly, we need to let their everyday life become a part of our everyday life; what matters to them needs to matter to us.
Equally as important, if not more so, we must be good husbands to our wives. Pres. Thomas S. Monson, President of the Church, said it is a man's duty to strengthen her in their duties, to provide for her, to work with her in raising a righteous household. Let her know she is valued. Let her know she is the world to you. Tell her she is beautiful. They need to know all of these things. Women are wonderful angel sent from God, and we should treat them as such.
Second, we must perform our duties as priesthood holders. To hold the priesthood is to bear the power and authority of God; it is not something to be taken lightly. Each man who holds the priesthood has had hands laid on his hand by one who is in authority, and he was given this power through a sacred ordinance. The priesthood is the power that God created the universe with; it is the authority by which He governs and blesses our lives, and He has allowed us to bear a small degree of it to become more like Him and to serve others.
The central point of holding the priesthood is to bless the lives of others. We give blessings, hold positions within the Church, and perform ordinances through this authority. The Church is in need of righteous priesthood-bearers, and we cannot afford to be apathetic in such a great cause. All around are those that stand in need: widows, orphans, the sick, the poor, the needy, the spiritually starved, and those that have lost their way.
Pres. Monson shared an experience he had in selecting a branch president (an overseer of a small congregation). The man he interviewed was not worthy at the time to serve in that office. However, as Pres. Monson expressed their need for his service, he accepted the call to serve, and he began to set his life in order. He ended many bad habits and sinful behaviors so that he could serve the Lord. Pres. Monson could have picked a worthier person, but he did not see the man for who he was, but for who he could become.
Finally, we must be courageous. In a world where apathy and evil runs abound, the Lord needs those that are willing to fight for the cause of righteousness. Imagine if all the men would value their families as their highest priority, defending their well-being with all their might! The world could do nothing to such a force. There are many women and children that are waiting for strong men to stand for them, and we cannot let them be disappointed. We must be strong in a world that is fighting so viciously back at us.
This was a lot to digest for me, and I am going to take more time to think on it. I'm not a husband or father yet, but I hope to be in the foreseeable future. But this helped me to see how serious I need to be and how significant the man's role is in the family. Often we shine the spotlight on the woman's role, which is wonderful; they deserve all the credit we give them. But it is about time that we got a reminder of what exactly we are meant to be doing.
God will not leave us helpless. As we try our best, God will shape us into what we must become.
God bless y'all!
Patrick
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| You can view the broadcast here |
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