Mormon Life - Young Men tag

Top Teen Gospel Questions (And Their Answers)

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:06:00 -0700

by John Hilton III and Anthony Sweat
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Teenagers constantly ask questions about the gospel. Why does it matter what I wear? Why can’t I date until I’m 16? How can I tell the difference between my own thoughts and feelings and inspired ones from the Holy Ghost? Here are some helpful answers to address some of the “whys.”

As religious educators, we get questions from youth all the time. When we set out to write our books WHY? and HOW? our purpose was to try and answer these types of questions that we have heard teens most frequently ask us. In this article we’ll share what we believe are some of the top questions teens ask about the gospel (and, of course, some answers too!).

Why does it matter what I wear?

While in the Amazon jungle, Anthony went fishing for piranhas with a native guide. All it took was putting some raw meat on a hook and dropping it in the water, and within moments the piranhas

came. It was amazing to see the powerful attraction that the raw meat had to bring in the piranhas.

So what do piranhas, hooks, and raw meat have to do with hemlines, midriffs, and modesty? A statement from the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet provides the connection. It teaches, “The way you dress is a reflection of what you are on the inside. Your dress and grooming send messages about you to others.”

The parable of the piranha serves to illustrate this very important point: What you cast out is what you catch. It’s true for fishing, and it’s true for our dress standards. Just as the meat sent a message to the piranhas, our dress and appearance send messages as well. If you don’t want to be surrounded by piranhas, don’t toss meat into the Amazon. Similarly, casting out our flesh through immodesty usually only attracts people who are interested in our flesh, while dressing modestly tends to attract those who are similarly modest and virtuous. The scriptures teach, “intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth wisdom; truth embraceth truth; virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:40).

Why can’t I date until I’m 16?

The most powerful reason why one should wait until 16 to date has to do with being sexually pure. The earlier a teenager begins to date, the more likely they are to engage in pre-marital sexual intercourse.

Researchers have studied the connection between when youth began dating and if they remained sexually pure through high school. In one study, results indicated that youth are up to 300 percent more likely to become sexually active in high school if they begin dating at age 15 instead of age 16. An additional study found that 80 percent of LDS youth who reported dating before 16 had become sexually involved enough to require a bishop’s help for repentance.

Furthermore, most youth are not physically or emotionally stable enough to begin dating in their early teens. Just listen to the fluctuation in a 14-year-old boy’s voice for an immediate example. Young teens are still figuring themselves out. Research has shown that teen brain development goes through a wave of change—including the ability to correctly interpret other people’s emotions and the ability to forecast the future consequences of decisions—beginning at age 12 and not completing until later in their teens. The early teen years are unstable enough without adding the emotional complexities that come from being involved with dating the opposite sex.

What is wrong with having a steady boyfriend/girlfriend?

Latter-day Saint prophets have consistently talked about the importance of not steady dating in high school. President Gordon B. Hinckley flatly said to teens, “Do not get involved in steady dating.” President Spencer W. Kimball said, “Early dating increases temptation. A vicious, destructive social pattern of early steady dating must be changed . . . the change of this one pattern of social activities of our youth would immediately eliminate a majority of the sins of our young folks.”

One reason why steady dating should be avoided is because steady dating leads to steady temptation. The more time a boy and girl spend with each other, the more emotionally attached they will become. The more emotionally attached they become, the more they want to express those emotions physically. One study of LDS youth found that of those who reported having a serious boyfriend or girlfriend, 93 percent had been involved with making out with their boyfriend or girlfriend. Simply stated, it is much harder for a youth to stay sexually pure when they spend a lot of time with somebody they are strongly attracted to.

Another reason why steady dating in high school should be avoided is that it limits the opportunities teenagers have to meet and date a variety of people. For example, a girl who is seriously dating a boy will usually not be asked out by other boys because they perceive she is already “taken,” limiting the number of young men she can get to know. Although a teenager might say, “I don’t need to date other people because I really only like this one person,” dating other people and getting to know a wide range of people only helps confirm that is true so that later, when the time does come for serious courting and marriage, he or she will make a better informed decision.

How far can I go with someone of the opposite sex and not sin?

There are at least two ways to answer this question.

Answer #1: Modern LDS prophets have given this clear standard: “Before marriage, do not do anything to arouse the powerful emotions that must be expressed only in marriage. Do not participate in passionate kissing, lie on top of another person, or touch the private, sacred parts of another person’s body, with or without clothing. Do not allow anyone to do that with you.” That is pretty plain.

Answer #2: The question “how far can you go and still not sin” is a terrible question! That question says, “Okay, there is a line of sin and I want to go right up to that line but still not cross it.” The problem is,

the closer you get to the line, the harder it is to stop. President Henry B. Eyring said, “The question that really matters is this: ‘How can I learn to sense even the beginning of sin and so repent early?’”

The question shouldn’t be “How far can I go,” but rather, “What standard can I set for myself to make sure I never get close to the line of sin?”

How can I tell if it’s my own feelings or the Holy Ghost?

This is perhaps the most commonly asked question by older teens. One key to remember is that inspired thoughts are usually confirmed by inspired feelings. Doctrine and Covenants 8:2 teaches that the Holy Ghost tells us in our mind and our heart; there is a connection there. When ideas come to our mind that are accompanied by powerful feelings in our heart from the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22–23), then it is usually an indicator that what we are thinking is right. This powerful connection to the heart is an indicator of inspired thoughts.

Sometimes it’s hard to distinguish between our own thoughts and those of the Holy Ghost. Our advice is that if you get a feeling to do something good, do it! It is only as we follow and act on impressions that we will come to learn how to distinguish between our own thoughts and the Holy Ghost.

Elder Richard G. Scott said we should move forward with what the prompting is. He said, “Most often what we have chosen to do is right. He will confirm the correctness of our choices His way. . . . If, in trust, we begin something which is not right, He will let us know before we have gone too far. We sense that help by recognizing troubled or uneasy feelings.”

How can I know when I’ve been forgiven?

Even if we’ve repented, most of us still remember our mistakes and sins and sometimes feel guilt over wrong decisions in the past. Our teenage years are usually when most of us begin to make serious mistakes, and therefore have our first real experiences with repentance. Many youth wonder

how they can know if they’ve been forgiven after they repent. Here are a few keys:

We feel peace of mind: For the Strength of Youth puts it this way: “When you do what is necessary to receive forgiveness . . . you will feel the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

The sin has lost its appeal: When King Benjamin’s people were moved to repentance they said “we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.” (Mosiah 5:2). They had lost their desire to commit sin.

We enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and its fruits: President Henry B. Eyring taught, “Reception of the Holy Ghost is the cleansing agent as the Atonement purifies you. . . . That is a fact you can act on with confidence. . . . And when he is your companion, you can have confidence that the Atonement is working in your life.”

We are willing to forgive others: The Savior stated on multiple occasions that God will “forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us” (JST Matthew 6:13; see also D&C 64:10–11; Ephesians 4:32).

Although we know there are many more answers to these questions, the point is this: to most all gospel questions that youth have, there are good, logical, and doctrinal answers. We hope a few of these might help you as you answer the questions your teen asks of you.

Anthony Sweat and John Hilton III are professional religious educators for the LDS Church and regular speakers at Especially for Youth, Education Week, and Time Out for Women conferences. They are the co-authors of the best-selling books WHY? Powerful Answers and Practical Reasons for Living LDS Standards (click here to learn more) and HOW? Essential Skills for Living the Gospel (click here to learn more), as well as the WHY? DVD (click here to learn more), all published by Deseret Book.

Improved Site Helps Young Men Fulfill Their Duty to God

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:12:00 -0700

source: news.lds.org

The Duty to God website has been updated and is now an interactive online tool that more effectively helps young men create, track, and save their progress in the Duty to God program.

Young Men Lesson 7: "A Mighty Change of Heart"

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:04:00 -0700

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: "Consider the state of your changed heart. Do you detect any rejection setting in as a result of the tendency of the natural man to become casual?" - Dale G. Renlund

Discussion Questions

• What does it mean to have a mighty change of heart? (see Mosiah 3:19; 5:1–2).

• How does a mighty change of heart affect your actions or behavior?

Excerpt from "Preserving the Heart's Mighty Change" by Elder Dale G. Renlund, October 2009 General Conference:

In December 1967 the first successful heart transplant was performed in Cape Town, South Africa. The dying man’s diseased heart was removed, and a healthy heart from a deceased donor was sewn in its place. Since then, over 75,000 heart transplants have been performed worldwide.

In each heart transplant recipient, the patient’s own body recognizes the new, lifesaving heart as “foreign” and begins to attack it. Left unchecked, the body’s natural response will reject the new heart, and the recipient will die. Medicines can suppress this natural response, but the medications must be taken daily and with exactness. Furthermore, the condition of the new heart must be monitored. Occasional heart biopsies are performed wherein small pieces of heart tissue are removed and then examined under a microscope. When signs of rejection are found, medications are adjusted. If the rejection process is detected early enough, death can be averted.

Surprisingly, some patients become casual with their transplanted hearts. They skip their medicines here and there and obtain the needed follow-up less frequently than they should. They think that because they feel good, all is well. Too often this shortsighted attitude puts the patients at risk and shortens their lives.

A heart transplant can prolong life for years for people who would otherwise die from heart failure. But it is not “the ultimate operation,” as Time magazine called it in 1967. 1 The ultimate operation is not a physical but a spiritual “mighty change” of heart. 2

To read the full talk, click here.

{LDS How} Youth Can Share the Gospel

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:03:00 -0700

by Mandy Slack
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Teens are already self-conscious without adding the intimidation of trying to share the gospel. Want to learn a few simple steps for being a member missionary at your tender age? We're here to help.

I gave away a Book of Mormon for the first time in between science and history when I was in eighth grade. I’d like to say I did this just because I wanted to, but it was actually a requirement for Personal Progress. I chose to give the book to Heidi, my kindest and most religious friend (she went to church and a youth group every week). The creators of the Personal Progress program must have intended for me to make this a memorable, edifying experience, but, instead, I wrote a few lines in the cover of the book and handed it to Heidi during our passing period. I didn’t explain anything about the book, just said a few awkward words and went on to class. It wasn’t that I didn’t care, it was simply that sharing the gospel seemed scary to me.

While I doubt anybody out there is as awkward as I was (and probably still am), I imagine that some youth feel the same fear when they hear the word missionary coupled with the word work. We all know it’s something we need to do, but opening our mouths about the Church can seem daunting. Hopefully these ideas will help the fear dissipate and let the joy of missionary work kick in.

Share the gospel online

Admit it, you get on Facebook at least once a day. Why not share the gospel in between chatting with your friends and studying every picture of that cutie from your math class? Sharing the gospel through social media or other websites can be easy and unintimidating for you and your friends. The Church has made it easy to share the gospel online; all you have to do is click a button to get a video or article on your Facebook, Twitter, or blog. For more ideas of how to share the gospel online, check out these suggestions.

Invite your friends to activities

You may feel like it’s a big commitment to invite your friends who may not have been going to church their whole lives to sit through a three-hour, super spiritual meeting. That’s okay! Invite them to youth dances or fun mutual activities—these are still uplifting and a great way for them to get to know other Church members their age but not so churchy that either of you will have to feel awkward. All you’re doing is inviting a friend to hang out with you and some other friends. You can do that, right?

Invite your friends to your house more often

I realize this sounds super simple and not much like missionary work, but even if you don’t have the perfect family (no worries—none of us do!), your friends will probably feel something different at your house. They’ll start to wonder about little things your family does, like blessing the food or eating dinner together. They’ll notice how much the gospel is a part of your lives and may start asking questions about that picture of a white, many-spired building on the wall or a painting of Christ. Whenever there are non-LDS people around my family, I realize how much we talk about the Church and the gospel. This has led to some awesome missionary experiences for us.

Go out with the missionaries

Find out if the missionaries in your ward or stake are teaching youth and offer to go with them to a lesson. Their investigators will probably like to see that there are other youth interested in religion, and they’ll be more likely to come to church if they have a friend. You can let the missionaries know beforehand how much you want to speak. If you’re feeling a little insecure, you can just help answer a question or two (with an answer you’ve probably known since you were in Sunbeams). If you’re not so shy, this is also a great opportunity to share your testimony with someone who could really benefit from hearing it.

Wear a CTR ring or something else church related.

The majority of people that don’t belong to the Church probably have no clue what CTR stands for. If your ring is big enough, people will probably ask you about it once in awhile. In the commentary of “How to Share the Gospel,” an article featured on lds.org, one girl shares a missionary experience she had while wearing her Young Women medallion: someone asked her why she was wearing a necklace with the Disneyland Castle on it, and she had the opportunity to explain more about the “castle.”

Prepare answers for potential questions

You don’t have to be a gospel scholar to be a missionary, but it may help to make a list of questions your friends might ask, along with clear answers for each question. This will help you feel more confident when the Church comes up in conversation—you won’t have to hide behind your lunch and pretend you didn’t hear anything. For ideas of questions that your pals might have, read through these frequently asked questions at mormon.org/faq/.

Showing their light: Taking up challenge of the 2012 Mutual theme

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:45:00 -0700

source: ldschurchnews.com

Youth across the globe are meeting the challenge of the 2012 Mutual theme — "Arise and shine forth that thy light may be a standard for the nations" (Doctrine and Covenants 115:5) — by offering service to those in need. Such service also helps members of the Aaronic Priesthood realize the goals in the Duty to God Program.

Below are a few examples of young men and young women who are giving of themselves and "shining their light" to care for others.

Young Men Lesson 6: The Holy Ghost

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:01:00 -0700

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: "The spirit of revelation is real—and can and does function in our individual lives and in the Church." -David A. Bednar

Discussion Questions

• What can I do to receive daily promptings from the Holy Ghost?

• How can the Holy Ghost help me be morally clean and avoid temptations like pornography?

Excerpt from "The Spirit of Revelation" by Elder David A. Bednar, April 2011 General Conference:

I express gratitude for the inspiration that attended the selection of the hymn that will follow my remarks, “Have I Done Any Good?” (Hymns, no. 223). I get the hint.

I invite you to consider two experiences most of us have had with light.

The first experience occurred as we entered a dark room and turned on a light switch. Remember how in an instant a bright flood of illumination filled the room and caused the darkness to disappear. What previously had been unseen and uncertain became clear and recognizable. This experience was characterized by immediate and intense recognition of light.

The second experience took place as we watched night turn into morning. Do you recall the slow and almost imperceptible increase in light on the horizon? In contrast to turning on a light in a dark room, the light from the rising sun did not immediately burst forth. Rather, gradually and steadily the intensity of the light increased, and the darkness of night was replaced by the radiance of morning. Eventually, the sun did dawn over the skyline. But the visual evidence of the sun’s impending arrival was apparent hours before the sun actually appeared over the horizon. This experience was characterized by subtle and gradual discernment of light.

From these two ordinary experiences with light, we can learn much about the spirit of revelation.

To read the full talk, click here.

Young Men Lesson 5: Faith in Jesus Christ

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:04:00 -0700

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: "In a household of faith, there is no need to fear or doubt. Choose to live by faith and not fear." -Kevin W. Pearson

Discussion Questions

• How would you explain to someone what it means to exercise faith in Jesus Christ?

• What experiences have you had that have strengthened your faith in Christ?

Excerpt from "Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ" Elder Kevin W. Pearson, April 2009 General Conference:

I humbly invite the companionship of the Holy Ghost as we discuss a vital principle of the gospel: faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I acknowledge with deep appreciation and love great examples of true faith and faithfulness in my own life. To goodly parents, family, priesthood leaders, beloved missionaries, wonderful children, and a precious eternal companion, I express my deepest love and gratitude. I acknowledge my own need and desire for greater faith as a disciple and witness of Christ. There has never been a greater need for faith in my own life than now.

As parents, we have been commanded to teach our children “to understand the doctrine of … faith in Christ the Son of the living God” (D&C 68:25). This requires more than merely recognizing faith as a gospel principle. “To have faith is to have confidence in something or someone” (Bible Dictionary, “Faith,” 669). True faith must be centered in Jesus Christ. “Faith is a principle of action and of power” (Bible Dictionary, 670). It requires us to do, not merely to believe. Faith is a spiritual gift from God that comes through the Holy Ghost. It requires a correct understanding and knowledge of Jesus Christ, His divine attributes and perfect character, His teachings, Atonement, Resurrection, and priesthood power. Obedience to these principles develops complete trust in Him and His ordained servants and assurance of His promised blessings.

There is no other thing in which we can have absolute assurance. There is no other foundation in life that can bring the same peace, joy, and hope. In uncertain and difficult times, faith is truly a spiritual gift worthy of our utmost efforts. We can give our children education, lessons, athletics, the arts, and material possessions, but if we do not give them faith in Christ, we have given little.

“Faith is kindled by hearing the testimony of those who have faith” (Bible Dictionary, 669; see also Romans 10:14–17). Do your children know that you know? Do they see and feel your conviction? “Strong faith is developed by obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ” (Bible Dictionary, 669).

To read the full talk, click here.

Young Men Lesson 4: Gathering Fast Offerings

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:03:00 -0700

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: "The Lord’s admonition that we are stewards for those in need contains some of the strongest language in all of scripture. . . .We are accountable as stewards over earthly blessings, which the Lord has provided." -Quentin L. Cook

Discussion Questions

• What can you do to properly represent Heavenly Father and the Savior as you gather fast offerings? (see 2 Corinthians 9:7).

• Why is it important to have a good attitude about gathering fast offerings?

Excerpt from "Stewardship - A Sacred Trust" Elder Quentin L. Cook, October 2009 General Conference:

We live in perilous times when many believe we are not accountable to God and that we do not have personal responsibility or stewardship for ourselves or others. Many in the world are focused on self-gratification, put themselves first, and love pleasure more than they love righteousness. They do not believe they are their brother’s keeper. In the Church, however, we believe that these stewardships are a sacred trust.

Recently a group of highly respected Jewish leaders and rabbis visited Church facilities in the Salt Lake Valley, including Welfare Square, the Humanitarian Center, the Family History Library, and the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple open house. At the conclusion of their visit, one of the most eminent rabbis in America expressed his feelings about what he had seen and felt. 1

He cited concepts from Jewish thinkers rooted in the Talmud 2 and pointed out that there are two very different reasons people engage in acts of kindness and generosity. Some people visit the sick, assist the poor, and serve their fellowmen because they believe it is the right thing to do and others will reciprocate and do the same for them when they are in need. He explained that while this is good, builds caring communities, and should be considered a noble reason, a higher motive is when we serve our fellowmen because that is what we believe God wants us to do.

He stated that as a result of his visit, he believed the Latter-day Saints undertake welfare and humanitarian efforts and the work of salvation in our temples in order to do what we believe God wants us to do.

To read the full talk, click here.

Teaching Modesty: A YM Leader’s Perspective

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:50:00 -0700

source: feministmormonhousewives.org

Mormon Life says: I like this quote from the article: "Young people are going to make mistakes, and it is the responsibility of adults to act like adults and not do the Full Freakout when the kids occasionally get it wrong, as they inevitably will." For most of my adult life, I’ve had callings in the Young Men’s organization. Scouts, church sports, campouts, EFY, youth conference, you name it, I’ve been there and done that, and I have the scars to prove it. Young men struggle in many ways, including in the way they dress, but we usually don’t think of them as being immodest.

Arise and shine forth: 2012 Mutual theme is 'a call to leadership'

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:45:00 -0700

source: ldschurchnews.com

The 2012 Mutual theme is a call to leadership, said Sister Elaine S. Dalton, Young Women general president.

The theme — "Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations" (Doctrine and Covenants 115:5) — comes from a revelation given through the Prophet Joseph Smith at Far West, Mo., in 1838.

Young Men Lesson 3: Administering the Sacrament

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:03:00 -0700

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: "You have seen . . . great priesthood servants. . . . It begins with their learning to know whose service they are in and for what purpose." - Henry B. Eyring

Discussion Questions

• How are ward members blessed when you administer the sacrament with reverence?

• How should the sacred trust of performing priesthood ordinances affect your actions during the rest of the week?

Excerpt from "Act in All Diligence" President Henry B. Eyring, April 2010 General Conference:

Brethren, I am grateful to be with you tonight. And I am humbled by what I know of your faithful priesthood service. I speak to you tonight of diligence in the Lord’s service. Recent experiences led me to that choice.

One was my careful study of the remarkable new booklet for the Aaronic Priesthood, about which Brother David L. Beck spoke. It is entitled Fulfilling My Duty to God. As I read and pondered what it expects young men to do and to become, I realized that it was describing what President Brigham Young promised to the priesthood holder who is diligent over a lifetime: “An individual who holds a share in the Priesthood, and continues faithful to his calling, who delights himself continually in doing the things God requires at his hands, and continues through life in the performance of every duty will secure to himself not only the privilege of receiving, but the knowledge [of] how to receive the things of God, that he may know the mind of God continually.” 1

Just a few weeks ago, I saw a new deacon start on that path of diligence. His father showed me a diagram his son had created that showed every row in their chapel, a number for each deacon who would be assigned to pass the sacrament, and their route through the chapel to serve the sacrament to the members. The father and I smiled to think that a boy, without being asked to do it, would make a plan to be sure he would succeed in his priesthood service.

I recognized in his diligence the pattern from the new Duty to God booklet. It is to learn what the Lord expects of you, make a plan to do it, act on your plan with diligence, and then share with others how your experience changed you and blessed others.

The deacon made that diagram to be sure that he would be able to do what the Lord had called him to do. At the start of his priesthood service, the Lord was teaching him to delight in continually “doing the things God requires at his hands.” 2

To read the full talk, click here.

Strengthen Thy Brethren

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:02:00 -0700

source: lds.org

Media for 2012 Mutual Theme

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 13:03:00 -0700

source: ldsmediatalk.com

Media is now available online for the Young Women and Aaronic Priesthood Young Men in support of the 2012 Mutual theme “Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations” (D&C 115:5).

The 2012 media includes 19 videos featuring stories of youth around the world, messages from youth leaders, and a music video.

Young Men Lesson 2: The Calling of a Deacon

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:04:00 -0700

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: "The Lord wants every Aaronic Priesthood holder to invite all to come unto Christ—beginning with his own family." -Larry M. Gibson

Discussion Questions

• How does your attitude about an assignment from the bishop or quorum president affect how you fulfill it? (see D&C 107:99).

• (For teachers and priests.) What can you do to help the deacons in your ward or branch understand the importance of the Aaronic Priesthood and the significance of their callings as deacons?

Excerpt from "Sacred Keys of the Aaronic Priesthood" Brother Larry M. Gibson, April 2011 General Conference:

One of my sons, at age 12, decided to raise rabbits. We built cages and acquired one large male and two female rabbits from a neighbor. I had no idea what we were getting into. In a very short time, our shed was bursting with bunnies. Now that my son is grown, I must confess my amazement at how they were controlled—a neighbor’s dog occasionally got into the shed and thinned out the herd.

But my heart was touched as I saw my son and his brothers watch over and protect those rabbits. And now, as husbands and fathers, they are worthy priesthood holders who love, strengthen, and watch over their own families.

My feelings are tender as I observe you young men of the Aaronic Priesthood watching over, supporting, and strengthening those around you, including your families, members of your quorum, and many others. How I love you.

Recently I watched as a 13-year-old young man was set apart as deacons quorum president. Afterward the bishop shook his hand and addressed him as “president,” explaining to the quorum members that he “addressed him as president to emphasize the sacredness of his calling. The deacons quorum president is one of only four people in the ward who hold keys of presidency. With those keys, he, with his counselors, will lead the quorum under the inspiration of the Lord.” This bishop understood the power of a presidency led by a president who holds and exercises sacred priesthood keys. (See D&C 124:142–43.)

Later I asked this young man if he was ready to preside over this great quorum. His response was: “I’m nervous. I don’t know what a deacons quorum president does. Can you tell me?”

To read the full talk, click here.

Online Resource Guides for YM/YW Lessons

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 10:43:00 -0700

source: ldsmediatalk.com

If you teach Young Women or Aaronic Priesthood lessons, you may know that the manuals are available on LDS.org. The Church also publishes a Resource Guide each year that supplements the lessons by providing additional discussion questions, as well as words of the prophets from recent General Conference talks, media suggestions, and links to Personal Progress and Duty to God.

Young Men Lesson 1: The Priesthood

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:02:00 -0700

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: "The priesthood does not have the strength that it should have and will not have until the power of the priesthood is firmly fixed in the families." -Boyd K. Packer

Note: This is the first Young Men's lesson for 2012. We are posting this additional material early so teachers and students can prepare as they wish.

Discussion Questions

• How would you explain to a friend what the priesthood is?

• How can fulfilling your duties as a priesthood holder strengthen your testimony? How can it strengthen your family?

Excerpt from "The Power of the Priesthood," President Boyd K. Packer, April 2010 General Conference:

I speak to the fathers of the families and to families everywhere in the Church.

Years ago we began correlation under the direction of President Harold B. Lee. At that time President Thomas S. Monson said: “Today, we are encamped against the greatest array of sin, vice, and evil ever assembled before our eyes. … The battle plan whereby we fight to save the souls of men is not our own. It [came through] the inspiration and revelation of the Lord.” 1

During those years of correlation, the whole operating face of the Church was changed. The entire curriculum was restructured. The objectives and relationships of the organizations one to another were redefined. The key word during those years of correlation and restructuring was priesthood.

President Monson also spoke of Gideon, a hero in the Old Testament. Gideon was chosen to lead the armies of Israel, thousands strong. But of them all, he chose only 300 men.

Gideon had an interesting way of selecting his recruits. When the men drank water at a stream, most “bowed down … to drink.” Those he passed over. A few scooped up water in their hands and drank, remaining completely alert. They were the ones chosen. 2

We live in a day of “wars [and] rumors of wars, and earthquakes in divers places.” 3 As prophesied, “the whole earth [is] in commotion” 4 and “Satan is abroad in the land.” 5 He seeks to destroy all that is good and righteous. 6 He is Lucifer, who was cast out of the presence of God. 7 Against all of that, we have very positive feelings about what lies ahead.

To read the full talk, click here.

Young Men Lesson 49: We Have a Wonderful Legacy

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:03:00 -0700

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: "If you can understand [the early Saints] so long-suffering, so tolerant, so forgiving, so Christian after what they had suffered, you will have unlocked the key to what a Latter-day Saint is." -Boyd K. Packer

Discussion Questions

• What specific blessings have you received because the gospel is on the earth today?

• What are you doing now that will help your family have a good reputation?

• What do you want your future children and grandchildren to remember about you?

Excerpt from "The Test," by President Boyd K. Packer, October 2008 General Conference:

It is my purpose to show that in troubled times the Lord has always prepared a safe way ahead. We live in those “perilous times” which the Apostle Paul prophesied would come in the last days. 1 If we are to be safe individually, as families, and secure as a church, it will be through “obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.” 2

On July 24, 1849, the Saints had been in the valley two years to the day. They finally were free from years of mobbing and persecution. That called for a great celebration.

Just a few years earlier under dreadful conditions, the Prophet Joseph Smith suffered in Liberty Jail for months while the mobs drove the Saints from their homes. The words liberty and jail do not fit together very well.

Joseph called out:

“O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?

“How long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people and of thy servants, and thine ear be penetrated with their cries?” 3

To read the full talk, click here.

Young Men Lesson 48: Preparing to Serve through Education

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:04:00 -0700

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: "Let us not devote our God-given talents and energies solely to setting earthly anchors, but rather let us spend our days growing spiritual wings." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Discussion Questions

    • Why should you continue learning, even if you have a job?
    • What are some vocations that are related to your goals, interests, and talents?
    • What can you do now to prepare for a vocation that will allow you to provide for your family?

Excerpt from "Two Principles for Any Economy," by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, October 2009 General Conference:

In our travels visiting Church members throughout the world and by means of established priesthood channels, we receive firsthand feedback on the conditions and challenges of our members. For years many of our members have been affected by worldwide disasters, both natural and man-made. We also understand that families have had to tighten their belts and are concerned about enduring these challenging times.

Brethren, we do feel very close to you. We love you, and we pray always for you. I have seen enough ups and downs throughout my life to know that winter will surely give way to the warmth and hope of a new spring. I am optimistic about the future. Brethren, for our part, we must remain steadfast in hope, work with all our strength, and trust in God.

Lately I have been thinking of a time in my life when the weight of worry and concern over an uncertain future seemed ever present. I was 11 years old and living with my family in the attic of a farmhouse near Frankfurt, Germany. We were refugees for the second time in a period of only a few years, and we were struggling to establish ourselves in a new place far away from our previous home. I could say that we were poor, but that would be an understatement. We all slept in one room that was so tiny there was scarcely space to walk around the beds. In the other small room, we had a few pieces of modest furniture and a stove that Mother used to cook meals on. To get from one room to the other, we had to pass through a storage area where the farmer kept his equipment and tools, along with assorted meats and sausages hanging from the rafters. The aroma always made me very hungry. We had no bathroom, but we did have an outhouse—down the stairs and some 50 feet (15 m) away, though it seemed much farther during wintertime.

Because I was a refugee and because of my East German accent, other children often made fun of me and called me names that deeply hurt. Of all the times of my youth, I believe this may have been the most discouraging.

To read the rest of this talk, click here.

Young Men Lesson 47: Honesty

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:03:00 -0700

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: "When we are true to the sacred principles of honesty and integrity, we are true to our faith, and we are true to ourselves." - Richard C. Edgley

Discussion Questions
• What are some of the consequences of dishonesty?
• What are some things you can do to overcome temptations to be dishonest?

Excerpt from "Three Towels and a 25-Cent Newspaper," by Elder Richard C. Edgley, October 2006 General Conference:

In front of this vast worldwide audience and with some reservation, I make a personal confession. I do this as an introduction to a subject that has weighed heavily on my mind for some time. In 1955, after my freshman year of college, I spent the summer working at the newly opened Jackson Lake Lodge, located in Moran, Wyoming. My mode of transportation was a 14-year-old 1941 Hudson automobile that should have received its burial 10 years earlier. Among the car’s other identifying traits, the floorboards had rusted so badly that, if not for a piece of plywood, I could have literally dragged my feet on the highway. The positive is that unlike most 14-year-old cars in this time period, it used no oil—lots of water in the radiator, but no oil. I could never figure out where the water went and why the oil continually got thinner and thinner and clearer and clearer.

In preparation for the 185-mile (298-km) drive home at the end of the summer, I took the car to the only mechanic in Moran. After a quick analysis, the mechanic explained that the engine block was cracked and was leaking water into the oil. That explained the water and oil mystery. I wondered if I could get the water to leak into the gas tank; I would get better gasoline mileage.

Now the confession: after the miracle of arriving home, my father came out and happily greeted me. After a hug and a few pleasantries, he looked into the backseat of the car and saw three Jackson Lake Lodge towels—the kind you cannot buy. With a disappointed look he merely said, “I expected more of you.” I hadn’t thought that what I had done was all that wrong. To me these towels were but a symbol of a full summer’s work at a luxury hotel, a rite of passage. Nevertheless, by taking them I felt I had lost the trust and confidence of my father, and I was devastated.

To read the rest of this talk, click here.

Young Men Lesson 46: Effective Home Teaching

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:04:00 -0700

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: "A feeling of responsibility for others is at the heart of faithful priesthood service." -Henry B. Eyring Discussion Questions
    • What are your responsibilities as a home teacher?
    • As an Aaronic Priesthood holder, how can you strengthen the families you home teach?
    • How have you been strengthened by home teaching?

Excerpt from "Man Down!," by President Henry B. Eyring, April 2009 General Conference:

I am grateful for the honor and the blessing of speaking to the priesthood of God. My purpose tonight is to help you to be brave and bold in your priesthood service.

You will need bravery and you will need boldness because you are enlisted in the Lord’s army in the last dispensation. This is not a time of peace. That has been so since Satan arrayed his forces against our Heavenly Father’s plan in the premortal existence. We don’t know the details of the combat then. But we know one result. Satan and his followers were cast down into the earth. And since the creation of Adam and Eve, the conflict has continued. We have seen it intensify. And the scriptures suggest that the war will become more violent and the spiritual casualties on the Lord’s side will mount.

Almost all of us have seen a battlefield portrayed in a film or read the description in a story. Over the din of explosions and the shouts of soldiers, there comes a cry, “Man down!”

When that cry sounds, faithful fellow soldiers will move toward the sound. Another soldier or a medic will ignore danger and move to the injured comrade. And the man down will know that help will come. Whatever the risk, someone will run low or crawl to get there in time to protect and give aid. That is true in every band of men joined in a difficult and dangerous mission which they are determined to fulfill at any sacrifice. The histories of such groups are full of stories of those loyal men who were determined that no man would be left behind.

To read the rest of this talk, click here.