Young Single Adult Gems - 13 May 2009

You Are Responsible for Your Choices

"Strangely, doing the wrong thing often seems reasonable, possibly because it seems to be the easiest course. We often hear as a justification for wrong behavior, 'Well, everybody is doing it.' This evil distorts the truth, and its author is Satan. As Nephi tells us, 'Thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell' (2 Nephi 28:21).

"No matter how many people in our society are involved, none are justified in being dishonest, lying, cheating, using profanity, especially taking the Lord's name in vain, engaging in immoral sexual relationships, or not respecting the Lord's day.

"Other people's actions do not dictate what is right or wrong. One person having the courage to make the right choice can influence many others to also choose wisely. I wish to endorse what is stated in the pamphlet For the Strength of Youth:

" 'You are responsible for the choices you make. You should not blame your circumstances, your family, or your friends if you choose to disobey God's commandments. You are a child of God with great strength. You have the ability to choose righteousness and happiness, no matter what your circumstances' (For the Strength of Youth [2001], 5)."

James E. Faust, "Choices," Ensign, May 2004, 53

Topics: Duty

Daily Gems - 11 May 2009

Fulfilling Priesthood Responsibility

"Each priesthood holder . . . has a calling to serve, to put forth his best efforts in the work assigned to him. No assignment is menial in the work of the Lord, for each has eternal consequences. President John Taylor warned us, 'If you do not magnify your callings, God will hold you responsible for those whom you might have saved had you done your duty' ('Discourse,' Deseret News, Aug. 7, 1878, 2). And who of us can afford to be responsible for the delay of eternal life of a human soul? If great joy is the reward of saving one soul, then how terrible must be the remorse of those whose timid efforts have allowed a child of God to go unwarned or unaided so that he has to wait till a dependable servant of God comes along.

"The old adage is ever true: 'Do your duty, that is best; leave unto the Lord the rest.'

"Most service given by priesthood holders is accomplished quietly, without fanfare. A friendly smile, a warm handclasp, a sincere testimony of truth can literally lift lives, change human nature, and save precious souls."

Thomas S. Monson, "To Learn, to Do, to Be," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 62

Topics: Duty, Church Callings

Daily Gems - 21 April 2009

Qualifying for the Lord's Blessing

"We have the hands to lift others from complacency and inactivity. We have the hearts to serve faithfully in our priesthood callings and thereby inspire others to walk on higher ground and to avoid the swamps of sin which threaten to engulf so many. The worth of souls is indeed great in the sight of God. Ours is the precious privilege, armed with this knowledge, to make a difference in the lives of others. The words found in Ezekiel could well pertain to all of us who follow the Savior in this sacred work:

" 'A new heart . . . will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you. . . .

" 'And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

" 'And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God' (Ezekiel 36:26–28).

"How might we merit this promise? What will qualify us to receive this blessing? Is there a guide to follow?

"May I suggest three imperatives for our consideration. They apply to the deacon as well as to the high priest. They are within our reach. A kind Heavenly Father will help us in our quest.

"First, learn what we should learn.

"Second, do what we should do.

"And third, be what we should be."

Thomas S. Monson, "To Learn, to Do, to Be," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 61

Topics: Duty, Individual Worth

Daily Gems - 24 March 2009

Women's Specific Assignments

"Just as the Savior invited Mary and Martha of New Testament times to participate in His work, women of this dispensation have an official commission to participate in the Lord's work. . . . The organization of Relief Society in 1842 mobilized the collective power of the women and their specific assignments to build the Lord's kingdom, just as the organization of priesthood quorums gave men specific responsibilities. . . .

"Through Relief Society, women have an official role in the Church with great responsibilities, 'including working in the temple and teaching the gospel' (Dallin H. Oaks, 'The Priesthood and the Auxiliaries,' Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Jan. 10, 2004, 17). Further, Relief Society is to help women 'plant and make grow . . . a testimony of [Jesus] Christ and of the Gospel' (The First Presidency, 'Memorandum of Suggestions,' Mar. 29, 1940, 2), 'strengthen the family and the home' (Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Jan. 10, 2004, 17), and 'attend to all family duties' (D&C 20:47)."

Julie B. Beck, "Fulfilling the Purpose of Relief Society," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 108–9

Topics: Duty, Womanhood, Relief Society

Daily Gems - 23 March 2009

United as Priesthood Holders

"As I speak to you tonight, truly you are a royal priesthood, assembled in many places but in unity. In all likelihood this is the largest assemblage of priesthood holders ever to come together. Your devotion to your sacred callings is inspiring. Your desire to learn your duty is evident. The purity of your souls brings heaven closer to you and your families."

Thomas S. Monson, "To Learn, to Do, to Be," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 60

Topics: Unity, Duty

Daily Gems - 27 October 2008

Thinking, Feeling, and Acting as Missionaries Do

"If we want to understand and help our missionaries, we must have faith as missionaries have faith, we must think as missionaries think, and we must feel as missionaries feel. How can we achieve that?

"One important way, of course, is to be with the missionaries and see them do what they do. But another way for us is to get acquainted with Preach My Gospel and learn more about missionary work. Ever since President McKay said, 'Every member a missionary' (in Conference Report, Apr. 1959, 122), members have been striving to become more active in sharing the gospel. With Preach My Gospel, we have a marvelous guide to better help us act upon this invitation. Our own study of Preach My Gospel will not only help us to develop a greater understanding and appreciation for our missionaries, but it will help us in our own day to day life."

Erich W. Kopischke, "Preach My Gospel--the Unifying Tool between Members and Missionaries," Ensign, Nov. 2007, 33

Topics: Duty

Daily Gems - 2 April 2008

Learning and Fulfilling Our Duties

"Each of us has duties associated with the sacred priesthood which we bear. Whether we bear the Aaronic or the Melchizedek Priesthood, much is expected of each of us. The Lord Himself summed up our responsibility when He, in the revelation on the priesthood, urged, 'Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence' (D&C 107:99)."

Thomas S. Monson, "True to Our Priesthood Trust," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 56

Topics: Duty, Aaronic Priesthood, Melchizedek Priesthood

Daily Gems - 28 November 2007

Learning and Magnifying Your Calling

"The call of duty can come quietly as we who hold the priesthood respond to the assignments we receive. President George Albert Smith, that modest yet effective leader and eighth President of the Church, declared, 'It is your duty first of all to learn what the Lord wants and then by the power and strength of His holy Priesthood to magnify your calling in the presence of your fellows in such a way that the people will be glad to follow you' (in Conference Report, Apr. 1942, 14)."

Thomas S. Monson, "True to Our Priesthood Trust," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 58

Topics: Duty, Aaronic Priesthood, Melchizedek Priesthood

Daily Gems - 12 November 2007

Learning and Fulfilling Our Duties

"Each of us has duties associated with the sacred priesthood which we bear. Whether we bear the Aaronic or the Melchizedek Priesthood, much is expected of each of us. The Lord Himself summed up our responsibility when He, in the revelation on the priesthood, urged,

'Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence' (D&C 107:99)."

Thomas S. Monson, "True to Our Priesthood Trust," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 56

Topics: Duty, Aaronic Priesthood, Melchizedek Priesthood

Daily Gems - 14 September 2007

What the Lord Expects of Us

"What does the Lord expect us to do? He expects us to play our part in the final scenes prior to His coming. He expects us to prove ourselves worthy to return and live with Him. He expects us to become like Him. . . .

"Each of you has a part to play in this great and marvelous work. The Savior will help you. He will lead you by the hand (see D&C 112:10; Abraham 1:18)."

Elaine S. Dalton, "He Knows You by Name," Ensign, May 2005, 110-11

Topics: Duty, Second Coming

Daily Gems - 27 August 2007

In the Footsteps of the Master

"Time marches on. Duty keeps cadence with that march. Duty does not dim nor diminish. Catastrophic conflicts come and go, but the war waged for the souls of men continues without abatement. Like a clarion call comes the word of the Lord to you and to me, and to priesthood holders everywhere. I reiterate that word: 'Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence' (D&C 107:99).

"Brethren, let us learn our duties. Let us ever be worthy to perform those duties and, in so doing, follow in the footsteps of the Master. When to Him came the call of duty, He answered, 'Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever' (Moses 4:2). May we do likewise."

Thomas S. Monson, "True to Our Priesthood Trust," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 59

Topics: Worthiness, Duty

Daily Gems - 7 June 2007

Being Strong Ensures Happiness Here and Hereafter

"Our duty as Latter-day Saints is to prepare ourselves, this earth, and its inhabitants for the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Being prepared and being strong as the gospel teaches ensure happiness here and hereafter and make this 'grand millennial mission' possible."

Keith B. McMullin, "Be Prepared . . . Be Ye Strong from Henceforth," Ensign, Nov. 2005, 12

Topics: Second Coming, Duty

Daily Gems - 31 May 2007

Learn and Do the Duties of Your Calling

"How does one magnify a calling? Simply by performing the service that pertains to it. An elder magnifies the ordained calling of an elder by learning what his duties as an elder are and then by doing them. As with an elder, so with a deacon, a teacher, a priest, a bishop, and each who holds office in the priesthood. . . .

"It is in doing—not just dreaming—that lives are blessed, others are guided, and souls are saved. 'Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves,' (James 1:22) counseled James.

"May all within the sound of my voice make a renewed effort to qualify for the Lord's guidance in our lives. There are many who plead and pray for help. There are those who are discouraged and in need of a helping hand."

Thomas S. Monson, "Do Your Duty—That Is Best," Ensign, Nov. 2005, 59

Topics: Duty

Daily Gems - 20 February 2007

Coming to an Understanding with Ourselves

"President David O. McKay counseled: ' "The greatest battle of life is fought within the silent chambers of your own soul.". . . It is a good thing to sit down and commune with yourself, to come to an understanding with yourself and decide in that silent moment what your duty is to your family, to your Church, to your country, and . . . to your fellowmen' (in Conference Report, Apr. 1967, 84-85)."

Thomas S. Monson, "Choose You This Day," Ensign, Nov. 2004, 68

Topics: Duty