Youth Gems - 21 May 2009

Sacrament

"Young men who officiate in the ordinance of the sacrament should be worthy. The Lord has said: 'Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord' (D&C 38:42). The scriptural warning about partaking of the sacrament unworthily (see 1 Corinthians 11:29; 3 Nephi 18:29) surely applies also to those who officiate in that ordinance. In administering discipline to Church members who have committed serious sins, a bishop can temporarily withdraw the privilege of partaking of the sacrament. That same authority is surely available to withdraw the privilege of officiating in that sacred ordinance."

Dallin H. Oaks, "Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 20

Topics: Sacrament, Worthiness

Church History Gems - 11 May 2009

Spirit of God Like a Fire

"As we all stood a few moments ago and joined in singing 'The Spirit of God like a fire is burning' (Hymns, 1985, no. 2), I could visualize that beautiful little temple in Kirtland, Ohio, built by valiant Saints during their poverty and relentless persecution but sustained by their abundant faith in God. In my mind's eye I could see the temple filled with devout Saints awaiting the moment of dedication, and many gathered outside hoping to hear the inspired prayer of their prophet, for they knew 'the authority of God was upon him.' (Matthias Cowley, Wilford Woodruff: History of His Life and Labors, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1964, p. 68.) And then that moment of joy that must have filled their hearts as they joined in singing a new hymn, 'The Spirit of God Like a Fire Is Burning,' which was hastily scribbled on the back of an envelope by Brother Phelps, so as not to lose the spirit of heaven that he felt."

David B. Haight, "A Call to Serve," Ensign, Nov. 1988, 82

Topics: Worthiness

Daily Gems - 17 April 2009

Personal Worthiness to Use the Priesthood

"Will you consider that . . . you and I will have a private priesthood interview?

". . . Ponder your personal worthiness to use the sacred authority you hold. . . .

"Are your private, personal thoughts conducive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, or would they benefit from a thorough housecleaning? Do you nourish your mind with elevating material, or have you succumbed to the enticement of pornographic literature or Web sites? Do you scrupulously avoid the use of stimulants and substances that conflict with the intent of the Word of Wisdom, or have you made some personally rationalized exceptions? Are you most careful to control what enters your mind through your eyes and ears to ensure that it is wholesome and elevating?"

Richard G. Scott, "Honor the Priesthood and Use It Well," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 45

Topics: Worthiness

Daily Gems - 26 March 2009

Exercising Power of the Priesthood

"The conferring of authority [of the priesthood] alone does not of itself bestow the power of the office. The extent to which we can exercise the power of the priesthood depends upon personal worthiness, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and obedience to His commandments. When supported by a secure foundation of gospel knowledge, our capacity to worthily use the priesthood is greatly enhanced.

"The perfect role model for use of the holy priesthood is our Savior, Jesus Christ. He ministered with love, compassion, and charity. His life was a matchless example of humility and power. The greatest blessings from the use of the priesthood flow from humble service to others without thought of self. By following His example as a faithful, obedient priesthood bearer, we can access great power. When required, we can exercise the power of healing, of blessing, of consoling, and of counseling, as the quiet promptings of the Spirit are faithfully followed."

Richard G. Scott, "Honor the Priesthood and Use It Well," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 44–45

Topics: Faith, Worthiness

Young Single Adult Gems - 10 September 2008

The Finest Generation

"The world is full of naysayers who think that people your age have lost their way. I disagree. Let me say that I am very proud of you. I think you are the finest generation this Church has ever produced. Because of you, I have no fear concerning the future. You are ambitious. You are trustworthy. You are loyal to the Church and its principles. You have great confidence in one another. You work together with love and appreciation and respect one for another. You are faithful, and you are true."

Gordon B. Hinckley, "Be Not Afraid, Only Believe," CES Fireside for Young Adults, Sept. 9, 2001

Topics: Worthiness

Daily Gems - 4 August 2008

No One Calling Esteemed above Another

"There is a natural tendency to look at those who are sustained to presiding positions, to consider them to be higher and of more value in the Church or to their families than an ordinary member. Somehow we feel they are worth more to the Lord than are we. It just does not work that way!

"It would be very disappointing to my wife and to me if we supposed any one of our children would think that we think we are of more worth to the family or to the Church than they are, or to think that one calling in the Church was esteemed over another or that any calling would be thought to be less important."

Boyd K. Packer, "The Weak and the Simple of the Church," Ensign, Nov. 2007, 8

Topics: Worthiness

Youth Gems - 8 July 2008

How Can We Have Greater Wisdom and Withstand Trials Better?

"The prophets of our day have promised you, my friends, that as you keep the standards given in For the Strength of Youth and 'live by the truths in the scriptures, you will be able to do your life's work with greater wisdom and skill and bear trials with greater courage. You will have the help of the Holy Ghost. . . . You will be worthy to go to the temple to receive holy ordinances. These blessings and many more can be yours' (For the Strength of Youth, 2-3)."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "See the End from the Beginning," Ensign, May 2006, 44

Topics: Worthiness

Youth Gems - 8 May 2008

Righteous Character

"The process of identifying truth sometimes necessitates enormous effort coupled with profound faith in our Father and His glorified Son. God intended that it be so to forge your character. Worthy character will strengthen your capacity to respond obediently to the direction of the Spirit as you make vital decisions. Righteous character is what you are becoming. It is more important than what you own, what you have learned, or what goals you have accomplished. It allows you to be trusted. Righteous character provides the foundation of spiritual strength. It enables you in times of trial and testing to make difficult, extremely important decisions correctly even when they seem overpowering."

Richard G. Scott, "Truth: The Foundation of Correct Decisions," Ensign, Nov. 2007, 92

Topics: Worthiness, Righteousness

Daily Gems - 4 April 2008

Ability to Feel the Lord's Love Depends on our Actions

"As faithful [members] of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have been blessed with the Holy Ghost. As we invite the Savior into our lives, the Holy Ghost will bear witness to us of the love which the Father and His Son, our Savior, have for each of us. But feeling Their love is dependent not only on our desire but upon our actions as well. And the actions we need to take are known to us: genuine prayer that is specific and humble, followed by quiet listening for the Lord's answers; regular scripture study and time to ponder what we read; and, finally, a willingness to be introspective about ourselves and to trust in the Lord's promise that He will 'make weak things become strong unto [us]' (Ether 12:27)."

Kathleen H. Hughes, "Remembering the Lord's Love," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 112

Topics: Prayer, Love, Worthiness

Daily Gems - 17 December 2007

Ability to Feel the Lord's Love Depends on our Actions

"As faithful [members] of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have been blessed with the Holy Ghost. As we invite the Savior into our lives, the Holy Ghost will bear witness to us of the love which the Father and His Son, our Savior, have for each of us. But feeling Their love is dependent not only on our desire but upon our actions as well. And the actions we need to take are known to us: genuine prayer that is specific and humble, followed by quiet listening for the Lord's answers; regular scripture study and time to ponder what we read; and, finally, a willingness to be introspective about ourselves and to trust in the Lord's promise that He will 'make weak things become strong unto [us]' (Ether 12:27)."

Kathleen H. Hughes, "Remembering the Lord's Love," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 112

Topics: Holy Ghost, Worthiness

Daily Gems - 6 November 2007

Qualifying to Have the Spirit of the Lord with Us

"The scriptures repeatedly teach that the Spirit of the Lord will not dwell in an unclean tabernacle. When we worthily partake of the sacrament, we are promised that we will 'always have his Spirit to be with [us].' To qualify for that promise we covenant that we will 'always remember him' (D&C 20:77). Those who seek out and use pornography for sexual stimulation obviously violate that covenant. They also violate a sacred covenant to refrain from unholy and impure practices. They cannot have the Spirit of the Lord to be with them."

Dallin H. Oaks, "Pornography," Ensign, May 2005, 88

Topics: Worthiness, Consequences of Sin

Daily Gems - 24 September 2007

The Battle for the Souls of Men

"When armies are formed, battles are generally fought on vast battlefields. But this battle for souls is quite different. The conflict goes on each day in individual lives and pits the Lord's troops against Satan's forces of greed, selfishness, and lust. . . .

". . . The weapons of choice are not spears and swords wielded on a chaotic field of battle.

"Rather, the weapons of eternal worth reflecting the whole armor of God are truth, righteousness, faith, prayer, and the word of God (see Ephesians 6:13-18). These weapons are wielded in our minds, mouths, and movements. Every righteous thought, word, and deed is a victory for the Lord. . . .

"The stakes are extremely high. The prizes are the very souls of the sons and daughters of God, their eternal salvation. And these souls will be won or lost on the basis of virtue and cleanliness, on the basis of charity and service, and on the basis of faith and hope."

Robert C. Oaks, "Who's on the Lord's Side? Who?" Ensign, May 2005, 49-50

Topics: Worthiness

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 - 24 August 2007

Making Choices That Qualify Us for God's Blessings

"To become worthy, we make choices that will enable us to return to our Heavenly Father's presence. We do those things which will qualify us to claim all the blessings that He has in store for us. This is the reason we are here on the earth—'to see if [we] will do all things whatsoever the Lord . . . shall command' (Abraham 3:25). It is through our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that we can resist temptation (see Alma 37:33; 3 Nephi 7:18). Our faith will enable us to shun evil. It will be repulsive to us because 'light cleaveth unto light' and 'virtue loveth virtue' (see D&C 88:40).

"To become unspotted from the world requires not only faith but repentance and obedience. We must live the standards and do those things which will entitle us to the constant companionship and guidance of the Holy Ghost--for the Spirit cannot dwell in unholy temples (see Helaman 4:24)."

Elaine S. Dalton, "Look toward Eternity!" Ensign, Nov. 2006, 31

Topics: Worthiness, Plan of Salvation

Daily Gems - 15 June 2007

Being Worthy for Whatever Call We Receive

"Brethren, our task is to reach out to those who, for whatever reason, are in need of our help. Our challenge is not insurmountable. We are on the Lord's errand, and therefore we are entitled to the Lord's help. . . .

"Ours is the responsibility to so conduct our lives that when the call comes to provide a priesthood blessing or to assist in any way, we are worthy to do so. We have been told that truly we cannot escape the effect of our personal influence. We must be certain that our influence is positive and uplifting."

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

Topics: Priesthood Blessings, Worthiness

Youth Gems - 31 May 2007

How Can We Have Greater Wisdom and Withstand Trials Better?

"The prophets of our day have promised you, my friends, that as you keep the standards given in For the Strength of Youth and 'live by the truths in the scriptures, you will be able to do your life's work with greater wisdom and skill and bear trials with greater courage. You will have the help of the Holy Ghost. . . . You will be worthy to go to the temple to receive holy ordinances. These blessings and many more can be yours' (For the Strength of Youth, 2-3)."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "See the End from the Beginning," Ensign, May 2006, 44

Topics: Worthiness

Young Single Adult Gems - 11 April 2007

So Live that We Can Call upon the Lord for Protection

"Someone has said it was not raining when Noah built the ark. But he built it, and the rains came. . . .

"The primary preparation is . . . set forth in the Doctrine and Covenants, wherein it says, 'Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come' (D&C 87:8). . . .

"We can so live that we can call upon the Lord for His protection and guidance. This is a first priority. We cannot expect His help if we are unwilling to keep His commandments. We in this Church have evidence enough of the penalties of disobedience in the examples of both the Jaredite and the Nephite nations. Each went from glory to utter destruction because of wickedness.

"We know, of course, that the rain falls on the just as well as the unjust (see Matthew 5:45). But even though the just die they are not lost, but are saved through the Atonement of the Redeemer."

Gordon B. Hinckley, "If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear," Ensign, Nov. 2005, 62

Topics: Worthiness

Young Single Adult Gems - 2 March 2007

To the Youth of the Noble Birthright

"To the youth of the noble birthright, look into the windows of eternity! See yourselves in the Lord's holy temples. See yourselves living worthy and pure lives. Generations are depending on you! I testify that worthiness is possible because of the redeeming and enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I pray that it may be said of each one of us, 'They shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.' "

Elaine S. Dalton, "Look toward Eternity!," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 32

Topics: Worthiness