2013
Five Ways to Follow the Counsel of Priesthood Leaders
June 2013


“Five Ways to Follow the Counsel of Priesthood Leaders,” New Era, June 2013, 38–39

Five Ways to Follow the Counsel of Priesthood Leaders

The Lord spoke to His disciples and taught the people in His day. Today He continues to do so.

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man at pulpit

Photo illustration by Steve Bunderson, may not be copied

Although the Savior isn’t physically among us, He calls members of His Church to lead and guide us, and He asks us to follow their counsel as they receive it through the Holy Spirit.

Who can receive revelation that applies to me?

Revelation can come to you personally through the Spirit, and it can also come through priesthood leaders set apart for specific callings to help them receive guidance for those entrusted to their care.

The prophet receives revelation for the entire Church; your Area Presidency receives it for your area; your stake president for your stake; and your bishop for your ward. Revelation comes to these individuals in their callings, but it all comes from the same source: Heavenly Father.

What does it mean to sustain our leaders?

Raising our right arm to the square when we sustain people is a physical demonstration that we promise to honor, respect, and support them as they seek to magnify their callings. Following the counsel of our leaders is one way we can sustain them. Leaders have wisdom and perspective, and their instruction is meant to help us live the gospel. By being obedient to their counsel, we will increase in faith and strengthen our testimony.

Here are five ways you can follow the counsel of your priesthood leaders:

  1. Attend general, stake, and ward conferences. You might want to bring paper and a pen to take notes. As you listen to your priesthood leaders, write down any impressions you feel, things you should do, or changes you should make in your life. Make sure to take notes when they speak to you in other Church meetings or interviews as well.

  2. Pray to receive a testimony of the counsel they give. The Holy Ghost can testify to you that the counsel given is Heavenly Father’s will.

  3. Make specific plans on how you will incorporate the counsel into your life. For example, prophets have counseled members of the Church to get an education. What are your plans? Will you go to college or a vocational school? What will you study? When will you go? What are you doing now to prepare so you’re accepted into the program you desire?

  4. Keep yourself informed. Learn the current counsel of Church leaders by reading Church materials. For the Strength of Youth is a great resource. The New Era, Ensign, and LDS.org contain the words of the prophets and apostles. If your ward or branch has a newsletter, read any messages given by your local priesthood leaders. Most important, review what leaders have said in recent general conferences.

  5. Start right away. Sometimes we can be tempted to delay following the counsel of our leaders. After you make specific plans to incorporate that counsel, act immediately.

Sunday Lessons

This Month’s Topic: Priesthood and Priesthood Keys

Far right: photo illustration by Eldon Linschoten