“Messages for You,” New Era, May 2018
Messages for You
Leaders from the Young Women and Young Men organizations spoke in general conference. Here are some of their messages.
What Every Aaronic Priesthood Holder Needs to Understand
“In much the same way that angels are authorized messengers sent by God to declare His word and thereby build faith, we who hold the Aaronic Priesthood have been ordained to ‘teach, and invite all to come unto Christ’ [D&C 20:59].
“Young men, … through your words and actions, you can bring faith in Christ to the hearts of God’s children. …
“Increased faith in Christ always leads to a desire to change or repent. …
“As you study your Aaronic Priesthood duties, you will see a clear charge to invite others to repent and improve. That does not mean we stand on a street corner shouting, ‘Repent ye!’ More often, it means that we repent, we forgive, and as we minister to others, we offer the hope and peace that repentance brings—because we have experienced it ourselves. …
“… The Aaronic Priesthood ordinances of baptism and the sacrament witness and complete our repentance for a remission of sins. …
“… The Aaronic Priesthood, with the keys of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel, prepares the way for God’s children to receive, through the Melchizedek Priesthood, the gift of the Holy Ghost, the greatest gift we can receive in this life. …
“Young men, God has a work for you to do. Your Aaronic Priesthood ordination is central to helping His children receive Christ’s atoning power. I promise as you put these sacred duties at the center of your life, you will feel the power of God as never before. You will understand your identity as a son of God, called with a holy calling to do His work. And, like John the Baptist, you will help prepare the way for the coming of His Son.”
Douglas D. Holmes, First Counselor in the Young Men General Presidency
“Dad looked me in the eyes and said, ‘You have strong hands, son. I hope your hands always have the strength to never touch a young lady inappropriately.’”
Devin G. Durrant, First Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency
Young Women in the Work
“The young women of the Church … are equally needed and essential in accomplishing the work of the Lord in their families and in His Church. …
“… Each person has something important to contribute and has unique talents and abilities that help move this important work along. …
“… [Young women] have something to contribute in all areas of this work. …
“… Every young woman in the Church should feel valued, have opportunities to serve, and feel that she has something of worth to contribute to this work. …
“To you, the young women of the Church, your teenage years can be busy and often challenging. We have noticed that many more of you are struggling with issues of self-worth, anxiety, high levels of stress, and perhaps even depression. Turning your thoughts outward, instead of dwelling on your own problems, may not resolve all of these issues, but service can often lighten your burdens and make your challenges seem less hard. One of the best ways to increase feelings of self-worth is to show, through our concern and service to others, that we have much of worth to contribute. I encourage you young women to raise your hands to volunteer and to put those hands to work when you see needs around you. As you fulfill your covenant responsibilities and participate in building the kingdom of God, blessings will flow into your life and you’ll discover the deep and lasting joy of discipleship.
“… The work of our Heavenly Father is to bring about the immortality and eternal life of His children. Our precious young women have an important role to play in helping to accomplish this great work.”
Bonnie L. Oscarson, former Young Women General President