Aaronic Priesthood: Duty and Power

Authority and Power

Worthiness and willingness—not experience, expertise, or education—are the qualifications for priesthood ordination. …

… A boy or a man may receive priesthood authority by the laying on of hands but will have no priesthood power if he is disobedient, unworthy, or unwilling to serve. …

… Priesthood holders young and old need both authority and power—the necessary permission and the spiritual capacity to represent God in the work of salvation.

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Responsibility to Rescue

Reactivation has always been an important part of the work of the Lord. While the rescue is a responsibility of every member, holders of the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood have the responsibility to lead out in this work. After all, that is what priesthood service is all about—bringing all people to the exalting covenants; bringing peace, happiness, and self-worth.

Bishop Richard C. Edgley, Former First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric

Worthy to Act

As we perform our duties and exercise our priesthood, we will find true joy. We will experience the satisfaction of having completed our tasks.

… I urge you to contemplate those duties and then do all within your power to fulfill them. In order to do so, each must be worthy. Let us have ready hands, clean hands, and willing hands, that we may participate in providing what our Heavenly Father would have others receive from Him.

President Thomas S. Monson

Use the Power of God

Let me ask you a question that I hope you will carry in your heart for the rest of your life. What greater power can you acquire on earth than the priesthood of God? What power could possibly be greater than the capacity to assist our Heavenly Father in changing the lives of your fellowmen, to help them along the pathway of eternal happiness by being cleansed of sin and wrongdoing? …

The Church has given you the Duty to God booklet as a resource to help you learn and fulfill your duties. Study it often. Get on your knees, away from technology, and seek the Lord’s guidance. And then arise and use the power of God.

Adrián Ochoa, second counselor in the Young Men general presidency

Video

Brother Ochoa talks about how to remain worthy of and stand up boldly in your priesthood duty in a short video at lds.org/go/52C.

The Sacrament

When young men prepare, bless, and pass the sacrament in worthiness and reverence, they literally follow the example of the Savior at the Last Supper and become like Him.

Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

My favorite session was the priesthood session. My favorite talk was by Elder David A. Bednar. It stood out to me, and I hope to put his words to use every day of my life.

Christopher K., 15, Alaska, USA