Elder David A. Bednar

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles commenced the Priesthood Session by addressing the topic of becoming life-long missionaries.

“Regardless of our age or station in life, we are all life-long missionaries,” he said.

The process of becoming a missionary is something Elder Bednar said members should engage in early because it is the most important step in preparing for a full-time mission.

Elder Charles Didier

Elder Charles Didier of the Presidency of the Seventy addressed priesthood holders concerning the significance of listening to the servants of the Lord.

“Wrong religious beliefs lead to wrong religious behaviors,” Elder Didier said.

Avoiding religious confusion is found through the voice of the Lord’s servants and is something Elder Didier said members should give special attention to.

Elder Paul V. Johnson

Elder Paul V. Johnson of the Quorum of the Seventy addressed guidance from the Lord amidst challenging times.

“You won’t make major mistakes in your life,” Elder Johnson said, “unless you consciously ignore the guidance you’ve been given.”

Elder Johnson specifically focused on the significant value that General Conference has a guiding tool in the lives of church members.

“Decide now to make General Conference a priority in your life,” he said. “Read the talks more than once to better understand the council.”

President James E. Faust

President James E. Faust of the First Presidency talked to priesthood holders about the importance of supporting church leaders.

Being in harmony with the prophets and apostles is essential, President Faust said, because members can’t be in full harmony with the spirit of the Lord unless they’re in harmony with His servants.

“As holders of the priesthood we should set the example of sustaining our leaders,” President Faust said. “My council is to support all the General Authorities with heart and soul.”

President Thomas S. Monson

President Thomas S. Monson of the First Presidency counseled priesthood holders about the importance of honoring the Aaronic Priesthood. President Monson said young men can magnify the callings associated with their office simply by performing the duties associated.

Exercising faith in this way will allow young priesthood holders to see many miracles. President Monson recounted a story of a young man who was going to perform the ordinance of baptism, but felt ashamed of his speech impediment. However, when he performed the ordinance he was made equal to the challenge.

“If we don’t try we don’t do,” President Monson quoted. “If we don’t do then why are we here?”

President Gordon B. Hinckley

President Gordon B. Hinckley concluded the priesthood session by talking about the need to be prepared for calamities to come, citing the situation in the Gulf Coast region as an example.

The recent events in the Gulf Coast region are not the punishment of the Lord, President Hinckley said. He then proceeded to name a few disastrous occurrences from the flooding of the earth in Noah’s day to the Tsunami in December 2004.

President Hinckley said Noah built the ark long before it began to rain, and told members of the church heed warnings, store extra food and water and to have a little money for a rainy day.

“I’m saying nothing that has not been said before,” President Hinckley said.



Copyright Brigham Young University 3 Oct 2005