Church leaders ask for day of service

The afternoon session featured four members of the Quorum of the Twelve — President Boyd K. Packer and Elders Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks and M. Russell Ballard.

President Packer spoke of the importance of being guided by the Holy Spirit and the value of forgiving others. Mindful of the outside use of "Mormon" to describe the church, its members, doctrines and practices, he emphasized the church's full, revealed name — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — and the central role of the Savior in the church's name and beliefs.

"The world will refer to us as they will, but in our speech always remember that we belong to The Church of Jesus Christ," he said. "Some claim we are not Christians. They either do not know us at all or they misunderstand."

Elder Nelson called on LDS members to face the future with faith. "All that the future holds in store for each sacred child of God will be shaped by his or her parents, family, friends and teachers," he said. "Thus, our faith now becomes part of our posterity's faith later."

He suggested teaching faith in God's plan of salvation, in keeping the commandments in order to receiving blessings and joy, and in knowing that obedience provides physical and spiritual protection.

Elder Oaks spoke of desire and putting the things of eternal importance ahead of the desires of the world and to not put as our highest priorities "the worldly quartet of property, prominence, pride and power."

He added: "Desires dictate our priorities, priorities shape our choices, and choices determine our actions. The desires we act on determine our changing, our achieving and our becoming."

And joy in serving was Elder Ballard's theme, including serving in the home, church, community and mission field.

"Great things are wrought through small and simple things," he said. "Like the small flecks of gold that accumulate over time into a large treasure, our small and simple acts of kindness and service will accumulate into a life filled with love for Heavenly Father, devotion to the world of the Lord Jesus Christ and a sense of peace and joy each time we reach out to one another."

Just as President Monson spoke of priesthood power in the evening session, his two counselors echoed similar themes.

President Eyring likened growth in the priesthood as an opportunity of learning.

"If you will be diligent and obedient in the priesthood, treasures of spiritual knowledge will be poured out upon you," he said. "You will grow in your power to resist evil and to proclaim the truth that leads to salvation. You will find joy in the happiness of those you lead toward exaltation. Your family will become a place of learning."

And President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, called on the men and young men to recognize and realize priesthood potential and privileges by seeking to learn the doctrine through scripture study, strengthening testimony by receiving spiritual revelation and finding joy in regular priesthood service.

"As we do these things, we will begin to live up to our potential and privileges as priesthood holders, and we will be able to 'do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [us],' " he said.

Also, Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve told of former New Zealand rugby star Sid Going — his past and current missionary efforts, his sacrifices and successes.

Elder Andersen reminded young men ages 12 to 25 of their opportunities and responsibilities, including missionary service. "Your mission will be a sacred opportunity to bring others to Christ and help prepare for the second coming of the Savior."

Email: taylor@desnews.com