The opening talk of the April 2019 Priesthood Session of General Conference was given by Gary E. Stevenson. He spoke to the Aaronic Priesthood brethren, but the topic easily applies to anyone and everyone, Priesthood or not.
He talked about the importance of preparation and decision making. He shared examples of several members of the church who were also professional athletes that have excelled in their respective sports. These athletes have gotten where they are by practicing and by knowing what to do in any given circumstance while on the field. Elder Stevenson shared how the same strategies can be applied in life when we are faced with trials and temptations. He encouraged everyone to come up with a game plan or play book to help us to succeed in life. Check out his full talk and review some of the main quotes that I took while reviewing it.
Your Priesthood Playbook – Gary E. Stevenson
Perfect agency! We are offered everything or what we think we want, we cannot have both. We can either become the best version of ourself, or the version of ourself that we want. The difference between the two is our commitment to following the teachings of the Gospel. It’s our choice! Absolute perfect agency!
“Your commitment to hold firmly the iron rod will transform you into the eternal being who you were created to become.” – Gary E. Stevenson
Comparison is the thief of joy. Far too often we compare ourselves to others and feel that we are not up to scratch in order to serve in God’s kingdom. But, that’s false logic. Everyone has different gifts and talents, and everyone has a different sphere of influence. Lorenzo Snow is the perfect example. Lorenzo had listened to the Prophet Joseph Smith and ascribed much of the Spirit to the great orator that the Prophet was. But it wasn’t until a conversation with David W. Patten. Lorenzo’s heart was pricked by Elder Patten’s earnest and humble testimony, despite at first being tempted to treat David’s opinion lightly, due to his manner of speech and language.
This is no different for each of us. We each know and have relationships with different people. We invite the spirit in different ways and can serve the Lord in different ways. Don’t let your perceived shortcomings stop you from getting into the game.
“Do you feel weak? Insignificant? Congratulations, you just made the lineup! Do you feel unimportant? Inferior? You may be just who God needs.” – Gary E. Stevenson
Adulting can be hard. Adulting in the Gospel shouldn’t be. In life, I know I’m mostly making things up as I go. Luckily, in the Gospel, we each have leaders, family and directions on how to move forward. As we study, learn, practice and exercise our muscles of faith, we can be better and get to a point when adulting isn’t so hard anymore. At that point, we can help others to be better, we can share our game plan, and through that service, we will prove ourselves as disciples of Christ.
“Listening to your parents, Bishop, and leaders. Learn the playbook. Read the scriptures. Study the words of the modern-day prophets. Create your own game plan of how you will prove yourself as a disciple of Christ.” – Gary E. Stevenson
We are not perfect and I’m grateful that Heavenly Father knew that and provided a plan for us to overcome our many imperfections. I look forward to the day when I can look at the trials of today and see them for what they are; opportunities for growth.
“Along the way you will most likely stumble and fall — perhaps many, many times. You are not perfect; falling is part of the qualifying process that allows you to refine your character and serve in a more compassionate way. The Savior and His infinite Atonement provide the way to overcome our mistakes through sincere repentance” – Gary E. Stevenson
There is no distance too far! We can always come back. Christ provided a way, but we must be willing to repent and change! This simple proclamation to ‘repent and learn from it’ points to the purpose of life. Through Jesus Christ, we can all be better!
“If you fail, repent and learn from it.” – Gary E. Stevenson
Half the battle is mental. Once we decide we will trust in the Lord, actually putting in the work of putting on the whole armor of God and getting into the game are natural steps. So, ask yourself, do you Trust the Lord?
“Trust in the Lord. Put on the whole armor of God, and get in the game.” – Gary E. Stevenson
There are many ways to live life wrong, but only one way to live it right! “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matt. 7:13–14.)
“Your mission in this life is to learn the ways of the Lord and enter the path of discipleship, and strive to live according to God’s plan.” – Gary E. Stevenson
I studied 1 Nephi 17 this week and I was struck by the thought that God loves all people, but He supports those who will have Him. The Isrealites were given the Land of Promise not because the Lord loved them more. The occupants of the land were given a chance, but had rejected God. So, He gave someone else a chance. Much like the Jaredites, then the Nephites, and now in the last dispensation, we are given a chance to prove ourselves to God. “And He loveth those who will have Him to be their God.” – 1 Nephi 17:40
“God will uphold and bless you as you turn to Him. You can do this because you are an All-Star in His eyes.” – Gary E. Stevenson
~Todd
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