My Responsibility: A Manifesto

My Responsibility

I was asked to teach Elders Quorum today in my Ward.  My Elder's Quorum President asked me to teach on the benefits of using the Priesthood.  As I began to prepare this lesson, I began thinking of Simon Sinek's TED talk.  And I started thinking about why do what we do as priesthood holders in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Manifesto

This is what I came up with, and what I will share in my lesson today.  Perhaps you will find some value in it as well.

My Responsibility

I am a Son of God.  I am a holder of the Melchizedek Priesthood.  It is my duty to live true, at all times, to the great responsibility that has been bestowed upon me to act in the name of God.  Because of this honor, there are things that I do not do. 

I do not think the things that will drive away the Spirit of God.

I do not say the things that will tear down others and reflect negatively upon the responsibility I have been given.

I do not do those things that will not lift and encourage myself and others.

I do not act in a manner that is not in harmony with a holder of the priesthood which I hold.

I do not call myself a Christian; instead, I speak and act in a manner that allows others to identify me as a Christian.

I do not pray; instead, I seek to know the will of God concerning those things with which I am entrusted.

I do not attend church; instead, I gather together with other Saints to renew my covenants, fast, pray, speak with each other concerning the welfare of our souls.

I do not preside in my home; instead, I live worthy of the respect of my wife and children. I lead them in a Christ like manner towards eternal life in the Celestial Kingdom.

I do not teach; instead, I share my testimony and inspire those I teach to reach towards everlasting life.

I do not attend the temple; instead, I make sacred covenants with my Father in Heaven and give those who have passed on the opportunity to do the same.

I do not Home Teach; instead, I watch over Heavenly Father’s children and assist them in living worthy of eternal exaltation as a family.

I do not bless the sacrament; instead, I act in the name of God to allow His children to renew their sacred covenants with Him.

I do not baptize; instead, I stand with a child of God and provide them the means to receive a remission of their sins.

I do not give blessings; instead, I act in the name of God to make the power of God manifest in the lives of those I bless.

I do not do service projects; instead, I use the time and talent God has given me to lighten the burdens of the children of God.

I do not do missionary work; instead, I testify of the truths that will bring everlasting happiness and life to all of God’s children.

My responsibility is not defined by what I do not do, my responsibility is defined by what I do, and I will do all in my power to assist Heavenly Father “…to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39).





Question: What is the "why" in your spiritual life?

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