COME, ALL YE SONS OF GOD Summary

183rd Annual General Conference of

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Priesthood Session Saturday evening April 6, 2013

When a prophet quotes a prophet, I listen carefully. When a prophet repeats something specific, I listen very carefully. In President Monson’s Priesthood session talk about missionary service, he repeated 4 principles, which build a formula for success, 4 times! I think I better study these!! 

He stated, “The challenge is to be more profitable servants in the Lord’s vineyard. This applies to all of us, whatever our age, and not alone to those who are preparing to serve as full-time missionaries, for to each of us comes the mandate to share the gospel of Christ.” As I considered these principles, they are indeed a good formula to succeed in most contexts of life.

First: Search the Scriptures With Diligence.“Emphasis of the Church curricula is the holy scriptures .... We are encouraged, as well, to study the scriptures each day both individually and with our families. (Alma 17:2-3)”

Second: Plan Your Life With Purpose. “Preparation ... begins early. In addition to spiritual preparation ... commence a ... fund, ... study a foreign language, [and maintain] worthiness. Regardless of the location, however, the response of the prepared and obedient missionary is the same: 'I will serve.'” President Monson guided us all (if we are applying his teachings to ourselves) to be prepared to sustain each other with labor, encourage with faith, and uphold with prayer. He reminded us to not limit ourselves to formal calls but to watch for opportunities in all circumstances, including during education and military service.

Third: Teach the Truth With Testimony. The Apostle Peter urged, “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15).” President Monson said to obey Peter’s counsel. He also commanded us, “Lift up your voices and testify to the true nature of the Godhead. Declare your witness concerning the Book of Mormon. Convey the ... truths contained in the plan of salvation.”

Fourth: Serve With Love. Mincing no words, President Monson , forthrightly declared “There is no substitute for love,” and quoted Doctrine and Covenants 4:2, 5-6 to specifically enumerate many loving qualities and attributes of genuine disciples of Jesus. “Well might each of you ... [ask yourself] 'Today, have I increased in faith, in virtue, in knowledge, in godliness, in love?'” he requested and then promised, “Through your dedicated devotion at home or abroad, those souls whom you help to save may well be those whom you love the most.”

After reiterating in summary these four points a fourth and final time, he reminded us, as he has done many times before, to respond to the gentle invitation of the Savior: “Follow thou me (John 21:22).”