Preparation Brings Blessings

We have reached the last week of our month-long review. I would like to end with President Thomas S. Monson's talk in Priesthood Session, entitled "Preparation Brings Blessings." I know that President Monson is God's mouthpiece, a true prophet, called by God to warn us of the things to come. I believe that the voice of warning can be heard during General Conference, if we are attuned to the urgency that the prophet conveys. I think President Monson's warning here is clear: it is time now to prepare, to be proactive about doing all we can to receive the blessings Heavenly Father has stored for us. As this talk is relayed, I encourage you to think about those blessings that you seek, and what you can do to better prepare to receive them.

President Monson said:

Young men, I admonish you to prepare for service as a missionary. There are many tools to help you learn the lessons which will be beneficial to you as well as helping you to live the life you will need to have lived to be worthy. One such tool is the booklet entitled For the Strength of Youth, published under the direction of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. It features standards from the writings and teachings of Church leaders and from scripture, adherence to which will bring the blessings of our Heavenly Father and the guidance of His Son to each of us. In addition, there are lesson manuals, carefully prepared after prayerful consideration. Families have family home evenings, where gospel principles are taught. Almost all of you have the opportunity to attend seminary classes taught by dedicated teachers who have much to share.

Begin to prepare for a temple marriage as well as for a mission. Proper dating is a part of that preparation. In cultures where dating is appropriate, do not date until you are 16 years old. “Not all teenagers need to date or even want to. . . . When you begin dating, go in groups or on double dates. . . . Make sure your parents meet [and become acquainted with] those you date.” Because dating is a preparation for marriage, “date only those who have high standards.”²

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How you speak and the words you use tell much about the image you choose to portray. Use language to build and uplift those around you. Profane, vulgar, or crude language and inappropriate or off-color jokes are offensive to the Lord. Never misuse the name of God or Jesus Christ. The Lord said, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.”⁴

Our Heavenly Father has counseled us to seek after “anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy.”⁵ Whatever you read, listen to, or watch makes an impression on you.

Pornography is especially dangerous and addictive. Curious exploration of pornography can become a controlling habit, leading to coarser material and to sexual transgression. Avoid pornography at all costs.

Don’t be afraid to walk out of a movie, turn off a television set, or change a radio station if what’s being presented does not meet your Heavenly Father’s standards. In short, if you have any question about whether a particular movie, book, or other form of entertainment is appropriate, don’t see it, don’t read it, don’t participate.

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Let us have faith first, that we may act to work out our salvation. I have met many in my station (myself included) who have been fearful of what the future holds, of what to make of the here and now, and how to fulfill responsibilities. I think it is important for those of us with those questions to look at what we can do now, and let the Lord handle the rest. For if we have faith, we will be anchored, and we will have a greater hope for future blessings. I know this to be true as I see my life being molded in the hands of the Lord day by day. It is my hope and prayer that we may all continue in this vein, preparing our spirits to receive the Lord's choicest blessings.

Have a great week!