Placed upon the earth in troubled times, priesthood bearers acting in worthiness and obedience can make a difference in moving forward the kingdom of God, declared President Thomas S. Monson.
President Monson, second counselor in the First Presidency, said at the priesthood session Saturday evening that while political machinations destroy the stability of nations, and while despots grasp for power, "We who hold the priesthood of God can . . . build boys, we can mend men, we can accomplish a miracle in His holy service; our opportunities are without limit."
He said that "if we are on the Lord's errand, we are entitled to the Lord's help. The divine help, however, is predicated on our worthiness. We reachout, we reach up, for heavenly help. Are our reaching hands clean? Are our yearning hearts pure?"
He cited the difference made by President Ezra Taft Benson, whose emphasis on reading the Book of Mormon has brought great response. "Our lives have been improved, our families united," said President Monson. "Such is the power, my brethren, of a prophet of God."
He said that priesthood bearers can also make a difference. "Whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies. This promise extends not only to missionaries, but also to home teachers, . . . to quorum officers. When we qualify ourselves by our worthiness, when we strive with faith, nothing wavering, to fulfill the duties appointed to us, when we seek the inspiration of Almighty God, we can achieve the miraculous," he said. "We honor the priesthood we bear by the service we render. . . ."
