David L. Beck: The Magnificent Aaronic Priesthood

I am very interested in Brother Beck's talk because of the new Duty to God program. He gives some good explanations, so I have included many of his remarks for future reference.

Tonight I will help you see how you can discover for yourselves the magnificence of the Aaronic Priesthood.


When God entrusts you with His sacred priesthood, He shows great confidence in you. He knows He can trust you to use the priesthood to serve others, just as He has trusted other young men to do some of His most important work.


Brother Beck set the stage to discuss the new Duty to God program with this quote from President Monson: "Great things are expected of you. 'Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence.'


Brother Beck continues with both the reasons for the new program and the way it will work:
To help you respond to that urgent call, the Church is introducing a new Duty to God program.  As a deacon, teacher, and priest, you will participate in activities that will help you build spiritual strength and learn and fulfill your priesthood duties. Each activity follows this simple pattern:

• First you learn about a gospel principle or a priesthood duty. You discover what Heavenly father wants you to do, and you strive to gain a spiritual witness about why it is important.
• Next you make plans to act on what you have learned. This is a wonderful chance to take responsibility for your own growth and develop spiritual self-reliance.
• Then you share what you learn and experience with others. You will increase you ability to talk about the gospel with others.

Your Sunday quorum meetings will provide regular opportunities to learn, act, and share. The new Duty to God program will guide you on your journey to fulfill your duty to God and discover the magnificence of the Aaronic Priesthood.  You will learn why the Aaronic Priesthood is so important in your life and how vital it is to the Church.


Brother Beck concluded with this counsel and testimony:
I testify that your faithful service in the Aaronic Priesthood will change the lives of those you serve. There are people who need your priesthood service. Your family needs you. Your quorum needs you. The Church needs you. The world needs you.


He related an experience from a trip to Portugal where he came across a monument to the early Portuguese explorers. I see you when I think of that monument of courageous explorers. I see you on a personal journey that few in the world today choose to pursue. I see you fulfilling your duty to God.