For the Strength of Youth ~ 1st Week of September ~ Thursday

    

Thursday Topic: Priesthood Authority Blesses Everyone

💎 Eternal Truth: "Priesthood authority blesses all of God's children"

Sometimes people mistakenly think priesthood is important only to boys and men who are ordained to priesthood offices., but God's priesthood power and blessings are available to both His daughters and His sons. Through priesthood authority, we can receive ordinances and make covenants with God.

There is another important way both young women and young men participate in God's work.

📖 Read: Doctrine and Covenants 42:11

11 Again I say unto you, that it shall not be given to any one to go forth to preach my gospel, or to build up my church, except he be ordained by some one who has authority, and it is known to the church that he has authority and has been regularly ordained by the heads of the church.

 

💭 Think About It

• What must happen before someone can officially teach or serve in the Church?

Callings and Assignments

When a woman or man is set apart for a Church calling, that person receives delegated priesthood authority to fulfill the calling. The same principle applies when Church leaders give assignments to youth.

You might be asked to:

• minister to someone
• help organize a youth activity
• welcome people at church
• serve in a class or quorum presidency
• teach a lesson
• help someone who needs a friend
• participate in temple and family history work

These aren't just jobs that need to get done. They are opportunities to participate in the work of Jesus Christ.

• Have you ever received a Church calling or assignment?
• What were you asked to do?
• Did you ever feel Heavenly Father helping you accomplish it?

📖 Read: Doctrine and Covenants 84:19–22

19 And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God.

20 Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.

21 And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh;

22 For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live.

✏️ Today's Question

• Where have I already experienced God's priesthood power in my life?

Think about your baptism, confirmation, sacrament meetings, priesthood blessings, temple experiences, family, callings, or other experiences.