The Duty to God Program

Index

8 June, 2003

Brother McBride has asked me to speak on the Duty to God program.

The first Presidency has said,

“We love the youth of the church. We have great respect and admiration for these choice sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. They are the future missionaries, parents, and leaders in the church.” (end quote)
An important part of preparation for being an effective missionary, father, and leader in the church is to develop leadership abilities and to be valiant and righteous servants of God.

A primary purpose of the Duty to God program is to help young men develop these leadership skills and Christ-like qualities.

I am learning to be more like the Savior as I progress through the Duty to God program in several different areas in my life.

The first area is FAITH. I have set a goal to read my scriptures each night before bed. I notice sometimes that I am more in tune with the spirit. I feel closer to Heavenly Father. I am understanding the teachings of Jesus Christ better.

A second area is SERVICE. One day some firewood was delivered to my neighbor. The truck dumped the wood in the driveway and I watched as the mom began to haul it by herself to the back yard. I went over and offered to help her. She was very grateful and I noticed how good I felt when I was done.

Duty to God encourages service. In the scriptures we learn “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” (Mosiah 2:17)

A third area is OBEDIENCE. Part of Priesthood worthiness as outlined in the Duty to God is to:

  • Live the standards in the Strength of Youth.
  • Keep the Word of Wisdom.
  • Pay a full tithing.
  • Perform assigned Priesthood duties.
By doing the best I can in these areas, I am learning obedience.

Another area is UNITY. Through quorum activities and service projects and the fun games that Brother Carroll has us play, we learn to respect and honor each other and build unity.

One of the goals I accomplished in my family was organizing and teaching Family Home Evening lessons. I enjoy doing this and it helps me to feel greater unity with my family.

The last are is SACRIFICE. The Duty to God program helps us provide service. We give of our time, talents and energies without thought of being paid back. Through this sacrifice we can say with Nephi. “Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” (3 Nephi 5:13)

I know the Duty to God program will help young men understand what Heavenly Father wants them to do and be. It will prepare me for the temple endowment, a mission, temple marriage, and parenthood.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.